Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Understanding the Importance of Car Insurance

When those premium bills arrive, people get a little irksome. After all, no one wants to have to pay a bill. It is simply not a pleasurable experience. Then again, if one thinks about it, car insurance provides such a valuable service, paying the monthly premiums should come as a form of piece of mind.

Car insurance is never something to be taken lightly because it provides the safety umbrella of financial security that is required when driving a car. Often, people take the need for insurance for granted because they generally do not have problems driving. In honestly, the vast majority of drivers in the world are sane and safe divers.

Yes, there are a great many reckless drivers on the road, but their numbers are dwarfed by the magnitude of responsible drivers. While this makes for an image of safe roads and hi-ways, it does not mean that there is 100% safety. In fact, there is always the chance of an errant accident.

Car Insurance – The Hidden Guardian Angel

While we do not like to think about it, the fact remains that there can be a great deal of damage to person as well as property. Additionally, we try to avoid thinking about the tremendous financial liability costs that may result from such a situation. This is why car insurance should never be taken for granted as it provides the financial means to survive a liability claim.

Conversely, it does not have to be your car insurance policy that provides you with the financial windfall that will divert economic disaster in the face of a liability claim. How can this be? Because if the other driver is at fault and is properly insured, then you will be able to collect money that you would never had been able to collect if the driver was uninsured. Hence, this is why car insurance in mandatory by law.

Car Insurance and the Law

That little notion about the law is something that should never be overlooked either. Driving without car insurance could lead to suspension of driving privileges and, in some instances, heavy fines or even jail time. As one can see, the state and local governments take matters of properly maintaining one’s insurance responsibility seriously. It is simply not an area that should be neglected.

Maintaining proper car insurance requirements essentially is an act of protection. Follow your responsibilities and you not only protect yourself, but also those on the road. Be mindful and never neglectful. Online auto auction

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Used Car Auctions Can Save You Money

Used car auctions are great ways to purchase cars at deep discount.  Anything from older, junk fixer uppers to great newer cars even to expensive luxury models can be found.  Whether it's for personal use or resale, a lot of people acquire automobiles in this manner.  But unless you keep some things in mind the auction can turn into a nightmare.

One possible problem is that the purchase might not be a good one.  There are lemons at auctions too.  Cars sold at such auctions are generally sold according to used car laws which tend to make it an as is sale.  The old children's show “Electric Company” taught children about this with a man considering  used car with an “as is” sign in the window  He makes a cursory look at the car, but every question is met with “the car is as is” from the salesman.  After the sale is final the buyer tries to drive the car, but the doors fall off and the engine explodes.  ”I want the car as was!” screams the angry driver.  Don't let that happen to you.

Reputable car auctions give buyers ample opportunities to check out the cars before bidding or purchase.  If an auction won't do that, run.  Arrive early.  Inspect and take a spin in the interesting autos.  Bring a mechanic to provide an expert eye.  If that can't happen then test drive it to a quick inspection at a garage.  It doesn't take long to check key components like the engine and breaks.  Anyone with a decent eye can check the body, interior and other physical elements for wear and tear .

The very nature of auctions leads to another common issue.  People assume that the auction price will be a great deal, but often it ends up being more expensive than purchasing the item through a normal sales process.  Like other types of auctions, auto auctions can be the same way.  The car's value can be quickly eclipsed by excited bidding.  There are also fees to pay, so pay close attention.  Easily accessible date on car values is standard issue for auction buyers.  With Internet enabled phones and the like it's now easy to look up this information while on site.  Even for the car of your dreams, don't bid more than its value.

Get more on cars and rental cars visit Car Rental Comparisions as well as Enterprise Car Rentals

Auto Repo Auction – Best Way To Buy Cheap Used Cars

Going to auto auctions are always fun and can help you save money for those who want to buy anything under a set budget. And since basically it is a bidding war, interested participants can start their bid at a very low price and they have control over how much they are willing to bid or not.

This is also applicable in auto repo auction, where hundreds of vehicles are being sold to the public at a greatly reduced price to be able to get rid of cars that incur a lot of expenses, especially in storage and maintenance.

Most repo auctions are conducted by banks, leasing companies and government agencies. Although small time auction houses may also hold auto car auctions, these generic auction houses are not reliable sources of repo cars.

Most did not undergo any detailed history of its previous owners and if there is any remaining money owed to it. Some small time auction houses may be selling cars that are stolen without their knowledge because of relaxed environment as opposed to larger and reputable auction houses that verifies all of sources.

In participating auto repo auction, a participant must have a set budget and basic information on how he or she will proceed with the bidding process. Most vehicles sold in auto repo auction are still in prime condition and most are slightly used and offers the best value for its new owner.

However, you may be able to find a gem once in a while where the car is still in brand new condition having been driven for less than a year.

There are less mileage and some are still in showroom condition whose previous owner defaulted on its payment or credit contract. Auto repo auction are one of the best places to go to find your dream car at a greatly reduced price.

If you want to buy seized cars at repo auctions, one of the best sources is gov auctions. Check out my Gov Auctions review and discover why i think it is the best online seized car auction site.

Undertaking A Defensive Driving Course In America

online defensive driving courses

It seems that every defensive driving course in America now has an increasing number of students who are sixty years of age or older. Drivers who are sixty-five years of age and older are responsible for more than two thirds of the automobile accidents in America each year. While many senior drivers are very safe drivers, aging brings on slow reflexes that make quick reactions difficult. Still, many senior citizens remain active and continue to work for a living. To take away their driving privileges seems unfair. To compensate for this, defensive driving training classes are now available for them.

AARP, the American Association of Retired Persons, has the most comprehensive defensive driving courses in the US. The AARP courses in defensive driving are designed to teach senior citizens strategies that can help them avoid accidents that could cause them to lose their driver's license. Completion of a safety defensive driving program will also qualify the driver for a discount on their automobile insurance.

All across America, the AARP is offering a defensive driving course in major cities. The classes are convenient and short; usually lasting no more than two days and the cost of ten dollars is easily affordable. The instructors have been certified to help each senior to look at themselves and determine whether their individual physical limitations will hinder their ability to continue to drive safely. Each senior is taught basic defensive driving techniques to help them avoid accidents and situations that could become dangerous. There is also a review of basic traffic laws and regulations.

It is not unusual for traffic schools to offer a defensive driving course in an online format. The convenience of defensive driving schools online cannot be understated. Most of the online defensive driving courses include advanced audio and video, along with great graphical teaching aids, and the traditional classroom courses and the online classes are very similar in terms of curriculum. As well, with an online class, you also have the advantage of working when and where you want to. All you need is an internet connection. Regrettably, online defensive driving training classes are not presently offered by the AARP.

Monday, December 29, 2008

The Rising Costs Of Gas Lead To Increased Use Of Biodiesel

The ever rising costs of oil and gas have propelled people into searching for the one, true alternative fuel. Biodiesel, in the stern chemistry sense, is formed from alcohol esters that are processed from the oils of veggies like soybeans, mustard seeds and rapeseeds. Fat is also sometimes used.

You mix the plant oil with the alcohol compound like methanol or ethanol with a catalyst that is hydroxide-based like sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide. Though there are a few alternative sources of fuels that are rising in the market, biodiesel is winning votes and making quite a following. This could of course be because it's so flexible.

So far, biodiesel is the sole alternative fuel that can be employed in engines without the requirement for any alteration. The fuel has similar properties as that of the diesel, making it straightforward to use. The most typical mix is named the b20, which is twenty p.c biofuel and 80 % diesel. And as it is more lubricating than petrol diesel, it is gentler with engines, so extending its life. It's extremely useful to know how to make biodiesel in the current climate.

Biofuel is also winning votes among environmentalists. Having just natural ingredients, it has no emission that can possibly harm the environment. It complies with the Clean Air Act and is located to be safe to use. States who are producing their own biofuel are also ready to cut their importation of fuels and at the same time increase their rural and business sectors. This is maybe because the majority are not yet convinced that biodiesel can have a market. Still, there are sites that milk the increasing demand for biodiesel. Web sites have started to supply fuels at lower costs compared to those being offered in gas stations, catering to those who need to buy in quantity. Some are bonafide but others are now not. So , buyers should be careful in purchasing biodiesel online as they can be conned into purchasing something that does not basically exist

Sunday, December 28, 2008

What To Look For When Enrolling In Defensive Driving Classes

driving class

Defensive driving classes do not have to take up hours of your day and weeks of your time anymore. Today's defensive driving schools allow you the option of completing the coursework in a variety of ways, such as attending a class at a certified driving school or completing the course online. For some, the classroom instruction may prove to be the most beneficial. However, for others who are very organized and able to work productively on their own, online classes are very convenient.

If you want to enroll for a driving class, then there are several key things that you should be searching for. For traditional classroom instruction, you should find traffic schools that have local offices and class times that are convenient for you. If you choose to learn defensive driving online, then the website of the online traffic school should be available to you seven days a week, 24 hours a day. You should also have a variety of options available to you regarding the time required to complete the course. Most importantly, the school should be certified in your state and licensed to conduct defensive driving courses. All of the instructors should be licensed and the staff at the school should be ready and willing to answer any and all questions you may have about their credentials and the coursework.

You might wonder why you should take defensive driving classes. Everyone has their own reasons, but all will benefit from learning to deal with stressful driving situations. Sometimes, insurance companies will offer defensive driving courses to their customers as a way to receive a discount on their premiums. Others will use the driving classes as a way to clear their driving record of past infractions. Courts will often require those who have been convicted of drunken driving or road rage to complete the defensive driving course as part of the penalty for their behavior. Most driver training courses include a section on defensive driving.

No matter why you are searching for defensive driving classes, you will find many schools that can provide you with the courses you want. Whatever school you choose, it should meet all of your needs and requirements, including those required by a court. You will be glad for the class when you get your insurance bill and it is significantly lower than the last one. You will also be grateful that you learned safety defensive driving skills when you are able to avoid an accident or traffic ticket the next time you are in a dangerous traffic situation.

How To Save Dollars At The Gas Pump

There's not a single driver among us who would not want to spend less of their gainfully acquired money at the fuel pump. That's why folk are becoming more and more conscious of the several easy and cost effective strategies that they can use to improve their fuel use.Those that haven't turned to alternatives like biodiesel fuel for example.

Just about everybody knows that if you would like to save gas, you have a requirement for to drive slower. Though you can save a large amount of gas by going slower on the road, many folks are not willing to do so, for example. The trick is to find methods to increase gas mileage with no need to do things that you are not prepared to do in the long run.

First of all, stop neglecting the regular upkeep that your auto wishes. According to studies, a soiled air filter can cost you up to 20% of the gas mileage you should be receiving. A quick change of spark plugs can raise your fuel usage by over ten percent. Also, many folks are now not aware that they can increase their gas mileage simply by keeping their tires correctly inflated. In a similar fashion , too many drivers are carting around an auto full of unnecessary things that are stealing them of valuable gas mileage. For each 250 pounds of excess gear in your car, you can count on around one mile per gallon lost. Also, confirm that you are taking bike racks and other items off your vehicle when it isn't the right season.

It may take a couple of minutes, but such items produce additional wind resistance, which makes your automobile work harder to accelerate or maintain speed. You can even save some money on gas whilst you are spending money- at the gas pump, that is. As an example, when the automobile shut off kicks in, don't slide in 2 additional cents to make the greenback amount even. This is an example of the ways in which folk waste money, since almost all of that additional gas won't finish up correctly going in the tank. Ultimately, ensure that you use your vehicle's features to their maximum effect. Also, ensure that you use the overdrive function when possible, since it authorizes your engine to keep away from overworking itself.

Saturday, December 27, 2008

Computer numerical control machining process

cnc machine

CNC Machining
Everything before this topic is preparation.  Machining is where the rubber meets the road.  All the steps of CNC Process before machining are just preparing for the machining phase of the project.  A simple definition of machining is removing material.  You remove material in various ways to come up with the part or piece.


Machining can be performed on numerous types of material.  For example, wood, steel, aluminum, and stone.  Machining generally has higher tolerances associated with it.  When machining, you are trying to do something more precise.


In Machining, we use some sort of tool.  This tool could be a grinder, drill bit, end mill, router bit or other tool.  There are infinite variations of tools.  Tooling generally costs a fair amount of money.  Once you invest in your tooling though, you can use it again and again until it wears out.   If you have a large variety of different tools, you will be able to perform a large variety of machining types.

Here is a listing of common cnc tooling:
Drill bits
End mills
Plasma cutter
Dovetail cutter
Fly cutter

If you would like to look at different types of tooling, go to one of these sources on the Internet:
Enco
Travers
McMasters-Carr
Grainger

Flip through a few of these suppliers’ catalogs and you will get an idea about the infinite styles of tooling.


CNC is used in the machining process.You get more accurate parts quicker using CNC Machining.That's why cnc has become popular.  In the past, CNC machining was very costly.  Over time, it has become somewhat inexpensive and now people do it as a hobby.  I am guessing that is why you are here.

Here are a few different types of machines that perform various machining processes:
Milling machines
Wood routers
Plasma cutters
CNC Foam Cutters
Press Brake
Lathes
Cutoff saws

People have successfully applied CNC to virtually any type of motion control.  The only thing that will limit you is your imagination.

CNC Information Free Community Site:
If you would like to know more about CNC, head on over to http://www.cncinformation.com
Join for Free and you get 2 CNC ebooks. One is a GCode Quick Guide and the other is the CNC Info Site eBook. You also get access to the Free Video Series...Image to CNC Art when you join the community.

Friday, December 26, 2008

Steps to Remove Auto Dents In The Comforts Of Your Personal Garage

paintless dent removal

One of the most terrible sights a driver can spot is dents on his vehicle. It doesn't not matter how the dents got there, all that matters is the quicker they are gone the better the car owner feels.

Getting a car into your local body shop for dent removal can be a costly endeavor. Take heart in knowing that this is not the only option available. There are more than one ways you can remove car dents in the privacy of a personal garage. Certain dents are cannot be fixed by yourself. In these cases, there is no other option than to go to your local auto body shop.

For the car dents that can be fixed, begin by visiting a car repair retail shop. Dent removal kits take up a large amount of space on store shelves. Each includes all the tools required for the general DIY part time car repair hobbyist.

In lieu of utilizing a drill to work on those dents, many of the DIY removal kits opt for suction cups. Depending on the kind of dent removal kit, any relative item to a suction cup may be used instead of a drill.

To get started, locate a dolly tool that specializes in the flattening and reshaping of metal. Add to this a metalworking hammer and the dent removal kit.

Pinpoint the center of the dent. Put the suction cup or similar tool at this spot. For extra removal strength, utilize the glue stick that comes along with many dent removal kits. Attach a handle to the suction cup for added leverage in pulling the dent outward.

Gently start to pull the suction cup and attached handle away from the center of the dent. This will cause the dent to flatten out. Next, take the metalworking hammer to tap the front side of the dent. Keep the dolly firmly planted against the back part of the dent. For this, going underneath the car exterior or through the car hood may be required.

Get a medium grit disk attached to a drill and get rid of the paint down to the metal. Create a section of at least one inch radius around the dent. Fill this area with a body filler product. Once this area has dried, wrap a piece of sandpaper around a wood block and sand it. Start with a 36 grit paper and finish using a 120 grit paper.

With the area now sanded, apply six layers of auto designed primer. Let each coat dry before applying the next layer. Sand the area again using a 600 grit wet/dry sandpaper application. This process eliminates any non-visible scratches on the dent surface. 

Quite a number auto body shops specialize in mobile dent removal. They utilize the paintless dent removal process bringing the auto body shop to the customer whether it be at home, at work or at play. Weather conditions are the only factor that can affect this revolutionary auto body repair process. Most paintless dent removal jobs can be completed in a period of one hour or less. In certainrare occasions however, dent removal repair can only be done in the brick and mortar shop. 

Thursday, December 25, 2008

Machining and CNC Machining Overview

machining principles

Machining Overview
When a controller converts signals from your computer into motion, your machine will begin to move.  You are now into the process of CNC Machining. Machining generally is cutting or removing of material.  Most of the time we associate machining with metal, but you can also machine plastic or route wood.  Working with wood or plastic is basically the same as working with metal, but faster.

Machining
To actually machine something you need a few different things.  Since there are many things going on while Machining you need to be aware of your safety.  This is where the safety glasses come out and the personal protective gear is put on.  Machining is a concert of movement, that requires many players. 

Here are a few of them:
Machine - this could be a milling machine, plasma cutter, wood router, lathe or drill press.

Spindle – Most machines have one.  This is the spinning portion of the machine.  Like of the chuck on a drill, a spindle on a mill or a 3-jaw chuck on a lathe.

Tooling – This is the tool that does the cutting or removing of material.  It could be an end mill, fly cutter, ball mill, etc.

Material – What you are going to be machining.What your part will be made from.  Steel, aluminum, wood, plastic, wax, etc.

Clamp or vice – imagine some material laying on a table and then you touch it with something spinning.  Your material will instantly go flying and possibly hit you.  This is why you always secure your material.  This could be with a vise, clamp, bolt it down, gravity, suction, etc.

Cutting fluid – Some machining processes don’t use cutting fluid.  Plasma cutters and wood routers don’t.  Cutting fluid or coolant generally shows up when you are machining metal.  The fluid is used to cool and lubricate the process which extends your tool life.

CNC – if you add CNC to the process you now have a computer, controller and cableing to worry about.  Keep these things out of the way or protected while machining.  Keep in mind a machine will be controlling another machine.  This is the cool part about CNC and also where you can get into trouble.

Different types of machining
I alluded to the different types of machining in the previous section.  There are different machining processes that are generally defined by what the machine does.

Here are a few examples:
Drilling – Drill presses, mills, hand drills, etc.
Tooling – Drill bit

Routing – Wood router, table router, edge router, etc
Tooling – Router bits

Milling – Mill, Bridgeport, 4- axis mill, 5-axis mill, vertical mill, horizontal mill, etc.
Tooling – End mills, ball mills, ballnose mills, fly cutters, etc

Plasma cutting – Plasma cutter
Tooling – Plasma torch

Cutting – Chop saw, hand saw, band saw, cold saw
Tooling – Circular blades, band type blades

Grinding – Surface grinder, grinder, Timesaver, belt grinder
Tooling – Grinding belts, grinding wheels

Turning – Metal lathe, wood lathe, mini lathe, bench top lathe, etc.
Tooling – Turning tools, parting tools, boring tools, drill bits

You can go on forever with types of machining and cnc machines.There are many types of unique cnc machines.  Anywhere you can save time or money by using a machine, people have found out how to do it.  Even if that means they need to rig it up themselves.

Different Sources of Tooling:
Enco
Travers
McMasters-Carr
Grainger

CNC Information Free Community Site:
If you would like to know more about CNC, head on over to http://www.cncinformation.com
You can join for Free and you get two free CNC ebooks. One is a G-Code Guide and the other one is the CNC Information Site eBook. You also get access to the Free Video Series...Image to CNC Art when you join the community.

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Impounded Cars For Sale Will Offer Great Deals

Impounded Cars For Sale Video

People have a love affair with automobiles.  Bargains are also in people's minds.  Whether it be haggling with a dealership for new cars, or kicking the tires while talking down a used car salesman, people also love deals on cars.  Some of the best car deals around can be found when authorities offer impounded cars for sale.  That's known as an auction.  If you know what you're doing you can find terrific deals there..

How do these autos come to be there?  Police often acquire cars through taking them from criminals.  Drug dealers, for instance, can lose everything they own if caught.  When these cars are taken it isn't long before it's time to sell them for a little cash.  Scoff laws also generate a lot of cars.  If the owner doesn't claim the vehicle, or if the fines accumulate to a certain point, the car will be up for sale. 

Sometimes the cars are sold straight to dealerships who either sell them on the lot or auction them.  Auctioneers also buy cars and then sell them at their own auction.  It really makes no difference.  At some point the car is up for sale to the highest bidder and can become a whale of a deal for a savvy person.  But beware of some pitfalls of purchasing cars via auction.  As the saying goes it's “buyer beware.”

There's usually no warranty offered with these autos.  It's a case of what you see is what you get.  The term “as is” covers it.  Puffery is also common, and legal.  When car dealers say “clean as a whistle” that's puffery.  There are even some tricky words involved in puffery such as “clean” or “in great condition.”  The law allows quite a bit of latitude on this phrases that imply quality.  What they really come down to is “there's a sucker, let's make the deal.”

Have some information when you visit an auction.  Take a good look at the cars.  Bring a mechanic with you if possible.  Auctions offer test drives so use them.  Impounded cars for sale can be a bargain.  However, if great deals were easy to find everyone would have them.

Find more info on cars and car rentals here Preowned Cars and also here National Car Rental Company

Friday, December 19, 2008

Cheap Blower Motor

The blower motor in your car is there to primarily force all the air conditioned or hot air through your system for your enjoyment in the passenger carrying area. Every time you turn the fan on to high, your blower motor is responsible for making the flow of air higher. If you notice one setting on your fan is putting out much less than all the others, you could say that a blower motor is necessary.

So to start with, you will need to move out the battery cable off of the negative side, or the black side of the battery. Now you need to take off the blower motor lead connector, which is placed on the wiring harness connector. Now you need to remove the retaining screws from the sides. Pull the cooling tube off of the old blower motor and leave it aside. Grab the entire blower motor now and turn it just somewhat to the right so that the edge of the wheel well splash guard and the bottom of the motor match shapes. Now all that's left is to pull up on the blower motor and get it out of the housing area. You have just took out your own blower motor!

To replace it, you will simply do these steps in reverse. Lay the new blower motor into the housing beneath your dash. You now need to again turn it a bit to the right side so that the mounting plate and wheel well splash panel match shapes again, and then sit it down completely. Now you have to put the four screws that hold the blower motor back into place or it will shift and wiggle back out. Now is the time to put the cooling tube back into place by only pushing it back until it falls into the right place. All that is left is to reconnect the blower motor lead connector to the wiring harness connector and put the battery cable back into position. To control your installment all you have to do is turn your heat on with the vehicle running. If there is no air flow through the vents, you will need to uninstall again and try to reinstall correctly. Sometimes this problem is caused by not having the blower motor seated correctly down into the housing at the right angle. Very easy to fix, and not a lot of time, but it saves you a great deal of money. If you're looking for a cheap Acura CL Blower Motor, the best thing to do is to visit our site!

Monday, December 15, 2008

Water to Gas and Other Effective Gas Saving Devices

Click Here For Water to Gas Conversion, many people nowadays would pay a little extra on water to gas and other effective gas saving devices, especially with the current round of oil price hikes that has caused quite a stir in some global economies.

With this, there has lately been a significant increase in the number and varieties of gas saving devices being advertised and sold commercially.

While these all work in different ways, their primary objective is quite the same – to make people save money on gas and getting automobile insurance quotes online.

While some devices work well and help save fuel costs, there are also those that don’t live up to their claims and can prove harmful to your vehicle. 

So before trying to invest good money on these devices, always try to be wary and follow these safe and effective options on the market.

One of the most common and safest alternatives for fuel-saving is the Hydrogen Conversion Kit.

These conversion kits are also called water to gas devices and work primarily as hydrogen generators.

They may come in different names, but they are all generally the same - HHO conversion kit, Brown’s Gas kit, and water to fuel conversion kit, to name a few.

These are the best devices to use to save money on gas. 

There are many options for these hydrogen generators like a commercially available pre- made kit or one that can be custom-made, even some can be made at home using simple materials and a good and credible how-to or do-it-yourself guide..

Mostly, pre-made kits are fairly expensive and are only as effective as homemade ones. 

You can build a homemade hydrogen generator kit for a fraction of the cost using the simplest of materials commonly found in hardware stores and DIY shops.

Generally, these kits are devices that take water and turn it into fuel for your vehicle. 

While you’ll still have to use gas to power your car, you’ll be able to save on fuel cost by at least 30%. 

There are even devices that people claimed have doubled their gas mileage with these kits. There are also several great online guides that will show you exactly how to build your own hydrogen conversion device and install it in your cars.

Next in line are driver alert devices.

Although, these devices actually do not claim to increase fuel economy, but would help motorists make necessary adjustments in the car and real-time driving habits that can increase fuel economy. 

These devices are installed in a vehicle to alert the driver of changes that need to be made to their driving, like slowing down or pressing down on the accelerator pedal too hard.

These devices will notify the driver either by lights or sound and will help the driver be more alert about their driving habits that usually consume more fuel if left unchecked or corrected.

Lastly, there are several other types of gas saving products and devices on the market, other than water to gas kits.

Among them are fuel line devices, vapor and air bleed devices, which primarily focus in reducing fuel consumption by introducing air to assist in fuel distribution or maximize fuel consumption and reduce carbon and unburned fuel emissions.

There are also several different types of chemical additives that is mixed either with fuel or motor oil that is primarily towards increasing gas mileage or improving engine lubrication, thus reducing heat to cool the engine and improve fuel consumption.

Unfortunately, many of these devices and products don’t provide a significant increase in gas mileage and are usually expensive.

If one is not careful, some can also cause damage to the vehicle or void warranty. 

Before trying out these devices and products, make sure to do plenty of research on the products and always consider the pros and cons and check your car insurance coverage quote online.

To sum it all up, hydrogen conversion or water to gas kits offer the best alternatives for the best price, since they don’t cause damage to your vehicle and are completely reversible.

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Water to Gas = Water in the Tank?

Click Here To Buy Water4Gas, the latest fuel saving system— the water to gas technology— has most of the public getting confused. Would that mean that we would be putting water in our gas tank? The answer is NO! 

With the water to gas conversion it doesn’t literally mean that water will be put inside the gas tank to conserve on fuel. This system uses a water conversion kit called the electrolyzer or the hydrogen generator. This is the device that converts the water into vapour to separate the hydrogen and be used as supplement to gas. So it is very important to follow the instructions stated in the conversion and installation guides. 

Water in gas tanks poses big problems. Since water is heavier than fuel, it will build up in the bottom of the tank until it undergoes something to remove it. Water and gasoline is immiscible, meaning it would not mix except in minute or very small quantities.  With the water settled in the bottom of the tank, it could result to rust. It also freezes easily and can leave the driver stranded depending where the water froze. Once the water in tank gets deep enough, it will be drawn into the fuel line and can result into clogged filters and strangled motors. Since water is also thicker than fuel, it can’t get through the injector. So water tends to block the injector resulting into engine misfire. 

Mechanics said that water  in fuel tanks are serious issues. The only thing motorists can do to remove the water without removing the fuel tank is to use isopropyl. But experts recommend sending the vehicles to a repair shop so that all of the water in the tank could be flushed out completely this may mean you need to look for free instant auto insurance quote online

A trick used in aircrafts to reduce water contamination in fuels is to fill up at the end of the day, so the tank has less air space overnight. They also fill it up to the brim every night so there is no airspace above the fuel that could lead to vapour condensation. But since cars are only required to be filled with gasoline once a week, this trick may not be applicable to vehicles. Parking indoors will also help in reducing water contamination in gas tanks.

Another possible cause of water in gas tanks is simply the climate. When you have wet conditions, overnight condensation may happen in the fuel tank. Condensation in the tank would occur most in similar conditions to carburaetor icing high humidity/wet conditions with temperatures just above freezing. The car would cool down over night and the moisture in the air space in the tank condenses on the inside of the tank.  At the same time, the cooling air in the tank would contract and suck more in from outside worsening the already worse situation.

There are also several incidents of local gasoline stations pumping contaminated gas into vehicles. Some of these gasoline stations were closed down due to the illegal processes that they were doing. An example would be what happened in  Deltona, Florida. Some drivers claimed that a Deltona gas station is selling tainted gas. There were two drivers who told the media and reporters that their cars broke down immediately after filling up at the local Deltona gasoline station.

These would be some typical situations where water in gas is not a good thing. Taking care of our vehicles and being aware of the conditions around us will equip us on how to better handle vehicle maintenance and will help when you get auto insurance quotes.

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Hydrogen Fuel Car Information.

A lot of things today can be obtained in an instant, you can find instant food, instant houses, and a lot more. Did you realize you can also convert your car and get it running by using hydrogen - oxygen fuel technology? It's something you're capable of doing, and once the conversion is complete, your car will be a hydrogen fuel car.

Most likely you have seen or heard a tremendous amount of hype regarding the hydrogen or oxygen fuel cars, and yes, they are undoubtedly the way of the future. If you wish to have your own hydrogen fuel car, you'd likely have to purchase a home kit.

The fuel cell kits are widely available both in local stores as well as major online stores. Home kits allow you to convert your car into a cost efficient hydrogen powered vehicle. In the US alone, you can already find hydrogen fuel cars roaming the streets.

The hydrogen fuel car kits are manufactured by various companies, and you must be able to choose a kit that is reasonably priced, and of high quality. As you will be driving the car on a daily basis you need to be sure that you are not going to have any problems with whatever system you incorporate not functioning as it should. Prices for kits vary widely in price between $150 and $200. This is pocket change when compared to buying a brand-new hybrid car, which would cost around $20,000.

After converting your car with a hydrogen fuel car kit, water is all you will need to give your car extra power. Well of course, you will need to use gasoline but at a limited amount. Water on the other hand is available almost anywhere and scarcity is not a problem. So, what is stopping you from converting your car?

The car kits are quite affordable and even an ordinary income earner can afford it, and the benefits of converting to a hydrogen fuel car outweigh the disadvantages. This is the correct method to save on gas expenses. Should you be considering converting your vehicle to an alternative fuel, you should use hydrogen as it doesn't give off carbon emissions so you need not have environmental concerns.

If you have second thoughts about the hydrogen fuel cars, then gather other information resources online. You may be a bit overwhelmed with the idea of a hydrogen car, but be assured that after your online search you will be convinced that hydrogen cars are real and very cost effective.

As long as you've purchased the hydrogen fuel car kit, you will only need some cheap tools, know-how, and access to H2O or water. All the items you need are included in the kit, saving you frustration.  If you carefully follow the instructions, everything will be done correctly.

Please visit our website if you would like additional information on hydrogen car or the hydrogen power car.

What are the Loan Options for Purchasing a New Automobile?

Once you choose the car you want to buy, you have to look at the various loans options that will enable you to pay for this car. You should do your research so that you are knowledgeable about all your options so that you get the best deal. This bit of work beforehand will put you in a stronger position when you do sit down with the salesman to finalize the deal. It is too late to make a deal and then find that you don’t have the credit rating or the income necessary for lenders to approve your automobile loan. Consumers often make the mistake of choosing the car without finding out if they qualify to borrow that amount of money.

Some of the automobile manufacturers and dealer companies do have incentives for customers in the form of 0% auto loans. This incentive often applies to only certain autos that the dealers want to move off their lots and for a specified period of time. If you are looking at buying an expensive car, it is unlikely you will be able to avail of such a deal because the payments over the allowable term are very high and out of reach of most ordinary wage earners

Once you find a car you want to buy, you should ask the dealer for a print out of what it will cost on the road. This price will include the costs of licensing the vehicle, the applicable taxes and charges for freight and delivery. Then you can contact the loans officer at your bank to see if you can qualify to borrow this amount of money. It is important not to apply for the auto loan until you are certain you meet the requirements because if you are turned down, this will affect your credit rating and thus, your future borrowing power

Many car dealers also offer loans. There are certain months of the year in which dealers sell fewer automobiles and therefore offer incentives to buyers. This usually occurs in January when consumers are trying to pay off the debts accumulated from Christmas shopping and when the new line of automobiles comes on the market in the fall. You can save money by buying a car from the previous year and it will still be a new car. Some of the incentives dealers often offer include 0% auto loan, an amount of money off your auto loans charges, a lower rate of interest and even a autod that will give you free petrol up to a specified amount

Leasing is another option you can look at for financing your new auto. You basically pay a monthly rent on the car for a specified period of time and by making payments for the length of the term, you pay off the automobile in full.  You do enjoy full warranty on the automobile during this time and perhaps afterwards depending on the length of the term

Leasing a automobile is another option you can explore. This is the same as hiring the automobile for a specified period of time, such as three or four years. You have a lower monthly payment because you are not actually paying out the full price of the automobile. You get the same warranty as you would if you bought the car and you can bring the automobile back at the end of the lease period and take out another one. These schemes are generally not available if you have a poor credit history, instead you could apply for any of the bad credit auto loans available from many companies

Gasoline Service Station Credit Cards Reward Customers With Discounts

More and more often when people pull up to the gas pump to fill up their cars, they cringe at the total that racks up so quickly in this day and age of high gas prices. As a result, most everyone is looking to save money at the pumps and trying to get better mileage out of each gallon they buy. There are many articles and reports that talk about ways to increase gas mileage, but there is one form of saving on gas expenses that is overlooked frequently, and that is to take advantage of the discounts and rebates you can get when you use certain gasoline service station credit cards.

Fed up paying silly prices at your gasoline service station? Find out how to half your costs: "Click Here"

A gasoline credit card that is issued by one of the major gas station chains works just like any other credit card but the difference is that these cards are designed to encourage brand loyalty. In most cases, they can only be used at gas stations that are owned by the same chain and in the convenience stores that they operate. Gas and oil companies have been offering these types of credit cards for many decades and the primary reason was to encourage people to only buy their gasoline from that particular brand.

Several years ago, a couple of the gasoline service station companies added a new twist to their gasoline credit cards and started to offer rebates. This further encouraged people to stick to using one particular brand of gasoline so that they could rack up enough purchases to qualify for their rebate.

These days, almost all of the national brands of gas stations now offer a credit card that has some type of rewards program or rebate to their customers when they use them. With the high gasoline prices today, it makes even more sense to take some time to find out exactly what is being offered by each of these companies and determine which can provide the best benefit for you.

It can be a good idea to go ahead and apply for more than one gasoline service station brand of gas credit card. This way, consumers still have a choice and can check to see which gas station is offering the best gas prices at the pump, but they can still take advantage of the rewards that come with the card. At the same time, if you travel a lot, having two or three different gas cards is an even better idea because some brands of gas stations are not as prevalent in some areas as others.

Some of the gas credit cards that are issued by the gasoline companies will sweeten the deal for new customers and will offer a higher percentage of the purchase as a rebate during the first three to six months after opening a new account with them. After that initial period, the rebate percentage will drop, so it is a good idea to check and compare both the initial offering and the long term rebate plan in order to make the best decision.

If you want to save the maximum through these gasoline service station credit cards, then it is imperative that you pay the full balance every month and always pay the bill on time. If you end up carrying a balance, then you will be charged interest and it is likely that the interest charges will eat up any savings you might have enjoyed through the rebate program.

Soaring gasoline prices are on everyone's mind these days. At one time you may have been able to fill up your tank for less than $50 but those times are long gone and no one knows if gas will ever reach those prices again. But there are ways that you can save your budget. There are alternative fuels and driving practices that can keep you away from the gas pumps. It is going to take some reading on your part but it is well worth it in the end.

To get information about saving money at the Gasoline Service Station: "Click Here Now"

Friday, December 12, 2008

Increasing Gasoline Prices Are Forcing Alternative Ideas

Over the many years since the automobile was first rolled out onto a roadway, Americans have had a fascination and almost an obsession with vehicles of all types. However, with the way that the price of gas has skyrocketed in the last few years, many people are less in love with their cars and looking for ways to economize. And, since the oil industry insiders say that gasoline prices will continue to increase, people are either looking for alternatives or are settling in and adjusting to the greater expense of operating a car.

There are numerous ways in which the high gasoline prices of today impact people and society in general. Certainly, there is an increase in prices across the board because the most basic cost of transportation has risen and businesses are left with no option but to pass along their higher costs to their customers, whether that customer is another company or the end consumer.

The higher gasoline prices have started to produce somewhat of a snowball effect and prices at every step, from manufacturing, distribution, to retailing have also climbed. With everyone paying more for the goods and services they need, the prices keep rising and ultimately it is the end consumer who gets hit with the brunt of the bad news created by the rising price of gasoline.

Both companies and individuals are currently busy seeking the best solutions they can find to try to reduce gas consumption and get better fuel economy for their vehicles. The high gasoline prices that have already arrived and which are predicted to rise even higher have motivated more and more people to look at alternative fuels.

If you want to lower your gas costs "Click Here"

Companies that are very much reliant on gasoline and diesel fuel to operate are searching for viable solutions to help stem the tide of rising costs and keep their prices from skyrocketing, which in turn will help them to remain competitive in an economy that is struggling under the burden of higher gas prices. Some of these companies are replacing their fleets of vehicles with new cars and trucks that are more fuel efficient and deliver better fuel economy. Other companies are "going green" and looking to biofuels as one of their solutions, while still others are adding hybrid vehicles to their fleets.

Today's consumers are more and more often looking for ways to ease their transportation expense woes as well. Many people are selling off their gas guzzling SUVs, trucks and mini-vans and are buying new cars that are smaller and more fuel efficient, thus taking a smaller bite out of the family budget. In addition, many people are taking advantage of mass transit options, participating in car pools, and walking or biking whenever they can to help deal with the exorbitant gasoline prices in today's world.

Gasoline prices are on everyone's minds these days. Most people have had to double their weekly budgeted amount of money so that they can fill their car's gas tanks. That means that there is less money for groceries, medical expenses and living expenses. The gas crisis has hit everyone's pockets. Unfortunately there is not an easy solution in sight for lowering gas prices. It may be time to take matters into your own hands and rethink how you drive. You may have to turn to alternative fuel sources. You have to educate yourself if you want to keep your budget.

To find out how you can cut your gas costs: "Click Here Now"

Alternative Fuels Will Be Needed Urgently

Over the course of the last three decades, the US has had to triple the amount of crude oil that it must import to keep Americans driving. Every day brings with it America's thirst for oil and its derivative fuels to the tune of more than 12 million barrels that are consumed day in and day out by the vast array of vehicles that swarm the roadways in the US.

The 12 million barrels of imported oil makes up a bit more than half of the 20 million barrels of crude oil that is consumed each day across the country. The vast majority of the fuels produced are used to power various types of transportation modes that rely on fossil fuel and the largest portion of transportation fuel consumption is attributed to consumers who use the gasoline to power their favorite vehicles. Unfortunately, the faster the United States increases it usage of and reliance on oil and gas, the faster the oil reserves of the planet will be depleted.

Those in the industry are warning that in another 30 years the world supply of crude oil is expected to be significantly depleted and will no longer be able to meet the demands for petroleum-based fuels, unless there are drastic changes made in the way the major transportation methods are fueled. However, the motivation to find viable fuel alternatives seems to be low, as Americans continue to drive as much as ever, even while grumbling about the high cost of a gallon of gas.

It seems that Americans are more willing to sacrifice in other areas than they are to change their driving habits or make drastic changes in the type of transportation that they rely on to get around and get on with their daily lives. This causes those industry experts to wonder how high gasoline prices must go before people start to seriously look at renewable energy sources and alternative methods of transportation.

If you are one of the many folk sick of paying these sky high prices for your gas "Click Here"

While there have been a few alternative fuels that have started to crop up and are bringing with them some promise, with regard to improving fuel economy through combining them with traditional gasoline or as a replacement, there still are many obstacles to widespread use and some drawbacks. The fact is that some of these fuel alternatives are simply too costly and cannot be viewed as viable alternatives, unless the price of gasoline more than doubles from the current price.

Some of the other, more cost effective fuels don't seem to be fully capable of meeting the high expectations and demands of today's consumers. At this stage, it appears that these alternative fuel options have not been sufficiently developed to the point where they are truly capable of being competitive, in terms of matching the availability of gasoline that American consumers are accustomed to having.

There are any number of questions that must still be addressed about the future of gasoline consumption in America and alternative fuel options that will come to the forefront in the next decade or two. With even the most hopeful of estimates giving the planet only 40 years until crude oil, along with the fuels derived from it, is effectively dried up, there is no doubt that some major changes will have to be made to the future design and powering of new vehicles.

There are very few people that enjoy visiting the gas station these days. Most people are taxing their budget in order to meet their gasoline consumption. This has led to an increase in the need for alternative fuel choices. It also means that more people are relearning how they drive and learning how to lower their fuel consumption. There is no easy way to get around that the world needs gas but you can change how often you need it by learning to drive conservatively.

To find out how you can cut your gas costs: "Click Here Now"

Thursday, December 11, 2008

High Gas Prices Means Belt Tightening For Most Of Us

You would almost have to be a hermit in this day and age not to be aware of the significant increase in gas prices in the US during the last few years. This is true even for people who don't drive or don't own their own gasoline powered vehicles because even if they haven't experienced "future shock" when they fill up their empty gas tanks, they are still feeling the ramifications of higher gasoline prices.

Because virtually all goods that are purchased at stores are distributed by trucks that haul loads from the manufacturer to distribution warehouses, and eventually to the retail stores, the soaring price of gas has affected the price of consumer goods. Even with a small resurgence in the use of the railroads to move products across the country, there is still a need for trucking to get the items to the stores.

Not only are the prices of goods on the shelves of retail stores going up to help cover higher distribution costs, but many service type costs are increasing as well, especially those that use transportation as a significant part of the service. This is very clearly seen as postage rates have escalated, as well as shipping rates charged by services such as UPS and FedEx, as well as in higher ticket prices for air and bus travel.

This means that while the higher gas prices are encouraging people to shop online more and more often, when they have their packages shipped to them, they are still paying more for the convenience of having the items delivered to their home. While shopping from home can reduce overall gasoline consumption and perhaps even reduce the dependence on fossil fuels to a small degree, the fact is that as long as there is transportation involved at all in the transaction, somehow the high gasoline prices have to be compensated for and ultimately it is the consumer who is left to pay the bill.

If you are one of the many folk sick of paying these sky high prices for your gas "Click Here"

Another ramification of the ongoing increases of gas prices is the effect that this is having on the travel industry. Air fares are also on the increase as its not just car fuel tanks that are getting expensive to fill. As a result, consumers who are already feeling the pinch at the gas station and the supermarket are finding it harder and harder to come up with extra funds to travel. When they do travel, an increasing number of people are staying closer to home and exploring the sights locally.

In addition to the housing market already being in a slump because the real estate bubble burst, home prices in suburban areas are also declining because of the high gasoline prices. People want to move closer to their work and as a result there are more homes in the suburbs available and high availability leads to lower prices. At the same time, housing in more urban areas are becoming more sought-after, so prices are either holding or rising slightly in those areas.

There is simply no question that high gas prices have started to impact people in the United States and many have started to look at transportation differently and make changes in how they drive. Industry experts predict that gasoline prices will remain high and will most likely climb even higher and this in turn will mean that many industries will continue to be in a state of fluctuation; constantly changing to keep up with new demands of an economy that is so closely tied to the price of gasoline.

Gasoline prices are on everyone's minds these days. Most people have had to double their weekly budgeted amount of money so that they can fill their car's gas tanks. That means that there is less money for groceries, medical expenses and living expenses. The gas crisis has hit everyone's pockets. Unfortunately there is not an easy solution in sight for lowering gas prices. It may be time to take matters into your own hands and rethink how you drive. You may have to turn to alternative fuel sources. You have to educate yourself if you want to keep your budget.

To find out how you can cut your gas costs: "Click Here Now"

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

The Best High Performance Tires For Your Car For All Seasons

When you are driving around in your car, four things greatly impact your safety, your tires. And, unless you are lucky enough to live in the tropics, it's pretty likely that the seasons change where you're driving, bringing with them a shift in driving conditions. By purchasing a good set of all season tires you can avoid accidents and even save your own life! Good deason tires in good condition will help with your purse, so it is of utmost importance that you acquire a set and maintain them properly.

To maintain your tires properly, you need to do more than simply replace them as their treads begin to wear down. Tire maintenance requires more than this of you, but nothing that is too strenuous once you understand what needs to be done. Rotate them often, as this helps the wear to be even and ensure proper tire traction with th road. You should also drive properly to avoid damage to your tires. This means slow on dirt or gravel roads, do not run into curbs and be easy on turns. Quick turns and skidding all wears the tire out very quickly.

It is also necessary that you take your car into the shop for tire related maintenance. I can commiserate with care enthusiasts who would love to do everything themselves, including changing the tire themselves. Before getting started as a mechanic, I was just such an automobile do-it-yourselfer, and never went to a garage for anything that I didn't think was completely necessary.

You should not attempt to install the tire yourself. It requires an expert to change the tires properly. This is mainly due to the precision adjustments that are involved. The tires must be installed securely. This means that they are balanced properly, which you cannot ensure this without having specialized equipment.

Also, your tires will wear unevenly and have a much shorter lifespan, because more wear will be concentrated on less area. In then end, it is cheaper to get the professional to install it for you.

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Gasoline And Diesel Usage Still On The Increase

Gasoline and diesel are the two major types of petroleum fuels that are used in personal and commercial vehicles in the United States, and they are the primary products that are produced from the process of refining crude oil. In the year 2007, consumption of fuels in the US was approximately 142 billion gallons, which equates to an average of 390 million gallons being used each day.

Even though gas prices escalated considerably all through 2007 and during the course of 2008 as well, the demand for and consumption of gasoline and diesel has remained fairly constant. This fact simply serves to illustrate that even though the American consumer is unhappy, complains loudly, and is disgruntled with the high gasoline prices they encounter at gas stations, they are essentially unwilling to make significant changes in their lifestyles and are instead begrudgingly paying the higher prices at the pump.

Fed up paying silly prices for your gas? Find out how to half your costs: "Click Here"

This is also true of a great number of businesses as well. While the costs of gasoline and diesel continues to rise, which has driven up the expense of running fleets of company cars and trucks, the fact of the matter is that there has not been much effort put toward discovering or creating viable alternatives, even in light of the increase in fuel costs.

For the most part, there seems to be a somewhat lackadaisical sentiment on the part of many businesses that are confronted by higher fuel costs. Many companies simply chalk up the rising fuel costs to the "cost of doing business" and pass their increased costs along to the consumers. As a result, high inflation is rearing it ugly head in an economy that has enjoyed many years of minor inflation.

Retail prices of gasoline and diesel are primarily governed by the price of crude oil, as well as the level of supply of these fuels as compared to the current demand for them. In recent years, there has not only been a strong continued demand for the various petroleum products that the world depends on, but the demand has been increasing across the globe as other countries have become more and more dependent on gasoline powered vehicles. In China, their gasoline consumption has reached and all-time high.

Even during times when the price of crude and the demand is relatively steady, there are still fluctuations that are seen in the price of gasoline and diesel, which is due to seasonal supply and demand, as well as competition amongst local retail fuel stations. At the same time, gas prices can change quite abruptly and spike quickly if something happens that seriously disrupts the supply of available crude oil for processing, such as problems at refineries or if the delivery pipelines are disabled.

Many of these factors came into play when hurricane Katrina hit the US in 2005, which was an event that seemed to exacerbate the already rising prices of gasoline and diesel. Until there are viable alternative fuels that are affordable, efficient and widely available, there does not seem to be any end to the reliance that the United States and the world has on crude oil products.

Soaring gasoline prices are on everyone's mind these days. At one time you may have been able to fill up your tank for less than $50 but those times are long gone and no one knows if gas will ever reach those prices again. But there are ways that you can save your budget. There are alternative fuels and driving practices that can keep you away from the gas pumps. It is going to take some reading on your part but it is well worth it in the end.

If you want to learn how to cut down the amount you spend on gas: "Click Here Now"

Gasoline Tax Designed For Highway Maintenance

It seems that high gasoline prices have not only arrived in America, but these new, higher prices are here to stay. Because of the jump in the price of gasoline over the last few years, many people are now scrutinizing the different elements that make up the final price they pay at the pump. They wonder why the gasoline tax has to be so high when skyrocketing oil prices already have consumers against the ropes when it comes to filling up their fuel tank and trying not to burst the family budget.

The fact is that gas taxes are quite unpopular throughout the United States, even though when compared to what other countries pay, the rates are quite modest. And, when compared with gas tax rates paid in the US during the 1950s, even after adjusting for inflation, the tax rates on gas are considerably lower now than they were then.

If you want to lower your gas costs "Click Here"

There are many who say that of all of the various taxes that are paid by a US citizen, the gasoline tax is one of the most fair taxes and most efficient as well. The primary purpose of gas taxes are to raise revenue for building and maintaining public roadways and it is considered fair because those who drive the most, and therefore cause the most wear and tear on the roads and highways, are those who end up paying the most in gas taxes.

The efficiency of the taxes on gasoline comes into play when the revenues from the current gasoline taxes are consistently less than the amount of funding needed to provide the needed upkeep on the roadways in a certain jurisdiction. Therefore, it is a fairly easy and straightforward matter to simply adjust the gas tax to a higher level to make up for the shortfall. Even for those who are not economists, this makes intuitive sense and quickly resolves funding issues for something as fundamental as roads.

Depending on where you live in the US, the percentage of taxes included in the price of gasoline can vary quite a bit. This is because there is more than one jurisdiction in any given region that has the authority to levy a gas tax. The federal government will recover a certain percentage of every gallon of gas that is sold through the gas stations throughout the nation. These collected funds are used to maintain the interstate highways and structures such as bridges, which are built and maintained by federal agencies.

In addition, most states in the Union also impose a state gasoline tax, plus there is often a county and a city gas tax added into the cost of a gallon of gas as well. These funds are then used by the various jurisdictions to construct new roads and to maintain existing roadways and bridges. This allows people to enjoy safe and smooth roadways so that they can freely drive from one side of town to another, as well as from one side of the country to the other.

There is not too many places you can go to in the world today and not hear a discussion on the gasoline crisis that grips everyone. Gas prices are in a constant state of flux. People are spending more and more of their paychecks on filling the tank of their vehicle. There is not much you can do about the price of gas but there are ways you can change your life so that gas prices do not have such a stranglehold on your budget. By learning all you can about saving gas and alternative fuels you will be doing a great part.

To find out how you can cut your gas costs: "Click Here Now"

Monday, December 8, 2008

VW California By Jon Barlow

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As I sit here in my dingy subterranean office (well almost, there’s certainly no window to speak of!) I couldn’t prevent my mind from wandering. Initially my thoughts turned towards the weather which has been frankly awful for a number of summers now. I can remember a time when me and my little collection of pals would pack a few items (mainly beer and instant noodles!) and head off on a Friday after work for a spot of camping.

The summers seemed never ending with sunburn for everyone, due to lack of protection, which nearly led to another story but I won’t go there! Copious amounts of warm cider (West Country Lads) were consumed. This usually resulted in some pretty degenerate behaviour and got us thrown out of numerous campsites! A record I’m not proud of as you can imagine.

A recent attempt to recreate those days made me realise that my wife was far from enjoying herself. You know freezing to death at night, unbearably hot by 6am the next morning. Warm lager for breakfast, uneasy silence for the entire 3 hour journey home, that sort of thing! Surely I thought we must be able to enjoy ourselves without coming to blows. I suddenly had a moment of clarity and remembered the legend of the Volkswagen Camper!

I should have considered this before when looking back at teenage experiences of damp tents and freezing showers. I remember it was a 1974 type 2 1.6L , a Devon conversion I think although no doubt some VW fanatic will correct me on this statement. What I do know is that my Stepdad bought it from a lorry driver and the next day several generations of my family embarked on a journey of discovery that ended about ten miles away when a few valves in the engine decided that they had enough of life.

Luckily my Stepfather was quite mechanically minded and we were able to fit a reconditioned engine. Regrettably our problems did not end here and over a number of years a pattern emerged of family holidays starting out all smiles and I-spy games, only to end prematurely on the back of an AA recovery truck. I seem to recall we were on first name terms with some of the AA patrol men.

I remember one year in particular I was somehow deemed to be responsible enough to be left at home whilst my parents went away virtually dragging my long suffering sister with them along with some French student by the name of Gaston or Christophe. Yes! I thought a week of partay-ing for me. Imagine my horror when only a few hours later the all too familiar flashing orange lights of an AA truck appeared through the curtains with the smouldering remains of the camper on the back. It was quite serious this time as it had caught fire in the car park of the Swansea Leisure Centre. Luckily the plucky French lad had managed to extinguish the flames by using a shaken bottle of lemonade as an improvised fire extinguisher, (a handy tip to remember) thus preventing an inferno. The poor old camper looked rather forlorn though complete with blackened air intakes and a melted distributor amongst other things and another holiday had been cruelly cut short.

It is a great relief that new VW camper vans are infinitely more reliable than the last generation. The California is the latest incarnation and having recently checked one out they are the business. With car-like performance and luxury interiors you could happily spend the rest of your days languishing away in one of these.

Some say they don’t have the soul of the good old air-cooled VW’s. True there are a few die-hards who spend hours removing rust from their beloved vans you may encounter many in North Devon during the summer months holding all the traffic up!

However after recounting the above tales I know which one I’d go for. Don’t take my word for it though there are plenty of specialist VW Van centres who will point you in the right direction.

 

Just keeping up with the competition. Lexus IS 250

Lexus is a name that is very easy on the tongue and seems that it took some long and hard effort to coin it. It sounds perfect and perhaps too perfect to the point of being unable to evoke real driver emotion.

The IS 250 range is the entry level model which hopes to compete directly against the German offerings BWM 3 series, Mercedes C class and Audi A4. Although the IS has been around since 1998 and is only in its second generation, it has done a steady job technically and does not lag behind the big three.

All in all there are three main choices for the IS range namely IS250 (153 KW) , IS 220d (130 KW) and the IS350(228 kW). Sports version IS-F which is a 311 KW V8 as well as a drop-top models IS250/350C complete the line up.

South Africa has at present only the IS range with pricing starting at R328 900.00 (manual) with the  most expensive model being R410 700.00 (SE auto). In general the IS250 is a good car and technically perfect as it was indented but for some reason the human elements seem to have been left behind.

Firstly the engine options for the IS250. The entry R328 900.00 price is arguably okay for a 153kw engine but how would Lexus justify paying R420 000 for exactly the same engine?

Furthermore the difference to put it in very simple terms between the models costing R330 000.00 and R420 000.00 is really just extras for comfort and convenience. These are better headlamps, Electronic Multi Vision display with dvd navigation, seat heating, park distance control, Mark Levinson digital surround audio system, memory for seats and steering configuration. Nice and cool gadgets but what if a particular individual would rather compromise DVD navigation and smart headlamps for a more powerful engine?

Besides the odd(in my opinion) pricing arrangement, the rear seats are also a little too cramped. In fact some owners of the car feel the IS range is overall noticeably smaller than its German competitors.

Now the most important talking point, the exterior design. IS 250 very much bears similar looks to the Mazda 6 , infact one can say the Mazda was insipired by Lexus. This is where things get odd for the Lexus IS. If the car was launched without the L badge it would be a little difficult to identify it as a competitor to the 3 series or C-class never mind as a Lexus. The car looks too sporty and with very little hints towards elegance and seriousness.

In the end you have a technically perfect car that wins quality surveys, does not break down nor causes any controversy in its styling but just a little odd to normal people. Normally people would expect at least a power increase if paying close R100 000 more on the base model. Space inside the Lexus IS would be a concern considering that competition has this aspect covered. And finally people expect a car at this price range to look the part without needing its badge.

In its pursuit for perfection Lexus has then produced a car which is a little removed from the driver and fails to invoke genuine excitement.

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Is Paintless Dent Removal An Art?

paintless dent removal

In the last decade or so, the car repairing business has grown tremendously. As of today, some of the auto repair companies and shops employ proven ways of dent repair including the pervasively used PDR technology or Paintless Dent Removal. But then, many of the other auto repair companies continue using the old methods, which are expensive and time consuming. As a result, the cost of repairing car dents has also increased significantly. Removing dents for your car at a local car repair shop can cost you easily a couple hundred Pounds. If you multiply that by four or five, which is the number of times your car will get dented over time then you will end up paying anywhere between £200.00 and £700.00 annually. For something as small as a dent, that is definitely very pricey.

This is where PDR or paintless dent removal technology can be useful. Acutally, Paintless dent removal is not really a technology; rather it is more of an art. Paintless dent removal has been in existence for quite some time by now, and it is a common choice for local car dealerships for fixing used cars. The main aim is to create revenue through used cars. The auto dealerships are able to save money while at the same time cause the car to appear as it is brand new. A shining new surface will any day bring in more money and hence these used cars get sold at higher prices than their actuall worth. The bottom line is that paintless dent removal is the mode of repairing small dings and dents by gently rubbing them out with metal bars, which are normally inserted and applied from behind.

The majority of the paintless dent removal specialists are trained specially in [usingthe use and application of] tools, which are similar to pry bars, mirrors, and special type of lights. They have to slowly rub the dent in a special manner so that it goes back to its original shape. Although this may sound like a prehistoric way of dent repair but in acutal fact it is tremendously in saving money and repairing the dent or ding. Furthermore the entire process takes no more than twenty to thirty minutes and the end result is no less than amazing.


Steve Magill, who is the managing director of LVV Services Ltd., attests that the paintless dent removal process is a specialized art which will help save you money, time, and energy and at the same time efficiently and effectively repair the dents and dings for your vehicle.

Saturday, December 6, 2008

Fantastic Ways To Increase Gas Mileage Starting Now

As gas prices jump up and down like a kid having a temper tantrum, many people are looking for an end to the madness.I don't know about you but I have more important things to think about then what gas station has the cheapest gas.  With that being said, finding ways to increase gas mileage is a good way to pinch a few pennies.

In our search for ways to increase gas mileage, there are several things that we can do.  For starters, we can concentrate on driving a little bit slower.  Continuing, we can check and make sure that are brakes are not sticking which will cause more drag on the engine.  Another thing that we can check out is the air pressure in our tires and make sure it is correct.And finally, it is a very good idea to keep your car service as specified by your manufacturer.  All of these things will go a long way in our fight to save a little extra cash at the pump.

Sometimes though, doing what is recommended is just not enough when finding ways to increase gas mileage.  With the latest technological advances it is now possible to increase your gas mileage by up to fifty percent.  There is a technology that has garnered a lot of attention that utilizes gas and distilled water to run an engine.

With it's popularity on the rise, still, there are quite a few individuals who have never heard of this technology.  This whole thing works by putting a device called a Hydrogen generator on your cars engine.  The generator is a small device that easily fits under the hood and mixes water and gas to from a vapor called Hydrogen Oxygen or HHO.  With this new mixture, our cars and trucks will become more efficient allowing us to see great improvements in fuel economy.

Another great thing that these types of generators have to offer or their positive indicators on our environment.With your car using less gas, it's emissions will be less leading to less polutant's in the environment.  Another added bonus is that your engine will have a longer life due to the limited amount of carbon build up on your engine.

Do me a favor, relax a moment and think of what you could buy if you were saving nearly 50 percent on your gas expenditures.Were you aware that you could pocket hundreds of dollars in savings if you'll only use this technology?  As I am sure you can guess, a Hydrogen gas saver is becoming very popular as one of the many ways to increase gas mileage and save at the pump.  Keep this in the back of your mind the next time you find yourself getting angry after paying a boatload to fill up your car.

Secrets About The Car Running On Water

Video demonstrating a water powered car

This public patent for making a car that runs strictly on water is said to work. A company from Korea recently announced a way of using a certain chemical reaction that will make it possible to run a car fully on water - however a popular magazine dismissed the concept as science fiction. A man in 1935 actually demonstrated running a car on water for a crowd of people that has been historically noted and we all know that hydrogen is a legitimate source of energy.

But is this really something that can work? But why not. Today many people who are sick of the high gas prices are using this invention to convert their regular cars to hybrid cars. This highly depends on the type of vehicle you use. This entire process my take some time and you will need some patience - if you can try it on an older car first, not your family car.

This is not a source of free energy - you will need to pay for the water. It is normal to reach up to 50 miles with just one gallon of water - however with some minor adjustment the milage can be increased substantially. The system consists of creating your own electrical power base and using it to create fuel, which is HHO. Then the gas is injected into the injector pump which allows the car to run. Actually there is no real reason why it shouldn't work. The process of water fuel conversion is actually pretty simple.

It is safer than using any other fuels that are on the market today and is definitely safer for the environment. Remember that it will be good for the environment and future generations when using a water powered car. This car will burn hydrogen instead of fuel. It will be a relief for the environment because less toxic chemicals emerge.

Often the objection is that tis technology is nothing more than steam energy. You are not using high pressure for producing the steam. Unlike a steam engine, this water operated car has a more internal combustion system that uses steam as the by product. It is not a steam engine.

If you want to know how you can use this technology at home without spending a fortune read one the available reviews of water fuel cell kits online. There are many options available today.

Friday, December 5, 2008

Getting A Defensive Driving Certificate

defensive driving certificate

Many people do not practice defensive driving or safe driving. As a result, they wind up with many tickets and lost points on their driver's license. These people often have the opportunity to take a defensive driving course to obtain a defensive driving certificate that they can use to counteract the lost points on their drivers license. These courses also help them to obtain the necessary skills to learn to drive more defensively.

Since a certificate in defensive driving can be obtained through home-based online training, more and more people are starting to realize that this idea is indeed practical. An online driving school can help you save money and time, while teaching you how to improve your driving record. If, for some reason, you have lost points on your driving record, then defensive driving training is definitely your ticket. This is also one way of dismissing your traffic tickets or reducing your fines.

Most companies today that deal with internet-based defensive driving lessons consider the busy lives of their customers. That is why these companies are willing and able to cater to the needs of their clients, be it through emails or toll-free telephones. The staff members are also well-trained to answer important questions from clients. Right after the successful completion of the course, the driving certificate will be emailed or sent immediately to the enrollee.

Like any other driving school, an online defensive driving school will teach you how to improve your driving skills and make you a better, defensive driver. All driving schools have similar goals, and those are to help you dismiss your driving fines, place positive driving points to your driving record, reduce your auto insurance and refresh your driving skills.

Online driving courses are great for obtaining a defensive driving certificate. They eliminate the need to arrange for transportation to and from a driving school and the courses are simple, allowing you to work at your own pace throughout. The online courses are very similar to the classroom based courses. Because of the advanced technology of most of these courses, you can learn to deal with hazards and situations that are incredibly realistic.

If obtaining a defensive driving certificate is your concern, then you may want to consider enrolling in an online driving school. There are hundreds of sites to choose from, so compare one school to another and understand the benefits of each. Just make sure they are approved and licensed by your state. The cost may be quite expensive, but the things you'll learn will be indispensable. Enjoy learning comfortably at your own pace and in your own time. With an online driving course, learning has never been so convenient, fun and easy.

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Begin Purchasing Hybrid Cars

hybrid pickup trucks

Earth Day occurs each year, and is the one day that everyone across the country tries his or her best to help save the planet.  Although it's only one day in the year, that one day can and does go some way towards changing attitudes and opinions to the environment and to the way in which we can minimize our impact and our carbon footprint.  Each year, several stores give away "green" products that help conserve energy and almost every major corporation around decides to air commercials urging the residents of the world to reduce the amount of energy consumed. 

While these celebrations are occurring all around the world, people are looking for more ways to make a permanent impact for the good to save the planet.Every year, thousands or vehicles are made.  These additional cars add more smog to the air, as they continue to use outdated petrol engines and burn fossil fuels.  With all of the additional cars that are produced each year, there is also a surge in the number of hybrid car sales, which is leading to a revolution in the car market as more and more buyers turn to more environmentally appropriate methods of getting from A to B.

Each year this surge in Ford Escape hybrid provides more drivers with the opportunity to do their part at cleaning up the environment.  While the ability to help reduce the amount of smog in the atmosphere is always a great incentive, the cost of the vehicles is also quite prohibitive for the average car purchaser. 

The mortgage industry is helped by the government by offering mortgages that are insured at reduced rates to assist families to qualify to own homes.  If the government branched this idea of thinking to the automotive industry imaging the results that could be realized in a few short years, with increased production capacities of these greener vehicles ultimately leading to less pollution and less damage to our environment.

Meeting certain guidelines, government mortgages work in a way when the home bought is within a certain price range.  If a similar program was developed that offered special discounts in financing charges for those consumers looking to purchase a hybrid vehicle, it would inevitably make the purchase more affordable and more desirable for families on tight budgets and looking to improve the environment at the same time. 

Our government would be able to insure vehicle loans, and become more affordable for many drivers.  With programs looking to assist those in purchasing more environmentally friendly vehicles, it would make the dream of car ownership more affordable for many. 

By helping consumers purchase more energy efficient vehicles, there is a reduction in the amount of gasoline and oil consumed, as well as a decrease in the number of vehicles that are adding to the pollution problem.  To assist the program in starting it would be possible for the government to decide upon one specific day when the government subsidized loans for hybrid vehicles. 

Assuming the program is successful, which there is no reason to suggest wouldn't be the case, then the government could expand the program to help more consumers purchase environmentally friendly vehicles, as well as help preserve the planet one car at a time.  Many people do not realize how long it takes to make up the difference in the expenses between a hybrid car, and the price of gas.  If often takes driving a hybrid car for 5 years or more in order to be able to break-even on the expense of the hybrid car, but by using subsidies we can help what is already a dire situation and start to actually improve the environment in which we live. It can be possible to see savings sooner by using government sponsored programs to reduce interest rates.

Why You Should Consider Defensive Driver Training?

traffic schools

Responsible driving is not just getting behind the wheel and cruising along. There is much more involved than that. You must be constantly aware of your surroundings and safety should be your first priority. Reckless driving accounts for hundreds of thousands of deaths every year on the roads. Defensive driver training in a driving class can help you to understand the importance of driving defensively.

Anybody can take defensive driving courses that are offered at most traffic schools. In order to avoid losing points caused by driving violations, most states in the US have provided a defensive driving course that can be taken in a classroom setting or at an online defensive driving school. Drivers who undergo this type of training were once required to be present in driving schools; however, these days, online courses are readily available. Generally, defensive driving simply requires the discipline and proper mindset of the driver.

A defensive driver knows that he should be more careful and watchful on the road. Although this sounds easy, learning how to drive defensively demands a lot of practice until the driver finally realizes what proper driving is all about. Drivers are somewhat expected to be already aware of the basics of driving even before he or she tries to learn defensive driving. Defensive driving is about knowing and understanding the proper, safety defensive driving techniques. Once this is achieved, drivers are able to better predict or identify possible dangers on the roads and take immediate actions that are needed in particular situations.

Defensive driver training means getting rid of old habits that may endanger yourself or those around you. You also need to learn new habits to participate in defensive driving. Most driving courses teach drivers the basics of automobile functions. However, each car is different. In order to be safe, drivers must familiarize themselves with their own vehicles and know where each and every switch and lever is.

Another consideration should be the emergency functions of your vehicle. Knowing how and when to operate the emergency functions is taught in traffic schools that teach defensive driver training. Avoiding any danger on the road may someday be dependent on knowing these things. There are a wide variety of different types of driving courses today, so finding one that suits you should not be very difficult.