19th
February
2008
Negotiation takes some practice, and you need to know what to say and what not to say to the salesperson. When you familiarize yourself with pricing and other information, you can start to work your way into the price that you want. The more you know, the less chance the salesperson has to get over on you.Here are some pointers you can use when looking to negotiate a deal:• When you look to negotiate, you should be confident in your demeanor and keep a positive outlook.• While discussing price and other information with the salesperson, don’t do it in a condescending manner. Otherwise, they won’t want to work with you.• Make sure that you have all your ammunition ready when seeking to negotiate a deal for a vehicle. Be ready to have a counter strategy should the salesperson try to get over on you.• For additional ammunition, being advertisements from other dealerships. This can give the salesperson an incentive to go ahead and give you the best price.• If possible, try to get your loan financed through your bank or credit union. This way, you save money on unnecessary fees that you would pay if the vehicle were financed through the dealership.• It’s always good to bring someone with you for that extra support. It’s even better if the person is experienced in purchasing vehicles from a dealership. That way, they can give you tips on what and what not to do.Be mindful of any tricks the salesperson may have up their sleeve. They will say things to try and rush you into making a decision. They do this to get you to pay more money when you are trying to get the vehicle for less. Here are some of the lines you may hear from them:• “The vehicles are leaving the lot fast. This same model may not be here tomorrow. Or if it is, it may be at a higher price.” Don’t fall for it; you can always leave and go somewhere else. Then, if they really want your business, they’ll change their tune.• If they brag about how many vehicles they’ve sold in a certain time period, ignore it like the plague. You can walk away and that will let the salesperson know that they are not the only ones in town.• If the salesperson claims to have another buyer for the same vehicle, telling you “The other person is willing to pay more than what you’re offering.” In that case,
you’d better run away from that as fast as you can. Don’t allow the salesperson to use intimidation to get what they want.• The salesperson claims the dealership paid so much money to cover overhead costs. This is just another ploy to push your buttons. In this case, have your paperwork available to show otherwise.Whatever you decide, don’t allow these tactics to stop you from getting the best deal for a vehicle. If one dealership is not willing to negotiate, there are many others who will be more than happy to take care of you.
posted in General Information |
19th
February
2008
If you will take a look on almost any web site or forum on the internet, there will be an active topic in which the front wheel drive (fwd) and the rear wheel drive (rwd) is better.Let’s talk about the
Front Wheel Drive
first.Most of the cars in the
United States were rear wheel driven ever since they began to witness public success, in the 1920’s. With the fuel crisis of the 1970’s and the alarmingly rising gas prices, car manufacturers were forced to find new ways of engineering cars with greater fuel efficiency. Because the complexity required to build a rear wheel drive car, one of the simplest ways to reduce the size, weight and fuel consumption in a car was to make it front wheel drive. The engine and the drive axle are both in the same part of the car and thus there is no need to have a complicated transmission and a driveshaft which occupies both car weight and passenger compartment space. Another decision made was to position the engines transversely, reducing the engine bay’s size.
But there are some downsides on building a front wheel drive car. It will not have the same handling as a rear wheel driven car because the front of the car will have the burden to house the biggest weight of the entire car. A front wheel drive is also not as suitable to a sports car, because it will have to deal with the torque steer phenomenon. Torque steer happens when the steering wheel is pulled away from its straight position due to the power of the engine.Now
Rear Wheel Drive
The
Rear Wheel Drive
is becoming recently a car manufacturer preferred system, after many years in which they mostly built front wheel drive vehicles. It is the preferred system of transmission for powerful cars, because it is more efficient to have one pair of wheels dealing with steering the car and another axle dealing with moving the car. This way the car will be more balanced. Acceleration is improved and rear wheel drive cars and there is no torque steering phenomenon present. The handling is greatly improved, because a rear wheel drive car will be closer to the preferred 50/50 car weight distribution. In the past there were problems with rear wheel cars and slippery surfaces, but due to the recent improvements in traction control systems, such problems do not represent an issue anymore.Recently some manufacturers began to transition toward introducing more and more AWD (all wheel drive) cars.But customers are very reticent when it comes to rear wheel drive cars. There has been a lot of publicity on front wheel drive cars and most recently on all wheel drive, in the detriment of rear axle ones.Because the fuel efficiency of modern cars is better controlled, without sacrificing power, a more objective comparison can be made between the two types of transmissions. A front drive system is more efficient in regards of packaging and interior room, And there is no secret that a rear wheel drive car will have a better handling, acceleration and due to recent electronic stability systems, is no longer penalized on slippery roads.
posted in Driving Tips |
19th
February
2008
Everyone’s busy and cannot possibly have enough time to go check your car or truck whenever this happens, so you take it with good will to your “loyal” mechanic and he checks it over and a famous one liner that you’ve heard before utters his lips, you know, something like, “Good thing you brought it over, I don’t think it would have lasted another mile.” Or something like that.Whenever the check engine light goes on, don’t panic. I’ve known several people who’ve had this problem over and over again. Usually it’s a computer problem, or something so simple as needing another gas cap that makes people go into a tizzy. Sometimes the check engine light goes on because something needs attention that shouldn’t wait too.I know there’s a lot of mechanics out there who are trustworthy, and reliable, and maybe you are perfectly happy when them. And maybe they come running down your driveway everytime the check engine light does come on, but most of the time, the engine has nothing to do with the that light gives you that wallet busting warning.When a check engine light comes on, the on board usually stores a code that will lead to direction of the malfunction. Consider it a map with treasure being your malfunction. It doesn’t necessarily tell you exactly what is wrong but gives you a code that you (or a technician) can decipher and get to what’s aching your baby. Sounds simple, doesn’t it? Well before you Indiana Jones wannabes light your torch and go into dark caverns under your hood, get all your facts straight. Just like Dr. Jones did with his archeological facts, you’ll have to do a little research yourself. Sounds scary? Don’t worry, it’s not. Let’s say the code “p0171, oxygen sensor indicates lean” shows up, causing your check engine light to glow. It doesn’t mean the oxygen sensor is bad, it just means that the oxygen sensor is stuck lean. Now there could be several reasons for this; the engine could be running lean because of a number of problems, or the oxygen sensor is lazy and may actually need to be replaced. However, a bad oxygen sensor should set a oxygen sensor code as well.Replacing a oxygen sensor sounds less threatening than replacing your transmission, doesn’t it? It’s amazing how many auto mechanics will tell you what’s wrong when a check engine light goes on. It’s become a vital commodity to mechanics, just like a pop up ad on your computer, but they don’t have to pay for this ad.And research is really not so bad. It’s not like homework, you don’t have to do it, however, if you don’t, and ignore it, you’ll regret it. So how can distinguish what your car needs, and what kind of project it will entail if you can’t trust your mechanic? Well, you can take it to a mechanic when the check engine light goes on, but most mechanics charge jup to hundreds of dollars just to inspect the problem, and you’ll have to add this to fix what that the mechanic has dreamed up, after all, who’s he afraid of, it’s not like you’ve done your research, right? Here is a great way to get your research done before going to the mechanic, so you know what you are in for.Almost all car repair questions can now be answered online, right at your fingertips. Many websites now offer advice for the average car owner to troubleshoot car problems, so the days of going to one mechanic after another to diagnosis your car problems are over. Sites such as Automtoive Experts Online are dedicated to troubleshoot car problems, such as check engine lights for Honda Accord or
Toyota check engine light. This site is designated for safe and reliable auto advice that’s cheap and fast. No one has the time to figure out common car problems on their own, and mechanics can charge up to hundreds of dollars just to tell you what’s wrong. The site is great for car owners who do work themselves, and a life savor for newbies as well.The site is free to register and join, all questions can be seen for free and registered users bid on answers written by real certified experts. Common questions relating to check engine light for Honda Accord, or
Toyota check engine light are often answered within hours. It also guarantees your satisfaction by refunding your deposit 100% if you are not satisfied. It is easy to use and the database of car repair questions is growing.So before you go out and venture the wild terrain of under your hood, do a little research and go prepared. If you are not mechanically inclined, you owe it to yourself to still do the research so you can go your mechanic prepared, and proud, and say, “My emissions increased 1.5 times, emitting triple the hydrocarbons into the atmosphere, fix that, and nothing else.” Your mechanic will never look at you the same ever again.
posted in Auto Repair |
19th
February
2008
Retreaded car tyres (or remoulds as they are sometimes better known) have been a part of the tyre market for many years. It is not that long ago that every tyre dealer in the country sold retreaded car tyres as a budget line. These days, the increased influx of cheap new tyres from
China has meant that retreads are now available only through selected dealers. However, with environmental issues becoming more important to the general public, it is the retread’s status as a recycled product that is now becoming more important.How is a Retread Made?Firstly, the retreader takes a worn tyre casing and inspects it to check it is suitable for retreading. The remaining old tread rubber is then removed during a process called “buffing”. This provides a profile and surface texture in preparation for the application of a new tread. The tyre is then inspected for a second time and any correction work is then carried out before the next stage of the manufacturing process, which is the application of a new tread and sidewall veneer. In car tyre retreading this is done by applying uncured tread and sidewall rubber, usually by using a strip-winding machine.The built tyre then moves on to the curing or vulcanisation process. In car tyre retreading this is carried out in individual curing moulds (similar to those used in new tyre manufacturing). After curing, a final inspection process is carried out identify any potential defect. Unacceptable tyres are rejected and scrapped.What is the Quality of Retreads Like?Despite the historical image, the quality of retreaded tyres today is very good. Since 2004 all retreaded car tyres in the
UK have been subject to an ECE Regulation (Reg 108), which stipulates that all retreads have to meet the same load and speed test criteria as new tyres. Each retreader has to subject a proportion of his production for testing and, if his tyres fail, he runs the risk of being closed down. Retreaded tyres not produced to ECE 108 are illegal.One erroneously held belief is the idea that retreads cannot be used on motorways or above 50 mph. Absolute Rubbish! Most retreads sold in the
UK market are rated to either T (118 mph), H (130 mph) or V (149 mph). The exception is some retreaded winter tyres which may be Q rated (99 mph) but these are mostly sold overseas.Another myth is the belief that the discarded tread rubber from truck tyres that you see on the side of motorways is from retreads. Not true. Truck tyre failures occur primarily as a result of poor tyre maintenance, for example by running a tyre underinflated or when the tyre has suffered some kind of damage. In this case the tyre will fail regardless of whether a tyre is a retread or a new tyre.Incidentally retreads make up about 40% of all truck tyres on the road and in many applications they routinely outperform new tyres.How Green Are Retreads?Retreads are extremely environmentally friendly. Firstly, the production of a retread saves substantial amounts of fossil fuels. In fact, the manufacture of a passenger retread requires 4.5 gallons less oil than a new tyre.Secondly, retreaded car tyres sold in the
UK are almost exclusively manufactured in the
UK, which means they don’t have to be shipped from the other side of the world, unlike many budget new tyres, a high proportion of which are manufactured in
China and other
Far East countries.Retreading is also the best practical environmental option for tyre recycling. Every retread used means one less new tyre saving in natural resources. It also means that less tyres ultimately have to be burned (the most common form of disposal in the
UK) thereby reducing pollution. In fact, a recent study by the Environmental Association found that out of all the various options for tyre recycling, retreading has the least environmental impact. So retreads really are green.
posted in General Information |
19th
February
2008
It is now standard practice for tyre retailers to impose a tyre disposal charge when you change your tyres, which tends typically to be about £1.00 a tyre. You may wonder why you have to pay this charge - after all tyre disposal charges have not always been the norm.The real answer to this question is that it is a simple case of economics - a case of supply and demand. Going back twenty years the scrap disposal scenario was totally different to the way it is today. It used to be the case that car tyre rethreading companies would collect the majority of used tyres as the raw material for their production. They used to pick up the used tyres free of charge (or even pay for the privilege).However, that was when over 4 million rethreaded car tyres were sold in the
UK every year. In the meantime the market for British manufactured retreads has been squeezed by cheap new tyres from the
Far East to the point where the
UK market is no more than a tenth of what it was. This means that rethreaders no longer pick up the scrap tyres. This is done by professional tyre disposal companies who need to charge the retailer for this service. Much of the tyre disposal in the
UK is now carried out by members of the Responsible Recyclers Scheme, which is now administered under license by the Tyre Recovery Association. Members of the scheme guarantee that the tyres collected are disposed of in an environmentally friendly method, whether recycled or used as a fuel in cement kilns. As a guarantee, members of the scheme are subject to a stringent audit process conducted regularly by independent environmental audit specialists.The Responsible Recyclers Scheme also promotes best practice in the tyre recovery industry and helps protect against the continuing scourge of fly-tipping.In the
UK around 40 million tyres are taken off car, vans, trucks and buses every year, a total of 440,000 tones. That is a huge amount of scrap to dispose of and it has to be paid for somehow. Although the
UK tyre recovery industry currently has enough capacity to cope with scrap tyre arisings, the balance between overcapacity and undercapacity is relatively fine.Of key importance in the tyre disposal market in the
UK is The Landfill Directive, which was adopted by the
UK in July 1999. This banned the disposal of whole tyres by landfill from July 2003 and shredded tyres from July 2006. This has changed the entire scenario of how tyres are disposed of and recycled in the
UK and
Europe. There are a number of ways in which scrap tyres are recycled in the
UK although all of these can be defined as either reuse, recycling or recovery. Rethreading is still considered to be one of the most preferable method of tyre recycling as it effectively doubles the life of the new tyre, reducing the numbers of new tyres needed and thereby minimizing waste. Retread still make up nearly half of all truck tyres on the road but the number of car tyres that are retreaded is now relatively small.Other common uses for scrap tyres include sports and recreational surfaces, landfill engineering, carpet underlay/floor coverings, and road building. Roads manufactured using crumb rubber last longer, have better traction and reduce noise.In the
UK scrap tyres are also widely used as a fuel in cement kilns as an alternative to the traditional fuel, coal.
posted in General Information |
19th
February
2008
If you’re considering buying a hybrid car or truck, you’ll be happy to know that the
U.S. government offers certain tax incentives for your purchase. The Energy Policy Act provides a tax credit for those who purchase certain energy efficient vehicles. Since that act passed, it’s been up to auto manufacturers to certify to the Internal Revenue Service that certain passenger autos and light trucks qualify for the credit and the amount of the credit. All the consumer needs to do is check with their dealer. If the vehicle qualifies, the amount will be posted at the dealership, usually right on the vehicle itself.
As a buyer, you’ll need to meet certain requirements in order to declare a tax credit on your return. The requirements are basic and straightforward. Here they are for your reference:1. The vehicle must be placed in service after 12-31-05 and purchased on or before 12-31-10, and the original use of the vehicle must begin with the taxpayer claiming the credit.2. The credit may only be claimed by the original owner of a new, qualifying hybrid vehicle. Used vehicles do not apply.3. The vehicle must be acquired for use or lease by the taxpayer claiming the credit. You can’t buy the car for someone else’s use and claim the credit yourself.4. The credit is only available to the original buyer. Leases don’t count as buying. In a lease situation, the leasing company can claim the credit.5. The vehicle must be used predominantly within the
U.S.Some Tax Credits Phasing OutThe hybrid vehicle tax credit begins to phase out when a manufacturer sells 60,000 qualifying vehicles. As an example, hybrid vehicles produced by Toyota Motor Sales USA qualify only for a lesser percentage of the tax credit. This applies to all hybrid vehicles sold by Toyota Motor Sales, which encompasses both
Toyota and Lexus. Check with your dealer, but as of this writing most of these credits are 25% of the original amount.Finally, when determining what year your tax credit can be applied, you’ll need to consider the year in which the vehicle is placed into service. Let’s use an example. Let’s suppose you purchased a qualifying hybrid vehicle on December 27, 2007 and take possession on January 5, 2008. The amount of your eligible credit can be taken for the 2008 tax year.The purpose of these tax cuts was designed to stimulate consumer purchase of hybrid vehicles. While we expect some level of tax incentive to remain, we also predict the amounts will lessen over time. The rationale appears to be that hybrid vehicles will be much more accepted over time, thereby negating the need for tax credits.
posted in Future Fuels |
19th
February
2008
So you’ve splashed out and bought yourself a personalized number plate but it’s not exactly what you really desired. However the introduction of a strategically place screw in the middle of that C will solve the problem. It will be a lot cheaper too, the cost of screw against many hundreds of pounds for the exact registration number you wanted.WRONG! Far from being cheaper it could prove very costly indeed and the few pence you thought you had paid for that screw could increase to many hundreds of pounds!How can that be? The simple answer is that the fact that you have interfered with the plate in contradiction of the regulations thus leaving yourself open to prosecution. In addition to a hefty fine you could also have points added to your license.Under the terms of agreement for your insurance cover you will find, in very small letters, the condition that you inform your insurer if you are unfortunate enough to get points on your license. Many Insurance companies have taken the stance that this constitutes sufficient reason to apply a penalty premium that remains in existence for three years.All major insurance companies and motoring organizations are quite clear that the fact that you have obtained a personalized number plate will not directly effect your premiums. However a lot of insurance companies have differing attitudes to the type of vehicles and customers they wish to attract so it pays to shop around when you are looking for that renewal quote. Some companies may well interpret the display of personalized number plates as an outward show of affluency and this in itself may attract the unwanted attention of thieves etc and the compant may well increase your premium accordingly.So our advice is enjoy your personalized number plate, shop around for your insurance, check with the proposed insurer if they have any strong views/rules on private number plates and forget ideas of changing/altering your number plate - it could be the most expensive screw you’ve ever had!
posted in General Information |
19th
February
2008
In 2005 for example, the Federal Bureau of Investigation estimated that around $12 to $20 billion worth of cargo and equipment are stolen every year in the country.And with expensive goods (electronics, cards, etc.) being transported on the road everyday and trucks becoming increasingly pricier, thieves that target trucks and tractors are not bound to slow down anytime soon. The only solution is to take preventive measures to protect your investment and cargo. Here are some basic tips you can follow to ensure you won’t fall prey to the many truck thieves that lurk around the parking lot:§Never leave your key inside the ignition. You might be in dire need to use the bathroom, but believe me when I tell you that the few seconds it will take to remove the key and put it in your pocket is worth the discomfort.§Take extra precautions before you travel by finding out which places along your route have high crime rates. Avoid these areas if you can, but if passing through them is an absolute imperative, then jus be doubly careful than you would normally be.§Take alternative routes once in a while. This prevents thieves from being able to map out your routine and plan a robbery attack against you.§When stopping for a meal, park your truck in a spot visible and accessible from where you will be sitting. It’s also best if you choose where you take your breaks and avoid stopping in restaurants or stations with a questionable reputation.§Don’t leave a running tractor unattended. Doing this is like giving crooks an open invitation to rob you and drive away with your vehicle.§Make it harder for thieves to steal your truck by putting protective bars on the passenger side window, the side that, according to reports, most thieves enter the vehicle from.§Installing a vehicle protection device is one of the most effective way of preventing truck theft –just make sure your buy a reliable one. One of the most affordable and effective car protection devices today is the air lock security system. The security device prevents theft by blocking an air line from the air brakes. This means unless the truck driver deactivates the system, the vehicle will not move and your investment and cargo will remains safe.Yes, you may have installed tracking device in your truck to let you know where it is at all times and you may fully trust the policemen in your town/city, but remember that an ounce of prevention is always better that a pound of cure. Take these safety precautions and keep your truck (and investment) safe.
posted in General Information |
19th
February
2008
Private limousine services have always been a symbol of executive lifestyles and affluent privileges. These highly-specialized luxury vehicles are equipped with modern amenities like mini bars, GPS tracking systems, surround sound, DVD’s, music systems and others.Every private limo rental firm has their own variable pricing systems and service qualities, and some have their own payment and penalty modes, which may include surcharges and gratuity. And with the wide array of private limo rentals out there, it’s quite impossible not to find one that would perfectly suit your needs and budgets.Getting A Limo Rentals Affords Consumers A Sense Of AffluenceThe sense of affluence in riding a luxurious vehicle like limousines could already make for a truly grand experience to the average individual, because these rental services don’t come cheap, and some have rates that even go up to o $200 per hour, and some offer as low as $65 bucks per hour.When renting these vehicles, you will have chauffeurs, who are professional drivers, ready to attend to your needs. These professional drivers are by nature courteous, and they surely will know how to satisfy you and give you a smooth ride.From airport transport, and service to and from business events, weddings, parties, premieres, concerts and excursions, the major facet of limousine servicing is transforming the luxury vehicle into either an excellent private office or party vehicle. In fact, luxury cars nowadays provide vehicle network solutions as an added value to clients. Many private limo services now even offer WiFi enabled vehicles, to allow clients to stay in touch with officemates, business partners and loved ones through the Internet.Make Early ReservationsIn ensuring that your special event or occasion goes well without any minor hitches, it would be best to reserve early. A good thing would be to call a private limo rental 2-4 weeks in advance of the reservation. Before you do that, you could also research online, by either typing on a search engine. Then look at the service provider’s Web site to confirm the firms have your desired vehicle. Check their numbers on the phone book and inquire on additional rental companies as well.Find Out How A Rental Firm Deals With Your NeedsIt would be great to call a rental service firm, and listen to how each firm deals with your call, and your other concerns as well . On your special occasion, it’s vital that the company be responsive to your requests. Call each name on the list and get quotes from each. Be sure to ask for rates including gratuity, cancellation fees, how much for an extra hour and their TCP number (State license to be a licensed transport). Verify whether their vehicle’s come with alcohol, music, passes to clubs, and others.Afterwards, book the vehicle with the company you choose. When booking, ensure that you obtain a copy of the rental contract and reservation, confirmation/reservation number, as well as their cancellation, return, and no-show policies in writing/email. You also need to make sure that you confirm the exact door price that would be charged to your credit.
posted in Useful Tips |
19th
February
2008
Hydrogen on demand is a nice concept only if we can supply the energy to make it happen in the first place and make it cost effective. The only by-product of hydrogen on demand is water.Hydrogen-On-Demand is a home made system that can be assembled by simple and cheap products found in any hardware store. This Hydrogen on demand device produces hydrogen from tap water. This is the type of system one would need to make any car run on hydrogen and still have the factory performance, and do the work it could do on gasoline. The technology is a hydrogen-from-water generating process that helps solve many of the hydrogen creation and storage problems faced today and in the fast approaching “hydrogen economy”.Stanley Meyers patented method of producing hydrogen on demand is the means of running the engine on hydrogen using water. The Hydrogen on Demand system releases the hydrogen stored in the chemical bonds of sodium borohydride solutions by passing the liquid through a chamber containing a proprietary catalyst. Many inventors claim to have produced electrolysis units to use the charge created by a cars alternator to split a tank of water into hydrogen and oxygen whilst the car is being driven. These are systems or devices such as water for gas that offer the safest and most economical solution.The system produces Hydrogen when we need it, rather than producing it in an expensive and polluting factory, then delivering it in huge trucks and storing it unsafely in high-pressure gas tanks. Due to the hydrogen being delivered via water vapor, engine heat is reduced, even as the hydrogen creates more power via increased yield of the fuel. While the engine runs cooler, it’s also vibrating less, and smoothing out, as the hydrogen being added tends to round out the combustion.All of this equates, obviously, to longer life of parts on the automobile, and therefore, converting to a hydrogen/fuel mixture for running the engine is indeed an ounce of prevention worth the weight of the car. What happens when you draw hydrogen gas from water is that water actually converts, one of it’s oxygen molecules into a hydrogen molecule. Having hydrogen and air mix together is actually better for the combustion in the engine anyway.Hydrogen on-demand is going to be what catapults hydrogen from being a great concept to a great reality. With the ever increasing prices of gas and diesel fuel, this has got to be the way forward to help the environment and make cars more economical.
posted in Future Fuels |