Are Sports Cars Losing Their Appeal?

Sports cars are widely loved, but a quick survey of one’s morning commute will show they are not the most popular vehicle type on the road. Four door sedans, SUV’s, practical pickup trucks, and small economy cars dominate the automotive landscape. Sports cars seem to be an increasingly rare commodity. This is because other types of automobiles are increasingly able to take the best aspects of the sports car experience while avoiding some pitfalls inherent to the smaller speedsters.

For a long time, high performance was ruled by sports cars. Manufacturers used their sports car line to showcase new developments and design elements. Today, however, it appears many of these great qualities can be easily adapted to other car types.

The lighter construction of today’s cars, coupled with improvements in technology, has allowed family sedans to perform almost on par with sports cars. In fact, many of today’s “standard” offerings outperform the higher end sports cars of only a few years ago. Even SUV and trucks boast technology and performance that were unthinkable only a short while ago.

The automobile has evolved to a point where virtually any type of car can capture sports car technology. Regular production cars handle better than ever before and the only performance advantages to sports cars can only be realized under extreme driving conditions few will ever encounter. A sports car may hug a lynchpin turn at high speeds, for instance, better than the family sedan, but one must wonder how often any family will be trying to set speed records on mountain roads.

While today’s regular production models can steal some of the sports cars’ thunder, they can also offer some unique advantages over their smaller counterparts. Sports cars are notorious for their small size. Although this helps in handling and speed, it makes longer drives less comfortable while making every day use less practical. Larger cars have a utilitarian advantage that sports cars simply cannot match.

It was once sensible to trade some comfort for superior performance, but with modern standard autos now performing so well, the tradeoff seems less and less sensible. This seems apparent when one looks at the kind of cars people are buying: larger vehicles with greater seating capacity.

Additionally, the limited utility of sports cars makes them increasingly rare due to economic considerations. Few families today can afford to purchase and maintain a hobby car. By and large, people expect to use the vehicles they purchase on an every day basis. The old days of having a little convertible in the garage to use for occasional bursts of summer fun no longer seems like an economically feasible diversion for most people.

Originally, sports cars were designed specifically with rallies and contests in mind. Auto producers tested their design and mechanical skills against one another as they sought out ways to increase automobile performance. Later, sports cars became popular for mainstream drivers who were seeking greater performance from their vehicles. Lately, however, regular production cars have evolved and now come with the higher performance parts and construction once reserved for sports cars.

This may spell the eventual end for traditional sports cars, although producers are sure to maintain a small fleet of developmental performance cars with which to test new ideas. In the end, we may see a return to the sports cars of yesterday-cars designed specifically and almost exclusively to test new ideas, as opposed to popular cars for the larger public.

With each passing year, it seems, one notices fewer and fewer true sports cars on the road. This trend is not likely to be reversed any time soon, as more practical alternatives exist and the performance gap is shortened. Although the true sports car will probably never completely disappear, it is likely to become increasingly less visible to the public.

Advantages Of Owning A Scooter: If You Like To Shop

Getting around in a store or in a mall for an hour at a time can be difficult if you are not feeling well, or if you are experiencing any type of pain. You can put the pain and the discomfort behind you using a scooter. A scooter gives you the mobility you have been dreaming about so you can shop. From groceries, to holiday shopping, or just personal shopping you can take your scooter along, and enjoy your day out of the house.

Advantages Of Owning A Scooter Are Vast, But Different For Every Person

The advantages of owning a scooter include the ability to be self-dependent. You don’t want to wait for your children to take you shopping or do your shopping for you, but with a scooter, you can get out and do it yourself still.

A scooter can be used to take you to the store. If you live in town or near the store, you can ride your scooter to the store, shop while riding the scooter and carry your goods home on your scooter. A scooter is a great method of giving those who are unable to walk or those who are unable to walk long distances the ability to be self-dependent.

While owning your own scooter, you don’t have to disinfect a scooter in the store where you are shopping. Sometimes accidents and spills will happen in the retail setting leaving you with a scooter that may not be clean, sanitized. If you were to purchase your own scooter, you will feel more comfortable.

Using your own scooter also means you have the advantage of always having a scooter that is fully charged and ready to go. Often times those who are disabled will enter retail centers only to find the scooters are out of power, and are useless. To provide yourself the freedom of mobility with a fully charged scooter, bring along your own scooter and leave all the worries behind you.

Owning your own scooter gives you the choice of knowing and being familiar with the scooter you are riding. Riding a scooter you are not familiar can often times be a little awkward as you learn the controls. The retail scooters are big, bulky and will not cut corners very well. Using your own scooter is going to allow you the freedom to travel in the retail setting while still feeling comfortable. You make the personal seat adjustments to your scooter, adjust the handle bars and the controls to your personal liking, and the scooter settings will stay that way, because you are the only one who is using your scooter. Your personal scooter is just like your car, your personal transportation.

Repairing Flat Tires On A Scooter

The tires and the spokes of the scooter will require daily inspection to ensure you have no problems, and that your ride will be a safe one. If you are faced with broken spokes, you should repair them right away to prevent additional breakage. If you have a flat tire, you will also need to have someone change it, plug it or repair it so you can continue riding the scooter. Riding the scooter with a flat tire is going to bend and chip the rims, the wheels, and will not provide you with the smooth ride you are accustomed.

For flat tires, there is a canister type of solution you can purchase which is known as fix a flat, which will fix flat tires, plugging holes in the rubber tire. The Fix a flat is a canister that will plug right into the tire, inflating the tire as it plugs the hole at the same time. The Fix a flat is going to work on the tires that are rubber, the same as your car. This type of repair is not going to work on the tire with a tube or the tire that has a major cut in it. Repairs to the tire that has a large gash will require replacement of the tire. Most all medical supply houses, and scooter retail outlets do make replacement tires easy to purchase.

Regular reviewing and maintenance of your tires will be required. If you are not using your scooter for long periods, you should at least have someone move the tires around, so they are not sitting on one portion of the tire for weeks on end. Dry rot is a problem for tires not used often. A scooter not used for three months at a time can easily have dry rot on the tire. Dry rot can be spotted by the cracks in the tires, which can easily then lead to air leaks.

Most scooter accessories can be bought either new or old depending upon your preference and how much you are willing to spend on them. However before buying old parts make sure that they are in a good condition or else they too might have to be replaced soon.

To prevent the need to fix flat tires, to fix broken spokes, and to prevent dry rot on any scooter tire, you should consider the purchase of tires, which are solid. Solid tires are available with or without tread. Solid tires never require air. If you have tires that do require air, you can pump up the tires with a bike pump or with an air compressor.

Find The Parts You Need For Your Car At Online Auto Parts Stores

Here is some great news for you car owners: Online automotive stores are now offering parts for your automobiles at rock bottom prices. Along with absolute customer satisfaction, you can experience excellent performance and quality from your auto parts, all while saving money. Up to a 50 percent discount is offered on your choice of newer or older model parts for your car with many online sites.

Let’s take a gander at the great deals that online automotive parts stores have for your car

Some Of The Facts You Should Know About Satellite Radio

Here are a few FAQs about everyone’s favorite radio service.

Question #1: Can you give us an overview of what satellite radio is?

Who provides the new service?

Answer: Satellite radio is a subscription based communication service. It has far more programs and music than the traditional network does, and it is available internationally by WorldSpace and stateside by Sirius and XM.

Question #2: Are there any advantages to having satellite radio?

Answer: The genres, styles, and eras of music you can choose from is almost limitless. Getting the programming you want, (weather, traffic, talk, news, and entertainment), without the annoyance of commercials. The new technology is broadcast into your car, RV, yacht, sauna, or home by use of a digital signal that completely eradicates that entire mind frying static. Once you purchase the equipment and properly install it, you will be supplied with a complete list of programming and channels right on the receiver. Local traffic and weather are available, provided by Sirius and XM.

Question #3: Are there any disadvantages to having the new technology?

Answer: If you don’t live in the continental United States, you cannot receive the signal. This includes Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, and other U.S. Territories.

Question #4: What do XM and Sirius Radio provide?

Answer:

-XM: 150 channels, 2 NASCAR racing channels, Major League Baseball, Professional Golf Association, ACC, Big Ten, and PAC-10 football and basketball coverage. You can have all of this awesome stuff for only $12.95 a month.

-Sirius: 120 Channels, Live National Hockey League, National Football League, National Basketball Association, English Premier League Soccer, and college sports game coverage. You can get all of this great programming for only $12.95 a month.

Question #5: How do I go about installing a system capable of handling the new technology?

Answer: There are a few things you will need before installing a system. First of all, you will need an antenna powerful enough to pick up the signal and deliver it to your receiver. Secondly, you will need a tuner so that you can actually get the signal from the antenna. There are 3 basic types of satellite radio tuners: Plug and play, which can be used on the go in a specially designed boom box, or car, the Universal tuner, which is most commonly used in the car, and then there is the home tuner, which hooks directly into the receiver. Thirdly, you will require a receiver which allows you to select the channels. Lastly, you absolutely need to purchase a subscription from either XM Satellite Radio or Sirius Radio.

Question #6: How do I get the best satellite quality sound in my car?

Answer: In order to get the great sound you deserve from your system you should do 1 of 3 things:

a.Install an in-dash receiver with a built-in tuner.

b.Install a satellite ready receiver and connect it to an external satellite tuner.

c.Install a plug-and-play satellite tuner by connecting it directly to your vehicle’s stereo auxiliary input.

Water Damaged Cars And Why You Do Not Want One

Looking around for a used vehicle to buy either as your first car or as a replacement for your last one can be a hassle enough by itself without having to worry about whether you’re going to end up buying a lemon.

You have to worry about financing, what kind of vehicle is best, and if it’s going to break down on you as soon as you get it home, but one thing that a lot of people don’t tend to think about when shopping for a new vehicle is if it has ever been completely submerged in water.

These vehicles aren’t always readily noticeable as having been submerged before. Dishonest car dealers and individuals looking to cheat you aren’t likely to tell you that a vehicle has been flooded, so you have to watch out for yourself.

One of the most dangerous things about vehicles that have been flooded can be is the possibility of mold growth in the interior of the car. It’s just as dangerous as the mold that can grow inside your home, but you’re less likely to notice it because most people don’t think about mold growing in their cars.

Sometimes bad car dealers will try to cover the odor of mold in the car with air or carpet fresheners. You never know if the mold has been completely removed from the car unless the carpet has been replaced and the interior cleaned by a professional.

Even the engine isn’t safe. Any flood waters the car has been exposed to contain sand, dirt, silt, or any number of debris that can work its way into the engine and cause it to malfunction. Even sewage can be found in some flood waters.

There are also electrical problems abound in vehicles that have been flooded before. Many things on a vehicle today are monitored not by manual gauges, but by electronics and trying to use these by powering on the car before it’s completely dried out will probably ruin them.

Look for rust in the trunk of the car, particularly around the headlights and smell the interior closely. If there’s a musty odor or you can detect a scented air or carpet freshener has been used, it’s probably a good idea to go somewhere else to find a vehicle.

Even if you purchase a vehicle history report off of a website, you might not get all the information on a vehicle. You’ll get any information that was reported to the insurance company and a claim was done on, but if the car was submerged and the person or dealer chooses to sell it without reporting the incident, they can.

Things You’ll Need To Know To Buy The Right Snow Plow

Over the last couple of decades the snowplow industry has changed a lot, mainly due to the introduction of several new products that make snowplowing easier, faster, and safer.

The introduction of these new products is a two edged sword; yes it makes things easier, but at the same time it also makes the process of deciding on a snowplow a little more involved. Some of the things that you have to consider include the following:

Should I buy a straight-blade or multi-position snow plow? Does it matter if the blade is steel or poly? How easy is it to attach and detach the plow? Are the hydraulics dependable and are the controls easy to use? Does the product have bright enough lights? Is there a good warranty on the plow? These are some of the things you want to know beforehand and we will endeavor to give you as much information as possible to get you started.

For most people who are just using the unit for clearing their own driveway, a straight-blade will more than likely be just fine, but if you use it to make money then you’ll want to be able to do the job quick and efficiently, so you may want to go with the multi-position. Multi-position plows are up to 50% faster due to the fact that you can reposition the blades to all straight-blade positions in addition to the scoop and V positions. This makes the plow adaptable to nearly any job you need to do.

When it comes to the composition of the blade you have the choice between steel and poly. The vast majority of snowplows on the market today come with steel blades, although the poly plows are becoming more and more popular. The reason for the growing popularity is that poly is just as strong as steel and maybe stronger. They also have a lower coefficient of friction, which saves on fuel costs and is easier on your vehicle. The poly plows are also saturated with color all the way through so nicks and scratches don’t show like they do with steel, plus they don’t rust.

Attaching and detaching the plow is very important as well. You don’t want to be freezing and trying to deal with getting a blade on and off your truck. Try the attachment system for yourself at the dealer so you can see firsthand how easy or difficult it is to use.

Most snowplow makers use a single halogen light bulb, which are not bright enough; some makers have come out with dual halogen bulbs with the option of upgrading to High Intensity Discharge. These HID lights are four times brighter than standard halogen bulbs and also last ten times as long.

Hydraulics are probably the most important part of the plow, along with the controls. Be sure that the hydraulics system is dependable and the controls are simple and easy to use. Go for quality since the old adage, "you get what you pay for" definitely applies here.

When it comes to the warranty be sure to know exactly what you are getting and what the warranty covers. Some only cover parts, while others cover parts and labor. Warranties are usually either one year or two years; so pay attention to the warranty.

Take all of these things into consideration when shopping for a snowplow and you will be able to choose the right one to suit your needs.

How To Get The Best Automotive Repair Service

Just as clear communication between you and your doctor can equal better care for your body, communicating carefully with your mechanic means the best care for your body of your car.

When you think about it, you really know your car better than anyone else. You drive it every day and know how it feels and sounds when everything is right. So do not ignore its warning signals. If something does not feel quite right, be sure to get your car checked out.

The following tips should help you along the way including preventative medicine. Always try to follow the recommended service schedules. Keep a log of all repairs and service.

And check your car for unusual sounds, odors,drips, leaks, smoke, warning lights, changes in acceleration, changes in engine performance, changes in gas mileage, changes in fluid levels,worn tires, belts, hoses, difficulty in handling, braking, steering, and also unusual vibrations can be a cause for alarm.

When there is a problem try to get it looked at as immediately as possible.Write the information or symptoms down to give to your repairman. When did the problem first start?

Exactly when does the problem occur? Is it constant or does it occur now and again? Does the problem happen when the vehicle is cold or after the engine has warmed up? Is the problem noticeable when you accelerate? When you brake? At all speeds? When shifting?

Remember to let the technician diagnose and recommend a remedy, even if you think you already know what the problem is. Plus, it is important not to demand an on the spot diagnosis. The technician needs to thoroughly examine the vehicle before knowing what is really going on.

Always stay involved and try to have good communication with your mechanic. And do not be shy about asking as many questions as you need to understand the problem. Mechanical terminology can be confusing to the layperson. Ask for simple definitions of technical terms you are not familiar with.

It is hard to be patient, as most of us feel completely incapacitated without our vehicles. Make sure you ask to be called and informed of the problem, recommended action, and costs before work begins.

Before you leave, ask about labor rates, guarantees, and what methods of payment are acceptable.

Leave a telephone number where you can be reached.

The information you share with your auto technician will enable him to more easily locate the problem, diagnose it, and repair any damage. Then you and your car will be on the road again.

Some Tips To Help You On The Quest To Repair Bad Credit

The first step is to get a copy of your credit report, you are entitled to one free credit report per year. When you have bad credit, it can keep you from realizing your dreams. It’s much more difficult to purchase a house, obtain a student loan, or buy a car.

When you can get do credit from someone and you have bad credit, the interest rate is usually exorbitant and you end up paying a lot more than the purchase price of whatever you are buying. The secret to repairing your credit is to take an aggressive pro-active approach, it will take some time, but in the end, it will be well worth it.

Secondly you want to try to pay off as much as you can on any outstanding debts you may have. What you are trying to do is try to settle as much of the bills as you can that are the reason for the situation you are in. If you can get a bad account listed as closed it will look better than an open one that is currently listed as bad.

You can contact those you owe directly and inquire about entering into some kind of repayment plan. In many cases the creditors will work with you to hammer out a payment plan just so they can at least recover a portion of the debt. They know that it is likely that they will get nothing if they aren’t a little flexible.

If there is any chance that you can come up with some money to make a lump some payment many times you can get an even bigger break. If you ask what they will settle for many times they will take a huge reduction. I have seen cases where the companies settled for $1500 when over $2500 was owed.

There becomes a point at which companies will charge off the outstanding debt, this doesn’t mean they are forgiving the debt it just means they have decided that they know they aren’t going to ever get the money back so they make that notation, this looks really bad on a credit report.

It is always best to try to do as much of this work as you can on your own because if you employ the services of a debt counseling service it will be entered into your credit report. This can raise a red flag with potential new creditors as well and can delay receiving a better credit rating.

Just remember that you are not the first person to be in this situation and you certainly will not be the last. Be patient, you didn’t get into this situation overnight and it will take some time to correct it.

SUV Rollover Deaths

Shortly after the turn of the millennium, sport utility vehicles began experiencing awful difficulties with pre-mounted tires that accompanied the vehicle when it left the lot. Specifically, the Firestone tire company began experiencing terrible difficulties in manufacturing new tires, and this difficulty became a direct influence in causing SUV rollover deaths.

In a study conducted by the United States government, it was found that around 300 people died in SUV accidents involving a rollover in 2003. Despite gas prices, sport utility vehicles continue to be a popular choice at the car lot. It’s important, before purchasing your next vehicle, to understand the facts and statistics records on its safety.

Court cases have been heard throughout the country, involving people involved in accidents that included SUV rollover deaths. In some, the jury has walked away undecided if driving was a factor in a particular case; in others, the jury has awarded millions of dollars.

In any given year after the year 2001, nearly four thousand people have been killed either as a result of mixed signals on the highway, or reckless driving. Many thousands more have been killed in similar accidents. The statistics are grim. It is far safer to drive a four-door sedan than a sport utility vehicle. Despite that, many people buy SUVs for the thrill of sitting higher and the perceived safety of having a tougher or better-constructed vehicle.

Driving an SUV is completely unlike driving a sedan. Turning radii are different, time required to speed up and slow down are different, and, most importantly, the aerodynamics of an SUV versus a car is vastly different. By taking these differences into account and living by a few simple suggestions, you can greatly improve your chances of not suffering a fatal accident.

First, with a different turning radius, SUVs also have a different center of balance than typical four-door vehicles. Because of these interrelated differences, special care must be taken when driving your SUV around curvy roads, especially if those curves are enhanced by height and speed.

Always slow down when approaching curves; many accidents occur when drivers turn too quickly and lose control of their vehicle. If your SUV comes equipped with a traction system, ensure it is always engaged. When driving your vehicle in four-wheel drive instead of a normal driving mode, ensure that you are in the right gear and that your turns are made that much more carefully.

Next, avoid becoming a statistic as an SUV rollover death by understanding that it takes longer both to speed up and slow down in an SUV rather than in a car. Because SUVs are larger and heavier than typically automobiles, and because their different size and bulk add weight to their frame, speed can be a definite factor.

When driving your SUV, always allow adequate room behind the car in front of you, so that if they need to stop in a hurry, you will not cause an accident. When traveling at slower speeds, you should be able to see a bit of ground behind the tire of the car in front of you; this will indicate that you are following at a safe distance.

When you are in faster traffic, use the rule of three: locate a sign and start counting just when the car in front of you passes it. Stop counting when you pass that vehicle. That means time’s up!

Finally, keep in mind that due to vastly different aerodynamics, your SUV will drive quite a bit differently than a four-door sedan. Wind blowing in your area may have a role in the stability of your vehicle. Minimize this role by planning your drives, especially in windy weather, quite carefully.

Many drivers tend to lose their cool when a gust of wind blows a car a few feet sideways. When this happens, drivers tend to jerk the steering wheel in the opposite direction, and end up overcompensating for the difference in geographic placement.

If the worst happens and one of your family members is involved in an accident including SUV rollover deaths, you’ll need to give serious consideration to mountain a lawsuit against various parties for having a share of the blame in your accident.

Typical lawsuits are against automobile manufacturers, while some also include tire corporations. Do not assume that just because a loved one has died, a lawsuit is winnable.

Many factors can lead to a fatal occurrence in your SUV. In court, if it can be proven that the driver was in some way responsible, the outcome will not necessarily be favorable. Driver responsibility includes knowing the condition of tires, pointing out obvious defects.

The key fact to keep in mind is that additional safety and well-thought-out planning can go a long way towards preventing you and your family from turning into one of the statistics of SUV rollover deaths.

How To Inspect Your Car Before Final Delivery

When you buy a new vehicle you have every right to get one that is perfect and totally free of any imperfections. You don’t want to pay top dollar for a brand new car that has mechanical problems or problems with the interior, body, or finish. Before you sign the final papers and take delivery of the car you want to be sure that you thoroughly inspect the car including road testing it. Take down notes of any imperfections and insist that they be taken care of before you sign anything. Some dealers will let you take the car overnight, if they will take advantage of it as it can give you the time to really check it out more than a 5 minute test drive and walk around at the dealership.

Another thing that is really helpful is to have someone else, other than the salesman, look it over with you. They may see something you don’t. Don’t let the dealer tell you “Don’t worry. Go ahead and sign and we’ll fix it later.” Your signature is binding, there word isn’t. Mechanical issues are usually just a matter of a minor adjustment, or they may have a factory flaw that is covered by the factory and will be repaired. Paint and upholstery on the other hand are items that most dealers are not very good at repairing and they will try to make you believe that a flaw is normal, it isn’t.

Once you have driven the car off the lot with a signed contract anything and everything will be assumed to be your fault, so you have to be sure that it is perfect before you leave.

NEVER take final delivery of a car at night. There are many flaws that can be hidden when not in direct sunlight. It is well worth the time to take off from work and see the vehicle in the daylight so you aren’t surprised by scratches or swirls in the paint you couldn’t see.

These are some of the things you want to inspect:

Make sure that the serial number on the car matches what is on the paperwork. Check the odometer or mileage reading. If it has more than 300 miles make them tell you why. If they can’t give you a reasonable answer, get another car. Sometimes they trade cars from other dealers and this could explain it, but make them show you the paperwork proving it.

Check the body and paint thoroughly. Look inside the hood, trunk, and gas filler compartment. This is an area that is overlooked for overspray. If there was a minor flaw they fixed they may try to pass it off without disclosing it. New cars that have been partially repainted will not match later on as aging will make the colors different.

Be sure everything is lined up properly. The doors, hood, trunk, and windows should all be perfectly lined up and there should be a good seal around the windows with no wind noise. Check the upholstery for any stains or tears and be sure all the mechanical and electronic devices are in proper working order.

Be sure to have the salesperson take the time to go over all the equipment with you and be sure you know how to operate it and also check all the lights to be sure they are working. Also be sure to check all the fluid levels and be sure they are topped off.

When you take the car for the test drive be sure to test the alignment by briefly releasing the steering wheel and note whether it pulls to the left or right. Also, test the brakes under light and heavy braking. There should be absolutely no shudder at all, if there is it needs to be corrected.

If you follow these suggestions it should prevent you from having a bad experience when picking up a new car.

Are Bumper Stickers A First Amendment Right?

If you get out and drive around town at all you have surely seen all kinds of different bumper stickers ranging from just a timid “Virginia is for Lovers” to “I hate Bush” and many variations between. We see parents displaying stickers stating they are proud of their child like the “my child is an honor student” ones, and conversely the negative parody, “my kid beat up your honor student”. What you may not know is that many states have statutes prohibiting certain kinds of statements or illustrations. Is this a violation of our rights under the First Amendment? Let’s take a look at what is being said.

The U.S. Supreme Court has stated that “the government may not prohibit the expression of an idea simply because society finds the idea itself offensive or disagreeable and the fact that protected speech may be offensive to some does not justify its suppression.”

Regardless, there have still been many situations where individuals have been cited for the language or illustrations displayed on their vehicles. One woman in Florida who had the famous four letter word for intercourse stated three times on a sticker was cited but the charges were dropped because the word was not being used in a sexual context.

A man in Georgia displaying the infamous “_ _it happens” statement was fined $100 by a local jurisdiction, he took the case to the Georgia Supreme Court citing that the law was unconstitutional and they sided with him saying, “the peace of society is not endangered by the profane or lewd word which is not directed at a particular audience.” This seems to state that as long as you aren’t directing your remark to a specific group of people that it is okay, at least in Georgia.

Despite the victories by these mentioned above and many others there are a lot of states that have laws similar to the one below:

According to the law in Tennessee, “the display of obscene and patently offensive movies, bumper stickers, window signs, or other markings on or in a motor vehicle which is visible to other drivers is prohibited and display of such materials shall subject the owner of the vehicle on which they are displayed, upon conviction, to a fine of not less than $2.00, nor more than $50.00.” The state defines obscene like this:

“(A) The average person applying contemporary community standards would find that the work, taken as a whole, appeals to the prurient interest;

(B) The average person applying contemporary community standards would find that the work depicts or describes, in a patently offensive way, sexual conduct; and

(C) The work, taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value

(11) “Patently offensive” means that which goes substantially beyond customary limits of candor in describing or representing such matters.

I have to agree with what the Georgia court concluded their ruling in the case mentioned above, a statement from Benjamin Franklin, “Everything one has a right to do is not best to be done.” So, in plain English, just because we have a right to do it doesn’t mean we should. Use some common sense in what you display on your car.

Tire Selection For Your Vehicle

Your vehicle tire selection is a very crucial decision as you always have to consider first and foremost safety as well as the enjoyment you will get from driving with them. Choosing the appropriate tires for your vehicle will help determine the longevity, durability and life of the tires for years and miles of driving. It is very important to choose tires that match your type of vehicle and how you drive it.

Your vehicle’s tires can affect the performance of your automobile. All of your tires should be as much as possible identical to minimize handling problems. For tires that don’t match, it can be difficult to control and an end of your vehicle may not respond that quickly like the other end.

If your vehicle’s tires get damaged from an accident or has been worn down, it is wise to replace it with an exact tire that matches the other tires in the case of a single tire replacement. It should match with the others in terms of brand, size, line and speed rating. While replacing with identical new tires would be ideal if two tires need to be replaced, matching it with tires that come as close to the existing tires that you have can still provide good results. New tires of the same tire category would do. It is also important to ask your mechanic and note the reason why some tires have easily worn down. Probable reasons could be lack of tire rotation, loose mechanical parts or wheel alignment. The cause or problem should be addressed to prevent the fast wear and tear of your wheels. It is your goal to have your tires ultimately worn down together to replace them as a set every time.

You should be happy if all your tires wear out together because then you had selected a good set. In the replacement of a new set of tires if you were contented and happy with what you had before then have the same set as well. If you are looking for one that could provide you with a smoother ride or one that can provide longer tread wear, you can always check out other tire types and categories to find one that fits your specific needs and requirements.

The right tire size for your vehicle should be determined based on the weight that your vehicle can carry. Do not choose a size under the ideal size.

How To Save Big Money On Your Car, Truck or SUV

With the current price of gas at over $3 a gallon, the economy in a downturn, and no relief in site, we need to start conserving and saving everywhere we can. The car is a great place to start. Here are some tips from the National Institute on Highway Safety:

Do not take unnecessary risks. You can get in an accident and get hurt and you can also get a ticket, fine or worse. Speeding greatly increases the odds of an accident. It also increases fuel consumption and can result in a ticket. A speeding ticket alone can cost over $200 in fines and court costs easily plus there is added insurance points and costs which can easily cost hundreds or thousands of dollars. Basically, do not speed as it will cost more than you realize.

Scope out your local gas stations and find where the closest and cheapest gas is. It does no good to buy cheaper gas 30 miles away and burn half of it driving there and back. Use the internet as there are many websites that will actually help you find the lowest prices on gas and tell you exactly how far they are from you. It is amazing the price difference in gas stations. In one mile from my house there are 2 gas stations and one is $.12 per gallon cheaper than the other. Twelve cents may not sound like much, but on a average 20 gallon fill up that will save you $2.40. With regular driving, that could result in a free tank every month or two.

Here is a great way to save money on your car that most people still will not do, shop your car insurance. We see it on TV every day in ads from Geico and Progressive. By shopping your auto insurance you can save hundreds and even thousands in some cases. Its not because your current insurance company or agent is ripping you off, its mostly due to the fact that each company has different underwriters, qualifications, and standards. What may be a safe or low premium car for one company may not be for another. If you shop your car imsurance around, you will be amazed at what you find. You could save enough for a mortgage payment! Loyalty will end up costing you big, sorry insurance agents, but its true.

Be safe. Keep your car maintained. This includes everything from oil changes on time to following the manufacturers recommended maintenance plan for your car. Notice we said manufacturers and not dealers. Most car dealers are purely interested in generating service revenue and will recommend many unnecessary and expensive treatments and services over the life of your car. Want proof, compare he manufacturers recommendations with the dealers. You will always see a big difference. Just remember this, regardless what the dealer says, the manufacturer built your car, designed your car and backs your car. I would always take the manufacturers word over the dealers.

These are just a few great tips that will definitely save you big money on your car, truck or SUV.

Hyundai Closing In On Honda As Their Brand Value Rises

Hyundai Motor Corp. surprised everyone this year by making the biggest increase in automotive brand value and recognition. Hyundai for the first time ever beat such marques as Porsche, Lexus, and Nissan. Honda and Toyota are now forced to take Hyundai more seriously as it is now closing in on them at a rapid pace. According to J.D. Power and Associates, Hyundai has one of the highest consumer satisfaction ratings of all vehicle manufacturers and its brand value has greatly increases after the introduction of their hot 2006 model lineup.

According to the 2006 Best Global Brands survey Hyundai Motor Company has emerged as one of the worlds leading brands with stellar levels of customer satisfaction that rival the best in the industry. Brandon Yea, Hyundai vice president for branding strategy, stated that Hyundai represents solid quality and representation at every level now as we have everything from the low end to our new entry into luxury sedans with the Alzerra. Hyundai is now being seen as a serious player in the automotive industry. While other automakers are worried about profits (GM and Chrysler), Hyundai is thinking about how much more market share it will take this year. The Alzerra was targeted at the Acura and Lexus luxury car markets and has shown great promise so far.

Apparently Hyundai has taken a page from Walmart founder Sam Walton, price yourself as aggressive as possible while providing what your customers want and need. Hyundai has out priced their competition and now sits poised to become, perhaps, the major automotive player similar to what Walmart did with its retail stores. According to the Harvard Business Review, Hyundai has the perfect business model and will be the automotive manufacturer to beat in the coming years. Large automotive dealership chains like Hendrick Automotive Group and Sonic are adding Hyundai dealerships as fast as they can be built.

Hyundai is not sitting on its laurels with the good news, however. They are investing heavily in research and product development. They are also planning and designing more competitive models. We have found great success in every product line we have been involved in and will continue to add to this. Our philosophy is similar to that of MDWholesale, one of our business partners. To provide the best value at the best price for our customers, stated Yea. GM and Chrysler will learn a lot about the car business from Hyundai, they don’t have a choice.

Ridley Motorcycle - A Clutchless Wonder

The Ridley Motorcycle would not be the first motorcycle name to be uttered if someone was asked to name their favorite motorcycle cruiser.

When people think of American cruiser motorcycles it will always be the same ones brought to mind such as the Harley Davidson or Indian, most probably because they have been around forever, however there is another motorcycle which is growing in stature and consequently is very much sought after.

The Ridley motorcycle has been built by Clay Ridley and his team since 1995 after developing his dream idea for four years. Today The Ridley Motorcycle Company build the most innovative and stunningly beautiful motorcycles in their Oklahoma City Factory, and are then distributed world wide via a global network of authorized dealers.

When Clay Ridley started his company he did so off the back of a lifetime of innovation, from being a young boy he dreamed of this day. He had always been hands on building bikes from a very early age, he continues to design and build out of the ordinary bikes that have earned the right to display the Ridley Motorcycle badge.

The first designs were for a three quarter style cruiser known as Ridley speedster these sold well, however, more people were demanding a bigger bike so the Auto Glide was born and was received enthusiastically by both beginners and experienced riders.

The Auto Glide differs from most other bikes by being extremely light weight, it has a very low seat and a unique automatic transmission. They are great bikes to ride and boy do they turn heads as all of the bikes have been produced with a stunning paint job; the powerful 700cc V twin engine on the Auto-Glide emits a warm bass tone from the chromed mufflers.

Auto-Glide Chopper and its four other cruiser models - the Auto-Glide Sport, Auto-Glide Classic, Auto-Glide TT, and the Auto-Glide Old School are superbly engineered. The CVT automatic transmission delivers a smooth, jerk-free, quick take-off. It maintains broader gear range and returns very low fuel consumption. For the riders who do not want auto there is the Ridley X- Glide, which is a five speed shifting bike with a Harley Davidson engine.

Once on the road no one would know you’re riding a clutch-less bike, a Ridley motorcycle looks and sounds the same as any other cruiser, however the beauty of a Ridley is the ease which you ride with, in fact you could easily do the whole journey one handed. The seating position is perfect and the fit and finish on all of Ridley’s bikes is unbeatable with custom paint, loads of chrome and spoked wheels with white walled tires

Motorcycling is all about freedom of choice and being able to have fun on the open road, to be able to feel the wind in your face and experience an exciting ride. It has shown by the steady increase in sales that Clay Ridley and his team created a winner with the Ridley Motorcycle.

Why Are We In Love With Sports Cars?

Why do so many of us find sports cars irresistible? Few objects inspire the emotional attachment that sports cars do among auto enthusiasts. There are always dedicated fans of almost every technology, but sports car fans band together in clubs, spend a significant percentage of their free time preoccupied with their car, and may even begin to create a self-definition that seems to be centered upon their favorite auto.

There is something about sports cars that makes them uniquely attractive to many drivers.

Of course, it would be impossible to isolate exactly what it is about a well-designed sports car that engenders such attachment, but there are some factors that would logically contribute to the commonly seen love affair between men and their sports cars.

Initially, it seems as if much of the attraction is grounded in symbolism. Sports cars have long been portrayed as sources of freedom. Drivers are left unencumbered by the limitations of other automobiles are seen as having a uniquely free and flexible life on the open road. This notion of freedom is intensified when one considers convertible sports car offerings. In such circumstances the driver is not boxed in like others. He can tackle any road while being completely open to the elements.

Additionally, the allure of sports cars lies in their innovative technology. We live in a world that worships at the altar of technological advances. The sports car is a moving amalgamation of technical expertise. Sports cars are a bundling of technological miracles. From aerodynamic styling to compact yet powerful engines, they represent the cutting edge of technological design. In a society entranced by technology and innovation, the sports car has an iconic appeal that is difficult to equal.

Sports cars also represent the flipside to our technological obsession. Although we, as a society, crave more and better tech we also fear these developments will diminish our humanity. Some have even argued we have an underlying fear of losing control over our own advances. The sports car simultaneously represents our technological prowess while reassuring us we retain dominion over our creation. Sports cars are built to respond the driver. In fact, they are sold as being the most responsive cars available. The driver is left in ultimate control. Man creates the new technology and harnesses it. It is the perfect version of our technological dream in action.

Finally, the sports car appeals to man’s desire to reassert his strength in a world that no longer requires physical prowess. Humanity has grown softer and the need for violent power to function successfully has been reduced to near zero. The sports car provides an alternative means of expressing whatever hard-wired tendencies toward strength and prowess that may be lurking in the deep recesses of the human mind. The sports car is an embodiment, after all, of the human physical traits once needed for survival in leaner times. Speed and power are combined and become a proxy body for the driver placed behind the wheel.

The sports car, it would seem, is a perfect object of affection. It allows us to explore our concept of freedom. It shows us our continual technological advancement while simultaneously reassuring us that we can keep our new technologies under our control. Meanwhile, the sports car acts a proxy body for us to express a seemingly instinctive need for demonstrating physical prowess.

Why It is Harder To Buy A Used Car

Buying used cars is totally different than buying new. For starters most people looking for used cars must deal with sellers in less than ideal environments. From shysters selling cars on the side of the road to the little independent lots around your town and even up to the used car operations at major dealerships the used car business is still fraught with questionable tactics at the very least. Here are some of the variables that will throw you a curve while you are shopping for a used car.

First and foremost you have to realize that every used vehicle is an original. There is no used car factory that you can call and order up what you want. You won’t find an identical car down the road like the one you are currently looking at. You may find one that is the same year and the same color but the difference in condition can be huge. A Perfect vehicle my sell for $15,000 while the same year, make, and model may sell for half that with high miles and hidden damage.

There are no fixed wholesale values or selling prices like you have with new cars. Shopping the price on a used car will be at the very least difficult. The asking price fluctuates constantly and can change instantly if you mention you are trading.

There is no magic formula for where to find a good used car. You may find a true gem at a run down lot and you may very well purchase a total disaster from a new car dealer. You just can’t assume that all of the independents are crooked and you can’t automatically trust the new car dealers either.

It takes a good deal of time to thoroughly check out a used vehicle. Most people judge a vehicle by how it looks making decisions that involve thousands of dollars on appearance alone instead of taking the time to inspect the vehicle. Even worse, many times people allow their emotions to run the decision making process.

Financing rates vary greatly with used vehicles depending upon the year and mileage. The rate can vary as much as twenty percent! If you plan to finance a used car you have to shop the finance rate for that particular year vehicle. Do not make the mistake of financing with the dealer, you will pay for it. The best bet is to get pre-approved for a loan first.

Drive For Less With Discount Car Rentals

Making the most of a family vacation or even a business trip often requires the use of a rental car. For many, however, the added expense can really hurt a trip budget or a company’s bottom line. Going with the big names can render some good cost savings, but what about cheap rental car options?

In short, the answer is yes, but it is a case of buyer beware, or renter. Whether the trip’s for business or pleasure, if a rental car is needed, quality is a must. So in the case of getting a car, cheap must equal affordable, but operable. Cheap should never equal garbage in the case of a rental.

Keeping the need for quality in mind, finding good deals on decent rental cars is more than possible. Cheap cars can come from smaller rental car companies, those that lease scratch-and-dent models and even bigger name companies that offer some great deals.

The best way to find the best prices in rental cars is to shop around. Sounds simple, but it’s true. No matter what your destination is, if there is an airport or other mass transit station, there should be rental companies around. Most of these will have their own web sites set up or at least good listings in phone books.

Check out those web sites and make phone calls. Look for companies in the location you’re intending to go. Sometimes you can even get free quotes online, which makes comparison shopping quick and pretty darn easy, too. Don’t settle for the first price you get quoted if cheap is in order.

Don’t forget that smaller companies may offer better rates. Check these out in the place you intend to visit. Remember though that sometimes these places only have service in the general area. This means a car picked up at Point A must be returned to Point A at the end of the rental period. An arrangement of this type works very well for a family trip or even a business trip that’s staying fairly localized, but it won’t do much good for the traveler who wants to drive a rental to their destination, enjoy a vacation and then fly back home.

Read the fine print on the different web sites you check out. This is important to understand what kind of guarantees the companies offer. If you’re calling them, specifically ask.

Scratch-and-dent rentals can often save some money, too. These shops generally are pretty small and localized. Be sure the company’s regulations fit in with your trip and do check with the company’s local better business bureau for any major complaints. A rental wreck can be a great way to save cash, but if the “wreckage” goes beyond some minor cosmetic issues, the car might be a problem even for a short rental.

In general, when looking to rent a car, it’s a good idea to be certain you know what you’re getting into. Check around and shop prices, but remember your vacation or your business trip will be riding on the wheels, so a good car is an absolute must.

Cheap rental car companies can be found. As long as they are reputable, too, you should be in good shape.

How To Properly Install Your Own Car Stereo System And When You Shouldn’t

Have you ever wondered if you could perform a car stereo installation yourself? The fact is that you can do it yourself, so spend that money on your hardware! Don’t throw money away on labor. Besides the money savings, doing a car stereo install yourself can be a very gratifying experience, not to mention you will be able to learn a lot from it as well. Nothing quite beats the feeling of beholding your "creation" in action, operating smoothly and perfectly.

When you are installing a car stereo you have to ascertain what kind of system you’re going to install in your vehicle. If you are a novice, it is better you attempt a car stereo install if it’s just a simple system. You might prefer to leave the complex stuff to the audio professionals, like installing sensitive equipment such as LCD panels, motorized parts etc particularly if it calls for the creation of custom panels and such.

Receivers or head units are among the easiest to do when installing a car stereo. Fortuitously, just about all units abide by the same size standards (DIN). In a lot of cars, when the factory radio is tak en out the aftermarket radio receiver will fit in the empty hole. In many other automobiles, a special kit is called for if the factory hole is too large, or not deep enough. In a few instances the dash has to be modified by cutting it and making it larger. If this is the case for you, any car stereo store should have the kits required for the modification.

There are two main types of mounting systems in a car stereo installation. ISO mounting is when the radio can be attached to existing factory radio brackets, which is the case in most Japanese automobiles. Ring mounting is when an aftermarket radio goes with a metal ring that is mounted to the factory radio hole or with an aftermarket kit thru flexible tabs. In a lot of cars, dash and trim rings must be filed to expand the radio hole. When the ring is installed, the radio receiver slides in and is confined by snaps. In most situations, special tools are needed to remove the radio.

In a simple car stereo install, you’ll likely be utilizing speakers that accommodate a factory location. Just make certain there are no gaps or holes. Occasionally constructing a wood or fiberglass baffle aids to reduce holes and brings about a much better sound. But always be mindful when using power tools close to speakers. Car stereo warranties typically don’t cover holes in speakers.

A car stereo install has to be done well to deal with vibrations and other noise sources in its environment. Even though it is unimaginable to do away with these altogether, there are products that will greatly diminish the noise and rattling, especially on non-luxury automobiles. Linings, sprays and adhesive material and even carpet applied onto the panels can make huge difference.

Tips For Buying Used Auto Parts

Automobile manufacturing is one of the largest industries in the manufacturing sector. Hence it generates a large amount of waste products. The auto salvage industry thrives on salvaging useful components from irreparable cars. Up to 70 % of the auto parts of an irreparable car can be salvaged, such as body panels or bumpers, wheels, front or rear ends, motors, transmissions, electronics, among others.

Advantages

Used auto parts are a great way to save money for maintenance and repair of your car. Used auto parts are fairly cheap and may cost anywhere between 20 to 80% of the cost of a new auto part. Used auto parts are environmentally friendly, as not using them would add to the junk in junkyards or consume scarce landfill space. Furthermore, manufacturing new components would also consume too much resource.

Availability

Used auto parts are available online or from local stores. . Most towns and cities have used auto part stores. Used auto parts can be purchased on online auto parts stores by credit cards, and the parts are delivered or shipped within 3 to 6 days. While purchasing online beware that the image shown on the site may not match with the actual part.

Identification

The car part can be easily matched with your car by having your car’s vehicle identification number (VIN). This number provides the seller with lot of useful information, such as the make and year of manufacture, engines, transmission etc. If there is any confusion the used auto stores sales person are in a better position to help you.

Warranty

Ask the seller to provide warranty. It is prudent to read the terms and conditions of the warranty.

Age

It is necessary to find out the mileage on the auto part. Also confirm whether the part is being sold as used, repaired or remanufactured.

Duplicate

Auto parts can be duplicated easily and these are generally not safe and reliable. Usually it is easy to identify a duplicate part by visual inspection. If the part differs in look from a new part, has a mismatched logo, or typo or anything out of the ordinary then it can be assumed with high certainty that it is counterfeit.

Paint

Usually there is a mismatch between the used auto part color and your car body. Consulting your body shop is necessary before purchasing the part.

Maintenance and keeping your car road worthy is becoming costlier by the day. Used auto parts can reduce the maintenance cost to a great extent. However some caution should be exercised before buying used auto parts.

Do You Think You Can Afford A 2005 Porsche Carrera GT

Virtually every car nut, okay enthusiast, that I know would love to own a 2005 Porsche Carrera GT. It is a street racer with an incredibly powerful V10 engine and a body made of carbon fiber which makes it so lightweight.

In 2004 Porsche brought out the Carrera GT and it was so perfect that only minor adjustments are present in the 2005 version. To make the car a bit more comfortable to drive the seat height is now adjustable and also includes thigh bolsters to help make the legs more secure. The look of the Carrera GT is unmistakable. The low profile, ultra-light racer is a sight to behold and the interior is just as flawless as the outside.

Okay, onto the cool stuff. Most of you are probably like me and just want to know the answer to the question,

The Story Of Porsche Automobiles

The story of Porsche could begin in 1950 with the introduction of the Porsche 356 to the United States by Max Hoffman. It could begin in 1948, when the first auto bearing the name of Porsche came out. However, to get a real grip on the heritage of Porsche, you must go back as far as 1875. In September of that year, Ferdinand Porsche was born in the bohemian village of Haffersdorf.

Ferdinand Porsche showed indications of his technical genius at the age of 18 when he wired the family home for electricity. His only formal education was received when he was a part-time engineering student in Vienna, although the title ‘Doctor’ is often appended to his name. By the time he was 25, Porsche had gone into automotive design. The Viennese firm of Loyner & Co. accepted his first car design. Over the next twenty years, he successfully associated himself with every major car manufacturer in Germany, and he designed about a dozen of the most technically important automobiles in history at the same time.

When he worked for Mercedes-Benz, he helped to create the SSK series, while for NSU, he designed the Auto Union Wandered and the Type 32, which as an ancestor of the Volkswagen Beetle. His disagreements with Mercedes-Benz over the company’s engineering policies prompted him to establish his own engineering group, which became Porsche A.G. He collected a premier group of engineers to work under the name of “Doctor of Engineering Ferdinand Porsche, Inc. Construction Facility for Land, Air, and Sea Transportation in Stuttgart. His son, Ferry, was one of his employees, and his major interest was in sport and racing cars.

The elder Porsche and his engineers were busy. They developed for Steyr, a luxury sedan in Austria, but this vehicle did not make it out of the prototype stage. They also worked for Auto Union, which is now Audi, the firm that created the Front, the first front-drive economy car in the world. They also created the mid-engine Grand Prix cars and supercharged V-12 and V-16 engines. These, along with the racers from Mercedes-Benz, dominated European auto racetracks for almost ten years.

The company created its most well-known designs for NSU and Zundapp. Prototypes were characterized by Porsche’s torsion-bar suspension and rear-mounted engine. Neither of the firms manufactured the designs, so Porsche sold the idea to the German government. He then provided the oversight on the construction of a plant in Wolfsburg to build the design. He called it the Type 60, but the world knows it as the Volkswagen Beetle.

After World War II, the Porsche Company began to create the vehicles that now bear the name of Porsche. Almost one hundred years later, Porsche became the marque, and the family that developed the unique and lasting contributions to automotive design and engineering has gone down in history.

Windshield Repair Will Save You Big Money Over Replacement

Most people have no idea that cracks, chips and scratches in windshield glass can be repaired and restored to new again at a huge savings over replacement. How do I know this? By being observant. I see probably 20 to 30 vehicles with chips, scratches and cracks every day. These all affect your vision and safety. It is a proven fact that windshield scratches, nicks and chips can cause added glare and increase or add blind spots while driving. According to the Michigan State Police, a windshield must be free of any imperfections caused by road debris as it will greatly impede vision and driver safety. Many windshield problems like cracks, scratches and nicks can easily be fixed or repaired without replacement.

Windshield repair was started as a sideline business and has grown into a nationwide aftermarket and additional service. It can be found at almost every used car dealership. There are outside crews that provide services like windshield repair, scratch and paint, headlight repair and restoration and paintless dent removal. All you have to do is ask a used car salesperson or the used car manager about it. If they do not have someone there ask whom they would recommend. All used car dealers use windshield repair instead of replacement, especially since the average windshield replacement is now over $400 and the average windshield repair is only around $25.

Windshield repair may even be free as your insurance company will probably wive the deductible if you go with a repair instead of a replacement. It saves them lots of money and it improves your driving safety. A windshield repair when professionally done is just as safe as a new or replaced windshield. It also looks a million times better.

Basically a windshield repair squeezes acrylic resin into the blemish by a vacuum that seals out air and moisture. It is then exposed to UV light which hardens the resin and it dries to a crystal clear. When properly done most repairs cannot even be seen by a trained eye and it will stop the spreading or worsening that usually occurs with most cracks. Most small blemishes like nicks, scratches, and cracks can be repaired. Long or spidered cracks that can cover the whole windshield cannot be economically fixed and the integrity of the windshield glass is gone so repair would be futile. A trained windshield repair technician could easily tell you if your windshield is repairable or not.

Scratches are a little different. They will use a glass polishing kit which is made only for glass. This will grind the glass level to the bottom of the scratch and then through different grades of glass polish optical clarity will be brought back. As a final step the best detailers will wax the glass for you. This, when properly done, will have a better effect at removing water and rain then advertised window treatments and it lasts ten times longer (waxing the glass also stops squeaky windshield wipers).

Windshield repair should be professionally done and is beyond the scope of most weekend home repair jobs. Due to its effect on your vision and driving safety and being that the price is only around $25 it is best to see a technician trained in windshield repair.

SUV Pros and Cons

Your car is bursting at the seams with children, sports equipment, groceries and pets. You think it may be time to trade up to a larger car. But is an SUV the right choice to make for your family?

First and foremost, as anyone who watches the evening news knows, the price of gas has skyrocketed and SUVs are notorious for poor gas mileage. Or are they? Depending on what make and model of SUV you choose, some get as good or better gas mileage than some large cars. For example, the 2004 Honda Element gets 22 miles to the gallon in the city, just 2 miles per gallon less than the 2004 Honda Accord. At highway speeds, the Element gets 8 miles per gallon less than the Accord, a larger, but not huge, difference Also, more and more auto manufacturers are designing hybrid gas-electric SUVs that provide better gas mileage along with the traditional extra space and power of SUVs.

Another major consideration when choosing between a car and an SUV is safety. Most people assume that, because of their larger size, that SUVs are safer than cars. However, crash tests conducted in 2003 proved that large SUVs were only slightly safer than mid-sized cars and were actually slightly more dangerous than large cars. SUVs also can roll over when taking turns at high speed, something that cars are far less likely to do. Drivers who are switching to SUVs after many years of driving cars may need some practice to learn to drive their SUV safely.

Many people think that SUVs, due to their larger size are more comfortable and have more cargo capacity than cars. To a certain extent this is true, but it depends heavily on what make and model of SUV you choose. Some SUVs actually have limited cargo space, though almost all have the power to haul a trailer. As far as comfort, many drivers prefer being higher up from the road, but older drivers and those with disabilities may have a hard time getting into the raised seats. Additionally, buckling a child into a car seat installed in the recommended back seat center position may be difficult for shorter moms and dads.

Finally, if you do a lot of city driving and, more importantly, parking, SUVs are less maneuverable and harder to parallel park than traditional cars. Even in the suburbs where most people park in lots, the spaces may not be wide enough for certain SUVs.

Discover Ways To Get The Fuel Figures Right before it's too late

On one fine evening, a subscriber of mine wrote me the following,

“Dear Sunny,

I bought my first car, a Nissan Sunny 130Y, three months ago, It runs extremely well and I’ve had no major problems since. But I’m curious as to its actual fuel consumption. Can that be measured without sophisticated electronic devices so I could learn to start increase gas mileage of my car in more efficient way?

What are the methods a layman like me can use to measure fuel consumption?

Janice”

To be frank, fuel consumption varies widely. It all depends on the way you drive your vehicle, your car make, and the type of traffic condition it encounters. These circumstances affect the actual fuel efficiency of your car.

For instance, if you drive mainly in urban areas where you’ll see lots of traffic jam, you are likely to lose up much more gas money compared to when you are cruising along the highway.

Enough said, your fuel economy will suffer when you are stuck in the jam. Jack rabbit starts and heavy braking of your vehicle may contribute to your increased fuel consumption as well. All these factors may not contribute to your ways to save fuel.

Here’s my tip to measure your fuel consumption of your vehicle and to get the best possible gas mileage reading of your car.

First, you would start by filling up your vehicle tank to the brim and then adjusting the trip meter to zero. You could do that just by resetting the meter.

Next, drive the vehicle until at least two-thirds of the tank has been used before you fill up again. During this time, please take note of the amount of fuel you are filling up against the distance that you have travelled since the last time you topped up.

Fuel consumption, in kilometres per litre, is calculated by dividing the reading on your trip meter by the amount of fuel that you have filled up.

Based on my experience, it is best that you average out the results by repeating the same procedures and take measurements over a few weeks to obtain the average of the best consumption figure for your vehicle.

Some car manufacturers will state the fuel consumption figures of the cars in the manual. Please be aware that these figures were obtained under strict test conditions and surveillance and also on an almost perfect road surface.

So don’t be alarmed when you notice the variance of the actual fuel mileage result you get against the manufacturers’ figures.

To really find out your actual car fuel consumption and to diagnose any sudden drop of fuel efficiency, you should keep track of your fuel consumption regularly as it is the best and surest way to tell when something is going on with your car.

Once you’ve realized how easy it is to keep track of your car fuel consumption, you should be on your way to seriously consider some of the ways you could do to increase gas mileage even when you are pumping gas in the gas stations.

Believe me, not everyone is aware of some of the stuff you could do to top up additional gas mileage. All these have been documented in my book “Gas Mileage Tactics” available at my site.

Headlight Restoration Increases Driving Safety

If you have cloudy or worn and yellow headlights you are taking a big and unnecessary risk when you drive at night. According to the AAA Foundation For Traffic Safety:

An average of 9 out of every 10 cars on the road today has dirty or yellowed headlights that greatly reduce vision and need to be replaced, repaired or restored.

Most people do not know that not only do worn or cloudy headlights look bad, but they also reduce light output by as much as 95 percent. That is a huge difference in whether you can effectively see or be seen when driving at night.

In a recent search on Google and Yahoo search engines, it was found that thousands of accidents were linked to ineffective light output due to worn and cloudy headlights. The majority of headlight lenses produced today are made of plastic and are very susceptible to road and weather conditions. Harsh UV rays in hot climates, chemicals from the engine and fumes, smog, etc. all take a toll on the plastic and cause it to breakdown from the outside in. The resulting cloudiness is like cancer and quickly gets worse. Soon reducing visibility and making your vehicle unsafe at night.

Accidents caused by reduced light output and bad or cloudy headlights tend to also be much more severe. According to the National Institute For Highway Safety:

Accidents at night due to a more limited visibility are usually of a more severe nature, but when equipped with ineffective headlights the chances for a more severe accident are far greater.

How do we repair or restore the headlights on our cars? According to the New York Police Traffic Division’s Traffic Safety Team:

Clean the headlights or have them professionally restored and repaired (our department uses the MDWholesale headlight restoration kit on all our police cruisers and department vehicles for maximum light output and safety. Dirty headlights can and will decrease visibility by as much as 90%.

Up until now the only solutions were to either replace the cloudy lenses with expensive OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts at your local dealer (headlights can easily cost over $300 each) or to just take the risk and drive with the bad headlights. Now there is an alternative, headlight restoration. You can restore these cloudy headlights to like new condition and be safe again. Restored headlights look new and have the same light output and safety of new headlights for a fraction of the cost. There is a patented headlight restoration system manufactured by MDWholesale which has been determined very effective in increasing night time safety by numerous government agencies and police departments throughout the nation. Please see below link for more information on this headlight restoration system.

So it is a proven fact that worn and cloudy headlights will have a great effect on night time driving and safety. Therefore, headlight restoration is a economic and very effective alternative to headlight replacement.

Facts You Need to Know About Hybrid Cars

Hybrid car has become immensely popular after Honda Motors and Toyota Motor Corporation introduced these cars in the US market in 2000. The US Government offers incentives to those willing to buy hybrid car and many corporations are willing to provide free parking. Why have these hybrid cars become so popular?

You need to know some facts about the hybrid car as to why it has become so popular. However one must understand the meaning of hybrid. Hybrid means that something additional has been mixed with the original. A hybrid car has a gas engine as well as an electric motor which runs on batteries. These batteries get automatically charged when the vehicle is running. There is thus no extra effort required to charge the batteries separately.

Almost all the hybrids primarily use gas engine, but is also fitted with an electric motor, which is activated when more power is needed. Anyone of them or both of them can be used to run the car. When the car stops the gasoline engine also stops automatically. As soon as the gas pedal is pressed again the engine comes back to life immediately. During the off condition of the engine, essentials such as lights, radio, etc are kept on with the help of battery. The off state being extremely silent can deceive the driver as well as the parking attendant. Fortunately, lighting indication is provided to show the idle condition of the engine.

There are numerous direct and indirect advantages of hybrid cars. The most talked about advantage of hybrid cars is its fuel economy and a higher mileage. Secondly, the hybrid cars use less fuel and are environmental friendly because there are less pollutants being emitted into the atmosphere. Hybrid cars are lightweight because they are made of aluminum and plastic.

The manufacturers have taken care of the safety measures of the hybrid cars by providing specialized shaped panels to the body of the car, which provides strength to withstand impact of any kind. The main advantage of the hybrid car is that it reduces the overall cost of running a car and keeps the atmosphere clean and healthy for everyone of us.

You will be wiser about the hybrid car provided you knew the facts you needed to know about the Hybrid Car. These are the reasons sufficient for you to decide in favor of hybrid cars and discharge your responsibility of being a responsible citizen besides saving substantially on your monthly fuel bill.

How To Save On Your Auto Insurance Like George Bush

The price of gas just keeps on going up and has no apparent relief in site (probably due more to George Bush’s close personal ties to big oil and the middle east than anything else). This in turn is driving up inflation and the cost of almost everything we buy or need including auto or car insurance. Here’s how to turn the tables in your favor and save money on your auto insurance like George Bush would if he had to pay for it.

We’ve all seen the commercials and mailings for Progressive and Geico telling us to get online and compare auto insurance companies and get competing quotes. There is a good reason for this - it will save you money. In most cases, shopping for auto insurance quotes online will save you big money (the average online auto insurance shopper pays 38% less). Get online and shop your auto or car insurance. You will save money.

It also helps to drive defensively and safely. According to the National Foundation for Highway and Traffic Safety, aggressive drivers cause 90% of all accidents and pay 30 - 70% more in car insurance premiums. Take a defensive driving course. Many technical and community colleges offer these courses and they may also reduce points on your license and DMV record. That leads to another important way of saving money on car insurance - get points removed from your license. You get points for things like speeding, not stopping for a stop sign, running a red light, etc… These points cause immediate rate increases to your insurance. Most states offer free or nearly free courses that will reduce the points on your license for most infractions (except for drunk driving and driving under the influence - you have to have a powerful name like Kennedy or Bush and then you get driven home).

Another way to save money on auto or car insurance is to increase your deductible and assume more risk.. You will save money by, for instance, going from a $250 deductible to a $1000 deductible. One word of caution, do not drop uninsured and under insured motorists coverage. Due to George Bush and his lenient policy in the past with illegal aliens in our country from Mexico we now have over 20 million illegal and uninsured motorists in America.

Another great way to save money on auto or car insurance is to drive a vehicle with a low theft rate. It is a proven fact that insurance companies charge higher premiums based on car brand and model theft rates. Since George Bush did practically nothing to stop these illegal aliens from Mexico we now have millions of them and they love to steal cars as some have found it easier than purchasing and they love Honda Civics and Accords. We don’t hear of many of them tooling around in a Mazda or a minivan. Maybe if George Bush invoked trade restrictions with Mexico this would change and jobs would come back to America?

Joining professional groups like AAA. AARP, etc… can also save you money on car or auto insurance as you may be entitled to group rates. There are many other ways also. Now you know how to save money on your car or auto insurance and why we are earning less and executives at big oil are earning more and more. Also, I don’t know if it’s a republican thing, but lets think before we put a Bush in a political office in the future. If you haven’t yet had the opportunity, please watch Farenheit 9/11 and learn more about George Bush and his brother in Florida.

Purchasing A BMW In The USA - Symbol Of A Sports Car

When people are successful some have a tendency to show off their success to others. There is no better way to show off your success than to drive an expensive sports car that lets people know just how truly successful you are. You would be hard-pressed to find a better car that does this than a BMW.

Purchasing a BMW in the USA gives people a sense about your financial success. In addition to BMW having the expertise on how to make an exceptional automobile and they are fully aware that individuals who purchase a BMW do so with the mindset of having the thrill of driving a great sports car but also to look important as well as feel important.

A BMW is not an inexpensive automobile to buy, however if you’re looking for an exceptional sports car driving experience then purchasing a BMW in the USA will give you the best opportunity to live that experience.

Variety Of Different Models

When purchasing a BMW in the USA, you will have quite a few options available to you. The BMW you end up buying will more than likely be dictated by how much you’re willing to spend and what features you’re looking for. If you’re an individual that has the means, your best bet when purchasing your BMW from the USA would be to include a fully loaded model of either the 500 series or the 700 series.

A car such as the BMW 500 series or 700 series has a certain prestige about them that garners attention from the casual onlooker when you’re driving down the street. The fact that a BMW is a foreign car in the USA also adds to the allure it has on American buyers.

Locating a Dealer Closest to You

A good place to find a BMW dealership located in the USA, would be to start in your local yellow pages. Word of mouth is also a reliable method of finding a good dealer. There are numerous BMW dealerships throughout the USA and there is very likely several conveniently located close to where you live.

The experience of being at a BMW dealership can be quite unique. The sales staff at a BMW dealership in the USA are accustomed to dealing with affluent clients. So more often then not their level of sophistication will have a tendency to stand out and it is likely you will notice it.

Once a successful negotiation with a BMW USA dealership has been completed and you have your BMW automobile in hand, be sure to follow up with the service department to obtain any advice you may need for periodic maintenance instructions from the service departments experienced staff.

Auto Lease Rates-Tips and Techniques for Affordable Leasing

Depending on your situation, auto leasing may be a more attractive option than buying a vehicle. If you are looking for a 2-3 year committment, it may make more sense to lease instead of own. With auto leasing, since almost every vehicle depreciates or goes down in value, you are only paying for the cost of the vehicle’s value that you use when you drive the vehicle, or its depreciation. In effect, you have a long term rental and you can return the vehicle at the end of the lease agreement. In order to make auto leasing work, its key to get the best auto lease rates.

Knowing what goes into your overall lease rate is the first step to getting a good deal. Similar to buying a new or used car, auto leasing rates can vary from dealership to dealership. There are three major components of every auto lease: a finance fee, depreciation fee, and in most states, a sales tax. If you are looking to receive a competitive auto lease rate, its a good idea to figure the overall cost of the lease and the monthly fees.

The depreciation fee is the amount you are paying the leasing company for the loss of the car value, which is averaged over the amount of months in the lease, and also factors in the amount of miles you drive. The finance fee is similiar to an auto loan payment you may pay to a bank or dealer. Your monthly payment should accurately reflect these two fees, averaged over the term of your lease, and also including sales tax, if necessary.

Its easy to overpay if the dealer is offering you low monthly payments, but when added up, the payments are way more than the sticker price of the vehicle. The monthly payment can often be manipulated to appear much lower than the overall price would suggest. Your contract should show you a lease charge, which is the amount of all of these monthly finance fees over the term. This will give you a better idea of the actual cost.

If you are thinking of an auto lease, give yourself plenty of time and check your local media. The best auto lease rates are often pre-packaged for you. These are often the deals you may see in the newspaper or on television, and are usually sponsored by both the dealer and the leasing company. They will often have a set package that is unchangeable, but will usually provide a better deal than what you can negotiate on your own. Another option would be to try an online auto-pricing service that handles the negotiations for you, if you fill out an application with several companies, you can choose the best deal being offered.

Finding competitive auto lease rates does not have to be intimidating. By doing your homework and keeping an eye out for dealer incentives, you can often get a great rate. If you take your time, you won’t feel pressured when shopping for an auto lease, and can make an informed choice.

How To Save Big Money On Repairs And Auto Parts

We all know it is cheaper to fix things yourself. It is the same with a car or truck. The biggest expense with any repair is not the parts, but the labor. It is not uncommon for repair and service shops to be charging $60 to $70 per hour of labor. And they round to the next half hour or hour for any repair. Just go to any new car dealer and ask to have your windshield wiper blades replaced. They will charge you 10 times the price of replacements at your local auto parts store. So anything you can do yourself to save will be a big help. The purpose of this article is to show you some things you can do on your own and how to get the lowest prices on parts so you can save big and put your money towards something better than fattening your local auto dealers pockets.

First off is routine maintenance. Routine maintenance consists of items like oil changes, tire rotations, and similar. Oil changes are a must at every 4000 to 5000 miles for most every car. Do not go by what your dealer says. They want to rev up your maintenance plan and have you doing more than is required. Instead, use your owners manual. If your car did not come with one, than buy one off of Ebay. The owners manual will give you exact recommendations for every service and when and what should be done. For oil changes use Walmart. They charge around $15 for a oil and filter change and will lube your chassis at the same time. They will also check your tires and change your air filter if you desire or need it. They have the best service for the lowest price and at $15 its better to have them do it than do it yourself. Expect to pay twice this at a new car dealer.

It is also a good idea to check your tire pressure at every gas fill up. A tire pressure gauge can be purchased at Walmart or any auto parts store for a few dollars. Proper tire pressure will prolong the usefulness of your tires and help ensure better fuel economy. To most people a under inflated tire is pretty obvious, but a over inflated tire can be just as dangerous as it can lead to blowouts and loss of traction especially in wet conditions (hydroplaning). Also, check your tires for nails, punctures, slashes, anything that could be wrong with it. If you need new tires, be sure to shop around and avoid the new car dealer as they will have a huge markup on them. For instance, 1 ZR Goodyear tire for a 2002 Ford Mustang GT was $289. The same ZR tire with a different make (Kumho) was $100 installed and balanced (the $289 at the dealer did not include installation or balancing. Shop around and look at discount stores. Also look at Costco, Sams club and BJs for tires. If you have an older car and do not care about matching the exact style you can always go to your local junk yard and buy an entire set for dirt cheap. You would be amavzed at what you might find there. A friend of mine picked up 4 tires for a 1999 corvette for $150 and the tires only had maybe 10,000 miles on them if that.

Lights and lighting on your car are an item that is routinely overlooked. If your lights are dim you could have a battery charge, alternator or dim, cloudy lenses. These are all easy to fix. A battery should be checked for its ability to hold charge at least once a year (more in extremely cold climates). An alternator can be replaced very easily, or if you do not feel comfortable a local mechanic can do it. Do not do this at a new car dealer as they will charge at least 300% more. A good tip is to go and buy the part at your local auto parts store and then inquire with the counter clerk as to a mechanic that they recommend to install it. You will save a lot and it will be professionally done. They will probably even come to your house to do it. As to your headlights, turn on your lights. If they are dim, is it the bulb or cloudy lenses? If it is the bulb, the cheapest replacements can be found at Walmart or on Ebay. It is recommended you go with brighter Xeon bulbs as they are only a few dollars more and increase brightness and night visibility by over 20 percent. If it is cloudy headlights there is a new headlight repair and restoration kit that will restore the lenses to new. This will save you big over replacement as the average plastic automotive lens costs $250 to replace.

Checking your fluid levels routinely is a good idea. A lot of cars now will do this for you and will even alert you to when it is time to perform a certain service. It takes 2 minutes to unscrew the oil cap and pull out the dipstick. On older cars you should also look under the cap. Is the oil really dirty, sludge like, or have white in it? These all indicate something needs to be done. The first two mean it is in dire need of an oil change. The latter with the whiteness or light chocolate look means you have a blown head gasket and coolant is leaking into the engine. That is really bad and requires major repairs and can be the result of running a car too hot. Fill all fluids to the fuel full line or indicator. By routinely checking your cars fluid levels you will be ahead of the game and keep your car running better and for much longer.

Another great idea to keep service costs to a minimum and save you big at the same time is to buy 1 to 3 year old used cars with around 30,000 miles on them. Then drive them until you get 100,000 miles on it and replace it. Most major repairs rarely occur before 100,000 miles with proper routine maintenance. Use and follow your owners manual. It was written by the ultimate expert, the people who built, designed and tested your car.

Get Ready For The Arrival Of Hybrid Sports Cars

Now I can get excited about hybrid cars. The industry is finally thinking about the people that don’t want to sacrifice performance for gas mileage. The Japanese as always it seems are leading the way in this new segment of the hybrid industry working on cars that feature lithium batteries and electric motors. Incredible as it may seem there is a report that there is at least one sports car under development that is capable of producing 470 horsepower!

Hydrogen fueled cars are also being developed as well and it seems that Mazda is putting a lot of research into this segment using its rotary engine. Mazda has been working on being able to produce a hydrogen burning car for years and hopefully they will be able to do it without giving up performance.

The hybrid that seems to have the most promise currently is from the Japanese automaker giant, Toyota. Their Priapus is a normal gas-electric hybrid that is capable of accelerating from zero to sixty in under 4 seconds which seems to be the equivalent of the 4 minute mile for performance cars. The car also still maintains decent fuel economy getting over thirty miles to the gallon. The 70k price tag will make it less than affordable for most and it will be tough to make up for it in gas savings. Personally for another 10k I would have to buy the new totally electric car coming out next summer from the new Tesla Motors that will give you a real opportunity to recoup the investment.

The hybrid industry isn’t being dominated by just the Japanese; a couple of former designers from Jaguar are working on a V10 version of the hybrid that has even received grants from the government in England to help them bring the car to production.

Nations all over the world are instituting higher standards for fuel efficiency to try to force automakers into making cars with better fuel economy. With gas prices continuing to rise and the ever present instability in the Middle East you can expect to see more attention to be paid to hybrid research as well as other alternatives. On top of all of the savings we will begin to see some of the negative effects that gas burning cars have done to the economy.

With the recent trend to offer sports cars from the hybrid camps and the newly unveiled Tesla concept car being built by 2007 all fears that sports cars were headed the way of the designer are disappearing. We will see high performance sports cars that will offer the best performance imaginable along with great fuel economy or not using gas at all!

Buying a Motorcycle FAQ Part One

You have decided to buy a motorcycle. Maybe you have visions of yourself flying down the highway, the wind whipping past your head as you wave and grin at all of those poor people still trapped in their little tin boxes. Maybe you haveve always wanted a motorcycle, and now, finally you are ready to purchase. Whatever the reasons, the decision to purchase a motorcycle leads to the questions what kind should I purchase? Suzuki, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Harley the choices are limited. Should I buy a new motorcycle or a used one? What should I look for in a new motorcycle? What should I look for in a used motorcycle? Read on to find out the answers to these questions, and more.

FAQ Which type of motorcycle should I buy?

A) Some people just love Yamaha bikes, others think that Suzuki bikes or Honda bikes or Kawasaki bikes are the best on the market. Still others prefer Harley Davidson bikes or other brands. The main thing to keep in mind when buying your first motorcycle is that if you have had little or no previous riding experience, you are going to fall, quite a lot in fact. With this in mind, be sure that the bike that you choose is one that can be fixed easily. Some experts recommend the Suzuki GS500 for learners, since it is small and free of excess chrome and farings that can be costly to replace.

You should expect to invest much of your new bike fund in high quality safety gear, like helmets, knee pads, elbow pads, etc. Since you already know that you will be falling down a lot, you should plan ahead and minimize damage by choosing, first and foremost, an affordable, well made helmet. There are many different types of helmets, but first time riders shouldnt give into the temptation to skimp on quality. Many companies, like Scorpion helmets, offer lower priced options as well as the high end products used by commercial racers.

FAQ) Should I buy a new motorcycle or a used motorcycle?

A) This depends on your personality and your budget. For first time riders, used bikes are often recommended because of the increased risk of repair costs. Finding a used bike isnt difficult, thanks to the Internet, newspapers, magazines, etc, but you should plan on bringing someone with you who knows more about motorcycles than you do when you begin to look at used bikes for sale. This person can ask questions that you may not think of, and can help you inspect the bike properly.

Winged To The Ground

Typically, a custom tuned car would involve having awesome rims, an after market body kit such as wide body fenders, bumpers, front lip skirts, wrap around skirts, and spoilers for street tuners or wings as they call it on race cars. Body kits function as an aerodynamic modification to the factory ride. Going at a 180 mile per hour speed is not what these compact cars are made to do. Being fast means engulfing air and that means a lot of air. A stock car installed with a modified engine going at an extremely fast speed would eventually flip the car.

When we were still kids, we thought everything that has wings could fly and it lead us to believe that putting wings on anything would be our flight to fantasy. But as we grew older and studied our physics well, we eventually learned that it was the re-direction of the wind caused by the wings that made the objects fly.

Spoilers or wings as we call it function as an aerodynamic appliance that has the most crucial task among all body kit parts. It is called the spoiler because it breaks apart the coarse air that hits the SUV, truck or car. This air creates drag and can cause a loss in performance and horsepower. Aside from its form, another use for the spoiler or the wing is the redirection of the air hitting the car. An effective spoiler redirects the air parallel to the front of the car. It then creates an over pressure on the top part and an under pressure on the bottom part, thus creating a down force and giving off an effective tire to road traction. Good road traction can translate to better steering response and good car handling.

If you are buying a rear wheel drive car that possesses a high powered engine, do consider installing rear spoilers so it can have a better tire to road traction. Choosing an after market spoiler should be done with a lot of research since this could make or break the ride’s performance. You wouldn’t want to be wasting a lot of money. Buy a spoiler that is designed to a specific brand and model so as to be assured of the design integration between the stock car’s aerodynamics and the upgrade that you wish to add on. Keep in mind to buy brands that provide a template for drilling holes unto your car so that it should be in perfect snug fit. We don’t want parts to be flying off when we’re cruising at high speeds. If you decide to install spoilers for general models, make sure that the spoiler will coincide with the car’s design because this might cause more drag and lessen the engine’s efficiency.