tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60845080721896382452023-11-16T03:39:43.349-08:00Laurel Valley MotorsLaurel Auto Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01684155486900755074noreply@blogger.comBlogger115125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6084508072189638245.post-68262642804670220432014-04-16T08:56:00.001-07:002014-04-16T08:56:35.494-07:00How to Maintain the Value of Your CarDid you know the value of a new car depreciates the minute you drive it off the dealership lot? However there are some steps you can take to help maintain the value of your vehicle. That way you'll get back as much as possible when you're ready to buy a new one. This article from AOL Autos gives you can use to keep your car's depreciation to a minimum:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dwe_ehI0ApY/U0wFI04AcYI/AAAAAAAAAW8/eoTy9Ip-5TE/s1600/money.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dwe_ehI0ApY/U0wFI04AcYI/AAAAAAAAAW8/eoTy9Ip-5TE/s1600/money.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>1. Keep your service records</b><br />
Service records are the best way for you to show a potential buyer you've taken care of the car's mechanical components. Without service records, it's difficult to prove that you've changed the oil on time and that you've met factory service requirements. Most sellers will claim they cared for a vehicle properly, but actual records can give you an advantage. Records can be computerized or they can be put into a booklet in the car's glove box. If your dealer or mechanic uses a computerized system, make sure to get printouts of all maintenance performed. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>2. Avoid dents and scratches</b><br />
Dents and scratches can happen when you're parking, when you open your door or even when you place an object on your car. Cosmetic imperfections are expensive to repair, and can be a huge turn-off to potential buyers. Luckily, by washing your car regularly and taking extra care to avoid contact with other objects, you can keep your car looking like the day it left the factory. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>3. Keep the interior clean</b><br />
The appearance and smell of the interior can also impact the attractiveness of your car to a potential buyer. Most people wouldn't want to buy a car with foul odors or food stains. To keep your interior fresh, avoid smoking, eating and drinking in your car. If you do eat or drink, throw away the empty food and beverage containers immediately, and clean spills with the proper cleaning solutions. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>4. Don't curb your wheels</b><br />
Parallel parking can be a risky proposition if your car has alloy wheels. If you get too close to the curb, the edges of the wheels can get scratched or bent. Many buyers of higher-end vehicles pay close attention to the condition of the wheels, and will walk away if damage is readily visible. While it's best to avoid damaging your wheels in the first place, professional wheel repair shops can refinish damaged wheels for much less than the replacement cost. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>5. Polish faded headlights</b><br />
After years of sun exposure, your car's plastic headlight lenses will fade and turn yellow. While the rest of your car might look terrific, the yellow headlights will reveal the vehicle's true age. Luckily, faded headlights can be polished by most auto detailers. Polishing the headlight lenses doesn't take long, and shouldn't be very expensive. Buyers will appreciate the difference when they compare your car to other cars of the same age.</blockquote>
<br />
Click the link to read the full article from AOL Autos: <a href="http://aol.it/1kLKqB0">http://aol.it/1kLKqB0</a>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6084508072189638245.post-78988741564228193182014-04-02T09:00:00.001-07:002014-04-02T09:00:52.721-07:00What Type of Car Insurance is Right for You?<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 20.44444465637207px;">If you are going to own a car in the United States, you are required to get auto insurance. However getting auto insurance isn’t as clear cut as having it or not. There are a variety of options provided by insurance companies. It can be difficult to decide which type of coverage is the best for you.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 20.44444465637207px;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 20.44444465637207px;">There are many factors that need to be considered when buying auto insurance, such as your car, your driving habits, and your budget. To help you decide which type of insurance best suits you, we have put together a list of some of the more common types of insurance and what they cover. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 20.44444465637207px;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RwDP393jSY8/UzwsyMQtdOI/AAAAAAAAAWM/QkwOZziEWoI/s1600/wreckedcar.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RwDP393jSY8/UzwsyMQtdOI/AAAAAAAAAWM/QkwOZziEWoI/s1600/wreckedcar.png" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 20.44444465637207px;"><b>Liability Insurance</b></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 20.44444465637207px;">Liability insurance is a part of minimum insurance covered required by most states. If you are in a car accident that is deemed to be your fault, liability insurance will cover the costs of any damage to cars and other property, as well as resulting medical bills of others involved in the accident. The insurance company will only pay the amount of your coverage’s upper limit. If any of the damage and medical expenses exceed the limit of your coverage, you will be responsible for paying out of pocket. This is why it is generally a good a idea to buy more liability insurance than just the minimum requirement.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 20.44444465637207px;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 20.44444465637207px;"><b>Comprehensive Insurance</b></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 20.44444465637207px;">While liability insurance covers car accidents specifically, comprehensive insurance covers many other damages your car may face, such as a cracked windshield, animal collisions, vandalism or theft. If you only have the minimum liability coverage your insurance will not cover any of these damages. Comprehensive insurance is not required by law, but it is still extremely beneficial to have because the prices of unpredictable damage to your car won’t have to come directly from your own pocket.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 20.44444465637207px;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 20.44444465637207px;"><b>Collision Insurance</b></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 20.44444465637207px;">Collision insurance, like liability insurance, is covers you in the event of a car accident. But unlike liability insurance, collision insurance is specifically for your covered vehicle and is not required by law. This type of coverage will pay for any damages sustained to your vehicle if it is hit by another car or object. Collision insurance will also cover the value of your car if it is totaled. Coverage ensures that you will have enough money to repair your own vehicle if it is damaged in an accident. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 20.44444465637207px;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 20.44444465637207px;"><b>Gap Insurance</b></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 20.44444465637207px;">Gap insurance is very beneficial if you are still making payments on your vehicle. If your vehicle is totaled in an accident gap insurance will cover the cost of your remaining payments. This option is great if you owe more on your car than you would be able to quickly pay off. By covering the remaining cost of the totaled car,you will be left room to buy a new vehicle to replace the one you lost.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 20.44444465637207px;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 20.44444465637207px;"><b>Personal Injury Protection</b></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 20.44444465637207px;">Personal injury protection is a type of insurance you can add to your plan that will cover any medical bills you may have from an accident, no matter who is at fault. This coverage can give you peace of mind knowing that you would not have to pay for a huge hospital bill if you ever were to get into an accident. If you have good health insurance this type of coverage is not necessary, but for others without or with very little health coverage, personal injury protection can help you breathe a little easier. </span></div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6084508072189638245.post-89292810480045357352014-03-19T09:10:00.001-07:002014-03-19T09:10:57.755-07:00Spring Cleaning for Your CarSpring is in the air! Pretty soon we'll be driving with the windows down and worrying about snow and ice will seem like a thing of the past. You want to make sure the gunk and grime of winter is gone from your car. Use these tips from Fox News in order to make your car spotless for springtime.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C7-P6zIqNOo/UymxF-SWhMI/AAAAAAAAAUs/yRZLWw_830A/s1600/washing+car.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C7-P6zIqNOo/UymxF-SWhMI/AAAAAAAAAUs/yRZLWw_830A/s1600/washing+car.jpg" height="221" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>1. Wash the underbody</b>Wintertime driving will coat the bottom of your car with salt, sand and other grime that can cause corrosion. Corrosion can lead to rust problems, which can make your car much harder to resell or even dangerous to drive. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Spend a few extra dollars for the undercarriage power wash at the local car wash or spray the car's bottom with your own hose. If possible, use a car jack to raise the vehicle for a more thorough cleaning, advises Bill Kropelnicki, president and owner of Rambling River Repair in Farmington, Minn. There's no need to use soap or any other cleaner. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
While you're at it, open the hood and wipe down the engine with a soft mitt and soapy water. And remove all the leaves and debris that can find their way into the car, says Cliff Weathers, deputy autos editor for Consumer Reports. And remove any crusty white residue off the battery with a toothbrush, baking soda and water. The residue — caused by corrosion — can eventually prevent your car from starting. The cleaning also helps prepare the battery for the stress of warmer temperatures. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>2. Scrub inside and out</b><br />
Salt and sand can damage the car's paint. Give your car a thorough cleaning and wax it with a paste or liquid wax, Weathers said. He cautions that sprays don't clean as well.<br />
Scrub the bottoms of doors, which can get coated with grime, Kropelnicki says. He also urges car owners to clean the window channels, Also apply a silicone spray, which repels dirt and lubricates the surfaces so the windows will operate smoothly, he says. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Use a steam cleaner — you can rent one for $20 at Home Depot — or apply a rug-cleaning spray to remove all the salt from the car's inside. Salt can break down some fabrics and cause rips or tears when feet grind against them. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
And don't forget to take bags of salt and ice scrapers out of the trunk. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>3. Replace wiper blades</b><br />
Wiper blades get a workout during the winter months. Weathers advises changing them each spring and fall.</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>4. Check tires</b><br />
Some garages recommend a wheel alignment — which can cost around $80 — or a tire rotation as part of your spring maintenance. Weathers doesn't think it's necessary as long as you're following the car's regular maintenance schedule and doing normal winter driving. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Check your tire pressure. Cold weather can cause tires to be underinflated and the onset of warm weather can overinflate them. Also, visually inspect your tires to make sure they're wearing evenly and have plenty of tread for the rainy spring weather ahead. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Driving on properly inflated tires can save you money. It can cost anywhere from $50 to $250 to replace a blown tire, depending on the kind of tire you need. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>5. Check your fluids</b><br />
Winter weather can deplete some fluids — especially windshield wiper fluid — more quickly, so top them off yourself if they're too low. A service station will also do the job for $25 or so. You should change your oil around every 5,000 miles regardless of season, Weathers says. Brake and transmission fluids should be checked as well.</blockquote>
<br />
Click the link to read the full article from Fox News: <a href="http://tinyurl.com/oolyc9y">http://tinyurl.com/oolyc9y</a>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6084508072189638245.post-4631398349757541362014-03-12T09:41:00.001-07:002014-03-12T09:41:09.939-07:00Sharing the Road With TrucksDriving on the highway alongside and 18-wheeler can be intimidating. But sharing the road is something we have to do. Staying out of a trucker's blind spots and staying patient are just a few ways you can avoid getting into a dangerous situation with a truck on the road.<br />
<br />
Make sure you're taking the proper precautions when driving alongside a truck with these tips from Edmunds.com.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nNhw0nJhvtA/Ux3lUR1aghI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/QbDBGv-F6O8/s1600/18+wheeler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nNhw0nJhvtA/Ux3lUR1aghI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/QbDBGv-F6O8/s1600/18+wheeler.jpg" height="278" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
1) <b>Riding in a trucker's blind spots. </b>Trucks have large blind spots to the right and rear of the vehicle. Smaller blind spots exist on the right front corner and mid-left side of the truck. The worst thing a driver can do is chug along in the trucker's blind spot, where he cannot be seen. If you're going to pass a truck, do it and get it over with. Don't sit alongside with the cruise control set 1 mph faster than the truck is traveling. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
2) <b>Cut-offs. </b>Don't try to sneak into a small gap in traffic ahead of a truck. Don't get in front of a truck and then brake to make a turn. Trucks take as much as three times the distance to stop as the average passenger car, and you're only risking your own life by cutting a truck off and then slowing down in front of it. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
3) <b>Impatience while reversing.</b> Motorists need to understand that it takes time and concentration to back a 48-foot trailer up without hitting anything. Sometimes a truck driver needs to make several attempts to reverse into tight quarters. Keep your cool and let the trucker do his or her job. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
4) <b>Don't play policeman</b>. Don't try to make a truck driver conform to a bureaucrat's idea of what is right and wrong on the highway. As an example, Taylor cited the way truck drivers handle hilly terrain on the highway. A fully loaded truck slows way down going up a hill. On the way down the other side of the hill, a fully loaded truck gathers speed quickly. Truckers like to use that speed to help the truck up the next hill. Do not sit in the passing lane going the speed limit. Let the truck driver pass, and let the Highway Patrol worry about citing the trucker for breaking the law. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
5) <b>No assistance in lane changes or merges</b>. It's not easy to get a 22-foot tractor and 48-foot trailer into traffic easily. If a trucker has his turn signal blinking, leave room for the truck to merge or change lanes. Indicate your willingness to allow the truck in by flashing your lights.</blockquote>
<br />
Click the link to read the full article from Edmunds.com: http://edmu.in/1dF9S6wAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6084508072189638245.post-43414655925698078332014-03-05T08:31:00.001-08:002014-03-05T08:31:12.172-08:00The Worst Things Your Auto Mechanic Can Tell YouSome car issues are easier fixes than others. But then there are those mechanical problems that every car-owner dreads, the fixes that make you consider buying a new vehicle because it might just be more worthwhile than paying the price for such an expensive repair.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://cars.com/">Cars.com</a> has compiled a list of the top 10 worst things your mechanic can tell you is wrong with your car. If you ever have one of these problems you might just want to consider stopping in to see us for your next vehicle.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jwjmVvYBNs0/UxTCpzxtfWI/AAAAAAAAATg/KEJuSLbcSHc/s1600/auto+mechanic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jwjmVvYBNs0/UxTCpzxtfWI/AAAAAAAAATg/KEJuSLbcSHc/s1600/auto+mechanic.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13.333333969116211px;">Image from freedigitalphotos.net</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>1. Seized Engine Due to Lack of Oil</b><br />
"The reason your engine stopped running is that it's now a melted mass of amalgamated metals. What used to be aluminum pistons, steel cylinder walls and an iron crankshaft is now a 900-pound garden sculpture. The Smithsonian wants to put it on display." </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Cost: $3,000 for a used engine, up to $10,000 for a remanufactured engine. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The lowdown: A "seized" engine means that your lubrication failed (that is, you had insufficient oil or oil pressure), and the expensive moving parts of your engine scraped each other into a heated glob of useless scrap metal. Unfortunately, there's no way to fix a seized engine. Instead, the engine needs to be replaced with a used or remanufactured engine. What happens to your old engine? A recycler will finish the melting job, and the engine will be transformed into thousands of tiny Bic lighters.</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>2. Hydrolocked Engine</b><br />
"That 4-foot-deep puddle that you tried to cross? You sucked some of it into your engine's cylinders." </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Cost: $3,000 to $10,000 </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The lowdown: There are certain places water shouldn't be — like inside your iPhone, on your original Matisse watercolor or inside your engine's cylinders. Normally, your engine's cylinder contains air and droplets of fuel. The air is compressible, so when the piston squeezes everything, the pressure just goes up. Water is not compressible, so when the piston tries to squeeze the water, the piston loses. Then all the expensive parts that are attached to the piston get bent or broken. Just like your bank account. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>3. Overheated Engine</b> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"When you saw the paint on your hood was starting to blister, did that give you any kind of hint that you might have been overheating?" </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Cost: $100 to $10,000 </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The lowdown: If you catch an engine overheating early enough and take action, you can get by cheaply. It could be a leaky hose, a stuck thermostat or a loose clamp. If your car overheats badly, or frequently, you can do serious damage. The most common results of frequent or severe overheating are a blown head gasket, a cracked head or a cracked block. Those are, respectively, expensive, really expensive, and you may wind up saying, "I guess I won't be retiring for another year." </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>4. Transmission Failure</b> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Did you notice when you put your car in Drive, it doesn't move? We figured out why." </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Cost: $300 to $5,000 </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The lowdown: The good news is that your engine is still running. The bad news? It's no longer connected to the wheels. Transmissions can fail for a number of reasons. These days, it's not uncommon for electronically controlled automatic transmissions to have problems related to software or solenoids. Those are not disasters and can be fixed for relatively little money. When the transmission's internal components start to disintegrate (like when your mechanic removes the transmission drain plug and chunks of metal fall out) due to old age, overheating the transmission or animalistic driving tendencies, it's time to tap the home-equity line of credit. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>5. Cracked Head, Blown Head Gasket or Cracked Block</b><br />
"That stuff blowing out of your tailpipe isn't just water. It's antifreeze." </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Cost: $1,000 to $4,000 </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The lowdown: There are a few places you should never see antifreeze: falling from the sky, in your cereal bowl or coming out your tailpipe. The engine's cooling system is a closed system, meaning that the coolant circulates from the engine's cooling passages to the radiator, the heater core and back again. It should never leave that loop. If it's somehow getting into the oil passages or the cylinders (and, from there, out the tailpipe) something has gone terribly wrong. Your head gasket has cracked, your head itself has cracked or, worst of all, your block has cracked. These problems are often the result of overheating (see No. 3). </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>6. Broken Timing Belt</b><br />
"Look in your glove box. If you open the shrink-wrapped booklet that says Owner's Manual, you'll see you should have changed your timing belt 20,000 miles ago." </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Cost: $1,500 to $3,500 </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The lowdown: There are two kinds of engines: interference engines and non-interference engines. Or, as we refer to the interference engines in the trade, motor wreckers.<br />
An interference engine is actually a more modern engine design, where the valves open wider and into the path of the upcoming piston. This lets the engine breathe better, giving it more power and better fuel efficiency. It all works fine as long as your timing works fine — when the valves are open, the piston is down, and when the piston comes up, the valves are closed and out of the way. If your timing belt breaks or jumps a notch on an interference engine, the piston smashes the valves, and you need a valve job ... at least. That's why it's crucial to change the timing belt at the recommended interval, before it gets anywhere near the point of breaking. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
On a non-interference engine, a broken timing belt will leave you stranded, but it won't crush your valves. You can ignore the timing belt change on one of those engines if you don't mind getting stuck. On an interference engine, you're rolling the dice on a large boat payment for your mechanic. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>7. Transmission Fluid in the Brake Fluid Reservoir</b> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"That was the brake fluid reservoir, to which you added transmission fluid." </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Cost: $800 to $2,000 </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The lowdown: If you catch this mistake before you actually get back in the car and step on the brakes, and have the car towed to your mechanic, you may get by with just a new master cylinder. But once a petroleum-based product, like transmission fluid or motor oil, is pushed through the brake system, pretty much everything has to be replaced. The oils attack rubber seals, and everything except the metal brake lines has rubber seals. Once you've used the brakes and sent this stuff through the brake lines, grab your credit card and check your credit limit! </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>8. Fried Computer</b> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"You hooked up the jumper cables backward." </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Cost: $1,500 to $100,000, in the event plastic surgery is required. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The lowdown: In lots of cars, there's some type of protective circuitry in the event that you accidently reverse polarity when hooking up jumper cables. However, that's by no means true for all cars. If your car is one of the unlucky ones, you might be looking at having to buy a new computer for your car, and maybe a few new wiring harnesses, too. Even worse, you may incur so many confounding electrical problems that the best thing you could hope for is ... fire. Even if your car is OK, you might blow up one of the batteries in the two cars. If that happens, you might need to buy yourself a new face, too. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>9. Worn Clutch</b> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<br />
"That smell that's been following you around for miles? It's your clutch burning up." </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Cost: $1,000 to $2,500 </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The lowdown: The operation of the clutch is based on friction. It's a tricky business to apply that friction slowly enough so that A) your engine doesn't stall and B) your passengers don't get whiplash. At the same time, you have to apply the friction quickly enough so you don't "sand down" the clutch and end up with no friction material left. When you continually let out the clutch too slowly, while giving the engine lots of gas, you're essentially wearing out the friction part of the clutch. Like a piece of sandpaper, a smooth clutch with no grabby surface can't do its job. If you're doing a bang-up job of it, you can actually start to smell the clutch burning as you wear it down. How quickly can you do this? We actually have a friend who did exactly this and destroyed a clutch in as little as 20 miles. No kidding! You know that $1,200 you saved by buying a manual transmission instead of an automatic? You're about to spend it on your first clutch replacement. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>10. Catastrophe at the Repair Shop</b><br />
Cost: $0 if your mechanic has insurance; $25,000 if not. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The lowdown: You know how you'll occasionally break a glass at home or drop a fork down the garbage disposal? Well, these kinds of little accidents happen. In the repair business, a tiny moment of carelessness can lead to something much more exciting, such as a car falling off the lift or catching fire. These are exciting moments for mechanics. And once they're over — and everyone is present, accounted for and still fully limbed — we feel a moment of euphoria to still be alive. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Unfortunately, that's usually the moment we choose to call the customer and share this good news. "Good news! You're car fell off the lift, but nobody was underneath it!" For some reason, this isn't always received as good news. Fortunately, reputable repair shops have Bonehead Insurance for such calamities. You may be able to go out and buy that new Accord you've had your eye on. Remember: It's only a car. Cars can be replaced. People can't. At least that's what we keep telling our customers.</blockquote>
<br />
Click the link to read the full article from Cars.com: <a href="http://bit.ly/NuSEm1">http://bit.ly/NuSEm1</a>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6084508072189638245.post-71738908658814113692014-02-26T09:22:00.001-08:002014-02-26T09:22:23.082-08:00Tips for Saving Money on TiresKnowing when to replace your tires is an important part of being a car owner. Overall vehicle safety is affected by tires that are in bad condition. But everyone knows that replacing tires is expensive, and is not always a task that can be done with ease financially.<br />
<br />
This article from AOL Autos gives drivers tips on how they can save some green when it comes time to replace your tires. Now you'll have a safe car and your wallet won't be empty.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cTBa0v6jwY4/UwuuK4hA8qI/AAAAAAAAATE/GPkH5V_ynIc/s1600/replacing+tires.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cTBa0v6jwY4/UwuuK4hA8qI/AAAAAAAAATE/GPkH5V_ynIc/s1600/replacing+tires.jpg" height="296" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
1. Determine if it's time for replacement </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
To determine whether you even need new tires, do some simple checks on your current set. First, take a penny and place the edge into the groove of each tire. Insert the edge of the penny into the tread upside down, with the top of good ol' Honest Abe's noggin going in first. If the top of Lincoln's head is covered by tread, that means you still have an acceptable and safe amount of tread. Do this test at various points around the perimeter of the tire. If the top of Lincoln's head is visible at any point around the tire, it's time to go tire shopping. You can see an example of how to do this test here. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Check to make sure the edges of the tires don't show excessive wear, and that the tire pressure is correct. Your owner's manual should have the recommended tire pressure, and most gas stations have an air compressor with a tire gauge in the event that you need to fill them. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
2. Don't replace all four tires unless unless absolutely necessary </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The front tires of a car will often wear out faster than the rear tires. This is especially true if you don't often rotate the tires during your vehicle's life. If your local tire shop insists that you need a new set, inquire about the condition of the rear tires before agreeing to the whole thing. Replacing four tires costs twice as much, and your rear pair could still have thousands of miles of life left. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
If you do buy two tires instead of four, it's better to put the new tires on the back, rotating the older ones to the front position. The newer tires will help the car remain stable if you need to swerve out of an emergency situation. Do not buy one tire at a time. If a single tire is damaged, always get another new one for the other side of the car. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
3. Big brands are not always the best value </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Most people can name two or three tire brands from advertisements and marketing campaigns. The big brands typically produce quality tires, but there are many lesser-known brands that are just as good. The lesser-known brands can save over 50 percent compared with the name brands, and can deliver the same tire life and level of comfort.<br />
You can get recommendations on different brands from a site like Tire Rack. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
4. Get an alignment </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Getting an alignment every time you install new tires is crucial to extending the life of the tires. When your wheels are properly aligned, the tires will wear evenly as they were designed to do. If you install new tires and you wheels are out of alignment, the uneven wear can cause you to need a new set of tires prematurely.</blockquote>
<br />
Click the link to read the full article from AOL Autos: <a href="http://aol.it/1l1760F">http://aol.it/1l1760F</a>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6084508072189638245.post-66860514106117670562014-02-19T10:15:00.001-08:002014-02-19T10:15:02.482-08:00In-Car Entertainment is Going MobileRemember when you were a kid and family road trips consisted of "I Spy Games", singing, and asking "Are we there yet?" to pass the time. That's not the case for families these days. According to <a href="http://blogs.cars.com/">Kicking Tires</a> many traveling families now rely on mobile devices to keep children, as well as adults occupied on long trips.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KisH7qNm_Ro/UwI2tE1_3iI/AAAAAAAAASs/7qaM5Ifr6TE/s1600/mobile+in+car.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KisH7qNm_Ro/UwI2tE1_3iI/AAAAAAAAASs/7qaM5Ifr6TE/s1600/mobile+in+car.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
A new online survey by research firm Harris Interactive on behalf the manufacturers of the Scout GPS personal navigator polled 2,044 adults last month and found that personal electronics now overwhelmingly dominate in passing the doldrums of family holiday car travel. Only 27 percent of parents said old-school-style games and sing-alongs helped fill the hours on their trips. The most popular distraction for kids is video games, with 54 percent of parents saying so — including 36 percent of parents with kids age 2 or younger, and 62 percent with kids ages 3 to 5. Meanwhile, 46 percent say their youngsters watch movies, and 30 percent say they text or access the internet on mobile devices. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
But the kids aren't the only ones with their noses in their smartphones and tablets. Researchers report that 62 percent of adults who own mobile devices check email during holiday road trips (13 percent say they check "constantly," defined as every 10 minutes). Moreover, 72 percent of respondents say they're using their mobile devices to take road-trip photos or videos — one-third, constantly — while 41 percent report posting or uploading photos to social-media sites like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter while in the car. Nearly a quarter post three to 10 photos on the road, while 3 percent admit to "oversharing."</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
When listening to music on the move, 27 percent said they favored songs downloaded onto a mobile device, 18 percent preferred streaming music services such as Pandora and Spotify via mobile device, and 18 percent opt for satellite radio. Still, more traditional choices remain highly popular, including AM/FM radio (69 percent) and CDs (39 percent).<br />
In addition to the way we keep ourselves entertained, GPS navigation also has revolutionized how holiday road-trippers find their way. How much have things changed? Remember stopping at the gas station to ask for directions? In 2013, 10 percent of people say they've never in their life stopped for directions — and that percentage doubles for 18- to 34-year-olds.</blockquote>
<br />
Click the link to read the full article from Kicking Tires: <a href="http://bit.ly/Jt3YNg">http://bit.ly/Jt3YNg</a>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6084508072189638245.post-66150515720374164622014-02-11T08:32:00.001-08:002014-02-11T08:32:52.502-08:00What to Do After A Fender BenderNobody wants to get into a car accident. But sometimes fender benders happen. How you handle the situation afterwards can affect your personal health, how your insurance carrier will handle the incident, and the overall outcome of the accident.<br />
<br />
There are a few general things to consider doing after a car accident. This article from Cars.com lists the steps you should take to ensure that all parties involved in a fender bender are taken care of physically, legally, and emotionally.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IhiFKlIm1h8/Uvj_5Kr4ltI/AAAAAAAAASU/SI3OwrgVLT8/s1600/fender+bender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IhiFKlIm1h8/Uvj_5Kr4ltI/AAAAAAAAASU/SI3OwrgVLT8/s1600/fender+bender.jpg" height="221" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>1. Think safety first.</b><br />
It's a given to think safety in a more serious crash, but the after affects of fender-benders can be dangerous too. While in many states, the law requires you to stop after a collision, it's important to pull out of any driving lanes, even if the traffic behind you is stopped. This is to avoid a secondary collision, as well as to not impede traffic flow. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
If you are the front car in a collision, motion to the other driver and have him follow you to the closest spot where there's room for both of you to pull over safely. If you are parked in the breakdown lane, be sure to stay as far away from moving cars as possible as you exchange information and assess damage. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
If you can't move your car out of traffic, stay in the car with your seat belt buckled and call 911. No matter where you are stopped, turn your hazard lights on or put out flares or an emergency triangle if it's safe to do so. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>2. Check for injuries. </b><br />
Even in a relatively minor collision, people can be hurt. First, look at yourself, in a mirror if possible. While your adrenaline will be flowing hard, stop and think about if any part of your body hurts or if you are dizzy, short of breath or have other symptoms of an injury. Once you decide you are okay, ask the others involved if they are hurt. If anyone is injured or even seems like they might be, call 911. Unless you have first aid training, don't move anyone who is injured unless they are at risk of further injuries because of their location. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>3. Consider calling the police.</b><br />
In many states, if no one is hurt, the cars involved are not blocking traffic and damage is under $1000, reporting the accident to the police is not required (New York and Massachusetts are two such places), but you may choose to make the call if you want a police report taken. If you think getting a report of the accident would be helpful in establishing fault or because you suspect fraud, then certainly make the call to request police assistance. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Sometimes, especially in cities where officers are busy responding to calls of injuries and lawbreakers, the police may not respond to this request for a minor accident. Even if they don't respond, you may be required to file a report yourself, if anyone is hurt or if the damage exceeds a certain amount. Check with your local police, Department of Motor Vehicles or insurance company to find out. Keep in mind though, that in many states, if a police report is filed, your insurance company will be notified of the accident, which could derail you if you have plans to keep the accident quiet, though not reporting it is illegal in many states. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>4. Look for eyewitnesses. </b><br />
Noting any eyewitnesses to the collision is a smart move, especially if there's any question of fault in the collision. Go to the eyewitnesses as quickly as possible to get the full name, street address and day and evening phone numbers for each witness. Even if no police report is taken, you can provide this info to your insurance company. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>5. Make a plan if your car is being towed.</b><br />
If the damage to your car is severe enough that it needs to be towed, take a few minutes to make a plan your next steps. Where do you want the car to be towed? Having it delivered to a dealer, mechanic or body shop you trust is ideal, even if you need to pay a bit because it's being towed further away. If you car is taken to the towing company's yard or other nearby location and you'll want it to go somewhere else later, you could end up paying for a second tow. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
If your car is being towed, make sure to get all of your personal belongings out of it first. If these items are stolen, they won't be covered under your auto insurance, plus they may be things you need later. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>6. Make notes.</b><br />
In addition to the contact info of any eyewitnesses, take a moment to jot down the time of day as well as the street or highway where the collision occurred and the nearest cross-street or exit -- your insurance company will ask you for these details. It's also a good idea to note the road conditions, the weather, the speed limit sign, traffic signals and accident results, such as skid marks, since your insurance company may ask that information as well. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>7. Take pictures.</b><br />
If you have a camera, even in a cell-phone, take pictures of the damage (or lack of it) of all the cars involved, as well as any pictures that can help the insurance company understand how the accident occurred and possibly determine fault or fraud. If possible, photograph each car by standing at an angle from each wheel, so one side and either the front or rear of the car is visible in the frame. Take close-up pictures of any vehicle damage (from this accident or not) and, if appropriate, of any people involved. You might also want to photograph the items you took notes on. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>8. Double check the other party's information.</b><br />
Everyone knows to exchange information, but do so by writing down the info yourself by copying it from the person's driver's license and insurance card versus having them write it down for you. As you copy the info, ask if this is the person's current address and also compare the vehicle description, including the VIN, from the insurance card to the car itself. Make note of any discrepancies. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>9. Call your insurance company. </b><br />
Even in a fender bender with minimal damage, you are going to want to call your insurance company (and, in some states, you may be required to do so). Repair costs for even a new bumper and taillight can easily exceed a low deductible, and even seemingly minor damage to a car's exterior can reveal underlying damage once a body shop looks at the car more carefully. Be very cautious if you opt to try to handle the repair costs between the parties involved, check your state laws on this and decide in advance how to handle it if your car repair costs go up if they find more extensive damage once they have your car apart or if a person decides they are injured later. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>10. Consider visiting a doctor.</b><br />
Even if you are not seriously hurt, it may be wise to see a doctor within the day or so after the crash. Soreness and stiffness can be signs of a more serious injury and if they are, it should be diagnosed and treated promptly. While it's not right to take advantage of the system, it is appropriate to ensure that any medical issues that are a result of the accident are taken care of by the at-fault party. You don't want to wait until months later to discover the lingering problem you have is a result of the car accident.</blockquote>
<br />
Click the link to read the full article from Kicking TIres: <a href="http://aol.it/1lHbFkx">http://aol.it/1lHbFkx</a>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6084508072189638245.post-61486851793959519492014-02-05T10:42:00.001-08:002014-02-05T10:42:25.146-08:00Drowsy Driving<br />
Did you know that 1 in 24 people admit to nodding off recently behind the wheel? And that's only the people that admit it. Health officials believe the number may be much higher. That means the driver next to you on the highway might be sleeping! That's a scary thought.<br />
<br />
This article from Cars.com explores drowsy driving and how drivers can combat it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IbB547cZ4t0/Uu_AktZXBDI/AAAAAAAAAR8/xIhIphH24ZA/s1600/drowsy+driving.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IbB547cZ4t0/Uu_AktZXBDI/AAAAAAAAAR8/xIhIphH24ZA/s1600/drowsy+driving.jpg" height="221" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
This could give you nightmares: 1 in 24 U.S. adults say they recently fell asleep while driving. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
And health officials behind the study think the number is probably higher. That's because some people don't realize it when they nod off for a second or two behind the wheel.<br />
"If I'm on the road, I'd be a little worried about the other drivers," said the study's lead author, Anne Wheaton of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
In the CDC study released Thursday, about 4 percent of U.S. adults said they nodded off or fell asleep at least once while driving in the previous month. Some earlier studies reached a similar conclusion, but the CDC telephone survey of 147,000 adults was far larger. It was conducted in 19 states and the District of Columbia in 2009 and 2010.<br />
CDC researchers found drowsy driving was more common in men, people ages 25 to 34, those who averaged less than six hours of sleep each night, and - for some unexplained reason - Texans. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Wheaton said it's possible the Texas survey sample included larger numbers of sleep-deprived young adults or apnea-suffering overweight people. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Most of the CDC findings are not surprising to those who study this problem.<br />
"A lot of people are getting insufficient sleep," said Dr. Gregory Belenky, director of Washington State University's Sleep and Performance Research Center in Spokane.<br />
The government estimates that about 3 percent of fataltraffic crashes involve drowsy drivers, but other estimates have put that number as high as 33 percent. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Warning signs of drowsy driving: Feeling very tired, not remembering the last mile or two, or drifting onto rumble strips on the side of the road. That signals a driver should get off the road and rest, Wheaton said.<br />
<br />
Even a brief moment nodding off can be extremely dangerous, she noted. At 60 mph, a single second translates to speeding along for 88 feet - the length of two school buses.<br />
To prevent drowsy driving, health officials recommend getting 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night, treating any sleep disorders and not drinking alcohol before getting behind the wheel.</blockquote>
<br />
Click the link to read the full article from Cars.com: http://aol.it/1eewsb9Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6084508072189638245.post-20692040310182183702014-01-29T08:20:00.001-08:002014-01-29T08:20:19.232-08:00Top 10 Songs for DrivingAt some point in your driving you've probably been sitting at an intersection singing your heart out to a song blasting on the radio. You might have been embarrassed when the person in the car next to you looked over and caught you right when you started belting out the chorus, or you might not have even noticed. But what song was it you were listening to?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LHz_PmnkJeQ/UuaBHV8bxPI/AAAAAAAAARo/xONdo4hIxd4/s1600/car+radio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LHz_PmnkJeQ/UuaBHV8bxPI/AAAAAAAAARo/xONdo4hIxd4/s1600/car+radio.jpg" height="256" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Cars.com has polled drivers to learn which songs are the best for jamming to. Here are the top ten:<br />
<br />
1. "Don't Stop Believin' " by Journey<br />
2. "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen (27 percent)<br />
3. "You Shook Me All Night Long" by AC/DC (22 percent)<br />
4. "Any Way You Want It" by Journey (22 percent)<br />
5. "Life Is a Highway" Tom Cochrane (21 percent)<br />
6. "Dancing Queen" by ABBA (19 percent)<br />
7. "American Girl" by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers (16 percent)<br />
8. "Don't Stop Till You Get Enough" by Michael Jackson (15 percent)<br />
9. "Born to Run" by Bruce Springsteen (14 percent)<br />
10. "Fortunate Son" by Creedance Clearwater Revival (14 percent)<br />
<br />
You can read the full article from Cars.com here: <a href="http://bit.ly/1dSKq2r">http://bit.ly/1dSKq2r</a><br />
<br />
What is your favorite song to sing along to in the car?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6084508072189638245.post-15735539123211576482014-01-22T08:51:00.001-08:002014-01-22T08:51:20.680-08:00Why You Wouldn't Want to Own a Flying CarFor some reason, when everyone thinks of the future one of the first things that comes to mind is a flying car. The idea behind the flying car is that they will get us around faster than today's cars and make driving a much more convenient experience. But no matter how great George Jetson's life seemed, there are actually a number of reasons why you may not want to ever own a flying car, whether they ever become a reality or not.<br />
<br />
An article from <a href="http://howstuffworks.com/">HowStuffWorks.com</a> points out logical and practical reason why a flying car might not ever be a good idea.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-by7oufwvdlk/Ut1A3fvY3tI/AAAAAAAAARU/lVHL7VWA4B8/s1600/flying+car.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-by7oufwvdlk/Ut1A3fvY3tI/AAAAAAAAARU/lVHL7VWA4B8/s1600/flying+car.jpg" height="312" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Flying Cars Are Expensive</b><br />
A lot us of deep down really do want a flying car, but one of the main drawbacks to having your own will be the cost. Consider the following facts:<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>A flying car project that the U.S. government is exploring is costing $50 million [source: Vanderbilt].<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>A plane/car currently being developed by a private company is priced at $279,000 [source: Terrafugia]. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Flying cars might not be millions of dollars like the government project, but they definitely won't come cheap. The closest thing we have to flying cars right now is more like a plane that folds its wings up and drives like a car. The car-plane, developed by Terrafugia, has a price tag closer to $300,000 compared to the average cost of a new car which is about $30,000 [source: Welsh]. So you can imagine that if car companies start selling flying cars in the future, they'll be priced higher than most of us can afford. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Not only that, but if you're tired of filling up your car to go to work, you're not going to be much happier filling up a flying car either. Fuel costs for planes are more than the cost for cars [source: AirNav.com]. Even if we are able to fill up flying cars with regular unleaded gasoline, if you start running low on fuel in the air it's not like you can just pull into a station and fill up. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The cost of your car insurance is going to skyrocket, as well, because you're not just insuring a car anymore; you're insuring a car that can fly. Imagine paying for premium coverage because your car cannot only get into accidents, but also crash to the ground. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Breaking Down Means Falling Out of the Sky</b><br />
This particular reason why you don't want a flying car is pretty self-explanatory, but maybe we should go through some possible scenarios just to drive the point home. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Lots of us have been stranded on the side of the road at one time or another. Maybe your car overheated, you ran out ofgas, got a flat tire or that weird sound you've been hearing for months but never did anything about actually turned into a major problem. When your car breaks down on the road, most people try to quickly maneuver it out of traffic and get it to a safe place away from everything else. Well if you break down in a flying car, the only option you have is to fall from the sky. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
You're still not going to have some Good Samaritan help push the car to the side of the road. There won't be an option to pop the hood and diagnose the problem and you can't just get out and walk a few miles to get some more fuel. Gravity is going to have its way and its way is down. An object, ignoring air resistance, falls 1,000 feet (304.8 meters) in about 8 seconds [source: George]. So if you're 1,000 feet in the air and you have an accident, or your car just stops working, you better have a back up plan you can implement quickly. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Even if you can glide or use some sort of parachute, you're going to have to know how to land your car in an emergency. How much of a runway do you need? Can you just put in some trees? Are there houses around? Breaking down in a flying car seems like a huge hassle, not to mention a serious danger. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>You'll Have to Learn How to Drive All Over Again</b><br />
Learning to fly even the smallest and simplest of planesrequires going to flight school. Remember sitting in drivers ed and learning things like the average car travelling 60 miles per hour (96.6 kilometers per hour) will need about 272 feet (82.9 meters) in order to come to a complete stop? It may have been exciting at the time because we were all so close to getting a little taste of freedom, but after you've been driving for years, who wants to sit down and learn a whole new set of rules for flying in car? Because there will be lots of new rules. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
If you and your neighbor start your flying car at the same time and want to lift off in front of your house, who goes first? When making a turn in a flying car do you have to look above and below you as well as left and right? How about learning an entirely new way to navigate to a destination? Sure we could set up a GPS system in the flying cars, but if your GPS can't find the satellites, then how do you know where to go? </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Pilots learn how to fly without using their eyes to guide them. They rely on their instruments to tell them things like how high they are and what their speeds are [source: Wynbrandt]. Even though we use instruments for some of these things when we drive, we rely mostly on our eyes to see what's going on around us. But in the sky, you don't always have a good reference point. Factors like weather conditions or flying at night can make it impossible for pilots to use their sight to navigate the plane, so they rely on their instruments [source: Wynbrandt]. If you have a flying car you'll need to learn how rely on and trust your instruments more than your sight. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Think you still want a flying car? You can't say we didn't warn you.</blockquote>
<br />
Click the link to read the full article from HowStuffWorks.com: <a href="http://bit.ly/LgPUaI">http://bit.ly/LgPUaI</a>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6084508072189638245.post-73661001088626397292014-01-15T08:32:00.001-08:002014-01-15T08:32:54.539-08:00How the Cold Affects Your CarLast week was one of the coldest the United States has seen in quite some time. All across the country drivers had issues with cars not starting and dead batteries. But those aren't the only two things that the cold can take a toll on when it comes to your car. Check out this infographic from Jalopnik to see all the ways the extreme cold can affect your vehicle.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vdz1G5KXqV4/UtQUFi8_lXI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/3LznJL3B6c8/s1600/cold+weather+infographic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vdz1G5KXqV4/UtQUFi8_lXI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/3LznJL3B6c8/s640/cold+weather+infographic.jpg" width="547" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Click the link to read the full article from Jalopnik: http://bit.ly/KA2kuFAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6084508072189638245.post-72878363817627791012014-01-08T12:31:00.001-08:002014-01-08T12:31:52.107-08:00Top 10 Excuses Used In Police Pullovers“Well gosh officer, I didn’t see the speed limit sign!” – the most common excuse police hear when pulling drivers over, according to an article from Cars.com about a survey done by Insurance.com. The comparison pooled licensed drivers 18 an older. More than a fifth of the drivers polled said when they gave an excuse to the officer that pulled them over they said they couldn’t see the sign that told them not to do something.<br />
<br />
There were 10 other popular answers given among drivers polled. They are listed with their percentages below:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
1. I couldn’t see the sign telling me not to do it :20.4%<br />
2. I’m lost and unfamiliar with the roads: 15.6%<br />
3. I didn’t know it was broken: 12.4%<br />
4. Everyone else was doing it: 6.4%<br />
5. I’m having in emergency situation in my car (for instance spilled a hot drink on your lap): 5.4%<br />
6. I missed my turn/exit: 4.8%<br />
7. I had to go to the bathroom: 5.6%<br />
8. I didn’t do anything dangerous: 4.2%<br />
9. I was on my way to an emergency (for example, to help someone who was ill or injured): 4.0%<br />
10. My GPS said it was the right thing to do: 2.2%<br />
11. I’m just helping out; I wasn’t even supposed to be driving (for example, your friend is intoxicated): 2.0%</blockquote>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EwAk-GO78dk/UsrkGSxF_FI/AAAAAAAAAQo/-n4MC4XkLwo/s1600/police+pullover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EwAk-GO78dk/UsrkGSxF_FI/AAAAAAAAAQo/-n4MC4XkLwo/s1600/police+pullover.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
To read the full article from Cars.com, click the link : http://bit.ly/15XAT5UAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6084508072189638245.post-83737294950315823022014-01-03T08:17:00.001-08:002014-01-03T08:17:40.394-08:00US Speeding Survey<div class="tr_bq">
Did you know that 16% of the United States thinks that speeding is okay for skilled drivers? A recent study done by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has found this and many other interesting stats about speeding in the US. <a href="http://blogs.cars.com/">Kicking Tires</a> has highlighted the study in this article: </div>
<div class="tr_bq">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LZSp3o4QJuY/UsGT1feTkaI/AAAAAAAAAQU/gN-AleZm1Cg/s1600/speed+limit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LZSp3o4QJuY/UsGT1feTkaI/AAAAAAAAAQU/gN-AleZm1Cg/s400/speed+limit.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="tr_bq">
<br /></div>
<br />
<blockquote>
Is it possible to believe that "slow and steady wins the race" while also feeling the need for speed? Evidently it is, according to a survey by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration showing motorists' paradoxical positions on speeding. </blockquote>
<blockquote>
The just-released "National Survey of Speeding Attitudes and Behavior" provides estimates regarding how drivers feel about speeding versus their actions. Most (91 percent) agreed with the statement that "everyone should obey the speed limits because it's the law," while nearly half said it is very important that something be done to reduce speeding on U.S. roadways. About 4 out of 5 said driving at or near the speed limit makes it easier to avoid dangerous situations and reduces the chances of a crash. </blockquote>
<blockquote>
"However, despite acknowledging the safety benefits of speed limits and reasons drivers should follow them, more than a quarter of those surveyed admitted 'speeding is something I do without thinking,' and 'I enjoy the feeling of driving fast,' " NHTSA reported in a statement. "Further, 16 percent felt that 'driving over the speed limit is not dangerous for skilled drivers.' " </blockquote>
<blockquote>
Younger male drivers are the most likely to speed, according to the study. Male drivers admitted to speeding more than female drivers, while those with the least experience (ages 16-20) copped to speeding more frequently than any other age group — with 11 percent reporting having been in at least one speeding-related crash during the past five years compared to 4 percent for the overall population. </blockquote>
<blockquote>
NHTSA notes that speeding deaths nationwide account for nearly a third of all traffic fatalities each year, taking nearly 10,000 lives.</blockquote>
<br />
Click the link to read more at Kicking Tires: <a href="http://bit.ly/1jMp2in">http://bit.ly/1jMp2in</a>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6084508072189638245.post-27963942169484696962013-12-20T11:08:00.001-08:002013-12-20T11:08:44.287-08:00Safe Driving Tips for the HolidaysMany people will be traveling by car to see friends and family this holiday season. Not only is this time of year a particularly busy one on the roads, but the possibility of inclement winter weather also gives you reason to be extra cautious. Use these tips from AOL Autos to be sure that you are safe on the road this holiday season.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zK30YN4WJAM/UrSUlD7SHGI/AAAAAAAAAQA/-V3CrSd2-6g/s1600/car+in+snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zK30YN4WJAM/UrSUlD7SHGI/AAAAAAAAAQA/-V3CrSd2-6g/s320/car+in+snow.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Buckle Up</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><b> </b></span>Besides being the law in almost every state, using your safety belt reduces your risk of serious injury or death in an accident. That goes for rear seat occupants just as much as for front seat occupants. Airbags do a lot of good, but they are supplemental restraints. They are no substitute for a properly fastened seat belt. Buckle up, and if you're driving, make sure your passengers are strapped in before heading out. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Keep Your Cool</b><br />
Congested roads and tight schedules can lead to frustration for drivers. Frustration can lead to poor decisions and risky behavior behind the wheel. Road rage is a tragic possibility if you don't keep your cool. Some of the things you can do to reduce your stress while driving include giving yourself plenty of time to spare, keeping your passengers occupied to reduce distractions, expecting the unexpected from other drivers, and taking the time to learn your route ahead of time. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Use A Designated Driver</b><br />
Drinking and driving is never a good mixture. In family feast situations, even the teetotalers among us sometimes overindulge in the chardonnay. Have a plan for who is drinking and who isn't if you need to drive elsewhere after your festivities. That plan should include having the number of the local taxi cab service on hand should the designated driver forget their responsibilities and dip into the punch bowl once too often. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Stay Alert</b><br />
Although turkey generally gets the wrap for the drowsiness that typically follows a big feast, the tryptophan isn't solely to blame. In fact turkey has just as much of the sedative as other meats and cheeses. The carbohydrates and alcohol we're consuming are probably more to blame for the sleepiness most revelers experience, along with simply overindulging. A drowsy driver is a dangerous driver though, with accident rates as high as drunk drivers. So try not to overeat, don't try to do too much in one day, and pull over for a nap if you catch yourself feeling the need to nod off. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Slow Down</b><br />
The old phrase, “Speed kills” might be an oversimplification, but the truth is that increased speeds leave less time and distance to react to problems ahead. Speed is a contributing factor in many traffic fatalities simply because speeding drivers don't have as much room for error. Obey all posted speed limits and be mindful that excess traffic might mean you need to travel well below posted limits in congested areas. Don't make the mistake of thinking you can speed around delays to make up time. Chances are you'll never save enough time to risk losing your life.</blockquote>
<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
Click the link to read the entire article from AOL Autos: http://aol.it/1di9ziA</div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6084508072189638245.post-44652024804337973902013-12-18T09:02:00.001-08:002013-12-18T09:02:36.465-08:00The History of CarsCars have been moving Americans for more than 100 years. How has car transportation changed since the Model T in 1908? Take a look at the history of all things cars with this infographic. Some of the history may surprise you.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5xg8yp3FpO8/UqXmB8e0aCI/AAAAAAAAAPc/SrHp62Wxli4/s1600/Carland+Infographic.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="396" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5xg8yp3FpO8/UqXmB8e0aCI/AAAAAAAAAPc/SrHp62Wxli4/s640/Carland+Infographic.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Click the link to see the full screen infographic: http://bit.ly/8uCOcAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6084508072189638245.post-18660207193970006532013-12-11T11:26:00.001-08:002013-12-11T11:26:20.765-08:00Tips for Safely Transporting Your Christmas TreeThe holiday season is here! Families are out chopping down Christmas trees and bringing them home to decorate every branch. Before you can think about decorating the tree though, you have to get it home. This can sometimes prove to be a difficult task, especially if you don't have a transportation vehicle. Check out some of these tips from Kicking Tires for how to safely get your Christmas tree home with the vehicle that you have.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nVRILaQ4FD4/UqXiItqEmFI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/GAG6hMNuums/s1600/christmas+tree+car+roof.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nVRILaQ4FD4/UqXiItqEmFI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/GAG6hMNuums/s400/christmas+tree+car+roof.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Vehicle-related road debris is estimated to cause more than 250,000 crashes a year and claim 81 to 90 lives, according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
What's the best way to keep your tree from becoming a statistic? Rick Dungey, National Christmas Tree Association spokesman, recommends trusting the experts. "If someone at the farm or lot where you buy the tree offers advice on the best way for you to transport your tree, take it. Those folks deal with thousands of trees per year and you deal with one," he told Cars.com. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
To make sure your Christmas tree makes it all the way home, the National Christmas Tree Association helped us compile few tips about getting your tree home in one piece: </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
• Get your Christmas tree netted before leaving the lot to make it more manageable. If it's going on the roof, the trunk should be facing front. Doing both these things will help reduce wind damage to the foliage.<br />
• Make sure to select a tree that will either fit inside your cargo area or, if you have a roof rack, on top of your roof properly. Also ensure that you have enough rope or cord to wrap around the tree and secure it to the roof rack or to cargo hooks.<br />
• Place a tarp or blanket over the cargo area to protect the interior from loose needles. If you're going to place the tree on the roof, place a tarp, plastic sheet or blanket between the tree and the rack to protect the roof from scratches.<br />
• If you are transporting a tree in the back of a pickup truck, keep in mind that there could be hot spots in the bed—from the exhaust pipe, for example. This can damage the tree's foliage, so put something under it like an old blanket.<br />
• Before leaving the lot, give the tree a good tug to make sure it's secure.<br />
• Drive slowly and avoid the highway, especially if you're not used to hauling heavy objects on your roof. The extra weight affects your vehicle's center of gravity and consequently emergency handling. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
We don't recommend tying a tree on your car's roof without a roof rack. If you don't have the proper vehicle to take your tree home, find a friend with a more capable vehicle. Even better: Some Christmas tree lots deliver. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Once home, Dungey recommends getting the tree out of the wind and sun as soon as possible. Even if you're not putting it in the stand right away, he says putting it in a bucket of water will minimize damage to the foliage. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
When all else fails, there's always an artificial tree!</blockquote>
<br />
Click the link to read the full article from the Kicking Tires blog: http://bit.ly/1bhyIqJAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6084508072189638245.post-79499469291646983002013-12-04T07:53:00.001-08:002013-12-04T07:53:06.890-08:00Transporting Food to Holiday Parties in Your VehicleNow that it's December, friends will be having holiday parties that you may be required to bring a dish to. Sometimes transporting your homemade dishes in your vehicle can prove to be a difficult task, especially if you're bringing a hot dish, or your food is in a container that could easily spill. The Kicking Tires blog has come up with a great list of tips for how to easily transport your delicious creations from home to your final destination for the holidays. Feel free to comment with your own tips!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UFtYsEB1Ul0/UpyhgqMOfVI/AAAAAAAAAO4/mJUkyMiCucE/s1600/taking+food+in+your+car.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UFtYsEB1Ul0/UpyhgqMOfVI/AAAAAAAAAO4/mJUkyMiCucE/s400/taking+food+in+your+car.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Casserole Dishes</b><br />
Piping-hot casserole dishes can literally be a pain to the person holding them in their lap in the car. The heat from the dish itself can burn your spouse's lap — not to mention the damage that could occur if it spills and your hubby is left with 350-degree green-bean casserole drippings on his, well, you get the idea. Placing the casserole dish on the floor rather than on someone's lap isn't much better. Do you really want to be cleaning oyster stuffing out of your car's carpet and floormats for the next three months? </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Instead, invest in a travel casserole dish. I purchased one from Target recently for just $14. It comes with a Pyrex casserole dish, a secure rubber lid, a microwaveable gel pouch to help keep the goodies hot on the road and an insulated carrying case. You don't, however, want it to be loose on the car's floor. If you have to brake quickly to avoid another holiday road warrior, the casserole dish could become a dangerous projectile. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Instead, try securing your travel casserole dish in your car's trunk, safely away from the passenger compartment. You can borrow a grippy drawer liner from your silverware drawer to help keep the travel casserole dish from sliding around in the trunk. It also doesn't hurt to wedge it in with other larger, less messy items. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
If you don't have a travel casserole dish and don't want to invest in one, you can use a casserole dish with a lid and secure the lid to the dish's handles with two rubber bands. This can then be secured inside a tote basket or laundry basket lined with towels. The basket can be stashed snugly on the floor behind the driver's seat or even better yet, secured in your car's cargo space using a few bungee cords and the tie-down anchor points in the cargo floor. If the dish happens to have a leak during transport, the towels will soak up any messes. If you don't have a leak, your kids can roll the towels up after dinner and use them on the drive home as pillows to sleep off that turkey-induced fog. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Slow Cookers</b><br />
By some estimates, something weighing just 20 pounds (a turkey, a slow cooker or whatever) can hit a person with 600 pounds of force if involved in a crash while the car is moving just 35 mph. Slow cookers with locking lids are the surefire option for transporting food in the car and will help keep any leaks or spills from getting on your fabric upholstery. I purchased one recently from Amazon for just over $30. Again, you want to keep slow cookers out of the passenger compartment if possible. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Portable 12-Volt Heater/Coolers</b><br />
If you're really serious about keeping your sweet potatoes at the perfect temperature while on the road, a portable 12-volt heater/cooler is the way to go. This plugs into the 12-volt outlet in your car, can be switched to heat or cool, and keeps your marshmallow-laced sweet-potato puree inside it at a consistent 140 degrees. While you're limited as to where you can secure it in the car based on where the outlet is located, you still want to secure it safely. Again, getting creative with bungee cords is a great option. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Pies</b><br />
Tinfoil is your best friend when transporting pies. If you're transporting just one pie, take an extra metal pie tin, flip it upside down and use it to tent the pie. Then seal the edges of the two pie tins together with a strip of tinfoil. Just to reiterate: You don't want a pie to hit you in the back of the head if you get in an accident, so secure it in the trunk. Use the grippy-drawer-liner technique to keep the pie from sliding around, or better yet, stash it in the laundry basket next to your casserole. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
To transport two pies, place them side by side on a baking sheet, wrap tinfoil around the pies and baking sheet, and then secure the tinfoil around the baking sheet's edges. Store the baking sheet in your trunk with a grippy drawer liner under it to keep it from sliding around.<br />
All Those Yummy Leftovers </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
If you're going to take some goodies back home, be prepared and arrive with your own plastic storage containers and zip-close plastic bags rather than having your granny dig some up for you and the rest of your finicky family. Pack a load of disposable plastic containers in a reusable fabric bag. You can pack the containers full and have a convenient tote at the ready to carry them to the car. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Use the bungee-secured laundry basket you used earlier to transport your pie and casserole dish to dinner to then get your leftovers home.</blockquote>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
Click the link to read the full article from Kicking Tires: <a href="http://bit.ly/1fCAlHp">http://bit.ly/1fCAlHp</a></div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6084508072189638245.post-6692682492572188672013-11-27T08:56:00.001-08:002013-11-27T08:56:55.788-08:00The Car of the FutureWhat does the car of the future look like? We have all wondered it at some point. Will it drive by itself, or communicate with other cars to avoid accidents? The infographic below from InsuranceQuotes.com paints a picture of what the car of tomorrow may possibly look like. Take a look and see how it compares to today’s cars.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iFlowEjaz1g/Uot6bf-Gk2I/AAAAAAAAANc/FXt6x22KsDQ/s1600/car+of+the+future.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iFlowEjaz1g/Uot6bf-Gk2I/AAAAAAAAANc/FXt6x22KsDQ/s1600/car+of+the+future.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Click the link to read the original article from Mashable: http://on.mash.to/107IRatAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6084508072189638245.post-78141783796586960582013-11-20T08:25:00.001-08:002013-11-20T08:25:08.782-08:00Driving With a Broken MufflerNo good can come from driving a broken muffler. Not only is the loud engine noise annoying, but exhaust fumes can be dangerous, and you'll pay more for gas. Learn all the downfalls of a broken muffler here.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-35N8FJzhwqg/Uot49HW1t8I/AAAAAAAAANQ/t-JRpxB-deY/s1600/Broken+Muffler.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-35N8FJzhwqg/Uot49HW1t8I/AAAAAAAAANQ/t-JRpxB-deY/s400/Broken+Muffler.bmp" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>In Your Ear</b><br />
The muffler on most stock exhaust systems lives up to its name quite capably -- hushing engine noises to almost imperceptible levels. The sounds escaping from a broken muffler may upset your neighbors, but a more serious outcome could be permanent. While neighbors may glare and stew, vehicle occupants are the ones subjected to conditions that are known to contribute to hearing loss and tinnitus. Close proximity and reverberations from road surfaces amplify the dangers for the driver and passengers encased above the racket. Extended periods of exposure increase the chances of irreparable hearing losses. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Up Your Nose</b><br />
Carbon monoxide is only one component of exhaust fumes, but it may be the most toxic in concentration. When fumes exit the exhaust system prematurely, this odorless gas can enter the cabin of the vehicle. People hidden in a car trunk to sneak into a drive-in movie, or bundled under a blanket in a rumble seat, were often sickened and in some cases killed. The onset of carbon monoxide poisoning can seem like a trivial case of the flu. Headaches and dizzy spells can precede profound confusion, but impaired driving is an immediate result that can be just as deadly. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Out of Pocket</b><br />
As any novice hot-rodder soon discovers, removing all exhaust restrictions is an ineffective method of improving engine performance. Engines need exhaust back pressure for everything from basic air flow to reducing air pollution. Computer sensors reliant on proper pressures can blindly increase fuel consumption to no avail. Solids from unburned fuel can combine with rain and adhere to body surfaces. Not only does the poor fuel economy burn a hole in your pocket, but caustic compounds eat through the vehicle body panels as well. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Losing the Race</b><br />
While a new muffler might seem expensive, the cost is minimal in comparison to potential losses. Whether you subscribe to some scientific theory or not, it remains a fact that air pollution adversely affects our planet and our persons. The exhaust converter of an automobile with a leaky muffler never gets enough heat or time to convert and reduce the poisons entering our atmosphere. If preservation of the human race is not a convincing reason for responsible motoring, perhaps a trip to the police impound lot would be.</blockquote>
<br />
Click the link to read the full article from ehow.com: http://bit.ly/19zwLJUAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6084508072189638245.post-44610573956250704672013-11-13T08:18:00.001-08:002013-11-13T08:18:44.243-08:00Preparing Your Car For WinterWinter weather is right around the corner. Preparing your vehicle for colder weather in advance is the best way to avoid breaking down or sliding off an icy road. These tips will inform you on every way you can prepare your car for winter.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6b_HlCtwCGE/UoDuFc61LtI/AAAAAAAAAMs/qvS-vgznEoI/s1600/snowy+car.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6b_HlCtwCGE/UoDuFc61LtI/AAAAAAAAAMs/qvS-vgznEoI/s400/snowy+car.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Clean Your Vehicle Inside And Out</b>Exterior surfaces are particularly vulnerable to winter's charming qualities, such as snow, ice and road salt. It's ideal if you can use the fair fall days leading up to the frigid months to thoroughly wash your vehicle. To start, undertake a complete do-it-yourself detailing of your car. Be sure to include a car wax that coats the body panels before the first snowfall -- specifically, before temperatures drop below 55F. This preventative measure will shield paint surfaces from snowy bombardments, and it will also make snow and ice easier to brush off. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
On the inside, remove any garbage before vacuuming the seats and floor. After vacuuming, additional attention with an upholstery cleaner will have your cockpit looking spick-and-span and more welcoming for passengers. To rid your car of that stale, climate-controlled atmosphere that the colder weather brings, try an air-freshener -- even a man's car shouldn't smell like a gym locker. Finally, it's also a great idea to swap out your carpeted floor mats with a set of water-resistant vinyl or rubber mats. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Test Battery And Electrical System</b><br />
Cold weather is a vehicle's electrical system enemy -- especially the vehicle's battery. Combine this with the increased power demands of defrosters, windshield wipers and heating systems, and a car battery really has to be ready to meet the brutal winter challenge. A simple battery test means running your vehicle's headlights before starting the engine. If you notice that the headlights get brighter once you start the engine, more elaborate battery tests might be needed.<br />
Metering voltage with a voltmeter or measuring electrolyte levels for an unsealed, low-maintenance battery are two examples of such tests. If your tests show the voltage lower than 12.4V or if electrolyte-specific gravity resides below 1.225, a recharge or replacement of the battery is likely required. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
A well-insulated cabin offers much needed shelter from frigid winter winds, so ensuring your heating system is functioning properly should be a top priority. Run your heating system to ensure its operation before the actual time of need -- trust us, you do not want to be trapped in a cold car in the months to come. Also check the window defroster system by testing the defroster strips in the windshield and rear windshield using a voltmeter. Another major electricity consumer is the vehicle's lighting, which will be running longer due to the much shorter days. Make sure your headlights, taillights, back up lights, and signal lights (including your hazards) illuminate with a visual check during a dark day or at night. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Maximize Winter Vision</b><br />
Darkness and blizzard-like snowfalls, coupled with shorter periods of sunlight, dramatically reduce a motorist's vision during the winter. A working set of windshield wipers and an ample supply of winter washer fluid are the best ways to optimize limited visibility. Ensure that your wipers have a clean wipe across the windshield -- if you replace your wiper arms, also make sure that they don't lift from your windshield at higher speeds (some larger, Teflon wipers tend to lift with higher winds). </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Similar to the theme of tires, windshield wiper varieties are predominately featured for all-season use. While a high-quality windshield wiper is the way to go, wiper performance can be affected by snow and ice buildup along the wiper springs. For optimal winter visibility investing in special winter wipers equipped with protective shields that protect the wipers' mechanism is an excellent idea. Summer washer fluid must be replaced heading into the colder months since it is not made for the colder temperatures and may become frozen and useless. When buying winter washer fluid, look for a brand with a deicer agent. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Be Equipped For The Road</b><br />
While it may be a given, it's still extremely important to mention the basics in winter car equipment: You will need a snowbrush and an ice scrapper. Remember, a soft-bristled snowbrush is less likely to damage your paint and plastic scrappers won't scratch your windshield and windows as easily as metal ones. Other tools suited for unpredictable winter conditions include a collapsible shovel, a well-stocked emergency kit and a set of jumper cables. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
For mountain regions, add a set of tire chains to your trunk as it may be the only way you'll be able to drive. As well, in case your vehicle becomes immobilized in deep snow you can either buy of set of traction pads or use some scrap pieces of carpet to help you escape those arctic traps -- but make sure you read the instructions carefully prior to using the traction pads as they often have spiked bottoms and can be quite dangerous. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
When taking a long trip (a common practice during the holiday season) include items such as a blanket, a flashlight, candles and a lighter, flares, and an extra bottle of windshield washer fluid in case of unplanned circumstances or roadside stops. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Understandably, this winter gear might represent a burden for trunk space, but your preparation may be a relief for you later on. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Tires are an economical and practical choice for many motorists it took recent tire technology advancements to recapture consumer interest for winter tires. And even then, some drivers swear by all-seasons even though their winter performances are scarcely up to par with that of the winter treads. The reality is that winter tires are the way to go. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
If you opt for winter tires, store your summer tires in opaque plastic bags. To reduce moisture from damaging the rubber, press as much air out of the bags as possible or use a vacuum to suck out the air before sealing the bags with tape. For storage, find a place that maintains a cool, but stable temperature, such as a basement or heated garage. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Whichever tire you choose to use this coming winter, make sure you conduct regular visual checks on the tires tread surface, and monitor the tire pressure on a monthly basis as well. Remember, every 10 degree drop equals 1 PSI lost in your tires' pressure and that means loss of traction and control on your part. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Check And Change Fluids</b><br />
Check the coolant system. To determine whether or not your vehicle is operating with a proper coolant level, it sometimes only requires a small visual check at a marked level indicator on a semitransparent overflow reservoir. For North America, a 50/50 mixture of water and antifreeze coolant is typically recommended for year-round driving (check your car's owners manual for specifics or go by the indications on the antifreeze). After checking the coolant, proceed to examine coolant hoses for leaks or wear -- visually inspect all the connections and use clean rags or paper towels to ensure there are no leaks. Make sure you also search for leaks around other reservoirs in the engine compartment, such as your brakes and oil. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The change in seasonal temperatures may also dictate a change to a thinner viscosity engine oil to more efficiently lubricate moving parts in colder conditions. Since this is not the standard for all vehicles, check your vehicle's owner manual for fluid requirements.</blockquote>
<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
Click the link to read the full article from AOL Autos: http://aol.it/HHFqiu</div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6084508072189638245.post-17851912876306005212013-11-06T08:50:00.001-08:002013-11-06T08:50:05.261-08:00What to Keep In Your Glove BoxIs your glove box full of clutter? Time to clean it out. This article tells you what items you should have in your glove box. Go ahead and get rid of everything else.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I0L6LRUPm0Q/Une6nXpjkFI/AAAAAAAAAMA/4-aOzg78RXE/s1600/glove+box.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I0L6LRUPm0Q/Une6nXpjkFI/AAAAAAAAAMA/4-aOzg78RXE/s400/glove+box.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The glove box can be a useful treasure chest in cars, housing everything from important papers and receipts to tire gauges and extra fuses. It's a safe, easy-to-access place for crucial items, and almost every car has one. Even the best of us are sometimes guilty of littering our glove boxes with unnecessary items like CDs or cosmetics. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Don't let yourself go down that path. Rather, be prepared and consider the following things to keep on hand. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>License and registration:</b> Keep all important documents like proof of insurance, automotive registration and a copy of your driver's license in a plastic bag or held together by a paper clip.<br />
ICE: Experts at AAA recommend keeping an ICE — in case of emergency — card with important information about you and your passengers. On that card you should list emergency contacts, physicians, any medications used or allergies for you and your passengers. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Put your owner's manual on a diet:</b> We'd all like to keep our car's owner's manual in the glove box, but have you seen the size of these things lately? If your car came with a combo pack of a manual plus other materials like stereo or navigation instructions, optional warranties and more, put the less vital guides elsewhere. Keep just the main manual — with important info on engine care, wiper blade sizes and more — in the glove box. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Tire pressure gauge: </b>Unless you have a new Nissan Altima with its Easy Fill Tire Alert system, a tire pressure gauge is one of the most essential items to have in your glove box. Thankfully, it's also small. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Flashlight:</b> There are dozens of small — sometimes even flat — LED flashlights on the market that take up only a little space but emit a lot of light. A flashlight will come in handy when trying to change a tire in the dark. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Fuses:</b> Stock your glove box with a few backup fuses, which can be picked up at a hardware store for a few dollars. If your car's taillights or power windows stop working, replacing a blown fuse takes just seconds. Fuses are ideal for the glove box because they're tiny. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Wheel-lock key:</b> Wheel locks help to ensure that someone won't walk off with your car's pricey wheels, but you won't be able to change a flat tire without the wheel-lock key. If your car has wheel locks, keep the key in the glove box next to the tire pressure gauge. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>First-aid kit: </b>If your car is short on storage space, find a small pouch or container and make a basic first-aid kit for the glove box. It should contain adhesive bandages, tissues or cotton balls, a pain reliever like aspirin and backup prescription medicine. You could put the ICE card in there, too. Some retailers carry first-aid kits for glove boxes such as the LifeLine, which costs less than $10. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Phone charger:</b> If you have a smartphone you know how quickly the battery can run out of power, especially if you're using Bluetooth. Luckily, most chargers are small. A cellphone is one of the most important items you should have with you in a car in case of an emergency; don't let it run out of juice. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Paper map: </b>Put a printed — yes, printed — fold-out map in your glove box. In this day and age where portable GPS units and cellphones with navigation software dominate, having an up-to-date paper map as a backup is just plain smart. </blockquote>
Click the link to read the whole article from Cars.com : http://bit.ly/YhkYeMAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6084508072189638245.post-86658206805998530212013-10-30T09:45:00.001-07:002013-10-30T09:45:49.255-07:00Defensive Driving<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
The scariest part about driving is usually other drivers. You never know what someone else on the road might do. That's why when you're behind the wheel, you always need to drive defensively. Here are a few tips on the best ways to be a defensive driver.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QmpDbSNO5Vc/Um5zSUS5jpI/AAAAAAAAALg/KPM-Lqbw270/s1600/defensive+driving.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="119" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QmpDbSNO5Vc/Um5zSUS5jpI/AAAAAAAAALg/KPM-Lqbw270/s320/defensive+driving.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Following Distance</b><br />
When driving, following distance is crucial. Many drivers tend to tailgate, which can easily lead to one car rear-ending another. A tip is to check your speed, divide it by 10, and then keep that many car lengths between you and the car in front of you. For example, if you are driving 40 miles per hour, keep the distance between you and the car ahead 4 car lengths. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Distractions</b><br />
When driving, 100 percent of your focus must be on the road and what's going on around you. Avoid distracting activities when driving, such as talking on the phone (even hands-free), eating, shaving and especially texting. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Changing lanes</b><br />
A lot of drivers when changing lanes will slow down and not signal. It is important to keep consistent speed when changing lanes to avoid being rear-ended and it is important to use your turn signal to give cars in other lanes notice that you are changing lanes. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Space Cushion</b><br />
It is hard to control cars around you, but safely try to move yourself around so you are not driving directly next to anyone or directly behind anyone.</blockquote>
<br />
Read the full article from ehow.com here: http://bit.ly/16qLmD5Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6084508072189638245.post-86544637474531025872013-10-23T07:40:00.001-07:002013-10-23T07:40:23.285-07:0012 Big Car Seat Mistakes Parents MakeThe smallest error in properly securing a child's safety seat can compromise the effectiveness of the device in the event of an accident. AAA has put together a list of 12 of the biggest mistakes parents are making when installing a car seat. Read the tips here and learn how you can prevent them.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PymGea3ub2k/UmU-TKsb8eI/AAAAAAAAALE/CF7Vn4cyqC4/s1600/kid+in+a+car+seat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PymGea3ub2k/UmU-TKsb8eI/AAAAAAAAALE/CF7Vn4cyqC4/s320/kid+in+a+car+seat.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
AAA has put together a list of the twelve biggest mistakes parents make when using a car seat. Some items on the list may seem like insignificant oversights, but even the smallest error in properly securing these safety devices can compromise their effectiveness in the event of a crash. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Read on to see the mistakes parents are making and how you can prevent them from happening to you. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>1. Moving a child out of a booster seat too soon.</b><br />
Seat belts are designed to fit adults, not children. Putting a child that isn't ready into an adult seat belt can result in an abdominal or neck injury in the event of a sudden stop or crash. AAA recommends keeping your child in a booster seat until they are absolutely ready to fit into adult seat belts, which usually occurs between ages eight and twelve, depending on growth and development. Children should be able to sit with their back against the seat, knees bending at the edge of the seat and feet touching the floor. The lap belt should be positioned low across their hips and upper thighs with the shoulder belt across their chest and collarbone. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>2. Not installing the car seat tightly enough.</b><br />
If a car seat is installed too loosely, it can subject a child to much greater force during a crash. A car seat should not move more than one inch front-to-back or side-to-side when installed correctly. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>3. Harness straps too loose.</b><br />
Having the harnesses too loose on a child is very dangerous, as they will not be properly restrained in the event of a crash. This can result in subjugation to much greater force and even ejection from the seat entirely. Harnesses should lie flat without any twists. Ensure that they are snug enough that you cannot pinch any extra material at the child's shoulder. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>4. Retainer clip (or chest clip) is too low.</b><br />
The retainer clip helps keep the child secure in the car seat. If a retainer clip is too low, a child can come out of the harnesses or the hard, plastic retainer clip can cause internal damage. AAA recommends ensuring that the clip is placed at armpit level. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>5. Turning your child forward-facing too soon.</b><br />
According to AAA, children in the second year of life are 5 times less likely to die or be seriously injured in a crash if they ride in a rear-facing car seat. A child should remain in a rear-facing seat until they reach the upper weight or height limit allowed by the car seat manufacturer. Once this happens, then switch to a rear-facing convertible car seat with higher height and weight limits. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>6. Allowing a child under the age of 13 to ride in the front seat.</b><br />
Children under the age of 13 are almost always too small to ride in the front seat, and they can be seriously injured by air bags in the event of a crash. Be safe and do not allow a child up front until they are a teenager. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>7. Forgetting the top tether.</b><br />
Neglecting to use the top tether on a car seat will subject a child's head and neck to excessive forward movement. When recommended, always use the top tether with either LATCH or seat belt installations. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>8. Adding additional toys, padding or mirrors to a child's seat.</b><br />
Don't add additional stuff to a car seat, as it can interfere with the seat performing the way it was designed to during a crash. Toys and mirrors can turn into dangerous projectiles in the event of an accident, as well. AAA recommends only using products that come with the seat or are recommended by the seat manufacturer. Secure all loose items in a vehicle trunk or storage space. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>9. Installing a car seat using LATCH in the center rear seat of a vehicle (when not permitted by the manufacturer).</b><br />
Most vehicles do not support LATCH in the center rear seat. Using lower anchors intended for the outboard seats could cause the whole system to fail and the car seat to be thrown in a crash. Refer to the vehicle's owner's manual and only use lower anchors in approved seating positions. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>10. Transporting unsecured, heavy items (including pets) in the vehicle.</b><br />
Loose items can turn into nasty projectiles during a crash. Secure items in a trunk or other storage location. Properly restrain pets with approved devices. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>11. Installing a car seat using both LATCH and a seat belt.</b><br />
More is not better in this scenario. Using more than one system to secure a car seat can put unnecessary stress on the seat, affecting its performance during a crash. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>12. Having children wear bulky coats/sweaters while buckled into a car seat.</b><br />
Unapproved padding, including coats and sweaters, placed behind or under the harness can compress in a crash, resulting in slack in the harness system. AAA says that you should always place blankets or jackets over the child after the harness is snug and secure.</blockquote>
<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
Click the link to read the full article at AOL Autos: http://aol.it/18upxb8</div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6084508072189638245.post-8721397024808190692013-10-16T08:23:00.001-07:002013-10-16T08:23:38.782-07:00Driving at NightIt's fall and the days are getting shorter. That means that it's more than likely you'll be driving in the dark. Nighttime driving isn't at all natural for humans. Visibility is extremely low. Nighttime is also more dangerous because sleep deprived or drunk drivers are more likely to be on the road. Use these tips to help you drive in the dark.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QClnCRM9lkM/UlsPT3m1-1I/AAAAAAAAAKo/w6odX7y2Gz8/s1600/driving+in+the+dark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QClnCRM9lkM/UlsPT3m1-1I/AAAAAAAAAKo/w6odX7y2Gz8/s320/driving+in+the+dark.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>5. Stay Alert and Sober</b><br />
Sure, you have to watch out for drunks and wannabe "Fast and the Furious" extras at night. But you might actually be your own worst enemy. That's because we all operate by a circadian rhythm, which regulates our daily activity levels. Research has shown spikes in the number of car accidents to coincide roughly with the ebbs of the circadian cycle -- early morning, when most people are asleep or just waking up, and early afternoon [source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration]. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
So before driving at night, avoid taking medications that make you drowsy. Even what you eat has as influence. Eat foods that are high in protein rather than ones high in carbohydrates, which are more likely to make you sleepy [source: National Sleep Foundation]. Also try to make sure you're adequately rested before you drive at night. Prior sleep deprivation is usually a culprit in drowsy driving accidents. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Some people avoid coffee and other caffeine products as a matter of principle or for health reasons. But research shows that drinking the equivalent of two cups of coffee can stave off a "sleep attack" for up to an hour. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
It's also a good idea to have someone else in the car with you, if possible. They can help you to stay awake with conversation or, at the very least, share the driving duties. The numbers tell the story on this one -- drive with a buddy and you're less likely to crash and die [source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration]. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
No article on driving safety would be complete without mentioning alcohol. By now, everybody knows how badly alcohol impairs driving ability, so we'll spare you the sermon. Do realize, however, that other people will get boozed up and jump behind the wheel at night -- putting you in potential danger should you be unfortunate enough to cross their drunken path. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b> 4. Let there be (Unobstructed) Light</b><br />
We already mentioned how there's less light available at night for you to spot possible hazards. So it's critically important that you use technology -- both to see and be seen. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Let's start with your headlights. First, make sure both of them work. If they don't, replace them in pairs; otherwise you'll have one weak, dull headlight and one brand-new bright one, which is distracting to other drivers and can be mildly disorienting to you. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
You'll also want to make sure the lens of the headlight housing is clean and clear. Grime and pitting from oxidation reduce the amount of light that can illuminate the road in front of you. Headlight lens buffing kits can help you restore headlight clarity and allow more light to hit the pavement, right where you need it. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Make sure both of your brake lights work, too. They give drivers behind you critical warning and reaction time when you need to make an emergency stop. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Most people know to turn their high beams off in well-lit areas or if another car is approaching. What many drivers don't know, or simply ignore, is that fog lamps should also be turned off for ordinary night driving. The water droplets in fog diffuse the light of your regular headlamps so that they have a difficult time illuminating obstacles and making your car more visible. Fog lamps are a bit more effective at cutting through fog, but their intensity can hurt the eyes of other motorists if it's a clear night. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>3. Don't be a deer in the headlights</b><br />
Now that you know when and when not to use the lights you have at your disposal, what do you do about those drivers who don't know? The "less-enlightened" ones, if you will?<br />
And what about those drivers in vehicles with headlights at or near your eye level -- the ones that make your retinas feel as if they've caught fire? If such a car or SUV is approaching from the opposite direction, you can divert your gaze down and to the side, using the lane marker or painted median strip as a guide. If the person is behind you, use the nighttime reduced-glare setting on your rearview mirror. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>2. Use technology for its intended use: Safety</b><br />
Remember where we said to leave the gadgets alone? Well, we need to qualify that statement -- because sometimes gadgets can be life savers. Just make sure you're at a complete stop (parked) when you use them. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Among the gadgets that can get you out of a late-night predicament:<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>A cell phone lets you call for help in the event of a breakdown, accident, or even if you're too tired or tipsy to drive<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>A GPS navigation system can prevent you from getting lost in a shady area; many units have a nighttime setting that inverts light and dark colors -- making the unit easier to read at night and also less distracting<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Integrated "telematics" systems such as Toyota's Entune and Ford Sync can provide directions not only for where you are, but to the nearest rest stop, police station, or motel at which to rest your weary head; and of course, there's the granddaddy of major carmaker telematics systems -- GM's OnStar, which can automatically detect if you've been in an accident and call emergency services for you<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>On some higher-end cars, infra-red night vision is available; these systems can spot obstacles, people and animals seconds before they enter the range of your vehicle's headlights, providing crucial added reaction time</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>1. Carry a Roadside Emergency Kit</b><br />
gadgets alone? Well, we need to qualify that statement -- because sometimes gadgets can be life savers. Just make sure you're at a complete stop (parked) when you use them.<br />
Among the gadgets that can get you out of a late-night predicament:<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>A cell phone lets you call for help in the event of a breakdown, accident, or even if you're too tired or tipsy to drive<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>A GPS navigation system can prevent you from getting lost in a shady area; many units have a nighttime setting that inverts light and dark colors -- making the unit easier to read at night and also less distracting<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Integrated "telematics" systems such as Toyota's Entune and Ford Sync can provide directions not only for where you are, but to the nearest rest stop, police station, or motel at which to rest your weary head; and of course, there's the granddaddy of major carmaker telematics systems -- GM's OnStar, which can automatically detect if you've been in an accident and call emergency services for you<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>On some higher-end cars, infra-red night vision is available; these systems can spot obstacles, people and animals seconds before they enter the range of your vehicle's headlights, providing crucial added reaction time. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Imagine driving along the interstate just as the snow is beginning to fall. If you make good time and don't stop, you should be safe at home in just a couple more hours. Unfortunately, a couple of tractor trailers have jackknifed across the roadway up ahead, causing traffic to back up for miles. The snow intensifies, icing over to turn road surfaces into a skating rink. Despite a frantic response involving emergency crews and theNational Guard, you become one of many people stuck, in freezing temperatures, in their cars, for more than 20 hours. Mayhem ensues. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Does this sound like a treatment for a melodramatic, made-for-TV movie? Or perhaps an incident that crippled motorists in some underdeveloped country? Such a thing could never really happen in the United States, right? Actually, this exact scenario played out in Pennsylvania in February 2007. It offered a pretty stark example of why every driver would be wise to keep a roadside emergency kit stashed in the back of his or her vehicle. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
While today's cars and SUVs are more reliable than ever, you can still easily become stranded night or day. You never know when a belt will break, a tire will deflate or an act of nature will delay you from reaching your destination. An emergency kit won't keep you safe through the entire Apocalypse, but it can provide some warmth and sustenance for a few hours or even days, until help can arrive. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
For between $25 and $40, you can pop into your local auto supply store or discount warehouse store and purchase a pre-assembled kit. Otherwise, you can piece one together on your own. Here are a few of the necessities you ought to have:<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Jumper cables or battery re-charging device<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Quart of oil<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Bottled water (which can double as engine coolant)<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Emergency roadside flares<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Blanket<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Plastic tarp<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>"Multi-tool" handheld miniature toolkit<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Tire sealant<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Granola or other snack bars<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>First aid kit with assortment of bandages<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Flashlight and batteries<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Nylon bag to keep everything contained and tidy<br />
And naturally, you'd want to check your kit every six months or so to consume and replace perishables and check batteries.</blockquote>
<br />
Click the link to read the entire article from howstuffworks.com: http://bit.ly/YTjGD6Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0