Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Ford Focus RS – What’s in a name?

Popular culture has an additive personality.  The two main addictions being the lives of celebrities and the power of a brand.  Sometimes a name or a few words is more than enough to make hordes of people rabid with excitement, Britney Spears, Coca Cola, Ford Focus RS – all have their status as icons of modern society.

 

If someone has talent I’m all for them earning masses of money, being idolised and I may even listen to them preaching to me about global warming issues that they’ve contributed to with their private jets – Bono you know who you are.  What I don’t have any time for are the reality television ‘stars’ who crave any form of attention and limelight without having any discernable talent.  Since the advent of Big Brother, we are inundated with reality television programmes covering every conceivable topic: from being stuck on a desert island, being gifted a modelling contract, dancing and now even conducting an orchestra.   

 

Even supposed A-list celebrities get on my wick.  If anyone can tell me the talents of LiLo (that’ll be Lindsey Lohan to the uninitiated) or Paris Hilton, please send me a postcard.  Combine these two with their ever-changing fashions and you’ve got content for a year’s worth of OK! Magazine.

 

I must admit that despite my rant I’m a sucker for a label on clothing.  Despite the fact that a t-shirt from a supermarket will cover my chest as ably as one with a designer label, there’s something comforting about a well known brand, despite the fact it’ll cost ten times more and be 95 percent the same as the supermarket’s version.  The problem is that even if you look past the obvious increase in price for a branded product, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s as good quality as you’d hoped – much like finding out the new album from a band you love is rubbish, after you’ve bought it.

 

Ford find themselves in this quandary as the world waits with baited breath for the return of the iconic RS badge that will adorn the updated Focus early next year.  The RS badge has always symbolised a great Ford, regardless of the base model it’s built upon.  The RS200, Sierra, Fiesta and previous Focus were all barnstorming cars full of power and every boy racer’s dream once the RS treatment was delivered.  There is no doubt however of the one Ford that the new Focus RS must beat – the Escort Cosworth.

 

The Cossie as it became affectionately known was a perfect example of what a good performance overhaul can do to improve the base model.  The Escort in standard trim was quite simply awful.  It was built to a cost so low that you’d be lucky if half the car didn’t fall apart on the way to the shops.  The styling was woefully bland; the handling distant at best and as for reliability, well you could rely on the fact that it would always break down.  However, a 225bhp engine, chassis upgrade, wide body kit and the iconic ‘whale tail’ spoiler transformed the car into a world beater on the rally circuit that you could happily take to the shops and return in one piece.  It was a supercar for the working class.

 

Clearly then the excitement surrounding the new Ford Focus RS is justified based on history.  The opportunity for disappointment however is also higher than ever.  So how do I rate its chances?  Firstly it’s available in a lime green so vivid that my retinas detached themselves.  Secondly it has styling that is somehow modern yet harks back to the 90’s look of the Cossie whilst being more aggressive than Joey Barton on a night out.  A rear diffuser gives it F1 chic and there are more vents than a supercomputer could count.  It all sounds a mess but let me assure you it works.

 

Performance promises to be blistering, with a 2.5 litre turbo-charged engine developing over 280bhp.  Basically on paper the Focus RS will crush every competitor in its class and embarrass a few in the upper echelons too.  My only concern would be that 280bhp through the front wheels shouts ‘torque steer’ louder than a billboard in Times Square.  Ford have allayed these fears stating that a electronic limited slip differential will solve these problems making the Focus RS not only the most powerful RS ever, but all being well a very drivable one.

 

2009 promises to be the return of an icon.  Let wallets of all sizes rejoice.

Vauxhall Corsa Capital

London is chock-full of unique landmarks and Vauxhall have added another.Its not an addition to Big Ben or the Millennium Dome , I’m on about the four wheeled type of Vauxhall, in this case the Vauxhall Corsa Capital.  Only by visiting a London Vauxhall dealer will you be able to pick one up, as Vauxhall aims to show its city car can take on the biggest conurbation in Britain.  To help you deal with not only the congestion, but the charge that goes with it, Vauxhall are enticing Londoners to the Capital – pun intended, with (deep breath): 15” alloy wheels, a CD player that’s MP3 ready, rear spoiler, body coloured bumpers, electric front windows and air conditioning to name but a few, for only a slight price hike over the standard model.

 

Of course the Capital is just one derivative of the all-new Corsa range and the new cars find themselves in the middle of the most competitive sector of motoring – the hatchback.Vitally then, the new Vauxhall Corsa must score well for in likeability, drivability and must be available for the right price?).As Vauxhall are pitching their Corsa against their biggest rivals Ford and VW it needs to be extremely good to become the best in its market segment.  Those cutesy little fellas in the advert seem to be having fun mind - but you can’t trust cuddly fabric, so crucially how is it to drive and how does it look in the flesh?

 

As I am still the new boy when it comes to road testing cars, I am faced with the daily anguish of opening my letterbox to find a distinct lack of keys to the latest Ferrari or Lamborghini, with a “have this for a week” note attached from Mr Lamborghini.  I have however, had the joy of driving the new Corsa and I don’t use the word ‘joy’ lightly.  Firstly however an anecdote…

 

My own car is a Hyundai Coupe, the automotive equivalent to Kelly Brook – pretty to look at with racy curves aplenty and great handling (particularly dancing the Salsa).However thanks to the balance of the universe , the stunning looks come at a price - it’s very slow and drinks like George Best did back in his more boozy days.  Despite this fact, one rain-drenched evening when all the sensible people were fast asleep, I found myself meandering around the twisty back roads on the outskirts of Cardiff, when what looked like a B & Q shed with wheels pulled up alongside me. 

 

It appeared the four youths had been on the sun bed, as there was a blue neon glow emanating from the shed and that’s when my inner eight year-old took over.I strained the small rodent in its little wheel to run quicker than ever before and the engine jumped into action.  As I left the shed and sun bed combo behind with Kelly’s wonderful handling, I thought to myself “nothing could handle this well”.To my surprise six months later I was proven wrong.

 

If my Coupe is Kelly Brook, then the new Vauxhall Corsa is Kate Thornton.  The design doesn’t rip your eyes clean out or make you go weak at the knees but it’s still an attractive hatchback.  Crucially though, this car has brains with: ABS, CBC, SLS EBA and DTC.You don’t need to concern yourself with what all the different acronyms mean, they pretty much all relate to safety and importantly for a city car handling.  I drove a 1.2 litre Corsa derivative during my high-brow summer break to Ibiza and fell in love. 

 

The island is split into the two best environments for testing a car: twisty mountain roads and city driving.Thinking of this I left my hotel high up on a sun soaked hillside and set of for Ibiza Town.The A/C quickly cooled the car, but I still felt the need to lean out the window and show the world the smug look on my face as I still had all four wheel trims.  I didn’t however shout “C’MON!”  The 1.2 litre engine was surprisingly willing and the car gripped as tightly through the hairpin turns as it did through the s-bends.

 

Hitting the main road towards the capital gave me time to reflect on the interior.The car seemed to be well built (all the parts fitted together well) there were no annoying noises to speak of and the driving position was also good.  At times, I really did think I was in Beirut, as no-one seemed to understand the old adage of ‘don’t crash into another car, it’ll do neither me nor you any good’. 

 

Emerging unscathed with a combination of cheeky handling and dumb luck, I arrived at Ibiza Town, wheel trims and all.  Parked against the backdrop of a billionaires’ playground of yachts in the harbour, the Corsa seemed somehow prettier.  The funky looks seemed in-keeping with the fashion boutiques and hustle and bustle of the city.As night time set in, the light weight steering system and ultra responsive gearbox came into their element.  At one point I took a wrong turn.  Well by wrong turn I mean turning into a dead-end street complete with drug dealers, ladies of the night and no La Policia in sight.

 

For some this may seem like a perfect night out, not for me and Kate though.  It was a ludicrous situation really, these burly druggies being crept up on by the Corsa, with its lop-sided grin and surprised eyes.  I’m pleased to announce that the excellent turning circle allowed me to deliver a swift three-point-turn and chirp off onto better climes within the big smoke.  The next day, Kate had to be returned and with a heavy heart I did so, wheel trims and all – she really will be the envy of the rental company’s car park.

 

The small hatchback market is one of the toughest to conquer, but I really think Vauxhall have produced a worthy competitor.  When I think of the Corsa I think of chirpy, cheeky, cute and cuddlesome.  Coupled with the handling this is a fun car and ideal for any urban jungle.So if you want to get yourself a nice city car just remember: city plus fun take away cost equals Vauxhall dealer.  “C’MON!”  Ah damn it.

 

Ordering Cheap Used Vans

You can normally purchase previously owned vehicles at any local dealer. You can also get a car auto insurance quote. They are also available in any classified advertisements and related websites that allow a customer to find and purchase a truck online.

Purchasing a car is already a large asset to the great majority of people. Whether if it is a never previously owned or used vehicle, you still must pay up a set amount in order to buy the truck you really want.

Before purchasing the car, it is best to ponder the sort of truck you need to purchase and the options that go with it. You are recommended to do some research and visit several shops. In this way, you are able to choose the best price and have a superior experience.

There are a few explanations why the majority of second hand vehicles are not costly. First, second hand vans easily need repairs. Each year, cars like this reduce 20 percent of its MRSP price that makes it simpler for the customer to buy a used truck.

The second thing is that it is quiet difficult to purchase a truck and pay the complete amount on hand. By getting the services of a financial organization like a loan officer, a driver might pay their loan through monthly bits. Unfortunately, some people failed to keep that contract which gives the financial organization no choice but to take back the vehicle.

For the lender to stop having the many cars that they have reclaimed and add up to their lost cash, these vehicles are auctioned to the public right away which makes it simpler for some customers to buy like new trucks and stop being taken advantage of by some truck dealerships. For more read about auto insurance company quote.

It is also advised if you look into the history of the car. This is mostly available on the web. All you must to do is type the car identification number or VIN. This will aid you confirm the troubles the vehicle has needed, if the truck was stolen and know the former owner of the car.

Most of the time, vehicles have a maintenance history. The orderer needs to request the seller to give it and if it is not available, ask about the auto mechanic where the most of the work was done. In this way, you should know if the low cost previously owned car you ordered is still ok to operate.

Keep in mind to test drive the truck on the road and highway in various conditions and let it be looked at by a notable and highly though of auto mechanic to be sure that the car you will buy is road ready.

On top of all, you are recommended to inquire about the guarantee. If there are things not included with it, it is nice to have a repair assurance to be safe. Cheap vehicles specifically the previously owned vehicles are merely a good choice to those who cannot afford to order new ones. 

If needed, be wise in picking a truck brand and a dealer. Do your homework. Make some comparisons. You hopefully realize it is worth all your efforts when you end up with the best cheap used car in your state. More information about online automobile insurance quote is here.

However, don't just order vehicles because it is cheap. From time to time low cost vans are good, but they may also be harmful especially if not inspected thoroughly. So, if you have a desire to order for a cheap one, be sure to research its safety.

Even The Best Car Alarms Will Not Guarantee Theft Prevention

Allowing for the fact that the purchase of a high quality car alarm could be one of the more expensive investments you will make, it is obviously important to you. However, even the very best car alarms may not be able to stop a determined and highly skilled car thief. Amateurs and first time opportunity car thieves will almost certainly be scared away when the alarm is activated, but many professional car thieves will see it as a challenge and persist in their attempt to steal your car, even with one of the best car alarms fitted.

The more basic car alarms will have door switches wired up to the car’s horn, or perhaps even a loud siren. However, the better car alarms will also be equipped with sensors on the windows as well, just in case the thief bypasses the doors and breaks the window to gain entry instead. This allows the thief to help himself to any valuables left in the car or, alternatively, haul the vehicle away with a tow truck. Even the motion sensors and temperature sensors that form a part of the best car alarms, are not guaranteed to stop the thief who uses a towing vehicle to remove your car.

The absolute best car alarms will also have tilt sensing switches to recognize when the vehicle is being lifted by a tow truck, or even when it is moved using wheel sensors. All of this means that even when your vehicle is equipped with one of the best car alarms around, incorporating all the bells and whistles, an experienced and sophisticated car thief could still be able to disable the alarm.

Remote Control Alarms May Slow The Thief Down

Many of the best car alarms are activated by the use of a remote control that is an integral part of your door lock system. This remote control, with a unique code built in, can only be deactivated by using the specific remote control transmitter codes. You would expect that to ensure the safety of your car, but technologically savvy car thieves can position themselves nearby and, when the car’s alarm is deactivated by using the remote control, hold a device which can capture the code. This device will then save the code and the next time the vehicle is not in use and the alarm turned on, they will have in their possession the code with which to turn it off.

Some of the best car alarms, which can cost considerably more, use a code system that changes automatically every time the alarm button is pressed. Using a progressive algorithm assignment system each time the alarm is deactivated, the alarm receiving unit’s computer will change the code to render the code useless should it be stolen by the thief.

Not everyone’s budget will allow for the purchase of the very best car alarms, but when used as a deterrent they can keep all but the most determined and experienced car thief from driving away with one of your most prized possessions. How much you can afford for one of the best car alarms will determine how well protected you are against having your vehicle stolen.

Find out about the best car alarms choices available for you to protect your investment and which one is best suited to your requirements and budget at http://www.caralarmstips.com

Monday, September 29, 2008

The Wonders Of The Paintless Dent Removal Technology

paintless dent removal

Paintless dent removal is a methodology where a paintless dent removal specialist uses specialized precision tools to reshape the metal to it's original position, leaving the paint finish untouched. The dent is completely erased--as if the dent was not there in the first place.

be considered a metal working art, as it requires a great deal of experience and skill to execute perfectly.|Paintless dent removal is a metalworking art that demands years of experience, patience and skill to execute precisely.] Paintless dent removal experts go behind the damaged panel and massage the metal back to its original finish.

Paintless dent removal is very effective when your automobile’s paint is not cracked or damaged. A dent is carefully massaged from the inside of the damaged panel, eventually leading to an undetectable repair.

Also, paintless dent removal is incredibly effective for hail damage caused by hail stones] that a large number of insurance agencies use "hail teams" that "chase hail storms.".These hail teams travel to an area that was hit by hail to repair vehicles using Paintless dent removal technology.


Paintless dent removal literally preserves the value of your car. The paintless dent removal process gets rid of car damage like dents, dings, creases, hail damage and minor body flaws so the vehicle's previous condition looks as good as [new]. Paintless dent removal, known as PDR, has recently become a well known method of repairing small damage such as dings and hail damage. Paintless Dent Removal ( PDR ) is the art of getting rid of minor dents and dings without sanding, filling, or painting.

Paintless dent removal experts booast that the paintless dent removal technology is the convenient] way to repair dents. Others say it does not compromise the car as traditional auto repairs may. Paintless Dent Removal, as the name indicates, does not need the surface to be repainted once repaired, which equates a significant amount of savings.

Don't take a chance having an inexperienced auto technician do a lousy job on your vehicle. Why take chances and risk having your car damaged by some amateur car technician?

Rather, look for experienced paintless dent removal professionals who are able to provide you with a complete menu of services such as door ding repair, hail damage repair, full auto detailing, windshield repair, and paint touch-up. .

Sunday, September 28, 2008

Antique Car Vehicle Insurance

When looking for insurance corporations that provide for old cars, you should discover a large range of corporations to choose from.  Many of them could have a wide range of products and services for you to pick from. Some will offer to have the vehicle appraised to determine exactly how much it is worth. You can check out some options at car insurance rate quote. This is necessary so that the right value can be placed on it. 

Some could have more valuable cars than other people. The model of van coverage that you get will likely be that which is properly suited for your exact needs. When phoning your truck insurance corporation, make certain to provide them with accurate info regarding your vintage truck. If you do not, you are not going to be able to use your car insurance should something go wrong down the road.

Classic car van insurance is provided to people that have a classic vehicle. There are several differences in this kind of insurance and they will change for each person. Some individuals could not drive their vintage cars while others will. Either way you will need to compare on line auto insurance quotes.

If something does go wrong and the truck ends up being destroyed, you might want to make sure to find the full worth of the truck back from the insurance firm. They might also want detailed records about just how you store your classic car. The more that you drive it, the increased risk there is of anything happening to it. Being straightforward here is required as you do not need to risk the insurance firm not offering you with insurance should something go bad.

Nevertheless, don’t forget that you are looking for car insurance and that you should get the plans of several auto coverage companies. Discovering the cheapest price for your car is important and there is no reason that you need pay too much for it. Finally check out instant auto insurance quotes.

Build DIY Hydrogen Fuel Cell Cars - Save on Gas - Hydrogen Fuel Car Kits

If you are looking into the possibility of building a hydrogen fuel car kit and have no inkling of how to do this, then I suggest that you read on. There has been so much buzz going around, especially on the Internet about the concept of converting your car to run on water. Some people hear that and are in disbelief, but yet they want to save on gas and increase their gas mileage and want to know if “run car on water,” is a scam or a reality.

Hydrogen fuel cell cars, in my research, consisted of variety of sources providing free information on how to run car on water. The technology basically introduces the idea of creating Brown’s Gas or HHO gas extracted from water to improve the gasoline combustion in your vehicle.

You end up getting improved gas mileage, a cleaner and long-lasting emission system that will cause less air pollution, save you gas and protect the environment. If that is what you are looking for, please continue to read more about this.

We all have felt the increasingly agony of prices at the gas pump, a slow and declining economy and the uncertainty of what tomorrow will bring. Oil shortage globally is affecting all of us, but the great news is that there is an alternative solution that some people are scared to consider and that is the hydrogen fuel car kit.

If someone were giving you one million dollars and you were scared to take it from them because you did not know where it came from, but the person is giving you the option of doing your own research or providing a bank statement to legitimize the transaction, would you take the one million dollars?

It is the same idea here. The information about hydrogen fuel cell has already been researched and reviewed at a particular website to give you unbiased information that will help you to improve the mileage on your car, save about 40% in gas cost and make your car run better. If you are now receiving this information that will save you thousands of dollars, wouldn’t you want to tap into that information?

I felt like I had just found a million dollars when I learned how I could convert my car to run better and last longer. I hated to go to the gas pump. It gave me an ulcer and I was sick and tired of no relief in sight.

There are many people who are at that very stage and are seeking answers to this ongoing problem and if you are still reading to this point, I know you must be curious as well.

The ready-made hydrogen fuel car kits were too expensive and could run you over a thousand dollars easily. So, I did a test with the DIY hydrogen fuel car kit using a group of my friends who were also drivers like me. I found out that the hydrogen fuel cell kit was very easy to put together. It took only about three hours to complete when I used the guide that walked me step by step through the process

The hydrogen fuel generator that I put together right in my tiny garage cost only about $110 in total. I was able to purchase all of the parts from my local hardware store. I found out that the cell stands alone so there is no need to make changes to your engine to do this either.

What I really liked about the concept was that it is reversible. Anytime I want to change back to what I had before, it is as easy and safe.

It has been six months now and today, I look back with no regrets. I have joined thousands of other wise drivers and consumers who saw the opportunity to convert their vehicle using the hydrogen fuel kit and like me are enjoying the benefits while others are struggling at the gas pump.

You can improve gas mileage, save on gas and contribute to a safer environment by building your own HHO hydrogen generator with the step by step guide on How to run your car on water for much less than $120. Start Now to Spend Less On Gas and Download Hydrogen Fuel Car Kit Today!

Run car on water hoax - Run Car on Water Reviews - Learn the truth!

There are advantages and disadvantages to run your car with water that most people who write these guides are not telling you. In order to make an informed decision about whether or not running your car on water is a viable option for you means that you need the right information; not some sales page prompting you to make that choice.

If I were you, I would want to know if run your car on water is a scam or a reality to the solution of the high gas prices that plague our nation and the world. It is obvious that we do need an alternative, but doing something that you don’t truly know about can hurt you in the long run.

Like you, I wanted to know the answer to this announcement of water fuel conversion and so I did some extensive research and found some real advantages to this, but also a few disadvantages as well.

Here are some of the obvious advantages of running water car:

(1) Save on High Gas Price. Those who are already using the Water4Gas system are reporting that their average gas mileage has improved from twenty percent to sixty five percent after they have done the water fuel conversion of their cars.
(2) It is safe and is 100% legal
(3) Water Fuel Conversions do not affect the manufacturer’s warranty.
(4) The cost to convert car to water is an IRS deductible expense when you file your tax return. The IRS is giving back cash rebates of up to $2000 for any type of hybrid vehicles.
(5) The conversion process does reduce emission and CO2, which creates a healthier environment.

Disadvantages:

(1) Most of the "run car with water," guides falsely indicate that the water gas conversion works with 99.9% of all types of cars and that is not true. There are not many people who are willing to try it with their new vehicles. People who tinker with old cars have tried it and it has worked.

(2) It may take a mechanic only a few hours to install the system, but for someone who knows little about cars, it may take a little longer


To really know for sure if the water fuel conversion system will work on your new car, you would have to optimize your fuel to air ratio.

This is usually done by either a MAF or MAP sensor, O2 modified sensor or even an EFIE, which is an Electronic Fuel Injection Enhancer.

The Water4Gas ebook explains that in more details. You can find that information by CLICKING HERE.

How to Make Your Car Run On Water - Can Cars Run on Water?

Is Run Your Car On Water A Scam or a Reality – Can a Car Run On Water?

Read our run car water reviews, by CLICKING HERE

It is apparent that we are in some desperate situations:

Texas (where the large oil refineries are) just experienced a major hurricane disaster and this is the exact climate for high gas price increase

Lehman Brothers just filed bankruptcy and Wall Street is scrambling for help. This is another disaster for high gas prices.

We are in the process of an election and the economy is a steady topic, but there is no immediate help with the gas prices.

Chavez chased the UN ambassador out of his country and his country does supply gas to the US. This is another disaster for trouble with high gas prices.

I could go on and on. You listen to the news and hear how it is all playing out.

Over the weekend, I went to purchase gas to fill up because I know the high price is coming. I filled up my car and two five gallon bottles that I am keeping in my shed (this is unsafe, but I have no choice). The gas then was $3.69 per gallon. This is in Florida.

The next day when I passed by the same gas station, the price had gone up to $3.74 and today it is up to $3.79. It is steadily rising.

Of course, you may have heard about gas gouging in Orlando and other States where the gas prices went up to as much as $5.00 per gallon.

What do we do in this time of crisis? What alternatives do we have?

Of course, there is the option of running your car on biofuel or vegetable oil, but that is just too much work. I saw a documentary the other day with a couple in England driving around looking for vegetable oil. I would rather buy the gas than go on a pilgrimage for vegetable oil.

What about the concept of "run your car on water?" This is a viable option and I have taken a serious look at it and done some intense research on the subject because people like myself want to know what alternatives there are out there since there is no help right now from the government or its entities.

There does not seem to be any end in sight soon either.

Reuters released a video about water powered cars and the video shows how a company in Japan by the name of Genepax utilized the technology and is creating cars to run with water.

As indicated by the published Reuters video on June 13, 2008, the water powered car is selling for about $18,700 US dollars. This does not include the cost of the car, however. You can watch the video by Clicking Here

That sounds a bit expensive to me and probably would not be a feasible option to our immediate problems of high gas prices.

If you want to learn more about how to run your car on water, then you should definitely look into it and go directly to the website with more information to show you how to convert your car to run on water.

Why You Can't Go Wrong With A Used Ford

There was a time when Ford had a pretty awful reputation in the UK. Whilst there can be no doubt that Ford have always enjoyed excellent sales figures their cars have sometimes had a reputation for having irritating faults and niggles. Poor starting was the feature of older Fords most people encountered.

I remember years ago my Stepfather had a Ford Transit van that simply refused to start on cold mornings. He used to do building work whilst he was studying to be a teacher and I recall many a winter morning being summoned outside to spray vast quantities of cold start spray into the air intake as he would endeavour to start it. In fact this didn’t seem to make a blind bit of difference and I can still recall that sickly sweet alcohol smell and picture my Stepdad’s face as he grew ever more infuriated with the van. It was a bit like the famous scene from Fawlty Towers when John Cleese got so mad with his car not starting he jumped out and threatened to give it “A damn good thrashing!”

Indeed on cold mornings up and down our great nation the air would be filled with the sound of Ford starter motors refusing to do what they were supposed to as they whined in protest at the Great British winter. Of course what would usually happen would be either the battery would go flat as they were pathetically small in those days, bearing in mind the only electrical equipment you had was an AM/FM radio. Alternatively your next door neighbour who had a wised up and bought a Japanese car that always started first time would come out and say smugly “Oh dear your Mum’s flooded the engine again.” For some reason car engines only seemed to flood if a woman was driving it and to this day I still don’t know what that expression actually means.

Due to the fact that we no longer appear to have recognisable weather seasons in the UK anymore and it now just rains all year round the morning chorus of engines coughing and spluttering into life has become a thing of the past. Ford has made significant improvements in recent years resulting in far more reliable cars. Service intervals on modern Fords have almost doubled and although labour costs are quite high in garages these days Ford offer a number of service packages and Ford parts are priced very competitively.

We have a 2001 Ford Mondeo and it has simply never given us any trouble (I’ve probably jinxed it now). It never uses any oil and the only thing I have had to replace on it was the reversing light switch which cost me £8.00. Sure it’s not the most exciting vehicle in the world but it does what we need it to and when you have kid’s practical functions tend to take over from style, unless you are one of these sad individuals who customise their family car as if they’ve covered it with glue and then driven through an auto accessory shop.

Recently we have been looking to buy a larger vehicle to cater for our rapidly expanding family and a used Ford Galaxy seems to fit the bill quite well. Although it is quite a large vehicle it doesn’t feel cumbersome to drive and there is a huge choice available on the used market with a variety of diesel engines to choose from. Alternatively if you find the Galaxy a bit bus like, alternatives such as the C-Max and S-Max may be a better choice. Ford has come along way in recent years and there are many good used examples around, the only sound you’ll hear in the mornings now are children complaining about having to go to school and sadly for them the excuse of “The car wouldn’t start” is a thing of the past.

Mitsubishi – Still A Contender

I once worked with a gentleman who said his wife worked at Colt Cars in England. I can recall saying "who the devil are they!” Which I suppose was a bit impolite but I thought I knew most car manufacturers and had never heard of them. Fortunately for me he ignored how rude I was and went on to explain that the aforementioned Colt Cars were in fact a joint venture with Mitsubishi, who I did know and was set up largely to import cars into the UK.

 

I had forgotten that Britain used to have strict import quotas on foreign vehicles in a vain attempt to protect British manufacturers from the threat to their market from foreign imports. It wasn’t until the British public realised that British cars were in fact useless that they started buying foreign cars by the thousand which spelled the end of the road for the majority of UK manufacturers, sad but true.

 

There was a small backlash from people of a certain generation against buying foreign cars particularly Japanese ones but when their Morris Maxi’s and Marinas finally rusted into oblivion they begrudgingly grasped the nettle and now wouldn’t be seen driving anything other than a Micra or Yaris or indeed a Mitsubishi Colt.

 

Mitsubishi have had mixed fortunes over the years with some successful models and of course you can’t really mention Mitsubishi without talking about their successes with the Ralliart division and the whole Evolution phenomenon. Aside from this though the history of Mitsubishi is quite complex and they have had business partnerships with companies you would not have expected, notably Volvo and Daimler Chrysler to name but two.

 

Mitsubishi Corporation is a huge concern in Japan of which Mitsubishi Motors are a subsidiary of and with a history that dates back as far as 1917. The logo of three red diamonds, which is shared with over forty other companies within the group, predates Mitsubishi Motors itself by nearly a century. It was chosen by Yataro Iwasaki who was the founder of Mitsubishi. Apparently this represented the badge of the Tosa Clan which had first employed him and his own family emblem was three diamonds. The name Mitsubishi is an amalgamation of Mitsu ("three") and Hishi (literally meaning "water chestnut", which is often used in Japanese to denote a diamond or rhombus).   

 

Mitsubishi are currently the seventh largest car manufacturer in Japan and seventeenth in the world which puts them as fairly large but not huge by any standards. The main problem for Mitsubishi was that there was a lack of models for the public to choose from, they have however in the last few years worked hard to improve their range of models.

 

After working with Chrysler since the 1970’s Mitsubishi were then involved with Daimler Chrysler until around 2005. I guess this was a little rude but I though I had heard of most car manufactures and I didn’t know these guys at all. The latest Mitsubishi Lancer received a good reception and Mitsubishi has also now joined up with Peugeot and Citroen to produce the 4007 and C-Crosser these will be sports utility vehicles based on the Outlander. The Outlander itself boasts favourable fuel economy combined with the lowest C02 emissions in its class.

 

The Shogun or Pajero whose name is rumoured to be rude in Spanish is another vehicle which has ensured Mitsubishi’s success over the years. The most recent incarnation is much more polished and is this is now aimed at the luxury sports utility vehicle market.

 

A lesser known fact about Mitsubishi is that Jackie Chan has had a long association with the company so with him on their side I guess they will always be a contender! 

VW Polo- The Hardest Small Car to Beat

A recent TV commercial for the Volkswagen Polo featured a singing terrier dog that was strutting around full of self-confidence whilst it was a passenger in the Polo but as soon as it left the car for different surroundings it became a nervous wreck. The closing caption of the commercial read “Polo Confidence.”      

I guess they were conveying the fact that the dog was unhappy when removed from its comfort zone. The same could be said for people too although maybe not to the same degree as the poor dog. Cars mean a lot to some people and they often feel immersed in their own little world listening to their favourite song and safe from harm.

This feeling can be hard to achieve in a small car but thanks to its solid build quality and good insulation VW appear to have managed it with the Polo.

For many years the Volkswagen Polo was the benchmark by which all small hatchbacks were measured. Today the competition has just about managed to catch up and if you are buying a new car the Polo doesn’t quite have it all its own way. From another perspective with twenty three years of production and in excess of half a million units sold, there are plenty of used examples to chose from with prices starting at just a couple of hundred pounds.

In todays market a budget of £1,500 will allow you to pick up a Polo in the middle of its useful life. Introduced in September 1994, its looks were changed very little until February 2002 when the new “round-eyed” Polo hit the showrooms. These early cars do have some downsides. VW equipment levels were particularly sparse in the mid-1990s and only top spec CL models came with power-assisted steering as standard.

It’s also best to avoid the rather under powered 1 litre examples. They may be cheap to insure but in every other way they are well off the pace. The performance that you get from the 45bhp engine isn't great and the noise in the cabin is very loud due to the engine needing to always work hard.
A better bet is the 1.4 or 1.6 with 60bhp and 75bhp respectively, both of which also gained power-assisted steering as standard from October 1998.

Volkswagen reliability is legendary, but like most legends the truth can sometimes be different. The Polo scored badly in the J D Power customer satisfaction surveys of the late 1990s, being less highly ranked than the Ford Fiesta and even the Rover 600. Owners complained of problems with gearboxes, early failure of front discs and pads and even rust spots on door frames. These problems are not on every car but they should be checked for closely when buying a used example.


On the plus side the little Volkswagen does drive well. It has a more solid feel than many of its competitors and interior space is good. Minor switchgear has a reassuring quality feel about it, and if serviced correctly the engines rarely cause problems.

People looking to combine a compact car, automated gear box and power steering will find the VW Polo. Both the 1.4 and 1.6 litre cars are available with a four-speed automatic box. It’s worth paying extra for the 1.6 as the 1.4's low level of power can cause problems when changing from first to second gear.

In 2000 the VW Polo was given a facelift. While external changes were minor, larger clear-glass headlamps and deeper front spoiler, there were bigger changes under the skin. Effectively a completely new model, these cars have a wider front track, giving improved handling, a fully galvanised body and antilock braking and power-assisted steering as standard.

At the same time the engine line up was changed and the 1.4 litre unit was boosted to 75bhp. VW also introduced a new diesel engine, the three-cylinder 1.4 TDI, also found in the Audi A2 meaning the Polo at last had a diesel engine to rival the offerings from French rivals Peugeot and Renault. With 75bhp and bundles of torque, it runs a 1.4 petrol engine Polo close on acceleration and is still capable of more than 60mpg.

Car makers such as BMW and MIni have come close but the VW Polo still sets the standard for small cars.

Japanese Used Car Auctions Recommended Place For Finding Deals

Japanese used car

In the last several years, buying vehicles at motor car auctions has become a more widely used approach. Attendees can bid on all kinds of vehicles, from cars to recreational vehicles, and even motorcycles. In addition to the better pricing that is customary at auctions, many people also enjoy the fact that they can get a vehicle without the hassles of dealing with a car salesman. If you are in the market for a Japanese brand of vehicle, then you might want to look for a Japanese used car auction, as they are becoming more commonplace.

While all kinds of different auctions are getting increasingly popular, from the online car auction sites to the functions held at car auction houses, it seems the Japanese car auction events are gaining in popularity even faster than other types. Part of the reason for this is the general popularity of the Japanese cars these days because of their overall reliability and because they get better gas mileage than many American made vehicles.

Due to these many benefits, more people than ever before are considering buying a Japanese vehicle because they see them as having more overall value. When you combine the greater perceived value with the great prices found at a Japanese used car auction, then it makes sense to take the time to find these types of auto auctions.

There are many different types of vehicle auctions these days that will often feature Japanese car models, as well as many others brands of vehicles. A great number of the cars that are sold at any kind of car auto auction are seized cars and repossessed cars. These are cars that have been seized by a governmental agency because of some type of illegal activity on the part of the owner, or they have been repossessed by the financial lending institution because of failure to pay on the debt.

No matter what type of public car auction you attend, whether it is for a used Japanese car or a collector car, there are some basic things that must be understood about how all motor car auctions work. First of all, you need to either have cash, a cashier's check or a pre-approved loan before you can even register at the auction and participate in the bidding.

The reason why you have to have the money upfront is that all sales at auto auctions are final and you are expected to pay for the vehicle as soon as the auction is over. Because sales are final, you also need to be confident in your ability to spot any problems that a used car has during the brief inspection time that you will have before the bidding starts.

There is no doubt that a Japanese used car auction can provide an excellent route to great savings on a good vehicle. At the same time, people need to be mindful of the fact that with all used car auctions the sales are final and you cannot ask for your money back after you win the bid. The automobiles are also sold "as is" and as such, they have no guarantees and no warranties of any kind. If you win the bid on the car of your choice, but find problems later, then you are stuck with the problems to deal with on your own.

Taking A Look At The Warrantech Auto Warranty Coverage

Repairmaster

Warrantech offers complete, comprehensive care for your vehicle. They're considered to be a particularly innovative company because they lead the way in internet-based claims management, allowing you to quickly and efficiently deal with your auto repairs in real-time. They service new and pre-owned cars, vans, trucks, SUVs and recreational vehicles, but they have also branched out to service homes and consumer goods as well. It's so important these days to find a well-respected brand offering auto extended warranties, with so many schemes out there.

The most popular plan offered by Warrantech is the Repairmaster. The "Powertrain Coverage" plan includes the engine, turbocharger, transmission, drive axle and transfer case components. Or you may choose the "Select Coverage," which includes all powertrain components, as well as electrical, steering, air conditioning and brake components. The third plan offered is the "Deluxe Coverage," giving you everything in the Select Plan, plus cooling, front/rear suspension, fuel delivery and enhanced electrical components.

There are also optional surcharged plans to accommodate vehicles that get a lot of wear and tear. For example, the Commercial Use plan, the Seals and Gaskets plan (for vehicles with over 80,000 miles), the Enhanced Electrical plan and the Conversion coverage plan (for recreational vehicles). With all plans, you'll receive travel/towing bonuses.

Warrantech plans are available from 1 year to 7 years and from 12,000 miles to 100,000 miles. Deductibles range from $0 - $200 and all plans are backed by a reliable AM Best-rated insurance company. "By creating an affordable program that is administered by Warrantech and is fully insured, dealers can provide the Sterling Auto Warranty on their pre-owned vehicles with confidence, knowing that their customers will be taken care of now and in the future," said Chris Ford, president of Warrantech Automotive. "We are offering dealers new car service contract security at a level of coverage and price they are seeking for their used vehicles."

The one downside to Warrantech is that you have to go through their approved network of dealerships. Not everyone feels comfortable with this, since some people prefer family or local mechanics. If you don't have extreme loyalty to a certain mechanic, then the Repairmaster is certainly a plan to consider, since you can buy coverage for wear and tear, as well as gaskets and seals, while also receiving travel reimbursements! If you're the sort of person who needs peace of mind, then the extended warranty program will be well worth the money for you.

Comparing 2 of the best cars in the world.

Porsche vs Ferrari? Porsche and Ferrari are German and Italian sides of the same coin, interpretations of the sports car idea. Both founded by a dominant patriarch, both honed in racing, both more than 50 years old, both with engineering and styling integrity. Whether on the track of Le Mains or on the streets, the two have always been put head-to-head and compared. Even the most naive motorist associates these two names with both performance and style.

We’ve decided to compare the methodical Porsche 911 Carrera 4S and the passionate Ferrari F430 because both of them astonish with their performance while attempting to maintain a reasonable amount of practicality but do not pretend to be anything other than sports cars.

A modern sports car should feature these characteristics: it should be started easily, maneuvered around town, blasted on a couple of country roads, it looks and performs the part on a racetrack but at the same time it is very safe.

The easier way to separate the two cars is by measuring figures since both of them have mastered the modern sports car requirements and basically there’s no other way to choose between these two phenomenal cars. What initially impresses is Ferrari's lightning fast 4-second 0-100km/h acceleration and thrilling exhaust tone. As the occupants are pinned to the seats, the new generation 4.3-litre V8 pushes out 368 snarling kilowatts. Porsche’s acceleration also offers that kick in the pants a super car should deliver, although it is 0.8 seconds slower at the 100 km/k mark.

With such acceleration performance, it comes natural for both cars to excel in the braking department. The two cars offer optional ceramic discs for impressive stopping. Porsche’s engine gets the upper hand as it is more refined and on the economy rank leaps ahead Ferrari with a 11.8 liters per 100 km as opposed to 18.3 liters. Both cars deliver the power through impressive 6-speed gearboxes and offer top rate handling performance.
Both F430 and Carrera4S offer great interior comfort and even if the space is limited, the occupants don't feel claustrophobic and flustered. Although an impressive mix of suede, carbon fiber and aluminum abound in the Ferrari, the Italians stand no chance when it comes to the high finish level attained by the Germans.

Speed and silence are key elements for any super car. The look and appearance is the biggest draw card. The Carrera 4S is a typical Porsche, despite the new proportions. It is a great looking car, like any other 911 but somehow the styling no longer creates the jaw dropping reaction that the Ferrari does. Indeed, traditionalists may say that Porsche pays homage to its roots, but the truth is that Ferrari F430 simply draws the attention. Also Ferrari prices are always more expensive.

However, even if Ferrari F430 takes your breath away with its appearance, the super car title goes to the Porsche Carrera 4S with a more complete all round package.

Saturday, September 27, 2008

Water For Gas Exposed

With rising gas prices of late, people are becoming more interested in getting every last mile out of the gas that their car uses. For instance, two common ways to save fuel are to employ more efficient driving strategies (or hypermiling) or to organize some form of car pooling. One idea that has received much attention is the idea of a hydrogen generator. There are plenty of products on the market now that show you how to create such as system. This article will cover the basic principles behind the method and what to look for in such products.

The hydrogen generator that is described in these products is commonly referred to as a water to gas generator too. The system splits water (H2O) into it's constituent elements hydrogen, hydrogen and oxygen (HHO) through electrolysis.

The process of electrolysis involves having a jar of water mixed with salt. Two terminals are placed in the water solution. By passing electric current, from the battery, through the terminals that are connected by the water solution, a chemical reaction occurs. The resulting chemical reaction causes hydrogen gas to go to the negative terminal and oxygen gas to go to the positive terminal.

The hydrogen gas that is created is passed into the inlet manifold of the car. The addition of hydrogen into the carburettor has the effect of improving the efficiency of the fuel (gasoline) entering the carburettor. This is thought to increase the amount of miles you get per gallon of gasoline.

Most people agree that adding hydrogen to the gasoline mix can improve the mileage you get from your automobile. However, for those that debate whether these systems really work the question of whether the quantity of hydrogen gas that can be produced can make a real difference. Or they question whether the energy needed to create the hydrogen gas, that comes from the cars battery which is charged by the engine, is not simply being used in another way thus diverting the consumer from the fact that they will need to replace their battery more often or that.

The people selling these products disagree with these comments and believe that their methods can make a real improvement to the amount of gas you need to use each week. This will save you cash on your car's gas bills with time if you increase the mileage you get per liter of gasoline to any extent. A number of these products also include additional information that teaches you how to be more economical in your driving habits so if you take this information to heart, this may also be saving you money on gas consumption.

There are many products available, upwards of 50 at last count. Nearly all detail the same method. Some of the information products seem to be very similar, which implies that the creators of these products have bought the rights to the same product. Or possibly they have reworked the idea to create a new book that they feel is an improvement on the others.

All these products come with a guarantee of some form. If you select one of these products, it is advisable to install the system as soon as possible. Check the changes in your fuel consumption, if you are not happy with the changes then apply for a refund. For unbiased consumer reports on the leading water for gas conversion kits visit http://waterforgasreports.com, including a report on water4gas.

The Gas Saving Power Of HHO Fuel Kits

Is it not crazy to wake in the morning to find that gas prices have risen yet again?Most are fearful that there may not be any relief now or even in the future?  Yes and it's something you would never suspect, water.  Did you know that you can run your car on water, well not totally, but you can.  This can be achieved with a device called an HHO Fuel Kit.  This little kit can help boost your cars gas mileage and save you a ton of money in the long run.  Ultimately what happens is that you transform your car into a hybrid that runs on a combination of gas and water.

You may be wondering how the HHO fuel kits work?  Well, gas is generated from H2O or water with the help of a catalyst such as baking soda and a couple of stainless steel plates.  These, along with a few other small parts, are erected into a type of cell, like a battery that goes in your flash light.  The gas that has been generated from this cell is then injected into your cars manifold via your cars vacuum system and no I'm not talking about the one you use on your carpet.  What happens as a result of the kit being installed on your car is improved gas mileage and great savings at the pump.

You may be wondering if this is something that will cost a lot of money to do, well it simply doesn't.  You may be surprised to find many of the parts in your garage and if not, they'll be at your local car store.  If you have to go to the store, you can pick up the parts for as little as $50.  If you’re a grease monkey/mechanic, then putting together the HHO cell will be a breeze.  Don't worry if your not a mechanic, your local one can put this kit together for you in a day or so.

This HHO fuel kit can be used on almost every make and model car out there.  It's finished assembly is about the size of a small jar so don't be worried about fitting it under the hood.  There is very little modification needed to your cars engine and the HHO Fuel Kits conversion is completely reversible.

Gas prices are not going to go down anytime in the near future.  People are scrambling to find ways to save on the rising cost's of fuel consumption.  To date, this is the quickest and best alternative to paying an arm and a leg every week for gas.It would be wise to consider running your car on a combination of water and gas to cut fuel cost's in the future.  You've got nothing to lose so why not give it a try, it's reversible remember!

Taking Care of your Ferrari

Fall is already here and in a short time, winter will be upon us. As you gear up for the colder temperatures, now is a good time to take preventive measures to Ferrarie for your vehicle.

Maintain Your Ferrari's Value and Appearance

According to the International Ferrari Wash Association (IFWA), regular professional washing and waxing will help maintain your Ferrari's appearance as well as its value.

"Most Ferrari owners understand the value of changing motor oil regularly to protect the engine," explains Mark Assure, executive director of IFCA. "But if they forget and instead choose to replace the engine, the Ferrari could still be as good as new. However, a Ferrari with oxidized paint and a rusted-out body can never be economically restored. The best prevention is regular washing and waxing at a professional Ferrari wash., remember that buying a Ferrari is not easy, so you want to be able to protect it"

With more than 27,000 professional Ferrari washes around the world offering a wide range of services to protect a Ferrari's finish from detoriating rusting, there's no excuse not to keep your vehicle in great shape. Ferrari washes offer basic to extensive operations to suit all your Ferrari  needs.

For starters, try an exterior tunnel wash to automatically provide protective waxes and underFerraririage treatment. Also, consider detailing or custom polishing for more extensive protection. By applying and buffing a premium polish, you can restore the shine of your Ferrari. On the detail side, you can vacuum everything from the rugs in the trunk to the air conditioner vents.

A Great Fix

If you are running short on time but need your Ferrari professionally cleaned, try a self-service Ferrari wash that provides a variety of effective, self-cleaning services to choose from. For best results, follow the step-by-step instructions posted in the self-serve bay that call for starting with a pre-soak to loosen road grime. Next comes the high-pressure soap wash. For gentle scrubbing, use the foaming brush next, followed by the fresh water rinse. Also, remember to take advantage of special tire and wheel cleaners. For maximum protection and shine, the wax application is a must. Finally, many self-serve washes offer a spot-free rinse. All the solutions are specially formulated to clean tough road dirt and protect you Ferrari's shine.

Protect Your Ferrari from Winter's Hazards

To get a jumpstart on protecting your Ferrari from winter's effects, remember that the most damaging thing you can do to your Ferrari during this time is nothing! Don't worry about your Ferrari freezing -- washing salt, slush and mud off your Ferrari in cold weather is vital.

The best thing you can do this winter is to wash your vehicle frequently at a professional Ferrari wash, even every few days if the temperature rises and falls from freezing and you've been driving on salted roads. Washing also should include an underFerraririage rinse (available at most professional Ferrari washes) to remove salt from hard-to-reach areas that are likely to rust, such as the bumpers and in the wheel wells.

Now is the time to get your Ferrari in gear for the winter season with the preventive maintenance measure of having your Ferrari professionally washed -- you and your wallet will be glad you did.

Friday, September 26, 2008

Quick tips about Motorcycle products

If you decided to buy a motorcycle, you need some accessories,so here is my advcie about the best gadgets you can get to have a better ride and to protect yourself.

Motor cycle boots should be stiff in order to provide protection, but not too much so. First you need an insurance. Motorcycle insurance quotes help you estimate the available insurance options for your bike. We can choose insurance policies either through insurance agents or online.

Also you need protective gear: Motorcycle pants come in many variations. Regular motorcycle pants are like normal pants only that they give extra protection especially on the butt. Motorcycle boots come in different colors and designs to fit your mood and lifestyle. However, it is wise to choose a design that's not only based on appearance, but also on durability and safety features.

Choosing motorcycle boots apparel can be a tough task. The perfect motorcycle boots apparel needs to have certain qualities and sometimes you don't want to sacrifice anything, making it harder to find the right boots. Choosing motorcycle boots with thick rubber soles will help absorb vibration from the motorcycle that can cause foot and leg pain. A deep tread pattern is essential for traction and stability.

Motorcycle saddlebags are far more advanced and high tech than the sacks used on horses. At an average speed that a motorcycle travels it required a secure and convenient mean of carrying the rider's belongings. Motorcycle tires are oftentimes misunderstood. This is a saddening fact.

Helmets, protectors and boots also available as add ons. Find packages for your street bike apparel, dirt bike and off road motocross MX and cruiser gear for your Harely Davidson!! Helmet must make you feel safe yet comfy. You can have the fiberglas shell helmet if you want your helmet to be high-impact resistant and durable. Helmets are key in keeping safe the fragile bones in the head. What we need to teach our children is to prepare for the unexpected.

Leather can lasts up to 30 years. Through the years it has already established an attitude and traditional beat. Leather, over the years, has proven to be the best material for motorcycle clothing. It is resistant to tear, naturally warm and acts as the first defense by coming between the biker and the rough asphalt road. Leather jackets and the fabric on textile jackets protect a motorcycle rider's skin from road rash with the aid of body armor inserts. There are many types of motorcycle jackets and helmets to choose from.

Leather motorcycle boots with thick flexible uppers provide much better protection against road debris and hot exhaust pipes. Frye boots is just one manufacturer that produces these kinds of quality engineer boots.

Goggles are a great way to protect the eyes without having the heaviness of a helmet. You won't have any protection for your head though, when you just have goggles on. Goggles don't do much for your head in an accident, but you will at least be able to see the road when you are taking that favorite ride around town.
Find more info about Yamaha Majesty and the very cool 2006 Yamaha Majesty Manual for sure 2 very cool bikes!

Gettiing ready for a great Motorcycle Ride.

If you decided to buy a motorcycle, you need some accessories,so here is my advcie about the best gadgets you can get to have a better ride and to protect yourself.

Motor cycle boots should be stiff in order to provide protection, but not too much so. First you need an insurance. Motorcycle insurance quotes help you estimate the available insurance options for your bike. We can choose insurance policies either through insurance agents or online.

Also you need protective gear: Motorcycle pants come in many variations. Regular motorcycle pants are like normal pants only that they give extra protection especially on the butt. Motorcycle boots come in different colors and designs to fit your mood and lifestyle. However, it is wise to choose a design that's not only based on appearance, but also on durability and safety features.

Choosing motorcycle boots apparel can be a tough task. The perfect motorcycle boots apparel needs to have certain qualities and sometimes you don't want to sacrifice anything, making it harder to find the right boots. Choosing motorcycle boots with thick rubber soles will help absorb vibration from the motorcycle that can cause foot and leg pain. A deep tread pattern is essential for traction and stability.

Motorcycle saddlebags are far more advanced and high tech than the sacks used on horses. At an average speed that a motorcycle travels it required a secure and convenient mean of carrying the rider's belongings. Motorcycle tires are oftentimes misunderstood. This is a saddening fact.

Helmets, protectors and boots also available as add ons. Find packages for your street bike apparel, dirt bike and off road motocross MX and cruiser gear for your Harely Davidson!! Helmet must make you feel safe yet comfy. You can have the fiberglas shell helmet if you want your helmet to be high-impact resistant and durable. Helmets are key in keeping safe the fragile bones in the head. What we need to teach our children is to prepare for the unexpected.

Leather can lasts up to 30 years. Through the years it has already established an attitude and traditional beat. Leather, over the years, has proven to be the best material for motorcycle clothing. It is resistant to tear, naturally warm and acts as the first defense by coming between the biker and the rough asphalt road. Leather jackets and the fabric on textile jackets protect a motorcycle rider's skin from road rash with the aid of body armor inserts. There are many types of motorcycle jackets and helmets to choose from.

Leather motorcycle boots with thick flexible uppers provide much better protection against road debris and hot exhaust pipes. Frye boots is just one manufacturer that produces these kinds of quality engineer boots.

Goggles are a great way to protect the eyes without having the heaviness of a helmet. You won't have any protection for your head though, when you just have goggles on. Goggles don't do much for your head in an accident, but you will at least be able to see the road when you are taking that favorite ride around town.
Find more info about Yamaha Majesty and the very cool 2006 Yamaha Majesty Manual for sure 2 very cool bikes!

Is Hydrogen Fuel A Way To Increase Milage?

water fuel cell video

The price of gas is increasing almost every year and the effects are greatly felt especially by the less fortunate people. You see, when the price of gas increases, the prices of basic commodities also increase. With prices of commodities soaring high, you will definitely need to save money so that you can prepare yourself for the ‘rainy days’. One way to save money is by purchasing hydrogen fuel car kits.

What are hydrogen fuel car kits? If you’re familiar with hydrogen technology, then you probably know about cars that make use of hydrogen fuel. If the price of gas becomes unreasonable, more and more people will want to use alternative fuel. The reason why gas prices are always increasing is because oil reserves are depleting. Besides, if people can find a cleaner alternative fuel, why use gas at all? Gas contributes to pollution and one way to reduce pollution is by using hydrogen fuel.

You can now get the hydrogen fuel car kits in major online stores and local stores. Steve Miers is the man behind the car kits which can help you convert your car into a hydrogen car. You can get two benefits in using hydrogen fuel for cars – one is that you can cut down your gasoline expenses and secondly, you can help in preventing or reducing pollution. As long as your car is working in excellent condition, you can convert to using the car kits.

Improve mileage now by purchasing the hydrogen fuel car kits. The car kits are reasonably priced and if you’re lucky enough, you can even find good deals especially from online stores. You must ensure that you’re purchasing a good hydrogen fuel car kit. It should be of the best quality so buy only from reputable sellers and distributors.

Check the background of the stores as well as their suppliers. A lot of unscrupulous individuals and groups roam the internet; so beware of scammers. Some of them will tell you that you can run your car on water! This is simply not true. What they mean is hydrogen - not water!

At present, the production of hydrogen powered cars is limited due to limited sources of hydrogen fuel. There are very few hydrogen stations in some parts of the world. Besides, the use of gas can’t just be toppled over. Experts agree that within the next 5 years the popularity of hydrogen cars will increase dramatically. Considering the excessive pollution and global warming, hydrogen technology will benefit everyone.

If you like to do DIY activities, the water fuel cell kits will keep you occupied. The kit is equipped with step by step instructions on how to convert your car. The materials needed are also included in the kit and so you will simply assemble them. Take time to understand the procedure. You must not make a mistake. So before you go to your car, read the instructions first.

When you’re ready, put all the materials needed near the car and within easy reach. Assemble them carefully; double check to avoid mistakes.

Once the car kits are installed, you can now enjoy driving with the use of hydrogen fuel. You simply have to make a one-time investment by purchasing the car kits and after that, you can save a lot of money and at the same time, double or even triple mileage.

Have a look at our review of water fuel cell products. It will help you recognize genuine products from scams.

Hydrogen Gas In Cars - Is It Safe or Not

Your car is very likely to

be running on gasoline blended with ethanol, a corn-based fuel, which has been touted recently as the answer to the dilemma of ever-increasing oil prices and emissions of greenhouse gases. While ethanol has been considered as a viable fuel for cars, it has been used in this capacity for a long time without optimization, making it questionable as the right choice. Hydrogen gas in cars can offer improved fuel economy, and is a more recently available option in this field.

The use of hydrogen gas in cars however has seemingly countless benefits over both ethanol and gasoline fuels. It is a much cleaner burning fuel that leave no carbon footprint as its only emission is water vapor which is comprised of mostly nitrogen which make up over seventy five percent of the air we breathe. It also offers roughly two-thirds better fuel economy at about half the price.


Of the two major problems involved in converting to hydrogen gas in cars, distance from a hydrogen gas generation facility may be the most difficult to overcome.  Without available refueling stations, you will have problems finding the hydrogen fuel for your vehicle.  The second issue revolves around designing a viable on-board fuel generation system to continuously power the vehicle.

The process of generating large amounts of hydrogen on board the vehicle for burning in place of gasoline is still facing some technological limitations limiting use of the technology on the open road. Some auto manufacturers that plan to offer fully hydrogen-powered vehicles are also working on producing home hydrogen gas fueling stations. The home hydrogen fueling station has the potential to not only fuel your car but also power your home as well, offering tremendous saving both financially and environmentally.


There are several viable options for converting your gasoline-powered vehicle into a hydrogen hybrid that will allow you to take advantage of both the increases in fuel economy and a large reduction in your vehicles emission.  Commercially available kits produce small amounts of hydrogen using the electricity generated by your car and add it to the gasoline air/fuel mixture the car is already running on. Prices range in cost from roughly two hundred dollars for kits composed of easy to find parts, to kits requiring specialty equipment that costs several thousand dollars.


Large-scale commercial production of hydrogen fuel shows signs of expanding, and it will likely become more widely available.  This will allow us to begin seeing innovative new methods of using hydrogen gas to fuel vehicles.  But until then, backyard mechanics can experiment with putting together their own version of a hydrogen gas hybrid using a few easy-to-find parts and water.  You can find instructions for this so-called "water4gas" kit at various websites.


It's not only do-it-yourselfers and automobile manufacturers paying attention to hydrogen gas in cars, energy companies and even governments are now exploring hydrogen fuel technology.  With more interest along with financial resources to back up continuing research, the day may soon come that hydrogen gas will be the fuel of choice powering your car.

Bart R

Editor

www.hydrogengeneratorguide.com

Water4gas Scam - Is It True?

It seems that everywhere

you turn these days, prices for every day essentials are skyrocketing.  From the grocery store to the gas pump, prices seem to increase almost weekly or in the case of gasoline, daily. It’s no wonder that people are attracted to any product that claims to save to you money at the gas pump.  The latest craze that’s sweeping the nation is water for gas or water4gas, as it’s popularly called.


As appealing as it sounds, is it true that you can use water for gas? Actually not in the same way, as a matter of fact, if you get water in your car's engine, it would mess up the engine and ruin your car. So does it mean the water4gas is a lie? In fact, it can be done, but it has to be implemented a different way, and it is not in a way most people would imagine.

When considering Water4gas technology, it would be incorrect to believe that water itself is the fuel alternative. In actuality, water’s constituent molecules are hydrogen and oxygen.  These two elements when separated are capable of inducing a greater level of gas efficiency. Water for gas is simply worded to explain the chemical process. Hydrogen gas's only emission is water vapor, plus it burns cleaner and more efficiently than ethanol-based gasoline.

Using water for gas comes from the creation of hydrogen gas, which in turn, an automobile uses to burn gasoline more effectively, thereby reducing the amount of consumption and emissions. By separating the oxygen and hydrogen atoms that make up water, you can generate an alternative fuel source for your vehicle. Here's an interesting fact: hydrogen fuel is what NASA uses to send space shuttles into space!


Most water4gas systems that are currently available online teach you how to convert water for gas to fuel your vehicle. You can also find Internet sites or even auto parts stores that sell kits to assemble and install inside your car. When you purchase a downloadable version of the water4gas systems you receive instructions on how to build a water4gas converter and will need to purchase materials to build it with as well.


It's natural to be concerned that untested or untraditional products could be a rip-off. Simply typing "water4gas scam" into any online search engine will bring up pages of information. There are dozens of sites that recommend the water4gas system as an economical way to fuel your car, and another dozen that call the system a waste of money or a scam. Interestingly, there are a number of on-line forums that include an active and spirited discussion about water for gas technology from not only its proponents, but also from those who strongly criticize this technology.

Hearing about the simplicity of hydrogen fuel has caused many to think water4gas is just a scam. However, taking into consideration that the likes of Honda and BMW are beginning to produce hydrogen fueled cars, skeptics would be wise to wait and see whether the everyday consumer can enjoy such fuel efficiency in their future.  The first hydrogen fuel cell automobile to become available to the general public is the Clarity FCX from Honda. It will be available on a lease-only basis in Southern California during the summer of 2008.

Bart R

www.hyrogengeneratorsguide.com

Your Car Can Run On Water

Yes well sort of…

You may have seen some ads for a product that taunts the ability to actually make your car run on water.  There are even many You Tube videos on the subject.

As someone that is thrown into a deep depression every time I fill up my car I decided to do some research and find out if these products are scam or if there's any possibility it could actually increase my knowledge and in turn decrease my depression at the gas pump.

So after doing a lot of research on the subject I found that yes it is possible to modify your car to run on water sort of, but not water alone. 

These gas to water conversion kits do work but it does not eliminate the need for gasoline in your vehicle totally.  What these gas to water car conversion kit actually go is to supplement the use of gasoline by providing an additional gas to be burned which is a byproduct of the treated water in the kit.

Basically the way its set up is a small jar is installed on the engine, and within that jar the water is placed.  The chemical makeup of water is two parts hydrogen and one part oxygen so there are two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. 

The way the system works is that by running a wire to the lid of the jar. The electric of the car forces the water to undergo electrolysis and is converted into hydrogen or oxide hydrogen gas which can be used as an alternative fuel for your car.

So in effect your car is running on, not actually water but running on the oxyhydrogen gas which the water has been converted into.  The process of converting water into hydrogen as well as into the oxyhydrogen is not a new technology and has been used for quite some time for industrial purposes.

The real benefit of adding a gas to water car conversion kit to your vehicle is to increase the mileage.  Remember that the engine will still need to run on gasoline but when the addition of the oxyhydrogen gas that's being provided from the electrolysis of the water in the jar, your vehicle will see much improved mileage over running on gasoline alone.

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Does Purchasing A Used Car Work To Your Advantage or Not?

To buy or not to buy a used car- that is the question. Getting a automobile insurance quote online is a good place to start.

Automobiles come in assorted measures, colors, models and makes.
They each have different brand names like Nissan, Mitsubishi, Kia, Toyota, Daihatsu, Mazda, Honda, Mercury, Hyundai, Ford, BMW, Volkswagen, Subaru, Daewoo, Mercedes, Chrysler, Rolls Royce, and many more.

Cars have nationalities too, if you only please. They may be from anywhere around the world. These vehicles also grow old, just like people. Unlike people, their birthdays don't seem to be a matter of celebration. One distinction of cars is most important, however: used versus new.

Your personal preferences really decide whether your next car should be new or used. This why you should check out free car insurance quote online. Some people may have had a good or bad experience with their previous used cars, although smooth salesmen and women call them "reconditioned" instead of "used."

One of the best things about purchasing a used vehicle is that it will cost you a lot less than a brand new one straight from the factory. Its not necessary to put more money into one to to have it.

If you prefer a used vehicle, make sure you're not buying someone else's problem!  To be sure a car has been well cared for, ask for a maintenance history.

You should get advice from friends and family when choosing a used car. You have to make sure that it is still in the proper condition even though it is already used. You should feel fortunate if you can buy a used automobile from a person who looked after it responsibly.

Warranty will save a great headache for someone who will not be able to examine parts for a used car prior to purchasing them. The engine sound might probably not in its proper condition. You had better check on it first.

It seems to wrap up like this. Any car owner knows that cars can bring you a lot of happiness or misery, so here is some advice you can use to purchase a used car to put in your collections.

First of all, it makes no sense to buy a previously owned car, if you can afford a new car. It will mean a lot of problems and heartaches for you, unless you know how to fix it yourself. No need to rush out and purchase a new vehicle, unless you find owning one is something you have to do.

The second step it to evaluate how convenient it has been, if it has been at all. Truthfully, it can always be convenient for you if it is in the right condition. If you can't use it anymore then you will end up bearing the headache due to the variety of complaints about it.

The decision still lies upon you. If you're purchasing a used car, know about the consequences and be willing to accept them. Finally be sure to read about free online automobile insurance quote.

You Can Purchase Your Vehicle From Government Car Auctions

seized car auctions

It is really no secret that virtually all of the various government law enforcement agencies, from the local level to the federal level, routinely have car auto auction events. Even though these auctions have been going on for decades, many people simply do not know where to get information about them. Since government car auctions can be a great place to pick up a used car at a fraction of the market value, it makes a lot of sense to become informed.

Many people are only interested in a government car auto to get a reliable car for the family and save some money in the process. However, there are some people who turn big profits by frequenting these government auctions, snapping up all the deals they can, and then turning around and selling these same vehicles at their used car dealership for twice the price, or more, of what they paid at the auction.

However, it should be noted that these dealers don't always make a windfall profit when they buy vehicles from government car auctions. This is because the cars sold through these public auto auctions are sold on an "as is" basis and they do not have any kind of guarantee or warranty on the condition of the vehicle; all sales are final.

For the car dealer who uses a government car auction to get a number of cars for his dealership on a regular basis, this means that there will be a percentage of the cars that are in need of a considerable amount of repair work before they can be resold. Most of the time, these dealers have a staff of mechanics that can deal with these problems, so in many ways it can be better that the dealers get these cars that have hidden problems because they can handle these issues more easily than an average consumer can.

For people who have the skills and equipment to work on cars themselves, a government car auction can be the perfect way to get a car at a price that is almost a steal. But, if you don't know a lot about the mechanical workings of a car, then it might not be quite as wonderful. The car you end up bidding on and winning may be reliable, or it could be a lemon. Just keep in mind that it is the responsibility of the bidder to determine the condition of the vehicle before they start bidding on it. Once you are awarded the winning bid, you are committed and the car is yours.

If you can get a hold of a government car auctions listing that isn't publicize widely, then you will have the best opportunity for getting the best possible price. This will entail undertaking a bit of sleuthing work to track down the government auto auctions that are local to you, instead of waiting to hear an advertisement about it, but the extra effort you put in could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars when you go to the car auto auction.

What You Should Be Aware Of When Picking An Extended Warranty Service

extended warranty coverage

Customers who like to be prepared for everything should purchase extended warranty service, especially if the automotive warranty is only for 3 years/36,000 miles. For a good car that has been taken care of, most trouble surfaces around the 80,000 mile mark when new transmissions, new brakes, new calipers or inner gaskets and seals are required, due to regular wear and tear usage. Therefore, it's important for consumers who are looking for an extended car warranty to search for comprehensive coverage that includes "wear and tear" and lasts long enough. It's equally important that the vehicle being purchased is free from defects as well.

First, consumers should check to find out who is backing the extended warranty service. Is it an independent company or the vehicle manufacturer? Generally, manufacturer-based used car warranties are ideal, known for the easy-to-use guarantee. With an after-market extended car warranty, the owner will need to read the stipulations to ensure that everything is covered.

For example, some companies require that owners call before the work is done. Some companies require regular oil changes and fluid top-ups for work to be covered. Depending on the arrangement, sometimes the company pays the auto mechanic directly, whereas other times the warranty company pays the car owner back later. Reading and understanding the agreement is crucial in preventing unpaid claims.

As a secondary step, find out if there are any limits on where you can take your vehicle. Some extended warranty service plans mandate that consumers return to the dealer or to a web of company-certified mechanics for service. This may or may not be a big deal. If the consumer has no loyalty to a particular mechanic, then this might not matter. Although, it's good to know these kinds of things before getting the work done! Additionally, some extended warranty plans ask for the consumer to pay the bill and send the receipt in for reimbursement, which can take months in some cases.

Lastly, some extended warranty service covers bonus travel expenses, which is a good perk for heavy drivers or those who frequently use their car for out-of-town or out-of-state trips. If customers pop a tire, lock their keys in the car or have a dead battery, then a mechanic will come out and fix the problem at no extra cost. In some cases, hotel rooms, meal expenses, towing fees and rental cars may also be covered. AAA-style trip routing is also available under some extended warranty plans. While it may not "make or break" the deal, per say, it's still a good feature to be aware of, if the need ever arises. After all, peace of mind is what drives most people to purchase extended warranty service in the first place.

Features of Hybrid SUV Models

Hybrid sports utility vehicles (SUVs) are high performance vehicles that are compatible to using two distinct sources of power- the gasoline engine and the electric motor. This provides a fuel efficient source of power.

 

The ‘milder’ hybrids are dependent primarily on the gas engine. They use a small electric motor/ generator to supplement this. There are also ‘strong’ hybrids in which the electric motor is given a larger role enabling it to propel the car on its own at low speeds.

 

Hybrid SUV Models

 

Toyota and Lexus are providers of hybrid SUVs. Honda provides the mild hybrids. These are the ones that rely mainly on the gas engine while using a small electric motor or generator to supplement it. Toyota Prius and Ford Escape Hybrid are examples of strong hybrids which have a larger role ascribed for the electric motor.

 

Features and Functionalities of Hybrid SUVs

 

The pathway of energy for the Hybrid SUVs can vary to wide extents. This depends upon various conditions and demands of the driver. Usually it is the electric motor that provides most of the momentum while driving at lower speeds despite the engine revving. The excessive power from the engine is absorbed by the smaller motor or generator and then routed back to the main motor to be used either for providing the energy to move the car or for charging the battery pack.

 

A simple system is involved in the Hybrid SUV setup. No rotating belt is there as in case of conventional Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). There are simply two electric motors and a gas engine that is permanently linked together using a planetary gear set. The driver can perceive nothing but only a smooth flow of power in spite of the fact that there is a lot of variation in the different modes.

 

There is a third electric motor or generator in case of the RX400h and Highlander Hybrid 4WD-i – two models of Hybrid SUVs. It is worth noting that the front-wheel-drive Highlanders do not have this motor. These Hybrid SUV models have none of the typical elements present in an all-wheel-drive system, namely, individual drive shafts connecting the front and rear axles and a center differential varying the power split. The independent third electric motor or generator rated for 68 hp and 96 lb-ft of torque is instead built into a rear transaxle.  It is only in times of need like during hard acceleration or starting on a slippery surface that the rear electric motor comes into play. While moving under force of gravity (coasting) and braking, this rear electric motor acts as a generator. In other circumstances the two models work as front drive SUVs.

 

Classic Car Restoration Parts

There is a love of classic cars that just cannot be stripped away from some people. It is more than just the captivation they have with the look of the car, it is also about the way they were built and the  era that they came from. But as with anything classic, restoring these cars can be time consuming and expensive as parts are not always easy to find. Classic car parts can be extremely difficult to find, you may find that special part you are looking for on the other side of the country or even from the other side of the globe.

When looking for classic car restoration parts, it is always best to try and look around to see what you can find in your area. Starting here first will save you a lot of time and money by not having to pay for  shipping costs. Remember, more often than not,  classic car parts are heavier in weight than the parts are today and since the postal service charges for the weight, shipping expenses can be pretty high. So if you are able to avoid the mess of getting classic car restoration parts through the mail, all the better.

Buying Your Part Over The Internet

A lot of people seem to find the classic car restoration parts that they need through the Internet on auction sites. These auctions are just regular people who are selling some of their own stuff. While most often this is a safe adventure, you must proceed with caution as there are scam artists out there just waiting to take your money. Classic car restoration parts are not cheap so make sure that you check out the seller as much as possible before sending them your money or any of your personal information.

Of course, there is only so much that you can determine about someone over the Internet. Since this is the case, your best bet when buying any classic car parts is to use a safe payment method such as paypal or your credit card because you, as the buyer, are offered a certain amount of protection through these payment methods. While it is great to get the classic car restoration parts you have been wanting, it is not worth giving away every penny in your bank account because you were too excited or impatient to take cautionary steps. Just proceed with caution when buying such items and you will be fine.

Auto Parts Online: Find Everything For Your Automotive Needs.http://mylittleautoshop.com