10 things every car buyer must know

Buying a car needs not just investment but deep thought. The market is overflowing with choices and temptations. Buyers need to think, what kind of car and can I afford it? Think, what do I need transportation for right now and what will I need two years from now? Do I want a car as a status symbol or as something that makes my life easier? Will the car be a commuter vehicle, or to transport children? Would a van with cargo space and high clearance be more suitable for a growing family? Should the car be a two-wheel or four-wheel drive? What kind of terrain will I be driving in most of the time? Go through auto magazines as well as consumer reports to get a clear picture of the world of cars. 1. Work on your finances and determine what you need to spend each month on transportation. A car...

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8 GM Brands: 1 or 2 Too Many?

Lots of folks are speculating about GM’s future. If you take all the press reports at heart, you would think that General Motors is on life support. Quite frankly, the opposite is true especially when you look at the global picture. In 2005, “the General” sold more than 9 million cars worldwide, the first time the automaker reached that figure since 1978. Yes, U.S. auto sales are down and some are calling for GM to reduce its many brands, currently numbering 8. Who should GM let go? Or, should General Motors stick with the game plan and maintain all 8 brands? For the record, GM’s 8 brands are: Cadillac, Buick, Pontiac, Chevrolet, Saturn, GMC, Hummer, and Saab. You could take Saab out of that pack as the Swedish automaker (although fully owned by GM) builds few cars in North America. Still,...

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10 Good Reasons for taking Driving Lessons. A guide for the Irish Learner Driver.

In a driving context, most of the decisions that you take and the techniques that you employ, will have both an economic and a safety impact. The decision to take driving lessons is really a simple one but one that will have far reaching consequences well into the future. Most, if not all, poor or dangerous habits in today’s drivers stem from the lack of professional tuition at the outset. In this second in a series of articles designed to assist today’s learner drivers we will have a look at the benefits in taking Professional Tuition. 1. Taking lessons will greatly improve your chances of staying safe and accident free since providing you retain what you have been taught, you will be probably better than many motorists who have been driving for considerably longer. Lack of sufficient training,...

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8 Signs That Your Car Has Pothole Damage

A pothole can be your car's worst enemy. These holes or pits on a road's surface can seriously damage a vehicle's ride-control system. If you do drive over a pothole, the Car Care Council recommends that you have your car's shocks or struts checked to make sure they aren't damaged. Shocks and struts control how vehicles ride and handle. According to the Car Care Council, the shock absorbers, or struts as they are referred to on late-model vehicles, act as a cushion to dampen the bouncing action of a car's springs. The springs absorb the road bumps; without them, the vehicle would continually bounce and bound down the road, making driving extremely difficult. Shocks and struts also control spring and suspension movement to keep the tires in contact with the road. This affects steering,...

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7 Tips To Help You Select Your Custom Car Cover

You lovingly wash and wax your vehicle on most sunny weekends, spending time detailing every single blotch, nick, scrape, or other damaging mark on your car's exterior. Part of the deal with owning any vehicle is making certain that it looks its best week in and week out. Still, you may not be doing all that you can to protect the finish. Other enemies including bird excrement, acid rain, and even harmful UV rays can thwart the best efforts of even the most diligent car owner. Fortunately, there is one automotive accessory that can help keep your car clean, provided you use it when your car is parked for an extended length of time. What am I talking about? Car covers! Read on for seven helpful tips to help you choose the right cover for your truck, van, SUV, or car. When shopping for a custom...

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7 Guidelines For Used Car Prices

1. Know a little about pricing before you buy a used car. Franchise dealers that sell used cars add a certain percentage on the original value of the used car in the market. Markup is also added to the price of the used car at dealerships, which will make the price higher. 2. Determine the many factors that affect the used car prices. Used car pricings are affected by installed optional equipments or the location where you are buying the used car. There are areas that have a high market demand for a certain car. If that is the case, you may get a better deal if you travel outside of the zone to shop around for your car. 3. Find the used car's true market value at NADA. National Automobile Dealer's Association releases a copy of used car price guides every year. You may also check their...

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6 Pocket Rockets!

Just because your car is small, doesn’t mean that it has to be slow. In fact, some of the fastest cars on the road today are subcompacts. How so? Because their owners have modified them to the point where they can squeeze out additional horsepower and acceleration. Let’s take a look at six cars that qualify as genuine “pocket rockets.” For the sake of argument, here are some ground rules for a pocket rocket: The car must be a compact or smaller. The engine must be normally aspirated; no turbo charged cars – four cylinders only. New versions of the car must all retail for less than $20,000. The following six cars all qualify as pocket rockets when each of the above stipulations has been met: Dodge Neon; Ford Focus; Honda Civic; Scion tC; Subaru Impreza; and Volkswagen Golf. Unfortunately,...

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6 Must Have Auto Accessories

Buying a new car is an experience that few will ever forget: the smell, the pristine interior, and the flawless ride are some of the things enjoyed by new car owners. Yet, despite how well equipped even the most expensive cars can be, oftentimes they leave the showroom with several accessories missing. No, they weren’t stolen; instead, for some queer reason these “must have” accessories were not included with the sale. Let’s take a look at six accessories every vehicle should have. Floor mats – You have got to be kidding…no floor mats?! Oddly, floor mats are the chief accessory typically not included with any sale. Instead, you get a throwaway paper sheet for the driver. Without floor mats in place you can bet that the interior will be soiled in short order. Worse, if you wait too long...

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5 Benefits Of Car Covers – How Can They Protect Your Investment?

Why Buy A Custom-Fit Car Cover? To help protect your investment and keep your vehicle looking show-room new. Keeping your vehicle covered with a car cover can: • Prevent unsightly dents, dings and scratches • Shield it against finish-destroying man-made and natural hazards • Act as an excellent theft deterrent • Put a barrier between your paint and damaging weather • For the fifth car cover benefit visit AutoAnything.com for more details Dents, Dings and Scratches Reference There's a certain feeling you experience when you discover that first dent, ding or scratch on your new vehicle. Unfortunately, they're a fact of life and nothing short of covering your vehicle with reactive tank armor will truly prevent them. However, using a car cover adds a layer of protective padding to...

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4 Ways To Increase Automotive Performance

In these days of high gasoline prices, it may seem ridiculous to consider ways to increase your car's performance as they are almost always associated with increased fuel consumption. However, there are four ways to increase performance that do not have to negatively impact your gas mileage. Let's take a closer look at each one. 1. Reusable Air Filters. Landfills are stuffed with items we use once and then throw out. Auto air filters are one such item and through the life of a car you can go through 6-12 of them with no problem. For approximately three times the price, washable and reusable air filters are a great alternative. When you purchase one it likely will be the last air filter your car will ever need. Reusable air filters enable you to gain slight increases in horsepower and acceleration...

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3M Clear Bra - What an invention!

The 3m clear bra is a wonderful invention for any car-lover who treats his prized possession like a true friend. A man’s best friend is not always the family dog. Sometimes a car can take the place of a great pet and nothing hurts more than seeing that first scratch or dent on your favorite automobile. However, traditional protective bras are not the most attractive option for car owners who want to protect their investments. The problem with the traditional protective covering is simply due to the fact that it covers the magnificent machine. No real car enthusiast wants to hide his prized automobile under a rubbery surface. He doesn’t want to spend a lot of money on the perfect finish to cover it up with a protective layer. Unfortunately, many car owners had to choose between chips and...

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3 American Performance Cars

Bear with me as I step back in time to formulate what I believe are three terrific American built performance cars: the Ford Mustang, the Dodge Challenger, and the Chevrolet Camaro. Currently, only the Mustang is in production with the Challenger coming back by 2009. GM hasn’t committed to building the Camaro just yet, but the company is likely to make a decision in favor of the car and its sibling, the Pontiac Firebird, by this summer. So, what is it about American performance cars that set them apart from the rest? In one word: muscle. Read on as I compare and contrast these three vehicles and share with you my feeble attempts to explain the culture behind the cars. So, you think I forgot the Chevy Corvette and Dodge Viper when talking about performance cars? No, I did not. Both models...

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3 Advantages Of Hybrid Cars Over Conventional Cars

Due to the rising cost of fuel and the environmental damage it causes to our planet, many car owners or buyers are looking for an alternative way to save money. Let's face it, fuel supply is finite and the prices of gas is only going to rise higher and higher. That is where a hybrid car has its advantages Hybrid cars have been gaining in popularity in recent years. With lower cost of production and new hybrid car technology being developed, owning a hybrid car is becoming affordable to everyone. Hybrid Cars Saves Gas The obvious advantage of using hybrid cars is that it saves gas. Combining the cleaner energy of an electric motor with the long range capacity of a gasoline engine allows a hybrid car to save as much as 30 miles a gallon. One feature of hybrid cars is that the gasoline engine...

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‘Tune yourself’ with the best performance software

Are you one of those passionate drivers, looking to extract maximum power from their engines without having to sacrifice the simplicity, safety and comfort that come with owning a European car? You now have but one choice – getting a big turbo software! There are many available now on the market! The unitronic turbo software comes in a number of hardware configurations for most Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche and Volvo applications. There are also programs for all setups: from street/track monsters to quarter mile beasts. For certain setups that are not yet available, you can choose the dyno tuned custom software, tailored to your needs. There are many factors that determine how any software will react to your specific setup. This turbo software I’m telling you about is developed in house along...

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~~ 6 Steps To Making Your Own e85 Ethanol ~~

Step One: . . . The Conversion Process We have to break down carbohydrate sugars, such as the starch from corn. Create it into "Mash". Grind or crush the feedstock (corn, soybeans, wheat, etc...). Then dilute and add an enzyme (alpha amylase) to turn the mixture into a liquid. Once liquified a second enzyme is added(glucoamylase) to convert the starch into sugar. (If the source is mainly sugar, i.e...rotten fruit, molasses, etc..., the conversion step can be skipped. Step Two: . . . Fermentation Add yeast and make it into a beer (wine) type solution. Step Three: . . . Distillation The beer (wine) type solution needs to be run through a still to extract the alcohol from the solution. Step Four: . . . Filtration The ethanol now needs to be filtered to get rid of excess organic volatiles. Step...

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When Your Car’s Parts Are Hard To Find

One of the major problems that classic car owners have is that they have a hard time locating the right kind of auto parts or replacement parts for their vehicle. This is mainly because most auto parts stores at present offer only auto parts for the most popular vehicle makes and models as well as the auto parts for the newest cars in the market. They do not take into consideration that there are still old cars still alive and working that also need some auto parts replacements. So how do you find that elusive auto part for your car? Join Auto Clubs You can try joining auto clubs and ask around with other members who own the same vehicle as you. That way, you can ask them where they get their replacement parts. You can search for such auto clubs using car magazines or you can search through...

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Used car for cheap prices

Good deals always come and go incredible fast. The next generation will be cheaper than the competitor. Many people are showing their interest in used car than new car. Used car has more demand in market as you find the car which you are looking for and in your budged. Number of people prefers to buy used car as wealthy buyer know what they want and how much they are willing to spend, and where to spend their money. Look out for used car at your nearest automobile dealer or one can savvy the internet to get a best deal. Online buying is more convenient but at the same it is risky. Online sites shows that they have number of used car but when you personally go there you may get disappointed. It’s good to visit automobile dealer as you can find a used car according to your need and in your...

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Confused About Car Care? Some Guidelines to Follow

Car care can be intimidating, often because people don't know what to check on their vehicles - or when to check it - to keep them in good working condition. A recent survey by the Car Care Council found that 38 percent of cars had low or dirty engine oil, more than 50 percent had low tire pressure and an alarming number of vehicles had not been properly maintained. Being proactive about vehicle maintenance will not only keep your vehicle in good condition, but save you time and money as well. Here are some guidelines for what to check, and when, from the experts at Firestone Complete Auto Care: * Every other fuel fill-up: engine oil and washer fluid. * Every oil change: antifreeze, air filter and battery. * Monthly: belts, brake fluid, hoses, power steering fluid, tire air pressure,...

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Check If Your Car’s Brakes Do Not Work

Brakes are among the essential components of your car. Even if your car brakes do not work, your car may still run. Yes, that may be true. However, how can you make your car stop or slow down when you want to if your car brakes do not work? A car which has brakes that do not work would be much more likely involved in car crashes, collisions, and other vehicular accidents. That is why it is very important for you to check your brakes. That way, if you are indeed sure that they are not working properly, then it is time to do the right thing: bring your car to a mechanic to fix the problem. First off, check the brake fluid. While you do this, check if the brake light is on. If it is going well, then proceed to the next step which is knowing the sounds that you can hear when the brake pedal...

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Looking For Nissan Parts?

Does your Nissan car need repairs? Well wouldn’t you consider buying Nissan parts for your repairs? If you said “yes”, that’s because Nissan has always given us good quality parts in any of their vehicles. So naturally, we’d want to give our cars quality parts if they needed to be repaired. All the Nissan parts that are in the vehicle play a big part in the cars appearance and the way it operates. That’s why if you are going to repair the vehicle you should use authentic Nissan parts. So you can keep the quality and performance of your car. Without using quality Nissan parts, the performance of Nissan cars would not be the same. If you own a Nissan car that needs repair you should take it somewhere that offers Nissan parts. You can go to a Nissan dealer, but their might not always be one...

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Motorcycle Batteries

Motorcycle batteries vary by brand. Choosing motorcycle batteries involves several important factors. You need to know a good bit about your bike in order to purchase a motorcycle battery. Motorcycle batteries vary by engine size on any particular motorcycle. Motorcycle engines range in size and are measure by cc. A small engine could be a 260cc for example, where as a larger engine size can be 1200cc. The higher the number, the more powerful the engine. Motorcycle batteries are specifically designed for specific brands. If you drive a BMW motorcycle, you will purchase a different motorcycle battery that if you drove a Harley-Davidson. Motorcycle batteries can be purchased in several different ways. Standard type is a “spillable” battery that requires dry shipment. The acid must be purchased...

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Spark Plugs Offer 'Xtreme' Benefits

The average motorist often underestimates the power and importance of a spark plug. Spark plugs must deliver a high voltage spark within milli-seconds in order to ignite the air and fuel mixture inside a vehicle's engine. This process provides the power a vehicle needs to operate. Old or worn spark plugs can disrupt this process and diminish the amount of power that is generated. According to AAA, old or dirty spark plugs can reduce fuel economy by up to 30 percent. To keep vehicles running their best, motorists should replace spark plugs according to the intervals outlined in their vehicle's owner manual. This will not only help drivers see a difference in vehicle performance, but also could save them money at the gas pump. For years, savvy do-it-yourselfers have relied on this quick...

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Make Your Next Motorcycle Road Trip A Success

So you want to go on a motorcycle road trip to Sturgis this year. You've made all of the travel arrangements for the trip. You have your hotel room reserved. You have the local hot spots during the week all mapped out. Your job knows that you are taking your vacation. Everything is set. Or is it? Did you remember to pack everything? When planning any motorcycle road trip, it is good to plan what and how you are going to pack your motorcycle. Make a list of supplies you are going to need . Lay out everything and check off the items on your list as you pack them into your motorcycle luggage. Remember to take an extra change of clothing, just in case. Pack your motorcycle rain suit in last, so that you can get to it easily. The last thing you want is to have to search for your gear in the rain. Take...

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Maintaining A Charge For An Electric Scooter

An electric scooter uses no gas, but will use an electric charge to move about the home or the store. The electric charge is held in a battery. The scooter is plugged in as needed, for a few hours, to recharge the battery. No special electric outlets are needed to charge the scooter or for continued use of the battery charger in the home. The Electric Scooter Battery The battery is a small piece of equipment you will charge weekly. The more you use the scooter, the more often you will be required to charge the scooter. The chargeable scooter battery is one you will find easy to understand. Most all scooters are available with a charging system that will display when the charge is full, and when the charge is low so you are never left stranded with a dead battery. When charging the battery...

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I want those TIRES

Tires are important. In fact, your choice of tires can affect comfort, handling, safety and more. There are two kinds of tire construction. The first is the bias-ply and the other is called the radial. Bias-ply construction is generally used by cruisers. On the other hand, radial construction is used by sport bikes. You can easily distinguish one construction from the other for bias-ply has round profile while radial has a flatter and shorter version. Bias-ply uses a carcass that is made up of overlapping layers of nylon or rayon cords. The flexing action produces heat which contributes to a good grip. The drawback of this construction is that it reduces performance and hastens tire wear because too much heat can be generated. Radial tire construction acquired its name because its plies...

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How To Make Your Own Offroad Supercross Racing Track

Are you interested in participating in a fun sport? If so, there is a good chance that you may find what you are looking for in supercross motorcycle racing. Supercross motorcycle racing is an action packed sport that uses indoor, manmade tracks as a racing surface. This surface is often filled with a number of jumps and other obstacles. Although your dream may be to become a professional supercross motorcycle racer, it may not always be able to come true. However, this does not mean that you cannot enjoy the sport; you can enjoy it on a recreational or an amateur level. Although it would be best to find a local supercross or motocross track, that cant always happen. As popular as supercross motorcycle racing and motocross racing is, not every city and town has a track. If you are...

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How To Lower Your Motorcycle Insurance Costs

When you buy a motorbike, it is mandatory for you to buy motorcycle insurance as per the government regulations. Since motorcycle is a risky vehicle, insurers tend to charge a higher premium for it. The type of motorcycle and its horsepower will greatly affect the insurance premium. The motorcycle with high horsepower will be charged a higher premium. So if you want a fast, sporty bike, you will have to spend more on the premium. But do not worry. We give you some useful tips on how to reduce your motorcycle insurance premium without compromising on the performance. Will the type of motorcycle affect my insurance premium? Before purchasing a motorcycle, you need to find out the cost incurred in getting it insured. The motorcycles with higher horsepower would attract a higher premium. But...

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How Supercross Motorcycle Racing Tracks Are Made

Supercross motorcycle racing is a popular sport that has taken the racing world by storm. It almost seems as if the sport generated a fan following overnight. As supercross motorcycle racing started becoming more publicized, especially when races were broadcasted on television, that following continued to increase. Unlike many other sports, supercross motorcycle racing fans not only want to watch the races, on television or in person, but they also want to learn as much as they can about the sport. When it comes to learning about supercross motorcycle racings. There are many fans who wish to learn more about the rules, others who want to learn more about their favorite riders, and other who want to learn more about the racing surface. If you are looking to learn more about supercross...

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Hollywood's A-List Has A Brand-New Ride

Motorcycles, once reserved for rebels and aficionados, have now garnered worldwide attention. One particular low-riding custom chopper has even landed itself on the red carpet, making it one of the most photographed bikes in the world and a favorite among Hollywood's elite. The TrimSpa "Race Car Bike," built by Orange County Choppers for TrimSpa and featured on the Discovery Channel program "American Chopper," is being praised not just for its magnificent ride - it reaches speeds of 180 mph - but also for its dramatic lines and custom details. "American Chopper" chronicled the creation of the $150,000 bike - detailing the construction of the bike's chrome, diamond plate-bottomed gas and oil tanks, its 160-plus horsepower motor and its NASCAR-inspired exhaust system. The Race Car Bike's...

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Have a Motorcycle Vacation

Are you an adventurer? Do you have the spirit of a wanderer? If so, then the hottest new trend in vacation travel, a motorcycle vacation, may be just the ticket for you. Whatever countryside you enjoy, and whatever bike you ride, a motorcycle vacation promises great fun and entertainment. Imagine a history buff that uses a motorcycle to explore old Civil War battlefields. Wilson’s Creek in southwest Missouri, Pea Ridge in Northwest Arkansas, and the site of the battle of West Port near the Plaza in modern day Kansas City are all easily accessible by bike. Or, if exploring the west is more your thing, take a trek out west, starting in Sedalia, the scene of the first recorded cattle drive in history. Then on your bike trace the other cattle towns of the old west like Wichita, Parsons...

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