10th January 2008

Driving Your ATV For The First Time ? Following These Steps Will Ensure Your Safety Is Guaranteed And That You Have A Good Time

Since their introduction to the public decades ago, ATVs have become increasingly popular. They are very attractive to cyclists because of the amount of excitement that we feel they are riding. People have discovered that the whole family can enjoy the excitement of the ATC. On the negative side, however, more people are injured while riding ATVs than in other sports outdoor recreation. If you start to pursue an interest in mountain biking, there are a number of things to know.The first step is to head for the trails with someone who has experience with an ATV. In fact, driving an ATV so you can decide if you are really interested in obtaining one. Once you are sure that you want, pick up your vehicle. As of this second, it is not a right, but it is recommended that people of certain sizes use of certain sizes. For example, if you have a son, and it weighs 85 pounds, we should not try to find a 800 or 900 c machine for you stick to it. Try it on a 440 or 600 machines. This is more in line with something he can handle. Also, make sure that you are mounted on the machine.It is generally recommended not to buy brand new machines beginners. As you find yourself becoming increasingly familiar with the sport, you can chat with people who have different models, and you may find you in the pursuit of the next best thing. ” Once you have your first machine, certainly take a safety course. The courses are usually divided into three or four weeks, with a term of two and a half hours at night once a week. Consider these to be well worth your time and money. Some over the same instructor taking late to class on the trails. The courses are not mandatory, but they will most likely be a day!Secondly, we must take the time to sit down at night and read your owner’s manual. Keep in mind that each oneis different, if there are labels or items you do not know, the only real answer you will always find in the manuals. Oh yes … When you go on the track, make sure you carry the owner’s manual with you. If you bought a used machine with a neighbor or someone else, you can get a copy of the owner’s manual, taking the serial number of the machine and to a dealer.The next thing you want to do is go out on a trail and practice. This is really the only way that you are going to learn how to ride an ATV. Of course, you should always verify that you have the permission of the person who owns the land! At first, make sure you do what you need to ensure that you are riding wisely. Ride with experienced individuals. As for other sports, you only get better by riding with people who are better than you. So ride with people who have a great deal of experience. Moreover, whatever the confidence that you are at the beginning, make sure that you always run under the supervision of someone who can guide you. In other words, never, ever ride alone!If you follow these simple steps, you will be able to enjoy all the fun and excitement that is driving an ATV. As with other things, it will take some time before you, as a beginner, in a position to do for yourself. Take time to be trained on how to do it, and diving headlong into the owner’s manual. Once you feel ready to go on the slopes, the practice of driving ATV. Remember to have a pilot experience with you.

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10th January 2008

Reasons For Restoration An Antique Car

A vintage car can mean a lot of different things to a lot of different people. A non-enthusiast might consider a classic automobile to be little more than an old, outdated model that needs to be replaced with a more practical machine. A collector would see the value in the machine and keep it for that reason. A more sentimental person might find the vintage car as something that invokes memories of his youth, or a specific moment in his past he wants to be reminded of. However, sadly, most vehicles from the vintage era are likely in need of some level of restoration and as such, there are several things that have to be kept in mind whenever one decides to undertake a restoration.First off would be where to get the parts for the restoration. A vintage car, no matter how well-maintained, is likely going to need one or more of its parts replaced. Up until recently, it was difficult locating components for a classic automobile since the manufacturers discontinued service for the older models; this stopped production on replacement parts. However, several companies have come into play since that time to produce the replacement parts that vintage auto restorers need. While the numbers for classic car parts companies is small in comparison to their counterparts aimed at modern vehicles, the classic car parts companies have become invaluable to collectors and enthusiasts alike. If the owner can’t find the parts he needs from the companies, another avenue for getting them would be auctions and car shows, both of which have some people selling rare reproduction parts that may not be available anywhere else.Most of the time, a vintage car will be sold stock, which means the vehicle is sold as it was built by the manufacturer. However, when restoring a classic automobile, the owner has the option of making a few modifications. Typically, upgrades are made to the overall performance factors of the machine, such as braking and fuel transmission. It is also not unheard of for some enthusiasts to modify or upgrade a vintage auto for drag racing purposes, as popularized by films like “The Fast and The Furious.” Other enthusiasts prefer more mundane upgrades, like better sound systems or more comfortable seats. Drastic changes, such as adding completely new components like hydraulics, are generally not done to classic automobiles, though a few exceedingly modified vehicles do exist.For the inexperienced, restoring a vintage car can be a daunting task because of the danger of permanently damaging the auto. As such, there are a number of companies out there that have gained expertise in restoring a classic automobile to as close to factory fresh as possible. While the price of hiring a restoration company can seem expensive at first, it is worth noting that an inexperienced enthusiast can easily make a mistake that could prove more expensive than paying for a professional restoration. However, if the owner feels up to the task, then performing the restoration on one’s own is an option.The price of a restoration can vary depending on a few factors. The main factor would be the make and model of the vintage car to be restored. Some models have parts that are rarer and more expensive than other models. The second factor would be the purpose of the restoration. The cost can go up or down depending on what exactly the owner wants restored and whether or not anything is to be upgraded. The final factor in a vintage car restoration would be the one doing the restoration. An experienced enthusiast who has already done a few restorations will likely find it cheaper to do the restoration on his own rather than hire someone else. However, someone who doesn’t have much mechanical knowledge would be better off hiring a third party to do the restoration, rather than risk damaging the vehicle.

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10th January 2008

Overcome the Mud With Your All Terrain Vehicle

Although some types of mountain biking are configured to push through deep mud, the technique for getting the other side remains the same. When crossing obstacles such as mud, the greatest risk is increasingly being blocked, which means that to stop. For this reason, speed is your friend, but you can hit a mud hole too quickly. However, striking the mud with speed usually give you the impetus to slide on mud and holes on the other side, even if your tire grip is not very much. In some cases, you may want to keep at least one tire on a solid, if possible, so that your quad has something he can grip. You can do this by riding ruts and stay on the heights, or by leaving a tire out of the mud. However, if the hole is too deep mud, you can point to your bike in the mud.Some say that you should rely on your ankles mud upon entering the wells so that you are more ready to cope with the uneven terrain. However, keep in mind that you might encounter a lot of resistance when you press the mud, causing you to achieve a very close stop abruptly. If you are in this case, you can opt for a dive in the mud. While standing may work for some people, you need to be comfortable and sufficiently balanced to be ready to illuminate the rocks and roots in the mud, as well as the possibility of a nose dive or capture suddenly traction with the throttle wide open.A mistake that many new riders do is to give them too much ATV gas once they begin to lose traction. Once the mud starts to fly, the more gas is not always the solution, since the mud flying means that your tires are not something solid grip. Sometimes, a tire that runs a little slower grab onto something that would be fair to grind with more gas. This is especially true if you come to a complete stop in the mud. By moving your new quad, easy does it, because too much gas, but does not slinging mud. However, to overcome the most seats after a judgment to come, some wheel spin is necessary, but more generally wheel speed does not mean more traction.When you walk into the mud, keep in mind that tires with more weight on them are most likely to get traction. So if you are two four-wheel-drive, you want to keep some of your weight on the rear axle, which will conduct the rear tires through slippery mud to the surface and what it can be seized. Shifting your weight side to side can also help one of your tires get traction he needs to pull you out of the mud.Four-wheel drive made short work of a lot of mud, which gives two-wheel drive quads lot of trouble, but four-wheel drive is by no means an end in itself all solution for the deep mud. Some wells with mud can be entirely too deep for a stock configuration, and a snorkel kit and exhaust extension may be necessary to ensure that your engine is not in sucking a lot of mud and debris. For this mud extreme, four-wheel drive is a necessity, and a series of aftermarket tire with a more aggressive model will also help you take advantage of the mud.Any type of ATV you take the mud, keep in mind that you can have one shot to cross without a tow. The more you know about the hole in mud, the better, but an experienced rider can tell a lot about a pit of mud by his gentle appearance and the rest of the runway. However, a hole that you can get through a day, it can swallow your quadruple after a good rain or may change radically after other people are suffering through. The key to the conquest of keeping the mud is cool and have several ways to get tire grip to where you were slipping.

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10th January 2008

Test Driving a Car before Buying It

For most of us, purchasing a new car isn’t an everyday experience. For this reason buying a new car is a thrilling event. Even if you are buying a used car, it is still new and exciting to you. However, there are a handful of things to check before making a purchase on a used car. Most important is taking a test drive.After browsing over thousands of ads in the newspaper or peeking at a handful of cars on the lot, you likely have found at least one that you would be interested in. The next step is to ask for some more information and then take a test drive. The first test drive you should merely be checking the overall fit of the car. One helpful tip is to first turn on the radio to make sure it works, then turn it off for the remainder of the test drive. This common practice makes it easier to hear subtle noises from the car during the drive. Think about how you feel behind the wheel, the overall sound of the vehicle, and general performance. Also, what kinds of features are included on the interior? When you are done test driving make sure to check the VIN of the vehicle before you leave so that you can continue to do your research.Your next task is to do some research on the car you are interested. Start with some general research into the type of car and its history of problems. Some cars are known to be problematic at certain mileage points or have a list of recalls on different parts. Check into these problems before buying a car that is approaching a mileage range that is known to create flaws. With that information in mind you can move onto more detailed research. There are a number of online resources that have specific car history reports. Almost all of these websites have a fee, but the small fee is well worth it if you delve up some information that saves you thousands in the long run. This is where the VIN number comes in handy. This way you know the exact background to the car sitting on the lot.If the seller has nothing to hide they will most likely let you take the car to your mechanic for a “check-up.” Thus, your next step is taking a second test drive right on down to your trusted mechanic. This time, when you are driving you can take a closer look at the aspects most important to you. Usually for a small fee your mechanic will also take the car around the block and listen for any abnormalities, maybe even a hesitation. They will also look under the hood and do a multi-point inspection of fluid levels, hoses, belts, lights etc. Finally, ask your mechanic to look for previous damage. They can sometimes tell if the car has been in an accident before, or even if the vehicle has been repainted.After doing your homework on the car and you still don’t find any faults that can not be fixed, it is time to go ahead and make the purchase. From all of the research you have done you should have a good knowledge of the car and its worth. With this knowledge you set yourself up nicely to negotiate a fair price. Don’t forget to inquire about warranties too! Often the best warranty plans for used cars are available online. Once the papers are signed it is time to sit back and enjoy your new ride!

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10th January 2008

Buying A Car and Making Sure We Get The Most Possible For Our Trade-in

At the least, we want to make sure that we’re not being taken advantage of.So, with the advent of the internet and the myriad of car information now available to us, we point ourselves over to A Buyers Guide to find this all-important value.Later, when we’re actually negotiating with a Dealer, we find it’s not quite this easy. The Dealer’s trade-in figure is lower than the one we got from the internet.So, we whip it out and ask for an explanation, and rightfully so.The truth of the matter is that a vehicle’s “trade-in value” is not a number that is simply black and white. It’s quite “gray” actually.You see, it’s not unlike valuing your own home. What is your home worth? Well, you can get a ballpark idea … maybe a general price range. But a precise and fair figure? Nope.Why? Because there are a number of other factors that determine “value”.What have similar homes (or cars) sold for recently? How long did it take them to sell? Is demand currently strong? Weak? Somewhere in between? What’s the premium currently being paid for extra features such as a pool or a shed (sunroof or leather)?A Dealer tries to access such issues, and of necessity, “opinion” and “subjectiveness” are going to play a significant role. And much the same way as having your house appraised for a loan, you’ll get different answers from different “experts”.Another factor is very fluid. The Dealer will certainly check what similar vehicles have sold for at the wholesale, Dealer-Only car auctions. Have there been a lot of them? Did the bidding of other Dealers indicate local Dealer demand? What could he buy this same car for at the auction? If he’s unable to sell it, what price would he likely get for it at the auction? Does he have other similar vehicles in stock that have been difficult to sell?And then, whatever figure the Dealer comes up with, he’s going to reduce it a bit further to reduce the risk he’s taking in investing in your car. He doesn’t want to lose the profit he’s making on your new car when selling or disposing of your trade-in.So what’s a consumer left to do? Well, unfortunately, it’s negotiate, negotiate, negotiate … as unpleasant as it is.
The best alternative, however, is to sell the car on your own. Although this takes additional time and effort, it is often well worthwhile.
One way to do this is actually very simple: just put a “For Sale” sign in your back window. We’ve seen this for years, but now that virtually everyone has a cell phone, it often works quite quickly.Another alternative is to list your vehicle online since people shop for cars on the internet now far more now than reading newspaper classified ads. High traffic sites such as AutoTrader or Cars.com charge in the $40 to $70 range and usually the ad runs until the vehicle is sold.

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10th January 2008

Buying an ATV can be a thrilling thing, But You Must Do Some Research First

The problem is that you have to find a way to get it home and take it places! The easiest and safest solution is to buy ATV trailers.  Before you buy your trailers you’re going to have to perform some research. The first thing you’ll want to do is check your ATV’s weight. They should have the capacity to pull the weight of one or two ATV’s. If they do not have the proper weight capacity, it could mean a huge safety problem down the road.It can really help you to do some research online before you make a purchase. Read some reviews that others have left for certain models and manufacturers. Once you have done enough research it is safe to go to a lot where trailers are sold.Do not let a salesman talk you into buying something pricier than you were prepared to pay. As long as you’ve done your research and chosen which trailers you are interested in, it should be a very easy thing to go to the lot and buy one. Salesmen are always looking for the upsell!Before you leave the lot with the trailers you need to look the entire trailer over. Check the tires and other important parts. It would be terrible if you purchased low quality trailers and did not realize it until it was too late to do something about it.In addition to the tires you need to the lights on the trailers. Have someone stand outside while you turn them on to be sure they are working properly. Properly functioning lights and turn signals are essential when you are pulling a heavy load behind your vehicle.You’ll need to attach a trailer hitch to your vehicle for the trailers before you leave the lot. Make sure you do this safely by following all directions. You would hate to wreck your ATV trailers or cause an accident on the road if it gets loose.In addition to attaching your ATV trailers with a hitch, you need to tie everything down. Getting durable enough tie-downs will ensure that your ATV will not get damaged or shift your vehicle. Make sure these tie-downs meet or exceed the weight capacity and dimensions you actually need. This can help ensure safer travel.Even if you’re sure you’ve attached the ATV trailers and tie-downs correctly, always double check. There are a number of reasons your load can shift while you are driving so you’ll want to be sure everything is extra secure.It is a good idea to ease yourself into driving your car or tuck with trailers attached. Carrying all that weight in the back can really throw off your sense of balance. Try driving on many different kinds of terrain to gain experience. With time, you will be a master at driving with ATV trailers attached to your vehicle.You can really enjoy your ATV with ease once you have proper ATV trailers. If you follow all of the procedures above you will have a safe trip. Remember to thoroughly check ATV trailers out before making your purchase, and always connect the hitch and tie downs correctly for safety.

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10th January 2008

Couples Quad Riding Is A Great Way To Spend Some Quality Time Together

How much would it take for you and your partner to just…you know, pack things up and say “Yup, let’s do it. Let’s not work for a whole year and explore the land that we’re blessed with. Let’s ride as many ATV trails as we can. Heck, why not just ride the whole

North America? How about that, honey?” Life is so short and when you’re in love with ATV riding, life is sometimes even shorter (time flies when you’re having fun, remember?) this is what, I guess his couple was thinking of when they decided to embark on a 10-month long ATV journey from British Columbia heading down to Canada and then heading south through the western US and then ending the trail fest in Mexico. This is the journey that the fantastic ATV couple Marc Joinville and France Labonte has been on since July 2007. On top of satisfying their insatiable desire for quad riding, they also get to spend quality time together just chilling out and being out in the open. Being lovers of the outdoors and adventure, this is a wonderful decision for the couple. Wouldn’t you want to do something like that too?

Well, first thing first, you’ll have to start saving some money as backup, you know, for the family members who won’t be going on this journey with you and also for emergency. You can only rely so much on your credit card, you see. This should take some planning ahead especially if you have school-going children to feed and educate.The next thing you need to do is to have a word with your partner or spouse about how receptive they are about the idea, who’s going to handle everyday affairs and all those nitty gritty details. I suppose drawing up a checklist on all those responsibilities will help. You’ll have to organize automatic remittance for all those bills you have to pay on a monthly basis. However, life is often made easier when you have internet access since you can literally check account information and outstanding balance online. With that, use your credit card to pay the bills on the road, then. Life is really going to be on a fast lane now.If you think making such a dramatic decision is enticing yet intimidating, don’t worry, it would worry most of us as well! But sometimes, life is all about making all these dramatic changes so that we can pack as much experiences and happiness into it as much as possible. If you can ride your ATV all across the country with someone you love, the experience will only make both of you closer and the bond stronger. In fact, if riding across the country is a little too much and ten months a tad too long, riding several trails across several weeks or maybe a month or so should be enough. You don’t have to actually go to the extreme like what Joinville and Labonte is doing, just doing half of what they’re riding is remarkable as it is.

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10th January 2008

There Are Many Different Opinions On When To Change Your Oil

How Often Should Oil Be Changed?Many manufacturers have been extending the number of miles between oil changes and using this as a selling point to unsuspecting buyers. Mobil

Australia has recently traveled 37 thousand Kilometers around

Australia
on one oil change as a marketing ploy. I would never suggest changing oil at such large increments.At this time you may be asking “So how long should I wait between oil changes?”Good question. It is one best answered by taking your manufacturers recommendation and halving it. Yes you heard right! Changing your oil should be done at very regular intervals of around 5 to 10 thousand kilometers or 3 to 5 thousand miles. If you drive like your grandmother on her weekly shopping trip, you may get by using the manufacturers suggestions but then you should be changing the oil at least once every 6 months to a year anyway. If this seems a little steep, just remember that if you spend the time and effort now, it could save you thousands in the future.Types of OilWhen changing your oil its best to take into consideration the types of oil available for your car. There are three main types of oil:1. Synthetic OilsSynthetic oils are usually more expensive than non or semi synthetic oils on the market. These oils generally last longer and have a higher rate of lubrication. When choosing synthetic oil, always choose a major brand, as they depend largely on the grade of the additives to improve quality.2. Semi SyntheticAs the name says, they are simply a mixture of synthetic and conventional oil.3. Conventional OilsConventional oils need to be change at regular intervals of less than 10 thousand kilometers as they naturally breakdown and lose their lubricating abilities. Conventional oils like synthetic oils also hold contaminants from combustion. These contaminants can become acidic and cause engine damage.Change your oil regularly and look into the type of oil your purchasing. Always remember to use high quality oils suitable for your car, which will help to decrease engine wear and improve your cars life span.

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10th January 2008

Drivers Protect Yourselves And Your Passengers While Driving

Most of us can look back and note how different things were back when we were growing up than they are now. We live in a cautious world, teeming with negligence lawsuits, tougher regulations for manufacturers, and precautionary recalls. Seatbelt laws are common. Diving boards have been outlawed in several states. Children now have to be strapped into child car seats until they’re seven years old in some states.Those are not my memories of growing up. My cousins and I used to bounce around in the back of our grandfather’s pick up truck as he navigated down dirt roads in the summer. Our playground equipment consisted of six-foot-high monkey bars and jungle gyms over gravel and dirt. We never wore our seatbelts in the backseat, and we’d never even heard of airbags. Vehicle safety in the late 70s was little more than the good advice to never buy a Pinto because “they blow up if someone rear-ends you.”Things are much different now.New Hampshire is the only state in the U.S. that does not enforce a primary or secondary seat belt law (primary seat belt laws allow drivers to be pulled over and ticketed for no offense other than not wearing your seat belt, and secondary seat belt laws require that a driver can only be pulled over for some other offense—like speeding—but may then be given a second ticket if he/she is not wearing a seat belt). Seat belt laws, along with child restraint laws and laws that restrict passengers from riding in cargo areas of pick up trucks have gained support over the past decades as they seemingly reduce the number of fatalities associated with car accidents. Thirty-one states currently have restrictions on riding in the beds of pick ups, and all fifty states plus the

District of Columbia have laws regarding child restraints.Logically, it makes sense that “seat belts save lives”—one of the many catchy slogans we’ve heard over the years reminding us to “Click it or ticket.” And it’s important that people take some responsibility for their own safety. While car manufacturers are progressively making their vehicles more safe by adding side-impact airbags, rear mounted vehicle cameras, and retracting roll bars on convertibles, it’s not just up to the manufacturer to keep us safe. Even in a vehicle designed to fare well in an accident, it’s up to individual drivers to avoid those accidents to begin with.Longer commute times and urban sprawl have led to increased time behind the wheel, which in turn, has created the commuter’s desire to multi-task while driving. We talk on our phones, eat, even read while we’re sitting in the driver’s seat operating a vehicle weighing over two tons. There are few tasks we do throughout our day that gives us a greater risk of injuring or killing another human being besides driving. With Taco Bell reporting 70% of its business coming through the drive-thru window, there are plenty of people out there dividing their attention between signaling a lane change and making sure their burrito doesn’t end up on their lap.So while the laws are forcing manufacturers to develop better safety features for their vehicles, they’re also trying to force us drivers to protect ourselves and our passengers while in our cars. But even airbags and seat belts can’t save every life. Most importantly, it’s up to us to limit distractions and drive safely.

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10th January 2008

An RV Can Offer You Freedom, Comfort And Luxury On Wheels

Open roads, magnificent scenery and wild life have always attracted people and urged them to undertake long journeys and explore the undiscovered bounds. If you own a recreational vehicle, you just don’t have to think even twice before hitting the roads. An RV provides a mobile living experience along with other activities one wishes to pursue. Whether you are planning an ambitious journey along the

Alaskan Highway

or just a getaway to the nearest lake resort, an RV provides flexibility, convenience, security, and even luxury of seeing the country on wheels.A recreational vehicle is usually built on a single chassis that is 400 sq. ft or less. It is either self-propelled or permanently towed by a light duty truck. There are several types of recreational vehicles (RVs) and trailers that offer living accommodations in a mobile setting. Trailers, motor homes, campers, and van conversions are the various forms of RVs that offer a refreshing way to enjoy your leisure time. A minimal RV typically contains beds, a table, and food preparation and storage areas. Larger RV models add full bathrooms, refrigerators, and living areas, master bedrooms and more.RV’s can generally be categorized into motor homes and travel trailers. The motor homes come in Class A, Class B and Class C. Motorhomes are actually virtual homes on wheels that are fully loaded and equipped for all trips and vacations and even permanent residence. The Class A motor home is the conventional, largest and most luxurious RV. These luxury vehicles are incredibly comfortable and provide a smooth and stable ride to our utter amazement and are even easy to drive.Passengers enjoy the ride to their heart’s content, as they are able to eat, watch TV, play games or even take a nap. They are provided with fully furnished bathrooms and are most suitable for long trips. Travel trailer or fifth wheel is another form of recreational vehicle specially designed to be towed by a truck or van. Travel trailers are the smaller versions and usually range from 20 ft to 40 ft. Travel trailers can include smaller units with basic features to larger units with triple slide-outs, two bedrooms and all the comforts and conveniences of home.RVs can also be custom designed to get the ultimate look and feel you want to get when you own one. The design profile of an RV adds more storage and makes it spacious. RV manufacturers are creative enough to utilize the space and make it one of the most flexible and versatile vehicles. Quality craftsmanship and attention to detail are put into trailers keeping in mind the cost factor to give the customer’s their best buy. RVs are loaded with features and amenities to make the RV life style even better. Quality construction assures miles of traveling enjoyment, years of family adventures, and long-lasting value.A recent consumer study reveals that an estimated 7.9 million American households now own a RV. If you don’t own a RV yet, you are still far away from the peak of ultimate luxury. Buy an RV from the best RV dealer in the nation and hit the roads for a journey of a thousand miles.

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