Archive for September, 2010

Lets Belt Up! What for?

But lets find out whom they try to scare? The employees of hospitals or morgues?

It looks like motorists have split into several groups:

1. The ones who always belt up no matter where they seat (I mean either a driver or a passenger)
2. The ones who never belt up. They usually motivate it by the high class of their driving mastery and the silly legend that safety belts are the only dangerous thing in an accident
3. The ones who belt up time after time in town never, out of town seldom

If we look a little closer we will easily find out that under these groups fall certain types of people. Or even vise versa certain automobiles.

Lets take, for instance, old cars. People seldom belt up in them for 2 basic reasons: the safety belts are definitely out of order due to the age of the car or they are so dirty that it is disgusting even to touch them not to speak of making them touch the clothes.

In new cars in $12-20 000 price range, passengers belt up more frequently moreover, here you can encounter belted up youth. Life is beautiful, job amazing, why risk it all? The situation is even more peculiar in the more expensive auto market segments. The owners of SUVs feel safe and rarely belt up and the owners of extremely expensive sport cars are completely sure that any situation is under their control so they hardly ever belt up.

A number of manufacturers who fight for the safety of their clients make up special reminders for drivers in the form of annoying beepers and buzzers. But the thought is ahead of the progress: a safety belt is behind a seat looks like a real way out. The electronics is calm and nothing rubs the belly. Of course, there are cars like Volvo, the drivers of which are simply bound with belts, but they are more of an exception.

The cars with the sticker Street Racing stand out in a crowd the brave bodies of their owners hidden behind tinted glass reject all the safety features.

 

Jet Chips and Your Car

One of several questions car enthusiasts ask about jet chips and other performance chips is whether they are legal in all states, provinces, etc. Well, I cant answer that question for the rest of the world, but in the U.S. jet chips are legal even in California, home of some of the strictest automotive emission regulations in the world. As the saying goes, As goes California, so goes the rest of the country, or some variation on that theme! There is much more to jet chips than the name implies. Lets take a look at this remarkable aftermarket product and its impact on North American drivers.

First of all, like the name Jeep which represents a specific brand as well as a type of vehicle, Jet Chips is a brand as well as a type of chip. Confused yet? Dont be. Because the name is so easy to remember and the company producing these chips is so well known, consumers have given all performance chips the nickname jet chips. Kind of like reaching for that box of Kleenex tissues even though the label obviously says Marcal.

Secondly, jet chips will not cancel out your cars warranty. Yes, if any aftermarket part damages the car or emissions equipment, then you DO have a problem. The chance of that happening with a jet chip is remote.

Thirdly, jet chips are emissions legal. As mentioned previously, California which has the toughest emissions control laws, accepts jet chips because they have no effect on the emissions released from your car. Quite frankly, just because your car will get better fuel mileage, more horsepower, and better torque doesnt mean that it will emit more pollution. A jet chip makes your engine work more efficiently and an efficiently tuned engine doesnt over pollute.

When shopping for a jet chip, you can buy the Jet Chip brand or one of several other brands of performance chips. Some manufacturers sell all new chips while others will take your current chip, recalibrate it, and send it back to you. Prices are all over the place, so shop around before selecting a jet chip that is right for your car.

One final note: If you elect to go with a jet chip versus a performance tuner, you will have to either remove the dashboard or go underneath the hood to swap out the chip. Not so with a performance tuner as all you have to do is plug the tuner into your cars under dash diagnostic connector, answer some simple yes/no questions, and before you know it youre engine is super tuned. Of course, it all depends on what make/model of car you drive as not all jet chips and not all super tuners are made for every car out there.

 

Installing Headlight Covers

Headlight covers are one of the accessories that are most often used by car owners and enthusiasts who have vehicles and cars that they show off at car and auto shows. However, practicality wise, headlight covers are not usually used by ordinary motorists on their vehicles. These accessories are usually just to add a more stylish appeal and design to car show entrants. They are also often added to give the vehicle a more aesthetic appeal.

To have headlight covers for your auto show entrant, you can simply purchase headlight cover kits from your trusted auto parts dealer. There are two kits that you actually have to purchase. One kit would be that that consists of a cover and the molded clips. The other kit would be the one that holds decal patterns, plus stickers, and labels.

Each of these kits contains instructions on how to use them as well as how to install them. Go through each one and be familiar with the pieces of information provided. These would assist you when you would be doing the actual installation. When you are about to start the process, gather the following tools and materials: a lens cleaner, a squeegee, masking tape, soap solution, and vinyl decals. You would be using these as you go along.

First clean the surface of each headlight lens. Then, put on the cover on the car. Put up the decals on the lens on the locations where you choose them to be. Mark off these locations. Use tape on the outside of the headlight cover to show you the locations. Remove the cover then and spray the lens with soap solution. By doing such, the stencil will be held in place.

Next, apply the stencils on the lens. Place then on the location and areas where you actually want the light to shine through when the cover is already installed. Keep in mind that once you put on the cover, the rest of the areas would be covered in paint. Once you accomplished the location of your stencils, run the squeegee over the stencils. Work outward from the center and this action removes any air pockets.

The face of the lens should be masked off. By doing such, you are preventing any kind of overspray from getting on you vehicles shield. Next, clean the lens with glass cleaner and then allow it to dry. Once dry, apply the paint. When the paint is dry, use a razor blade or a sharp knife to lift off the decals and the stencils. Make sure that you do this carefully. Then, place the lens on the vehicle and clean it with plastic or Plexiglas cleaner.

For the most trusted and most reliable source of superb and quality accessories, there is no other car parts and accessories supplier than Auto Accessories Giant. It has a well-stocked collection of GMC Truck accessories and accessories for other brands.

 

How To Beat The On Going High Gas Prices

The problem of high gas prices has come and refused to leave. Most people are under the constant pressure applied by the oil cartel at whose mercy everyone seems destined nowadays. But the question is, must the situation go on unchallenged? This article is aimed at showing you how to beat the on going high gas prices without resorting to using biofuel, which is about taking food from the tables of the average family. There is presently a global shortage of grains as the production of ethanol increases in a bit to ameliorate the scarcity of gasoline.

Point Blank!

Straight to the point. I recently took a close look at the erstwhile water for gas technology that enables you to run your cars and engines on more water than gas. And what I found is that the technology works. It is a 90 year technology for turning water to additive hho gas. I was surprised, to say the least, how people have not shown much interest in hho gas untill recently.

What Is Water For Gas Technology?

Water for gas technology is the conversion of a little quantity of water into hho gas. Your car is usually converted with parts you can get dead cheap from your neighborhood hardware store. The manual for carrying out the conversion is available online.

How Is Hho gas made?

Simply put, your car battery is connected to a contraption containing water which is turned into hho gas via the Lysis of the bond produced by the passage of electric current from your car battery through the water. The hho gas thus produced is then burned by your car as additive gas making it possible for you to burn more water than gas. It is so cheap to run your car on more water than gas. For 365 days, you will need only 4 gallons of water while running at more than 57% water than gas.

What About Storage?

There is no need for storage. The one quart of water required for running your car at every given time remains in the bottle. You only have to top the water up from time to time.

How Much Does It Cost To Convert A average Car?

It does not cost anything near buying a an electric hybrid car that sells for thousands of dollars. A water for gas hybrid car can be converted for a couple hundred dollars.

Check out the authenticity of all I have said above about water for gas or hho gas technology. If you really need to save money on gas and also help in reducing the harmful tail end emission that result from burning fossil fuel, then you have to take a look at the genuineness of water for gas technology.

 

Knowing the Ford Crown Victoria as the Classic Sedan

The Ford Crown Victoria is also popularly known as the Crown Vic. This vehicle is a vehicle manufactured by the Ford Motor Company and it has been in production since 1955 up until the present. It is a full size vehicle. It has been made in one body style only and that is a sedan. The Ford Crown Victoria holds four doors and it has been built on the Ford Motor Companys FR Panther platform, thus making this sedan a relative of the Mercury Grand Marquis, the Mercury Marauder, as well as the Lincoln Town Car. The competitions for this vehicle include the Buick Lucerne, and the Toyota Avalon.

Despite the very fact that the Ford Crown Victoria has been in the rounds for many years already, decades in fact, this vehicle has not quite got the attention of the general public. However, the sales for this vehicle are quite high among fleets as well as rental car companies. This vehicle also has a twin which is the Mercury Grand Marquis. The Ford Crown Victoria shares some of its components with the Lincoln Town Car, however as per the exterior parts, everything on the Ford Crown Victoria is original.

At present, this classic sedan has been made available with many choices available for interested parties and for Ford Crown Victoria owners. As per the seats, only one material is used though and this is leather. However, there is a variety of available colors which comprise of Charcoal Black Leather, Light Camel Leather, and Medium Light Stone Leather. On the other hand, the exterior has a much wider array of color choices. These choices comprise of Dark Toreador Red, Silver Birch, Black, Tungsten Clearcoat Metallic, Arizona Beige, Light Tundra, Dark Blue Pearl, Vibrant White, Smokestone, and Light Ice Blue Clearcoat Metallic. By giving interested parties the chance to choose what color they would like the Ford Crown Victoria gives these people the chance to customize the sedan.

Preserving the history, and the performance as well as the sustained mobility of vehicles are just a few of the goals and targets that dominate of every automobile manufacturer at present. That is the very reason why Ford Parts and Ford Auto Parts continually offers superior Ford auto body parts so as to assist vehicle maintain their capacities and perform well. And this action by Ford Parts and Ford Auto Parts is very much in support of the previously mentioned goals of auto makers.

This online store has a huge collection of quality and durable Ford Crown Victoria parts as well as Ford vehicles parts and accessories. The list of these include accessories, air intake, body parts, brakes, climate control, clutch parts, cooling system parts, diesel fuel injection parts, drive belts, driveshaft and axle, electrical parts, mechanical parts, service tools, steering, suspension parts, and transmission parts among many others. Ford Parts and Ford Auto Parts have proven reliability for genuine and quality Ford auto parts that has kept customer loyalty for years.

 

Is Your Cooling System Still Cool?

By the term itself, your cars cooling system keeps the climate inside your vehicle just right during those hot and humid days. It also does work so that you and your passengers do not sweat out and perspire during long road trips this summer. However, the cooling system of a vehicle could also act up and there could be quite a number of reasons why. This may not be a big deal for you but keep in mind that when a system in your vehicle is not working well, certain parts of your vehicle, like your engine, work double time causing further problems which could have been avoided if the main problem was attended to immediately.

You can check your cars cooling system yourself. This way, you can see if there are things that need some repair or replacement. In fact, by checking the cooling yourself, you are saving yourself big bucks that you have to pay if you had a professional take a look at your car.

Check the cooling systems coolant level. You can find the reservoir for this fluid at the radiator overflow or plastic coolant reservoir tank. You see, your car could overheat if there is a low coolant level. So add some more if this seems to be the situation.

You can also try checking the radiator. When your engine is cold, open the cap of the radiator and fill it up with antifreeze or water. Do this if the radiator seems to be empty. After that, put the cap back on. Then go check the lower and upper radiator hoses. These are those hoses that are held by hose clamps and see if they are attached securely. If there are leaks, this could be the problem.

Go check if there might be a coolant leak. You can check this under your car. You do have to locate the radiator first. You will know if there is a leak of coolant because this leak would appear slippery and greenish. It would also have a sweet odor.

 

Innovative Design For Those Who Are Driven: The 2006 BMW

Innovative Design For Those Who Are Driven: The 2006 BMW 3 Series

BMW will tell you it isnt so, but the new 3 Series is the start of a softening of Chris Bangles most angular design language. The car you see is not an evolution of an existing car but a ground up model, an energetic attempt to re-invent the most popular BMW model with unarguably good looks that match its top class driving dynamics.

The first thing you notice is that the car has dropped the current teardrop headlamps and done away with the aircraft carrier trunk lid. Next to go are the cut lines and the aggressive mix of concave and convex panels. Its still recognizably a BMW though. The big news underneath is the new multitude independent suspension (borrowed from the 5 series) is designed to combine unrivalled ride comfort, with taut handling. On top of that you can expect Dynamic Drive (thats adjustable anti-roll bars), Active Steering, and a four wheel drive system as options. The fifth generation BMW 3 Series superstar shines brighter than the predecessor with a torque loving, direct injection, and environmentally conscious engine. (Dont rule out a hybrid just yet by 2009 BMWs partnership with DaimlerChrysler and GM will have born a fruit, enabling the Germans to catch up with Lexus.) Additionally, the new 3 Series features increased passenger room and enhanced safety features.

Step inside the cabin of the 2006 BMW 3 Series, youll find the interior has an instinctive feel to it; every switch and readout is ergonomically placed for a reason, where you will look for it. The surrounding materials are made from high quality wood, leather and plastics enhancing the appeal of this sports machine. The seats offer ample support to the lower back and thigh while enhancing the bodys disposition for spirited driving. And the intuitively placed center display rewards the enthusiast spirit by enabling the driver to easily read every dial and be in touch with the engine.

Turn the key and put the car in gear, youll find the car engineered to move. The smooth delivery of speed is exhilarating. The engine pulls like a conditioned sprinter all the way up to its 6800 redline. The real joy is experiencing the sound of the engine. The loud, visceral scream is clean and mechanical, distinct from any muffler or aftermarket accessory. Additionally, the optional Active Steering reduces steering inputs at high speed and increases inputs at low speeds, enhancing the overall tactile responsiveness of the car. The 2006 BMW 3 Series features the first magnesium block engine to reduce engine weight. The new inline six-cylinder produces 215 horsepower in the 325; and 255 horsepower in the 330i. Linear velocity is smooth due to BMWs revolutionary Valvetronic system that helps the engine breathe more efficiently even at low RPMs. To experience more fully, simply find an open road and press the accelerator.

In terms of handling and cornering, the 2006 BMW 3 Series also features a perfect 50:50 front to rear weight distribution, making it extremely responsive in turns and at the limits. The rear wheels provide the thrust while the front steers the vehicle with exceptional feedback. The new suspension with double-joint aluminum control arms in front and a five-link fully independent system in the rear is borrowed from the larger 5 Series. Additionally, the new 3 Series also features BMWs most sophisticated Dynamic Stability Control with more sensors to monitor and enhance the ride.

For those of you who prefer the stick shift, the 2006 BMW 3 Series transmission and gears have also been refined; a six speed manual, an optional six speed automatic, or the six speed electro-hydraulic Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) are three very promising choices. The SMG is a manual with no clutch pedal, a welcome relief for the enthusiast drivers who prefers sporty shifting but dislikes using the clutch in toe-to toe traffic.

Additionally, the 2006 3 Series builds on BMWs lineage on passive and active safety by adding advanced, intelligent safety systems. The passive safety begins with BMWs rigid safety cage that surrounds the occupant with deformable energy absorbing tubes. In case of an extreme crash, impact energy is absorbed and routed around the passenger cabin. Sensors throughout the car measure crash severity and deploy airbags as needed. Six airbags are on hand to shield occupants from harm, two in front and the rest as part of the side curtain that protects from the A-pillar in front to the C-pillar at rear. All BMW 3s are also equipped with Dynamic Brake Control which is designed to help you stop more quickly during emergency braking. Brake sensors determine how forcefully you step on the brake pedal and apply maximum braking power to stop the car if needed.

As BMWs most successful model, the 3 Series was first introduced in 1977, and now accounts for 40 percent of all sales worldwide. Gradually, the car has formed a loyal following. To meet enthusiast drivers individualistic needs, the 2006 3 Series is available in nine iterations: 325i sedan, 325xi sedan, 325Ci coupe, 325Ci convertible, 325xi sports wagon, 330i sedan, 330xi sedan, 330Ci coupe and the 330Ci convertible, with MSRP ranging from $30,900 to $44,900. Although not available as a Hybrid yet, the 2006 BMW 3 Series averages 20 mpg city, 30 mpg highway to successfully reinvent a top automotive performer.

 

How To Avoid Speeding Tickets

Speeding tickets could cost you much money and additional points on your record. That is why it is encouraged that you do try to keep your speed within the limit. This not only decreases your chances of getting pulled over by a traffic enforcer. This also helps you out in decreasing your chances of meeting accidents, crashes, or collisions that could be the result of driving beyond the given speed.

You should first learn the three types of speed limits which are the absolute, the presumed, and the basic. The absolute speed limit means that if you drive a mile over the posted limit, you are speed. If you can legally exceed the posted limit as long as you drive safely pertains to the presumed speed limit law. As per the basic limit, it actually allows you and other drivers to drive only as fast as conditions allow, no matter what the limit is posted.

You should also be cautious for you should always be on the alert. You should also be able to note that all states have a basic speed limit. Study your state laws. You see, in California, Arizona, Colorado, and Connecticut, the speed limits are absolute either on highways and everywhere else.

In general, the most basic thing to keep in mind is that you should always drive at or below the posted limit on interstates and state highways. This is generally just to be on the safe side.

Here are the speed limits in the states in the US: Alabama 70, Alaska 65, Arizona 75, Arkansas 70, California 70, Colorado 75, Connecticut 65, Delaware 65, District of Columbia 50, Florida 70, Georgia 70, Hawaii 60, Idaho 75, Illinois 65, Indiana 70, Iowa 70, Kansas 70, Kentucky 65, Louisiana 70, Maine 65, Maryland 65, Massachusetts 65, Michigan 70, Minnesota 70, Mississippi 70, Missouri 70, Montana 75, Nebraska 75, Nevada 75, New Hampshire 65, New Jersey 65, New Mexico 75, New York 65, North Carolina 70, North Dakota 75, Ohio 65, Oklahoma 75, Oregon 65, Pennsylvania 65, Rhode Island 65, South Carolina 70, South Dakota 75, Tennessee 70, Texas 70, Utah 75, Vermont 65, Virginia 65, Washington 70, West Virginia 70, Wisconsin 65, and Wyoming 75.

 

Introducing the Dodge Caliber!

The auto world is abuzz over a new car just recently released. The Dodge Caliber, a five door hatchback replacement for the popular Neon, has finally hit North American showrooms. The wait has been long especially since the last Neons were built for the 2005 model year. Still, judging by the press hoopla and by what the car has to offer, the pause certainly has been well worth it. Introducing, the 2007 Dodge Caliber!

Part of the buzz surrounding any new car introduction is all the speculation that comes with it. Pictures are released, performance information and specifications supplied, and in some cases the pending model hits the auto show circuit first to fuel additional interest. All of these points have rung true for the Caliber as the pre-release build up was percolating for a number of months. On a personal note, I was able to see a Caliber at a recent car show but I couldnt get near it as there were too many people gawking ahead of me — such was the interest in the new model. Nevertheless, there are some things about the Caliber worthy of a mention:

Rakish good looks Dodges now famous crosshairs grille is the first thing you notice about the Caliber. Take a walk around the car and you will see that some of the same styling cues found in the Magnum were included with the Caliber.

Maximum driveability Prior to the Caliber, to find an all wheel drive version of a car of this size meant that only a Subaru could deliver on that promise. Parent DaimlerChrysler, anticipating that the car would be a world seller, had the presence of mind to offer front wheel drive as standard with all wheel drive as an option.

New powerplants For the first time, a new Chrysler product is available with three different engines. All gasoline powered, the engines range in size from a 1.8L fuel efficient model to a sporty 2.4L engine. No diesels are offered for the North American market just yet, but European Calibers will have that option as they hit the market later this year.

Modern sensibilities The complaint of many new car owners today is that some models are not keeping up with changing times. However, the Caliber adroitly satisfies those issues: a chilled storage bin is available inside of the glove box handy for holding cold drinks and the interior has been designed to have proper capacity for laptops, cell phones, and MP3 players. Additional cubbies as the Dodge sales material calls them, are found throughout the car.

Like the Neon, the Caliber has also been designed to hold five adults. Beyond that, there is absolutely nothing in common between the two models, exactly what DaimlerChrysler had in mind.

Prices for base models are competitive with Toyotas Corolla, but fully loaded all wheel drive versions will market in the same price range as a Camry or a Honda Accord. Therein rests a problem that DaimlerChrysler will have to quickly remedy: offer a second cheaper priced entry level model to bring in young buyers. Fortunately, the latest Dodge Buzz has talk of a Mexican built Scion fighter showing up within the next three years.

Yes, the Caliber certainly is a departure from the Neon, a welcome one at that. Should unit sales match all of the hype, then DaimlerChrysler will truly have a winner on its hands. Heres betting the good money on the Caliber!

 

Import Street Racing Cars

There is no other exciting fun in the town than the late night street car racing. You are probably among the street cars racers who are in love with racing and money making. Though street car racing is illegal in countries, but who can stop the fans. Several street car racers dump their old cars and search for new and better racing cars. If you are one street racer who wants to dump his old car and import a street racing car, its time you act with maturity and sharpness. After all you are importing your love- your street racing car.

Every country sets its own car importing and exporting rules. There is no such standard tariff rate and import duty on cars. They differ from country to country. So it is very important for you to choose, from where you want to import your car. There are some basic guidelines which you should follow before you import your car.

Research
The first thing you should decide before you import a street racing car is the model. You should determine the model you want to buy. With the availability of internet, you have thousands of sites providing you with detailed information about street racing cars. All you need to do is intensive research. You must search for the one which suits you the best budget wise and usage wise. You should compare the prices of the cars within a specific country and among the other countries. This would give you an idea of the lowest price of the car available.

Check Specifications
After you have made your mind on a specific model, check out the standard specification of your car. As specifications vary from country to country, its important for you to compare the different specifications of the same car provided by different countries. You should choose the options you want in your car to keep its price comparatively down.

Shop Around
You should always compare the price of your car in multiple dealers within and outside the countries. You should also check for the retail price of the car, the VAT inclusion, discount on order, deposit required and mode of payment. You should also shop around to find out the import tax you have to pay for importing a car from a certain country to yours. If you have all these information in hand, it would be easier for you to import your car from a country from where it costs less.

Additional Costs
You should never neglect the additional costs which are related to your vehicle import. These additional costs include the ferry tickets, hotel, transit plates, fuel and insurance costs. These costs are very much important which determine the total cost of importing your car.

Buying and Importing Your Car
You should select the mode of the payment which is comfortable to both the dealer and you. While you import your car, you should ask for the written conformation of all financial transactions and agreements. You should know your dealer in detail and ask him to arrange for temporary export or transit plates.

After Importing Your Street Racing Car
Once you have got your street racing car, you should get your vehicle registered locally by a vehicle registration office. Some of the paper work included after your car import is certificate of newness, certificate of conformity, temporary registration plates and documents, temporary insurance certificate, invoice of sale. All these documents are to be obtained by your dealer.