Caring For Your Motorcycle When It's Being Stored

As the weather gets cooler, is your motorcycle ready to be put up for the winter? Even if you plan to ride your bike through the cold winter months, here are some ideas on winter care. Or, maybe your have another reason for not riding your bike: travel, business or family commitments. The good news is that this shouldn't take more than a few hours of work to be sure that your motorcycle will remain in tip-top condition in terms of looks, mechanical condition and trouble free riding. First, be sure the fuel system is drained and conditioned. The best way to do this is to get the level as low as you can, then add a fuel stabilizer additive. Then run your bike for a few miles to be sure the additive gets into and through the entire fuel system. Then, when your ready to ride, simple fill up with fresh gas and you're ready to go. Next be sure and clean you motorcycle thoroughly. Use a good degreasing agent to get rid of all that grime that collected over the past several months. Be sure to remember to get the brakes and suspension systems. Clean out the brake calipers with a brake cleaner and re-lubricate. Make sure that your bike is completely dry. If you have compressed air available, use it. Next re-lubricate the motorcycle. Be sure to cover the brakes (calipers and discs) to protect them during this process. Be sure to get all of the joints and pivots points. Regular chain lube is usually good enough for moving parts and surfaces. Finally, the use of a corrosion treatments is recommended (not for brakes). Use a good wax to coat and polish the surfaces. Again, avoid the brakes. Get the tires up and off of the ground. If you have a center stand, great. If not, invest in a pair of stands to get the bike up. They will pay for themselves numerous times. Save yourself the grief of needing a new battery come spring by using a battery tender. Like getting the tires up, this investment will pay for itself over and over again. Finally, invest in a cover for your motorcycle. Make sure it breathes so condensation won't occur. These are just a few ideas to keep your bike in great shape when not being ridden for an extended period. A small amount of time and investment will result in a huge time and money savings later.

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Tips For Keeping Up With Automotive Recalls

You hear about automotive recalls all the time in the newspaper, on the Internet, as well as on the nightly news. Amazingly, one in 12 cars traveling the roads today were recalled for one reason or another in 2003. However, even more amazing is the fact that only one third of the owners of the recalled vehicles chose to take their car in for the needed repairs. The car manufacturers are required to send out letters informing owners of these vehicles of the recall, regardless of whether it is a major or minor event. Also, the information regarding the recall is delivered to consumers in so many different mediums it is almost impossible that owners of the affected vehicles do not learn of the problems. However, people seem to think that if they are not experiencing any problems at the moment then the recall affects all of the other vehicles instead of theirs and end up ignoring the recall. This is negligence and simply asking for the problem with the car to crop up. However, if this happens after the recall then it is the owners fault because they were given the information and allowed to fix the problem free of charge yet they simply ignored it. As long as car manufactures report the recall and inform owners of the vehicles as they are required to do by law, it is up to the consumer to take advantage of the recall and have their automobile fixed. If not, then the owner is taking the risk. If you have not heard anything about car recalls or just bought a used vehicle and want to find out if the manufacturer issued any recalls then you should check out www.nhtsa.gov or www.autorecalls.org to see if your car is listed. Both of these websites have all the information about recalls over the past years so you can search through the year, make, and model of a vehicle to see if yours is listed. It is very likely you will see your car listed on one of these website because more than 31 million cars were recalled in 2004. That is almost unbelievable considering the amount of technology used in developing cars as well as the fact that cars are safer than they have ever been. However, it is true that mistakes are still taking places and consumers are buying vehicles with basic problems like fuses or major problems with gas lines, tires, and seats buckling in crashes. Regardless of whether or not you believe you are driving a safe car you need to check out the websites stated above every few months just to make sure your vehicle has not ended up on the list. If it has, don’t fall into the two thirds of individuals who never respond to the recall. Instead, head to the nearest dealership or authorized mechanic who can make the free repairs to your vehicle. Why so many people don’t have time for free repairs is beyond me, but knowing your vehicle has a problem that could be potentially fatal for you and your family and that a free repair is available should be enough to motivate you to have the repair taken care of. Another thing to keep in mind is that simple problems with your vehicle that result in a visit to the mechanic may not be a problem you are required to pay for. Millions of Americans each year take their cars to the mechanic for a basic repair, or even a major one, assuming something went wrong and they simply need to fix it. Unfortunately, many of these individuals never check to see if the problem was due to a recall and end up paying for a repair that might be free or discounted by the automobile manufacturer. So, armed with this knowledge the next time your vehicle has even the slightest problem make sure you check and see if the car has been recalled for similar problems and if you can get free repairs or discounted ones at the least. It is certainly worth checking out and could save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Who Issues Recalls? In general, the reason so many people don’t respond to recalls is because they simply don’t understand the recall process. The NHTSA , National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration, is responsible for investigating consumer complaints regarding specific vehicles and problems associated with them. After several consumers have reported the same or similar problem to the NHTSA for the same model vehicle an investigation is launched. The point of the NHTSA investigation is to determine whether the consumer caused the problem or malfunction in some way or if the manufacturer of the vehicle is at fault. If the manufacturer is determined to be at fault then the owners of affected models will receive information in the mail regarding the recall of the vehicle with information included on how they can have the problem corrected free of charge. However, the NHTSA is not always the one who issues a recall. Occasionally, the manufacturer realizes a problem exists in a certain model vehicle and will voluntarily issue a recall. Of course, the NHTSA is informed as well, and the same letter is sent to owners of the vehicle letting them know the problem with the vehicle and how to correct it. Many times, however, a recall does not affect all models of a particular year. For example, if a recall is issued on 2005 Ford Explorers more than likely it will only affect a certain batch of these vehicles and not all of them. However, if you own a vehicle of that make and year then you can take it to the dealership and the service department will run the VIN, or vehicle identification number, to determine if in fact your vehicle is affected by the recall. If so, then you can have the repairs made at no cost. If not, then you can head home knowing your vehicle is safe and sound. Just keep in mind, however, each year millions of cars are recalled for various reasons and you should always take your car in if you suspect the recall might apply to your vehicle or if you receive a recall letter. Don’t take your safety for granted, especially if the repair for the recalled vehicle is free.

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Safety Instructions About Forklifts

Forklifts are industrial vehicles made to take the place of manual lifting and manual work. There are two “forks” or arms located at the front of the vehicle that are used to lift, lower, stack and unstack heavy loads. The loads are usually stacked on top of wooden pallets that the arms or forks fit into to bring a large quantity of things up or down at once. The drivers cause almost 50% of accidents involving forklifts. Normally, the driver has hit a pedestrian. Therefore, forklifts and people should not be in the vicinity of each other. Some other forklift related accidents include: Forklift tipping over and overturning Collision with other vehicles or stationary objects Part of the operator's body leaning out of the cabin and hitting an object The load falling off the pallets There are things that can be done by the employee to reduce the number of forklift accidents. First, the driver should always perform a pre-safety check of the vehicle before operating. Once the driver sees that all is in tact, while driving the vehicle the driver should use safe handling procedures of the load. This includes paying close attention to the load limit of each particular forklift. Since forklifts are a gas-powered vehicle, gasoline limits and storage should be carefully observed. In addition to safe fuel use, the battery also needs to be handled and cared for properly to ensure safety. Here are a few safety procedures that should be followed by all employees. Some of them may seem like common sense, but they are so important that they are in need of repeating. Passengers on forklifts to be strictly forbidden, unless there is a separate seat provided with a restraint Other people kept clear when forklift is operating Operator should take care when moving between artificial and natural light Load made secure and lowered to safe centre of gravity before carrying Sudden stops and starts are to be avoided No part of the operator's body to protrude beyond the overhead protection Ramps not to be used unless the forklift operator is trained in their use Operator to remain seated and secured at all times Forklift to operate within a designated area, separate from pedestrians Operator to remain in the cabin when a forklift overturns Most importantly: PEOPLE SHOULD NEVER BE RAISED ON THE FORKLIFT OR THE PALLETS IF THERE IS NO OTHER WAY TO LIFT A WORKER, A PROPER WORK PLATFORM MUST BE USED In addition to checking the vehicle daily for safety hazards, the workplace should also be checked for the following: Power-lines Blind corners Pedestrian areas Low doorways Uneven floors Ramps Overhead pipes and fittings Confined spaces Adequate lighting Noise Above all else, a training coarse must be completed before attempting to drive or operate a forklift. Besides formal instruction, the training must include practical training (such as demonstrations) and an evaluation of the operator in the workplace to assure that he can operate the forklift safely. Initial training content must consist of both truck-related topics and workplace-related topics. Some truck-related topics include: operating instructions, warnings and precautions specific to the trucks the employee will be authorized to operate differences between the truck and the automobile truck controls and instrumentation engine or motor operation steering and maneuvering visibility fork and attachment adaptation, operation and use limitations; vehicle capacity vehicle stability any vehicle inspection and maintenance that the operator must perform; refueling and/or charging and recharging of batteries operating limitations any other information from the forklift operator's manual. Some workplace related topics include: surface conditions where the vehicle will be operated composition of loads and load stability load manipulation, stacking and unstacking pedestrian traffic narrow aisles and other restricted places where the vehicle will be operated any hazardous (classified) locations, such as flammable storage areas, where the vehicle will be operated ramps and other sloped surfaces; closed environments and other areas where insufficient ventilation or poor vehicle maintenance could cause a buildup of carbon monoxide or diesel exhaust; and other unique or potentially hazardous environmental conditions in the workplace.

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Wide Open Spaces – How To Share The Roads Peacefully With Trucks

On your local news program, you may hear stories about an “out of control” truck wiping out a car load of people or destroying property. The media sensationalizes the facts, often putting most of the blame with the truckers. However, many times that is not the case. For the most part, truckers are responsible drivers who are diligent about road safety. Not only are they making sure they adhere to the rules of the road, but they also have to keep an eye on the nincompoop drivers of passenger vehicles who think they are the exception to the rules. There are a few common problems that truckers come across with motorists. These problems are often also the ones most sited on insurance claims. Are you guilty of any of these practices?: 1. Brake this habit – Everyone at one point or another gets stuck behind a large truck. So the most logical next step is to change lanes to pass the truck. No problems with that … the problem lies in a vehicle cutting back into the truck’s lane right in front of them, then braking for a turn or just slowing down, period. What most motorists don’t take into account is that truckers need a lot of space in order to slow down, at least two to three times the amount of passenger vehicles. 2. Peek-a-boo! – Now you see them, now you don’t. This peek-a-boo game is very troublesome to truckers. Large trucks have several blind spots which make it hard for the drivers to see other motorists who like to hang out there. The best thing that you can do is either pass the truck or stay a comfortable distance behind them. When in doubt, check for the trucker’s side view mirrors. If you can see them, then chances are that they might be able to see you too. 3. Back up and try again – In this day and age of technology, people are more accustomed to instant results and hate waiting for anything. Unfortunately, when big trucks have to back into a space, it may take a few tries to succeed. Motorists should appreciate the fact that these trucks are bigger than they are and let the truckers do their job. Patience can be a virtue! 4. Teach a lesson – Some drivers of passenger vehicles like to try and “teach” truckers a lesson. Sometimes, drivers think that the big trucks are either going too fast or slow. So they’ll speed up to pass the trucker, then get back in the trucker’s lane and slow down! Many parents tell their kids, “Worry about yourself,” and it would be smart for other motorists to heed that advice. Leave it to the troopers and policemen to enforce the laws of the road. Common sense is what all these problems boil down to. Each person driving on the road is in charge of themselves. By exercising a little of that common sense, many accidents involving big trucks and passenger vehicles could be avoided. That old adage, “It is better to be safe than sorry,” certainly applies!

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Top 10 Buying Tips For Buying A Car

1. Money: Make sure you know what is your budget. Never exceed the amount you can afford. For instance if your income is 50,000$ USD, you shouldn’t spend more than 25,000$ on the car because the car will may become a finical problem to you. 2. Personal need: Ask yourself what is the purpose of the car. Decide whether you want a 4 door sedan or a 6 people van. Look into what class and what kind car you want. If the purpose of the car is just purposely transportation, then don’t look into luxurious cars such as Benz or BMW. Or whether the car is for family purpose or personal love of car then you can decide whether you want a SUV or Sports Car. 3. Difference Brand: Once you decide what type of car you want. Look at different brands that has similar cars. For instance, if you are looking into the Lexus IS, also look into the Nissan G35, BMW 3 series, Acura TL, Cadillac CTS. You get the point. The reason why is because the price range from the same class can range from 30,000 to 45,000 which is a lot of money. Therefore, you should go test drive and find out exactly which car you want. 4. Buying it New or Used. After you decide what car you want. Start researching online on how much does the new car and the used car cost. Make you sure researching on many dealerships as well. You can save up to 1,000$ USD. Personally, I would like to buy a new car over a used car, but if there’s a good deal on used car, then you should reconsider and decide yourself. 5. Finance. Try to reduce the finance rate as low as possible to benefit you more. Try to look for the best plan for you and communicate with the dealer. 6. Communication with the Seller. Now this is the tricky part. Dealers usually jacked up the price of the individual car because they can make more money if they make sales. Therefore, to prevent spending extra money, you should do your homework by reaching how much your car is really worth and make offers to the dealers instead of them making offer to you. 7. Mileage. There no doubt that the price of gas will continue to go up. Therefore, it might be a good idea to consider how much you are willing to spend on gas. You want to find a good car with good mileage. 8. Insurance Cost. Different car also have different insurance rate even when they are in the same class. The insurance cost should definitely be a factor to consider when you are comparing with other cars. 9. Maintenance Cost. Maintenance Cost for cars also varies for different car. For instance Benz will charge over 100$ just for an oil change while Toyota may charge 25$. 10. Warranty. This should be the last thing you look at when you buy a car. Look at what the warranty covers and compare with it other car companies

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The World Of Collection Cars

Collection cars are highly sought and even have special trade shows dedicated to their very existence. In the world of collectors, you have mechanics who can rebuild old cars to look new, individuals who have protected the original beauty of the car without extensive restoration or collectors who completely build collection cars from the ground up. Every year, collectors gather at shows around the world in order to view a variety of collection cars together in one place. Early camaros, vintage mustangs and other muscle cars or trucks are just a few of the collection cars that are showcased at trade shows. In exchange for an entry fee, event organizers accept collection cars into their show and award prizes for the top entrants. All collection cars are judged by preselected experts, who decide which are the best of the lot so to speak. Collection cars are not only nice to look at, but they also bring a pretty price for their owners. Antique and collection cars are highly sought among collectors, but are also popular among those who simply wish to reminisce about their glory days. In addition, many collection cars are purchased for investment purposes. If preserved, collection cars may continue to increase in value during the years to come. If entered into additional car shows, they may continue to win awards or garner media attention that will make them even more desirable. Collection cars will not be found at the local car dealership, but they are close by for the enthusiast who doesn’t mind doing their research. Some of the best places to search for collection cars are specialty magazines, the local newspaper’s classified ad section, televised or local trade shows, and even online. Before purchasing anything online, buyers are urged to conduct due diligence on the automobile. An in-person inspection, along with a mechanic’s observation, should be conducted prior to signing on the dotted line. Quite often, collection cars are invited to participate in local parades. No matter the time of year, these auto enthusiasts are anxious to showcase their set of wheels and are proud to ride as part of many parades on an annual basis. Many collection cars can be entered into parades by contacting the local city hall to inquire about participation. Everyone loves collection cars, including those who don’t characterize themselves as collection car enthusiasts. From the professional mechanic to the hopeful auto designer and the child who isn’t even old enough to sit behind the steering wheel, collection cars are a sight to behold and are celebrated by all who appreciate classic detail at it’s finest.

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Saving Big With Hybrid Cars

In America, a standard automobile gets an average of 20.4 miles per gallon. With the innovative hybrid technology, consumers can expect to get a lot more mileage for their dollar. According to researchers, the Honda Insight was designed specifically for the purpose of getting the best gas mileage and is said to be the current industry leader in this type of hybrid savings. Just how much of a difference will consumers see with the Honda Insight hybrid cars? Studies have shown that hybrid cars featuring a manual transmission will get approximately 60 miles per gallon in the city and 66 miles per gallon on the highway. Hybrid cars with an automatic transmission generally provide slightly less than 57 miles per gallon in the city and 56 miles per gallon on the highway. The brand new 2006 Honda Civic hybrid cars are only manufactured with an automatic transmission and provide an approximate 50 miles per gallon on the highway and/or the city. As expected, hybrid cars will get better mileage per gallon than that of a hybrid SUVs. The Ford Escape, for example, provides 36 miles per gallon in the city and 31 miles per gallon on the highway. Even with these numbers, the hybrid Escape is rated to provide better gas mileage than the non-hybrid Escape, which is only said to provide 22 miles per gallon in the city and 25 miles per gallon on the highway. The most popular reason for consumers to purchase hybrid cars is because they are economical. With the recent rise in gasoline prices, consumers were left searching for an automobile that could provide better gas mileage and found just that in hybrid cars. In addition to their fuel friendly design, hybrid cars are no longer confined to one or two cookie cutter designs. In fact, today’s hybrid cars are available in a variety of sizes, colors and are manufactured by a several automobile makers. With all of the aforementioned benefits, many wonder just how much the convenience of saving money will cost. Surprisingly, hybrid cars are not drastically priced above other non-hybrid automobiles. In fact, hybrid cars & SUVs can be found in prices ranging from $20,000 to $50,000 for standard models, but may cost more depending on chosen upgrades. The new hybrid cars are available in the look of typical highway automobiles or those designed with a unique flair. Either way, the manufacturers of hybrid cars believe that while appearance is important, the most important thing about these new technologically advanced autos is the fact that they are both environmentally and wallet friendly.

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Tire Maintenance Critical To Keep Your Car Rolling Smoothly

By properly maintaining your tires, you could potentially be avoiding uneven wear, poor performance and possibly even a blowout. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, tire failures or blowouts are believed to contribute to over 400 deaths and 10,000 injuries in the United States every year. Even with those figures being made public, the surprising factor is that statistics have shown some drivers still fail to follow the basic tire maintenance guidelines that could help to prevent such occurrences. In addition to overloading, under-inflation is one of the leading causes of tire failure. Simply put, this means putting too much air or not enough into the tires. Either of these can cause stress and excessive heat, which can lead to tire problems and may even result in a blowout or a car crash. Many do not realize how much the change in outdoor temperature can actually affect a car, but it can. In fact, it can even affect the rate at which tires lose air and this is especially true during the warm spring and summer months. During a normal month, tires will lose approximately one or two pounds of pressure. During the warmer months, that number is even greater. The best way to avoid any tire-related mishap is to check your tire’s pressure every time you fill up your car’s fuel tank. At the very least, tire pressure should be checked once every month and prior to leaving for a long road trip. If you are uncomfortable checking the tires yourself, simply stop by the local auto repair shop and ask for assistance. If you do have a blowout while driving, it is crucial that you not panic and slam on the breaks. This may be the first instinct, but it is a very bad move. In doing so, you may end up causing your car to swerve and potentially put you at risk for a much more serious accident. Instead, gradually apply the break until you have regained control over the vehicle. At that time, slowly guide your car to a safe area as far away from the road as possible. The best way to avoid any type of tire failure is to take the appropriate steps to ensure they are in the best working condition possible. This would include regular inspections and checking the air pressure often. With the proper maintenance, a potential problem can be diagnosed before it occurs and will help to ensure you and your family will arrive at your destination safely.

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Selecting The Best Used Car For Your Lifestyle

When shopping for a used car, it is important to select one that best fits your lifestyle. For example, if you live in an area that is prone to harsh winters with a lot of snow, a 4-wheel-drive will likely be a good choice. However, these automobiles use more gasoline than a compact car. So, if gasoline consumption is at the top of your list for concerns, a smaller automobile may be the best option. When you purchase a used car, it’s also important to understand the varying cost of insurance. Automobile coverage for an SUV, for example, is more expensive than a smaller vehicle. The same is true of a sports car, which will likely garner an increased cost of insurance. The next thing to consider is the style of the used car. If you have children, a van or SUV may be the best way to accommodate everyone comfortably and still have plenty of storage space. If you are single and just want to have a reliable mode of transportation, a smaller car will more than suffice. If you plan to travel often or will be adding a lot of mileage, your best bet would be to find a used car with the lowest mileage possible. Another selection will include the choice of either an automatic or manual transmission. What about doors? Do you a prefer two or four door automobile? This is an option that most people don’t really think about right away, but it is an important one nonetheless. A four door used car is very convenient for loading luggage or groceries and it also makes it really convenient for passengers to climb in and out of. When it comes to interior, car owners will have the option of selecting from cloth and leather. Each has their benefits and drawbacks, so which one is right for you? Leather is excellent when it comes to cleaning up spills, but fabric interior is more susceptible to stains. Leather is often very hot to the touch on sunny days whereas fabric interior is comfortable even on the warmest day. Both will show tears and require their own method of maintenance. When searching for the perfect used car to fit your lifestyle, carefully consider the cost before deciding to purchase. Monthly payments can be high even on a used car, so think about the budget and what you can afford prior to signing on the dotted line.

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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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Why Fuel Prices Go Up?

Numerous forces can influence the price of gas at the pump, but fuel costs are only one part in the vast web of global economics. Gas prices have an impact on other parts of the economy as well. There are immediate effects of rising prices - that feeling of stunned disbelief as the numbers climb and climb while you fill your tank. There are secondary effects as well. You might decide against a long road trip because the gas would cost too much. When it comes time to buy a car, you might decide against a gas-guzzling SUV and find something with better mileage instead. Price increases generally occur when the world crude-oil market tightens and lowers inventories. Also, growing demand can sometimes outpace refinery capacity. Gas prices also vary from state to state for several reasons. Taxes are probably the biggest factor in the different prices around the country. Additionally, competition among local gas stations can drive prices down. Distance from the oil refineries can also affect prices -- stations closer to the Gulf of Mexico, where many oil refineries are located, have lower gas prices due to lower transportation costs. There are also some regional factors that can affect prices. World events, wars and weather can also raise prices. Anything that affects any part of the process, from the moment the oil is drilled, through refining and distribution to your car will result in a change in price. Military conflicts in parts of the world with lots of oil supplies can make it difficult for oil companies to drill and ship crude oil. Hurricanes have damaged offshore drilling platforms, coastal refineries and shipping ports that receive oil tankers. If a tanker itself is lost or damaged, or leaks its oil into the ocean, that will put a dent in the market as well. In some regions of the country, gasoline is required to meet higher environmental standards in order to reduce the amount of smog created by burning gasoline. Producing this cleaner-burning gasoline can cause problems in refining, distribution and storage, which increases the cost of gas.

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What Will We Drive When There Will Be No Fossil Fuels Left?

Filled up your car at the pump lately? Did it pinch? Sure it did, with oil prices rising like the summer temperature there’s no respite. There is not much that our government can do about it, there is one reality facing us all in the face, oil reserves around the world are depleting and the day is not far when oil will cost $5, $10 maybe $100 a gallon!. The ultimate truth is that we will have no oil in the times to come and we need to develop alternative fuels now and begin using them too. Governments are trying their hand at promoting electric hybrid cars, compressed natural gas cars etc but the scale is not large. Every alternative fuel has some advantages and some limitations it’s the balance of these which makes it a viable alternative to fossil fuels. Cars that run on electric power do not emit any harmful emissions but they are less powerful and need frequent recharges. Cars that run on compressed natural gas also suffer from a drop in power and can carry only 100kms worth of gas since gas is hard to carry around and the tank is heavy and expensive. Hydrogen technology seems the best bet but it needs to have the necessary infrastructure (filling stations, installation points etc) and also needs to be made safe for public use. Developed countries must pool their resources and develop fuels for tomorrow rather than wasting resources on going to space and fighting wars. For if we have no fuel how will we fill up the space shuttle and the jet planes that fight wars? Bicycling is also a good alternative, we should learn from Amsterdam which has as many cycles as residents. Or we could go back to th days of old and ride on horses and ponies, well that would be quite a sight. Imagine having a parking lot for horses and people in their business suits riding on thoroughbred horses to work! Life without petrol and diesel is going to be future reality and how fast we develop alternative fuels is what will determine what we ride tomorrow, cars or ponies.

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Internet the World’s Biggest Auto Marketplace

The next time you need to sell or buy a used car you don’t need to rush to dealers and spend precious time negotiating the best deal. The internet has come to the rescue once again. Following the success of various classifieds sites including job sites, dating sites, real estate site etc auto classifieds sites are the next big thing. Online used cars & bike classifieds are a big draw for buyers and sellers because of the many features they offer which conventional newspaper classifieds lack. Features of Online Auto Classifieds: 1. Full page color ads 2. Multiple photos of your vehicle 3. Country wide ad listing for long periods up to three months 4. Personal account & response management system 5. Privacy options (manage responses via online mailbox only) These features are available to users of most auto classifieds websites such as Indimoto.com. Users can search according to various parameters such as city, make, model, year etc and get the exact match they are looking for much easier than browsing through pages and pages of newspaper classifieds. US based sites such as Edmunds.com have gone a step further and conduct their own research on used cars to ascertain the desirability and pricing of various models in the used car market. An Indian auto classifieds site Indimoto.com has gone a step further and introduced separate sections for cars, bikes and commercial vehicles. Indimoto.com is also India’s first carpool site where users can search and post carpool ads. Its not just individual users who are using these sites, car dealers are finding it very beneficial to sell their vehicle inventory online considering the many features on offer. For people who do not know or use the internet dealers can help in selling their vehicle via these auto classifieds sites. You must be wondering about how much it costs to post an ad on such sites. Certain sites are paid sites while sites such as Indimoto.com are completely free to use. Financially it makes a lot of sense to use auto portals since buyers and sellers never need to pay any commission or brokerage for deals done via the site. The site gets buyers in touch with the sellers directly. So the next time you need to buy or sell a used car or bike look no further that the internet.

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How to buy a used car

Think of buying a car as a game of poker, the seller is your opponent he may be bluffing he may not, but just as you would at a poker room in a casino you have to try to read the seller like you would in a poker room in a casino. Always remember to keep your eyes and ears open, when talking to someone about a used car. Make sure to ask lots of questions. In a casino you are risking your money, in hopes of getting a big return, but when buying a car you just want to get your moneys worth, you want a car that will be reliable and dependable. You do not want a car that wont start on cold days or that stalls until its been running for a half hour. Make sure to check the undercarriage and under the hood for rust. To a car rust is like cancer. Once rust is found it will spread unless it is cut off and replaced. Under the car and in the engine compartment you will find some rust it is only natural, but you want it to only be surface rust. This means if you take a wire brush to the rusted area you will brush off the rust and get to clean metal. Next make sure to check the body of the car, for waves and any bubbling in the paint, this would indicate that the car was in an accident or some rust was incorrectly repaired. It is not uncommon for someone selling a car to have rust spots sanded down and painted over to give the car a fresh look, but what will happen is after a month or two the paint will start to bubble as the metal begins to rust again. Next, look at the motor and mechanical parts under the hood of the car. The engine should be relatively clean from motor oil. If you see large buildups of oil in an area then chances are a head gasket will need to be replaces because of an oil leak. All electrical and rubber parts should be checked for cracks. Cracks in rubber parts means that the rubber is old and dried out and will probably need to be replaced eventually. Make sure to ask the owner if he has all the receipts for any work that has been done to the vehicle. Another important piece of advice is to make sure to take the car for a good test drive. Do not be afraid to drive the car a little hard with the owner with you in the car, chances are they will understand, if they object then maybe there is something with the car they are trying to hide and you should move on to another car. Many people will tell you that buying a used car is a gamble but if you take a good hard look at each car, and not get impulsive to buy, you can remove any gamble and guarantee yourself a jackpot of a car.

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How Can an Engine Produce More Horsepower? Part I The Basics

So you have a lead foot (and the tickets to show for it). You want to put the pedal down and have a little more power to the pavement (don’t we all). Then let’s talk about the basics of how your engine produces power, no matter if it is a 4 cylinder rice burner or a mammoth V-8 brimming out of your hood. Let’s start with the basics. As a Crew Chief in the United States Air Force, jet engine combustion was always taught in the simplest of terms: Suck, Squeeze, Bang, Blow. Yes it sounds like a sultry movie you would watch at a pay by hour motel, but it will all make sense in a second. Let’s start with the first part of our friendly Department of Defense taught equation. Literally your engine “sucks”oxygen. Now follow me on this one Homer, the air from the outside travels through an intake tube to a manifold all the way into the cylinder chamber. So why do we need more oxygen? Good Question. We need the maximum amount of ambient air to fill each cylinder chamber (no matter if you have 4 or 10 of them) on the down stroke of a combustion cycle with one of the magical ingredients that produce horsepower: you guessed it, oxygen . Why? Keep reading. At this point after our “suck” part of the equation is complete, we move on too the “squeeze” part. The valve that allowed the air to enter the cylinder chamber closes and the cylinder moves upwards and squeezes the air that was “sucked” in, at the same time fuel is introduced to the chamber at this point. Now if you where a Boy Scout or had gone through Combat Survival like I did, then you know you need three things to make fire. Air (oxygen), Fuel (gasoline), and Ignition (sparkplugs, more on these later). Now we are condensing the air and the fuel, making a nice packed (and denser) concoction for a nice fire, well really an explosion. How? Keep reading. I like fireworks, and that is what you have for the third part of our equation, “bang”. Now we are cooking, with that oxygen and fuel all compressed and ready to explode. Remember I told you about the ignition, you know the sparkplugs. These little puppies produce a high intensity spark that are going to ignite that condensed concoction we have been talking about. Bang, ignition, an explosion happens and this is really where the horsepower happens. Why? Well at this point the cylinder is pushed down at X amount of force. That X amount of force is dependant on a lot of factors, which when you get right down to it is where horsepower is made. How? Because that little explosion pushes the cylinder down, in turn will push one of your other cylinders up and then that little explosion happens again. It’s a tough vicious cycle, rotating continuously, producing what is better known as horsepower. Let’s move on. So we have sucked, squeezed, banged and now we need to blow (you’re a pervert). The exhaust valve opens up and lets out the carbon dioxide that are left over after our little explosion inside the combustion chamber. Now this little cycle, which happens in milliseconds, is reproduced thousands of times a minute. You know your tachometer, RPM (revolutions per minutes), that is about how many times this cycle of combustion happens in one minute. There you go this is the very basics of how an engine produces power. If this is still a little confusing to you, well try to envision it as much as possible. Now on the next article we will talk about how we can improve this combustion cycle to produce the best possible combustion which in turn produces more horsepower from your engine. Check out: How Can an Engine Produce More Horsepower? Part II The Intake

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High Fuel Cost And What It Means To Our Everyday Lives

According to our recent poll, the rising cost of fuel has caused many families and individuals to restrain from driving habits that we've been so accustomed to. Before the fuel cost skyrocketed we wouldn't think twice about hopping in our car for a 50 or 60-mile trip, perhaps to a zoo or other recreational area for a leisurely Sunday outing with our families. But by the statements of those who responded to our poll, it appears that these leisurely drives are being limited or in some cases, families are simply staying home more. In order to combat his high fuel expense, M. Cooper from Saint Louis Mo, a consultant that drives 20,000 mile plus per year recently traded in his Ford Taurus for a new Honda Civic that gets 41mpg. Another consumer stated the fuel prices have drastically changed their life style, they've quit going out to dinner, going to the movies and even cancelled their vacation plans. What once cost him 42.00 to fill up his truck, now cost $110.00. We have a lot less money than we did before this all started. We've drastically reduced the amount of driving, only when necessary and have attempted to combine trips, we do not do any extra driving unless it is for school or work, so we stay home much more and do not have extra money NOW! Matt Downer from Downers Grove, Illinois seems to have at lease somewhat of a positive spin on the situation. I've become a lot more in shape because I walk everywhere or bike, I think it's a blessing in disguise, America is the most obese country in the world and maybe this will slim it down a bit, also a lot fewer fuel emissions if people don't drive the earth won't die. What ever your thoughts and opinions are for the recent climb in prices, I think it's clear that until the prices come down, the majority of the everyday working class people will be forced to continue to deprive themselves of even the most basic luxuries. While we can't control the price per gallon, we can at least follow a few basic guidelines and reduce our cost, albeit a minimum amount, but at $3.00 per gallon, even a minimum amount will help our pocketbooks. Listed below are UsedCarWise.Com's Top 10 tips for increasing your fuel mileage. 1. Set the tire pressure to the recommend psi as per the tire placard or label of your vehicle. (Always adjust tire pressure with cold tires) 2. Avoid excessive idling times, such as warming your car up in the mornings (It serves no purpose anyway) 3. Instead of going thru the drive thru at fast food chains, go inside to order. This will of course avoid excess idling while in line. 4. Remove any excessive weight from the trunk or bed of your truck (This doesn't include over weight spouses either) 5. Remove luggage racks for aerodynamic reasons. 6. Make sure the steering and suspension system end is aligned properly, a mis-aligned steering system will cause excessive drag and reduce fuel mileage. 7. Use Cruise Control while driving at highway speeds. 8. Reduce your speed by 5mph, this may be the biggest saver of all, and if you think about it, 5mph will not get you to your destination much quicker. (Just be prepared for 1 finger hello's and horn honkers) 9. Make sure your vehicle is properly maintained, especially the air filter. If your check engine light is on, have it corrected as soon as possible, it could be a defective sensor or other mechanical fault that will severely impact fuel mileage. Always use the proper grade of engine oil as well, the wrong grade can impact fuel mileage by 1% or more. 10. Avoid jackrabbit starts and aggressive driving habits. While the above tips may not be new, they certainly bear not just repeating, but adhering to as well. And with the cost of fuel at record highs, we need all the help we can muster.

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Don’t Crash The Car, Well Even If You Do The Car Will Save You

Have you been drinking and driving? Or perhaps chatting on your mobile while driving? If you are a little careless while you drive and are prone to having a bump here and there you are better off getting your hands on a new set of wheels with active safety technologies. Car manufacturers such as Mercedes are incorporating space age technology into their cars to save lives or rather save us from crashing our buggies when we are simply too careless with our own lives. This might sound science fiction to you but these are some of the technologies Mercedes’s latest S Class has:

Auto cruise control warns you if you are getting too close to the car in front and if you don’t react it applies brakes on its own to maintain a safe driving distance.

Traction control sense when you steer too sharply or lose traction in the wet and cuts engine power and limits the power individually to each wheel to bring you back on track.
Anti Lock Braking System, this has been around for quite some time now. ABS helps in achieving best possible braking performance, it prevent jamming of the wheel which results in skids and loss of vehicle control. The computer senses when the wheels are about to lock and releases the brakes momentarily and then applies them again.

Airbags, as many as 8 airbags protect you in the unlikely event of a crash. Airbags exist for all passengers and are inflated in milliseconds when the care ‘senses’ a crash. Airbags can protect the occupant even at 100mph crashes.

Space Age Safety Technology
Now this is the most impressive of them all, the Mercedes S Class sense when the car is going to meet with a crash using it 360 degree radar and braces for impact. It rolls up windows if they are down, inflates the seat cushions to protect occupants and lowers the steering to save the driver from chest injuries and lowers pedals to prevent foot injuries.

Now that’s some technology, all to save our lives when we loose control. Maybe if Diana was riding this S Class she would have been amongst us. So lets not crash it, for if you do the car will save you but repairing the high tech car will burn your pockets for technology doesn’t come cheap. The fully loaded Mercedes S500 with all the safety features retails at over $1,25,000!

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Comparing The Muscle Cars

Nowadays there are many different muscle cars on the market, from various manufacturers. In this article we'll go over a few of the more common models, and give a comparative overview of their specs, for quick reference and comparison.

The Ford Mustang

One of the oldest and best known sporty / fast cars on the road, the Ford Mustang is still a major player. The 2006 Mustang features a 4.0L V6 engine with 210 horsepower. If you go for the Mustang GT, you'll get a 4.6L V8 engine with 500 horsepower.

Price is not a huge obstacle with the Mustang – MSRP is in the 19K to 32K range.

Fuel consumption is not too bad, with the mustang getting 19/28 and the GT getting 17/25 with manual transmission. Auto transmission gives you 19/25 on the Mustang, and 18/23 on the Mustang GT.

The Chevrolet Corvette

The famed Corvette is another old car that's still very popular. The 2006 model Corvette Coupe boats a 6.0L V8 that tops out at 400 horsepower. It does have a price tag to go along with it, though, at a starting price of $44,490. But then, maybe that's why Corvettes are a status symbol.

You can also go for the convertible or Z06 models, which are more expensive. The Z06 offers a 7.0L V8 engine with 505 horsepower. But once again, it's price matches it's HP with a base price of $65,690.

Pontiac G6

Pontiac's new muscle car, the G6, ranks closer to the Mustang than the Corvette. With a 3.5L V6 engine, it has 201 HP of muscle under the hood. It's price tag is also in the same class as the Ford Mustang at $21,790 base price. The label for the G6 gives it a 21/29 MPG.

You can also upgrade the G6 to the GTP trim level for a 240 HP engine.

At a quick glance, it looks like the Ford Mustang and Pontiac G6 are pretty similar. The Corvette is head and shoulders above them in both power and price. Of course, there are many others to consider, including the Ford GT, which sports a $131,000 price tag.

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Car Maintenance Information You Should Follow

When you buy a vehicle you receive certain instructions regarding maintenance that are recommended by the manufacturer. However, with your busy schedule and the increased cost of car maintenance you frequently put off tire and oil changes, checking under the hood, and other similar regular maintenance necessities. Unfortunately, if you put off car maintenance due to schedule and budget you are risking a bigger inconvenience to your schedule and budget by having your car breakdown. Consider the following maintenance tips to help you keep your car in tip top condition.

Oil Change

Your car needs an oil change every 3,000 to 10,000 miles depending on the way you drive, the age, and condition of your vehicle’s engine, highway driving versus in town driving, and a variety of other factors. Because this is a very wide range in which to change your oil you should probably change your oil every 5,000 miles if you drive like the majority of individuals. Of course, a small percentage of individuals fit into the high and low ranges of the above numbers, but every 5,000 miles is a good round number for an oil change. By following this tip you will spend about 20 minutes and less than $25 and keep your car running for a very long time.

Tires and Tire Pressure

You should check your tires on a regular basis, especially the tire pressure. Each size tire has a recommended tire pressure and maintaining that particular pressure in the tire will prolong the life of the tire as well as provide ease of driving, not to mention increase your safety. When the proper tire pressure is maintained in your vehicle then braking, cornering, and braking are superior which means your safety is increased. Vehicles are not as stable when the tire pressure is out of whack. You should check your tire pressure at least once per month. This is really easy and free as long s you invest in a small tire pressure gauge which is very inexpensive. When you stop for gas and the tank is filling up, simply check all of your tires to ensure the proper air pressure.

Brakes

You know your brakes are one of the most important aspects of your car. They slow you down and basically allow you to avoid accidents on a daily basis. Because of this you need to be extra alert to your brakes. Also, if you can tell it is time to change the breaks because they are squealing or not slowing your car as quickly as necessary then don’t put it off. Instead, take your lunch break, or whatever time you have and have your breaks changed immediately. Additionally, each time your car has the oil changed have a full inspection including your breaks to make sure the breaks are working properly. If not, you may have them changed the same day.

There are lots of different aspects of your car that need regular maintenance and upkeep. Just make sure you are alert to this fact and always follow the manufacturers suggestions when it comes to your vehicle and your vehicle will last longer and your safety will be increased.

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Be The "Envy" Of Your Neighborhood And Lower Your Fuel

Have you heard about the ENV yet? It's pronounced like "envy" and stands for Emissions Energy Vehicle.

After many years of testing, Intelligent Energy of London has developed a motorcycle-like vehicle that shows lots of promise. The ENV was introduced in early 2006 and has shown great promise by being embraced by the public.

The technology used in this vehicle is a fuel cell. For the technology-minded, it uses a proton exchange membrane fuel cell. The cell converts hydrogen and oxygen to generate electricity. In short, the fuel cell takes the protons and electrons from the hydrogen atom and this forms an electric current.

This electricity is then fed to a series of batteries which powers an electric motor. This gives the bike its power to run. The only noise emitted is from a cooling fan.

For the technology-minded, there is some fascinating usage of greatly available resources (hydrogen is the most abundant element). For many of us, though, all we are interested is: does it work?

In short, the answer is a resounding yes.

The motorcycle will top out at about 50 miles an hour. True, not freeway speeds, but not everyone has a need to travel at high speeds. And it will run for up to 100 miles or about four hours between fill-ups.

Now this is still a long way from giving many of us all the benefits of our gas-guzzlers. But, it's a terrific start. After all, if this technology is available for a motorcycle, how far behind is the ability to power the SUV?

Another nice advantage to the ENV technology is the quiet operation. A nice quiet ride through the countryside can be just that: quiet. And, who's going to miss the smelly emissions we get from our gas and diesel engines?

The cost for being the "envy" of your neighborhood? Intelligent Energy says that it will sell the bike for somewhere between $6,000 and $8,000 (US).

Maybe these high fuel costs are going to result in something positive after all.

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