Acura Integra: The Car, The Legend

Released as a 1987 model, the very first Acura Integra started what was to become a strong following of owners who were drawn in by the car’s sports appeal and reasonable prices. Based on the Honda Civic, the Integra successfully brought customers over to the Acura brand and has been widely credited with spurring Honda’s luxury division to its “legendary” success. In 2002, Acura renamed the car the “RSX” to bring the name in line with the alphabet soup designation of each of its models. Whatever you call the car, the Integra has lived up to all of the hype surrounding the model. Let’s take a closer look a vehicle that has an interesting, if not a bit strange, legacy. From Civic to Acura Honda’s decision to launch a luxury car division was based on two factors: luxury versions of Honda automobiles were already being sold in its home market, Japan, and the American automotive market was ripe for some competition. Honda felt that the US market would more readily accept an all-new Acura brand over an upscale Honda, thus the decision was made to proceed with Acura. The brand’s first two models, the Integra and Legend, were based on existing Honda platforms, the Civic and Accord, respectively. As odd as this may seem today, the modified platforms made sense during the 1980s allowing Acura to concentrate on marketing and dealer network development while introducing variations of two highly successful Honda models. True Entry Level Luxury While most luxury brands use the $25,000 figure as the price point for their base models, Acura has held down the price of the Integra/RSX several thousand dollars less than that threshold. Truly, the Integra was never a luxury car, instead it was and is a well equipped, easy-to-tune, fun-to-drive, sports coupe. This pricing strategy opened the Acura door to many motorists who might have otherwise stayed away and kept owners in the fold once they were ready to upgrade to a pricier Acura model. Highly Popular…With Thieves, That Is One claim to fame that the Integra has is its appearance on every single “most stolen” vehicle list. Indeed, as many as seven different model year Integras have appeared on the list as a swiped Integra is most prized for its parts. As with many imports, all of the individual parts combined can retail for more than three times the vehicle’s price. In addition, the car’s powerful engine often finds its way underneath the hood of less powerful Honda models. Check your local chop shop for their selection of truly “hot” Acura Integra parts! Curtain Call Although the Integra name is synonymous with sportiness and value, as is the current RSX appellation, Acura is discontinuing the model as Honda seeks to further separate its two divisions. No longer will a thinly disguised, yet potent Honda wear an Acura nameplate. Indeed, Honda has now separated the research and development departments for the two brands in a bid to differentiate the lines. Apparently, Honda believes that Acura can now stand on its own and “bridge models” such as the RSX will not have a place in its model line up. Beyond the RSX, Acura currently has no other sport coupe to entice owners. That all may change if a rumored two door version of its hot new TSX sedan is released. If it is, Acura owners will pay a premium over the Integra/RSX price, but receive a car that is even more opulent, more potent, and better engineered than the model that it will be replacing.

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2008 Chery QQ: Sneak Peak!

China’s Chery Automotive Group is getting set to import as many as five vehicles into the US starting in the summer of 2007. These 2008 models are reportedly going to be cheaper than competing models in their respective classes, undercutting some models by as much as $10,000 per car. I have been doing a little investigating and have learned more about the Chery QQ, the three door compact that will retail for just $6995. Hold onto your hats as I read off the long list of standard features for its incredible, low price. Just when you think you have seen everything, along comes the QQ. Reportedly, QQ stands for Quality and Quick as the car is made from remnants of destroyed Soviet tanks that battled with China during a protracted border skirmish in 1970. In addition, the car zips from 0 to 48 before the engine craps out. Oh, well zero to sixty would have been nice, but alas... Standard features for the QQ will include:

Seats, front and rear

Seatbelts with air bags

Glass, all around as needed

Steering Wheel with horn

Dashboard

Removable Ashtray

Window Regulators {4}

Rubber Gaskets

Plastic Molding

Polyester Tires {4}

Hubcaps with lug nuts

Door Handles with driver and front passenger keyholes

Antenna

Truck Key with Keyhole

Headlights

Tail lights

Turn signals

Brakes

Shocks

Bumpers Doors, hood, trunk and roof are all standard; body side moldings will likely be extra. Engine, transmission, radiator, exhaust, and countless other parts will also be included once they are removed from junked Yugos and retrofitted for the QQ. Optional equipment will likely include a radio, comfortable seats, air conditioning, and perhaps even a rear window defroster. Oh, by the way, General Motors has sued and won a judgment against Chery declaring that the “Chery” name sounds too close to their Chevy name. Chery has agreed and will likely adopt the Forg name for all cars imported to the US. Stay tuned!

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1917 Woods Dual Power

The first hybrid gas electric car did not come out in 1983, but in 1917. The Woods Dual Power was built by the Woods Motor Vehicle Company of Chicago. Because the gas engine was so rough, but supplied more power and electric cars were smoother, but had limited range, the Woods Motor Vehicle Company wanted to supply a car that gave you the best of both worlds. The best part is, it was a full hybrid (listen up GM) with regenerative braking. The engine was a parallel hybrid that included a 12-hp, 4-cylinder gasoline engine as an auxiliary drive system in addition to the electric drive train. The electric engine could propel the car up to 20 mph. Together with the gas engine, the dual wood power could get up to 35 mph. The gas engine and electric engine were connected using a magnetic clutch. The gas engine became magnetized when activated (by a lever controlled by the driver). The copper disk was pulled against the flywheel connecting the electric motor to the gas engine. Only the electric motor could be used while going in reverse. Why? Because the engine had no clutch and so the gas engine had no gears! The car battery designed for this car was about half the size of the batteries in other electric cars of the time. Once the car got up to 20 mph, the gas engine could be engaged, allowing the electric motor and gas motor to work together. The battery could be recharged or discharged by another lever. Recharging was done by the gas motor (at speeds over 6 mph) or by braking on level ground or when coasting down hills. A conventional brake pedal was only used at speeds of less than 6 mph. Available for only $2650 (remember this was 1917). Wire wheels were a luxury, costing an extra $25. Or you could 'pimp' your vehicle out for another $100 (paint and trim). Ultimately, the first hybrid was a commercial failure. It was built only in 1917 and 1918. It was too expensive, too slow, and too difficult to service to be a commercial success.

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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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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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Review of Ford Trucks

The best-selling car in America returns with an original engine design and a blue-collar transmission from the motor city. Ford's F-150 pickup comes in regular, extended, and crew-cab styles. All cabs have four doors. The standard minicab mimics the SuperCab extended minicab with average rear-hinged "partly doors." The SuperCrew crew minicab has four straight doors. Extended's and crews have a bring up work surface seat for 6-passenger capacity. Crews have a 5.5-ft-long consignment single bed. Other F-150s use beds of 5.5, 6.5, and 8 ft, depending on options. All come in flat-side Styleside outward appearance; the 6.5-ft single bed in addition comes as a flare-fender Flareside. The 4.2-liter V6 engine has 202 horse power. Two V8 engines are available: a 4.6-liter with 231 hp and a 5.4 with 300. A 5-speed transmission now comes as a standard option. Taking turns on redesigning its bread-and-butter pickups, Ford rolled out a brand-new version of the F-150 pickup in 2004 and then focused its thought on a makeover of its big-bubba Super Duty in 2005. This year, Ford is sleeping from its labors, with little changes of memorandum: The F-150 procession is toughened up with a Harley-Davidson trim pack up highlighted by a monotone black outdoor; 22-inch polished, sham aluminum wheels; and bags of eagle logos. Later in the representation year. And there are some chrome selection packages and other negligible doodads to expend change on. We were disenchanted that Ford chose not to fetch out a original version of its defunct Lightning, which was rumored to revisit in 2006 with a supercharged V-8 cranking out 500 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque. The Ford Lightning has been a huge draw for the company. Even appearing in popular movies like the fast and furious to boost it's popularity.

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Curtains Down For The New Ford Focus Coupe Cabriolet

The much awaited Ford Focus Coupe Cabriolet will be unveiled soon enough. And all those who would be actually able to witness such an event will find out that, indeed, this new Ford Focus is a vehicle that is worth your while and your money.

The Ford Motor Company states that the new Ford Focus Coupe Cabriolet holds an open air motoring feature. And aside from this, it also offers owners and passengers stability, comfort, as well as practicality. Of course, this is very much associated with the current range of the Ford Focus line of vehicles, making it a top selling vehicle in the auto market. Come October this year, interested parties can start purchasing this new model. And this month, the Ford Focus Coupe Cabriolet would be making its debut in the United Kingdom at the British International Motor Show.

Created and manufactured by the Ford Motor Company, the Ford Focus range of vehicles has been produced since 1998. It took the spot that previously belonged to the Ford Escort and the Ford Orion. It actually belongs to the compact car and the small family car segment. It has been built in various body styles that include the hatchback with three doors, the sedan holding four, the station wagon which also holds four doors, and the hatchback with five doors. For its power source, it runs on a 1.4 liter to 2.3 liter I4 engine.

Either with the top down or up, the Ford Focus Coupe Cabriolet is a sight to behold. It is stylish and has a two-piece folding hardtop. This hardtop can be placed up or down with an efficient, neat, and very reliable system that only takes as much as 29 seconds for the whole process to complete.

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Fuel-Efficient Ford Cars: The New Trend

With gas prices soaring straight into oblivion, automobile customers and the rest of the auto market are looking for vehicles that would save their pockets from getting into trouble. Studies and research have found out that the numbers are showing that customers are leaning towards those vehicles that would assure them that they would not have to spend much on gas. The market is actually looking for vehicles with smaller engines. This is because with smaller engines, owners would not need to have to refuel much for these types of engines only consumes a little amount of gas. This is actually a trend that has been seen in the sales of two Ford Motor Company vehicles – Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan. According to the sales of both vehicles, starting January up until the middle of May this year, the sales of these vehicles that held four-cylinder models almost doubled. In fact, sales for both have taken more than 20 per cent of all Ford vehicles’ sales. George Pipas, the manager of Ford’s Sales Analysis, states, “Along with the Fusion and Milan, the increase also includes Focus and Escape. Clearly, higher gas prices are increasing consumer demand to look at more fuel-efficient vehicles and powertrains.” Indeed, the whole analysis shows that the auto market is now turning towards vehicles that are more efficient when it comes to fuel mileage. Of course, it also shows that people are becoming concerned and are becoming greatly affected by the whole gas price surge. Pipas adds, “For February of this year, the Fusion’s rate for the I4 was 41 percent, meaning that 59 percent of Fusion sales were for models with a V6. In March, the four-cylinder rate rose to 47 percent, and in April the rate jumped to 53 percent.”

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Fuel-Efficient Ford Cars: The New Trend

With gas prices soaring straight into oblivion, automobile customers and the rest of the auto market are looking for vehicles that would save their pockets from getting into trouble. Studies and research have found out that the numbers are showing that customers are leaning towards those vehicles that would assure them that they would not have to spend much on gas. The market is actually looking for vehicles with smaller engines. This is because with smaller engines, owners would not need to have to refuel much for these types of engines only consumes a little amount of gas. This is actually a trend that has been seen in the sales of two Ford Motor Company vehicles – Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan. According to the sales of both vehicles, starting January up until the middle of May this year, the sales of these vehicles that held four-cylinder models almost doubled. In fact, sales for both have taken more than 20 per cent of all Ford vehicles’ sales. George Pipas, the manager of Ford’s Sales Analysis, states, “Along with the Fusion and Milan, the increase also includes Focus and Escape. Clearly, higher gas prices are increasing consumer demand to look at more fuel-efficient vehicles and powertrains.” Indeed, the whole analysis shows that the auto market is now turning towards vehicles that are more efficient when it comes to fuel mileage. Of course, it also shows that people are becoming concerned and are becoming greatly affected by the whole gas price surge. Pipas adds, “For February of this year, the Fusion’s rate for the I4 was 41 percent, meaning that 59 percent of Fusion sales were for models with a V6. In March, the four-cylinder rate rose to 47 percent, and in April the rate jumped to 53 percent.”

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You Can Select A Quality Car Cover

Maybe the thought of owning a car cover sounds a bit ridiculous to you. After all, you typically keep your car garaged, right? Besides, who wants to have an ugly tarp draped over a car anyway? Not you! Car covers serve a purpose even for the person who keeps their vehicle sheltered most of the time. Let’s examine the benefits of owning a car cover and how you can go about selecting one that is right for your car. Keeps the bird poop at bay If you leave your car outside, there is a nemesis that takes aim at your car...birds! Yes, birds are all right, but their excrement is not. If you don’t wash it off right away, your car’s finish can be damaged. Some bird poop is so damaging that even a buff and wax job won’t completely restore the finish. A car cover will catch the poop before it does permanent damage. Better than sun block While we humans can slap on sun block, no finish can completely do the work of protecting your car. Better to have your car covered over instead of exposed to the sun’s damaging rays. Not so shady So, you think keeping your car out of the sun by parking under trees will help, do you? Not so fast! Whereas most sun rays may not get through, your tree loves to drop sap, buds, leaves, sticks, and branches...right on top of your car. Some car covers are thick enough to help your car resist those small branches that fall from time to time and take aim at your car! Who goes there? Funny isn’t it when you own a nice car everyone likes to peer inside to check it out. Leaning and rubbing up against the car’s body can scratch the finish in no time. Besides, do you really want everyone gawking at your car’s expensive audio system? I don’t think so! Rain, rain go away Some car covers offer top protection by keeping rain, snow, ice, mud, dirt, and dust away. Yes, even if you park your car in the garage, dirt, dust, and indoor pollution can take their toll. Follow the bouncing ball Your neighbor kid loves to whack his soccer ball around...too bad that it takes dead aim at your car. A quality car cover can withstand small “insults” that can scratch or dent the body. So, how do you select a car cover? Well, for starters what do you want from a cover? Some covers offer minimum protection and will absorb bird poop, tree sap, and diminish the sun’s rays, but not much more. On the other hand, certain car covers made of four layered breathing material offer the most protection. Even better are those heavy duty car covers that come with side mirror pockets. Why are they a good idea? Well, they offer a snug fit and are crafted with the exact make/model of your vehicle in mind. No worrying that your car cover will work loose because it isn’t fitted properly. Yes, a car cover can be a great idea even for the garaged vehicle. The whole goal of owning a car cover is to protect your vehicle’s finish and then some. Not all car covers are alike, so do some comparison shopping for the one that is best for your car. Oh, by the way, there is no “one size fits all” car cover [you want one custom sized to your vehicle's dimensions]. If someone tries to sell you one, you would do better to run to your home supply store and findng a tarp for your vehicle!

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Renault Eyes Purchasing Saab

With the misfortunes of America’s two largest automakers being trumpeted frequently on the news, it seems as if little attention is being paid to some of the other automakers out there. France’s Renault, once in poor shape itself, has rebounded nicely and is prospering with its relationship with Nissan, a company it has controlling interest in. Speculation is that Renault wants a greater piece of the luxury car market, even beyond Nissan’s luxury division, Infiniti. Would General Motors consider selling Saab to Renault or would the French automaker be better off looking elsewhere? Let’s take a look at some options for Renault. Make a bid for Saab. It is no secret that the Swedish automaker hasn’t been much of a hit for General Motors. Unlike the other Swedish automaker Volvo, itself owned by Ford, Saab has produced little benefit for GM since being brought into the fold in 1990. A clash in management styles hasn’t helped with GM’s line management style going up against Saab’s egalitarian style. Although not exactly a luxury line, Saab could be upgraded and give Renault renewed access to the American market and much needed cash for GM. Go after Jaguar. Much like Saab’s relationship with GM, Jaguar hasn’t done a lot for Ford. Unlike GM, however, Ford has handled its international acquisitions much better and has allowed its new holdings to continue to plan and expand their product lines without excessive dictation from Detroit. Still, the value of Jaguar remains strong and the time for Ford to sell this British automaker off would be now. Let’s just see how well the French and British work things out too! Ramp up Infiniti. Even in expressing interest in acquiring another automaker, Renault does have its own “in house” luxury line in Infiniti. After a poor start, Infiniti has strengthened its product line and is better poised to compete against Lexus and Acura. A careful “retuning” of Infiniti could also yield a line of cars better suited to compete against BMW and Mercedes who essentially lead the luxury car market in the Europe. Working with the existing lnfiniti brand would be cost effective too. Introduce a new luxury line. Much as Toyota, Honda, and Nissan have introduced luxury lines of their own vehicles, Renault could do the same and profit immensely. With Hyundai expected to do the same, Renault’s new luxury division could give the automaker instant access to the luxury market and prepare the company for reentry into the U.S. As much as General Motors and Ford are reeling right now, neither Saab nor Jaguar may be auctioned off. At present, both Swedish automakers have a significant cross division investment that cannot be easily disconnected. Planned vehicles in the Saab pipeline would have to be scuttled, which would effectively reduce the automaker’s value overnight. Renault may still be eyeing Saab, but the logistics aren’t that easily worked out.

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You Can Custom Fit Your Vehicle

Part of the fun of owning a car is giving it your own look. Sure, some cars come fully equipped with all the bells and whistles, but they lack one thing: your personal touch. Starting back in the 1950s when customizing cars really took off, enthusiasts have been modifying their cars to suit their own purposes. Let’s take a look at some ways you can make your car a real stand out. Under the Hood: The most obvious customizing for your engine compartment is a cold air intake, designed to increase power to the engine. A cold air intake changes the appearance of your car’s engine bay with custom colors such as rad red, silver, chrome, powder coated blue, and more. On the Hood: Hood protectors, also known as car bras, will give your car a bold, aggressive, and cool look. Other ideas include installing hood scoops and vents. Up Front: Fender flares, bumper protectors, front fascia, and head light covers are all the rage. Add in custom fitted fog lights and you have a real show stopper on your hands. To the Sides: Paintable rear side window covers will distinguish your model from all cars out there. Paintable side skirts are another crowd pleaser. Bringing up the Rear: Altezza style tail light lens assemblies, which are available in chrome or paintable black. Some motorists are opting for paintable or blacked out tail light covers too for that special look. Adding a spoiler or a rear skirt are two additional awesome looking accessories for any car. Under it All: Performance exhaust systems are all the rage. They are expensive but worth it in many driver’s eyes. Increased performance, a better look, and a million mile warranty are some of the appeals of this mod. On the Inside: Who said floor mats or floor liners have to be boring? Custom fitted Highland floor mats or Husky cargo liners give your interior a clean, sharp look and protect expensive carpeting and flooring. Seat covers, shifter knobs, and gauge covers are all popular add-ons with owners today. To the Wheels: Some cars are now custom fitted with wheel spacers which permit wheel stance to be widened, thereby improving handling. Wheel dust shields are also popular to help keep alloys and tires clean. So, there you have it. Manufacturers of custom fitting accessories have been burning the midnight oil to bring to you products that can truly change the appearance of your car. Indeed, some models -- including the Honda Civic -- have over 200 custom designed accessories available. The more popular the car, the more likely your choices will be greater.

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Tips On Selecting Your Custom Car Cover

If you take extended trips away from home, one of your concerns is the care and protection of your car while away. Unless it is garaged, it is subject to damaging rays from the sun, bug splatter, bird droppings, falling branches, nicks, scrapes, and more. Upon returning from your trip the damage is evident and not easily reversed. You can prevent problems in the first place by installing a custom fit car cover to protect your investment. Not all car covers are created equal, so here are some things you should consider before making your purchase. Car covers are basically all the same, right? Absolutely not! There are car covers which are anything from what is essentially a loose fitting tarp to those like the BMW car cover which are custom designed for the particular make and model of the car. A loose fitting car cover can actually cause more problems than it can help as unwelcome moisture, debris, and harmful UV rays will still be able to get in. When shopping for a car cover consider what it does other than cover your car. Questions to ask include: Does it protect from harmful UV rays? If you live in an intense sun area, such as Florida, you need a car cover offering the maximum protection from the sun. How durable is the material? Will it rip if exposed to ice and snow? Will it resist or completely repel rain? Can it withstand intense heat or intense cold? Will the product resist dust? Some car covers prevent even the finest dust from accumulating. Does the car cover have extra layers to protect from dings? This is important to have if you leave your car in a public lot! In addition, you will want to know if there is a lengthy warranty included, what colors are available, and what are the return policies, if any. Yes, you can even remove and clean some car covers yourself. Those made of super weave material can actually be placed in a washing machine and cleaned using cold to warm water, regular laundry detergent -- without bleach, and dried on your dryer's permanent press cycle. In all cases make sure you strictly follow manufacturer specifications for the proper care of the car cover you purchase.

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Performance Parts 101

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

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Ford Focus Is 'Comfortable And Versatile'

The UK's best selling car at the moment; the Ford Focus, is a comfortable and versatile mode of transport, according to the manufacturers, who claim the latest model is longer and wider than before.

With a variety of body shapes available in several trim levels, the Ford Focus costs from £11,395 on-the-road for the three-door 1.4 Studio model, to £19,200 for the 1.6 16-valve TDCi Titanium estate with Durashift CVT transmission.

The most basic Studio model standard equipment including electrically operated front windows and central locking, while its low car insurance rating in group 4E will have been aided by the array of safety features in and around the vehicle.

These include features such as Ford's Intelligent Protection System, including driver and front passenger airbags, side airbags and front seatbelt pyrotechnic pre-tensioners, while standard anti-lock braking with electronic brake force distribution will help to avoid accidents happening in the first place due to drivers locking up.

Additionally, the ISOFIX seat mounts allow drivers with young families to secure child seats much more easily in the back of the car.

Indeed, Ford manufacturers describe the car as the safest in its class, citing its five star Euro NCAP rating – factors that are crucial in deciding a particular vehicle's motor insurance grouping.

Drivers looking for Ford car insurance may also find the standard security features of interest, such as immobilsers and central locking, which can be operated remotely in the LX models and above.

The Ghia model, which includes various luxury features, is fitted with a Thatcham category one volume sensing alarm, to ward off burglars and keep car insurance claims to an absolute minimum.

Except for the range of high-performance Ford ST models, the maximum motor insurance grouping for any car in the Ford Focus range is 10E, which is generally for the Ghia and Titanium range models.

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Flex Fuel Vehicles: More Choices

Owning a flex fuel vehicle gives motorists options beyond high gas prices at the pump. Depending on the fuel’s availability and local taxes, you could save as much as one third at the pump by fueling up your car with E85, the ethanol/gasoline blend popular with flex fuel vehicles. As additional service stations add flex fuel to their available fuel options, more drivers will consider this alternate fuel source to save money and to help the environment. However, before you make the switch, your vehicle must be designed to run on E85 in the first place. Fortunately, select auto manufacturers are jumping in by offering vehicles that can operate with either E85 or straight gasoline. Let’s take a look at the current offerings available to American consumers.

Surprisingly, not many of the vehicles from Japanese automakers have flex fuel capabilities. Toyota and Honda are concentrating on hybrid technology while also exploring hydrogen power. The American automakers have taken the lead in this all important endeavor and the following vehicles from General Motors, Ford, and DaimlerChrysler all have FFV models available for consumers:

General Motors:

Chevrolet Silverado

Chevrolet Avalanche

GMC Sierra

Chevrolet Suburban

GMC Yukon

Chevrolet Tahoe

Chevrolet Impala

Chevrolet Malibu

Ford Motor Company:

Lincoln Town Car

Ford F-Series

Mercury Gran Marquis

Ford Crown Victoria

Ford Taurus

DaimlerChrysler:

Dodge Durango

Dodge Ram

Dodge Caravan

Chrysler Town & Country

Chrysler Sebring

Dodge Stratus

In addition, several foreign manufacturers also offer E85 technology including: Mercedes and Nissan on current models, while Isuzu and Mazda on past models. Just so you know, not all versions of each model listed have flex fuel capability; check with the dealer to make certain that your model is indeed flex fuel capable.

Yes, the flex fuel movement is growing and as new stations come on line and more vehicles become available, look for consumers to select flex fuel vehicles in greater numbers. Add in two big side benefits of reduced emissions and less dependency on foreign oil, and flex fuel vehicles make a heck of a lot of sense. Will you be going the flex fuel vehicle route?

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Discount Auto Parts: 4 Ways to Save!

If you are in the market to purchase replacement or performance automobile parts, you have several options before you in order to get what you want. Thanks to the internet, you can research your options and narrow down what you need right online. In fact, in many cases, you can order what you need right from the ease of your desktop. Still, some sources are better than others and you really need to know what you are buying before purchasing parts from anyone.

The following are four options for finding parts:

Salvage Yards. Also known as junk yards, salvage yards provide cheap parts for just about any type of vehicle. You just need to know if the particular make/model you own is sitting somewhere on site. The larger junkyards inventory their cars and with that information you can find exactly where the vehicle is located. Prices are usually very reasonably, but you must remember that the part you are purchasing is used and quality levels can vary from junker to junker. Salvage yards are a particularly good place to shop if you need a door panel, fender, or other body component.

Retail Stores. The large chain stores typically have something for everyone. Sale prices can be good, but selection may be limited to a few key brands. Replacement parts for less common vehicles can be harder to find. Some parts are subject to big mark ups, particularly with retailers who rely upon intermediary suppliers for their entire inventory.

Car Dealers. New car dealers are an excellent place to find replacement parts. They should be if they feature your particular make/model vehicle. The larger dealers generally have well stocked parts departments right on site. The drawback is often their prices typically reflect big mark ups. You’ll pay through the nose if you have a dealer install anything for you too.

Wholesalers. Most reputable wholesalers are now marketing their inventory right online. The advantage to you is a wider product selection, lower prices, ease of ordering, and quick service. Shop only with those wholesalers who have a toll free number listed where you can contact a live person, if needed. Go with those wholesalers offering free shipping, typically available on orders exceeding $50. You can save big with a well known wholesaler, such as the Auto Parts Warehouse, as they cut out the middle man to offer you the lowest prices across the board.

As with any transaction, check your parts carefully as some retailers unknowingly stock counterfeit parts. Make certain that you can return whatever you purchase if a problem comes up. Use a credit card to back up with your purchase with the credit card issuer’s guarantee.

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Diesel Engines: Tap the Advantage!

If you own a diesel powered vehicle, you probably appreciate the inherent qualities of this type of engine. More torque, better fuel economy, easier maintenance are some of the attributes of owning a diesel powered vehicle. Still, some motorists complain about the engine’s weak power, particularly when accelerating from a full stop. What you may not know is that a diesel engine can be tweaked to produce more power without harming fuel economy. Let’s take a look at diesel engines and what you can do to squeeze out more power.

Thanks to the work of one man, Rudolf Diesel, we have a choice when it comes to driving. Besides hybrid or rotary engines, the chief way most vehicles run is via a gasoline powered internal combustion engine. However, with Diesel’s 1892 patent of the engine that bears his name, diesel power has played a significant role in powering buses and trucks across North America. Some passenger vehicles, particularly pick up trucks, are also diesel powered giving motorists an option to gasoline.

Diesel engines have the following advantages over their gasoline counterparts:

Diesels use air compression to create combustion versus the air/fuel mixture required by gasoline powered cars. This attribute means that diesel engines do not require spark plugs and thus do not have to be tuned up.

Diesel fuel has a higher fuel density than gasoline resulting in fuel economy increases of 20-30% over comparable gasoline powered models.

Diesel engines are cheaper to maintain as they have less parts vs. a gasoline engine. The lifespan of a diesel engine is also significantly longer.

If it is torque you need, particularly for pulling a boat, camper, or equipment, than a diesel engine has the advantage. A diesel engine is definitely slower especially when starting from a dead stop, but when climbing hills or going over bridges, your diesel powered vehicle can definitely handle the challenge.

So, why aren’t more vehicles built in North America diesel powered? A few reasons including:

Stricter emissions control standards. Diesel engines pollute more, so not many manufacturers have improved upon the technology to produce an engine that is environmentally friendly. However, several upcoming engines from VW and others may change all of that.

Not enough power. Yes, a common complaint, even with turbo diesels, is that the engines are not powerful enough. North American drivers are accustomed to getting on the highway with a minimum amount of effort. With a diesel engine, it can take as much as twice as long to get up to full speed.

Fortunately, several aftermarket product developers are helping motorists squeeze out more power from their diesel engines. Performance programmers, made for specific diesel engines, are helping motorists see a nice spike in horsepower as well as increases in torque. The beauty of some of these aftermarket parts is that they don’t harm fuel economy. In fact, some claim to help improve it.

Yes, the number of diesel powered passenger vehicles presently on North American highways is presently very small; however with newer, cleaner and stronger engines on the way, you may soon find yourself opting for a diesel powered vehicle too.

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Catalytic Converter Fires: A Real Danger!

Driving down the street with the setting sun at his back, Bob Cummins navigated around parked cars and fire hydrants to find the right place to park. It just wasn’t something that was easy to do – finding a vacant spot – on his narrow, winding suburban street. Wedged between two business districts, Bob’s block was frequently filled with cars from outside the area, taking away from the already limited on street parking. While he knew he could simply pull into his own driveway and park, he also knew that he’d have to move vehicles around later when his wife, Susan, returned home with the kids.

Glancing out of his right mirror he noticed it and slammed on his breaks. A car pulled out of a spot down the street behind him and its driver pulled into a nearby driveway and exited the car. Bob slowly backed up halfway down the block and slipped his Volvo XC90 into the empty spot. A little tight, he thought, as he left just enough room between the driveway in front of him and the car behind him for his SUV. Within moments Bob left the comfort of his Volvo and stepped inside the foyer of his center hall colonial.

Less than ten minutes later the sounds of sirens filled the neighborhood. At first, Bob did not give it much thought, but as the sirens drew closer he decided to step outside to investigate. To his utter horror, a car just two houses down from his home was engulfed in flames. Within moments his worst fears were confirmed: his new Volvo XC90 was on fire! Minutes later the fire was extinguished but Bob's SUV was destroyed.

An important part of your vehicle’s emission system is the catalytic converter. It is tasked with reducing harmful emissions that pollute the atmosphere and it has been a part of nearly every passenger vehicle built since the mid 1970s. Unfortunately, the catalytic converter can also run very hot and, at the same time, spark ignition of anything that it comes into contact with. In Bob’s case, it was his 2005 Volvo that was parked directly over a small leaf pile that started the fire that destroyed his XC90.

When parking your vehicle, take care to make sure that no debris is on the ground directly underneath your car. Even a small pile of dried out leaves can be just enough fodder for a fire. In the case of a high profile vehicle, such as the XC90, the clearance between the bottom of your vehicle and the ground is higher, meaning you many not notice anything underneath when backing into an empty parking space.

Hundreds of vehicle fires every year are attributed to motorists who park their cars over leaves; unfortunately this practice almost always results in the total loss of the vehicle due to excessive fire damage.

Play it safe when parking your car, truck, van, or SUV by examining the area underneath it to make sure that is completely free of all debris.

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Cargo Liner Essentials and Information

The proliferation of available pick up trucks on the market has yielded quite a few useful aftermarket accessories to enhance the ownership experience. Trucks from Ford, Chevrolet/GMC, Dodge, Toyota, Nissan, and Honda are all being marketed to businesses as well as to individuals who prize the versality of these types of vehicles. If you own a pick up truck, more than likely you extensively use the cargo bed as you transport wood, gravel, home supplies, or other heavy duty items. To protect your cargo bed from damage, quality custom made cargo liners offer ample protection for your vehicle that no off the shelf product can possibly equal. Let's take a look at some key features that make custom made liners a smart buy.

Liners from Husky are among the select brands on the market offering premium protection for your SUV or truck as they made to exacting specifications to produce the following importaint characteristics:

Every liner is designed to the precise specifications of your vehicle’s cargo bed. There is no "one-size-fits-all" style made.

Custom liners are produced from tough polyethylene materials to stay supple in a variety of weather conditions: from summer's intense heat to winter's extreme cold.

High quality liners contain molded-in tread patterns that grips onto cargo. This means that whatever you decide to place in the back of your truck will not shift around.

Many custom made liners not only cover the bed bottom but the interior sides as well.

Able to resist moisture including snow, ice, hail, sleet, and rain; can properly contain mud, dirt, gas, oil, even battery acid.

Quality cargo liners are available in three important colors: gray, black, and tan to match or pleasantly contrast just about any vehicle produced.

In addition, not like off the shelf models, custom made cargo liners are thicker, much more able to resist abuse, and even have a better look to them. Since you paid a lot of money for your vehicle, why would you select a product that is costly, won't last, and looks terrible? Instead, choose a custom designed cargo liner that is certain to hold up over time, through a variety of conditions, and still look great years later.

Finally, a cargo liner will add value to your truck. Once time comes for you to trade in your truck for the latest model, your cargo liner will be credited with helping you maximize your trade in value: no scratches, dents, or dings thanks to your properly fitted custom cargo liner!

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