Tips To Get Your Car Through A Cold Winter

Everyone wants to save money on car repairs, right?

Make it a point to schedule into your calendar a winter booster check for your car.

Keep these tips in mind for your winter travel, and you’ll have a safer winter travel season all around!

A gas tank which is kept filled helps keep moisture from forming. Make it a habit to go ahead and fill up when your tank is half empty.

Change your oil and oil filter every 3,000 miles or so if your driving is mostly stop-and-go or consists of frequent short trips. Personally, I'd change my oil every 2000 miles, regardless. It will save you loads of trouble in the long run. Go ahead. Schedule it into the planner.

Wiper blades are one of those things we usually never think about until we need them, and they're not working! Have you ever tried driving in sleet and snow with impaired visibility, thanks to dud wipers? Talk about nerve-wracking! Go ahead and replace old wiper blades. If your climate is harsh, purchase rubber-clad (winter) blades to fight ice build-up. Stock up on windshield washer solvent. You'll be surprised how much you use. And, of course, carry an ice-scraper. I keep one in the car, and one in the house – just in case my doors freeze and I can’t open them immediately.

Make sure your heater and defroster are in good working condition.

Worn tires don't help any time of year, least of all in winter weather. Examine tires for remaining tread life, uneven wearing, and cupping; check the sidewalls for cuts and nicks. It's a good idea to check tire pressures once a month. Let the tires "cool down" before checking the pressure. Don't forget to rotate your tires, too!

Make sure you have a spare and that the jack is in good condition.

Be prepared for emergencies, even if you live in a warmer climate. A winter emergency list should include gloves, boots, blankets, flares, a small shovel, sand or kitty litter, tire chains, a flash light, and a cell phone. Put a few "high-energy" snacks in your glove box. You can buy survival aids in the camping section of your sporting goods store.

It may take you less than an hour to get your car checked for winter and prepare for any emergency. That's time well spent and it can save you a giant headache this winter season!
Indeed, it could even save your life and the lives of those you love.

About the author:
Steve Wilcott
This article courtesy of http://www.mustang-tips.com

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How to Transport Your Classic Car

Classic car transport is a large branch of car transport; it is a specialized field that includes car transport companies that are dedicated to the transport of antique and vintage cars. Most trailers used for the safe and efficient transport of classic cars are specially designed for smooth travel and protection from road and weather.

Classic car transport companies usually employ only professional drivers who are experienced handlers of antique and exotic cars. Some popular trailer options for secure classic car transport are: six-car enclosed trailers, four-car enclosed trailers, and two-car non-stacking enclosed trailers. Most auto transporters of classic vehicles will offer delivery from door-to-door or delivery to the customer. Most classic car transport companies will accept non-running vehicles.

When you are searching for a classic car transport company, ask if classic and vintage vehicle transport is their main activity or a sideline of another business. In addition, find out if they contract out transport to third parties. Make sure when you are investigating car transport companies that classic vehicles are their main focus. To safeguard your interests, also make sure they carry the best insurance coverage available.

Many classic car transport companies will design an itinerary exclusive to you, this allows for greater flexibility on times of pick-up and delivery. Additionally in-transit contact between office and drivers through cell phones is a service that most classic car transport companies will provide as part of the basic transport service. Winching is also available at a modest fee.

Many classic car transport companies offer worldwide vehicle transportation solutions to individuals. These classic car transport companies specialize in reliable, proficient service with frequent departures from major U.S. ports. Normally you will be assigned a very experienced customer service representative to insure the safe convey of your car.

Classic car transport companies use various methods to move your car long distances, such as flatbed truck, enclosed single trailer and enclosed rail service. Your car will probably travel flat without being tied down by chains. Easy and safe loading on custom built covered trailers with full lift gates is usually a standard and most classic car transport companies have tie-down systems that provide security without harming your vehicle. Airtight sanitary environments and full air equipment for smooth travel are other popular available options. Custom equipment designed to meet your needs is often available upon request.

It should not be difficult to find a classic car transport facility with a professional crew of mechanics and maintenance people who maintain an exceptional fleet of opened and enclosed transports to fit your needs and budget. Just knowing the basic facts about classic car transport will make finding the best company a sure success.

About the author:
Thomas Morva
Car Transport Info provides detailed information about car transport services and trailers, as well as advice on locating an cheap, domestic and international car transport company for your standard, classic, or exotic car. Car Transport Info is affiliated with Original Content.

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Buying a New Sports Car – Twelve Tips To Avoid Financial Sticker Shock

Nothing (well, almost nothing) can compare to the thrill of driving a road-hugging high performance sports car. Instant steering response. Power at the exact nanosecond you ask for it.

Then, if you have one of the sexier models, you’ll attract attention on the road, filling up, and in the shopping mall parking lot.

Yes, you can pretend you’re driving the Autobahn with the wind blowing your hair. But beware of state troopers just waiting for an “arrest me red” entry on their ticket issuing track record.

Before You Fall In Love . . .

Before you step into that showroom and fall in love, consider the following practicalities:

1) How much do you want to spend? $20,000? $30,000? Or more?

2) What’s the tradeoff between performance (power) and gas mileage? Higher performance usually equals less gas mileage.

Does the vehicle use premium gas? Right now, the difference between premium and regular is 20 cents per gallon. At 20 miles per gallon and 15,000 miles per year, the cost differential is $150.

3) What about reliability? Some upscale models cost considerably more to maintain and have a higher incidence of repair costs. Would you appreciate paying $125 just to diagnose the problem when the check engine light comes on? Or paying $70 for an oil change?

4) In a climate where snow and ice are winter realities, do you want to drive it year round? Or store it over the winter?

A rear wheel drive sports car is impractical for winter driving. A front, all-wheel, or 4-wheel drive sport car can be driven in snow and ice, if you use all-season tires. If the little devil comes with performance tires, you will want to buy all-season tires (and possibly rims) for winter driving. Add another $1500 to the price of the car for the right tires and rims.

Do Your Homework . . .

5) Once you’ve decided price, performance, gas mileage, reliability, and practicality for all-season driving, get on the Internet. Here you can compare models and pricing and read reviews. Google “buying a new car” or “new car prices” and several sites will pop up.

Another source is Consumer Report (the new car issue) where your criteria will be easy to find. Red dots are good. Black dots are not. Most American car dealers consider this issue of Consumer Report a nightmare because it favors foreign car models, especially Asian cars. However, as explained in the newest version of this report, American car manufacturers are catching up.

6) Find out what you should pay before stepping into a showroom. Dealers will offer below invoice prices even on some sports cars because of rebates, dealer incentives, and dealer returns when they make a sale.

7) Remember the incidentals. Yes, you have to pay to transport the vehicle from the manufacturer. Yes, you have to pay for options. And remember the sales (and sometimes luxury) tax.

The Driving Experience . . .

8) Unless you have driven the exact model and year you want to purchase, step into the showroom and test drive the car. Driving the previous year’s model is unacceptable. If the dealer lures you into his web and asks you to test drive an earlier model, RUN out of the show room. You’re wasting your time.

9) Pick at least 2 different road types for test driving. The winding, hilly road is one road type. Road hugging capabilities are tested here. If the car is standard, smooth-shifting is another test. A car that cuts back after you release the clutch is NOT smooth shifting.

The highway is another road type. Make sure power is sufficient to handle entrance ramps and merging with traffic. If you get an instant response at highway speeds, the car is a possible winner.

Closing the Deal . . .

10) If you like the car, get the dealer’s best quote. Then, find at least one other dealer to give you another quote ON THE SAME CAR. If you don’t like the car in the test drive, you probably won’t like the car – ever. Move on to the next model.

11) When you decide on a car, call your insurance company and find out what the vehicle will cost per year. And don’t choke on your coffee when you hear the amount – you can shop around.

12) Estimate how much the real estate taxes will be on the car, especially if it’s a high-priced model. This could be another financial shocker!

As you can see, sports car buying is a process. Do you need to do all this stuff? Nope, you don’t. But consider the financial sticker shock when you’re paying an extraordinary amount for maintenance, repairs, gas, insurance, and taxes! Just for that Autobahnesque experience!

About the author:
Valerie Mills,a copywriter/designer specializing in direct mail and web advertising, has written sales letters, web sites, and brochures for the finance, self-help, and technology areas. She also audits sites for usability, sales appeal, structural integrity, and readability. In addition, using her experience as an educator and corporate trainer, Valerie has written several articles and a parents' guide to coach kids of all ages about money and personal finance. Refer to web sites http://v.mills.home.att.net and http://teachyourkidsaboutmoney.com
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Different Forklift Accessories

There are several types of forklift accessories that make it possible to use the forklift in a variety of different situations. Add-ons make it possible to carry metal drums filled with liquid, large rolls of carpet, or even people.

Drum handlers make it possible to safely transport liquid filled drums on a forklift. Most drum handlers slide onto the forks of the lift, allowing the operator to lift the drum handler by raising the forks off of the ground. Drum handlers hold the drums in one of two ways. The most common method is for the drum handler to clamp onto the rim of the drum in one or two places. This is perfect for keeping the drum upright and stable during transportation. Another way is to attach the drum by chaining the drum to a drum faucet from the cab of the forklift. This way, the forklift operator has the option to control the speed at which the drum contents are dumped by operating a chain pulley.

Carpet poles are long, sturdy poles that are used to carry roles of material such as carpet. They can be mounted to the carriage or to the forks. Carpet poles are useful because they allow forklift operators to safely transport carpet rolls by putting a pole through the hollow center of the roll. The carpet is not able to roll around during movement as it would if it were merely sitting on the forks.

A man basket is perfect when a person needs to be lifted off of the ground in order to perform some type of maintenance or repair. The forks of the lift slide into slots on the bottom of the man basket to provide stability. The forklift operator can then use the forks to lift the person in the man basket as high as the forks can rise. Most man baskets have a swing door and a safety chain to insure that the person doesn’t fall out. Man baskets are often safer than ladders or scaffolding.

Forklift accessories make forklifts even more versatile. It is very important to use the forklift accessories in the manner for which they are intended to avoid costly equipment repairs or serious bodily injury.

About the author:
Thomas Morva
Forklifts Info provides detailed information about forklifts, including rough terrain and truck-mounted forklifts, used forklifts, and forklifts for sale, as well as forklift parts, accessories, operators, and safety. Forklifts Info is affiliated with Original Content Web.
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