The truck is the most popular vehicles nowadays. Not only it is essential in daily activities, but people are finding it more convenient to use for businesses. To personalize or to customize their trucks, there are exterior and interior truck accessories. These accessories are not only to improve the appearance of the trucks, but also to enhance their performance.
Basically, there are two types of truck accessories. The first type is those that you get only for the intention of improving how you truck looks, for aesthetics. The second type of truck accessories are those that will improve your trucks performance and make it more functional. Aside from this two types, you could also categorize truck accessories into exterior and interior accessories.
Exterior accessories, most of the time, is meant to improve the appearance of your truck. Among the most popular exterior accessories are bumpers, emblems, graphics, fender flares, grille guards, mirrors, hoods, racks and cargo accessories, running boards, roll pans, tool boxes, visors, tire covers, wings, spoilers and a lot more. These accessories can give your truck a whole new look depending on what you are after.
When getting exterior accessories, think about what would go with your truck’s basic lines. When adding exterior accessories, it is meant to complement your truck’s existing features and not make it look cluttered. There are many truck owners who would often times forget that less is more, in terms of aesthetics.
Interior accessories, on the other hand, is all about giving you comfort while on the road. They are cargo trays, cargo liners, console and racks, seat covers, pet accessories, wheel covers, door accessories, floor mats, dash covers and similar items.
The options are endless. You could buy accessories not only from the original manufacturer of your car, but there are also suppliers who are independent from the manufacturers. Some truck owners find it difficult to start buying accessories for their cars because they do not know what to get.
A truck owner should first decide for what purpose is the truck improvement. Is it for the improving the truck’s appearance or performance? After answering this question, it would be easier for them to identify what they need for their truck. It would always help truck owners to do some research before actually buying accessories. Truck accessories could be expensive and you do not want to get something that you would not be using because it does not go well with your expectations.
Both interior and exterior truck accessories could definitely give your truck a classy look within your preference and budget. You could always buy accessories from online stores since it is more convenient and saves more on time and effort. When buying at online stores, always keep in mind to do research first before making any purchase. Research about the product you have in mind and about the online store where you are buying the accessories. Be sure to check on warranties, money-back guarantees, and kind of customer service being provided.
Interior and exterior truck accessories have their purpose. Using popular accessories would help increase your truck’s value and at the same time, give you comfort for any long drive or day ahead.
What To Keep In Mind When Buying Truck Accessories Online
Everything seems to be available on the internet. You do not have to leave your home to do grocery shopping, you could place an order about any electrical equipment online. Even car and truck accessories could be available on the internet.
More and more people are opting for trucks. In 2007, the Automotive News Data Center reported that there were 8,269,351 trucks and SUVs sold. Pick-up trucks are among the leading automotives in the market. It is not just used for commuting, trucks are also used even for heavy-duty work.
Along with the popularity of trucks, truck accessories also popular. During the 1990s, truck accessories slowly became popular in the market. Truck owners were showing dissatisfaction on the appearance of trucks manufactured. Since trucks during that time were mainly for light-work, they would need some reinforcement to support them when performing heavy duty.
Add-ons like truck accessories were produced by independent suppliers. Later on, seeing the demand of truck accessories and the need for truck owners to customize their trucks according to their needs and preferences, truck manufacturers started to manufacture accessories too. Truck accessories manufactured could be to improve both the interior and exterior parts of the truck.
Local stores are great places to check for truck accessories. But there are surveys conducted showing that most consumers nowadays would first search the internet for products before making any purchase. Consumers tend to scout for options in their homes first, to get how much they are going to spend and what is the quality of the item.
For some, buying items over the internet will save the customers time and effort. However, making online purchases could be a little tricky. If you would prefer to buy truck accessories over the internet, then there are some things that you would have to understand and follow.
• When checking products and prices, always check a number of products so that you could compare the best features of the accessories. Compare prices, guaranties and customer service they would be offering. There are suppliers who would offer installation for an addition fee. So, if the item that you will be getting is something you would have to install yourself, then you would have to fully understand the installation process.
• Check for the guaranty or any money-back policies. There are suppliers who would only accept returned items after thoroughly inspecting the receipt and the item,
• Look for truck accessory websites that are offering a safe way of paying the products, like the use of encryption. Credit and billing information could be very sensitive, so make sure that you will be shopping in a secured site.
• Always do your homework, do some research before you go ahead and make the purchase. Before you close a deal, it would be better to establish a verbal contact with the buyer. This would give you enough confidence to go ahead for the sale.
Truck accessories could be expensive sometimes, which makes it a very valuable investment. Before making any purchase, you would have to ensure that you would have all the necessary information that you need to make a guided decision.
More and more people are opting for trucks. In 2007, the Automotive News Data Center reported that there were 8,269,351 trucks and SUVs sold. Pick-up trucks are among the leading automotives in the market. It is not just used for commuting, trucks are also used even for heavy-duty work.
Along with the popularity of trucks, truck accessories also popular. During the 1990s, truck accessories slowly became popular in the market. Truck owners were showing dissatisfaction on the appearance of trucks manufactured. Since trucks during that time were mainly for light-work, they would need some reinforcement to support them when performing heavy duty.
Add-ons like truck accessories were produced by independent suppliers. Later on, seeing the demand of truck accessories and the need for truck owners to customize their trucks according to their needs and preferences, truck manufacturers started to manufacture accessories too. Truck accessories manufactured could be to improve both the interior and exterior parts of the truck.
Local stores are great places to check for truck accessories. But there are surveys conducted showing that most consumers nowadays would first search the internet for products before making any purchase. Consumers tend to scout for options in their homes first, to get how much they are going to spend and what is the quality of the item.
For some, buying items over the internet will save the customers time and effort. However, making online purchases could be a little tricky. If you would prefer to buy truck accessories over the internet, then there are some things that you would have to understand and follow.
• When checking products and prices, always check a number of products so that you could compare the best features of the accessories. Compare prices, guaranties and customer service they would be offering. There are suppliers who would offer installation for an addition fee. So, if the item that you will be getting is something you would have to install yourself, then you would have to fully understand the installation process.
• Check for the guaranty or any money-back policies. There are suppliers who would only accept returned items after thoroughly inspecting the receipt and the item,
• Look for truck accessory websites that are offering a safe way of paying the products, like the use of encryption. Credit and billing information could be very sensitive, so make sure that you will be shopping in a secured site.
• Always do your homework, do some research before you go ahead and make the purchase. Before you close a deal, it would be better to establish a verbal contact with the buyer. This would give you enough confidence to go ahead for the sale.
Truck accessories could be expensive sometimes, which makes it a very valuable investment. Before making any purchase, you would have to ensure that you would have all the necessary information that you need to make a guided decision.
A Woman's Point of View: Let's Talk Belts!
by Colette Cooley, Cars for Keeps Office ManagerFor the fashion conscious woman, this is the time of year that our minds turn to our summer wardrobe. Let’s talk belts. There are fashion belts, designer belts, utilitarian belts, chastity belts, cloth belts, leather belts, bejeweled belts, girdle belts, and the list goes on. How about serpentine belts?
No, they are not snakes wrapped around the waist. The serpentine belt is a long, continuous, multi-grooved belt that drives several devices in the engine, such as, the alternator, A/C compressor, air pump and water pump. It increases mechanical efficiency and reduces the load on the engine and increases fuel economy and power. This very important belt must be checked regularly for wear and breakage. If it breaks in two, it can act like a weed whip and do a pretty thorough job of chewing up engine parts.
Other belts include the vee belt, the ribbed belt, and timing belts. The vee belt is the basic belt for power transmission. The ribbed belt is also a transmission belt that has a long life, stability and reduced vibration. The timing belt is used instead of chains and gears, is less noisy and does not need to be lubricated. They are used in the camshaft and are the most efficient at transferring power.
If maintained properly and chanced at proper intervals, these belts help your car remain healthy and reliable. If left without maintenance, many of these belts can become brittle and cause moderate to extensive damage. At Cars For Keeps your belts are checked for wear every time you get your oil changed. You will be advised if you should get a new belt now, or if it just needs to be checked again soon.
Personal note: I wish they came in colors, but basic black does go with everything!
Timely Assist From Truck Accessories
Although driving is considered an enjoyable activity there are certain elements that may tilt the positive experience down to the depressing side. There are instances wherein the unpredictability of driving comes into the picture. A flat tire may put you on hold for a while which is quite alarming when you’re in the middle of nowhere. A scratch or dent on your beloved truck or SUV can really tick you off. These are the situations when you just hit yourself on the head so hard while making a mental note of getting the appropriate accessories.
Air compressors are important companions especially when planning to go on a tricky off-road adventure. It’s not only for the undesirable predicament of a flat tire but also for keeping the pressure of your tires on the right gauge. You can also use it to inflate those tubes and floating devices when in the beach having a weekend fun. There is a wide list of top of the line air compressors in the market. Designs include oil-free and gearless features with the addition of reliability and easy mounting. Most of the compressors out on the shelves run on around 12 volts which makes it easier to integrate such accessory on the vehicle’s system.
After spending a lot of time in the office you just want quality time with friends and family in areas that can allow you to escape the noise and pressure of the urban jungle so you head off to nature’s abode and plan on biking on tricky contours and terrains. You can easily bring along your favorite two-wheel delight on this trip by purchasing a reliable bike rack which can be installed on your truck. Just make sure that when heading out to purchase you bike rack or carrier you choose the one that is light on the frame of your truck, one which does not affect the quality of your driving and more importantly the one which will give opportunistic thieves a hard time.
Driving incidents involving collisions can really be both heartbreaking and life-threatening thus you have to think of ways in order to strengthen the capacity of your vehicle to withstand such depressing incidents. Bull bars are one of the commonly used accessories by truck and SUV owners. It simply protects the central portion of your bumper and grille without encompassing the frontal image of your vehicle. There are features that allow for complete protection and mounting of other auxiliary lightings.
A close companion of bull bars are grille guards. These accessories provide your truck with the highest quality of protection particularly on the leading end. The built-in brush guard features ensure that delicate headlights are entirely shielded from any sort of collision.
Fender flares are the form of truck accessories that can allow the owner to hit two birds with one stone. First it can provide the vehicles with a look that will truly turn heads around and second it provides an extra clearance particularly for wheels that are beyond the stock size which are commonly seen in off-road vehicles.
Once you’ve decided to use up your monetary resource to enjoy the features of truck accessories make sure that you go with the quality of the material in terms of look, style, and durability. Most importantly bear in mind that what suits your personality is the best accessory for your ride.
Air compressors are important companions especially when planning to go on a tricky off-road adventure. It’s not only for the undesirable predicament of a flat tire but also for keeping the pressure of your tires on the right gauge. You can also use it to inflate those tubes and floating devices when in the beach having a weekend fun. There is a wide list of top of the line air compressors in the market. Designs include oil-free and gearless features with the addition of reliability and easy mounting. Most of the compressors out on the shelves run on around 12 volts which makes it easier to integrate such accessory on the vehicle’s system.
After spending a lot of time in the office you just want quality time with friends and family in areas that can allow you to escape the noise and pressure of the urban jungle so you head off to nature’s abode and plan on biking on tricky contours and terrains. You can easily bring along your favorite two-wheel delight on this trip by purchasing a reliable bike rack which can be installed on your truck. Just make sure that when heading out to purchase you bike rack or carrier you choose the one that is light on the frame of your truck, one which does not affect the quality of your driving and more importantly the one which will give opportunistic thieves a hard time.
Driving incidents involving collisions can really be both heartbreaking and life-threatening thus you have to think of ways in order to strengthen the capacity of your vehicle to withstand such depressing incidents. Bull bars are one of the commonly used accessories by truck and SUV owners. It simply protects the central portion of your bumper and grille without encompassing the frontal image of your vehicle. There are features that allow for complete protection and mounting of other auxiliary lightings.
A close companion of bull bars are grille guards. These accessories provide your truck with the highest quality of protection particularly on the leading end. The built-in brush guard features ensure that delicate headlights are entirely shielded from any sort of collision.
Fender flares are the form of truck accessories that can allow the owner to hit two birds with one stone. First it can provide the vehicles with a look that will truly turn heads around and second it provides an extra clearance particularly for wheels that are beyond the stock size which are commonly seen in off-road vehicles.
Once you’ve decided to use up your monetary resource to enjoy the features of truck accessories make sure that you go with the quality of the material in terms of look, style, and durability. Most importantly bear in mind that what suits your personality is the best accessory for your ride.
Buying New vs. Used Cars
Owning a brand new car is exciting. But financially speaking, it makes more sense to buy a used car. As soon as you drive a new car off the lot, it loses a great portion of its value. This is because your car is no longer “new”.
New cars lose about 40% of their value within 3 years, then depreciation starts to slow down. Why not buy a used car and allow someone else to take that depreciation hit?
The previous owner will have absorbed the steepest part of the depreciation cycle. At that point the costs of owning and operating the car will be reduced. The money you save on depreciation will surely go a long way.
Another benefit of buying used is lower cost. By buying used you pay less. You will also save on financing costs, insurance premiums, registration and licensing fees. You don’t have to worry about paying sales tax.
As with everything else there are a few downsides to buying a used car. There are greater chances for costly unwarranted repairs. You may very soon have to do major maintenance on your car, including replacing tires, battery, brakes, muffler, and perhaps even the transmission.
A used car is usually less reliable. You don’t know exactly what you’re getting into and how the previous owner treated the car. However, every situation is different and some used models may actually be far more reliable than some new ones.
If you can pay cash, go the new car way. Enjoy the feeling of knowing you're the original owner of a new car in mint condition. Nothing can replace that feeling.
Otherwise do not hang your hat higher than you can reach. Practice financial prudence. Save your money and comfort yourself knowing that one day you will be able to afford that dream car. One day when money is no object.
About The Author
Mantius Cazaubon offers a guide geared towards helping you find the best deals on reliable parts and accessories for your automobile at http://www.toyota-parts-guide.com/ Visit http://www.toyota-parts-guide.com/ for auto parts savings.
What To Do When a Cold Engine Is Hard To Start
Cold engines might experience problems at the time to start due to different reasons. One of these reasons can be based on the effect which cold has on liquids evaporation. When it is cold, gasoline evaporates less and this cause it to be more difficult to burn due to the fact that it is burnt when it is evaporated.
Another reason by which a cold engine might have problems to start is caused by the fact that oil becomes much thicker in cold than the way it is in hot. Oil, like any other liquid changes its consistency when it is exposed to very low temperatures as well as it changes back when it is in a very hot weather, and this might cause oil to have problems at the time of circulating in the car engine.
Besides the engine, car batteries might experience problems while being in cold weathers as well and this could affect the engine. Batteries function through chemical reactions which loose agility while being cold and therefore, in such circumstances, batteries don't function properly. When this happens, the car energy becomes affected and this causes problems for the engine start.
If these three problems happen together, starting an engine might become a really hard task to achieve. In order to overcome the lack of gasoline evaporation problem, you can spray ether into the engine which would evaporate quickly and help the engine start. Besides this, you can also to prevent having oil too thick which wouldn't circulate properly by using thin synthetic oils. You should also try to maintain the car isolated from cold as much as possible, but by using the two last mentioned methods you would experience much less problems at the time of staring the car in cold weather.
About The Author
Jakob Jelling is the founder of http://www.autorized.com/. Please visit his website to learn about auto maintenance, auto insurance, auto safety and much more!
Car Rental Guidelines
Rates for the same-size car can vary widely from company to company with extra costs nearly doubling the basic rental rate. Ask the reservation clerk to calculate the total cost of the rental, including such extras as mileage, insurance, taxes (including airport taxes if the pick-up point is at the airport) and any other charges. Get everything in writing and make sure you have a confirmation numbers. If you plan on extensive driving, get the unlimited mileage rate and watch for extra driver fees, unnecessary insurance coverage, etc.
Ask about special deals. If you're a member of AA, a travel club, a group or association, discounts might be available.
Insurance can cost from $5 to $15 a day. Review your car insurance policy. You might already be covered for a rental car. Some credit card companies offer free coverage to Gold Card holders.
Before picking up the car, make a brief visual inspection for nicks, dents, scratches, etc. If you don't spot them before you drive off, you may be responsible when the car is turned in.
When renting a car, you'll need a valid driver's license, proof of auto insurance and a major credit card. Some companies have a minimum age requirement.
About The Author
Jeff Anderson knows his rentals. He knows what to look for and what pitfalls to avoid. Let him guide you to finding out more about rentals. Contact him at Jeff@davidson-rentals.com or visit the blog at his site http://www.davidson-rentals.com/.
admin@davidson_rentals.com
Ask about special deals. If you're a member of AA, a travel club, a group or association, discounts might be available.
Insurance can cost from $5 to $15 a day. Review your car insurance policy. You might already be covered for a rental car. Some credit card companies offer free coverage to Gold Card holders.
Before picking up the car, make a brief visual inspection for nicks, dents, scratches, etc. If you don't spot them before you drive off, you may be responsible when the car is turned in.
When renting a car, you'll need a valid driver's license, proof of auto insurance and a major credit card. Some companies have a minimum age requirement.
About The Author
Jeff Anderson knows his rentals. He knows what to look for and what pitfalls to avoid. Let him guide you to finding out more about rentals. Contact him at Jeff@davidson-rentals.com or visit the blog at his site http://www.davidson-rentals.com/.
admin@davidson_rentals.com
What’s the new Honda Civic Coupe have to offer?
The 2005 Honda Civic sets the benchmark for reliability and resale value. Everyone seems to know this, but what’s new and what can you expect out of the new Civic Coupe?
The Honda Civic Coupe models range from the DX – Value Package, the HX – Lean burn machine, to the LX and the top of the line EX model. The DX model is the base Civic Coupe. It has the 115 hp engine and limited creature comforts. The HX is your high mileage lean burn car. The lean burn means you can get 36 MPG city and 44 MPG highway as opposed to the LX and DX 32 MPG and 38 MPG. The EX suffers a 37 MPG highway drop probably due to the more powerful 127 hp engine.
The EX gives you some little things like body colored mirrors, sunroof, memory seats, height adjustable seats, too, along with an illuminated ignition switch. Wheels are upgraded to 15” alloys and the EX also has a six-speaker system with a CD that can read MP3 files. While all these features are nice, most of the extra goes into getting the 16-valve SOHC V-tech engine.
Handling characteristics are based upon the double wishbone rear suspension and the 4 wheel independent suspension. This allows for better handling with the MacPherson struts in the front tied to a high steering ratio. Get ready to have some fun driving again. But don’t worry all models have front airbags. Most models are offered with front side air bags, too. ABS is standard on the EX, keeping the braking to a minimum, especially in wet or slippery conditions. Transmission is your choice of 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic, or the continuously variable on the HX model.
The interior is ergonomically designed with wide seats and easily located controls. The front seats have deep side bolsters to hold the driver in place during aggressive cornering. But, they are comfortable for daily driving and hauling around 4 of your friends. The rear seats fold down to haul long cargo. A sunroof is available only with the EX model.
The air conditioning has a filtration system. But AC is an option on the HX model.
Honda offers nice factory options to customize your new car. They include a rear deck lid spoiler, wing spoiler, aero kit, splashguards, trunk mat, and my favorite, a trunk apron. It covers the bumper and open area when you are loading and unloading things from your trunk.
The new Honda Civic is one of the new classics or our age. Relentless reliability coupled with amazing resale value gives a good-looking care even more appeal to new buyers.
About The Author
Stuart Simpson
Check out my pictures of the new red 2005 Honda Civic Coupe at
http://www.hondalinks.com/
The Honda Civic Coupe models range from the DX – Value Package, the HX – Lean burn machine, to the LX and the top of the line EX model. The DX model is the base Civic Coupe. It has the 115 hp engine and limited creature comforts. The HX is your high mileage lean burn car. The lean burn means you can get 36 MPG city and 44 MPG highway as opposed to the LX and DX 32 MPG and 38 MPG. The EX suffers a 37 MPG highway drop probably due to the more powerful 127 hp engine.
The EX gives you some little things like body colored mirrors, sunroof, memory seats, height adjustable seats, too, along with an illuminated ignition switch. Wheels are upgraded to 15” alloys and the EX also has a six-speaker system with a CD that can read MP3 files. While all these features are nice, most of the extra goes into getting the 16-valve SOHC V-tech engine.
Handling characteristics are based upon the double wishbone rear suspension and the 4 wheel independent suspension. This allows for better handling with the MacPherson struts in the front tied to a high steering ratio. Get ready to have some fun driving again. But don’t worry all models have front airbags. Most models are offered with front side air bags, too. ABS is standard on the EX, keeping the braking to a minimum, especially in wet or slippery conditions. Transmission is your choice of 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic, or the continuously variable on the HX model.
The interior is ergonomically designed with wide seats and easily located controls. The front seats have deep side bolsters to hold the driver in place during aggressive cornering. But, they are comfortable for daily driving and hauling around 4 of your friends. The rear seats fold down to haul long cargo. A sunroof is available only with the EX model.
The air conditioning has a filtration system. But AC is an option on the HX model.
Honda offers nice factory options to customize your new car. They include a rear deck lid spoiler, wing spoiler, aero kit, splashguards, trunk mat, and my favorite, a trunk apron. It covers the bumper and open area when you are loading and unloading things from your trunk.
The new Honda Civic is one of the new classics or our age. Relentless reliability coupled with amazing resale value gives a good-looking care even more appeal to new buyers.
About The Author
Stuart Simpson
Check out my pictures of the new red 2005 Honda Civic Coupe at
http://www.hondalinks.com/
How to Summerize Your Car
We go to great lengths to make sure our vehicles are ready for winter. Who wants to get stuck in sub-zero degree weather with a stalled car?
But what about during the summer? Believe it or not, the heat takes its toll on your car, too, so it’s important to keep your car serviced.
Periodic maintenance on your car will save you tremendous hassle in the long run. Your vehicle should last longer and command a higher resale price, too! I made it a point to get my car serviced according to the dealer’s schedule, and when I traded it in, I got far more than I expected due to the stellar condition of the engine.
Now I know this isn’t bedtime reading, but the owner’s manual can be your best friend – assuming you read it! At least take a look-through periodically. How about while you’re waiting to get your oil changed?
Follow the manufacturer's recommended service schedules. This could save you a major breakdown.
Have the air conditioning system looked over by a qualified technician. A check up here can save you a huge bill later.
The greatest cause of summer breakdowns is overheating. Prevent this problem by making sure the cooling system is flushed and refilled as recommended.
Have your car’s belts, clamps, and hoses checked by a technician. This only takes a few minutes and is usually inexpensive.
Change your oil and oil filter every 3,000 miles or four times a year.
Replace air and fuel filters as recommended.
Get plenty of windshield washer solvent – we have a tendency to use a lot of this in the winter, so your fluids may be low.
Tires should be rotated every 5000 miles or so.
Check the spare tire to make sure it’s inflated properly. Also, make sure you have a jack along with it!
Transmission troubles equal money troubles equal emotional troubles! Have your transmission serviced periodically, and prevent big-time repair bills.
If you notice that your brakes are less efficient, get them checked out right away.
Have your battery checked periodically to see how much life it has left!
Inspect all lights and bulbs to make sure they’re working.
Carry a first aid kit, flares, jumper cables, a flashlight, and a cell phone.
There you go – a simple list to keep your car in great running shape. Remember, your car needs to be maintained and checked over even in the summer.
Taking care of your car takes only a few minutes each month, and pays you big dividends for the life of your vehicle!
About The Author
Contributed by TheCarSites.com. Visit http://www.thecarsites.com/ for auto articles and news pertaining to the auto industry.
But what about during the summer? Believe it or not, the heat takes its toll on your car, too, so it’s important to keep your car serviced.
Periodic maintenance on your car will save you tremendous hassle in the long run. Your vehicle should last longer and command a higher resale price, too! I made it a point to get my car serviced according to the dealer’s schedule, and when I traded it in, I got far more than I expected due to the stellar condition of the engine.
Now I know this isn’t bedtime reading, but the owner’s manual can be your best friend – assuming you read it! At least take a look-through periodically. How about while you’re waiting to get your oil changed?
Follow the manufacturer's recommended service schedules. This could save you a major breakdown.
Have the air conditioning system looked over by a qualified technician. A check up here can save you a huge bill later.
The greatest cause of summer breakdowns is overheating. Prevent this problem by making sure the cooling system is flushed and refilled as recommended.
Have your car’s belts, clamps, and hoses checked by a technician. This only takes a few minutes and is usually inexpensive.
Change your oil and oil filter every 3,000 miles or four times a year.
Replace air and fuel filters as recommended.
Get plenty of windshield washer solvent – we have a tendency to use a lot of this in the winter, so your fluids may be low.
Tires should be rotated every 5000 miles or so.
Check the spare tire to make sure it’s inflated properly. Also, make sure you have a jack along with it!
Transmission troubles equal money troubles equal emotional troubles! Have your transmission serviced periodically, and prevent big-time repair bills.
If you notice that your brakes are less efficient, get them checked out right away.
Have your battery checked periodically to see how much life it has left!
Inspect all lights and bulbs to make sure they’re working.
Carry a first aid kit, flares, jumper cables, a flashlight, and a cell phone.
There you go – a simple list to keep your car in great running shape. Remember, your car needs to be maintained and checked over even in the summer.
Taking care of your car takes only a few minutes each month, and pays you big dividends for the life of your vehicle!
About The Author
Contributed by TheCarSites.com. Visit http://www.thecarsites.com/ for auto articles and news pertaining to the auto industry.
Best Negotiating Tips When Buying An Used Car
When you are trying to negotiate with a car dealer, you should know that they are very practiced in the art already. You will need to know how to get through their car speak in order to be successful.
Since you now know how to calculate your offer and already know what the dealer paid for it, you should get a copy of the paperwork from a friend that recently bought a car, so that you can become familiar with what you will see on your paperwork. They are all generally the same.
If you've followed the above mentioned tips, you will also be pre-approved for a loan. The key is for you to get in and out of the dealership as quickly as possible because the salesman will definitely find more loopholes to up your charges if you stay.
Here are a few tips to successful negotiating.
Remain positive and confident
Don't talk down to your opponent
Show up prepared and ready to counter anything that may come up
Bring ads from other dealerships with you as an extra weapon
Finance your loan before you arrive at the dealership so as to avoid paying unnecessary extra fees
Bring a friend with you for extra support
Something that you should look out for from salesmen is the extra little tricks that you will likely encounter that will try to force or rush into a buying decision.
You have to remember that they are trying to negotiate you into paying more money just as you are trying to negotiate paying less. Here are some of the things that you can expect to hear from them.
1. These cars are flying off of the lot. It may not be available for the same deal tomorrow. (Threaten to leave and they will ease up and try to change their strategy)
2. This deal is only good for today. If you come back tomorrow I can't guarantee that the deal will be the same.
3. I'm an honest man. Look at how many cars I've sold this weekend (This is where he will show you his list of sold cars. If he does this, then tell him that he doesn't need your money).
4. I hate to tell you this but I have another offer on the table from a man that is willing to pay more money than this. I am just waiting for his paperwork to be returned. (Tell him that if he promised the car to someone else, you don't want to step on someone else's toes and that you should leave then).
5. To cover the overhead costs, we have paid $13,000 for this car (Just check your paperwork in your folder and prove them wrong).
About The Author
Robert Smith
Find more articles and tips about buying an used car by visiting
http://www.buy-a-used-car-ez.com/
This article is available for reprint in your opt-in ezine, web site or ebook. You MUST agree not to make any changes to the article and the RESOURCE BOX MUST be included.
(c) 2002-2005 http://www.buy-a-used-car-ez.com/ All Rights Reserved
Factors That Affect Your Car Insurance Premium
Many factors affect the premium you will pay for auto insurance. Each is a statistically based risk for a specific population. The higher the risk associated with a person, the more he or she is likely to pay for coverage. We have elaborated on some of the risk factors below, but there are numerous others, including driver's gender, miles driven per year, purpose for using the vehicle (commuting to work, using for work, leisure only), etc.
Factors you CANNOT easily change that affect your car insurance rates:
. Age
Statistically, drivers under the age of 25 are at greater risk of being in an accident than those over age 25. Drivers between the ages of 50 and 65 generally have the safest records.
. Gender
Women are statistically safer drivers.
. Marital Status
A married person will pay less than a single person with an identical driving record. Factors you CAN change that affect your car insurance rates
. Geography
Where you live makes a difference. Folks living in areas with little or no traffic are likely to spend less on insurance than those living in congested cities or suburbs because areas with a lot of traffic tend to see more accidents. Some neighborhoods also have a higher rate of vehicle thefts, which can result in a higher premium.
. Driving Violations
Having an accident or moving violations on your record (speeding tickets, DWI, reckless driving, etc.) put you at a higher risk for accidents and will likely mean a higher premium. Some insurance companies will penalize you for your record for as many as five years from when the incident occurred. However, keep in mind, as your record improves, your premium will get lower.
. Vehicle Type
El cheapo car will cost less to insure than that status symbol SUV sitting on 24" rims baby.
. Accident Claims
A driving record that is clean and free of accidents will hold fare better for you than lots of tickets and/or accidents.
. Credit Rating
Many insurance companies view having a poor, or even no credit history as suggestive of higher risk and thus, charge you a higher premium.
. Occupation
Insurers have statistically found a correlation between your occupation and risk. For instance, a newspaper delivery person is most likely a higher risk than the personal banker sitting at their desk all day.
Other factors that help determine premiums:
Driving distance to work
Miles driven each year
Years of driving experience
Business use of the vehicle
Whether or not you currently have auto insurance
Theft protection devices (often results in discounts)
Multiple cars and drivers (another opportunity for discounts)
What can I do right now to make sure I have the lowest premium?
Shop around and compare quotes from different insurers. They base their premiums on their claims experiences, which naturally differ. One company may see your area as a higher risk than others may. Another may charge more because of your occupation. Shopping at http://www.carinsurance.com/ makes it easier because you can quickly see multiple companies and their rates for your particular situation.
Where do I go for quotes?
One stop can take care of it all. Go to http://www.carinsurance.com/ where you can receive multiple quotes, pick the best price, and then purchase. Get covered immediately on-line or over the phone. It REALLY is the easiest way to purchase car insurance.
About The Author
Jon Register is a representative of CarInsurance.com. You can visit CarInsurance.com at http://www.carinsurance.com/ or contact them at 1-877-327-8728.
CarInsurance.com's online insurance marketplace gives an opportunity to consumers and to insurance companies. We offer the ability to shop for car insurance online.
Consumers can receive quotes from many insurance companies, in some states you are able to purchase your insurance instantly, online. You don't have to drive your car to buy car insurance. Buy online...anytime!
Factors you CANNOT easily change that affect your car insurance rates:
. Age
Statistically, drivers under the age of 25 are at greater risk of being in an accident than those over age 25. Drivers between the ages of 50 and 65 generally have the safest records.
. Gender
Women are statistically safer drivers.
. Marital Status
A married person will pay less than a single person with an identical driving record. Factors you CAN change that affect your car insurance rates
. Geography
Where you live makes a difference. Folks living in areas with little or no traffic are likely to spend less on insurance than those living in congested cities or suburbs because areas with a lot of traffic tend to see more accidents. Some neighborhoods also have a higher rate of vehicle thefts, which can result in a higher premium.
. Driving Violations
Having an accident or moving violations on your record (speeding tickets, DWI, reckless driving, etc.) put you at a higher risk for accidents and will likely mean a higher premium. Some insurance companies will penalize you for your record for as many as five years from when the incident occurred. However, keep in mind, as your record improves, your premium will get lower.
. Vehicle Type
El cheapo car will cost less to insure than that status symbol SUV sitting on 24" rims baby.
. Accident Claims
A driving record that is clean and free of accidents will hold fare better for you than lots of tickets and/or accidents.
. Credit Rating
Many insurance companies view having a poor, or even no credit history as suggestive of higher risk and thus, charge you a higher premium.
. Occupation
Insurers have statistically found a correlation between your occupation and risk. For instance, a newspaper delivery person is most likely a higher risk than the personal banker sitting at their desk all day.
Other factors that help determine premiums:
Driving distance to work
Miles driven each year
Years of driving experience
Business use of the vehicle
Whether or not you currently have auto insurance
Theft protection devices (often results in discounts)
Multiple cars and drivers (another opportunity for discounts)
What can I do right now to make sure I have the lowest premium?
Shop around and compare quotes from different insurers. They base their premiums on their claims experiences, which naturally differ. One company may see your area as a higher risk than others may. Another may charge more because of your occupation. Shopping at http://www.carinsurance.com/ makes it easier because you can quickly see multiple companies and their rates for your particular situation.
Where do I go for quotes?
One stop can take care of it all. Go to http://www.carinsurance.com/ where you can receive multiple quotes, pick the best price, and then purchase. Get covered immediately on-line or over the phone. It REALLY is the easiest way to purchase car insurance.
About The Author
Jon Register is a representative of CarInsurance.com. You can visit CarInsurance.com at http://www.carinsurance.com/ or contact them at 1-877-327-8728.
CarInsurance.com's online insurance marketplace gives an opportunity to consumers and to insurance companies. We offer the ability to shop for car insurance online.
Consumers can receive quotes from many insurance companies, in some states you are able to purchase your insurance instantly, online. You don't have to drive your car to buy car insurance. Buy online...anytime!
Seven Steps to Filing Your Car Insurance Claim
Step 1: Understand your policy
Before a loss, sit down and carefully read your insurance policy.
Call your agent or company if you have any questions about what is or is not covered.
Step 2: Exchange information
If you are involved in an accident, get the other driver's name, address, phone number, insurance carrier, and insurer's phone number. Be prepared to give the same information about yourself to the other driver. You can find insurers' telephone numbers on the proof-of-insurance cards that should be carried on your person when operating a motor vehicle.
Step 3: Identify witnesses
Ask witnesses to the accident for their names and phone numbers in case their account of the accident is needed.
Step 4: File an accident report
Contact local law enforcement officers to have an accident report prepared. If law enforcement is not reachable, accident reports and detailed instructions are available at all police departments, sheriff's offices, your local Department of Motor Vehicles office, and on your local Department of Motor Vehicles' web site.
Step 5: Notify your insurer
Contact your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. An insurance adjuster will review the accident report to determine who caused the accident. If the accident was not your fault, you can have either your insurance company or the at-fault driver's insurance company handle the repair or replacement of your vehicle. If you use the other driver's company, you will not have a claim on your automobile policy and you will not have to pay a deductible.
Step 6: Do not release insurers too early
Do not relieve your insurance company of its responsibility until the damages are settled to your satisfaction. For example, have your insurance company handle the claim if the other party's insurance company questions its policyholder's negligence or offers an unacceptable settlement.
Step 7: Consider these settlement factors
Bodily injuries: You may be entitled to a monetary settlement for injuries caused by another at fault (liable) party. It can take several days for some injuries to become apparent.
Damages: The insurance company is responsible to pay for the reasonable cost of repairs to your vehicle. An insurance adjuster will assess the damage. Usually, insurance companies and auto body shops negotiate disagreements about what should be repaired. If you disagree with their conclusions, you have the right to obtain another appraisal at any auto body shop.
Appraisal clause: Most auto insurance policies include an appraisal clause, which can be used to help settle disputes about physical damage claims between you and your insurance company. (The appraisal clause does not apply for claims you file with the other party's insurance company.) If you cannot reach an agreement with your company, you or your insurer can initiate the appraisal clause. Your appraiser and your insurer's appraiser then select an independent umpire to try to resolve the dispute. Check your policy or ask your agent or insurance company for more information about the appraisal clause.
And that is it. While filing a claim is certainly no fun, following these seven steps will make the process almost as easy as getting free quotes and purchasing your car insurance at http://www.carinsurance.com/.
Visit http://www.carinsurance.com/ for your free quote
About The Author
Jon Register is a representative of CarInsurance.com. You can visit CarInsurance.com at http://www.carinsurance.com/ or contact them at 1-877-327-8728.
CarInsurance.com's online insurance marketplace gives an opportunity to consumers and to insurance companies. We offer the ability to shop for car insurance online.
Consumers can receive quotes from many insurance companies, in some states you are able to purchase your insurance instantly, online. You don't have to drive your car to buy car insurance. Buy online...anytime!
Truck Accessories Et Al
Man is a very unique creature. Individually, he persists all the time in order to make life better and easier. As a race, it has been consistently proven that he can bear with all the significant changes the environment has to offer. Throughout the periods of history man has equipped unrelenting wit and cunning in producing methods and mechanisms that will ensure his stance on top of the food chain. With this in mind let’s take a look at one of the greatest vehicular inventions known, the truck and its accessories.
Let’s first take a close peep at how the term truck came into being. It is actually known in different terms within the realms that speak the English language. In the US English scene it is called as truck but within the lands of the British English it is identified as a lorry. Nevertheless it is considered as a motor vehicle which is regularly utilized for the transport of various materials, commodities, goods, and even smaller vehicles like cars and motorcycles. It has also widened its purpose and has come in different forms such as those used for emergencies and casualties such as fire trucks and rescue trucks.
Now your common truck accessories are regarded as an aftermarket portion or part of the vehicle. These are placed on the truck for enhancement purposes in areas such as functionality and over-all impact and style. These accessories are also used in order to distinguish the end-product from the traditional Original Equipment Manufacturer or OEM pickup trucks. Moreover, such parts are supplementary mechanisms and gadgets to what is known as the cores or hard parts such as water pumps, radiators, and distributors. Examples of truck accessories are grille guards, auto carts, bed extenders, tonneau covers, truck tool boxes, and nerf bars.
The 90s has been considered as the era which shaped the truck accessorizing industry. Before this period, famed US manufacturers like Ford Motor Company, American Motors, Chrysler, and General Motors did not put too much attention on producing supplementary parts for light-duty vehicles. They usually had their eye on specialty mechanisms that are employed in order to enhance work outcomes and production. These are snowplows, lift gates, and spreaders.
But change occurs in a dynamic industry such as that of the automobile world so manufacturers had to adjust and innovate in order to cater various truck types and sizes that are growing more and more in number. When the extended cab came into the scene, trucks departed from their usual image and took on a more urban appeal. Trucks were now purchased not only for their heavy duty works but also for the styles each owner can proudly brag of.
The market took on a transformation and increased the demands of having a wide array of accessories to choose from. It was now time to get their trucks the proper look and form that will complement the owner’s personality. Truck-related products such as chrome fender trim, hood deflectors, and billet grilles hit the stands. Truck manufacturers also came up with the bolt-on technology in order to make accessorizing easier.
It’s a sure thing that more and more truck accessories will flood the market because of the ever growing demands of owners to make their trucks sparkle above the rest.
Let’s first take a close peep at how the term truck came into being. It is actually known in different terms within the realms that speak the English language. In the US English scene it is called as truck but within the lands of the British English it is identified as a lorry. Nevertheless it is considered as a motor vehicle which is regularly utilized for the transport of various materials, commodities, goods, and even smaller vehicles like cars and motorcycles. It has also widened its purpose and has come in different forms such as those used for emergencies and casualties such as fire trucks and rescue trucks.
Now your common truck accessories are regarded as an aftermarket portion or part of the vehicle. These are placed on the truck for enhancement purposes in areas such as functionality and over-all impact and style. These accessories are also used in order to distinguish the end-product from the traditional Original Equipment Manufacturer or OEM pickup trucks. Moreover, such parts are supplementary mechanisms and gadgets to what is known as the cores or hard parts such as water pumps, radiators, and distributors. Examples of truck accessories are grille guards, auto carts, bed extenders, tonneau covers, truck tool boxes, and nerf bars.
The 90s has been considered as the era which shaped the truck accessorizing industry. Before this period, famed US manufacturers like Ford Motor Company, American Motors, Chrysler, and General Motors did not put too much attention on producing supplementary parts for light-duty vehicles. They usually had their eye on specialty mechanisms that are employed in order to enhance work outcomes and production. These are snowplows, lift gates, and spreaders.
But change occurs in a dynamic industry such as that of the automobile world so manufacturers had to adjust and innovate in order to cater various truck types and sizes that are growing more and more in number. When the extended cab came into the scene, trucks departed from their usual image and took on a more urban appeal. Trucks were now purchased not only for their heavy duty works but also for the styles each owner can proudly brag of.
The market took on a transformation and increased the demands of having a wide array of accessories to choose from. It was now time to get their trucks the proper look and form that will complement the owner’s personality. Truck-related products such as chrome fender trim, hood deflectors, and billet grilles hit the stands. Truck manufacturers also came up with the bolt-on technology in order to make accessorizing easier.
It’s a sure thing that more and more truck accessories will flood the market because of the ever growing demands of owners to make their trucks sparkle above the rest.
Which Car Should You Own To Keep Your Insurance Rates Most Affordable?
The Highway Loss Data Institute is a nonprofit public service organization. It is closely associated with and funded through the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, which is wholly supported by auto insurers. HLDI gathers, processes, and publishes data on the ways losses vary among different kinds of vehicles.
4-Door cars have a 93% less chance of having a claim related to theft than their sibling 2-Door cars. Buy a Buick LeSabre and have relatively no chance of a theft loss. Compare that to the convertible Chevrolet Corvette that has over 5 times the average theft rate. You may have known that. However, did you know that the Toyota Celica has a 67% higher chance of theft than the Toyota Camry?
In addition, even though the 2002 Lexus IS 300 gets a "best pick" rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for its performance on crash tests, previous years' models of the same car are some of the most costly in terms of collision claims. "One of the factors that come into play there is the cost of repairing an expensive vehicle," says Russ Rader, with the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
What about safety? You may be surprised at some of the results. For example, the Porsche 911 has a 67% less chance for injury claims than the norm. Go figure. The Mitsubishi Lancer has almost double the injury claim rate over the norm.
Where does you car fit for injury theft and collision? What about your dream car? Take a look at this run down based on 2000-2002 HLDI data:
Models that are among the most expensive for theft claims include:
Cadillac Escalade four-wheel drive
Chevrolet Corvette Convertible
Lincoln Navigator four-wheel drive
Jeep Cherokee four-door
BMW 3 series Convertible
Models that are among the least expensive for theft claims include:
Buick LeSabre
Buick Park Avenue
Volvo V70 Station Wagon
Mercury Grand Marquis four-door
Models that are among the most expensive for injury claims include:
Suzuki Esteem four-door
Kia Rio four-door
Mitsubishi Mirage two-door
Kia Sepectra four-door
Models that are among the least expensive for injury claims include:
GMC Sierra 2500 two-wheel drive
Chevrolet Silverado 2500
GMC Yukon XL 1500 four-wheel drive
GMC Sierra 2500 four-wheel drive
Chevrolet Tahoe two-wheel drive
Models that are among the most expensive for collision claims include:
Subaru Impreza WRX four-wheel drive four-door
Lexus IS 300 4 door
Hyundai Tiburon two-door
Porsche 911 Coupe
Acura RSX
Models that are among the least expensive for collision claims include:
Ford Excursion two-wheel drive
GMC Safari four-wheel drive
GMC Sierra 2500
GMC Yukon XL 1500 four-wheel drive
Source: The Highway Loss Data Institute
Visit http://www.carinsurance.com/ for low cost car insurance
About The Author
Jon Register is a representative of CarInsurance.com. You can visit CarInsurance.com at http://www.carinsurance.com/ or contact them at 1-877-327-8728.
CarInsurance.com's online insurance marketplace gives an opportunity to consumers and to insurance companies. We offer the ability to shop for car insurance online.
Consumers can receive quotes from many insurance companies, in some states you are able to purchase your insurance instantly, online. You don't have to drive your car to buy car insurance. Buy online...anytime!
Is Your Auto Insurance Company Rated?
Insurance companies have failed or ceased to operate due to inadequate financial strength, competitive forces, or changing dynamics in the marketplace.
Standard & Poor's Ratings (http://www.standardandpoors.com/) Financial strength ratings of insurance companies, plus detailed financial Insurer Profiles on nearly 4,000 companies.
Fitch Ratings (http://www.fitchratings.com/) Financial strength ratings of insurance companies.
Have you heard of the company where you are considering purchasing coverage? Do you have any experience with the company?
Ask your peers what experiences they have had. What is your sense of the reputation of the company? How quickly and easily are claims processed? Is there 24-hour claims service? Is the claims management in the house of the insurance company or have they outsourced? Auto insurance is meant to make you whole in the case of an accident with injury or property damage. It is to protect your assets and protect you from liability. You will want the peace of mind of a superior rated company when it comes time to manage and pay the claim. The financial health of a car insurance company is an often-overlooked area when shopping for the best auto insurance rate. It is human nature to make your comparison solely on the rates for the coverages. While this is certainly important, you should be aware of the company's overall rating and level of satisfaction. Consulting insurance company ratings is crucial. Each company issues quarterly reports that are publicly accessible. You cannot always tell the future from the past. However, the past performance is a valuable insight into what expectation to have for your future coverage. One of the factors that are used in order to determine the companies' ratings is how long they have been in business. If there is no history, you may be taking an unnecessary chance. Look for a company that has a history and make sure that history shows good performance.
What about the reputation of the insurance company? It is very simple to find this information. Just ask around. There are your peers, the BBB, and family. Many times these resources closest to you will be able to share experiences that are favorable or unfavorable regarding the company you are considering. In addition, each state has a Department of Insurance that keeps public information about companies. Use all the resources you can to determine which company is best for you. Once you have paid for the policy, you will then become keenly interested in customer service. Be aware of what the source of information is regarding the insurance company. Many companies put our information about themselves in the form of illustrations that are intended to make them look as good as possible. Of course, while these illustrations must be factual, you should be aware that you are not receiving objective information.
How can you quickly check the company rating? You are on the internet now. Surely, there is a quick way.
Go to http://www.carinsurance.com/. Not only will you get the rates of various insurance companies, you will see the A.M. Best rating for each company along side their rates for you personal situation.
Now is the time for your fingers to punch their way to a quick rate analysis and view the ratings at the same time.
Visit http://www.carinsurance.com/ for free car insurance quotes online
About The Author
Jon Register is a representative of CarInsurance.com. You can visit CarInsurance.com at http://www.carinsurance.com/ or contact them at 1-877-327-8728.
CarInsurance.com's online insurance marketplace gives an opportunity to consumers and to insurance companies. We offer the ability to shop for car insurance online.
Consumers can receive quotes from many insurance companies, in some states you are able to purchase your insurance instantly, online. You don't have to drive your car to buy car insurance. Buy online...anytime!
How Much Car Insurance Should You Buy?
How much insurance should you buy? Any insurance agent worthy of their salt will tell you that you should buy as much as you can afford. While this is a good rule of thumb, it's about as useful as a stock broker's tip to buy low and sell high. It might be sound logic but it doesn't get you any closer to an educated decision. There are a few filters that need consideration in order to make that educated decision. First, what is the state required minimum coverage where you live? Second, what does the minimum cover? Third, what other coverage is available and can you afford it? And fourthly, what are you protecting?
What do the minimums cover?
Now that you know what your state requires, what are you actually covered for once you purchase the minimum? Using the coverage definitions that follow, find the types of coverage required and see what your state says is the accepted minimum.
Coverage Definitions
Bodily Injury Liability
Covers other people's bodily injuries or death for which you are responsible. It also provides for a legal defense if another party in the accident files a lawsuit against you. Claims for bodily injury may be for such things as medical bills, loss of income or pain and suffering. In the event of a serious accident, you want enough insurance to cover a judgment against you in a lawsuit, without jeopardizing your personal assets. Bodily injury liability covers injury to people, not your vehicle. Therefore, it's a good idea to have the same level of coverage for all of your cars. Bodily Injury Liability does NOT cover you or other people on your policy. Coverage is limited to the terms and conditions contained in the policy.
Comprehensive Physical Damage Coverage
Covers your vehicle, and sometimes other vehicles you may be driving for losses resulting from incidents other than collision. For example, comprehensive insurance covers damage to your car if it is stolen; or damaged by flood, fire, or animals. Pays to fix your vehicle less the deductible you choose. To keep your premiums low, select as high a deductible as you feel comfortable paying out of pocket. Coverage is limited to the terms and conditions contained in the policy.
Collision Coverage
Covers damage to your car when your car hits, or is hit by, another vehicle, or other object. Pays to fix your vehicle less the deductible you choose. To keep your premiums low, select as large a deductible as you feel comfortable paying out of pocket. For older cars, consider dropping this coverage, since coverage is normally limited to the cash value of your car. Coverage is limited to the terms and conditions contained in the policy.
Medical Payments
Covers medical expenses to you and your passengers injured in an accident. There may also be coverage if as a pedestrian a vehicle injures you. Does NOT matter who is at fault. Coverage is limited to the terms and conditions contained in the policy.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Covers bodily injuries to you and your passengers when the other person has no insurance or not enough insurance in a crash that is not your fault. In some states, there is also uninsured motorist coverage for damage to your vehicle. Given the large number of uninsured motorists, this is very important coverage to have, even in states with no-fault insurance. Coverage is limited to the terms and conditions contained in the policy
Personal Injury Protection Coverage
Covers within the specified limits, the medical, hospital and funeral expenses of the insured, others in his vehicles and pedestrians struck by him. The basic coverage for the insured's own injuries on a first-party basis, without regard to fault. It is only available in certain states.
Property Damage Liability
Covers you if your car damages someone else's property. Usually it is their car, but it could be a fence, a house or any other property damaged in an accident. It also provides you with legal defense if another party files a lawsuit against you. It is a good idea to purchase enough of this insurance to cover the amount of damage your car might do to another vehicle or object. Coverage is limited to the terms and conditions contained in the policy.
Rental Car Reimbursement
Covers renting a car if your car isn't drivable or while your car is being repaired because of a covered accident.
What else is available and can you afford it?
Did you come across a coverage and think, "I need that but it isn't required by state law" when you were reviewing the coverage definitions? Chances are you did. Can your budget afford the additional expense of these protections? Or maybe more to the point; can you afford NOT to have these additional protections? At CarInsurance.com it's easy to get multiple quotes all with a click of your mouse. And during the quoting process, it's simple to add or remove coverage to see how additional coverage will affect your budget.
What are you protecting?
What assets need to be protected from being plucked away if you cause injury or damage?
Your car itself. If this is a significant asset, or at least the bank you owe money to thinks so, then you will need comprehensive and collision.
Your net worth. Do you have an enormous net worth to protect. If so, either get it out of your name and into a trust or buy all the insurance you can. If you have little or nothing to protect, then you can get by with less and still be financially responsible.
However, after you determine how much protection to get, always ask how much more it is for the next level higher. Very often, you can get significantly more coverage for very little cost.
Car insurance isn't flashy. There is no "wow" factor and the opposite gender isn't going to be impressed by the size of your policy. But not having enough can be the difference between financial stability and financial ruin. For what its worth, CarInsurance.com finds financial stability incredibly appealing.
Visit http://www.carinsurance.com/ for online auto insurance quotes.
About The Author
Erick Pace is a representative of CarInsurance.com. You can visit CarInsurance.com at http://www.carinsurance.com/ or contact them at 1-877-327-8728.
CarInsurance.com's online insurance marketplace gives an opportunity to consumers and to insurance companies. We offer the ability to shop for car insurance online.
Consumers can receive quotes from many insurance companies, in some states you are able to purchase your insurance instantly, online. You don't have to drive your car to buy car insurance. Buy online...anytime!
Synthetic Lubricants Mean Reducing Dependence on Foreign Oil Consumption
Much of the world’s oil now comes from the middle east. We are able to see on a daily basis the price of being dependent on another part of the world for the energy we have come to rely upon.
The wars in that region may not be for oil specifically, but if there was no oil, there would be considerably less money to make war. Most of the oil money goes to a few people who are in control. The majority of the people in the oil rich countries remain poverty-stricken and greatly resent the way the cash flow does not improve their lives.
For every dollar we spend on gasoline or oil, a significant portion goes to companies paying taxes in foreign countries. In much the same way that it hurts our country to lose jobs to foreign corporations, our economy suffers greatly when we buy foreign oil.
The U.S. population consumes an incredible amount of energy. For most of us, mobility is necessary to live our daily lives. We drive to work each day; chauffer our children from place to place, and rely heavily upon rental and company cars for business travel. In a more perfect world, mass transit or bicycles would be much better, but with frequently changing jobs, nomadic lifestyles and hectic schedules, these options are hardly practical.
Many people complain about the price of gas, the war and the terrorists who are funded by oil money. Instead of enabling the situation, let's make some changes for the better.
Now is our chance to make a difference for our country and the future of our economy. How can you help? Exercise your American buying power!
Boosting the fuel economy of our vehicles can dramatically reduce foreign oil consumption. We don’t have to be as dependant on foreign oil as we might think. Just lessening our oil and fuel usage even a small amount will help. Buying products made in the USA can reduce our dependence and keep the money and jobs in our country.
LessForeignOil.com is dedicated to helping reduce the amount of oil we use through the development of environmentally-friendly synthetic lubricants. What are some synthetic oil-based products that will prove economical for your cars, trucks and machinery parts while being kind to the environment?
synthetic engine oil
synthetic racing oil
synthetic motor oil
biodegradable hydraulic oil
transmission fluid
synthetic polymer food-grade grease
suspension fluid
oil and air filters
gas stabilizers
As we move into an economy that includes developing countries with needs that will soon exceed the USA, reducing oil use is even more important. If you're the kind of person that takes a great opportunity when it is offered, you can get started now. For more information on a full line of technologically-advanced, superior-performance synthetic oil products, visit http://www.lessforeignoil.com/. Buy American, and make a difference for your country's economy and for future generations to come.
Copyright 2005 Steve Danielson. All rights reserved.
About The Author
Steve Danielson has over 35 years of experience designing, building, repairing, operating and owning machinery including autos, heavy trucks, RVs, construction, sawmills, concrete, mining systems and farm equipment. Learn more at http://www.lessforeignoil.com/.
steve@lessforeignoil.com
World Formula One Cars - Unsurpassed Technology at Its Finest
There is no sport that bests epitomizes the term “global sport” like Formula One racing.
Many countries serve as active participants in shaping the professional karting scene – for example, Malaysia is a hot spot for racing (Fernando Alonso, a Spanish-born driver under Team Renault recently won a race there) and Italy plays a vital role in designing and manufacturing first class, top-of-the-line karts. Drivers and racing personalities hail from all parts of the word – you have the charismatic and popular Italian Renault boss Flavio Briatore, the handsome young 23 year old racing prodigy in Fernando Alonso who stars in a Renault Megane commercial with his pet pig, and one of the highest earning sports figures in world history in Michael Schumacher. Rivalries are common in Formula One – adding the edge of excitement with every zip of the curve and nitrous boost of the machine.
In order to better become acquainted with Formula One racing, we must understand its organization. Karting goes way beyond pitting 3 2-cycle engine machines against each other on an oval circuit. Formula One is divided into drivers & their respective teams. Under such trademark car companies like Renault, Ferrari, and Toyota – each driver has an assembling cast of staffers consisting of mechanics, engineers, and designers all working towards one goal: to make that speedster faster using all the resources at their disposal. Headed by team bosses that are adept at creating sponsorship opportunities and assembling the best cast for each team, Formula One employs the finest specialists in the business with backgrounds in computer and automobile – even specialists with aerospace experience! High end, (rare technology reserved for space projects) in some instances, create the fastest and most efficient car possible. According to FI rules, racing teams must design, construct, and built their own karts from scratch. The staff is the pride of each individual team – capable and able to win every 57 lap enduro race from Malaysia to Great Britain.
Formula One cars can be summed up in two words: technological marvels. These sleek, low riding gems ripping through laps at speeds topping 200 mph. consist of more than just a chassis, an engine, and four wheels. For starters, the engine is located behind the cockpit as opposed to standard automobiles. They consist of 10 cylinder engines that produce heat which propel the kart forward. Team engineers are always looking into ways to make their engines more powerful. Currently, 1000 bhp (a scale for horsepower) has not been topped – it is up to the teams to produce an engine which would fare well supporting speed as well as support the chassis. And as we know, there is a snug open cockpit for Jarno Trulli to maneuver his machine in.
Construction of Formula One race cars is unprecedented. The first rule of thumb in designing a bonafide piece of framework is to make it weigh as least as possible. Less kart weight correlates to faster speeds. For this reason, team brains use lightweight material that is hard to construct. The minimum weight of a kart must be 600 kg including the driver. This ensures a level playing field, although teams are allowed to keep their money making construction methods a secret from other teams. Team staff is very highly regarded in the Formula One business. Their technological and dynamical know-how of the machines they build is a valuable asset to any team. And like free agents, they are lured and signed by the likes of companies creating a recruiting war for their services. Of course, there are restrictions for creating karts. You cannot add nitro boosts to your machine or use technology that resembles life in the year 3000. Teams are always looking to bend the rules slightly and coming up ways to beat the competition legally.
Professional kart tires have to have optimum characteristics to ensure smooth driving. For one, tires have to have grooving technology built into them. For the novices, grooves are indented lines in tires that allow for it to slow down considerably on turns and to adapt to the track surface. No matter what the technology, kart tires are simply not adept at withstanding the rigors of asphalt, concrete, and dirt. For this reason, Formula One racers are allotted two pit stops during the course of a 57 lap race to change tires. If you’ve ever watched a Formula One race, team staffers with lightning quick hands have an extremely limited time for which to remove and replace tires in the pit stop – often times not exceeding over 7 seconds! Regulations are placed on tire grooves (a minimum of four) to allow for an even playing field for all racers. Remember enthusiasts, grooves serve more to slow down the kart than to speed it up.
Chassis construction with its illustrious carbon fiber material, tires with indented grooves, team specialists with a knack for speed, and engines which burn heat like calories is the epitome of a Formula One race car. All of these attributes contribute to the performance of the vehicle in racing lap after lap. As a result of all this technology, Formula One cars leave people breathless reaching consistent speeds of 200 mph. on the race track. More impressive is the time needed to go from 0 mph to 100 mph – 5 seconds! Formula One is only moving forward with the advent of new features - like improved horsepower engines, more lightweight materials, new ballasts to add weight to the car, and more. Behind that stylish, mind blowing chassis that pique our interest is that top-class technology that makes Formula One racing so great.
About The Author
Michael Walker is a freelance author providing information about a variety of go-kart topics including http://www.go-kart-kits.com/, http://www.go-kart-kits.com/go-karts-engines.html and http://www.go-kart-kits.com/go-cart-parts.html. His articles prove to be both a useful and entertaining resource of valuable information for the karting enthusiast.
The New Truck From Honda Ridgeline
Some of the more innovative features of the Ridgeline are its tailgate, which can fold down or hinge to the side, and an 8.5 cubic foot “In-Bed Trunk" below the
truck bed. The bed is integrated with the body, similar to the Chevrolet Avalanche. The Ridgeline comes with anti-lock brakes and side-curtain airbags as standard equipment.
The bed is 49.5” x 60” with the tailgate up. With the tailgate down, you get 49.5” x 79”. And remember, the tailgate also swings to the side so you can easily access the in-bed trunk. The tailgate is designed to support 300 lbs. While driving. The steel reinforced composite bed resists dents and corrosion. Another neat feature were ample tie downs in the beds and several cargo lights.
Standard towing features include prewiring 4 pin and 7 pin, along with a brake controller. Heavy duty radiator, power steering cooler, and transmission cooler keep things cool when the work begins. Huge 4 wheel disk brakes help stop quicker with the aid of the Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD). All the dealer has to do is install the hitch and harness.
The 8” ground clearance works well with the 4 wheel independent suspension. Yes, all 4 wheels. Unheard of in a truck, but this is a Honda. They wanted their truck to instill confidence in the corners and a stable, responsive feel while maintaining ride quality. The closed box frame and unit body construction means this truck is tough and ready to work.
Traction control is standard along with a locking rear differential for extremely low traction conditions. It can stay locked with a push of a button up to 18 mph. Along with traction control, you get stability control called Vehicle Stability Assist. This corrects your cornering problems before they even become a problem.
The tires come with tire pressure monitoring systems which will be standard in all vehicles very soon (government mandate). Air bags are all around in front, side, and side curtain. It will only deploy what is necessary depending on the type of accident. These safety features along with ABS braking make this one of the safest trucks on the road.
There are three trim levels starting with the RT, RTS and the luxury RTL. You can get heated leather seats and a moonroof. These amenities were only thought to be available in cars. This truck also has available navigation system, homelink, and a hidden in dash cd changer.
The 22 gallon tank is ample for the 16 MPG city and 21 MPG highway EPA mileage estimates. The six color combinations come with 3 interior choices. Options include a bed extender, tail light “garnish”, chrome bumper trim, 17” wheels, body side protectors, roof rack, fender flares, running boards and a towing package mentioned above. I’ve also seen hard tonneau cover-locking for the bed, and in-bed trunk dividers. There’s a larger brush guard for the front bumper available for you off roaders.
All in all, looks to be a pretty good and well thought out truck from Honda. Check out my pictures of the Honda Ridgeline at the car show on my website.
About The Author
Stuart Simpson
http://www.hondalinks.com/
Listing a Car For Sale in the Classifieds
Attend to the Cars Exterior
Similar to selling a home, the cars exterior will provide a lasting first impression to prospective buyers. Wash the vehicle with a quality Car Wash. Ensure that brake dust is removed from the cars rims and wheel hubs. Remove built up road-dust from creases in the cars body. Pay extra attention to decorative moldings, door jams, and spaces between body parts. After washing the car, dry the vehicle with a shammy, to prevent dust from sticking to the clean surface.
Once the vehicle is dry and the surface is cool, wax the entire car with a quality carnauba wax. Read the instructions carefully before applying carnauba wax to the finish. Use a small hand applicator to wax creases and difficult to reach areas of the cars body. These areas are especially important to the external appearance of the vehicle.
Tend to rubber and plastic on the vehicles exterior. Apply high-gloss sun protectent to moldings and tires. Using an applicator, apply a generous amount of sun protectent product evenly. This should remove dulling that occurred from the sun or dust. Any product that is accidentally applied to the vehicles finish should wipe-off easily, as a result from the fresh wax that is protecting the finish.
Clean the Cars Interior
Use quality glass cleaner to remove built up residue from skin oils, cigarette smoke, and moisture that dried dust to the glass. Clean gauges and other glass-like surfaces that are in the vehicle. Use an interior cleaner to remove dust from the dashboard, instrument panel, door panels, and sun visors. Apply a high-gloss sun protectent to the plastic interior parts once they are cleaned.
Vacuum the cars upholstery and carpets. Using attachments for the vacuum, reach down between the seats and doors. Pay extra attention to the drivers-side of the vehicle near the pedals. Use a quality carpet cleaning product, as instructed, to remove stains in the carpet and upholstery.
Clean the Cars Engine Compartment and Attend to Minor Parts
There are a variety of products on the market that now make cleaning an engine simple. Many products may require the battery to be disconnected and water to rinse engine parts. Follow the instructions on the product of choice to achieve the best results. A clean engine is very important as consumers will want to see and inspect engine parts. When the motor is run, a clean engine will reveal any problems, if they exist. This is generally the consumer’s biggest concern.
Inspect all belts and hoses on the vehicle. If dry-rot appears, replace the hoses. If the belts are dry-rotted or cracked, replace them. Ensure that all fluid reservoirs all full to the proper level. This may include windshield wash, clutch fluid, transmission fluid, motor oil, and coolant.
Determine a Reasonable Marketing Price
Once the vehicle is clean and ready for consumer inspection, determine a fair value for the vehicle. This will require some research with similar models that are currently for sale. It may be in a seller’s best interest to review similar vehicles that are for sale. Compare the price and condition of the vehicles. Remember, marketing price is not necessarily the price a seller is willing to accept. Common negotiating principles are for seller’s to start high, and consumers to start low.
Review book values for the make and model of the vehicle. Kelly Blue book is a well known and used resource for establishing a fair value. Consider any modifications that have been made to the vehicle. Modifications may not be reflected within the Kelly Blue Book suggestion.
Gather Information and Place a Classified Ad
Route through receipts and gather maintenance records. Consumers will probably want to know what was done to the vehicle and how well it was maintained. By having these records ready before hand, it will reinsure trust that the vehicle was taken-care-of.
Be prepared to provide details regarding enhanced features or parts, provided by the manufacturer, for the model. A commonly overlooked feature is Low Jack car recovery devices. Custom wheels, stereo equipment, and engine type. Being able to provide these details will reinforce value to consumers who have viewed several similar vehicles.
Place an Ad for the vehicle. Avoid terms such as, “to many parts to list”. Instead, enter, “complete maintenance records available”. Describe the vehicle accurately. Many details can be found in the vehicles owner’s manual. Indicate the best time to contact the seller. A consumer, who continually calls without an answer, could give-up trying. Ensure the contact information is accurate and consumers can leave a message, if there is no answer.
About The Author
Michael Medeiros is the owner of http://www.mjmls.com/ and open-source advertising solution for the United States.
Why Does a Car Engine Overheat?
One first problem which might be the cause of an engine overheat is a problem with the radiator cap and the pressure it holds. If the radiator cap does not hold pressure correctly then coolant could boil and therefore the engine would overheat. Another reason might be caused by thermostat failures; it is recommendable that you check it.
The car engine might also overheat due to coolant leaks such as those from the radiator, the hoses, the water pump, the freeze plugs or any others. Also, problems in the water pump could be the cause and therefore you should check it and replace it in case it is needed.
Some other reasons by which the car engine could overheat are problems in the exhaust system which you can discover by checking vacuum readings, pipes and converter. Besides, you should also make sure that the radiator hose has not collapsed and the ignition timing is working properly.
You should also check the electric cooling fan by making sure that the fan motor, the relay and temperature are correct or otherwise it could cause the engine to overheat. Besides this, you should also check the radiator in case there are any debris in it as well as you should check its hose in case it has collapsed.
It is also recommendable that you check the antifreeze concentration which should be 50/50 in order to be correct, otherwise it could cause the car engine to overheat. If you do not find why your engine does overheat, you should ask a mechanic or an expert for advice. You should not try to fix this if you do not have the proper tools and general car knowledge necessary for it.
About The Author
Jakob Jelling is the founder of http://www.autorized.com/. Please visit his website to learn about auto maintenance, auto insurance, auto safety and much more!
Do You Know What Your Body Shop Business Is Worth?
Before we begin, I would like to make one comment. Whenever a CPA has done an appraisal of a body shop, I find that their opinion of value is much greater than the actual value the market place will pay. This is not because the CPA’s do not know what they are doing because they do; it is just that the market place places a much higher risk on buying a body shop than the accountants do. The following is an excerpt from one of those appraisals.
THE THREE WAYS TO APPRAISE A BUSINESS
1. The ASSET VALUATION METHOD. This method is basically used when a body shop does less than $400,000 a year in gross income and the seller is making wages, but no real profit above what he would be paid if working for another. On this size business, a buyer is willing to pay for the assets of the business but little or nothing for goodwill. The equipment is usually worth between $50,000 and $100,000, depending on how many frame machines the business owns and how nice a spray booth the business owns.
I have seen some specialized shops sell for more than the above number because they have a truck spray booth or another business attached to the main business. Examples of attached business might be an auto repair shop or towing operation. Also the location, size and real estate rental amount will influence the value of any business, to some degree.
2. The second method, I call the GROSS SALES METHOD. This is used when the sales are over $1,000,000 a year but the profit is unknown or financials are not available or reliable. Because of experience, a Body shop buyer can make reasonable estimates of future profits, if they have some basic information. The basic information includes rent, source of business (DRP, STREET, or a CAR RENTAL AGENCY), and the desirability of the location.
When this method is used, the value appears to be about 3 months sales or 25% of the last 12 months sales. This method is not very reliable on businesses with sales of less than $1,000,000, because the question of being profitable is very questionable. Why is this breaking point $1,000,000 in annual sales? Multi-store buyers will have well paid managers, so many figure their breakeven point is around a million.
Less than $1,000,000 in sales is not even worth their time. Of course we know that there are exceptions to the rules. Some of the exceptions are A. when a new location will be a satellite store to a bigger location. B. The buyer must have a location in a specific area to please a DRP. C. To get rid of a competitor.
3. The third and most used method of evaluating any business, including body shops, is the NET PROFIT METHOD. This method is based on the idea that a business is worth what it generates, in profit and benefits, for an owner. Body shops, like so many other small businesses, often do not show a profit, at the end of the year. Strange, how so many businesses of different sizes all just happen to end up with little or no profit. What I find really amazing is that the IRS doesn’t audit more businesses then they currently do.
As a result of showing poor profits, on the books, it becomes very difficult to use the NET PROFIT METHOD for appraising many small businesses. Luckily for me, I can quite often find hidden profits, of a business, by adding to the books, items we call owner’s benefits. These include: Owners salaries, if a corporation. Personal autos and all the related expenses used by the owner and his family that are written off against the business, fife insurance and health insurance for the owners.
Depreciation is also a hidden profit that is usually added back in to the taxable profit to help build up the total owners benefits. And lastly, personal utilities, phones, trips, etc. that are deducted on the tax return but are not really costs to run the business.
After saying all this, what is the value of a business based on the Net Profit Method? Automotive businesses, especially auto body shops appear to sell for between 1.5 to 2 years adjusted profit (book profit plus owners benefits added back in). Larger body shops doing over $2,000,000 in annual sales may sell for much more, because the owner is making much more money, than just his salary and a buyer will consider part of the profit a return on his financial investment.
Very large body shops that are being bought by public corporations are evaluated primarily on their return on investment (Percentage profit that is being made on the cash purchase price of the business.) These big buyers can afford to pay between 5 times and 10 times annual net profit, after deducting all officers’ salaries and perks.
Often these, public corporations, high purchase prices include two important restrictions, which is really why
they are buying the business in the first place. First: The business is bought for little or no real money. They use restricted corporate stock that is not negotiable for two years. And second: The management is required to stay and run the company for some period of years.
The bottom-line, as I see it, is that you sold your soul, not your business. One last comment on selling to large corporations; heaven help the seller who sells his business for corporate stock or the buyers bonds and the buying company goes broke or the stock market crashes. I had a close friend sell his company for mostly cash and some seller carry back financing in Dec 1997. By Feb 1998 the buying company was in bankruptcy, making the paper my friend held worthless.
CONCLUSION: Appraising a business, especially body shops, is an art not a science. No two people will appraise the value of a business the same. I am amazed that the same thing one buyer thinks is a great asset is what another buyer thinks is a major negative. Differences of opinion are what make life interesting.
About The Author
Willard Michlin is an Investor, Business Broker, California Real Estate Broker, Accountant, Financial Distress Consultant, Well known Public speaker and Administrative/Business Consultant. He can be contacted at his Ventura, California office by calling 805-529-9854 or by e-mail at kismetrei@earthlink.net. See other article by Willard at http://www.kismetgroup.com/
kismetrei@earthlink.net
How To Change Motocycle & Car Tire Without Help
In order to change a tire you should make sure you have parked your car at the side of the road and following all the safety rules that correspond to the case. You must apply the parking brake and place the shift in first gear. Then, you should look for the spare tire, the lug wrench and the jack. If you do not know where the spare tire is, you can look for it in the car owner's manual.
Next you should lift the car with the jack. If you do not know how to do this, you can find instructions in your car owner's manual on where to place the jack as well as the jack itself might bring some directions too. You should lift the car until the tire you wish to change is some inches away from the ground. Then finish removing the lug nuts and remove the tire.
Once you have removed the old tire, you should place the spare one in the correct place aligning the holes. Then, you should place the lug nuts and tighten them until they feel secure. Once you have done this, you must lower the car back to the ground and take the jack away from it. Then, you should have the flat tire repaired and change it back as soon as you can.
About The Author
Jakob Jelling is the founder of http://www.autorized.com/. Please visit his website to learn about auto maintenance, auto insurance, auto safety and much more!
Mazda Launches First Hydrogen Powered Car Filling Stations In Japan
The new hydrogen filling station began operating last February 2005 and will store and supply fuel to the company's ongoing hydrogen vehicle research and development. The hydrogen filling station is located near Mazda's global headquarters in Hiroshima. This is the first filling station of its kind in the Chugoku region of western Japan.
High-pressure hydrogen gas is stored at about 2,900 psi in compressed hydrogen gas tanks. These are further pressurized to over 5,000 psi for delivery to the vehicles. The facility mainly supplies fuel to the company's hydrogen testing facility. Hydrogen rotary-engined vehicles that are currently on the road for development and testing purposes are also served by the filling station. The stored hydrogen in the fueling station can currently fuel up to 10 vehicles per day.
Mazda is leading the pack in the development of hydrogen rotary engines. Last year, Japan's Ministry of Land Infrastructure and Transport (MLIT) gave permission for the first public road tests of Mazda's RX-8 Hydrogen Rotary (H2RE). This is a rotary-engined, dual-fuel vehicle that runs on either hydrogen or traditional gasoline. With this hydrogen fueling station, Mazda will continue to develop hydrogen rotary engines with the goal of introducing such vehicles into the market in two years time.
Mazda is at the forefront of automotive technology. It is fully dedicated to the design and development of automobiles that are a whole new level above the rest. Meanwhile, maintenance and repair is very important to keep a Mazda vehicle in top condition. Replacement parts are a great choice if a Mazda owner wants to keep his car in excellent form. Replacing worn out or damaged parts is a good way to maintain a vehicle.
Incidentally, purchasing replacement parts has never been easier. Anyone can now have access to the best Mazda parts even in the comfort of their own homes. A quick visit to any of the dozens of online auto parts stores is all you need. One of the leading online auto parts stores is Auto Parts Train, based in California, USA. It has one of the largest inventories of Mazda auto parts in the country today. You can access their Online Mazda Parts Store at http://www.partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/MAZDA.
About The Author
Jenny McLane is a 36 year old native of Iowa and has a knack for research on cars and anything and everything about it. She works full time as a Market Analyst for one of the leading car parts suppliers in the country today.
jenny@partstrain.com
North American International Auto Show vehicles for 2005 now sports Delphi Satellite Radio Receivers
North American International Auto Show Mercedes-Benz is globally recognized as a trendsetter and leader in innovation when it comes to advancing the luxury and comfort in its vehicles. Throughout the years it has introduced various features that not only have become endeared to the thousands of Benz owners but has also been emulated by other car companies. Recently another innovation that the car company ahs introduced was Ipod connectivity. Recognizing the phenomenal success and impact of Apple's Ipod, Mercedes-Benz now offers full connectivity with this gadget in all its models. Now, Benz owners can now enjoy their music collection on their state-of-the-art Benz audio systems while traveling.
Last March 15, another innovation was introduced by Mercedes Benz. This time it has tied up with Delphi Corporation, a leading manufacturer of retail satellite radio receivers. All 2005 Mercedes Benz vehicles in North America will now feature a factory installed Satellite Radio Receiver as standard equipment. Satellite radio offers its listeners hundreds of choices of music and other programming stations. It is also one of the fastest growing entertainment applications today.
With satellite radio on board, Benz vehicles offer a new dimension of entertainment. Owners will now have access to dozens of programs that are sure to keep anyone entertained while traveling. In 2002, DaimlerChrysler chose Delphi to manufacture and supply radio receiver units for its dealer installed units. The company opted for factory installed units.
Delphi is one of the leaders in this technology, having produced over 4.5 million OEM and retail satellite radio receivers. Delphi also makes satellite-ready head units. In addition, audio/video units that incorporate navigation as well as various playback devices such as DVD's, CD's, MP3's and cassettes are also manufactured by the company.
With this tie-up, Mercedes-Benz continues to offer its consumers the best innovations and features for the utmost in comfort and entertainment. Mercedes-Benz has been a leader in innovation in the automotive industry, offering vehicles that have become benchmarks of automotive and design excellence.
Meanwhile, when it comes to excellent and high quality Mercedes-Benz parts, it pays to choose nothing but the best Benz auto parts possible. There are dozens of auto parts stores, most of them with online stores, which offer an extensive array of top-notch Mercedes-Benz parts. One of the leading names is Auto Parts Train, a highly-recommended online auto parts store based in California, USA. You can check out their top-quality Benz auto parts by logging on to http://www.partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/MERCEDES_BENZ.
About The Author
Jenny McLane is a 36 year old native of Iowa and has a knack for research on cars and anything and everything about it. She works full time as a Market Analyst for one of the leading car parts suppliers in the country today.
jenny@partstrain.com
Last March 15, another innovation was introduced by Mercedes Benz. This time it has tied up with Delphi Corporation, a leading manufacturer of retail satellite radio receivers. All 2005 Mercedes Benz vehicles in North America will now feature a factory installed Satellite Radio Receiver as standard equipment. Satellite radio offers its listeners hundreds of choices of music and other programming stations. It is also one of the fastest growing entertainment applications today.
With satellite radio on board, Benz vehicles offer a new dimension of entertainment. Owners will now have access to dozens of programs that are sure to keep anyone entertained while traveling. In 2002, DaimlerChrysler chose Delphi to manufacture and supply radio receiver units for its dealer installed units. The company opted for factory installed units.
Delphi is one of the leaders in this technology, having produced over 4.5 million OEM and retail satellite radio receivers. Delphi also makes satellite-ready head units. In addition, audio/video units that incorporate navigation as well as various playback devices such as DVD's, CD's, MP3's and cassettes are also manufactured by the company.
With this tie-up, Mercedes-Benz continues to offer its consumers the best innovations and features for the utmost in comfort and entertainment. Mercedes-Benz has been a leader in innovation in the automotive industry, offering vehicles that have become benchmarks of automotive and design excellence.
Meanwhile, when it comes to excellent and high quality Mercedes-Benz parts, it pays to choose nothing but the best Benz auto parts possible. There are dozens of auto parts stores, most of them with online stores, which offer an extensive array of top-notch Mercedes-Benz parts. One of the leading names is Auto Parts Train, a highly-recommended online auto parts store based in California, USA. You can check out their top-quality Benz auto parts by logging on to http://www.partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/MERCEDES_BENZ.
About The Author
Jenny McLane is a 36 year old native of Iowa and has a knack for research on cars and anything and everything about it. She works full time as a Market Analyst for one of the leading car parts suppliers in the country today.
jenny@partstrain.com
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