The Ford Escape Hybrid is a fuel-saving, gas-electric hybrid-power version of small, four-door sport-utility vehicle, available with front-wheel drive (FWD) or four-wheel drive (4x4). Its power train has 2.3-liter, four-cylinder gas engine rated 133 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, 129 pounds-feet of torque at 4,500 rpm; synchronous AC electric motor rated 94 hp from 3,000 to 5,000 rpm; 330-volt battery pack under rear cargo floor; electronically controlled, continuously variable transmission. Maximum power output is 155 hp because gas and electric do not make their maximum power simultaneously.
It has a 2.3-liter, Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder gasoline engine with a 70-kilowatt permanent-magnet traction electric motor, regenerative braking and a 330-volt battery pack. The combination provides performance on par with a V-6. The hybrid never has to be plugged in because the engine recharges the batteries, by the electric motor and by heat recovered as energy during braking.
"The Escape hybrid really "wants" to be an electric vehicle, but the gasoline engine adds power for acceleration, charges the batteries and powers the air conditioning," said Mary Ann Wright, Ford's director of Sustainable Mobility Programs
Unlike electric cars, hybrids never need to be plugged into a recharger. Regenerative braking recharges the Ford Escape Hybrid, which converts electric motor into a generator to help refill the battery pack during stops; and by a recharging system powered by the gas engine.
Designed to last for the life of the vehicle and can be found under the Escape's cargo floor, the battery pack, which contains 250 small batteries roughly the size of D cells mounted in series doesn't infringe on cargo space.
The software and computerized controllers that make everything work effectively is the key to a hybrid. Small badges identify the Ford Escape as a hybrid. The instrument panel is a little different because it contains a gauge that shows when the electric motor is the source of power and when the gasoline engine is running. An optional LCD display in the center stack gives instant and average fuel economy as well as a pictorial representation of how the power is flowing at any instant.
The Escape's hybrid engine shuts down at rest to conserve fuel. When driving resumes, the SUV's 70-kilowatt traction motor generator can launch the vehicle on electric power. When it's needed, the generator starts the gas engine without the increased emissions produced when a conventional engine is started
The Escape Hybrid also produces as little as half the amount of carbon dioxide (greenhouse gas) as a conventional gas engine. It produces 97 percent less hydrocarbon and oxides of nitrogen emissions than vehicles meeting today’s required emission standards. That qualifies it for the Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) standards designation.
Being the leader in the development of low emission vehicles, Ford continually develops projects that will someday result in practical hydrogen-powered vehicles with no greenhouse gas emissions.
As zealous as Ford in continually upgrading its products to suit every client needs, Partstrain is always looking for superior and quality workmanship for its product lines. Only the finest Ford auto body parts comprise its stock.
Find, compare and buy Ford Automotive Parts, Accessories, and other Car products at
Its online store http://www.partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/FORD We supply discount ford parts for the Ford Courier, Ford Explorer, Ford Escape, Ford Econoline Van, Ford Expedition, Ford Taurus, Ford Maverick, Ford Falcon, Ford Thunderbird, Ford Fairlane, Ford Crown Victoria, Ford F-series pickup and many other Ford models.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Get Your Truck Ready for the Cold Season, Get the Right Parts for Your Dodge
Cold temperatures increase wear on several auto parts, especially the starting and engine system parts. If you are living in an upland, maintaining a vehicle must be hard during winter and fall, but this should not dishearten you because there are many ways to prevent inconveniences that may result from extreme weather conditions. One is to replace worn out parts in your vehicle with tough and durable replacement auto parts.
One of the leading auto parts dealers in the country today, Auto Parts Discount, proudly features best replacement parts for Dodge pickup truck and other Dodge vehicles. Here you can find the affordable deals on top quality Dodge parts that can help you avoid distressing and life-threatening winter breakdowns.
The easiest and most convenient thing for you to do is to make your windows, doors and windshield air- and watertight. Dodge parts offered here at Auto Parts Discount include Dodge weatherstrips for windshield, front glass, front and rear doors, vents, rear gate, tailgate, run glass channel and cabs. They are made from high quality rubber, plastic and chrome and are designed to endure abrasion and can withstand extreme temperatures and moisture build up.
Extremely cold weather also takes its toll on your Dodge wheels and tires, belts, hoses and other auto parts of the electrical, ignition and cooling systems. The battery would require more power to start the engine—up to five times more than the usual starting power, so you also need a dependable alternator that would supply it enough power.
Check on the connections in the electrical system to ensure everything’s in proper working condition. Also, check on the distributor, the condenser and distributor cap in the ignition system as any damage or moisture build up can make starting more difficult. Before you drive your car to your destination, let it warm up first so that the fuel can circulate, especially around the engine.
Having enough lights in your car is also very important, especially when it’s too foggy or when it’s snowing heavily outside. Aside from your Dodge headlights, you must also have fog lights and off-road auxiliary lights to light up your way and keep your truck visible in the dark.
Risks of meeting road accidents are higher during the cold months, so you have to secure yourself and your vehicle. If you need to replace worn out parts, don’t think twice; however, make sure to get them at trusted auto parts dealer like Auto Parts Wholesale. Also, be extra careful while driving. Keep your speed down as much as possible to avoid misfortunes on the road.
One of the leading auto parts dealers in the country today, Auto Parts Discount, proudly features best replacement parts for Dodge pickup truck and other Dodge vehicles. Here you can find the affordable deals on top quality Dodge parts that can help you avoid distressing and life-threatening winter breakdowns.
The easiest and most convenient thing for you to do is to make your windows, doors and windshield air- and watertight. Dodge parts offered here at Auto Parts Discount include Dodge weatherstrips for windshield, front glass, front and rear doors, vents, rear gate, tailgate, run glass channel and cabs. They are made from high quality rubber, plastic and chrome and are designed to endure abrasion and can withstand extreme temperatures and moisture build up.
Extremely cold weather also takes its toll on your Dodge wheels and tires, belts, hoses and other auto parts of the electrical, ignition and cooling systems. The battery would require more power to start the engine—up to five times more than the usual starting power, so you also need a dependable alternator that would supply it enough power.
Check on the connections in the electrical system to ensure everything’s in proper working condition. Also, check on the distributor, the condenser and distributor cap in the ignition system as any damage or moisture build up can make starting more difficult. Before you drive your car to your destination, let it warm up first so that the fuel can circulate, especially around the engine.
Having enough lights in your car is also very important, especially when it’s too foggy or when it’s snowing heavily outside. Aside from your Dodge headlights, you must also have fog lights and off-road auxiliary lights to light up your way and keep your truck visible in the dark.
Risks of meeting road accidents are higher during the cold months, so you have to secure yourself and your vehicle. If you need to replace worn out parts, don’t think twice; however, make sure to get them at trusted auto parts dealer like Auto Parts Wholesale. Also, be extra careful while driving. Keep your speed down as much as possible to avoid misfortunes on the road.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Defensive Driving Classes and Courses Online
With the advent of the Internet, it’s no longer necessary to take a defensive driving course at a local school or even in the car. A variety of defensive driving courses are offered online, allowing you to learn safe driving techniques from the comfort of your own home.
Private enterprise has taken over defensive driving courses to offer a variety of defensive driving online courses in accordance with state standards. Defensive driving school no longer has to be the boring lecture in a small cramped classroom by a listless traffic officer.
Defensive driving online is among the most popular means of obtaining the knowledge, as the companies who offer it focus on providing good customer service in order to quickly deliver the completion documents. The number of courses for a consumer to choose from is plentiful, with prices to reflect the buyers’ market. Participants tend to prefer the defensive driving online course, as it easily fits in to their own schedule and it can be done in the privacy of their own home.
Defensive driving is defined as being able to operate a motor vehicle with the skills to avoid an accident in a situation where one could possibly occur. Defensive driving is based on the premise that you are actually a very good and safe driver that must be alert and able to react to the dangerous driving that others may engage in.
Defensive driving courses online teach advanced skills and awareness not initially taught in drivers’ education courses. The goal of defensive driving courses online is to train individuals to be a proactive driver in order to avoid dangerous road situations or the poor conduct of other drivers.
Anybody can take defensive driving courses to brush up on skills or to qualify for car insurance discounts. Most often individuals are referred to defensive driving courses after being ticketed for a moving violation or having been in an accident. Depending upon the laws of the municipality, the documented completion of a defensive driving course can allow for a dismissal of the ticket. Individuals can often opt for taking a defensive driving course as it can keep unwanted points from showing up on a driving record. Individuals with tickets also experience higher insurance rates, so a nominal fee for completing a defensive driving course online is an easy choice to keep rates down.
Private enterprise has taken over defensive driving courses to offer a variety of defensive driving online courses in accordance with state standards. Defensive driving school no longer has to be the boring lecture in a small cramped classroom by a listless traffic officer.
Defensive driving online is among the most popular means of obtaining the knowledge, as the companies who offer it focus on providing good customer service in order to quickly deliver the completion documents. The number of courses for a consumer to choose from is plentiful, with prices to reflect the buyers’ market. Participants tend to prefer the defensive driving online course, as it easily fits in to their own schedule and it can be done in the privacy of their own home.
Defensive driving is defined as being able to operate a motor vehicle with the skills to avoid an accident in a situation where one could possibly occur. Defensive driving is based on the premise that you are actually a very good and safe driver that must be alert and able to react to the dangerous driving that others may engage in.
Defensive driving courses online teach advanced skills and awareness not initially taught in drivers’ education courses. The goal of defensive driving courses online is to train individuals to be a proactive driver in order to avoid dangerous road situations or the poor conduct of other drivers.
Anybody can take defensive driving courses to brush up on skills or to qualify for car insurance discounts. Most often individuals are referred to defensive driving courses after being ticketed for a moving violation or having been in an accident. Depending upon the laws of the municipality, the documented completion of a defensive driving course can allow for a dismissal of the ticket. Individuals can often opt for taking a defensive driving course as it can keep unwanted points from showing up on a driving record. Individuals with tickets also experience higher insurance rates, so a nominal fee for completing a defensive driving course online is an easy choice to keep rates down.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Bully Riders on Big Bikes
Big bikes have this striking appeal to people. Not only because they are big but also because they have what it takes to be B-I-G.
Aside from that, big bikes and riders connote a negative impression. Riders riding big bikes are presumed to be rough, rude and bullies. Nonetheless, a lot of expectators are dreaming of possessing one.
Driving big bikes need special attention. This is because newbie riders have to practice the proper parking, stopping and running the bike plus the fact that they must also gain knowledge about its maintenance and emergency repairs.
Even if you are accustomed to riding smaller bikes, you will likely find yourself adjusting more to big bikes. Therefore, before you plan on roaming with your big bike, know it first. It means that you have to sit on it, try to make a feel and know where the controls are. Learn the basics. It is better to learn them early on because it is hard to be caught off guarded and terrified. Be familiar with everything in your bike even those you presume of lesser importance like the mute button. Chances are they may be needed in the future.
Riding a big bike is also pretty exciting. In fact, the very thought of being fast and mobile while exploring the roads is an overwhelming thought. However, if you are not familiar with the one you are riding and you are not protected, accident is always anticipated. Therefore, every rider must be prepared. He must don motorcycle accessories like reverse gears and guards to be always protected.
Aside from that, big bikes and riders connote a negative impression. Riders riding big bikes are presumed to be rough, rude and bullies. Nonetheless, a lot of expectators are dreaming of possessing one.
Driving big bikes need special attention. This is because newbie riders have to practice the proper parking, stopping and running the bike plus the fact that they must also gain knowledge about its maintenance and emergency repairs.
Even if you are accustomed to riding smaller bikes, you will likely find yourself adjusting more to big bikes. Therefore, before you plan on roaming with your big bike, know it first. It means that you have to sit on it, try to make a feel and know where the controls are. Learn the basics. It is better to learn them early on because it is hard to be caught off guarded and terrified. Be familiar with everything in your bike even those you presume of lesser importance like the mute button. Chances are they may be needed in the future.
Riding a big bike is also pretty exciting. In fact, the very thought of being fast and mobile while exploring the roads is an overwhelming thought. However, if you are not familiar with the one you are riding and you are not protected, accident is always anticipated. Therefore, every rider must be prepared. He must don motorcycle accessories like reverse gears and guards to be always protected.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Best Advice and Tips to Be Used when Parking
You are a driver so you know that incidents may happen not just on the road, but also in parking lots. Most of the incidents caused by violent drivers are taking place in suburban parking lots. In order to avoid getting caught in a violent parking lot incident, you should keep in mind some tips:
- Use common courtesy in your actions to prevent behaviour that may disturb other drivers.
- Retain yourself from acting aggressively towards other drivers by controlling your stress level.
- Stay calm and keep your cool whenever you are involved in a parking incident. Always take into consideration the possible outcome of your behaviour.
- Try to let pedestrians cross the street in front of your car as often as possible. Remember that you are sitting comfortable in your car while they may be walking in snow, rain or hot sun. According to parking services regulations, pedestrians are always having the right of way. And always be careful at small children. They can jump in front of your car at any moment.
- Signal whenever you want to turn, even if you are driving slowly. Driving in a parking lot doesn’t mean you have to ignore driving regulations.
- Occupy only one parking space.
- Respect parking services requirements and don’t use a parking space for a disabled person if you are not disabled. Common sense should also stop you from acting in this manner.
- Most parking lots have drop-off zones and no-standing areas. Don’t park in these places as you will be causing activity blockage in that area.
- Don’t steal other drivers’ parking spaces. This action is the cause of the majority of aggressive incidents that occur in parking lots.
- Try not to use any obscene gestures as they will definitely offend other drivers. Try not to keep in mind that the other drivers might misinterpret your gestures, so don’t use any irritating moves.
- Don’t use your car phone while parking your car. A parking services statistics stated that fender-benders caused by drivers talking on the phone while parking their cars is the second most common cause for violent incidents.
- Use common courtesy in your actions to prevent behaviour that may disturb other drivers.
- Retain yourself from acting aggressively towards other drivers by controlling your stress level.
- Stay calm and keep your cool whenever you are involved in a parking incident. Always take into consideration the possible outcome of your behaviour.
- Try to let pedestrians cross the street in front of your car as often as possible. Remember that you are sitting comfortable in your car while they may be walking in snow, rain or hot sun. According to parking services regulations, pedestrians are always having the right of way. And always be careful at small children. They can jump in front of your car at any moment.
- Signal whenever you want to turn, even if you are driving slowly. Driving in a parking lot doesn’t mean you have to ignore driving regulations.
- Occupy only one parking space.
- Respect parking services requirements and don’t use a parking space for a disabled person if you are not disabled. Common sense should also stop you from acting in this manner.
- Most parking lots have drop-off zones and no-standing areas. Don’t park in these places as you will be causing activity blockage in that area.
- Don’t steal other drivers’ parking spaces. This action is the cause of the majority of aggressive incidents that occur in parking lots.
- Try not to use any obscene gestures as they will definitely offend other drivers. Try not to keep in mind that the other drivers might misinterpret your gestures, so don’t use any irritating moves.
- Don’t use your car phone while parking your car. A parking services statistics stated that fender-benders caused by drivers talking on the phone while parking their cars is the second most common cause for violent incidents.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
A subjective insight of the future automobile
The future car, lets say a 2025 model will be a very different machine to its present day Grandfather. They will be packed with computers and safety devices ensuring that not even a stunt driver can crash, and they will run on carbon dioxide and emit strawberry scented oxygen. Well they might.
Predictions of future vehicles are usually wildly inaccurate, by now we should all have space programs to rival NASA based out of our backyard. However some of the automobile related cutting edge technology emerging now may well make it into production models of the future. But how much of this technology will be needed or even wanted? Car design of the present is already influenced by politicians, bureaucrats, health and safety regulations and emissions regulations and the stunning concept seen at the motorshow emerges into the world as a 1.0 litre shopping cart, but at least its legal.
Personally I like the idea of fuel efficient hybrid cars, and fuel cell cars emitting nothing but water. However, like most enthusiasts I also like powerful loud convertibles with with the ability to snap a vertabrae at 10 paces. A sensible mix therefore is required and this will be the job entrusted to car designers and engineers of the future, to make a politically correct car that is also desirable.
Another immenent problem facing designers of the future is coming up with styling ideas that are fresh and new. Some of the more recent concepts are certainly striking but not necessarily beautiful in the classic sense of the word. But if there is one thing the automobile industry is good at that is innovation, and I for one am confident that radical and extreme concepts never before imagined will continue to appear at motorshows around the world.
Computer technology has already taken a firm hold of the automobile and the modern driver is less and less responsible for the actions of their vehicle, soon crash victims will try to sue the electronics companies for accidents they caused because their computer system failed to brake the car even though they were fast asleep at the wheel on a three lane highway. Until you have automation of every single vehicle on every single road computer driven cars are just not feasible, in my mind there are just far too many on-the-road variables, with all the logic in the world you cannot beat a brain. Now computer assisted driving is already available in certain Mercedes models which brake for you if your not looking where your going and your too close to the car in front, but there is still a driver in control of the car, or is there. What if for some reason you wanted to get closer to the car in front, you needed to get closer to the car, if you didn't get closer to the car something terrible would happen to civilization. Where do you draw the line with vehicle automation?
Predictions of future vehicles are usually wildly inaccurate, by now we should all have space programs to rival NASA based out of our backyard. However some of the automobile related cutting edge technology emerging now may well make it into production models of the future. But how much of this technology will be needed or even wanted? Car design of the present is already influenced by politicians, bureaucrats, health and safety regulations and emissions regulations and the stunning concept seen at the motorshow emerges into the world as a 1.0 litre shopping cart, but at least its legal.
Personally I like the idea of fuel efficient hybrid cars, and fuel cell cars emitting nothing but water. However, like most enthusiasts I also like powerful loud convertibles with with the ability to snap a vertabrae at 10 paces. A sensible mix therefore is required and this will be the job entrusted to car designers and engineers of the future, to make a politically correct car that is also desirable.
Another immenent problem facing designers of the future is coming up with styling ideas that are fresh and new. Some of the more recent concepts are certainly striking but not necessarily beautiful in the classic sense of the word. But if there is one thing the automobile industry is good at that is innovation, and I for one am confident that radical and extreme concepts never before imagined will continue to appear at motorshows around the world.
Computer technology has already taken a firm hold of the automobile and the modern driver is less and less responsible for the actions of their vehicle, soon crash victims will try to sue the electronics companies for accidents they caused because their computer system failed to brake the car even though they were fast asleep at the wheel on a three lane highway. Until you have automation of every single vehicle on every single road computer driven cars are just not feasible, in my mind there are just far too many on-the-road variables, with all the logic in the world you cannot beat a brain. Now computer assisted driving is already available in certain Mercedes models which brake for you if your not looking where your going and your too close to the car in front, but there is still a driver in control of the car, or is there. What if for some reason you wanted to get closer to the car in front, you needed to get closer to the car, if you didn't get closer to the car something terrible would happen to civilization. Where do you draw the line with vehicle automation?
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Buying a New Sports Car – Twelve Tips To Avoid Financial Sticker Shock
Nothing (well, almost nothing) can compare to the thrill of driving a road-hugging high performance sports car. Instant steering response. Power at the exact nanosecond you ask for it.
Then, if you have one of the sexier models, you’ll attract attention on the road, filling up, and in the shopping mall parking lot.
Yes, you can pretend you’re driving the Autobahn with the wind blowing your hair. But beware of state troopers just waiting for an “arrest me red” entry on their ticket issuing track record.
Before You Fall In Love . . .
Before you step into that showroom and fall in love, consider the following practicalities:
1) How much do you want to spend? $20,000? $30,000? Or more?
2) What’s the tradeoff between performance (power) and gas mileage? Higher performance usually equals less gas mileage.
Does the vehicle use premium gas? Right now, the difference between premium and regular is 20 cents per gallon. At 20 miles per gallon and 15,000 miles per year, the cost differential is $150.
3) What about reliability? Some upscale models cost considerably more to maintain and have a higher incidence of repair costs. Would you appreciate paying $125 just to diagnose the problem when the check engine light comes on? Or paying $70 for an oil change?
4) In a climate where snow and ice are winter realities, do you want to drive it year round? Or store it over the winter?
A rear wheel drive sports car is impractical for winter driving. A front, all-wheel, or 4-wheel drive sport car can be driven in snow and ice, if you use all-season tires. If the little devil comes with performance tires, you will want to buy all-season tires (and possibly rims) for winter driving. Add another $1500 to the price of the car for the right tires and rims.
Do Your Homework . . .
5) Once you’ve decided price, performance, gas mileage, reliability, and practicality for all-season driving, get on the Internet. Here you can compare models and pricing and read reviews. Google “buying a new car” or “new car prices” and several sites will pop up.
Another source is Consumer Report (the new car issue) where your criteria will be easy to find. Red dots are good. Black dots are not. Most American car dealers consider this issue of Consumer Report a nightmare because it favors foreign car models, especially Asian cars. However, as explained in the newest version of this report, American car manufacturers are catching up.
6) Find out what you should pay before stepping into a showroom. Dealers will offer below invoice prices even on some sports cars because of rebates, dealer incentives, and dealer returns when they make a sale.
7) Remember the incidentals. Yes, you have to pay to transport the vehicle from the manufacturer. Yes, you have to pay for options. And remember the sales (and sometimes luxury) tax.
The Driving Experience . . .
8) Unless you have driven the exact model and year you want to purchase, step into the showroom and test drive the car. Driving the previous year’s model is unacceptable. If the dealer lures you into his web and asks you to test drive an earlier model, RUN out of the show room. You’re wasting your time.
9) Pick at least 2 different road types for test driving. The winding, hilly road is one road type. Road hugging capabilities are tested here. If the car is standard, smooth-shifting is another test. A car that cuts back after you release the clutch is NOT smooth shifting.
The highway is another road type. Make sure power is sufficient to handle entrance ramps and merging with traffic. If you get an instant response at highway speeds, the car is a possible winner.
Closing the Deal . . .
10) If you like the car, get the dealer’s best quote. Then, find at least one other dealer to give you another quote ON THE SAME CAR. If you don’t like the car in the test drive, you probably won’t like the car – ever. Move on to the next model.
11) When you decide on a car, call your insurance company and find out what the vehicle will cost per year. And don’t choke on your coffee when you hear the amount – you can shop around.
12) Estimate how much the real estate taxes will be on the car, especially if it’s a high-priced model. This could be another financial shocker!
Then, if you have one of the sexier models, you’ll attract attention on the road, filling up, and in the shopping mall parking lot.
Yes, you can pretend you’re driving the Autobahn with the wind blowing your hair. But beware of state troopers just waiting for an “arrest me red” entry on their ticket issuing track record.
Before You Fall In Love . . .
Before you step into that showroom and fall in love, consider the following practicalities:
1) How much do you want to spend? $20,000? $30,000? Or more?
2) What’s the tradeoff between performance (power) and gas mileage? Higher performance usually equals less gas mileage.
Does the vehicle use premium gas? Right now, the difference between premium and regular is 20 cents per gallon. At 20 miles per gallon and 15,000 miles per year, the cost differential is $150.
3) What about reliability? Some upscale models cost considerably more to maintain and have a higher incidence of repair costs. Would you appreciate paying $125 just to diagnose the problem when the check engine light comes on? Or paying $70 for an oil change?
4) In a climate where snow and ice are winter realities, do you want to drive it year round? Or store it over the winter?
A rear wheel drive sports car is impractical for winter driving. A front, all-wheel, or 4-wheel drive sport car can be driven in snow and ice, if you use all-season tires. If the little devil comes with performance tires, you will want to buy all-season tires (and possibly rims) for winter driving. Add another $1500 to the price of the car for the right tires and rims.
Do Your Homework . . .
5) Once you’ve decided price, performance, gas mileage, reliability, and practicality for all-season driving, get on the Internet. Here you can compare models and pricing and read reviews. Google “buying a new car” or “new car prices” and several sites will pop up.
Another source is Consumer Report (the new car issue) where your criteria will be easy to find. Red dots are good. Black dots are not. Most American car dealers consider this issue of Consumer Report a nightmare because it favors foreign car models, especially Asian cars. However, as explained in the newest version of this report, American car manufacturers are catching up.
6) Find out what you should pay before stepping into a showroom. Dealers will offer below invoice prices even on some sports cars because of rebates, dealer incentives, and dealer returns when they make a sale.
7) Remember the incidentals. Yes, you have to pay to transport the vehicle from the manufacturer. Yes, you have to pay for options. And remember the sales (and sometimes luxury) tax.
The Driving Experience . . .
8) Unless you have driven the exact model and year you want to purchase, step into the showroom and test drive the car. Driving the previous year’s model is unacceptable. If the dealer lures you into his web and asks you to test drive an earlier model, RUN out of the show room. You’re wasting your time.
9) Pick at least 2 different road types for test driving. The winding, hilly road is one road type. Road hugging capabilities are tested here. If the car is standard, smooth-shifting is another test. A car that cuts back after you release the clutch is NOT smooth shifting.
The highway is another road type. Make sure power is sufficient to handle entrance ramps and merging with traffic. If you get an instant response at highway speeds, the car is a possible winner.
Closing the Deal . . .
10) If you like the car, get the dealer’s best quote. Then, find at least one other dealer to give you another quote ON THE SAME CAR. If you don’t like the car in the test drive, you probably won’t like the car – ever. Move on to the next model.
11) When you decide on a car, call your insurance company and find out what the vehicle will cost per year. And don’t choke on your coffee when you hear the amount – you can shop around.
12) Estimate how much the real estate taxes will be on the car, especially if it’s a high-priced model. This could be another financial shocker!
Thursday, May 5, 2011
A Look at Car Transport Trailers
In most cases, your car will be transported on an eight or 10-car hauler, the same type of trucks used to deliver new cars. These trucks are 75-80 feet long and almost 14 feet high. They can be difficult to maneuver and are limited to major roads that are free of low hanging trees and low clearance bridges. Make sure you keep this in mind when directing the truck to the pick-up location. If you want to make sure that your car stays clean, and avoids all highway wear and tear, then have your car transported in an enclosed car transport trailer.
Enclosed trailers protect your car from all road hazards and weather for the duration of the trip. Due to the premium equipment and service provided with enclosed car trailers, it is usually the most expensive option in auto shipping. The following features are often available at an additional cost: lift gates for safe horizontal loading, ramp gates for long wheelbase vehicles, and winches for inoperable vehicles.
This car transport trailer option is excellent for costly or exotic cars. Some other popular enclosed trailer options for secure car transport are: six-car enclosed trailers, four-car enclosed trailers, and two-car non-stacking enclosed trailers. Multi-car or enclosed transport sometimes can't be used due to height and width issues. Be sure to check the specs of the trailer and the size of your car.
Some drivers prefer to transport their own vehicle. It is best to learn from a trained professional some of the nuances of moving cars. When you buy or rent a trailer ask for basic driving instructions and transport hints. There are some car transport trailer companies that will custom build your own trailer the way you want it. This option will depend on your budget and your specific needs.
When choosing the proper car transport trailer for your car, discuss the length and weight of your car with the car trailer company to ensure it is within legal load specifications. More over if you are renting or buying, look for companies with large inventories and factory stock so you can avoid waiting for the trailer that you want.
Finding the appropriate car transport trailer to fit your specific needs and budget should be an easy task providing that you know you budget limitations, special travel requirements for your car, and length of trip. In today’s market there are literally hundreds of car transport trailer options out there, and you can count on finding the right one for you in no time at all.
Aftermarket Auto Lights to Match Ultimate Driving Machine’s High Standards
Aftermarket auto parts abound in the market nowadays, making it easier for anyone to upgrade, repair, customize or refurbish his vehicle. Various kinds of replacement car, truck and other auto parts and accessories can be easily bought and they are offered in very affordable deals not only for auto mechanics and retail store owners but most especially to individual do-it-yourself users who want to save in their repair needs. Even stock automotive parts of major European makes that used to be so hard to replace are now conveniently offered in thousands of auto parts stores online.
BMW Parts are among the most finely made car parts in the industry—parts that make a BMW the “Ultimate Driving Machine.” That tagline isn’t pure hype that’s meant only to attract people; it’s a statement based on BMW’s almost century-old tradition of excellence in manufacturing aircraft engines, railway brakes and automobiles. It is only apt to replace stock BMW parts with equally high quality replacement or aftermarket BMW parts that could match this vehicle’s performance. Exterior parts such as the auto lights, the wheels, the hood and other body parts require precision to be able to live up to BMW’s perfect balance of form and function.
Now the good news is Auto Parts Discount is offering the most sophisticated aftermarket automotive lights for BMW cars and thousands of other BMW auto parts. Featured in the store are BMW parts such as auto headlights, taillights, fog lights, corner lights and clear altezza taillights made by top car parts manufacturers and are guaranteed superior quality. They are perfect ways to improve not only your car’s safety but as well as its style. All BMW headlamps, taillights, and fog lights from this store are superbly designed to match every spec of your BMW, whether it’s a BMW 3 series, BMW 4 series or BMW M roadster.
Why get aftermarket auto lights for your BMW? Aftermarket auto parts do not mean inferior. Some non-OEM auto lights may not meet high quality standards of your vehicle manufacturer but this is not true to all, especially when you are getting replacement parts from trusted BMW dealers like Auto Parts Wholesale. Here you are assured to get the most dependable products for your BMW ranging from BMW auto lights to wheel cover, radiator support, A/C condenser, tarter and a whole lot more.
Lights such as the headlamps, fog lights and tail lights are very essential in your vehicle so they must be durable and reliable enough to give you the long quality service. When driving through unfamiliar and dark places, driving without auto lights is like committing suicide, so make sure you are equipped with premium quality lights that could not only light up your way and make your car visible as you move down the road but could give you peace of mind no matter how bad the weather or the circumstances are.
BMW Parts are among the most finely made car parts in the industry—parts that make a BMW the “Ultimate Driving Machine.” That tagline isn’t pure hype that’s meant only to attract people; it’s a statement based on BMW’s almost century-old tradition of excellence in manufacturing aircraft engines, railway brakes and automobiles. It is only apt to replace stock BMW parts with equally high quality replacement or aftermarket BMW parts that could match this vehicle’s performance. Exterior parts such as the auto lights, the wheels, the hood and other body parts require precision to be able to live up to BMW’s perfect balance of form and function.
Now the good news is Auto Parts Discount is offering the most sophisticated aftermarket automotive lights for BMW cars and thousands of other BMW auto parts. Featured in the store are BMW parts such as auto headlights, taillights, fog lights, corner lights and clear altezza taillights made by top car parts manufacturers and are guaranteed superior quality. They are perfect ways to improve not only your car’s safety but as well as its style. All BMW headlamps, taillights, and fog lights from this store are superbly designed to match every spec of your BMW, whether it’s a BMW 3 series, BMW 4 series or BMW M roadster.
Why get aftermarket auto lights for your BMW? Aftermarket auto parts do not mean inferior. Some non-OEM auto lights may not meet high quality standards of your vehicle manufacturer but this is not true to all, especially when you are getting replacement parts from trusted BMW dealers like Auto Parts Wholesale. Here you are assured to get the most dependable products for your BMW ranging from BMW auto lights to wheel cover, radiator support, A/C condenser, tarter and a whole lot more.
Lights such as the headlamps, fog lights and tail lights are very essential in your vehicle so they must be durable and reliable enough to give you the long quality service. When driving through unfamiliar and dark places, driving without auto lights is like committing suicide, so make sure you are equipped with premium quality lights that could not only light up your way and make your car visible as you move down the road but could give you peace of mind no matter how bad the weather or the circumstances are.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Driving Instructor v Test Examiner
Knowing how to drive is simple? Knowing the high way code is even more simple, what isn't so simple is not knowing what the other driver is going to do.
The roads would be much safer if we were mind readers but unfortunately no glass ball to check out what lies ahead. The more lessons the more in take of rules and regulations.
Instructors who EARN to drive
Over a period of time the driving instructor that was once a stranger is now your friendly passenger who wants you to excel in your need to get a pass...
Helping you to build up confidence in your self will be one of his main priorities.
Your friendly passenger has now become your companion, who throughout all your lessons has got to know you personally and corrected any bad habits you may have picked up while learning to drive
The magic moment has arrived to put in for your test. How do you know when the time is right? Simple, when the stalling or buck jumping of the car is all in the past, no more silly questions like where the clutch is. No more accidental kerb mounting.
If any one should know you are ready to take that god fearing test, it has to be the stranger your friend your companion. (You're Instructor)
He was the one who had the guts to get in beside you ignoring the dangers that lay ahead. He was with you throughout the teething stages, pampering you like a mother would with her child.
The driving instructor makes the final decision that you are ready to take to the highways. Education goes no further because your instructor has taught you all there is to know. If this stranger your friend your companion your instructor had any doubts he would not allow you to put yourself and that of other motorists in danger.
The Test
Why so many fail. The answer is nerves
They send in an official type looking geezer with a clipboard. Another stranger, only this one is never to become you're your friend your companion. He is out to pass judgment before the key is turned in the ignition
You may guarantee if some one is waiting for you to make a mistake then the inevitable happens.
This geezer's decision also undermines the driving instructor's better judgment. Driving instructors do the dirty work but when it comes to dishing out the filth, leave that to the examiners
Clean Car for Good Gas Mileag
In addition to all the practical ways, such as not speeding,
keeping proper tire pressure and combining several trips
into one there are many more ways you can increase gas
mileage by simply taking good care of your vehicle.
Keep the engine well tuned and in good running order.
Make sure the spark plugs are in good shape.
Be sure the valves are adjusted properly.
Keep the carburetor clean. A dirty carburetor can cause a
car to use 5 to 9 percent more gas than a clean one.
Maintain a clean catalytic converter.
Keep air filters clean. Clogged air filters lower fuel
consumption as much as 10%.
Faulty oxygen sensors lower fuel consumption by as much as
40 percent.
Make sure the automatic choke is working properly.
Change the oil regularly as recommended by your cars manual.
Remove snow tires as soon as possible in the spring and
replace them with radial tires to gain a 4 percent gas
efficiency.
Remove roof and ski racks if not using them regularly. The
wind drag caused by these additions reduce fuel efficiency
by 5 percent.
Remove unnecessary items from the car and trunk. For every
100 pounds the car eats up 0.5 percent more gas.
For pickup owners remove the tailgate or put it down if not
using it. Or replace it with the net-type of gate or use a
bed cover. Tailgates cause a drag effect reducing gas
mileage by as much as 15 percent.
When driving in muddy conditions clean the car often. Mud
under the bumpers and wheel wells add on unnecessary weight.
And lastly, one popular myth today is to pour acetone, or
nail polish remover which is mostly acetone, into the gas
tank. In tests performed on the gas lines, the thickness of
the fuel line went from 3/8 to 1/32 in just 3 days. Acetone,
if spilled, will also eat the paint and finish on your
vehicle.
For more information on keeping your car clean visit:
http://www.apluswriting.net/gasmiles/5starshine.htm
keeping proper tire pressure and combining several trips
into one there are many more ways you can increase gas
mileage by simply taking good care of your vehicle.
Keep the engine well tuned and in good running order.
Make sure the spark plugs are in good shape.
Be sure the valves are adjusted properly.
Keep the carburetor clean. A dirty carburetor can cause a
car to use 5 to 9 percent more gas than a clean one.
Maintain a clean catalytic converter.
Keep air filters clean. Clogged air filters lower fuel
consumption as much as 10%.
Faulty oxygen sensors lower fuel consumption by as much as
40 percent.
Make sure the automatic choke is working properly.
Change the oil regularly as recommended by your cars manual.
Remove snow tires as soon as possible in the spring and
replace them with radial tires to gain a 4 percent gas
efficiency.
Remove roof and ski racks if not using them regularly. The
wind drag caused by these additions reduce fuel efficiency
by 5 percent.
Remove unnecessary items from the car and trunk. For every
100 pounds the car eats up 0.5 percent more gas.
For pickup owners remove the tailgate or put it down if not
using it. Or replace it with the net-type of gate or use a
bed cover. Tailgates cause a drag effect reducing gas
mileage by as much as 15 percent.
When driving in muddy conditions clean the car often. Mud
under the bumpers and wheel wells add on unnecessary weight.
And lastly, one popular myth today is to pour acetone, or
nail polish remover which is mostly acetone, into the gas
tank. In tests performed on the gas lines, the thickness of
the fuel line went from 3/8 to 1/32 in just 3 days. Acetone,
if spilled, will also eat the paint and finish on your
vehicle.
For more information on keeping your car clean visit:
http://www.apluswriting.net/gasmiles/5starshine.htm
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