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Although hybrid cars are the rage, and there are all kinds of alternative energy sources on the horizon, hybrids are cost prohibitive, usually ranging $3000 to $7000 more than the gas only version of that model. However, instead of changing fuel sources, some automotive companies have been using a new type of transmission to improve fuel economy, lower emissions, and actually make vehicles faster without adding to the sticker price.These companies are using a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and instead of having set gear ratios (or gears), it constantly varies the gear ratios, as well as engine performance, so that they both operate at their most efficient level in any driving scenario.  Because these key components of the power train are at their peak performance at all times, fuel economy is improved by 6-8% and carbon dioxide emissions are reduced by 10%.  Although these figures may not sound impressive, the gas savings increase the highway mileage of most vehicles by 4 to 6 mpg, which adds up pretty quickly at $3/gallon.The CVT’s potential for reducing emissions is also significant. As Carlos Ghosn, CEO of Nissan Motor Company, said, achieving his goal of selling one million CVT equipped vehicles by the end of 2007 will have “the same effect in terms of reducing CO2 emissions as selling 200,000 hybrid electric vehicles.”  Since there is no shifting between fixed gears, there is no ‘shift shock’ or jerking sensation, which makes them exceptionally smooth to drive. CVTs also do well in hilly terrain since there is no ‘gear hunting’ or bogging down on a hill, followed by a loud, violent downshift, which also contributes to its superior acceleration.You may be wondering why this isn’t in every car if it is so great. Well, every year, more vehicles in the American market add CVTs as an option, though it has happened quietly, as many people are leery of new technology, especially in cars.  The CVT is actually quite old although it is new to American automobiles. The concept was developed by Leonardo DaVinci and was first patented in the late 1800’s for industrial applications. The CVT has been used in Asian and European vehicles since the 1950’s, but until recently CVTs could not handle the power that American drivers demand from their cars. However, CVTs have seen widespread use in snowmobiles and Formula 500 racing where they have a reputation for extending engine life and being much easier to rebuild than either a manual or automatic step transmission.So where can you test drive a CVT-equipped vehicle? Well you can go to dealerships selling Ford, Dodge, Audi, or Mini-Cooper, to name a few, although a Nissan dealership may be the best place to go. In order to hit their goal of one million CVT sales in 2007, they have installed CVTs in nearly every sedan in their lineup, including the best selling Altima, Maxima, and economical Versa (as a side note, Nissan has also made side curtain airbags standard in these models, improving safety and reducing insurance costs).  Although you may not have the budget for a hybrid vehicle or cannot wait for that miracle fuel to hit the market, you can take it easy on the environment, as well as your checkbook, by checking out a few cars with a CVT.

If you have been in a car accident with a newer car that was not totaled but received a significant amount of damage, you may be entitled to more money than you know about. Most insurance companies won’t tell you that you may be able to get a significant amount of money for a diminished value claim. Many people do not even know what diminished value means.Diminished value is the difference in value between a vehicle with an accident history, and the same vehicle without an accident history. Diminished value is the monetary difference between a car’s pre-accident value and its value after the accident – the automatic loss in value from a collision. Diminished value is very hard to prove, so many times you need to hire an attorney who handles diminished value claims, depending on what state you live in.Diminished value exists as a real concept in the insurance world and it is paid all throughout the country. Diminished value is the best-kept secret that your auto insurance company hopes you never learn. Diminished value is a reality, even in cases where repairs eliminate all visual evidence of damage. Diminished value is most pertinent in relation to late model cars that have low miles and have suffered structural damage. The amount of repair related diminished value is determined by the overall quality of the repairs.Diminished Value and InsuranceInsurance companies generally do not acknowledge the right to recover diminished value. Insurance companies would have you believe they are your advocates when in reality they are your adversaries. Insurance companies promise to restore your vehicle back to its pre-accident condition, but fail to define exactly what that means. Nowadays, a vehicle’s crash history is easy to track online, and a history of an accident can cost a vehicle owner thousands of dollars.Diminished Value and AccidentsThe fact that it has been involved in an accident and repaired causes your vehicle to have diminished value. It has been estimated that 55% of consumers would not buy a car that had been in an accident. Although your body shop does an excellent job and your vehicle looks as good as it did before the accident, having been in a collision it’s now much less desirable if you should decide to sell it now or down the road. If you list your car for sale in the newspaper for the Kelley Blue Book Value, the first thing a buyer will ask is “Was this car in an accident?” If your beautiful late model car sustained structural damage, or was repaired with cheap foreign parts, your buyer will likely not pap the same value for it as they would have before the auto accident.

Before you start changing your motorcycle engine oil, you must place the tools you need within reach. Include tools such as wrench, screwdrivers or pliers just in case the filler caps have been tightly screwed. You should also prepare rags and containers for the used oil. Your motorcycle must be placed in an area that you can afford to get dirty, messy and greasy after the changing process. It is advisable to raise your motorcycle using the kick-stand rather than the side or rear stands. Place the container under the motorcycle where you think the oil is going to flow.

The next thing that you should do is to warm up your engine. This is to soften any hard particles in your engine oil. Then turn the engine off to cool for a bit. Proceed removing the filler cap when the engine is slightly warm. This enables the oil to drain quickly. Use necessary tools if it is tightly screwed.

 Locate the drain plug and doff it so that the oil would drain. During the last few turns at the drain plug, be cautious since the hot oil may start to spill out anytime soon. Make sure that the empty can is ready for the draining oil.

Remove the filthy drain plug crush washer and install a new one. Drain plug crush washers are either made from copper or aluminum. It is a small disc to be placed under the drain plug that helps in sealing the motorcycle engine oil. Drain plug crush washers are also made to bend under pressure. More or less, drain plug crush washers value at a dollar each - which means they’re really very affordable, hence, there’s simply no excuse for you not to get several pieces! Every month, or every time you change your motorcycle engine oil, make sure that you install a new drain plug crush washer afterwards.

Using a clean rag, wipe the tip of the oil drain plug. This is to remove small metallic particles in the magnetic part of the drain plug. Little pieces of silvers of metals are shed by the motorcycle engine. These tiny pieces are usually jammed at the edge or at the tip of the drain plug.

Look for the oil filter in your motorcycle. The location of the oil filter varies or depends on what motorcycle model you have. It is best to consult your manual so that you won’t have a hard time finding it. Remove it tightly screwed filter using a filter removal tool. See to it that a rubber ring comes along with the filter as you take it off.

Clean the area of the motorcycle where the oil filter is located. Dip your finger into the fresh oil and use it to wipe the dirt on the location of the oil filter. Then carefully screw back a new oil filter.

 Put the drain plug back and fill it up with new motorcycle engine oil. Make sure that it is already grime-free and fastened securely to prevent the oil from spilling. Put only an ample amount of motorcycle engine oil that is specified in your motorcycle manual.

In these days of soaring gas prices, it seems that everyone is looking to increase their gas mileage. In the past, those looking to drive the most fuel-efficient vehicle had just one option:  diesel trucks and cars. Diesel vehicles use significantly less fuel than cars that run on regular gas.  There is an option to diesel vehicles. Recently, hybrid vehicles have been appearing everywhere. No longer are they just slightly odd-looking compact cars. Hybrid technology can be found in everything from compact cars to SUVs. Are you better off with the old, diesel standby or do hybrid cars really offer more?Diesel vehiclesFor years, the gas-conscious consumer chose the diesel vehicle. These earlier diesels were generally noisier, dirtier and handled the road more poorly than their gas counterparts did. In fact, five states currently do not allow the sale of diesel vehicles due to strict emissions standards.However, this image of the diesel vehicle is very outdated.

Modern diesel vehicles are much cleaner than their earlier counterparts are. Low-sulphur diesel fuel and new technology that helps trap emissions particles are making diesel engines cleaner than ever before. In addition, modern diesel vehicles handle nearly as well as their gas-powered cousins and are less noisy as well.Fuel efficiency is still paramount when it comes to driving a diesel vehicle. With their average nine miles per gallon increase over gas-powered vehicles, diesels are a viable option for the fuel-conscious consumer.Hybrid vehiclesHybrid vehicles are the newcomer to the mileage game. These vehicles run on a combination of gas and electric power, and they promise vastly increased gas mileage and lower emissions.While these vehicles deliver on the promise, there are a few shortcomings as well. The first and most glaring disappointment is that many drivers find that the advertised mileage and the actual mileage the car achieves are vastly different.For instance, the Toyota Prius advertises gas mileage of 55 miles per gallon, according to

Given that the gas mileage on the hybrid is about 30% greater than on the standard vehicle, it would take an average driver at today’s gas costs more than twelve years to recoup the cost difference. However, one must consider that some of this additional cost can also be recouped with the one-time federal tax credit. In addition, some states and even employers offer rebates to those who drive hybrid vehicles.

In this day and age most families could not fathom doing without the convenience of an automobile, which makes the buying process an important one. When attempting to choose the right car for your family, it’s important to consider a variety of factors that will help to make sure your ride is a smooth one.First and foremost, you will need to ensure that your family’s automobile is a safe one. As a consumer, you can check the results of government crash test and/or safety ratings online or by asking your local dealership for further information. If purchasing an SUV, for instance, it may be especially important for you to consider the rollover capability. If you are like most, you will also find it beneficial to learn how the automobile held up in crash test ratings. If you have children, interior space is likely to be a priority on your list of auto amenities. Whether it’s storage space for toting sports equipment, musical instruments for band practice or just a little extra room for a special trip to the toy store, it’s a good idea to consider comfort in terms of available space, movability and leg room. Whether you are purchasing a new or used automobile, a warranty is an important consideration. New vehicles typically come with a manufacturer’s warranty, while previously owned automobiles may have a portion of the manufacturer’s warranty remaining or possibly even one that is offered directly from the dealership. If the original manufacturer’s warranty has expired, there may be an option of purchasing an extended warranty from the manufacturer upon request. This is typically only available on newer model vehicles, but it is a consideration for those investing in a previously-owned ride.If you purchase a used automobile, it’s advisable to ask the seller for the VIN number and/or Carfax report. If the dealership or private owner doesn’t have a Carfax report, you can obtain one yourself using the VIN number. This information is helpful in determining the vehicle’s actual mileage, accident record, service or repair history and more. Additionally, a Carfax report can let you know whether or not the automobile has ever been involved in a recall and/or reported as stolen, both of which are important to know when choosing a vehicle for your family.For new cars it is possible to request to see the invoice for the car, which will tell you how much the dealership had to pay for the vehicle at their wholesale cost. Many car dealers will bargain to a price within a thousand dollars or so of this invoice price if you negotiate with them. This of course doesn’t apply to some companies like Saturn, which does business at sticker-price only.Be aware that any “factory rebates” are technically reimbursements from the manufacturer, not the dealer. As such, it isn’t entirely uncommon to be able to purchase a car for BELOW the invoice price if there are a lot of factory incentives available for the model car you are purchasing and the dealer is being particularly flexible on pricing.Last but not least, the cost of operation for an automobile is a significant consideration when choosing the right vehicle for your family. Gas mileage and the cost of auto insurance are both important in terms of affordability. In general, an SUV uses more gasoline and will carry a higher cost of auto insurance. The age of an automobile also plays a role in the cost of auto insurance, which is typically more expensive on new vehicles than on earlier models.

You assume the insurance salesman is your friend.

Insurance salesmen are exactly that — salesmen. And they do get compensated with bonuses and other rewards for selling certain types of policies. Those policies are not always the policies that are best for you. Remember that the next time you are shopping for auto insurance. Generally speaking, insurance salesman are rewarded for selling the smaller policies that leave the insurance company less exposed in the event that you want to make a claim. These are the policies that are most profitable for the insurance company. So, as surprising as it might sound, you may actually be under-insured.

To make sure this doesn’t happen to you, make sure that you have the basics: liability coverage, comprehensive coverage and collision coverage (see below).

Your deductible is too small.

Many consumers think that they need to protect themselves against every little scratch and dent. That’s a bad idea. You should only insure yourself for those things that you cannot afford to lose. If your car is only worth a few thousand dollars, don’t spend that much on premiums for collision coverage by buying a small deductible.

Another reason this is a bad idea is that you’ll be tempted to nickel and dime your insurance company with every little thing that happens to your car. Eventually, your premium will go up or they could say, “we’re declining future coverage.”

So seriously consider getting a much higher deductible — maybe even as much as $1000. You’ll save money and your coverage will probably extend to a much higher limit.

All your cars have the same insurance coverage.

If one of your cars is an old beater, don’t cover it the same way that you cover your other cars. For example, if you have an old pickup truck that you use to transport building materials and you don’t care if it gets dented or scratched or whatever, just get the minimum amount of coverage on it. Who knows? Maybe you just drive it a few miles a year. Get insurance that is appropriate for that vehicle and cover your other vehicles in ways that are appropriate for them.

All your cars are jointly owned.

There’s really no reason to own a car jointly. If you share ownership with your spouse, it’s possible that you could be exposed to liability if your spouse causes an accident. In other words, both of you could be sued. Similarly, when your child buys a car, or if you buy them a car, put the car in your child’s name. That way, you can avoid liability for any accidents caused by your child.

You forgot your umbrella.

Here’s how umbrella coverage works: if you’re in a very bad car accident that causes a lot of property damage that is beyond which your insurance policy covers, you may have to pay massive amounts of money out-of-pocket. This is what umbrella policies are for: to protect you from liability that is way beyond the limits of your standard auto insurance policy. These umbrella policies are usually pretty cheap (a couple of hundred dollars) and can give you important coverage.

ATV Racing is fast growing sport with many longer term enthusiasts. In practically every state you will find Motocross venues. You will have your survival skills tested as you will find any kind of terrain you wish from dirt track to cross country events. Many seasoned individuals consider cross country to be one of the most mentally and physically draining sport that can be attempted even when compared to other demanding sports such as cross country skiing.

The terrain that can be encountered can include hills, rocks, mud, cliffs, dirt, as well as thick density forest. Different races can cover many miles and can continue for several miles. There are numerous differing monetary awards available for the winners of the race. Smaller race purses can get $1,000 although professional arenas can pay up to $500,000 or more. Winners of the first, second, and third place are usually given monetary rewards.

For those with a feint of heart ATV racing is not an option. It has the potential to cause significant personal injury as well as loss of life. The participants of ATV racing must adhere to a stringent set of rules whose primary purpose is to render the sport as safe and fun as possible for all those involved. All racers in this port are urged to either have or obtain health insurance.

Every rider is accountable for their actions in addition to the actions of their pit crew as well as team members. In the event of accident or injury participants have to agree upfront to go into the race at their own risk and will not hold anyone but themselves responsible. Enforcement of these rules are very strict and any person not in compliance will then be required to give up their right to enter the race. Before race day happens it is important that each participant know the set of rules of that particular place that they are racing at.

ATV Racing - PreparationWearing the right protective gear is one of the most crucial elements of ATV racing. One of the most significant pieces of riding equipment you can own is a SNELL or DOT certified helmet. The best protection of achieved by wearing a full facial helmet. A respectable dealer can counsel you on the variations in protection and padding.

Regardless of whether your helmet is full faced or not you should still wear goggles. Body armor that protects the front and back will help in the event of impact and additionally protects from flying objects. Wearing shirts that are long sleeved with elbow pads, pants with subsequent knee pads, and gloves all serve you to give the needed protection. Proper footwear such as boots should constantly cover the ankle as well as provide support.

Your ATV needs to have never-ending maintenance when doing ATV racing. It is critical that you either inspect the equipment yourself or have a qualified professional do it for you prior to every use. Success in this field of racing can hinge very much on locating a dealer that is reputable.

Numerous dealers sponsor various race teams and they realize the significance of maintaining your ATV in topnotch condition. They also have the knowledge to give you advise on the best quality wheels and tires as well as other ATV parts.

ATV racing is a sport that instructs control as well as being responsible. In contrast with team sports, each individual rider is responsible for their own actions. They need to discipline themselves so that they can learn to deal with the potential for disappointments and to solve the mistakes they have made.

 They need learn to develop the habit of practicing at all available opportunities. This includes practicing on numerous different kinds of terrain. Getting familiar with your ATV and the way it operates had better be a top priority if you wish to be a serious-minded race competitor. The crucial element of ATV racing is educating yourself about safety as well as having fun.

Many reasons can come to mind as to why you have or want an ATV. There are many all terrain vehicle owners who simply want to have a recreational off road vehicle for adventurous weekends with their friends. Then there are those who are interested in a work horse vehicle to move around a big farm or ran, hauling loads and possibly move snow.

Then there is the other breed of owner; competitors. ATV riders have several kinds of races they can participate in. This begs the question; when do you need to go out and get those ATV mud tires? There is a vast assortment of ATV tire types. Each individual kind satisfies the requirement of both the terrain and the rider.

 Uses for ATV’sIf it is your intent to utilize your ATV on similar terrain for the majority of the time, and there is not that much of a climate change in the area of use, it is possible for you to continue the use of your stock ATV tires.

Nevertheless, if you intent to utilize your all terrain vehicle on various other types of terrains - hilly terrain as well flat terrain - and in various types of climates, you can benefit from the numerous kinds of tires that are available so your ATV will be more flexible to your needs.

Locating the proper type of tires for your all terrain vehicle can increase both the safety and comfort of your riding experiences. What is the best way to determine when you need to purchase ATV mud tires? Well, you will certainly require them if you intend to use your ATV in the mud. Figuring out what ATV mud tires also means determining the right kind or tread.

ATV mud tires typically have deeper treads that are constructed to hold and adhere to the ground surface. If you are thinking of traveling along a mainly hard, flat type of surface, the treads of ATV mud tires will usually be more of a hindrance. When looking to purchase brand new tires for your all terrain vehicle, be certain that you get the width down right for your particular rims. If the tires are too wide for the rims, they will fly off at some point.

You have the option to pick from a flat type of tire to a round one. There will be more contact with the surface of the road. If the tire you are looking at is a round one it has the ability to cause the ATV to roll when you are in hard cornering. You also have the option to pick from a short type of tire and a tall one. You will have to evaluate your personal driving style and your likely terrain you plan to drive on to determine this choice.

 You will get a softer type of ride as well as additional ground clearance with a taller tire. You will get additional stability for hard cornering and at higher speeds with a shorter tire. Lastly, comes the determination in regards to the tread itself. If you looking to stay with a single set of tires, pick a tread that the main purpose is for general conditions.  If you wish to drive in numerous, very different kinds of terrains, and if you have the money to indulge, then an assortment of tires may be your choice. Available types of tires include trail tires, sand tires and, of course, the ATV mud tires.

For many people, the process of buying a vehicle, whether it is new or used, is a nerve wracking experience. Vehicles are typically the second biggest purchase most people make, and it can be tough to decide which vehicle would be best for you with car salespeople try to hustle you.The best way to ease your car buying anxiety is to do some research so you know generally what you want, which will save you, and the salespeople, a lot of frustration.Needs AssessmentFirst, consider your current vehicle. What do you like and dislike about it, and why are you trading it? If you need better gas mileage, a lower mileage vehicle, want to reduce your payment, or to upgrade to something more stylish, keep that in the forefront of your mind, since that is essentially your goal for buying a different vehicle.Also think about how you use this vehicle the majority of the time.

There are a lot of people that use huge vans and SUVs for commuting because they wanted a large family vehicle for the one week out of the year they go on vacation. Considering the amount most people would save on payments and fuel costs if they had a midsize or economy car, they could probably afford to fly somewhere and have some money left over.Your goals for trading, as well as the primary use of the vehicle, should help you determine whether you need a vehicle fit for seven plus sports equipment, a truck, or a sporty two door.What Can you Afford?After you know what type of vehicle you need and what you are trying to accomplish, next comes the most dreaded part of the equation, pricing.Determining a rough trade value for your trade and getting financing from your bank or credit union will also give you an advantage, since you will not be dependent on the salespeople for credit or payment information. Remember, no matter what salespeople say, the price of the vehicle is what determines the payment; so if you can spend $300 a month on payments, ask your bank or credit union how much money they will loan on a car for $300 a month. This will protect you from spending more than you intended.

Visiting the Car Lot.  Once you know what you are after, test driving vehicles will be much easier, and you can tell salespeople you are still in research mode, and not looking to buy today, if that is your plan.When you do find a vehicle you like that accomplishes your goals, fits your needs, and is within your budget, there are just a few more things you should check out before you take it home. If it is a used vehicle, you should have it inspected by an independent mechanic to ensure there are no imminent problems on the horizon, and you should do a quick check on the insurance costs, either through a local source, or online through a provider like autoinsuranceratesdirect.com to ensure that your cost of ownership will be reasonable.

Tonneau Covers, also known as truck bed covers, are an excellent idea if you are an outdoor person who goes camping, hiking, or enjoys taking long road trips or frequent, short visits. The type of truck owners who benefit from owning one of a variety of covers are as follows:1 - Always outside, taking long drives and camping2 - Carrying a lot of larger items that need protection when you are parked and away from your truck3 - Ease of accessing the back of your vehicle to get your items in and out without a hassle (the retractable or fold up tonneau cover is the perfect choice for you)4 - A mechanic, plumber, air conditioning and heating ventilation technician, carpenter, painter, and many other similar trades person benefits from the tool box tonneau covers5 - Someone who wants to know their tangible, expensive items are protected at all timesWhat about the weather? Is a truck bed cover going to benefit you, or hinder your access?  If you live in an area where there is rain, intense heat all year-round, or even hail and snow, a tonneau cover will ensure your truck bed and all items are protected from the elements. If they are left to extreme weather conditions, your gear will either corrode with rust, become too hot to handle; and depending upon the temperature, might even melt some of your plastic gear and ruin paint and other liquid and soft supplies.If you have an open truck bed, it is obvious that all of your gear is going to get stolen or ruined over time. While hiking, you might not want to carry all your stuff with you, so what do you do? You normally leave it behind in your truck, worrying the whole time that someone might find your parked vehicle and steal your gear while you are having a good time. Are you insured for everything? Most people think they are, but after everything gets stolen, they find out there was an extra fee and waiver that needed to be added to their insurance in order to cover the belongings in the back of a truck bed that was left completely unprotected.Do they make tonneau covers with locks? They certainly do. And this type of truck bed cover will protect your stuff in the back of your truck bed from unwanted thieves. How organized is the back of your truck? Do you just throw everything in there at the end of a long day? If you add a tonneau cover to your truck bed, it will help you become more organized. You know where your stuff is, and moreover, you have easy access to it. The price of gas per gallon is increasing each day, and it seems there is no end in site. Now, with all the driving you need to do, cut down on your gas mileage. How does this apply? A tonneau cover cuts down on wind resistance, thereby increasing your miles per gallon. This is one very important aspect that most truck owners don’t even think about when pondering a tonneau truck cover purchase.The possibility and selection of covers are amazing. You might prefer a hard or soft tonneau cover, a retractable or folding tonneau cover, or even a roll-bak or fiberglass tonneau cover.  Since there are so many varieties to choose from, make a list of what your needs are; and then choose the right selection for your everyday needs. Choose from a large selection of quality manufacturers, such as Extang, Truxedo, and LeBra.  Decide on your needs, budget, benefits, convenience, overall purpose, and handling technique needed to open and close the different types of covers.After you have made your educated selection, remember, truck bed covers are a long-term investment. Whether you are paying off your truck or you are one of the fortunate who have paid it off already, truck bed covers are just as important as your initial purchase. Choose a solid cover that will last the lifetime of your truck, and know you are actually saving money by protecting your investment in the long run.Shop for the best prices, discounts and sales, features, benefits, and overall look to compliment your vehicle. You are not only protecting your truck, but you will be driving around with a stylish and sleek looking ride when your cover is added. Some tonneau covers can even be painted to match the color of your truck; and that makes for a real head-turner of a vehicle.