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Their primary purpose is to identify motor vehicles but they are often used to track other things such as registrations, insurance coverage, and even parking tickets.A VIN is usually a small, rectangular metallic plate that is attached to the driver’s side of the dashboard, near the bottom of the windshield. Vehicle identification numbers can also be found on major components of a vehicle such as the engine block, chassis, and transmission.Before 1980, there was no industry standard for vehicle identification numbers. Nowadays, auto manufacturers use 17 digits in total, comprised of numbers and letters (except the letters I, O, and Q). Each number and letter of a VIN represents specific information about the vehicle.The following information applies to most standard vehicle identification numbers:1. The first three digits of a VIN are known as the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) and these digits simply identify the manufacturer of the vehicle. Some automakers use the third digit though to identify subdivisions or particular brands. This is common to GM and other large auto manufacturers.2. The fourth through ninth digits are known as the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) and identify the model and the body style. The ninth digit though is almost universally used as a check digit. A check digit is a single letter or number used to verify the accuracy of the vehicle identification number transcription.3. The tenth through seventeenth digits are known as the Vehicle Identification Section (VIS) and identify various characteristics of the vehicle, such as the plant where it was built, its options, and in what order it came off the assembly line.Since there are endless permutations of VIN codes, the best way to decode the VIN of your own vehicle is to use a VIN decoder.There are many free VIN decoders available on the Internet. You can use any search engine to find one and once you have done so, you simply input the VIN of your vehicle and its unique information is then displayed for your review.A VIN is fairly uninteresting to most people except employees of your local DMV, law enforcement personnel, and die-hard car collectors.The DMV will use your VIN to maintain a detailed record of your vehicle and issue you ownership and registration documents.Law enforcement personnel usually use VIN’s in the course of vehicle theft recovery and prosecution.Die-hard car collectors use VIN’s to identify rare and/or valuable cars and their special features.Decoding the VIN of your own vehicle will probably not yield any surprising information but if anything, vehicle identification numbers can be helpful in discovering important facts about a car you may want to purchase.

These simple tips will help you. The key is to get in the right frame of mind while driving. Many of us have alternate personalities when we get behind the wheel. Would your family and friends recognize you if they secretly were able to observe you driving?

Prevent Road Rage, But… You may at some point just irritate someone to the point of persuing you. Get someone to use a cell phone and call police. Try to avoid using your cell phone. Not safe. Or, have 911 as a button you can just press without looking. If you cannot do this, drive to the nearest police station, fire station, or any other public service building you can think of. You really do not want to be in this situation.

In the 1970’s and 1980’s the speed limit on the highways was 55 m.p.h. Rumor has it that this was because cars get better gas mileage driving at 55 m.p.h rather than at the faster 65 m.p.h. to 75 m.p.h. speed limits that are common today.There actually is truth behind the theory that driving 55 m.p.h will save you money on gasoline. According to fueleconomy.gov, although every car will reach maximum fuel economy at a different speed, the general rule of thumb is that gas mileage begins to drop quickly once you start going over 60 m.p.h. In fact, fuel economy can drop about 10% between going 55 m.p.h. and 65 m.p.h. That means that just by driving slower you can save yourself a lot of gas.Keep in mind that it is not always safe to drive well below the speed limit. However, you can driver under the speed limit and stay in the slow lane to save a bit of money on your daily commute.Along with slowing down there are many other ways that you can get better mileage in your car. Try accelerating before you get to a hill rather than once you are already climbing it. Check your tires frequently to be sure they are properly inflated and that they are balanced.

Under inflated, wobbly tires can cost you a lot of money in lost gas mileage - not to mention putting you at risk of an accident. You should also be sure to take off your snow tires during the warmer months since the deeper tread can decrease your mileage.Always try to stick to paved roads since gravel or dirt roads can severely cut down your fuel economy. Another great rule of thumb is to avoid tailgating. Riding too close behind another car will cause you to speed up and slow down more frequently which can decrease gas mileage.If possible, try to leave your house a little earlier in the morning and leave work a little later in the evening to avoid the brunt of rush hour. Even if traffic is a little lighter you can save a lot of gas by avoiding sitting in traffic or stop and go driving. If you have clear roads consider using your cruise control since it will allow you to go at a constant speed and thus cut down on fuel usage.Removing any excess weight that you have in your trunk or car can also really help to get better gas mileage. Even just carrying 100 pounds extra in your car can decrease your mileage by about 2%.

Winter tires are designed for snow, cold, slush and icy weather conditions. They are essentially specialized tires that are designed to be used in the winter season whereas all season tires are meant for used in most conditions. Some myths to dispel: there are car owners out there who are under the impression that the all season tires of today are so good and can deliver the same performance as the winter tires, and that winter tires are only meant for cars moving in snow clad, mountainous parts of planet earth, these assumptions cannot be further from the truth. In particular, winter tires are made of superior rubber compound that have better traction compared to all season tires, and are designed to do well in cold temperature conditions. Special tread compounds are used in winter tires to improve traction. For some winter tires, soft studs tread fibers bite like metal studs are used and yet these compounds do not harm the road. The rubber’s flexibility is retained even when the temperature goes up to zero degrees. Having a more flexible (= rubbery / pliable) tread surface means having more control and traction. The winter tires have silica-based, micro pore compounds that is used to ‘bite’ through the water film and increases the traction in the ice and snow.All season tires have a different compound in which they have a average compound that provide good traction and better delivery in a wide range of road conditions. However, when temperature reaches below forty-five degrees Fahrenheit, the traction decreases. This is the point where all-season tire compounds begin to lose traction because it begins to harden.Tread Design DifferencesModern winter tires are designed to have a tread that can maintain a more comfortable and quieter ride compare to their predecessors. Its circumferential grooves were made wider in order to efficiently drain water and expel snow at the same time. In addition, the grooves on the winter tires are made to be about 25% - 35% deeper than that of normal tires and thus provide better grip. It has a groove shape and special lug that allows more snow to be packed into the thread and expelled as it rotates for deep snow traction. It also has a high density and sophisticated spine design that help cut through the water in order for the tread compound to make a better contact with the road. It even has a rounder casing design to add traction by cutting into the snow surface.Conversely, all season type tires have different features. Its shoulder blocks and groove designs were compromise in order to meet the wear and cornering requirements of all season traction. It is less aggressive in terms of traction and is designed to deliver more comfortable ride. As a result of its design, it does not pack nor expel snow as effectively as winter tire does.Flatter tread designs of all season tire enhances a dry traction but does not cut into snow effectively. Furthermore, all season tires perform effectively for the whole year, catering to both dry and wet driving on the road as compared to winter snow tires that are designed only to perform effectively during winter. ConclusionWinter tires are more sophisticated than what most common people think - and as mentioned, today’s winter tires are more advanced and much quieter than their predecessors.Winter tires exist for good reasons are important for you to have them installed for safer journeys on snow and ice. Do not rule them out as marketing gimmicks by the tire companies - winter tires are definitely a necessity and a good form of safety insurance that you want to have in place for yourself and your family - they are worth their money. Do note that while you are using your winter tires, your all season tires are not used - thus there isn’t any wear and tear caused, and you will ’save’ some mileage and therefore savings there. Remember, all season tires can never be the substitute for winter tires, winter tires are the only tires that will give you the desired traction for your vehicle during the winter season. Make sure you use the correct set of tires to match the requirements of different road and weather conditions. Drive Safe.

Every year during the holiday season TV, radio, newspapers and others talk a lot about the hazards of drunk driving and remind us to be careful. Extra police are on the streets and many cities set up sobriety checkpoints to catch drunk drivers on nights when there are likely to be more parties.This extra focus reduces the number of alcohol-related traffic accidents and makes all of us safer on the road during the holidays. Drunk drivers aren’t the only hazard on the road during the holidays, though. While most of us would never dream of getting behind the wheel drunk, we could still be creating serious dangers without thinking about it.

The other day, I put a scare into both myself and a driver when I almost stepped out in front of her hybrid car. She was shaken up and looked stunned that an adult would be so careless. I was just embarrassed.But as I told a friend about it the next day, I found that it’s more common than I thought. He had done the same thing a few weeks earlier. Then, someone else told me about a woman who was putting groceries in the trunk of her car and didn’t even realize that a hybrid vehicle nearly backed into her!Hybrid cars are so popular that auto manufacturers are having a hard time keeping up with the demand. The ones already on the market include Toyota Prius, Toyota Camry, Toyota Highlander, Lexus, Honda Civic, Honda Accord and the Ford Escape.They use both gas and batteries to operate. At higher speeds, they run on gasoline just like any other car. However, at lower speeds (such as less than 20 mph), hybrids are powered by batteries. At the slower speeds, these battery-powered cars have virtually no noise compared to their motorized counterparts that have a running engine.As great as they are for the environment, the problem is, you can’t always hear them coming!Pedestrian groups say the lack of noise poses a new hazard to people,especially those who are blind or don’t hear very well. While these groups are still in favor of the benefits that hybrid cars offer - a cleaner, greener environment and less noise pollution - they say these new safety concerns need to be addressed and are working with manufacturers to come up with solutions.Meanwhile, it’s up to us.Both drivers of hybrid cars and pedestrians need to be reminded that things are a little different than they used to be.* Whether you are driving or walking - Be aware of what’s going on around you and never make someone else responsible for your safety!* Remember and practice proper safety measures when crossing the street. Use crosswalks, look both ways, and don’t walk out from between cars.* Be extra alert if you are talking on your cell phone or having a heated conversation.* Be clearly visible to the driver. Make sure they see you. Crossing the street from between two parked cars makes it difficult and is extra risky. That goes double if it’s after dark.* Look for signals on automobiles that can tell you they are in operation. Look for reverse lights. Look for headlights. Cars manufactured within the last few years come with daytime running lights. If the lights are on, that can be a signal that the driver is getting ready to pull out.* Always make sure you have emergency contact information with you, whether you’re driving or walking.Hybrid cars are here to stay and lots of us like that idea, but everyone needs to take extra precautions to safeguard themselves as pedestrians. If you drive one yourself, just remember pedestrians can’t necessarily hear you coming, so be extra alert when they are present.

Many articles have been written about vehicles that prevent a person from swerving. Cars that automatically slow down or stop when the vehicle comes too close to an object, or my personal favorite, self parking vehicles.Most Luxury cars will have a feature where the driver will press a “Self Parking Button,” and the vehicle will park itself. But what about the people who cannot afford a luxury car? Instead of going out and spending an arm and a leg, why don’t you consider the option of purchasing a Parking Sensor Kit? There are many kits to choose from that all range in price to fit anyone’s budget. Parking Sensors go as low as $50. The Sensor Kit is easy to install and fits any vehicle. Some of the pricier kits require a little more work to install. If you are not comfortable with removing the bumper of a vehicle yourself, you could easily find an Installation Technician at just about any place that installs Stereo Equipment.Vehicle Parking Sensors are a wise investment. It was recently reported that the number of children that are injured in parking accidents are equal to the amount of children killed in auto accidents. Vehicle Parking Sensors could be responsible in reducing reversing accidents by 75% and will pay for themselves in the long run by preventing these kinds of accidents. This will save you money on insurance claims and will also keep monthly premiums low.Each Kit usually comes with 4-8 sensors. Others come with a metallic strip that is installed behind the bumper. The Sensors are either all ultrasonic, or a combination of ultrasonic and radar. As the vehicle reverses towards an object, the LED screen will beep. The closer you get to an object, the faster the beeping.With all of the money you’ll be saving by preventing auto accidents, you may be able to afford that Luxury Car after all!

Still Gassing Up for Less Mileage?

Still using your Cadillac for a 40 minute drive to office? Perhaps you are one of those who scrimp on better things in life just to stretch your gas money. You always have a long way off to payday, and still got to work next Monday. Are you not wondering why a lot of your co-workers are using scooters? Perhaps you need a little education on scooter gas mileage.Scooters are the little bikes that zip past in blazing colors. They have small bodies but have amazing speed. What makes it remarkable is the ability of the little vehicle to run on a speed of 40 miles an hour on little gas. If you experiment riding the scooter to office, it will become apparent that you have been wasting too much money on the gas station.

Save More for Less

Putting around in a scooter will not have the Rainforest Action Network and the Global Exchange boycotting your birthday because you have splurged on gas on a little mean machine. With your little 49.7cc scooter, you can prove you have earned your scooter gas mileage certificate.If you spend $50 a day for gas, for the daily commute from to home to office and back, and for some errands three blocks away, that is a sign of gas overspending. You would average $250 a week. With a scooter, you will spend less the amount and still have left-over gas for the weekend, barring of course some extracurricular activities.Scooter gas mileage will average 20 miles per hour or 20-40 miles per tank. This will depend on the scooter model that can vary in tank capacity from 1 to 1.5 liters. For $5 a day you can commute to office on your scooter instead of $50 in your car. The big difference between the $50 and $5 gas budget is glaring.Scooter gas mileage, if gas price is pegged at $3 per gallon, will give a mpg of 20 for an annual expense of $1500. A scooter is reported to run on 100 miles per gallon! The potentials in gas saving is the advantage of the compact bikes. It is not unusual that more and more Americans are turning towards scooters.

Getting Ready to Get a Scooter

Scooters retail for $1000 to more than $6,500, depending on the brand and model. The prohibitive price has driven buyers to Chinese scooters that give the same mpg and convenience at almost half the price. Scooters provide comfortable sitting while driving, and you can sit upright without hurting your back. Older people in their late forties can ride these scooters in comfort and enjoy more gas mileage on limited gas money.If you are going to invest in this ride, verify the scooter gas mileage. Aside from this, check out the availability of spare parts and service centers of the scooter brand. Also inquire about the warranty, state regulations and requirements. This will help you decide on the approved scooter models.

Hundreds of charities have begun to adopt car donation programs as a way to raise funds or to provide themselves with no-cost vehicles to help operate their programs. But rather than managing the car donation programs themselves, they will often turn to fundraising organizations to actually handle the donation and auctioning of the vehicles. And that policy can mean a problem for you.If you run an Internet search on car donation programs, you will get hundreds of hits from fundraisers who claim that they will let you choose from among a group of charities to which the proceeds of your car’s sale, of not the car itself, will go. And they will give you the paperwork you need to claim your car donation as a charitable deduction on your IRS return.Taking Advice From The IRSBut the IRS itself, in recent years, has become alarmed at the proliferation of car donation programs run by fundraisers which end up keeping the bulk of the proceeds they receive for donated cars. The IRS recommends that it you are considering any of the car donation programs, you contact the people running it and get a clear answer as to whether they are charity officials, or private group acting for the charity.If you find that they are a private group running the car donation programs of several charities, find out exactly what they plan to do with the car you donate. Will the car be repaired and given to the charity to help in its work? Or do the fundraisers intend to auction the car off and if so, how much of the proceeds will go to the fundraisers, and how much to the charity? Car donation programs which cannot, or will not, give you clear answers to these questions are not those on which you can depend to see that your ca, or the money it brings gets, to the charity of your choosing. And if the charity does not directly receive the car or its value, you do not have the right to claim the value of the car as a deduction.Legitimate car donation programs greatly simplify the process of connecting you with a charity which will benefit from your gift. But it’s your responsibility to research the various car donation programs in you area and ensure that as much a possible of your car’s value will be channeled to the charity, and that the charity itself is one recognized by the IRS. Otherwise, your well-intended car donation may turn into a big problem at tax time, when you attempt to take an unwarranted deduction!

It is a fact that you will put more money in your pocket if you sell your used car privately rather than taking the dealer’s trade-in offer. It takes a little more effort, but with a little smarts the extra cash can be yours. The key to getting top dollar when you sell your used car is literally in the details.The steps to offer your used car for sale can be found anywhere: research the market, decide on a price, clean the car, then advertise, show, negotiate and collect your payment. Your objective to sell your used car fast and for top dollar is to present your vehicle in the best possible light before interested buyers. Used car buyers are looking for good, reliable transportation at a reasonable price. If the car meets the minimum requirements (with one little difference) you should not have any problems selling your used car for top dollar.Buyers of used cars expect to see normal wear and tear for a vehicle’s age and mileage. They are also willing to pay close to market value for a great car. You may even get away with imperfect maintenance records if the vehicle is exceptional in some way or highly desirable.The first thing you must do is offer a clean vehicle for sale. Take time and put in the effort to clean the used vehicle thoroughly. Vacuum the interior, clean out the trunk, get a good car wash and wax and polish up the exterior and interior. Pay a little money to get the used car professionally detailed, if necessary.Make sure your used car smells good. The residual odors of everyday life permeate your car and are notoriously difficult to remove. You probably spent a great deal of time in your vehicle. Smoke, body odor, perfume, pet smells and even the smell of the food from the drive thru get into the interior of the car and just plain STINK! Even if you shampoo the carpet and clean the upholstery to clean up spills and obvious soils, residual odors remain from normal use. Cars are not generally cleaned on a regular basis like our homes. And you have years of car stink built up from normal use. Getting rid of the smells in a car does not mean masking or putting perfume over the stink - really sanitize the car by completely neutralizing the biological source of the odors. New car smell spray is easily recognized by a buyer as a perfume that only masks the problem and the car will stink again soon. Before you can sell your used car fast, you must sanitize the vehicle. This means getting rid of the bacteria and mold that causes odors.Now here’s the tip to sell your used car fast.With this strategy, you should realize less than your asking price but far more than a dealer will offer for your car. Release a fast acting ClO2 generator in the interior of your car. After a few hours, move the ClO2 generator to the trunk. The used car you want to sell will be fresh, not stale. All the stale and stink will be removed. The source of the odors will no longer exist. All things being equal, the used car that is clean will sell fastest. Clean means really clean: sanitized and sterilized of all evidence of the previous owner. See, the key to quickly sell your used car really is in this one little detail.