26th December 2007

There’s A Brand New Way To Sell Cars !

There’s a brand new way to sell cars and, now that the online world rules the roost, local car dealers realize that they can no longer block the dealership doors, chain them shut and answer any specific car question the prospect might have because online, no one’s walking into any dealerships.(And let’s face it, when it comes to the second largest asset a person will ever purchase…there are going to be questions!)That’s hard to do (read:impossible) that with all of these virtual visitors, huh?Well guess what? Car dealers are coming to the dramatic realization that the purchase of a car is a HUGE deal for us consumers and they are attempting to find the smartest, newest, most genuine ways to get that question and answer session going with those visitors who took the time to visit their local sites.Knowing the value of being able to answer all those questions and roll over all of the potential objections the prospect might have, local car dealers are now discovering that there is INDEED a way to bond with those virtual visitors and to answer all of the questions.And to do it all on autopilot!By applying a tiny snippet of code to the home page of any local car website, these dealers are now discovering a brand new way to establish a lasting ‘conversation’ with that new car prospect. A way in which the car dealer can suddenly use strategic email marketing methods to PROVE to those prospects what really sets them apart.With this process, car dealers have found a way to ensnare those car buyers.And do it with 100% genuine honesty.Which, for a car dealer, is a pretty cool thing to be able to say!

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26th December 2007

Gas Prices All Over The Globe Have Been Flying For Years, Giving Drivers No Alternate Alternative Than To Pay The Lofty Prices

With more men and women driving vehicles that demand additional gas on a daily basis, the rise in prices in being felt financially. Though experts concur that the rise in gas prices are not impressive enough to hinder consumers from driving their big trucks and sports utility vehicles, the niggardly spender may see things differently. A favorite alternative for those anticipating for a cheaper way to tour is the hybrid.The “hybrid” is something of cross-bred origin or composition by definition. A hybrid automobile is one that has both a gasoline apparatus and an electric mechanism in which it operates about. The gasoline engine is frequently smaller than in conventional vehicles, permitting the electric apparatus to recompense with power. A high-voltage battery charges the electric apparatus when the car is parked. Today’s hybrids can perform using either motor or both at the exact time. This competent system is great for the ecosystem and even superior for your check book.With hybrids churning on both a gasoline motor as well as an electric apparatus, they do not demand as much gasoline as conventional vehicles. many hybrid vehicles average roughly 70 mpg, which is staggering when compared to commonplace gasoline motor vehicles. The incredible gas mileage is one argument hybrids are being jostle to the fore-part of the industry while the soaring gas prices. On another note, whereas hybrids blaze less gasoline than regular vehicles, they also discharge fewer pollutants. Studies elucidate they are 90% cleaner than a common vehicle. The bantam and thrifty engines also help reduce their total exhaust emissions, making them not just financially discerning choices but also environmentally sound choices.The reality that hybrids possess two engines that toil together to get the highest productive results in vehicle travel is the main reason why hybrids get great gas mileage. There are a few variant minor reasons that also supply however. Most hybrids are being sold with low-rolling resistance tires included. These tires are named as such because they have proven to roll easily on the road. The easily rolling measurement also means that they reduce the intensity used by the tire. With the tires using less energy, they are allowing the car to be more efficient and in turn get better gas mileage. Studies have shown that hybrids with low-rolling resistant tires have saved drivers an average of 6% extra on gasoline consumption.The usual driver of a sports utility vehicle may grumble of spending up to $50 a week on gasoline for their conveyance. These drivers are those they have just traveled in their own municipality during the week. An average hybrid driver estimates they pay out less than $20 a week in gas for their hybrid. This is due to the fact that hybrids get better mpg than old-fashioned gasoline powered cars. Diverse models of hybrids will in reality get divergent mpg rates.Charts clarify that if you own a vehicle that gets 21 mpg, you will pay out an average of $8,500 a season on gasoline. If you own a hybrid that gets 46 mpg, you will save over $4,600 a year, spending only $3,900 on gasoline. Buying a hybrid that gets 55 mpg or more, you will save between $500 and $1000 more a year compared to a 46mpg hybrid. These statistics are adequate to make common SUV owners want to run to a hybrid.If you are whacked of paying way too immensely at the pump, then you should unreservedly deliberate an alternative form of transportation. You can elect to take your bike, take a city bus, or carpool. The highest opulent option regardless is to acquire a hybrid. There are many diverse models of hybrids offered at this period. There are myriad more models coming out soon. Profuse hybrid models have palpable looks, whereas others, like the Toyota Camry Hybrid will possess a conventional “Camry” look. No matter what styles and models you like, there is something in a hybrid option for you. So, take a drive down to your local hybrid car lot and take one for a trial drive today! You will love that you are driving a car that is great to the environment as well as easy on the wallet when it comes to gasoline.

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26th December 2007

The Changing Scheme Of Vehicle Registration Number Retention

The Vehicle Registration Marks Act recently became law ( 19th July 2007 ) , it was instigated by the CNDA ( Cherished Number Dealer Association ) and was presented by Richard Ottaway MP.It will change the way a vehicle registration number can be retained.Previously , when private number plates were taken off a car and put on retention using form V778/1 , the applicant would be the registered keeper who would become the Grantee on the V778 retention certificate. The Grantee was able to nominate a third party as Nominee but this person only had one right and that was to assign the number to a vehicle registered in his name. The Grantee was the only person who could extend the certificate, change the nominee or importantly request a duplicate from DVLA. This created a potential fraud situation whereby a retention number could be sold by the grantee who could then request a duplicate ( which supercedes the original ) and the buyer would lose the registration number. Similarly a buyer could pay the seller to put the registration number on retention and never receive the V778 retention certificate as it would be posted out to the Grantee .Under the new Bill the applicant ( registered keeper ) will be able to nominate a third party to be the Grantee on the V778/1 thereby giving full rights to the buyer including the most important fact that the DVLA will correspond only with them regarding that registration number.Note that registration numbers already on retention will not be able to transferred in this way purely new applications for registrations still on vehicles. Nevertheless this greatly improves the security of the scheme and cuts out a possible fraud situation.Members of the public wishing to sell their private number plate would now be best advised to keep it on their vehicle until a buyer is found so they can take advantage of this new legislation , especially if they think they may be selling to a cherished number dealer. If they sell the number to someone who wished to put it straight onto a car ,they can still change the nominee to the buyer’s name and the number can quickly be assigned to a vehicle , however if the purchaser wants to keep the number on retention he will be exposed to the potential problems which the old system has always suffered in that he can only assign it to a car regsitered in the Nominee’s name , he cannot extend the certificate, he can’t change the Nominee and the DVLA will not correspond with him.It is considered a great success that the CNDA has been successful in having a Private Members Bill passed through Parliament with the help of Richard Ottaway MP.

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26th December 2007

Tire Safety Concerns Continue To Plague The Tire Industry In The Form Of Tread Separation Dangers

Firestone had to undertake a massive tire recall back in 2000 involving tires made for SUVs. Out of some 14 million sold, the approximately 6.5 million still on the road were recalled. The story, highlighted by numerous rollover deaths, remained in the news for months, and had a severe impact on the manufacturer. Among other things, angry consumers often were told that replacement tires were not in stock. The recall did not go smoothly. Congressional investigations followed, and new tire safety legislation was enacted.Reminiscent of those days are two recent tire recalls involving the same defect that prompted the 2000 recall, namely tread separation and high failure rates, risking dangerous blowouts. The danger is exacerbated in hot summer months.  Now, as if there are not enough woes with recalls of Chinese products, you can to the list of tire recalls some 450,000 tires imported from

China. This recall is especially troublesome as will become evident from the story.The current problem arises out of instances of tread separation of truck tires sold to

U.S.
distributors. The tires are light truck radials imported from the Hangzhou Zhongce Rubber Co. located in

Hangzhou, China. The problem is compounded by the fact that the recall does not involve a manufacturer that has a large U.S presence like Firestone.  In fact, the importer is a small

New Jersey
company with only six employees which lacks the funds to implement a recall. It doesn’t even have a warehouse. Apparently the tires are drop shipped from the manufacturer directly to

U.S.
distributors. The Chinese company is not being cooperative according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There allegedly have been two rollover deaths attributable to the tires.The NHTSA has received some criticism based on indications that it was informed of the problem as early as 2005 and took no action. Another recall just occurred (in 2007) involving the Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. Again, the hazard is tread separation dangers with about 92,000 light truck tires. Cooper denies that there is any defect, but is cooperating in doing a recall. Cooper had previously imported tires from the

Hangzhou
manufacturer, but ceased in 2005. The tires recalled in 2007 were made in the U.S. Cooper is the second largest

U.S.
tire manufacturer.  While it’s comforting to know the these defects are being identified, it seems that from a consumer perspective, the massive recall in 2000, coupled with subsequent federal legislation, ought to have eliminated tread separation problems. Evidently this is not the case. Obviously, consumers should not be complacent about tire safety concerns which continue to plague the tire industry in the form of tread separation dangers. 

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26th December 2007

The Rising Cost Of Fuel Is A Great Concern To People Across The United States From All Walks Of Life

In fact, the prices these days are even concerning those who have never really given it another thought in days not so long gone by. Some of us are hoping for a little more return on our fuel investment though and seeking new and improved ways of stretching our fuel dollars. There are many ways this can be accomplished and the more that are utilized in your particular situation; the greater the reward has the ability to be.There are the common sense steps you can take to increase gas mileage, which in turn reduces the amount of money that is fed to your never satisfied gas tank each and every month. Some of these methods include things such as removing excess weight from the trunk, keeping the air pressure in your tires at the factory recommendation for maximum efficiency, have regular tune ups, preventative care, and maintenance performed, turn off the air conditioner, and drive at reasonable and consistent speeds whenever possible. While not all of these tips are manageable each and every day using as many of them as possible on a regular basis will greatly reduce the costs involved in driving your car from one day to the next.Another thing you can do to improve the fuel output of your diesel vehicle is to find alternative fuels that are effective and cost efficient. By lowering the costs of the fuel you put into your vehicle you are effectively paying less for the mileage you are getting provided you are getting equal mileage for the same amount of diesel. This can be accomplished by purchasing alternative fuels such as biodiesel, which gets better mileage than traditional diesel fuel and burns cleaner. Many areas also have fuel that is subsidized with biodiesel at lower prices than regular diesel sells for because government subsidies are offered for those who seek alternatives that weaken our dependence on foreign oil. Many find that these fuels are at the very least comparable in value if not superior to traditional diesel fuel that can be purchased at the pump.One final way that you can stretch your fuel budget for a few dimes more is by using additives such as FuelBoost Diesel Additive. The purpose of FuelBoost is to help your fuel burn cleaner and more efficiently. The chain reaction of which is less required maintenance such as filter changes, more power, less wasted fuel, and better fuel mileage. You can’t really argue with results such as that and the savings more than justify the cost of the additive.We live in a world where dimes may not seem like much alone but if you managed to save one dime for every gallon of fuel you pump into your vehicle the savings could add up quickly, particularly for those who use their vehicles for a great deal of travel or for work (such as long haul truck drivers, tractor drivers, and those who use additives in farm equipment). A penny saved was once believed to be a penny earned. Imagine the difference a stack of dimes could make.

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26th December 2007

Who Said Only Men Can Look Good On Their Motorcycles?

Mens leather jackets for motorcycle riders have always been available in many designs and forms, however recently women’s leather motorcycle have also become available. These jackets are especially made to fit a ladies figure. Before this women riders had to make do with a small leather jacket that was designed for a mans physique and not a woman, therefore a perfect fit was never achieved. Most manufactures of apparel these days have recognized that more women are riding bikes then ever before as well as the fact that they have been passengers for a long time and where never properly addressed. Well that has now changed and women can now choose from many a motorcycle leather jacket.Leather has always been the preferred choice of material for a jacket. The leather offers protection from road rash. That is if quality materials are used and stitched together and re enforced properly. We recommend you buy all your apparel from a brand name manufacture. This insures that you are truly going to get some protection out of the jacket because it will be made from quality material, where as you can buy cheap leather jackets made in Pakistan and India for a lot less but you will find that most of these are a very inferior product compared to a Icon, Agv Sport or an Arlen Ness piece. You should be able to find a quality men’s or women’s motorcycle leather jacket from any of those manufacturers.Textile and Mesh are the newest thing in motorcycle jackets where as before these highly durable materials were introduced the best you could do to get a warm weather riding jacket was too get a leather perforated one. The perforations are designed to let air pass thru while still giving you protection. Now with new mesh and textile materials made from Kevlar and the like you can get almost the same protection from a jacket made from Mesh then a leather piece. These new materials have a high abrasion resistance and do not tear easily. Also most of the garments made from the mare double stitched to prevent a tear at the seams. Icon as well as Agvsport and Alpinestars make some quality mesh and textile motorcycle riding jackets for men and women both.So now a days you have a choice in materials. Decide whichever suits your needs best and is going to be the most comfortable to wear. Comfort is very important when it comes to riding apparel since if you do not feel comfortable in the item you are not likely to wear it in the long run. Personally I have two jackets one from mesh and one from leather, that way when its cold outside I can wear the thicker leather one that also has a insulated insert to help keep me warm and on warm days I can wear the mesh one and have all the protection as well as comfort to ride all day. I do have to admit I prefer the look of my leather motorcycle jacket to the mesh just because it’s a more old school look.

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26th December 2007

The 2008 Arizona International Auto Show Is One Of The Most Anticipated Auto Shows For Car Enthusiasts

Held November 22 – 25, over Thanksgiving weekend at the Phoenix

Convention Center on North Third Street , thousands are expected to turn out to get a glimpse of what’s brand new for 2008.  The show gives folks the opportunity to check out all kinds of new vehicles – 400 to be exact — pickups , cars, cross-overs, and SUVs all under one roof. Scheduled to make an appearance are several exciting new models like the 2008 Isuzu i-370 Extended Cab pickup, the Hummer H3 Alpha, and the Audi R8 in addition to the latest concept cars by various makers.  Dealers from Chevrolet as well as Ford will be there offering ride and drives of the Chevy Malibu and several Ford models.  Sunday, November 25 is “Family Day.” Kids under 12 years are free with a paid, accompanying adult. When you go, be sure to visit the South

Building of the Convention Center where reliable favorites like Honda, GM, Isuzu, and Kia will be showing off their brand new models, as well as the

West

Building where you can check out Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, and Volvo.  Auto shows are important to dealers because of the enthusiasm they generate for new cars. Even people who wouldn’t necessarily be ready to trade in their older models see a new model, fall in love with it, and the decision process begins. Even dealers who are not onsite offering drives at the auto show will experience an influx of potential new customers in the weeks following. Car shows are designed to be exciting. They bring car enthusiasts together in a social environment and allow them to reflect on all kinds of information about the cars that searching the internet would take hours to do. In the weeks after a car show, people begin to really think about the cars they’ve seen and decide they’d like to test drive the ones they were most interested in.

The Arizona International Auto show is sponsored by Motor Trend Auto Shows (the nation’s largest new-model auto show producer) and will travel to 23 different convention centers this year, from

Albuquerque, New Mexico to

Secaucus, New Jersey and more. 

Arizona car dealers aren’t the only ones who will benefit from exposure at the show. Even if you’re not in the market for a new car, at only $9.00 for adult admission, it’s an affordable outing for the whole family on a weekend when you often find yourself trying to figure out how to entertain relatives. Attendees will learn more about automotive trends in general, but also about automotive safety features available or soon-to-be available.  The show happens in

Arizona every two years, so don’t miss it this time around. We know football and overeating are a big part of the holiday weekend, but there’s always time for an auto show, right? 

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26th December 2007

Things Every Driver Must Know About Tires

Underinflation of tires, according to studies by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, is the leading cause of tire failure and, therefore, tire-related automotive accidents. In short, keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure is integral for the safety or yourself, your passengers, and other drivers on the road.There are several reasons tires lose pressure. Tears in the tire wall or punctures are obvious causes of “slow leaks,” but ambient temperature can also cause changes in tire pressure as well. For example, if you live in

Los Angeles where it is 68 degrees and drive up into the mountains where it is 33 degrees — a journey of about 1.5 hours – you can expect a 4.4 psi pressure drop by the time you reach your destination. Why? It’s typical for tires to lose pressure at approximately 1 psi for every 8-degree drop in temperature. On top of that, tires regularly lose 1 psi per month as well.Most of us simply “eyeball” our tires and don’t add air until we see a visual difference. This method is not reliable and if fewer people used it as a guide for proper inflation, there’d certainly be fewer accidents as well. In most cars, trucks, and SUVs, the recommended tire pressures are printed on a label in the glove box, on the driver’s manual, or on a sticker adhered to the doorframe. Keep a gauge handy and use it regularly. Doing so will not only keep you and your occupants safer, but will also improve your fuel economy.It’s also important to have your tires rotated and inflated to the proper pressure about once every 6,000 miles unless the manufacturer of your vehicle suggests otherwise. Uneven wear on tires can also lead to underinflation.Some new vehicles now have warning systems to alert drivers of tire pressure loss as a part of their active safety packages. For example, Isuzu’s Ascender SUV – known for its upgraded safety features – has a Tire Pressure Monitoring System that instantly warns the driver of a significant pressure loss. Isuzu’s pickup truck line employs the same technology.The second leading cause of tire failure is overloading a tire. This happens often with owners of pickup trucks and SUVs. Just because your vehicle can contain a heavy load doesn’t mean your tires can support the same amount of weight. Be sure to check maximum load weights and speeds before attempting to haul or tow a heavy load.Be sure to also use the proper tire for the conditions you’re driving in. While it may seem more appropriate to use snow tires on dry roads than regular tires in heavy snow and ice conditions, it’s not. Dry roads cause escalated wear of snow tires and reducing traction. It’s best to use the proper tires in the proper environments and when the season changes, change your tires as well. “All-season” tires may seem like the most convenient answer, but keep in mind that while they may be adequate in all weather conditions, the nature of their design to do so, keeps them from performing excellently in one specific condition. And because they are not perfectly adapted to any specific weather condition, they may wear more quickly than specialized seasonal tires would when used in the conditions they were designed to function the best.

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26th December 2007

Save Money With Alloy-Wheel Repair

Alloy wheels can make quite an impact to the overall look of a car. Further, it can make a big difference to the functioning of the car.Over the years, car manufacturers have taken a cue from the popularity of specialized alloy wheels and have opted to install modified wheels for their stock cars. Alloy’s are now a common factor in most cars but along with its growing popularity comes several concerns regarding its maintenance.Alloy wheel repairIt is a common misconception that alloy wheel repair is almost next to impossible. Most people believe that it can be a complete waste of effort and money. However, alloy wheels can actually be repaired to a great extent. Alloy repair is in fact a well studied operation. Many professional wheel repair companies can undertake the job perfectly.Common alloy wheel problemsThe most significant of damages that can affect an alloy wheel are radial runout, lateral runout and cracks. These damages will not only make the wheel look ugly but it can also greatly affect the car’s driving performance. Let’s take a closer look!Radial runout affects the balance of the tire across its diameter. This results in the tire moving up and down with respect to its central axis while rotating. Lateral runout is damage that affects the balance of the tire across its width. Lateral run out is often left undiagnosed as the tire can look true but balance testing will prove otherwise. In the case of lateral run out if there is significant damage it will often be irreparable. Cracks, depending on the location can be repaired but in certain extreme cases it is safer to get a replacement alloywheel than to use one that has undergone alloywheel repair.Repair for non-forged wheelsAlloy - wheel repair is often recommended for wheels that are non-forged. Forged alloy wheels are tougher and can also be more expensive. Most of the time, forged wheel repair merely consists of having the wheel refinished. Two-piece and three-piece alloy wheels are also more prone to damage as the outer lips of the wheel are commonly made of softer alloy materials.Alloy wheel repair- the right timingThe best time to plan for alloy wheel repair is during the warmer months. Normally, alloy repair can take anywhere from three to five hours depending on the extent of the damage. If you want to minimize the damage, use high pressure especially when you are using low profile tires. However, it is important to make sure that the wear of the tire is still even.Alloy’s are an expensive investment. Fortunately, alloy repair companies offer you the option to get your wheels to look and function as good as new.

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26th December 2007

Money in the trunk?

Yes, there is money in those car trunks, often easy to get out but just as often, forgotten or neglected. Because many car owners either don’t expect it or completely forget to mention it during your discussion with them, the tendency when professionally detailing a vehicle is to make it sparkle inside and out, open the trunk lid, rearrange or remove the contents for a thorough vacuum, close it and consider it done.What’s in your car’s trunk is mostly forgotten or ignored, not thought about much until something has to be fixed, stored or retrieved, Things just get tossed in; old blankets, worn-out shoes, broken umbrellas, bacteria laden cups, the list goes on and on. Why is this? Primarily because our trunk is mainly for the stuff we plan to throw away later but temporarily decide to hold onto because…well, you never know.Eventually, later presents itself, usually in the form of a flat tire or an unplanned trip that requires space for luggage and we then suddenly realize what an inconvenience our previous decision has caused.A trunk is just a trunk right, what’s the big deal? Well, here’s the deal. For the conscientious automobile detailer that junk in the trunk means a little bit more money in the till. Eventually those little bit more’s add up, sometimes pretty quickly.One of your prime objectives should be a customer who’s just experienced your WOW factor, you know, the service that motivates them to tell friends, family, colleagues and co-workers how good you are. Here’s how you do it.Before vacuuming the trunk make sure you’ve removed all belongings carefully and neatly so when finished you can return them like you found them. Then vacuum and if possible spot clean any bad spots with carpet shampoo. Keep in mind that the layer of material that usually covers the spare tire is thinner than the carpet inside the vehicle so use a gentler touch.This next simple step is where you’ll find your extra money. Remove the cover you’ve just vacuumed to expose the spare tire. More often than not what you’ll find around the spare is grease, grime and dirt. Usually I’ll find other forgotten or lost items. Tools, coins, old cell phones, etc. Sometimes the spare tire is no longer bolted into place because once removed they can be a hassle to get locked down again.Take the time to clean the spare tire well, the rim and the tire itself. Add a little luster by putting some tire dressing on the spare and make sure the spare is bolted back into place correctly. Replace the cover and the trunk contents. Do a once over around the trunk jamb making certain it’s also clean.

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