The Benefits Of Leather Car Upholstery.

When it comes to choosing leather car upholstery for your car or truck the possibilities are endless.From the most basic design to having the name of your vehicle or your name or anything else you can think of. Of course the more customized you desire the more the cost.

There are different grades of leather to choose from such as automotive grade leather that meets OEM specs. Often times when you buy seat covers online they are better than original. The reason being only the "inserts" in OEM leather seat covers are leather while custom auto leather upholstery are all leather.

Inserts are the part of the seat in the middle that you actually make contact with while sitting.The sides and the back are simulated leather on all new OEM or "Original Equipment Manufacturer"

Other benefits of leather car upholstery are:

1. Leather is soft and supple and very comfortable.

2. Leather is waterproof and spot resistant. However,spills should be cleaned as soon as possible.

3. The material is very durable and will last a lifetime if cared for properly.

When placing your order be sure to tell your sales person whether your seats have airbags as they will need to know this. If your budget does not allow for genuine leather there is an alternative in simulated leather car seat covers. Simulated leather is actually vinyl but has the look and feel of real leather at a fraction of the cost. They are also available to fit just about all cars and trucks and come in a variety of colors and styles to fit you.If properly cared for simulated leather car seat covers will last for years to come. Instructions for installation and care should also be included in your order.

Just do your research when you buy seat covers online and you will enjoy your new leather car upholstery for many years to come.

About the Author:
Charles & Susan Truett
We offer leather interior kits and seat covers for all makes. You can now buy seat covers online. For more info visit: http://buy-seat-covers-online.partnersinsuccess.net/
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How To Choose A Quality Mechanic Who Won't Rip You Off

Everyone knows that proper and regular maintenance is necessary to keep your automobile in good working order. Even though you may have worked on your own cars as a teenager or still consider yourself to be an amateur car repair specialist I recommend that you leave the work to a qualified mechanic who has been trained to do the job properly. This is especially important on higher end vehicle makes such as Mercedes, BMW, and Lexus where the maintenance records play a large part in determining the value of a vehicle when you decide to sell it or trade it.

Deciding on a mechanic to entrust with caring for your vehicle is an important decision and should not be taken lightly. Finding the perfect mechanic isn't rocket science but on the other hand there isn't exactly a manual on how to find a good one either. Here are some things to keep in mind that will help you.

First off, ask the prospective mechanic for some references. Tell him what's in it for him. If you own several vehicles let him know that you will bring all of them to him for regular maintenance and repairs. Tell him that you take the car of your vehicles seriously and that is why you want to be able to speak to some of his customers to see what they have to say. If he is a reputable mechanic he will have no problem with this because he will have a long list of happy and satisfied clients. Another thing you can do along these same lines is ask friends and relatives who they use to take care of their cars and trucks. If you ask enough people you are sure to find a name that comes up often.

The next thing you should be concerned with is his qualifications or certifications. I prefer using a mechanic who is ASE certified as this is the industry standard and insures that the mechanic is proficient in his craft. Don't be afraid to ask the mechanic about this, a good mechanic will be proud of their achievements and will lost likely have them displayed where they can be seen. Don't trust you automobile to a shade tree mechanic.

If you belong to a car club for your particular make of vehicle ask other owners who they use. Most likely you will find that the majority of them use the same person who specializes in your particular vehicle and may even offer a discount to members of your club.

Finding a quality mechanic is important to the life of your car, don't underestimate this and take the time to find a good one.

About the Author:
Gregg Hall is an author and internet marketing consultant living in Navarre Florida. Find more articles about cars and car care products at www.5starshine.com
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Summertime Car Care

Because we feel the effects of winter more harshly than summer, we go to extra lengths to protect ourselves with coats and hats and gloves. Most of us make sure that our cars are ready for the onslaught of frigid winter weather too. We make sure we have snow tires, an ice scraper and deicer.

However, in summer months we can shed our heavy and restrictive coats and hats and take life easy. We also tend to be more lax with our car care too. Remember, you car needs protection and routine maintenance year round, no matter what the temperature.

Your engine is effected by extremes of temperature. Don't think that it isn't hard on the engine when you sit idling in a traffic jam in 90 degree plus temperature with the air conditioner blasting away inside.

The first reason to keep up a maintenance schedule is to save yourself money in the long run. If you have a newer car in order to keep the warranty in effect you need to have it serviced according to your manufacturers recommended schedule.

If your car is older and out of warranty you need to be more vigilant. It's up to you to make a service schedule for your car. Make a checklist and keep track of the following items;

Oil. This should be changed every 3,000 miles. If you car is "using" oil as the saying goes, check it every other time you fill up. Carry an extra quart of oil in the trunk. Along with an oil change most "speedy" oil change business check belts, hoses, fluid levels, tires, etc.

Antifreeze. Have your cars heating and cooling system checked on at least yearly. You want to make sure you have adequate temperature protection, summer and winter.

Air cleaner. This should be checked at the same time you have your oil changed. A clogged air cleaner can really slow down your engines performance.

Brakes. If you notice any squealing of your breaks have them checked as soon as possible. It's much cheaper to replace worn pads than it is to have to replace expensive rotors if they become worn.

Tires. The air pressure is usually checked at the same time you have your oil changed. You should also have the tires rotated on a regular basis, this can really prolong their life.

Battery. Batteries are sealed units now. Have the battery checked at least once a year.

Following these tips all year round will help you keep you car in top running order.

About the author:
Shaan Randow
This article courtesy of http://www.bmw-fanclub.net
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7 Great Tips To Save Money On Car Parts And Maintenance

Taking care of your car maintenance can be very rewarding if done properly so here's a list of seven tips that can help you save money on your car parts and service.

1. A well tuned car can has a fuel consumption from 25% to 33% lower than a poorly tuned car making a tune-up cheaper than driving without it, tuning your car for better performance can save you between $150 and $250 per year.

2. Regardless of the number of miles the manual recommends a oil change and filter change you should change them every 3,000 miles. This is one of the most important factors in your engine's life since it's going to prolong your engine's life and you're going to save on engine car parts. The potential savings are $500 to $3000.

3. Dirty air filter means more gasoline used and reduces the engine's life so you should check it regularly, maybe monthly. The air filter can be cleaned by blowing it with a hose or can be replaced. You can save about $130 per year..

4. Using steel-belted radial tires can increase the number of miles you make per year by up to 10%, saving this way about $130 per year.

5. Most cars, don't work better on premium gas, so, unless your car is pinging or knocking you shouldn't use higher octane gas. If your car doesn't have a high performance engine, using the gas that best suits your car's engine can save you $200 to $400 per year.

6. Having under inflated tires makes your engine burn about 6% more gas so make sure you check your tire pressure regularly.

7. If your tires are improperly balanced the tread on them will be destroyed. In addition, your suspension and shock absorbers can be damaged leading to more expense on car parts and service. Balancing your tires once a year can add thousands of miles to their life.

About the Author:
Ispas Marin
At http://www.mbsautoparts.com you will find discount part prices on millions of domestic and import Auto Parts and oem parts.Cheap Mercedes Parts, BMW Parts, Porsche Parts. Our discount prices on domestic and import truck and car parts and accessories are unbeatable.
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A Few Gas Saving Tips

Recently, our country has been hit with a surge of high gas prices. With no decline in prices on the horizon, people are being forced to ration their gas intake. There is a silver lining from the events of the present; the rationing will help reduce gas emissions, which in turn will help the environment. There are some easy and effective steps the consumer can take to help save on gasoline, improve mileage and help reduce gas emissions. They are listed in the following paragraphs.

Before one hits the road there are several actions that can be taken to limit the frequency of “filling up at the pump”. They are: 1) keep tires properly inflated to manufacturer specifications, 2) use the recommended grade of motor oil for your vehicle, 3) get regular tune-ups, filter changes and engine lubes, 4) buy fuel-efficient replacement tires, 5) plan ahead for the shortest, gas saving itinerary, 6) ride a bicycle and 7) take a walk.

If you do need to drive in order to reach your intended destination, then the following are some fuel saving tips. First, do not speed. Speeding forces the engine to use more gas. Second, do not drive aggressively. Third, avoid excessive idling. Excessive idling produces zero miles per gallon. Another tip is to use the air conditioner, sparingly. Finally, when at all possible use cruise control to keep your speed constant.

When taking a trip, the most cost efficient ways are to avoid carrying items on top of your vehicle; travel light and when renting a car ask for a model that is the most fuel-efficient. Likewise, if you commute some tips to save on gas are to stagger your work hours, to avoid rush hour (stop and go traffic eats up a lot of fuel). When at all possible take public transportation or consider telecommuting. Finally, join your neighborhood car pool.

The last suggestion on how consumers can save on gas involves one to make a long-term investment. The investment to make is to trade in that old car for a newer, more fuel-efficient vehicle. Newer vehicles are generally more fuel efficient and with all the new hybrid vehicles on the market you have even more choices. There are now even hybrid trucks and SUVs. The suggested actions are a few ways on how you, the consumer, can show your power at the pump.

About the Author:
Gregg Hall is a business consultant and author for many online and offline businesses and lives in Navarre Florida with his 16 year old son. Get car care products from http://www.carcarewizards.com/www.carcarewizards.com
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Your Quick And Easy Guide To Car Maintenance

Cars are like electric lights. We often don’t appreciate them until they go on the blink. Regular maintenance checks and simple service can greatly reduce the cost of car ownership and keep you a much happier traveler!

Don’t let the thought of car maintenance intimidate you. There are actually several car maintenance tips you can do – even if you’re totally mechanically-challenged!

For instance, you’ll want to keep your windshield washer fluid reservoir full. This involves screwing off the cap and pouring windshield wiper fluid in the right spot. You can quickly check the fluid levels when filling up at the gas station.

While you’ve got the windshield washer fluid out, pour some on a rag and clean the bug guts, etc. off the wiper blades.

If you see any colored fluid leaking from your car, get it serviced immediately.

If you smell any peculiar odor coming from your car, take it to the nearest service station. Odors mean something inappropriate is going on under the hood of your car!

Every fall, go ahead and replace your wiper blades. You need new ones once a year – might as well get them before winter sets in and you’re wiping away that ice and sleet!

Be sure all your lights are clean and working, including brake lights, turn signals and emergency flashers. You can perform this quick check while filling up your gas tank.

Check your tires once a month – give a look over for cuts, bulges, or nails or other foreign objects sticking out.

Take your car to your friendly serviceman once a month and have the pressure in your tires checked. This service should cost you less than five bucks, if anything.

Every three months have your oil and oil filter changed. Many times an inspection is done during the oil change. It’s worth it to pay a little extra if you have to and have this done. Ask to have your battery checked, too.

Have your air filter changed when it gets dirty. You can ask the folks who change your oil to check the air filter. They’re happy to change it for you.

No matter how non-car savvy you may have felt in the past, finding that you can do some simple maintenance checks puts you in the driver’s seat. You’re likely to discover in advance if your car has a problem that should be taken care of immediately.

About the Author:
Jeff Slokum
This article provided courtesy of http://www.gmc-truck-guide.com
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Accessories that Protect your Vehicle

There are many accessories you can purchase to protect your vehicle. Those mentioned here are just some of the most often chosen. Whether you are looking to protect the interior or exterior, measures taken to keep your vehicle looking its best and at the same time insuring retention of the vehicle’s top value will be highly beneficial when it comes time to trade it in or sell. Even if you are not looking at future values for sale, using accessories like new seat covers, floor mats or a car bra will make you proud to be seen in your vehicle as well as the protection these accessories will provide.

The front-end car bra is an accessory that will provide protection for your vehicle’s front end. Specially ordered for your vehicle, the car bra is made to fit snugly and perfectly for maximum protection. Its value is in its ability to act as a guard from road hazards such as bugs, chemicals such as tar and gravel on roadways and from pitting damage on your automobile’s grill and paint surfaces. The bra, while having an important protective feature, also gives your vehicle a classier appearance. Usually constructed of heavy vinyl and a firm padding underneath, the car bra will stand the test of time. Most vehicle bras are easy to install and remove. The benefits in adding value, protection and a sleek look to your vehicle are well worth the small investment of a car front-end bra.

Bug shields are yet another valuable protective piece you can add to your vehicle. Modern bug shields are designed aerodynamically to not only compliment the look of your car’s front end, but they also maximize fuel usage. By not allowing a pushing type of air force against the vehicle, aerodynamically made shields create an ease in air flow so that your car doesn’t have to use extra fuel to compensate for the additional pressure or work. Bug shields are great for protecting your car from road debris, excessive bug collection and chipping from stones or other road hazards.

A car cover is an essential accessory if you must leave your vehicle outside in the harsh elements of the sun, rain or snow. It will protect your car from wear and tear and the hazards of extreme weather conditions when garaging or cover protection is not available. It should fit snugly around the normally exposed portions of the vehicle. Car covers are usually made of heavy duty protecting materials that will keep the damaging weather elements away from the automobile’s painted surfaces and will protect from the above mentioned weather hazards. Car covers are especially valuable if you use them while shopping or when the vehicle is parked anywhere someone or something can bump into the vehicle and create paint or body damage.

Floor Mats are the perfect accessory to not only give your interior a new or more finished look, they are indispensable in the protection they provide against wear and tear on the floor carpet. You can purchase floor mats in most any variety of colors, styles, and designs. They are available in materials such as rubber and clear plastic to name a few. Floor mats can be made specific to your vehicle or purchased at auto parts stores. The benefits to having floor mats cannot be overstated. They can aid in comfort when driving on long road trips, they protect from shoe damage in the acceleration area of the floor and they keep everyday dirt and grime from attaching to your vehicle’s original carpet. A purchase of floor mats at nominal prices can give your vehicle protection from years of floor or carpet damage in the vehicle.

No matter what part of the world you live in, tinting your vehicle’s windows can offer protection in many ways. Window tinting has long been known to reduce the heat coming into your vehicle. Anyone that owns an automobile in the southwest will tell you that the sun’s heat (and damaging ultraviolet rays) is not only destructive, it is downright uncomfortable. So in these two ways, tinting can increase your comfort while driving and decrease fading or discoloration of the interior’s vinyl or fabric work. If you choose a safety film, you will get even more protection.

A safety film on your vehicle’s windows has been known to reduce injuries to occupants from flying shattered glass in auto accidents. If you have a large object hit your windshield, safety film may deter the object from coming directly into your vehicle and hitting any passengers. If you live in tornado or earthquake zones, this type of film can prevent injury as well by acting as a buffer between you and the shattered glass.

Lastly, but certainly not less important, seat covers have numerous benefits. Seat covers protect the material that covers the original fabric of your car’s seats. This is very important for owners that live in sun drenched areas of the world, work in conditions where your clothing is contaminated with dirt, grease, or other destructive materials and for those owners that participate in activities such as biking, hiking, or swimming (the chlorine alone is severely damaging if you are not fully dried off). Seat covers are not just about protecting, they can also provide a tailored and clean look to your vehicle’s interior.

Your vehicle will look well kept and well taken care of if you purchase seat covers before damage occurs. You can pull them off before selling or trading in your vehicle for that eye-appealing look that says you the owner took very good care of the car. Sometimes a nice and fresh looking interior will sell a vehicle even if the exterior is a bit worn.

While there are many other accessories out there for your vehicle, the ones mentioned here will go a long way in giving you peace of mind. You will know that you have done what you can to insure that your vehicle will look close to new even when it is ten years old. If you want to sell your vehicle someday, you have applied accessories that will most likely bring you maximum dollar at selling or trade-in time. You can never lose by adding protective accessories to you car.

About the Author:
This article was written by Rita R. Powers sponsored by www.autopartswarehouse.com/. The Auto Parts Warehouse offers round-the-clock sales support as well as free shipping within the 48 states for orders over $50. Protect the exterior of your car with a Covercraft car cover made to withstand the elements. Visit www.autopartswarehouse.com/car_covers~pop.html. Reproductions of this article are encouraged but must include a link pointing back to www.autopartswarehouse.com/
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18 Simple Ways To Save Money On Your Car

The upkeep of your vehicle can be quite an expense - from initial purchase to insurance to maintenance. And sometimes we get the sinking feeling that every time we need a car repair, we’re going to get taken for a ride. (pardon the pun!) Actually there are some ways to make sure you don’t get a raw deal when dealing with a local body shop.

After you get recommendations for honest mechanics, call around to check out the prices for certain jobs. It’s always smart to get a second opinion.

How about some preventative medicine? Keep your gas tank filled. This will help you avoid the gas line freezing up in cold weather. Also, driving on “fumes” allows little pieces of dirt at the bottom of your gas tank to run through the fuel lines with the last drops of gas. This debris clogs up the fuel filter and can cause carburetor damage as well.

Sometimes a problem with your car’s electrical system results from a simple blown fuse. Check to see if you have any blown fuses before investing in a tow truck!

Keep track of how much oil your car uses. A sudden change in oil consumption means you need to see a technician.

Save your brakes by having your brake fluid changed every 30,000 miles.

Check your tire pressure once a month. This simple maintenance check can add up savings at the gas pump!

Stop and go traffic causes excess wear and tear on your vehicle. Go ahead and give your car a nice twenty minute ride at 55 mph on the highway every couple weeks if you “major” in short trips.

There are other ways to save money on car expenses. Let’s look at the insurance payments.

If you’ve budgeted for possible out-of-pocket expenses in case of a car accident, you might want to consider increasing your insurance deductible to $500. This will lower the cost of your insurance.

Talk to your insurance agent. If your car is as old as the hills, you might want to drop collision coverage to save money.

Car insurance companies offer a variety of discounts. Ask your agent if the company offers reductions for driver training courses, anti-lock brakes, car alarms, air bags, mature drivers, good students or maintaining a good driving record.

Before you purchase from a dealer, ask about the dealer's return policy, get it in writing and read it carefully. Dealers are not required by law to give used car buyers a three-day right to cancel.

Visit http://www.fueleconomy.gov to find cars that are fuel efficient.

Each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.10 per gallon for gas.

In most cases, using cruise control on the highway will save gas.

Replacing a clogged air filter can improve your car's gas mileage by as much as 10 percent. This isn’t going to cost you an arm or leg either.

Do your homework when buying a car from an auction. Many vehicles that have been damaged by floods and hurricanes are going on the market. These won’t last long – leaving you with a flood of bills. Be a little concerned if the carpet looks too new, and check carefully for signs of rust.

Carfax.com shares info on inspecting a used car to make sure you get the best deal.

If you use your car for business, keep track of miles traveled so that you can use this for a tax deduction. Get more info at irs.gov.

When you consider all the ways you can save money on your current vehicle, you might be persuaded to put away the extra each month for a new car down the road!

About the author:
Jeff Slokum
This article provided courtesy of http://www.car-alarm-guide.net
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Uses of Auto Seat Covers

It is an irony that auto seat covers are the most neglected thing in a car, while so much importance is given to its looks. Auto seat covers are as important for your car as any other part of your car. These covers will keep your seats free from dirt and other harmful elements. They will also maintain their shape.

There are several companies which offer designed seat covers. There are some companies which make baby seat covers made of cotton and silk, so as not to harm the baby's skin. The most important feature of an infant seat cover is the security it provides to the baby while the car is moving. Also, it provides security to parents against the mess created by children. You just need to detach the seat cover, toss it in the washing machine and refit it again to give the seat its usual look.

Auto Seat Cover Materials

Soft Touch: Poly-cotton is the most widely used material for auto seat covers. It is very soft to touch, and also renders protection against harmful elements simultaneously.

Sheepskin: The usage of sheepskin is common next to poly-cotton for seat covers. It is considered to be thermostatic in nature, as it is warm during cold conditions and cool during warm conditions.

UV Protected Sheets: Another good choice of seat covers that you can consider having are Velour seat covers. They are also very soft to touch like poly-cotton. However they are different, as they possess an additional ultraviolet coating. So they will protect the color of your car seats from fading.

Types of Auto Seat Covers

Universal Auto Seat Covers: These kinds of seat covers are a universal fit. This means that they can be fitted to almost every kind of car seat, whether they are low-back or high-back bucket seats. It is very convenient to fit and remove them. But they cannot be used for car seats with side-impact airbags.

Custom Auto Seat Covers: These auto seat covers are tailor made. They can be made as per the measured size of specified car seats. While making custom covers, every minor detail of the car seat is taken notice of and pondered over. This fitting is considered perfect, as it is specifically made to fulfill the particular requirements of the car.

Hybrid Semi-Custom Auto Seat Covers: These kinds of seat covers are best if you cannot afford custom covers. They may not provide you with all the features which are rendered by the latter, but they are able to protect your car seat against any harmful elements.

Maintained car seats give a beautiful look to the interior of your car. So it is always recommended to use auto seat covers to provide your car seats with protection against any harmful elements. This will increase the durability of the interior of your car.

About the Author:
Stefan Rockhaus provides information on automotive accessories - Visit Auto Seat Covers to read more about car seat covers - You may reprint this article as long as no changes are made, and this resource box is left intact.
Article Submitted On: September 13, 2006
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com

Three Factors In Choosing A Body Shop For Your Sports Car

Even though you baby your sports car and take great pains to care for it perfectly, accidents do occasionally happen. When they do, the sports car owner must decide where to take their vehicle for body repair.

Choosing a body shop is an important process. You want to make sure your sports car is restored to pre-accident condition and, of course, you don’t want to overpay for the necessary repairs.

As with any service, there are both great providers and horrible providers. Most probably fall between the two extremes. Considering, however, the importance of a sports car to a motor enthusiast, it seems reasonable to take special care to try to find the best possible service.

There are at least three factors one should evaluate when choosing a body shop for their sports car. Although these guidelines are certainly not meant to be comprehensive, they do provide a great starting point for any sports car owner in need of bodywork.

The first factor is the reputation of the body shop. Check with other sports car owners, your regular mechanic and others to find a body shop known for its quality workmanship and fair pricing. A good shop will have a good reputation. Similarly, one is best to steer clear of outfits that are not so highly regarded. Don’t be seduced by one shop’s advertising claims or overlook another shop that doesn’t advertise at all. Instead, seek out the opinions of experts and those with direct experience with area body shops when choosing your repair site.

The second factor is your opinion of their actual work. Any body shop should be more than happy to show you some of the work they have recently completed or currently have in progress. By evaluating their actual work product, you can often decide if you believe they can handle your specific sports car body issue. If you feel their efforts look less than perfect or seem somehow “off,” you can anticipate having similar feelings about the work they would do on your sports car.

The third factor is how solidly a shop will stand behind its work. Bodywork can usually be done in a way that can last almost indefinitely, and a good shop should be willing to stand solidly behind its repair work. Ask the body shop about any guarantee they are willing to issue or what their specific policies are if the work performed fails to meet your exact specifications. A body shop manager who acts offended or is reluctant to stand behind their work without hesitation is probably a poor choice for a discriminating sports car owner.

Bodywork can be expensive and time-consuming. Poorly performed bodywork can be a drag on sports car performance and can result in multiple expenditures to have the very same problem corrected. It pays to make sure the work is completed correctly the first time.

A sports car is always an investment, and is often a passion. It only makes sense to be sure talented professionals will be handling your sports car in the unfortunate event of an accident. A sports car owner should not rely purely on instinct of a prominent yellow page advertisement when choosing a body shop. A smart sports car owner who looks carefully for a great body shop is likely doing himself or herself a great favor.

Accidents happen, but there is no reason to compound the annoyance associated with them by choosing a second-rate body shop. Choose wisely, and the memory of that unfortunate accident can be nearly erased.

About the Author:
Gregg Hall is a business consultant and author for many online and offline businesses and lives in Navarre Florida with his 16 year old son. Take care of yor car with quality car care products from www.stopwaxing.com
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Muscle Car Restoration 101

Restoring muscle cars is a hobby for some and a profession for others. There’s just something about the classic high-performance cars that collectors, racers and general car enthusiasts find fascinating. If you are a hobbyist who is interested in restoring a muscle car, you will probably benefit from a few restoration tips. The restoration of muscle cars begins with shopping for a muscle car that can be restored. Prior to buying a car for the purpose of restoring it you need to make sure that the parts needed for the restoration are available and you can get your hands on them, and that you can afford to complete the project once you start it.

Before going shopping for a muscle car to restore, decide what your purpose is for restoring a car. Do you just want a great muscle car to drive? Will you be racing? Are you restoring the car so you can participate and compete in classic car shows? Do you intend to sell the totally restored muscle car for a profit?

Once you’ve determined the purpose behind your muscle car restoration you’ll have a better idea about what type of muscle car you want to get. Before you go shopping, read up on different muscle cars and learn all about their performance, their value and so forth to make sure that the car you choose is appropriate for you intentions. To make sure that you don’t get ripped off in a muscle car transaction, find out what the muscle cars you are looking for are worth “as is” and what they are worth once they are restored. Having this information at your fingertips will help you to determine whether or not you are really getting a “great deal” when you begin to negotiate to buy a muscle car.

Before you buy one, make sure that the parts needed to restore your muscle car are available and affordable. Set your budget and your timeline for restoring the car so you know how much you can afford to spend for the muscle car itself and for the parts and other expenses that will be incurred in the process of the restoration. Following these simple suggestions at the beginning of your muscle car restoration project will prevent you from starting a project you can’t finish and will ensure that your muscle car restoration project is enjoyable and that you meet your goals for muscle car restoration, whatever those goals may be.

About the Author:
Jason Tarasi is a muscle car enthusiast who runs the Muscle Car Monster Website, where members can buy and sell muscle cars for free through the site's online classifieds. Muscle Car Ads
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What to do when a cold engine is hard to start

Starting a car with a cold engine can be very difficult sometimes and it can become a real obstacle for those who live surrounded by extremely cold weathers. This way, for all those who might experience this problem it is not only important to learn how to overcome it but also why it happens in order to be able to prevent it as much as possible as well.

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!
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Battery Chargers, What to look for & what to avoid

Battery Chargers

Batteries or dry cells are manufactured to supply steady and uninterrupted D.C power to different modern day gadgets that run with electrical energy. Batteries are generally lead-acid cells. Over 15 billion batteries are produced every year and are sold worldwide. Many of these are alkaline batteries which are discarded after being used for a single time. But there are also some batteries which can be charged again and again after every use and are known as rechargeable batteries. These batteries should be kept at fully charged condition so as to meet the D.C. power demand whenever needed. Therefore suitable battery chargers are required to charge those rechargeable batteries.

The different types of battery chargers are:

1) Medical battery chargers,
2) Automotive battery chargers,
3) Commercial battery chargers and
4) Industrial battery chargers.

These battery chargers may be stationary or portable.

These rechargeable batteries are of high capacities. Rechargeable batteries like Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) or Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries can be charged several hundreds of times and last far longer period in high drain devices. By using these rechargeable batteries people can save tons of money. When the charge of the rechargeable battery goes down below a certain level it stops supplying D.C power to electrical instruments, then the battery needs to be charged to regain its capacity of supplying D.C power. Low quality chargers can even damage batteries and shorten their lifetime. The charger takes current directly from electric lines and induces the electric charge into the batteries.

The charging of batteries depends on different factors such as capacity of the rechargeable battery, its age, its initial charges, etc. Different chargers vary widely in this matter. There is a tendency of generating heat during the charging of rechargeable batteries which is one of the most commonly cited factors for the damage of these batteries. The heat mainly generates due to the internal resistance and chemical reaction of the rechargeable batteries. Excessive current can also damage the batteries after it is fully charged.

There are some automatic chargers which initially charge at a very high rate and continuously monitor the cell voltage to reduce or shut off the charging when the battery tends to charge fully. The battery chargers can take 1 hour to 8 hour of time for charging depending upon the design and ratings of these chargers. There are also different visual indications like LED on the battery chargers. These indicators indicate that the rechargeable batteries should not get overcharged and help them preventing them from overheating.

Nowadays there are wide applications of rechargeable batteries. These types of batteries are even used in power generating stations as a substitute of D.C current and emergency Lighting System. They are also used in vehicles like cars, trolleys, bus, etc. There are also some battery driven cars which run on streets completely based on battery power and not on fuel.

The use of rechargeable batteries can also be found in laptops, IPods, cellular phones, electric wheelchairs, etc. Therefore suitable chargers are very essential for the charging of these rechargeable batteries.

About the Author:
Tyler J Stevenson has considerable experience in evaluating battery chargers Further information & to compare battery chargers can be found here.
Article Source: www.articlesnetwork.com

Five Ways to Judge Your Car Stereo Speakers

Car stereo speakers are very vital for an efficient car audio system. Car speakers are unique in that they are designed for reproducing sound frequencies. You can evaluate your car stereo speakers on the following criteria: Frequency response of the speakers should be higher and wider for better sound capturing and reproducing Efficiency of the speakers determines the distance sound will travel and is measured in terms of decibels, the higher the better. For playing your system continuously, the factor to be considered is the maximum power RMS, i.e., the maximum powers speakers can produce continuously. A component speaker set will give a full range and quality of sound in your car and it will be a thrilling experience. The car stereo speakers should be power efficient so that it does not eat up the riding power of your car. A car audio system is comprised of different components. Speakers for your car have unique characteristics to ensure quality audio sound in your car. They are much different from speakers you would buy for your home, office, or computer. When shopping for speakers, be sure to listen to a variety. Each speaker will have its own sound. Therefore, with the above knowledge gear up your car with better car stereo speakers, which will enhance your musical experience and rock your car.

About The Author:
David Chandler For more information, visit these sites: http://www.CarAudioInfoCenter.com or http://www.CarAccessoriesInfoCenter.com
This article was posted on August 31, 2005
Article Source: The Articles Directory

A Simple Car Cleaning Guide

“It looks like new! I can’t believe that car’s seven years old!” Would you like to hear that from your friends? I’m sure all of us do, but keeping our car looking like the latest models is tough, even with today’s longer-lasting finishes. However, if we adopt simple techniques such as cleaning out cars regularly and attending minor repairs immediately, the results can be remarkable. Some car owners think rainwater is the only enemy to their car, but bird droppings, highway bugs, atmospheric pollution and road salt can also ruin the beauty of your car. Many owners think fighting these ever-diligent adversaries is a daunting task, so they don’t usually bother, but truthfully, it’s easier than they think.

Step 1: Washing First, spray water gently to thoroughly wet the surface of the vehicle. This light rinse helps to loosen the dirt on the vehicle. Then divide your car into five sections: the top, the hood, the trunk, the right side and the left side. Start from the top, move on to the hood and the trunk, and then concentrate on the right side and the left side. Washing should always be done very gentle such that the dirt will not scratch the body of your car. Re-wet and then rinse each section, finishing in the same order- top, hood, trunk and sides.

Step 2: Polishing Polishing should only be done a small section at a time. Add an even coating of polish onto a towel, and then apply to the vehicle surface gently in small, even and circular motions. Start at the top and working your way down to the trunk and hood, finally ending with the sides. The polish should be allowed to sit on the paint surfaces for at least five to ten minutes. After this time, remove the residue with a different cotton towel by pressing firmly on the surfaces. The same procedure may be applied to all other four sections.

Step 3: Waxing Use a soft and clean terry cloth towel to apply wax to a small section of the car. The application of wax to the car can be done similar to how polishing has been carried out. The only difference is you should wait until the wax has dried to a slight haze. If you’re really striving, repeat the whole process again, adding a second coat of wax to the vehicle. And there you have it! You’ve removed the dirt and grime.

About The Author:
Pete Lance Complements of http://www.USGasTracker.org Lowest Gas Prices. For any US zip code. Free daily email with locations and prices.
This article was posted on September 10, 2005
Article Source: The Articles Directory

How to reduce fuel consumption amidst skyrocketing gas

Gas prices keep skyrocketing. But there is a lot a motorist can do to reduce fuel consumption. There are quite a few easy and inexpensive maintenance steps that can be taken to add miles to every gallon and save money.

Consumers waste millions of dollars everyday because of dirty oil, worn spark plugs, faulty thermostats, loose gas caps, underinflated tires, malfunctioning engine controls, poor wheel alignment, dirty air filters, and so on. These problems are basic and easy to take care of, yet still they are major causes of wasted fuel.

As they say, "a stitch in time saves nine". With proper maintenance you can save a lot of fuel. Avoid gas vaporization by ensuring that your vehicle gas cap is not damaged, loose or missing. Your tires must be properly inflated; otherwise it can cost you a few miles per gallon. Replace your spark plugs regularly to avoid misfiring and fuel wastage. Replace clogged air filters and improve gas mileage by as much as 10 percent.

Driving habits are another major contributor to poor fuel economy. Bad habits include exceeding speed limits, aggressive driving, excessive idling, carrying heavy items in vehicle, and the list goes on.

Fast driving in low gears can consume up to 45% more fuel than is needed. When traveling at highway speeds keep windows closed. Open windows reduce your mileage by 10%. You should drive steadily. Sudden changes in speed wastes fuel.

A lot of fuel can be wasted by prolonged warming up of the engine. You do not need to warm up engine for more than 45 seconds even on cold mornings. Starting and stopping your engine needlessly is another no-no. Avoid revving the engine, especially just before it is switched off.

You should also buy your gasoline carefully. Choose quality brands that provide greater economy. Buy your gasoline during the coolest times of the day. And never fill your gas tank to the top. The gas can slosh over and out of the tank.

Other fuel saving habits include avoiding rough roads, using straighter roads, regular tune-ups, inspection of suspension and chassis parts for misalignment, and removing snow tires during good weather seasons.

About the author:
Roger Charles is a successful author and publisher of http://toyota-parts-guide.com A resource for information and tips on buying auto parts and accessories online.
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Gas Mileage Enhancer: A Tune Up

When it comes to gas mileage savers, taking care of your car is a great place to start. Common sense will tell you that fixing a car's engine that is out of tune or one that has failed an emissions test can result in a gas mileage improvement of about 4.1 percent.

It's important to have your vehicle serviced immediately if a "check engine" light appears on the dashboard. The light is there for a reason and ignoring it could mean having to shell out more money than just for high priced gasoline.

Replacing a clogged air filter can improve gas mileage by as much as 10 percent. If you think about it in terms of money, that 10 percent is the equivalent of nearly 15 cents a gallon in actual gasoline savings. Since most cars have a 15 - 20 gallon tank, that amount of savings begins to add up. A car's air filter prevents impurities from hurting the inside of the engine.

Tire maintenance can also result in gas mileage improvements. If you keep your tires inflated at their proper pressure you can improve gas mileage by about 3 percent. This can translate into a savings of up to 5 cents a gallon. You can check with the manufacturer of your vehicle for the recommended tire pressure.

You will also want to have the right grade of motor oil in your car. Different vehicles need different grades. For example, the average sedan uses 10W30. When you buy the wrong oil your car wastes energy trying to compensate in order to make the care run properly.

Finally, it's important to calculate gas mileage for your car on a regular basis. If you notice that you're going through gas much more quickly than usual, your vehicle might not be operating at it very best. Getting a tune up regularly (according to manufacturer recommendations) may mean that you will spend less money over all. If you don't get a tune up regularly, your gas money problems could just end up being the least of your problems.

Simple, but regular car maintenance can go a long way toward being a super gas saver.

About the Author:
Olivia Romero is a writer with over fifteen years writing video scripts and webcopy. She authors several websites and blogs. For more information on increasing your car's gas mileage and performance click here!
Article Source: http://articles.simplysearch4it.com/article/28169.html

How To Get Even Better Fuel Economy From Your Hybrid Car

If you haven't taken the leap into the hybrid automobile market you aren't alone but the owners of hybrid cars are jumping into the green market and leading the way for those of us still driving the regular gas-only engine cars.

Besides getting the tax breaks and other perks for buying hybrids these drivers still are seeking to improve fuel economy. A lot of hybrid owners have stated that even though their hybrids give them better mileage than their previous gas vehicles they are not really satisfied with the fuel economy because they thought the difference would be even more.

These pioneers of the hybrid market seem to have high expectations of their vehicles even though some are getting over 60 mpg on their cars. For many the problem is that they are not driving their hybrid like a trained tester would and therefore are not seeing the fuel economy. Some of these drivers have been consulting with driving experts who have been coaching them on how to drive for maximum efficiency and fuel economy. After being trained the drivers are saying that they are getting better mileage than before. What is good to know about this is that the same driving tips for getting better mileage will work for drivers of regular cars too.

Many hybrid cars make use of a method that is being termed as pulse and glide. The way it works is that you end up in the zone where the use of gas and electricity is somewhat balanced. Toyota hybrids seem to reach this point at somewhere between thirty and forty mph. Once you hit that zone you have to hit the gas quick which results in a clean screen with black arrows on the dashboard telling you that you have stabilized energy use, incredibly this tactic can as much as triple your fuel economy!

The next tip is almost as old as driving itself and many drivers just refuse to heed it. Driving slower and avoiding fast stops and starts is one of the easiest and surest ways to conserve gas but most drivers can't stand to simply drive the speed limit. It takes some planning but if you are committed to changing your lifestyle and giving yourself a little more time to get to your destinations it will be worthwhile. Try to glide as much as possible, if the front end of your car dips every time you put on the brakes you are wasting a lot of energy; instead you should be coasting up to the light or stop sign.

You may get to the next stoplight faster by rushing through that yellow light but it isn't helping your gas mileage.

About the Author:
Gregg Hall is an author and internet marketing consultant living in Navarre Florida. Find more about cars and car polish at www.ultimatepolish.com
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Automotive Air Conditioner Basic Troubleshooting Tips

If your automotive air conditioner isn’t working quite right, here are a few ideas to begin. First of all start with the control panel on your dashboard. Most automobiles have an A/C button that actually turns the compressor on and allows cold air to be circulated. You might have accidentally hit the recirculation button instead of the A/C button. (Don’t laugh, I had a friend that spent a week in a hot car and all he needed to do was press the right button.) The second thing to check is the actual function of the controls. Do they move at all? Are they loose and giggle around? The big question is “do they feel different from the last time your air conditioner worked?” This could tell if the controls are messed up and need replacing. Your air conditioner system may be fine but the controls could be frozen or broken. If your controls seem to be functioning, lets move to the blower fan. Turn on your car and start you’re air conditioner as you normally would. Then turn your blower to it’s highest setting. Can you here your fan blowing? If you can hear it, does it sound weak or whining. This could signal that your blower motor is malfunctioning or needs to be replaced. If it doesn’t work at all, check the fuse for the blower motor. The fuse for your blower motor should be located in the fuse box under the dash. Most automobiles have the fuses clearly labeled. First take out the blower fan fuse with the removal tool provided in the fuse box. A blown fuse should be easy to identify. However if you are unsure, replace it with a similar rated fuse and try your blower again. If that fuse blows you may have a bad blower motor or a short in the circuit. In this case, you will need an authorized mechanic to fix it. If the blower fan is working properly and you can only get cold air out of the defroster vents, you may have vacuum-system supply line problem. To check for this, look for a small black plastic tube going from the engine area through the dash. It is usually right by the refrigerant lines. Check this tube and see if it has holes or is not connected. If all of these little tips are not helping and you’re A/C doesn’t blow cold air no matter how many switches you turn on or off, you will probably need an certified mechanic. Good luck and stay cool!

About The Author:
Jason Miller is the webmaster for Red Hill Supply - Online Air Tools Automotive Air Conditioning Tools, Refrigerant Leak Detectors, and More - Red Hill Supply redhillsupply.com
jmiller@redhillsupply.com
This article was posted on August 11, 2005
Article Source: The Articles Directory

Are You Getting Ripped Off On Maintenance And Repair?

Cash is hard to come by nowadays. In fact, one would have to slave and sweat so as to be able to earn these in a good and honest way. That is why it is very important for people that they get not only the best and make sure that what they would be spending on would be worth their hard-earned dollar.

This is very much true not only in the daily necessities of life. It also applies even to things and activities like car maintenance and repair. People would have to make sure that they are able to get something worth their finances. However, there are some people who try and take advantage of people who do not even know about car maintenance and repair costs. That is why it is very much helpful for people to know and at least be familiar with how their vehicles works and the car owner's manual. Sometimes, it even takes a lot more experience with having car maintenance and repair to know if you are not getting ripped off during these activities.

If you do get a problem that could affect safety or something that seems to be a defect from the manufacturing of the vehicle itself, most likely you would be getting the service of taking care of this problem free of charge. Try and find out if there is such a recall on this kind of problem. If there is, then you would be getting the problem fixed and any part changed for no additional cost.

Check about the repair shop or dealership with which you would be doing transactions regarding your car's care. To make sure, ask around or check with your local Better Business Bureau (BBB) about any complaints. If they are okay and free from scamming, ask the managers of the shop if they employ Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified technicians and mechanics. Surely, you would want to have the best for your vehicle.

To make sure that you would be getting just the right costs for any maintenance or repair of your car, ask the person who would be handling your car to give you call about how much would be the total costs. Ask for an estimate. However, inform them also that they should not do anything on the car first without your authorization. That way, you can check if the estimate is fair enough on the type of work and service that your car would be receiving.

If there is a need for replacement of any parts, you can also check through Toyota Parts Online for quality Toyota Celica parts and accessories. This online store has a catalog that is regularly updated on the latest information on the optimum quality Toyota parts.

About the Author:
Mark Clarkson is a 35 year old marketing consultant for a leading auto parts store. This native of Denver is also an offroad enthusiast.
Article Source: http://articles.simplysearch4it.com/article/25913.html

Prepare Your Ford Escape For a Summer Escapade, Use Top Quality Parts

Taking your family or friends for a long ride with your Ford Escape—away from the busy city streets—would be a perfect way to spend the hot summer days and of course, to test this SUV’s performance. Ford Escape is an entry-level Sport Utility Vehicle, and although positioned a rank lower than the best-selling SUV, the Ford Explorer, it offers a respectable line of performance auto parts, impressive power and remarkable rugged looks. In 2004, a hybrid Escape model was launched, giving Ford the pride of introducing the first Sport Utility Vehicle to use hybrid technology. The 2004 Ford Escape Hybrid was proven to be 75% more fuel efficient than the other Ford Escape models and other SUVs as well.

You must be excited driving the Ford Escape for your adventure, but before you head for fun, make sure your vehicle is equipped with the necessary auto parts and accessories to ensure your convenience, comfort and most especially, safety. Whether you are driving a Ford Escape or not, you must do a regular checkup on your auto to ensure it’s always at its best shape and driving condition. Although built with Ford’s high quality standards, Ford Escape Parts are also subject to common car problems, especially when it is not given enough care and attention.

If you want your vehicle to work at its best, don’t let small problems pass without fixing them. They can be a big source of stress and great financial burden, too. But don’t worry because the friendliest and most comprehensive Ford Parts Discount store offers excellent quality replacement Ford Parts at very reasonable prices. Ford Parts Online now features updated inventory of the most dependable Ford performance parts, Ford body parts and even Ford accessories. If you are thinking about buying Ford Parts Used, think again. You can now buy original top quality Ford parts at exciting deals easy, fast, conveniently and securely online.

Here are some insights that can help you prepare your vehicle for a long ride and some tips on car maintenance. Replacement and aftermarket auto parts mentioned can be found at Ford Parts Online, the most experienced and trusted Ford Parts Discount store:

1.Ford Wheels are the closest to the road, so they are more prone to wear and tear. Always wash your Ford Wheels with soap and water to prevent corrosion. Likewise the tires must be properly scoured to remove deep down grime and small particles it came contact with on the road. If you notice serious problems, don’t hesitate replacing them. It’s better to spend extra amount for a new wheels rather than suffer the inconveniences of a road accident.

2.Traveling during the hottest days of the year could be wearisome if your air conditioning system isn’t working. Check the major parts of your a/c system, especially the Ford AC Condenser, which is the one in charge of cooling off the refrigerant gas that absorbed the heat from the cabin. Check if the condenser has leaks; the refrigerant gas could freeze anything it contacts and could suffocate when inhaled.

3.Check the electrical system; especially, check your Ford Alternators and test the battery. Without these two essential parts of the system, your car won’t run. Make sure your battery and the alternator are free from damages.

4.Replace busted Ford Fog Lights. Driving without sufficient light especially at night is extremely dangerous. When driving off-road, you may need additional auto lights for added safety.

5.Lastly, don’t forget to check the engine, fuel and the fuel filter to avoid breakdowns and roadside delays. Clean filters could help you improve the vehicle’s performance and help you save on fuel expenses.

For proper maintenance of your Ford Escape Parts, you can consult the Ford car experts or Ford-trained technicians. Ask you dealer about their repair and maintenance services. Meanwhile, for your best replacement Ford Escape parts and other Ford auto parts needs, you can count on Ford Parts Online.


About the author:
Jay Stevens works as a consultant for an established auto parts store in the country. He has expertise in automotive technology and has inside knowledge on the auto parts industry.
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Preparing Your Car For Warm Weather Driving

Now that the warm weather has finally arrived, everyone will be anxious to take road trips, scenic drives and just cruise around in the warmth glow of the sun. With that being said, if you fail to prepare your car for the warm weather, you may end up foregoing your nice summer drive for a day filled with car repairs. The best way to avoid this is to get your car ready for driving in warm weather and to help you do that, this article is geared toward providing you with tips to make sure that your summer is one filled with sunny days.

Before you head out of the driveway, take a quick glance around. Everyone thinks to look under the hood for potential car problems, but not everyone thinks to check the surrounding area. If you see oil where you have parked your car, you may have a problem and will want to have your car checked by a professional before taking it out for a drive.

Be sure to check all of your car’s fluid levels. This includes the engine, transmission, cooling system, power steering, brake fluid and washer fluid. When it is time to replace them, be sure to purchase high-quality fluids to help improve the performance and dependability of each function. In addition, regularly changing old fluids will go along way in helping your car to remain weather friendly.

While driving, make sure to watch your temperature gauges so that you will know if your car begins to overheat. This is one of the most common causes of preventable breakdowns during the warm summer months because it is especially easy for a car to overheat during this time. Replace your antifreeze if it’s more than several years old and have a mechanic to inspect your car if the problem continues.

Upgrading your oil to a high-performance synthetic motor oil may help to improve your car’s overall health, so don’t cut any costs when it comes to buying oil for your car.

Make sure that your belts and hoses are inspected after adding fluids. A problematic belt may cause the engine to overheat. A hose may need to be replaced if it has any cracks or corrosion. Always keep an eye out for blistered, hard or spongy hoses and have them replaced immediately.

Always clean battery terminals, hinges and latches. In addition, keep your tires properly inflated by checking the air pressure each time you buy gasoline.

About the Author:
Aurel Radulescu
Find more about Car MP3 CD Players, Honda Civic Body Kits and many other car accessories on http://www.autonews24h.com/Accessories/www.autonews24h.com/Accessories/.
Article Source: www.articlesnetwork.com

Are Your Car Tires Safe?

Do you know most of the car accidents are caused because of one or the other fault in the car tires? Most of the car accident reimbursement that the car owners have to pay to the accident victims or the loss they have to incur in terms of insurance money they get is all due to fault in car tires. So, when you go out to buy a car then with all the factors like performance, brand, price, appearance, comfort, and maybe even safety, do consider the performance and integrity of the car tires as well. Even if you own a pre-owned car do make sure that your car tires are in good condition and match your car type, the kind of use it is put to and the geographical demand of the area where you live.

Reliable Tires

Remember different kinds of vehicle require different kinds of tires. So, you must do some research on your car type and its matching tire type. Do not trust the previous owner if you are buying a used car. Make sure it has compatible car tires. Tires are good for varying conditions, last for varying lengths of time, and cost varying amounts to replace. You must know what type of car tires would work the best in your area. Conditions such as extreme heat, frequent rain or snow, or heavy winter weather are some to consider when you are looking to purchase tires, or to purchase a vehicle with its unique tire needs.

Savings

Buying the appropriate tires for your car ensures lowered risk of mishap thus, lower insurance premium. Again for special usage cars such as racecars you can get a good insurance premium value if you make sure you use tires specifically made for such cars. High performance tires may cost more than the normal tires but using them saves a lot of money. Driving on tires with worn-out tread can be extremely dangerous, especially in severe weather conditions. If any accident is caused in such conditions you will not only loose money in insurance but also have pay from your pocket to reimburse for the damage caused by your car and to your car. Different vehicles need different tires and also come with different insurance rates charged by different companies that insure you and your vehicle under different amounts. Thus, make sure your car tires are safe so that you are saved from insurance hassles later on.

About the Author:
Joseph Kenny is the webmaster of the insurance site http://www.insure121.com/www.insure121.com/ where you will find information, news and links to the leading providers of car insurance in the UK.
Article Source: FreeArticlesDirectory

How To Develop A Network Of Expert Advisors For Your Automobile

Automobile prices keep getting higher and when you consider that your car is usually the second most valuable item you own you want the best possible advice on taking care of it. Some of the questions you may have include insurance, warranties, maintenance issues, and more.

There are many resources available to you to give you expert advice and guidance and it is best to have the information before you need it. If you don't have a source readily available you may make a bad decision.

One of the best sources for information is your mechanic. Don't think of seeing your mechanic with the same disdain as a visit to the dentist. A good mechanic can be a wealth of information about all sorts of car related issues and the knowledge is usually not limited to mechanical information. Since mechanics are car lovers they will usually have no problem talking to you about anything automobile related.

Your local automobile dealership can also be a good resource. You can talk to service advisors and mechanics there as well as salespeople. Believe me, salespeople love to talk and it helps them pass the time while they are waiting for a real customer. Another key point if that they may have information about your vehicle that you won't find anywhere else.

Car clubs are another great place to network and get information and advice. You can find car clubs for almost anything, especially if you own a sports car, a classic, or an imported street racer. In my area there are also several clubs for Jeeps and 4-wheel drives. The members of these kinds of clubs are truly car nuts and are particularly knowledgeable about the vehicles the club identifies with.

If you are more of an introvert and really aren't into the personal contact and meetings then you can always go online, the internet has thousands of websites devoted to cars and anything associated with them and you can find answers to just about any question you may have. You can probably find an online forum or message board to post your questions to and receive answers back almost immediately.

There is no need to feel overwhelmed or confused about any car related issue. There are numerous individuals that are more than happy to give you free expert advice and as I said if all else fails you can find the answers to your questions online.

About the Author:
Gregg Hall is an author and internet marketing consultant living in Navarre Florida. Find more articles about cars and car care products at www.5starshine.com
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Getting That Toyota Radiator Fix

Toyota is one of today's top quality car manufacturers in the world. What first started out as a spin-off of Toyoda Automatic Loom Works, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of weaving machinery in the 1930s, Toyota Motor Corporation Ltd. now produces more than 5.5 million vehicles per year or the equivalent of one vehicle to every six seconds - making it Japan’s largest car builder and the world's third largest manufacturer of automobiles in unit sales and in net sales.

After six decades in the car manufacturing business, Toyota continues to be one of the most admired, most popular and most dependable car makers in the world. Providing a complete line of powerful, innovatively designed vehicle models ranging from mini-vehicles to small cars all the way up to the large and heavy-duty trucks, it compliments these excellent vehicles with top of the line car parts, including what is considered the heart of the vehicle cooling system, the radiator.

The car radiator is a technology that has been around almost since automobiles were first invented. Its primary purpose is heat dissipation - to keep our vehicles running smoothly by maintaining the engine's ideal temperature thus, preventing overheating.

Like any other car radiator, the Toyota Radiator works as a heat exchanger used to cool an engine once it reaches operating temperatures. It does this through convection, a process through which heat is transferred during the automatic circulation of fluid. Without an efficient cooling system, your Toyota car is bound to overheat and to perform poorly. The engine should be kept in tip-top shape and the car running smoothly by always properly checking and maintaining your Toyota radiator.

While originally radiators were made of round copper or brass tubes that were significantly heavy yet were corrosion and heat-resistant, today's car radiators are lighter and aluminum-made. This often makes radiators prone to leaks, especially when not properly taken cared of. Damage to the cooling core of the car radiator, split or broken radiator hose, cracked or broken radiator housing, and/or a small leak running your car’s radiator dry are the most common causes for radiator failure.

Usually, your Toyota Radiator problem can be easily solved with just a phone call, a click of the mouse, or a short walk or run to the nearby repair shop. But what do you do when get caught in the middle of nowhere with steam billowing from the open hood of your car and no help in sight?

Here are some simple survival tips: 1. If it’s a damaged core, improvise repair by removing the radiator first, and then by finding the broken section. A pair of pliers will come in handy to crimp or fold the sections of the core surrounding the damage. If you have quick-set epoxy or muffler cement, patch the leaks after allowing the damaged section to dry thoroughly. If you stem the leak enough without disabling your Toyota radiator, you can get yourself to a service station. 2. If a coolant hose is simply split, repair it with whatever heat resistant, waterproof material you have in your car. Duct tape will work if wrapped tight enough (electrical tape will not work). No duct tape? Resourceful drivers have used a glue stick, a potato chip bag, even a necktie, to patch things up. A broken hose will cost you more trouble though. You will have to find something that can bridge the break and that fits snugly inside the hose. A film can is usually just about the right size, and if you’re lucky to have one stashed in your bag or in your glove compartment, you can insert the improvised tube, push the hose back together, fasten it together as firmly as you can and head to the nearest service shop you can find. 3. One radiator problem you might not want to experience is a crack or break in the car radiator’s housing. This is a major problem and often there is no way to repair it. The emergency fix is pretty much the same as for a split hose: try to wrap anything waterproof around it that can withstand some pressure. You may find yourself bending or displacing some cores, but that’s okay as long as they do not split. 4. An empty tank is one of the easiest radiator problems to fix. A slow leak means that you just have to keep topping up the fluid level until you can get the car radiator repaired. Water will do the trick if you don’t have any coolant. However, as often as it’s been said, prevention is still better than cure. To reduce your chances of getting radiator problems, proper maintenance and care of your Toyota radiator is a must. Regularly clean and clear the blockages to make sure that your Toyota radiator is free from leaks. This is the most efficient way for your Toyota radiator to last you a longer period of time, and to save you the trouble of spending your hard-earned money in what could have been unnecessary repairs and replacements.

Toyota Radiators are readily available in reliable and trusted auto parts stores such as Auto Parts Inner. Here, you can find excellent Toyota auto parts such as Toyota A/C condensers, Toyota Altezza Tail lights, Toyota Hubcaps, Toyota Fender Flares, Toyota Gas Tank and others. All Toyota Parts at Auto Parts Inner are manufactured by the best aftermarket auto parts manufacturers so you are assured of its excellent quality, reliability and durability. Customers looking for Toyota Parts will also enjoy the very affordable prices on a huge variety of auto parts and accessories. Shopping for Toyota auto parts just got easier and faster with Auto Parts Inner.

About the author:
Terry Brown is a 32 year old from Houston Texas, and an enthusiast for anything auto related. He is currently employed as a market analyst by one of the top car parts company in the area. His automotive articles provide valuable source of information for auto enthusiasts like him as well as to those in need of automotive research.
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Protect Your Car From Road Salt

Every winter drivers should take active steps to protecttheir car from road salt.

Road salt is necessary for safe transportation when snow andice accumulate on roads and highways and cause dangerousdriving conditions.

Salt was first used in the 1930's in snow and ice control tomake roads safe and passable by creating a lower freezingtemperature of the water. It is the most available andcost-effective de-icer. It is easy to store, handle, andapply.

Some 15 million tons of de-icing salt is used each year inthe U.S. and about 4-5 million in Canada.

Salt keeps snow and ice from bonding to the pavement and toallow snowplows to remove accumulations quickly andefficiently.

Studies show that salt use reduces accidents by 88%.

Washing your car during wintertime is one of the best thingsyou can do to maintain the value of your car. Mud, salt,rain, sleet, and snow can damage your car's clear finish.Mud and salt caked on the undercarriage promote rust,especially in older vehicles, and can also affect how wellyour car drives.

To prevent winter damage, it is recommended that you washyour vehicle every 10 days. Wash your vehicle whenever thetemperature is 40 degrees F. and above. Do it during theday so that it dries completely before freezing eveningtemperatures begin.

Immediately after washing the vehicle, open and close alldoors, the trunk, and other parts of the car with locksseveral times before parking it to prevent locks fromfreezing.

Always wash your car right after a snow or rain shower.Rain and snow collect pollutants in the air and drop them asacid rain which can damage the cars protective finish. Snowand sleet also include the corrosive road salt.

Wash the underside of your car often during the wintermonths in car washes that do not use recycled water.

Avoid driving through large puddles of standing water whichis saturated with road salt.

Any paint chips that are larger than the tip of a pen shouldbe taken care of immediately.

Wax your car at least every six months. Put a good heavycoat of wax on your car before the winter storms hit. Thisheavy coat will protect your paint from the corrosive saltand cold temperatures.

More frequent waxes are needed if your car is red, black orwhite because these colors are more susceptible to acid rainand UV rays.

When spring time rolls around, treat your car to a good waxjob again. Be sure to remove all road grime and salt off ofthe car before you begin waxing.

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Marilyn Pokorney Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the environment. Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading. Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
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