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 should not cost more than 10% of your net pay per month. If it is more, then consider leasing a car instead of buying one. 2. Before you finalize anything, find out what the target price is. Four figure discounts are available with almost every make. 3. Never sign an arbitration clause or blank financial forms. Try and get finance from a separate source, a bank or financial institution. 4. Haggling will get you a good deal apart from shopping around for finance. The market is competitive be sure to check dealer fiancé, high street, internet lenders, as well as other options. 5. Try and ensure a large down payment thereby reducing the loan to be paid. Work out your finances and choice of car such that the term of loan is for the shortest period. 6. Find out what buying incentives are on offer. These vary from audio systems to cash back offers, and 0% financing. Ask what extras and add ons will cost in addition to the price of the car. 7. Be sure to evaluate your old car independently if you are considering a trade in. Pay attention to ‘cost to change’, the difference between what the new car costs and what the old one is worth. 8. Find out about warranties, taxes, and insurance. These can eat into your budget. 9. Vet the contract well. Read the fine print. Make sure that paying off the loan before time will not carry any penalty. 10. Check out at least 3-4 dealers to gauge what the best offer is. Test drive the vehicle before you finalize the deal and go through the car booklet page by page to understand all that the manufacturer needs to tell you. Be clear what is under warranty and what is not. Never choose vehicle based on a picture or dream. It is not how you look in the car that’s important but how well the car will fulfill your needs. Be practical and sensible; do not buy a model because the dealership is offering a holiday for two or a low interest scheme. Identify a vehicle that suits your needs before subjecting yourself to an onslaught of marketing.

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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, GM includes Saab in its marketing schema so we’ll keep them in for argument’s sake. Clearly, Cadillac is GM’s luxury division; Chevrolet is it’s budget or “All American” division; while GMC is the truck division. Beyond that, there is much muddling of divisions, but Buick is a maker of “near luxury” vehicles (Cadillac lite) while Hummer is GM’s specialty truck division. The Saab line is a bit confusing as it once was a true European division. Now, the make is chiefly featuring rebadged GM and Subaru vehicles with little original models to show for it. Finally, Pontiac and Saturn duplicate much of what the other divisions do, although the Saturn mystique of “no haggle pricing” gives the make a certain aura to it. That leaves Pontiac. Pontiac, like the recently killed off Oldsmobile name, is probably one of the most vulnerable of the true “American” makes. Saturn will survive because its dealer network is tops and consumer satisfaction ranks up there with Lexus. Ultimately, the Saab name will likely die first. Outside of the U.S., particularly in Europe, Opel is a known name and an important GM make. Word has it that some of Saab’s production will shift to Germany and certain rebadged Opels will begin to sport the Saab name. Let’s just say once that happens, there is little reason to continue making Saabs. Let the Saab name die with dignity. Why spoil it by selling rebadged Opels as Saabs? Personally, I think GM should leave well enough alone with its remaining American brands. I wasn’t in favor of Oldsmobile’s demise and I am not in favor of killing off trusted brands. GM is retooling its operation as old models are killed off and as new or revived models step in. Look for the Chevy Camaro, Pontiac Firebird, Saturn Sky, and the Buick Enclave to help spark their respective divisions to renewed glory. Am I living a pipe dream? Maybe, but at least my imagination is going in a positive direction.

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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, or even no training at all which is common in Ireland, will inevitably lead to accidents at a very early stage in the driving career. Accidents are to be avoided at all costs. After all isn’t the safety of the driver, the passengers and other road users the paramount priority? 2. A course of lessons at the start of your driving career and not one month from your Driving Test, will give you the confidence you need to continue the learning process, and will form the foundation for safe motoring. 3. Taking a course of lessons will give you the chance to be accepted by an insurance company for your first Insurance policy. In fact most companies will insist on a minimum number of lessons completed by a recognised school, before a son or daughter will be admitted onto a Parent’s policy. 4. On a very topical note, the Irish Insurer Hibernian, in conjunction with the Institute of Advanced Motorists, has extended its successful Ignition scheme to provisional license holders since January 2005.Learner drivers that pass the one hour driving assessment, will be offered a 21% reduction on their insurance. This is a substantial reduction for any new driver, particularly young males under 25 years of age, and well worth achieving. Just being in the possession of a provisional license will not suffice to pass this test. A course of lessons will be needed in order to achieve the required standard and the test should not be booked until quite a high level of both competence and confidence has been reached. 5. Passing the Department of Transport Driving Test, sooner rather than later, will result in further reductions in already high Insurance costs. Lessons taken just before the Driving Test will not cut it in today’s Test environment; there is just too much to learn if one wants to be successful first time out. 6. The long waiting list for the Irish Driving Test is a great inconvenience for many learner Drivers and also their Driving Instructors. The long wait is accentuated by the huge numbers of learners who do not prepare adequately with a professional school and then are forced to re sit their Test sometimes several times over. Career aspirations can easily be affected if the journey to a full License is overly prolonged. 7. Obtaining a full driving license promptly will speed up the reduction in your insurance premiums via your annual no claims bonus, providing of course you are not involved in any accidents. 8. As a fully licensed Driver you will have much greater opportunity to shop around for a competitive insurance quote, since there are only a very few companies who will insure provisional license holders and then only at a huge premium. 9. As an addition to item number 4 as a fully licensed Driver, you may apply for the more advanced Hibernian Ignition course, providing you are in your first five years of driving .This is a full day course, the cost of which can be recouped, if you pass the practical driving assessment at the end of the day. The reduction in insurance premium for the successful candidate can be upwards of 30%, so again very worthwhile .Drivers in this category should take a refresher course with a driving school to ensure that any bad habits or techniques are eradicated. Once again it is worth pointing out that the length of your driving experience is not a guarantee of success unless you started on the right foot to begin with! 10. If, in the early days of your working life you are unlucky enough to find yourself jobless through either, takeovers, cutbacks or closures, a full Driving License will enable you to pick up an interim job very quickly while you regroup and examine your future options. There is a shortage of drivers to fill current vacancies in Europe, particularly in the commercial sector so there are great opportunities for young qualified drivers who have been well trained. Both career and promotional opportunities abound for the fully licensed driver in any organisation. Faced with two candidates of similar qualifications, an employer will naturally favour the person with the full license pretty much every time.

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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, stability and braking. A broken shock or strut could alter the steering and handling of a vehicle and create driving dangers. It's important to be aware of the warning signs that your vehicle's shocks or struts may need to be replaced. * The vehicle rolls or sways on turns. * The vehicle's front-end dives when braking. * The vehicle's rear end squats when accelerating. * The vehicle bounces or slides sideways on a winding, rough road. * The vehicle "bottoms out" or thumps on bumps. * The vehicle sits lower in the front or rear. * The vehicle is leaking or has signs of physical damage, such as rusting or dents. * There's a loss of directional control during sudden stops of the vehicle. Many components affect a vehicle's handling. Having your car inspected, if you experience any of the above signs, is good preventive maintenance and can help its parts wear less and last longer. "If you think you may have a worn out or broken shock or strut, don't wait," said Rich White, executive director of the Car Care Council. "Whether you replace it yourself or take your car to a professional service technician, this situation should be taken care of right away." The Car Care Council is the source of information for the "Be Car Care Aware" campaign, educating consumers about the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair.

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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 car cover you must give consideration to what it does besides simply covering your car. Among some important points to know: Will the car cover protect from damaging UV rays? If you live in an area of intense sunshine, such as Arizona, you need a car cover that offers the maximum protection from the sun. Is the material durable? Does it breath? Will it tear if loaded down with snow or ice? Will the car cover resist or completely repel rain? Can the product survive weather extremes, i.e. intense heat or severe cold? Will the car cover resist dust? Some car covers prevent even the finest dust from accumulating, dust that can mar your garaged car too. Does the car cover come with multiple layers to protect from small insults? This is important feature to have if you leave your car in a public area. In addition, selecting a car cover that comes with side mirror pockets is a wise choice to ensure that your car receives the snuggest fit. Finally, you will want to know if there is a lengthy guarantee offered, what colors are available, and what the return policies are, if any, of the cover that you select. Most premium car covers allow you for them to be cleaned right in your washing machine. By selecting cold to warm water, regular bleach-free laundry detergent, and drying it on your dryer's permanent press cycle, you can make the dirtiest car cover clean in no time. Of course, make certain that you adhere to the manufacturer's specifications for the proper care of your car cover.

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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 web site to check the current prices of the used cars you are looking for. 4. Cheaper used cars may be found at government auctions. Government auctions happen every year and you may want to check out a checklist of the auction program. It may also offer you guidelines on finding quality used cars at lower prices. You may visit Federal Citizen Information to find out the guidelines in buying used cars from government auctions. 5. Check out the Internet. There are a lot of web sites that provide pricing guides on used cars and also guidelines in finding the right used car for you. You may compare prices; check out the features of the used car and the location where you can buy cheaper prices. 6. Determine if you have a fair deal with the price that is offered to you. Factors that affect used car prices include the age, market demand, overall condition, mileage, interior and exterior blemishes or if the car was maintained well. 7. Beware of trade tricks. Many dealers strategize on the behavior of consumers when buying used cars. Dealers know that buyers will not purchase a used car unless they feel that they are offered a price lower than the original price. Dealers tend to make the price higher than the actual amount and make the buyer believe that they are offering a discount. What the buyer does not know is that the discounted price is actually the original price of the car.

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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, the Mitsubishi Eclipse retails for just above $20,000 so it does not qualify. Besides, it looks too much like a sports car; we are only examining those vehicles that are somewhat plain before being transformed by aftermarket parts. Dodge Neon – Technically, the Neon is no longer in production as 2005 was its last model year. Still, with a 2.0L 132hp engine, the Neon remains an affordable favorite of the youth set who enjoy customizing their vehicles Ford Focus – A lemon no more! Earlier models of the Focus were problem plagued, but the car has made significant strides in the past few years and has received Consumer Report’s recommended buy label too. The stubby ZX3 produces 136 horses with its 2.0L engine Honda Civic – Redesigned for 2006, the Civic has been a fan favorite for over thirty years. Its teeny 1.8L engine pushes out an impressive 140 horses. The new Civic is a far cry from the “pregnant roller” skate look of the first Civics. Owners are grateful. Scion tC- Unlike its two boxy brethren, the tC is sleek looking and has a rocket demeanor. With a 2.3L under its hood, the tC has the second largest engine of any car in this class. You net 160 horses with the Scion. Subaru Impreza – The biggest car in this class has the most powerful engine, a 2.5L boxter engine producing 173 horses. Very competitive with larger and more powerful cars, but a favorite among “pocket rocket” fans nevertheless. VW Golf – A 2.0L 115hp drives the Golf, but the car’s light weight allows for it to buzz down the highway at a fairly good clip. Favorite ways of squeezing out additional power for pocket rocket owners include installing the following aftermarket parts:

Reusable air filters; top providers include: K&N and Green.

Cold air intake systems; favorites include: K&N, AEM, and Airaid.

Cat-back exhaust systems; leading manufacturers include: Magnaflow and Vibrant.

Performance chips; Hypertech and Jet Chips lead the way. Performance level increases are measured in horsepower, thrust, and acceleration. Depending on the parts installed and model selected, improvements can range from slight to significant. Regardless, all six models have the potential of becoming true pocket rockets and that is part of the thrill in owning one.

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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 your carpeting could be damaged which is especially bad news for you if you lease your vehicle. Just wait ‘til you see the price of replacing damaged automotive carpeting! Cargo liners – Like the interior, the car’s trunk area is subject to dirt, debris, mud, the elements, and more. Some automakers have wised up over the years and included cargo liners as standard equipment while others make a cargo liner an expensive add-on, after-the-sale accessory for buyers. Bug shields – If you live in a humid climate, a bug shield is a must. No automaker offers one as standard equipment; if you want to protect your hood and windshield a bug shield is a must. Also marketed as bug deflectors. Car bra – Sure, they are stylish, but a car bra is much more than that. Offering protection to your grille and to the front part of your hood, a car bra can help deflect debris kicked up from the road. Who hasn’t come across that sort of problem while traversing our interstates? Brake dust shields – No, there isn’t a safety aspect with a dust shield, but there certainly are aesthetic reasons why they make sense. You spent a lot for your tires and wheels, so why go through the hassle of a weekly cleaning just to keep your car looking great? Dust shields limit the dust so that you can do what you really want to do: drive. Car cover – Whether you keep your car garaged or whether you leave it outside, a car cover is essential toward protecting your vehicle’s finish. Indoor air pollution and dust can damage a garaged vehicle; solar rays, moisture, bird poop, wind, and small impacts can damage exposed vehicles. For less than $200 you can buy a four layer, breathable car cover that will offer the protection your car so desperately needs. So, there you have it. Six essential auto accessories for every vehicle. You’ll pay a mint for each accessory if you let your dealer add them in after the sale, so why not shop online with Car Stuff to find everything you need for your car and for less?

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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 cushion against runaway shopping carts, absent-minded car doors or other blows. Natural Hazards Guide Birds, trees, dust. They certainly seem harmless enough, but without a car cover, they can inflict serious damage to your prized vehicle. Our fine feathered friends seem to have impeccable aim when it comes to leaving their droppings on our vehicles. Outdoor car covers catch bird bombs before they splatter against your paintjob. Plus, the majority of outdoor car cover fabrics are not harmed by the droppings acidity outdoor car cover fabrics. The shady spot under a tree may look like a welcome spot to park your vehicle. However, with nuts, berries, sap, pollen, not to mention the roosting birds, parking under a tree can wreak havoc on your vehicle. A car cover can help keep your vehicle cool, even in the sun. Or, if you do park under a tree, a car cover can safeguard your vehicle from the onslaught. Your vehicle's paint is only about 0.006 inches thick. Whether indoors or out, when dust sits on your paint it turns abrasive and causes minute scratches. By the time you notice them, it's already too late. Both indoor car cover fabrics and outdoor car cover fabrics are designed to keep dust away from the surface of your vehicle. Theft Deterrent Reference Though it may only look like a thin layer of fabric, a Covercraft car cover can do an amazing job at keeping thieves away from your vehicle. Since time is crucial in not getting caught, thieves often pass by covered vehicles, which take longer to get into, and go after easier prey. And, if you add a lock and cable to your car cover, you will not only keep your cover secure, but your vehicle becomes even harder to steal. Damaging Weather Guide You don't have to be a meteorologist to know that harsh weather can do a number on your vehicle's finish. An occasional spring shower poses no real threat to your vehicle. However, seemingly harmless rain can find its way into tiny scratches or blemishes and start the corrosion process. And, acid rain - well, the name says it all. A water-resistant car cover will keep your vehicle high and dry. Harsh UV (ultraviolet) rays and the intense radiant heat of the Sun can cook the color right out of your paint. A car cover is like sunscreen for your vehicle, blocking harmful UV light and preventing photo degradation. And, a lighter colored car cover will yield a reflective cooling effect. It's not the cold that gets to your vehicle's finish - it's the moisture and salt. These two corrosive cohorts are in cahoots to ravage your paint. Fortunately, a car cover can keep both these culprits away from your vehicle. The fundamental advantages of custom-fit car covers A custom-fit car cover is specially tailored to the lines of your vehicle. No detail is left unturned. Custom-fit car covers hug every contour of your vehicle and feature sewn-in mirror pockets, plus grommet holes for antennas. On the other hand, low-quality universal-fit car covers are baggy and can slip, slide and rub against your paint, destroying your finish. Additionally, the poor fit allows the harsh elements to creep in at every gap and defeat the purpose of the cover. The specialized cut of a custom-fit car cover is far and away the best choice to wrap up and protect your vehicle. When deciding which car cover is right for your vehicle, we advise that you consider: • Where you park and how often you use your vehicle • The weather in your area • What color is right for your vehicle and storage needs Where You Park and How Often You Use Your vehicle: • When you park outside and cover up every day, you may want to choose a lightweight outdoor car cover that's simple to use and easy to fold. • For those who park in crowded lots or on streets with children at play and heavy pedestrian traffic, a thicker heavyweight outdoor car cover that provides some dent and ding protection is best. • If you garage your vehicle and frequently cover and uncover it, a lightweight indoor car cover is ideal. • Choose a heavier indoor car cover to keep your classic safe for long-term storage. • A super-soft indoor car cover lets you pamper your "baby" and keep it safe and secure. The Weather in Your Area The ideal car cover for your vehicle is greatly influenced by your local weather. Many materials have been developed to deal with specific inclement weather conditions. Rainy parts of the country like the Pacific Northwest and Deep South would demand an outdoor car cover with exceptional water resistance. The coastal areas along the Atlantic, Pacific and Gulf of Mexico need a car cover that will protect from and last in salty air. In the sunniest zones of the country like the desert Southwest, a Coverking car cover with extra UV and photo degradation protection and reflective properties makes the most sense. Tips on What Color is Right for Your vehicle and Storage Needs Car covers are offered in an array of colors, but picking the right hue isn't solely a matter of personal taste. Here are a few tips and points of reference to help you with your choice: • If you live in a sunnier climate, you'll want a lighter colored fabric for outdoor storage. • If you have a lighter colored vehicle, a lighter colored fabric is safer for your paint. Bright colors, although thoroughly, tested could bleed under certain conditions. • If you're looking for style, a vibrant color can lend your vehicle character or compliment its finish.

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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 as well as to impact the environment in a positive way. 2. Performance Chips. All new cars are operated by a computer chip that tells how much torque and horsepower can be displaced. Performance chips or recalibrations of your current chip can produce significant increases in horsepower and torque for your vehicle. 3. Performance Exhaust Systems. Cat-back or "catalyst-back exhaust systems" are a great way to free up trapped torque and to unleash horsepower. Keeping all the important emissions parts in place, a cat-back system incorporates large width exhaust pipes and low restriction performance mufflers into your car thereby lowering exhaust back pressure. A side benefit is the really awesome sound emitting from the exhaust system. 4. Cold Air Intake. A cold air intake is an under the hood mod that helps to reduce the temperature of the air entering the car for the sole purpose of increasing the power of the engine. Side benefits include enhancements to the appearance of the engine bay as this part can be attractive and colorful; the sound the unit makes is also appealing. Costs for each of these performance enhancements can vary greatly. Shopping online with a trusted wholesaler is one of the best ways to find top quality parts at the lowest possible prices. By doing the work yourself, you can save a bundle and enjoy the fruits of your labor in no time.

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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 scrapes or hiding the finish. Not anymore. A car enthusiast can opt for a 3m clear bra that protects the car by creating a colorless barrier between the car’s finish and the elements. The 3m clear bra is simply a protective film that is literally painted over the car’s exterior. This product is commonly used on trucks, cars and vans of vehicle owners who cringe at the thought of a pebble getting near their priceless object. The 3m clear bra is also used to protect headlights as well. The protective layer is commonly applied to the front of the vehicle and on the lenses of the headlights. The beauty of this material is that it is virtually undetectable. The original design of the vehicle is not changed in any way. The owner has the peace of mind that comes with knowing that the car is protected while having the luxury of enjoying his vehicle in its original state. Some may wonder if the product is really as effective as the traditional protective cover. The 3m clear bra will protect the vehicle from chipping. The material was originally designed to be used on aircraft propellers to protect them from chipping. Surely the material will be effective at preventing chipping on vehicles as well. Another concern is the quality of the clarity of the 3m clear bra. How clear is it, really? The manufacturer of the product boasts that the material is virtually undetectable unless the vehicle is very white in color. The clear coat is slightly visible on a stark white car when very close but it is not detectable from a distance. You will see a faint line where the 3m clear bra stops but that is better than an ugly bug shield or paint chips.

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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 are performance cars as well as race cars. On the other hand the Mustang, Challenger, and Camaro are mass produced performance cars with muscle. There is a difference in the way a typical race car handles, rides, and performs vs. a muscle car. Typically, a muscle car was a coupe version of some of the larger cars that were pervasive on U.S. highways in the 1960s and 1970s. The Mustang and Camaro, however, were designed separately [although they both heavily borrowed parts from other models] and these “pony” cars were a category all to themselves. For comparison’s sake, they join the Dodge Challenger, a performance version of Mopar cars of its time. All three were compared by critics of that time and all three will once again be compared in a few years when production has been ramped up. Ford Mustang -– Step back in time with me to April 1964 to an era when America was heavily involved in the space race, Lyndon Johnson was president, and General Motors ruled autodom. Ford, for its part, had been nipping at GM’s heels for years, but the failed Edsels of the late 1950s had cost the company dearly. Still, it was the time of the New York World’s Fair and Ford used the fair and television technology to promote its newest offering, the Mustang. A 2+2 coupe borrowing parts from the Fairlane and Falcon, the 1964 ½ model was the first one sold and is widely credited with being the best introduction of a new vehicle ever. With a V6 engine standard and V8 optional, the all new Mustang quickly broke sales records and has been a hot seller ever since. Indeed, with the introduction of the “retro” look Mustang in 2005, the car once again has spawned interest in the muscle car segment as both DaimlerChrysler and General Motors craft competing models of their own. Dodge Challenger -– After the success of earlier muscle cars including the Dodge Charger and Plymouth ‘Cuda, the Dodge Challenger was launched as a 1970 model. The car borrowed heavily from the ‘Cuda although the sheet metal was somewhat different and the wheelbase was stretched by a couple of inches. Because the muscle car era was in decline at the time of its introduction, the Challenger lasted only five model years before it was cancelled. The concept Challenger currently on display at many auto shows is based on the 1970 design and is the talk of message boards and blogs across the nation. Look for Hemi powered engines as being favored by many owners; the car is likely to share some technology with the current Magnum wagon and Charger sedan. Chevrolet Camaro -- GM was asleep at the wheel when the Mustang came out. It took nearly three years before the company could respond and when it did the Camaro and Pontiac Firebird were the result. Although both cars sold well over the years, neither one could match the Mustang’s sales levels and by the time the last cars were sold in 2002, production dropped to a trickle. Still, the end of the Camaro after 35 years has stirred renewed interest in the name and thanks to the retro Mustang, the entire muscle car category is growing once again. Look for a 2010 Camaro to be the first Camaro since 2002; a ragtop version is also being considered. So, just who can be expected to purchase a muscle car these days? People just like me: middle aged men who grew up with the original models. In addition, a whole new generation of younger drivers tired of the “me too” look of so many of the compact cars out there. Muscle cars of today are so much different from earlier era cars as they incorporate the look of the originals while harnessing today’s technology. Thus, fuel savings will be decent without sacrificing performance: a true win-win situation. No, I cannot wait to see a Mustang, Challenger, and Camaro lined up at a traffic light waiting for the light to turn green. A new muscle car era is upon us and for that I am very excited.

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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 is shut off automatically when the car stops. This also helps in saving fuel. That is also the reason why hybrid cars are so quiet why it is stationary. The gasoline engine is automatically turned on when you step on the accelerator pedal. Hybrid Cars Are Environment Friendly Hybrid cars emit lower toxic emissions compared to conventional gasoline-powered cars due to less gasoline being burned. It is environmentally friendly, causes less pollution and releases less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. If you do not know, carbon dioxide is one of the primary reasons for rising global warming. For example, the Toyota Prius can reduce tailpipe emissions by up to ninety percent and the greenhouse gas emissions by as much as fifty percent. Tax Incentives For Hybrid Cars Due to world political pressures around the world to reduce greenhouse emissions, President Bush signed an agreement in 2005 to provide huge tax relief to hybrid car buyers. The tax incentive varies by model and are based on two factors 1. How fuel efficient the hybrid car is compared to a conventional car in 2002 with the same weight class. 2. How much gasoline the hybrid car can save in its lifetime compared with an equivalent conventional car For example, a Honda Accord hybrid car have reduced tax credits of $600 while a Toyota Prius has a tax credit of $3150. Do note that the tax credits do expire after 2010 for most hybrid cars. Hybrid car manufacturers are continually researching for more ways to reduce fuel consumption and better fuel efficiency. Also as more hybrid cars are being adopted, the cost of hybrid cars will reduce making it more affordable for everyone.

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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 with a network of enthusiasts constantly testing and data-logging to ensure the best drivability. In certain cases, there will be free software updates released, providing the best in drivability and performance. The benefit of this special software over standalone engine management is that all the original manufacturers’ safety limits and functions are retained. By properly modifying the parameters which manage the engines power delivery and output, the original startup and driving characteristics will be maintained in all climates. The performance software version introduces to you the smoothest and most reliable power gains available for your vehicle. All programs are precisely tuned for all driving conditions to bring you the most reliability. Professionals know that dynamometer test results are an over simplifications. They only tell part of the story since the engine is tested only at full throttle. You don't drive all day with your foot to the floor. That’s why you need a performance software, one that will maximize the power and torque you need in everyday driving conditions, where (we drivers know!) running smooth and brisk acceleration are equally as important. The unitronic performance software comes with an unconditional 30 day money back guarantee. The 30 day grace period will ensure that your expectations are met. If for any reason you are not satisfied, you may return it to your place of purchase for a full refund. Unitronics is all about your driving satisfaction. A risk-free satisfaction guarantee gives you total peace of mind. And if you didn’t know, last year, in April, UNISetting was released. This useful application, developed by unitronic for the Bosch Motronic Me7 system, allows the user to manipulate and adjust the built-in ECM adaptation channels to enhance the enthusiast's particular setup - from stock to modified, oct specific tweaks and adjusting for larger Injectors to better suit performance and drivability. The application is, in fact, a USB based interface (the first of its kind!) to work with any Generic FTDI USB Communication interface. This device actually enables you to use your USB VAG-COM Cable Ver.A, B or C to make minor tweaks to your ECM! Be careful! If you need a VAG-Com Cable to use this amazing tool, be sure to get the Genuine Ross-Tech Vag-com Cable. So, if the answer to my introductive question is yes, stop thinking and order your software today! Get and feel the power you always wanted! You will be amazed! There is no doubt that the products of one of today's leading innovative OEM ECM tuners are specially designed to offer you the best in performance and quality!

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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 Five: . . . Dehydration The ethanol needs to be "dried". After the distillation process there will be a certain amount of water in the ethanol you have just created - this can be dried running the ethanol through Zeolite a readily available product for drying ethanol. Step Six: . . . Ethanol Into e85 Now simply convert the pure ethanol into e85 by adding 15% unleaded gasoline to your ethanol. e85 is nothing more than 85% ethanol mixed with 15% gasoline. Making your own ethanol will require some initial investment, but the rewards will be very, very beneficial. You can make your own e85 for right around a $1.00 a gallon if you buy the corn and for about $.60 a gallon if you grow your own corn. e85 Flex Fuel Vehicles are becoming more and more popular as the gas prices continue to rise. e85 is defiantly going to be a major relief for the United States fuel problem. You may even be driving a flex fuel vehicle now. Many newer models are equipped to handle both gasoline as well as e85 ethanol. The best way to check is to look in your owners manuel, check in the fuel door for the e85 sticker or contact your dealer and have them run your vin number to see if you vehicle is compatable. I suggest that you do all three, to be on the safe side.Now simply convert the pure ethanol into e85 by adding 15% unleaded gasoline to your ethanol. e85 is nothing more than 85% ethanol mixed with 15% gasoline.

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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 the Internet for them. Be An Online Hunter Take full advantage of what the Internet has to offer. You can exhaust all search engines for auction sites or online bulletin boards. Many stores or sources of auto parts replacements for classic or old cars advertise their products online. Put these sites in your archives so you can visit them regularly and check for updates. Or, you can also contact these sources yourself and ask them if they can get the auto part that you want for you. Be A Scarp Yard Scavenger On one of your spare and free days, you can take a dive to a local scrap yard. Many owners of classic cars share that they are able to look for good replacement parts for their classic vehicles from scrap yards. They do maintain though that you should be patient enough to go through the stack of cars at these scrap yards.

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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 budged. Where you can look for a specific model or you can compare a different variety of models available. Used care also allows you to bargain. You can get the used car of your choice, color, and model and in your budge. Many insurance companies provide loan for buying used car which is a plus point for people in need of buying a car. Before applying for loan get all the detailed information regarding all the legal procedure for used car loan. Buying used car saves you lots of money Anna Josephs is a freelance journalist having experience of many years writing articles and news releases on various topics such as pet health, automobile and social issues. She also has great interest in poetry and paintings, hence she likes to write on these subjects as well. Currently writing for this website Best Cheap Used Car . For more details please contact at annajosephs@gmail.com

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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, tire tread depth and overall condition, and transmission fluid. * Every six months: wiper blades. * Annually: exhaust system. * Replace when out or worn: lights, shock absorbers. * Refer to vehicle owner's manual: change oil, rotate tires. Experts also recommend that drivers keep an emergency kit in their vehicles. This too can be confusing, as people don't always know what to include in an emergency kit. Here are a few items Firestone Complete Auto Care suggests you have to help prepare for unforeseen circumstances on the road: * Jumper cables * Flashlight and batteries * Reflector * Protective gloves * Toolkit * Flares and matches * Gallon of water * Nonperishable food * Portable air compressor * Auto Club membership card * In the winter months: a shovel, bag of kitty litter or sand and a blanket. With a basic car care checklist to help keep your vehicle running well and a comprehensive vehicle emergency kit, you can drive with confidence knowing that you'll be prepared for any "bump in the road."

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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 is depressed. Worn out brake pads emit some sounds when you depress and push on the brakes. These sounds include a scraping sound that is high pitched. Or you may even think that it could be a squealing kind of noise. However, these sounds can be only heard if your brake pads have sensors that check out wear attached to it. Otherwise, these sounds are not noticeable at all. What you should be vigilant about is a noise that is like a grinding sound or something that sounds like metal pushing or moving against metal. If this is something that you hear, rush to the mechanic and have the brakes checked out. This just simply means that your brake pads have already given up and there is none left to protect your brakes. This could also mean that you may be damaging other essential parts of your car.

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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 in you’re area, so you can go to a garage or body shop for repairs. If they don’t have the specific parts you need they can order it for you. If you need you can always ask the price of the parts and labour before you have the repairs done. You can even check out estimates at many other garages to compare pricing. That way you can get the best price around. Many Nissan parts carry a warranty, so be sure to keep the warranty in a safe place. Also the garage you go to can offer warranties as well. Be sure to ask if they offer any warranties. Nissan cars are very popular, they have a wide range of car types. From family to sports cars, doesn’t matter the type Nissan offers the same quality cars. So be sure to take of them. You’d want your cars to last you many years to come.

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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 locally in order to activate the battery. The acid is called electrolyte, which is sulfuric acid, diluted by water. This must be added only to a dry shipped battery. Normally, acid is not needed to be added to a battery. Once a battery is purchased, only approved water should be added. Another way batteries can be purchased is sealed maintenance free or Sealed MF.Sealed MF is a sealed maintenance free battery that comes ready to install and is “non-spillable”. Other options when purchasing motorcycles batteries include high performance, AGM types, and Odyssey. All motorcycle batteries are lead acid batteries. There are completely recyclable and should never be thrown away with regular waste. Motorcycles are easy to check charge with a voltmeter.

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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 and easy maintenance procedure to restore lost power and improve vehicle performance. Now, the average motorist can experience these benefits, too, with a new offering from Autolite. With enhanced technology for improved durability, Autolite XP Xtreme Performance Spark Plugs are among the brand's most technologically advanced spark plugs. "We want to give motorists more bang for less buck," said Sean Lyon, Autolite senior product manager. "Our new Autolite XP Xtreme Performance Spark Plugs offer better overall ignitability and durability while delivering optimum performance for a better overall value." They are available in stores with an approximate retail price of $5.99 and are backed with a five-year limited guarantee against defects in materials and workmanship. - NU

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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 the time to research different motorcycle repair shops along your route. Keep a list of these shops in your wallet, or even better in your motorcycle tool bag. You did remember to pack that right? Take as many tools that you might need for any minor repairs. A phillips and standard screwdriver, a pair of needle nose pliers, some cable ties, a couple of combination wrenches that fit majority of the sizes on your motorcycle, and a repair manual might even be handy too. Make sure to pack some easy to eat snacks for the road. Granola bars, trail mix, and candy bars are a good idea. You can also purchase MREs, (Meals Ready to Eat), from a local army surplus store, and use these on the road as a quick meal. Use a large gallon sized sealing bag to store your food to keep the mess to a minimum. A road map is essential. You can buy folding maps for the trip, no matter your destination. Even better, consider buying a navigation system for your motorcycle. These are great, and can be easily adapted to work with your motorcycle. If you don't want to use a navigation system, consider using a cell phone with broadband internet access, to use free services like Google maps or Mapquest. Think about the other essentials of the road. Personal toiletries like travel sized tooth brush, tooth paste, shampoo, soap, and deodorant can all be obtained and stored in a small travel bag, easily stored in your motorcycle luggage. Consider even packing a small roll of toilet paper, for when nature calls, and you are in the middle of nowhere. You are going to some remote locations at times right? When packing your motorcycle luggage, try to keep the weight balanced on each side of the motorcycle. You don't want to have a bike that wants to lean to one side or the other. Taking a long trip with a lopsided motorcycle will wear you out quickly as you try to fight to keep the motorcycle upright. The best way to do this, is to have someone help you pack the luggage, while you balance the motorcycle. After packing, take your motorcycle out for a short test ride, and make adjustments.

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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 ‘be’ sure to charge it until the light says the charge is full. Charging the battery half way, or only partially is going to lessen the life of the battery. Avoid charging the battery that is not empty. If you must take the scooter for a short ride to use more of the battery life, so you are then left with an empty battery, or at least almost empty battery. Another feature about the scooter battery is that when it is low, when it is empty be sure to charge it again right away. The battery that sits empty for long periods will be difficult to charge again after sitting for a long time. Think about your cordless phone, you must charge it 15 hours when it is empty. The same will apply for your scooter chair if you leave it empty for a long time. It will require charging for a longer amount of time. When it is empty, recharge it, and the process will be faster. Avoid adding or putting water on the battery, the charger or the connections for the battery. Water can easily make electric outlets surge, or worse break. You want to keep the battery and the charger moisture free for as long as you

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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 are running at a 90-degree angle. As oppose to the bias-ply, this construction reduces heat generation. As a result, tires are cooler and not susceptible to hastened tire wear. The drawback though is that the sidewalls can effortlessly be flexed. Thus, the sidewalls are given a shorter profile. Tire pressure really matters to the tires. Therefore, it has to be checked regularly. Aside from tire construction, we must also be knowledgeable about tire wear in relation to choosing tires. Softer compounds are good in producing more traction however, they wear out quickly. Harder compounds have fast wear but they may not cause a good grip. Moreover, OEM or aftermarket motorcycle parts manufacturers and distributors must consider dealing with effective grip coupled with longer mileage when it comes to tires. This is of course to prolong the life of motorcycle tires. One factor that can affect tire wear is the rider’s riding style. Aggressive riders usually have their front tire to wear out faster than the rear. Why is this so? This is because tires tend to brake late using mostly the front brake. In contrast, cruiser riders, normally wear out the rear tire first. This is because they have more weight at the rear portion of the bike. To know when to change your tires, you can perform the ‘penny test’. Simply put a penny into a tire groove with its head pointing down. You have to change your tire when you can see the top of the head of the person in the coin. It can be an hint that the tread depth has already reached 1/32 of an inch.

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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 unable to find one of these tracks, you may still be able to participate in offroad biking or racing. You can easily do this by making your own race track. This is definitely possible, especially for those with a fairly decent amount of property. If you have access to an indoor facility, one that is about the size of a football field, you may be able to create your own indoor supercross racing track. If not, you may have to settle for an outdoor motocrosslike track. Whichever track you decide to make, you will find that the construction is often just as exciting as the racing. This is because you will get to control your racing surface. Essentially, this means that you can have as many jumps as you would like, as well as other fun obstacles. Although it is fun to develop your own supercross or motocross racing track, you will also find that it is a large amount of work. The good news with making an outdoor track is that you will already have the something in your favor; different conditions. Depending on the type of property that you are building on, you may already have a number of small hills or rough terrain. If so, this would make building your track a little bit easier. Whether you are building an indoor track or an outdoor track, you will need to have dirt. Dirt is essential to the building of a motocross track. Luckily, you can find it at a number of locations. In addition to getting dirt from your own property, you may also be able to get it from other homeowners or business owners, especially those that are doing some remodeling. The only problem with this is that you will have to find a way to get the dirt to your track. Once you have found a way to get the dirt to your track, you will need to start building it. This process will involve a lot of creativity. If you do not already have obstacles in mind, you can easily familiarize yourself with some designs. You can do this by using the internet to your advantage. By studying pictures or videos of supercross or motocross races, you should be able to get a feel for the track, as well as racing or riding on it. It is amazing some of the ideas you can come up with just by looking at pictures or by watching videos. When making your own supercross or motocross track it is important to remember that you will rarely get things right the first time. It takes a lot of trial and error to build to the perfect offroad racing track. However, once you finish that track, you will likely be pleased with your decision to start the project, as well as proud of the results.

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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 you should note that there is a minor difference between the horsepower and performance. Get insurance quotes before buying a motorcycle as there are lots of bikes that are not insured by the larger insurance companies. This will force you to use smaller insurers who offer below par services. Besides, they will not allow you to combine the motorcycle insurance with the other products, making the deal very expensive. Will installing any accessories affect my premium? Fitting your bike with high-end accessories like disc locks, alarms, and satellite tracking will significantly affect your premium. Hence it is advisable to check with the insurance company about the accessories and security that can increase and decrease your insurance premium. Buying a device costing a couple of hundred dollars will have a significant impact on your premium. Find out this information beforehand to let you negotiate with the dealer who can give you a good bargain. What are the things I should ensure before opting for motorcycle insurance? Get many insurance quotes from various insurers for the motorcycle you want to buy. Find out if installing security instruments and add-on accessories will impact your insurance premium. Check if it is possible to reduce the insurance cost if you park your motorcycle in an area under surveillance.

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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 motorcycle racing tracks and surfaces, you are in for some excitement. This is because a supercross motorcycle racing track can not just be thrown together by anyone at anytime. There is a lot of art, design, and hard work that goes into making the perfect supercross racing track. It is almost guaranteed that you will not only find this process exciting to learn about, but interesting as well. Before you can begin to understand the process of making a manmade supercross motorcycle track, it is important to remember one thing. There are different variations of the sport. These variations include professional races and amateur races. Amateur racers are individuals who tend to race for the passion of the sport, often at a local track. While professional supercross racers will also race for the love of the sport, they are also doing so for income. Once at the professional level, many successful supercross racers are more then able to financial support themselves or their families. Since each of these supercross variations have unique purposes and goals, their tracks tend to be made a little bit differently. With professional supercross motorcycle racing, a professional company is often called in to make the track. Supercross race tracks are commonly referred to as offroad courses. This means that they are often made of dirt. In addition to being made of dirt, supercross race tracks are also like obstacle courses. They tend to have numerous corners, many of which can be considered sharp, as well as jumps. While you would assume that it would be easy enough to throw dirt onto a surface and make a few jumps, the reality is that it isnt as easy as it actually seems. A lot of hard work goes into making a supercross race track, especially a professional one. The first part of building a supercross race track is to get the needed supplies. As previously mentioned, most tracks are made of dirt. Professional supercross track developers receive most of their dirt for free or at a discounted price. The same can be said for local, amateur courses. You will find that many individuals and companies are more than willing to give away extra dirt that they have on their land or leftover from a previous building project. Although it is fairly easy to obtain the dirt, many have a problem getting it delivered. The cost of delivery tends to be fairly expensive. Once the dirt has been delivered, whether to a professional racing venue or an amateur one, the dirt will have to be sorted out. This process will be used to eliminate any unwanted or dangerous debris, including rocks. Once all of the dirt has been sorted out, it will be molded. This molded dirt is than use to create the racing surface. As previously mentioned, this racing surface often includes high jumps and numerous turns. In addition to high jumps, smaller jumps, often referred to as hills, are used. These help to keep the racing exciting for fans, but competitive for racers. After the race has ended, the track may need to be cleaned up. Most amateur race tracks are left for a specific period of time. This is often because many amateur tracks are often locally run and operated; therefore, they do not always need to removed. However, since professional supercross racers will move onto the next event, their tracks need to be cleaned up. In a way, the cleanup process is just has hard as making the track in the first place. It may take over ten hours, sometimes even up to a whole day, to remove.

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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 custom design and assembly process was personally overseen by Alex Goen, TrimSpa's chief executive officer. Constructed in three and half weeks, the bike is a tribute to the attractive, curvy and confident people who use the dietary supplement TrimSpa X32, like model Anna Nicole Smith and heavyweight boxer Shannon Briggs. This fast, exotic and sexy chopper has been attracting everyone from motorcycle devotees and passers-by to photographers and A-list celebrities who wait their turn to sit on it. TrimSpa's Race Car Bike makes appearances at some very popular venues. During the Video Music Awards Weekend in Miami's South Beach, it was a feature attraction at The Style Villa in the Sagamore Hotel. Celebrities, such as actress and singer Hilary Duff, had photos taken while seated on the bike. Later that weekend, the Race Car Bike made an appearance on the red carpet at the Jessica and Ashlee Simpson TrimSpa VMA After Party.

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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 and Dodge City in Kansas. Then keep heading west to Colorado the mile high state and visit Estes Park. Go a little south and visit Colorado Springs, park your bike for a day and take a tour of the Air Force Academy and look at the grounds of Cheyenne Mountain, home of Norad. Still yearning for more western adventure, then you can ride your motorcycle to New Mexico and visit Lincoln County where Billy the Kid and his Regulators raised a ruckus in the 1880’s. New Mexico has great camping in the mountains near Cloudcroft, so be sure to take the opportunity to visit and if you feel up to it, sleep under the stars, with your trusty motorcycle near you, like a cowboy’s horse. While in New Mexico the Apache reservation at Riodosa offers a chance to try your luck at slot machines and the wheel of fortune. Then a visit to a great Mexican restaurant and on to the town of Roswell, site of the 1947 UFO crash that some people say made history. When you get to Roswell you can either take your bike to a campground, or park it at a nice reasonably priced motor hotel so that you can spend some time in the UFO Museum and Research Center on Main Street. While there you can visit with some witnesses to the crash and hear some fascinating stories, and take a side trip out to the ranch outside of town where debris was found, and some say small alien bodies were recovered. When you’ve seen all the UFO sites you feel like seeing, you can visit the Robert Goddard Museum next door to the Town’s convention center. Goddard is the father of modern rocket science. He performed many of his experiments in the desert near Roswell and the museum is great fun. When you get done in Roswell, then hop on the bike and go to Albuquerque near Holloman Air Force Base, and then on down to White Sands rocket test ground. New Mexico is full of interesting sites. If you head up north, be sure to his Santa Fe and appreciate the Native American arts and crafts on display. Next stop on your bike tour should be Las Vegas, Nevada. The most exciting town on earth is just a hop, skip and bike ride away. Here’s a chance to really gamble, or if you don’t like to bet, then just stop in at one of the casinos to try a very low priced, delicious buffet. It seems like all the casinos have great buffets and try to outdo each other. You’ll enjoy them all. Remember too that this is a town made for entertainment. Try one of the shows on the strip, or a comedy club or magic act. Now, after visiting Las Vegas, it may be time to go on to the one place that no motorcycle vacation can be complete without visiting, Sturgis. The town of Sturgis, North Dakota is legendary among those who ride motorcycles, and the town people know how to make a biker welcome. Stop in for a root beer and buy a T-shirt as a souvenir of your trip. You’ll be glad you did, and you’ll remember your motorcycle vacation for years to come. Hop on your big, be it hog or Honda, and enjoy the ride.

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