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Apparently, some environmentalists are appalled at how much carwashes cause degradation to our environment. But is there criticism really legitimate, do car washes actually hurt the environment and should they really All be shut down or should they simply comply with environmental regulations and clean up their act?It appears that cleaning up their dirty car wash water is not the problem, as environmentalists do agree that most car washes do treat their oily water and sludge, often scooping it out and taking it to a Class II Hazardous Waste Facility. But some environmentalists claim that carwashes are unnecessarily filling up these dumps, and it needs to stop.Additionally environmentalists claim that car washes are carwashes use too much of our precious natural resources - namely water. Nearly a third of our nation is in a serious drought situation, if the car washes would be shutdown water would be saved. Environmentalists state that most carwashes do not used gray reclaimed water like many golf courses and all of them should.So the question is; Should we shut down car washes due to their inefficient waste of water and their degradation to our environment or should we make them comply fully with environmental rules?Currently, nearly 6.8 gallons of water per car wash is unaccounted for from the carwashes. Where does this water go? Well, if you look closely at the cars leaving the car wash you will see the water drip onto the road or street as they drive away, usually from the oily undercarriage of the car. This polluted water has many environmentalist alarmed and up in arms. Think about it.

As the earth’s precious nonrenewable energy supplies reduce in size each year, it is important to look to new ways of conserving and preserving the known supplies today, so they may last as long as possible. One economically and environmentally conscious action all consumers can take is the purchase of re-refined motor oil for their personal vehicles, and to pressure localities to use re-refined petroleum products in their mass transit systems and commercial fleets.Re-refined motor oil is motor oil that has been used by consumers, deposited at many filling stations and lube centers, and then recycled for reuse by the public. It has been cleansed of all the containments acquired by miles of use in a process called vacuum distillation. Hydro-treatment removes any additional unwanted chemicals, much like the way refineries remove base oil from naturally occurring crude. New additives are then added to make sure the re-refined oil adheres to all industry performance levels. Oil does not ever lose its intrinsic value as a lubricator and cooling agent; through many laboratory tests, chemists have arrived at the conclusion that re-refined oil performs and lasts just as long as virgin motor oil.Many consumers worry that re-refined motor oil loses some of its lubricating or cold starting properties as compared to virgin motor oil. Major automakers such as Ford, GM, Daimer-Chrysler, and Mercedes Benz have conducted their own testing and stated that the use of re-refined motor oil is not only a viable option, but have also gone on record stating that the use of the product in no way violates or voids their manufacturer warranties on their engines. In fact, every new Mercedes Benz vehicle is pre-filled with re-refined motor oil straight from the assembly line!North American transportation companies have used re-refined motor oil in their fleets for many years. The United States Post Office, for example has been using re-refined motor oil in all its 73,000 vehicles for over a decade. The City of

If you make a wrong move in choosing the company or dealer to purchase your warranty from, you will be spending a fortune unnecessarily on this.Some dealers and warranty companies usually keep a huge mark-up, sometimes even a hundred percent mark-up. An extended warranty is absolutely necessary especially for used cars in order to avoid huge repair and maintenance costs.But you will have to do a thorough research on the companies offering warranty before settling down with one. Before anyone could force you to go in for an extended warranty, go through your papers to determine how much of the original factory warranty coverage is left . A lot of manufacturers now provide more than three years or 36000 miles protection.Used car extended warranty buyers must check whether the factory warranty is transferable. Some cars are and some are not. If you go in for a used car which has been certified by the manufacturer you will definitely have some additional warranty on your vehicle.Most of the cars which are luxury brands offer additional used car extended warranty for a period of two years to certified buyers of used cars. After determining the duration or mileage of warranty left in the used car you are planning to purchase, you will have to think about and decide on how long you are planning to keep this car and based on all these calculations, you must cautiously choose your warranty company.When you purchase a used car and planning to just keep it for three years and the car is already coming with a one year left over warranty, you can also decide not spend money on the extended warranty. You can just opt to keep that money in your bank account and use it for any repairs or maintenance work.But then, if you are they type who do not like unexpected surprise expenditures or even if you are one who just cannot save money on a long term, then it is better you just take up a Used car extended warranty. This will definitely safeguard your interests.One more aspect a used car owner has to look into is the reliability of your car. If you have a car which is relatively trouble free then you can expect few or no repairs. But if it is a luxury car with complicated electronic and computer circuitry, then it is safer to opt for the Used Car Warranty.The entire business of warranties is a big gamble. The customer gambles on his car playing up to the extent of his coverage during the contract period and the warranty coverage company gambles on the car having no such problems.Most of the times, it is the company which emerges victorious. Customers just pay up not for the repairs but for the security and peace of mind.

You’re driving down the road and what do you see on every piece of straight road? You guessed it! A Speed camera waiting to give you another hefty fine. Well if like me your fed up with it it’s time to start fighting back.Here are 3 Tips to help you decided on what you need from the best radar detectors. No matter what your budget is there is a detector on the market to suit your needs.

1 - PriceLike most things in the world the more you spend the more features and bells and whistles you get. Picking the best radar detector to suit your pocket is simple with so much choice. It’s important to realize that with the cost of speeding tickets it’s more of an investment then a cost. Starting at about $90 it’s a wise idea for you to buy one.

2- FeaturesMost modern models have a choice of features for you to choose from. Each has different detection ranges and some pick up more bands than others. Obviously the more different bands the radar detector detects the more effective it will be at preventing you from receiving a fine threw the mail. Other features like built sound alert can be handy to inform you as you approach a speed trap. Some also have things like a compass which is not really needed but a nice touch.

3- AppearanceMost radar detectors come in black or silver and have digital displays that come in a choice of colors. Some of the older units are big and bulky but the newer models are an excellent size to sit discretely on your dashboard.

In recent decades, our cars have become extensions of ourselves. From going to the corner store to traveling cross-country, we need our cars. Unfortunately, the chances of something going wrong are higher than ever, and being prepared is vitally important. Keep this handy list in your glove compartment, and make sure that all information is up-to-date. Instruct all drivers that use your car where the list is, and how they should use the information on it.

IN CASE OF ACCIDENT
If you can, take pictures of the accident, The more details you have, the better. Try to draw a diagram of the accident, where street lights are located, stop signs, cars implicated, etc. Don’t be afraid to ask questions to both the emergency personnel as well as the people involved in the accident. Also, don’t forget to ask for a copy of the police report.
DRIVER’S INFORMATION
Fill out for each car involved in accident, you can get most of this information from the driver’s license and registration papers. Encourage him/her to take your information down as well.
Name:
Address: (Street, State/Province, Zip)
Phone:
Cell:
Pager:
License Number:
License Plate Number:
Insurance Company:
Policy Number:
Registered Owner Of Car:
Car Make / Model / Year / Color:

EMERGENCY PERSONNEL
Fill out for personnel that assisted you, in case you may have any questions later on or need to go to court or fill out special documentation.
Name:
Occupation: (ex. Police Officer, Ambulance Technician, etc.)

A revolution is currently occurring in the world of car warranties. Prices are dropping and the industry is becoming more transparent. If you are willing to shop around then you could make substantial savings on extended warranties.Many people feel that warranty policies have often been over-priced. Part of the problem has been that there have been relatively few options when buying a policy.This is a market that has been dominated by car dealerships, car supermarkets and other car retailers. Such is the dominance of these companies within the sector that few of us have even been aware that there were alternative products available.Our lack of awareness has actually increased the problem. As a result, car retailers have been able to price the products at relatively high levels, safe in the knowledge that few of us are prepared to shop around and compare prices.The reason why too few people do shop around when buying car warranties is because there is a general lack of knowledge about what else is available.Independent car warranty companies must take most of the blame for this situation. They have focused too heavily on selling their products to car retailers, rather than looking to target consumers directly.This failing has led to increased prices being paid by car owners and a general distrust in the market.It seems as though things are now starting to change. A number of specialist car warranty companies have woken up to the fact that consumers are interested in buying direct.They’ve started to sell their products online as a result. This is leading to far greater transparency and to some significant price decreases as competition has increased.If you want to save money on car warranty then you’d be wise to compare prices and standards of cover online.By making yourself more aware of what is available, you should be in a position to make an informed decision.

It sounds obvious, but although most people go to a driving school to learn how to drive for the first time, there are many other reasons to book yourself in for lessons. Driving instructors are trained to pass on their wealth of experience in a number of ways, ranging from basic skills to more advanced lessons.Here is an overview of the courses you can expect to get from any excellent driving school:Driving lessons for beginnersThree point turns, reverse parks and emergency stops - you’ll get to learn how to do all these and more when you first visit a driving school to learn how to drive.The vast majority of lessons given by any driving instructor are to complete beginners. It’s then up to you to decide whether you want to take advantage of any other courses or services offered by the school.Intensive driving coursesNot everyone has the time to fit weekly lessons into their schedule, and some people want to pass their test and get on the road as quickly as possible. To this end many driving schools offer an intensive course designed to enable you to learn how to drive and pass your test within a very short time - sometimes in as little as a week.You will usually pay a flat fee for this kind of course, which will include the practical part of the driving test.Take a mock testThe practical driving test can be nerve wracking for anyone to take, regardless of age or the number of lessons you’ve had. That’s why many schools now offer a mock test to give you a feel of what to expect on the day.It is conducted exactly as the real test would be, enabling you to experience a dry run of the real thing. It can also alert you to any areas of your driving ability that you need to brush up on, with the help of your instructor.Driving assessmentThis runs along similar lines to a mock test. Instead of taking the form of a test, however, it’s an assessment of how good a driver you are, and whether you are ready to take your test.Many people find this a good way to evaluate their skills, so they can better prepare for the test itself.Pass PlusHard as it may be to remember, passing your driving test is only the first step on the road to developing your driving skills. These skills come with experience, and you can begin to nurture that experience by taking a Pass Plus course to become an even better driver.This course is highly recommended for all new drivers, as it will help to build your confidence and abilities for long term benefit.Motorway tuitionThe driving test doesn’t take into account the skills necessary to be a good motorway driver. Therefore the first experience many people have of motorway driving is some time after passing their test, with no prior experience to prepare them for it.This is why it’s worth taking a special course of lessons to learn the proper skills and knowledge needed to drive responsibly and safely at all times when on the motorway.Advanced Motoring CourseThis course not only makes you a better driver, it also makes you a safer driver. Lots of people find it difficult to judge the right speed for each situation they encounter, and an advanced driving course will help you learn how to gauge this properly.It will also enable you to drive competently and safely - a skill we should all strive to have.Refresher coursesThese are ideal if you haven’t driven for a while, as they help to renew your confidence and refresh your memory of what it’s like to be behind the wheel of a car.The instructor will be able to advise you on any areas which need brushing up on, while assisting you in becoming a better and more confident driver. It’s also an excellent way to get used to driving longer distances in more traffic, if you are only used to driving near home.So you can see, whatever your needs are as a driver, you are sure to be able to find a course to suit you. Whether you want to start learning, or develop the knowledge you already have, there are plenty of experienced and qualified driving instructors there to help every step of the way.

Purchasing a car warranty policy for your vehicle always seems like a good idea, but many of us are often shocked by the high prices involved. Online deals are now starting to reduce prices - it’s just a case of knowing where to look.Many of you may be aware of the basic principle behind a car warranty agreement. The general idea is that you pay a set fee and, in return, you receive for peace of mind for the period of the agreement.Although policies vary, you should be able to expect that the warranty will cover most repairs that need to be carried out on your vehicle.The idea behind warranties may be simple but prices are unfortunately relatively high. Understanding why this is the case involves looking a bit more deeply at the warranty market.For some years the most popular way of acquiring policies has been via car retailers, such as dealerships and car supermarkets. They have always had policies to sell and have seemed like a sensible place to purchase from.Given their domination of the market, few people have thought to look elsewhere, or even been aware that there were any other options available.With consumers failing to shop around, warranty prices have remained high. This is at the very core of the problem that many car owners have been facing.There have been some recent changes to the way in which warranties are sold, which could mean good news for car owners.Independent vehicle warranty companies have started to change their sales strategy and are now looking to sell direct to consumers. They are approaching this task by looking to sell policies online.This is potentially very good news for car owners. As well as introducing greater transparency, the increased competition should lead to falling prices.The implications for all of us are clear.For the best deals on car warranties, we need to compare prices online.

In the past, people had to choose between the utility of home technology and the convenience and enjoyment of travel. Even when needed for important business, certain devices such as computers, televisions, and video players functioned only in the office or the home on AC outlets and could not function on the DC power of car batteries. Vector Car power inverters have solved this problem with technology that converts DC electricity to AC electricity that can power virtually any electronic device whether it be on a business trip or an outing for sheer enjoyment. Typically shaped like small rectangular boxes, car power inverters house one or more standard electrical outlets and plug directly into the car’s cigarette lighter. Occasionally, a car power inverter will come equipped with jumper cables that directly connect to the battery. These power inverters are especially popular with campers, and can safely provide electricity provided the engine runs frequently enough to prevent battery drain.Car power inverters come in a variety of wattages to accommodate different electronic devices. A simple rule of thumb applies when choosing the right wattage in a car power inverter. Multiply the total wattage of all connecting devices, and add another 50% to accommodate for any fluctuations in power draw. Generally, smaller devices on a single outlet function well on 300 watts. Larger devices on multiple outlets may require up to 3000 watts when plugged into the car’s power inverter. Campers, hunters, and fishermen especially value Vector power inverters for their cars, trucks, and SUV’s when they find themselves in idyllic settings and no electrical outlets, or when the regular campgrounds are full. Many of our customers frequently use Vector power inverters to power electric grills, televisions and stereos, and even laptops with satellite Internet uplinks.Vector car power inverters also offer a wide range of wattage outputs and features to accommodate virtually any need. Not only do they offer convenience by combining technology and mobility, but they also prove highly reliable in emergency situations. For example, during a power outage, one of our larger 1500, 2000, or 3000-watt Vector power inverters can direct electricity from the vehicle to the home through an extension cord. This should only be done while the engine runs to prevent battery drain, and we strongly recommend that if you garage your car that you open the bay door to vent the carbon monoxide. In many emergency situations such as blackouts and storm advisories, the right car power inverter can literally prove itself a lifesaver by maintaining power to essential home appliances.In light of the many uses Vector power inverters offer owners of cars, trucks, SUV’s, and RV campers, it serves well to think beyond convenience and immediate need when making a purchase. Especially when one considers possible emergency usage in life or death situations, it is best to err on the side of larger wattage and more outlets than to limit options based upon the occasional use of only one or two appliances in the car. As travel becomes more demanding and frequent, power inverters in cars and other vehicles may well become a standard feature.

This is the first year that a whole week has been devoted to the very serious issue of drowsy drivers.  November 5th through the 11th was declared National Drowsy Drivers Week by the National Sleep Foundation to awaken the public to this major problem. Out of 56,000 crashes attributed to drowsy drivers, there were 40,000 non fatal injuries and 1550 deaths. These statistics could actually be considerably higher because many people will not admit that they fell asleep at the wheel while driving. This may also be the case in the statistic of 47% of truck drivers interviewed admitting to falling asleep at the wheel. I would venture to say that the percentage is much higher.Fighting to stay awake is one of the most uncomfortable and unpleasant feelings one can experience. It is self imposed torture.I recall working a second job between the hours of 11 PM and 7 AM. This was after a full days work. This position required you to be fully awake and alert in the event of an armed robbery. I had to sit at a table and just wait and watch. No mental stimuli or anyone to talk with. I have never slept on a job before but I must say this is the closest I ever came. It was sooooo hard to stay awake. That is when I began drinking Mountain Dew to stay awake and subsequently developed an allergy to caffeine. I would have given anything to just be able to lie my head down for a minute or two, but I could not.I also recall driving home from a trip to