30th April 2008

Every Parent Must Learn Automobile Safety For Children

Automobile accidents are responsible for the injury or death or thousands of children and young adults each year. Many of these events could be prevented by proper use of seat belts and other safety features of cars.Outside of a car, it is important for children to know how dangerous moving vehicles can be. When playing outside, never chase balls or other objects into the street without looking for traffic, and never run between parked cars into the street as it is hard for drivers to see over them. Teaching children these behaviors at a young age is an excellent way to prevent accidents in the future.In the car, there are a set of effortless rules that new drivers and young passengers should always follow. The way to prevent most serious injuries is to simply always buckle up. Even if no one else in the car is wearing one and the trip is just around the block, it is important to wear one regardless. In a case like this, it wouldn’t hurt to insist that everyone else buckle up as well to ensure their safety.When wearing a seatbelt, older children should be tall enough to sit without slouching with their feet on the floor. The lap-shoulder belt system will not fit most children until they are about 4’9” tall and weigh about 80 pounds. The lap portion of the belt should fit low and tight across the upper thighs, while the shoulder portion should fit over the shoulder and chest. Although it may be more comfortable, never put the shoulder belt under the arm or behind the back of the child.Reckless behavior in and around automobiles is also a large contributor to the injury and death rate. Never stick arms, legs, or any other body part out of the window of a moving car. If another vehicle is passing too close it could cause serious injury. One of the most dangerous but easily preventable behaviors is drunk driving. Never try to drive after drinking, and never ride with anyone who has been drinking. It is important to always have a designated driver, or at least someone to keep keys hidden.New and young drivers cause many of the accidents because they may have not yet learned how to handle a car properly, may drive at speeds to fast for the conditions, and are more likely to perform risky behaviors. Although they are commonly given a negative image, being a back-seat driver can save lives by telling a reckless driver to be more attentive or to slow down.Concerning very young children, there is even more information to be aware of related to accidents and safety. Generally, the back seat is the safest place in a car accident, and any child under 12 years should ride there, especially if the vehicle has a passenger side are bag. Infants should be placed in rear facing car seats in the back seat until at least 1 year of age or around 20 lbs. Forward facing seats are acceptable after this point. In either case, always read the child restraint manual for proper and effective installation and use. It is recommended that children use a safety seat until at they are at least 40 pounds and then use a booster seat that will help the lap-shoulder system fit well.It is important to remember that injury or death from an automobile accident can happen to anyone, not just children and younger drivers. Always promote safe behaviors near roads, behind the wheel, and also the lifesaving benefits of using safety belts and child safety seats correctly.

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29th April 2008

Due To The Ever Rising Oil Price, Car Fuel Saving Devices Are Becoming More And More Essential For Drivers

Fortunately, such technology exists today and one of them happens to make use of an ever abundant resource, water.This system makes use of water to supplement gasoline/diesel thus increasing the mileage drivers can achieve with the same amount of petrol. 100% water system might be possible in future but not just yet. The system converts water into HHO or commonly known as Brown gas. This gas burns cleanly and produces 3 times more energy compared to regular gasoline, pound to pound. The end product when the gas is burnt is water and oxygen. Hence, the system does not only help drivers economically, but also the environment by reducing emission of harmful chemicals released into the atmosphere.Some tangible benefits drivers can expect from using car fuel saving devices:1. Increased mileage by up to 100%. Many people who installed the car fuel saving devices testified to an increase of between 30% to 100% in terms of the distance their cars can travel with the same amount of fuel. The variation in percentage is largely dependent on car models. However, if you ask me, even 30% increase can be significant to my pocket in the long run.2. Smoother ride and boost in engine power. As mentioned Brown gas produces more power than gasoline when burnt hence the boost in power. Also, because it has the ability to remove carbon deposits as well as preventing future carbon build up, it gives the engine smoother operations.3. Prolonged lifespan of engine parts such as pistons, valves, bearings, etc.4. For some who have used to the system, they started promoting it to their friends, neighbors and colleagues, helping them to implement car fuel saving devices. The result is a secondary source of income full of potential.You may think that such car fuel saving devices are going to cost you thousands of dollars. Well, you will be pleased to know that the system can be put together using parts obtainable from your regular neighborhood hardware store. The cost to put it together does not exceed $200. It is easy to install and dismantle the system to the main engine which is not affected in any way. Therefore, drivers can be assured that warranty will remain intact.

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28th April 2008

Every Good Car Owner Should Check Their Car Periodically To Make Sure It Is Running Properly

Though there are lights on the dashboard to indicate any problems, it is much better to know a little bit about your car, and to keep an eye on the important fluids that are used to run the car. Everyone knows about putting enough gas in the car, but there are some simple steps that should be done about once a week. This is a very good thing to teach any teenager or other new car owner, especially one whose new car is over five years old.First of all, make a habit of checking your fluids. The older the car the more frequent the checks should be, but at least make them once every two weeks. Having a regular schedule will help in this, for example, the first and fifteenth of every month. In this way, you will have to remember if you have just forgotten to make the check or if you have just done it. Today let’s cover checking the oil.The oil level is one of the most important fluids to check regularly. There is a long thin metal piece, call the dipstick, that slides into a compartment adjacent to the engine. Most dipsticks ended in a small circular, plastic coated ring that you can use to pull it out of its tube. Make sure you see the small hole the dipstick goes into so that you can replace it there to check the oil level. First, make sure the car is parked on a level surface and has been sitting for several hours before checking the oil. This is because the oil is used to lubricate the engine, and takes a while to settle down back into the bottom of the engine. Remove the dipstick, and wipe any existing oil off it using an old rag. Reinsert the dipstick back into its small hole, all the way down so the top of the dipstick is in its normal position. Pull it out once again and notice the light or dark brown liquid that coats the bottom part of the stick. You will notice that there will be markings on the dipstick, indicating low and full levels for the oil. Depending on your car they may have the words “full” and “add”, or possibly just two notches or other notation. Generally the fluid should be somewhere near, or possibly slightly over, the full line on the dipstick (the one higher up on the stick). If not, oil should be added to the car. For most cars, the amount of oil between the bottom mark and the full mark is one quart of oil. So, for example, if you are oil comes half way between the bottom and top marks, then you should add approximately one half quart of oil. Add that much oil, wait for a few moments, and then measure it once again. If the oil level is significantly below the bottom mark, add as much as necessary to bring it up to the top mark, and then have a mechanic look at your car for oil leaks.In order to add oil to the car, there should be a small round cap that can be unscrewed, which hopefully has the word “oil” on it. If it is not clearly marked, ask a knowledgeable person where to add the oil in, for it is crucial to get the right opening. Simply unscrew the cap, add the oil (using an oil funnel if you wish to be neat), and then make sure you replace the cap securely.Other fluids to check weekly include coolant level, windshield washer fluid, power steering fluid (if applicable), and brake fluid. Also, make a periodic check of tire pressure. How to do these will be covered in other articles.

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28th April 2008

A.J. Foyt, One Of The Stellar Names In The History Of Motorsports

This Texan started his racing career on a small dirt track in the town of

Springfield,

Illinois
in 1957. Though his career had him traveling over a large part of the world, the most exciting races were those in

America
. He became the first four time winner of the

Indianapolis
500, on that famous motor speedway. He has competed in 35 Indy 500s as a driver, which is a record that probably will stay unchallenged.A.J. has driven in a number of different venues: NASCAR, midgets, sprints, and even

Le Mans
. He won over 150 major races during his driving career, which has been over more than four decades. Not only is this man talented and versatile, but his long career has showed off two of his major character qualities: perseverance and toughness.Not only has A.J. instilled a love of cars and racing to his children, he himself received it from his father. His father was an auto mechanic that loved racing, and would tell A.J. stories of the auto racing of years gone by. They worked on cars together, as his father had them as a hobby as well as a business.He took one of the cars from his father and started out on the racing circuit in the years 1953 through 1957. Though he persevered, driving the tow vehicle to get the racer to the various tracks, success did not happen often. However, other race car owners noticed the young man, and made him offers to be a driver for more established teams.The year 1958 was his first year driving in the Indy 500. He got past the rookie weedout, and finished 16th in the race, actually earning several thousand dollars for the effort. This was a great encouragement for someone used to sleeping in the towing vehicle, or on an extra cot in someone’s house.The cars of that era did not have many safety features, and accidents often caused severe injury to the drivers. In 1965, an accident in

Riverside, California left him with a broken ankle, a broken back, and severe chest injuries. A doctor pronounced Foyt dead at the scene, but driver Parnelli Jones say some movement and revived him. Only ten weeks later, Foyt was back behind the wheel, winning five races that season.The next year his car hit the wall in

Wisconsin
, causing the fuel tank to rupture, and burning A.J.’s hands and face. The rest of that season was a difficult one to finish, and his point ranking put him 13th in the list. Other people began talking about his retiring from the track. This caused A.J. to make 1967 a banner year, and he won the national title for the fifth time. This included his third win at

Indianapolis
. The Indy 500 that year had a remarkable finish. A.J. was in front by nearly one lap, and as he was making the last lap, there was a large group of cars in front of him. All of a sudden, a number of cars were spinning, and bouncing off the walls. A.J. dropped his car into second gear, deciding he was going to win even if he had to push a few cars ahead of him across the finish line.Many more notable successes came, along with a number of other injuries, through the 1970s and 1980s. One of the worst happened in 1990, when his brakes failed and the car sailed off of the track at 190 mph and landed in a dirt wall. Though the injuries were not life threatening, both of his legs were shattered. The pain was intense, and required several surgeries. After another six months of therapy, he limped to his car to qualify second for the Indy 500. Though he did not complete this race due to a mechanical malfunction, the heart and determination of this great racer is exemplified by this victory over circumstance.

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25th April 2008

A Worthy Cause For Your Old Car

One of the toughest decisions to make when you want to get a new car is what to do with the old one. We have seen pretty old cars running around the streets. We have heard of how special the car is and the sentimental value it has for the previous generations. Those cars were there for them when they had their first dates. Or it was the car used to rush someone to the hospital to give birth. Those cars do have a lot of stories with them.But this is not what other people see when the younger generations drive the old car around. The pride that comes with driving that old car is not the same as it was years ago. Friends make jokes about it. They don’t even want to be seen driving it. It gets laughed at and criticized. But this can all change. The old pride can be given back to the car by donating it for a cause. This is probably the noblest thing that one can do for the car that has served his family for several years.Donating a car is designed to be hassle free. There are many organizations that have programs that will make donating your car very easy. It is also much simpler than repairing it every now and then or selling it. It is also advantageous because you can claim tax deduction out of your donation.If you are convinced to give your car a worthy flare, here is how to donate a car.There are a lot of charitable institutions out there that is very eager to accept your car. Find a tax exempt charity registered under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. You can also choose a religious group that can legally accept your car. Lawful donation allows you to claim rightful deductions.You are also responsible for determining the car’s fair market value. It is the same amount that you can claim for deduction. You need to have your car appraised by a professional if you claim that its value is $5,000 or more.You will also need proofs of your donation. Keep a copy of the transfer of title to the charity institution. You can also secure a copy of a tax receipt indicating your name, the organization’s name and its Federal ID number, complete year of donation and the car’s model.There are certain state regulations that you need to comply after the donation. You will be instructed on what to do with the car’s title and plate. Keep all the needed documents such as the receipt and IRS form 8283 completely filled up for tax time.Donating a car will have a great impact to whoever will be receiving it. You will surely take pride of the car that has been part of your life for quite a while. The old car will definitely be valued by its next user. So choose an institution that will be able to maximize the use of your car while you enjoy the possible tax deduction out of it.

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24th April 2008

Without An Excellent Finish Your Vehicle Is No Different From The Rest

If there is a paradox that meanders through automobile vehicle owners – whether it is owners of cars, trucks or SUV’s is that most owners and purchasers tend to short change their vehicle’s finish and final shiny finish and presentation. This absurdity is usually two fold: either the enthusiast loses patience, is lazy or simply runs out of money. However according to automotive industry expert Riteway Strokon “Presentation and Appearance is Everything” “ Presentation, Presentation , Presentation“ is similar to the Real Estate Salesperson’s adage of “Location , Location , Location”..

What factors need to be considered in the choice of car body paint shop and technician specialists who will prepare and apply the finish to your vehicle – be it car, truck or S.U.V.? First of all a proper and a through job of preparation are essential. Once cannot skimp on a foundation of a house and once cannot skimp on proper auto body paint preparation. A paint job is only as good as to what is underneath it. The auto body surface must be absolutely clean – first by a chemical stripper, next removing any rust apparent or not apparent on the car by either by chemical means or by sandblasting. Once those two are done the surface must be washed down with a metal conditioner to in effect etch the metal surface for better adhesion of the paint.

Next the surface of the vehicle is primed with a special “primer “coat of paint. The key thing to ask and look for at this stage of the process is whether the car with its coat of primer paint will be allowed to air dry and set for a number of days or whether the paint will be slapped on after only a cursory overnight time period of primer paint drying. After a thorough drying – this coat of primer paint will next be thoroughly and carefully sanded. Again attention to detail and patience are key. You can often judge these two traits in a shop and its staff by both their attention to cleanliness and order in their shop of tools and equipment, their general demeanor as well as references from previous customers.

Next in line is the actual painting process. Here again attention to detail is key. Not enough can be stressed on the importance of this stage in the vehicle painting process.

Lastly it comes to the post presentation finishing. Ask about this step. Some shops will consider the job “done” after the simple application of the surface paint.

Others will pay great attention to detail – inspecting and applying finishing touches- in effect making sure that everything and anything of the presentation and appearance of the car is in order. The vehicle so to speak should be in better than “new condition”. Ensure that body moldings as well as the rubber door seals are placed in properly – that is tight fitting without space so that the rubber doors seals seal fit intact and tightly without gaps. There should be no wind noises. Lastly ensure that no remnants of the finished paint job are apparent in small ways on your vehicle paint job.

All in all a more than excellent paint job more than adds great value and appreciation to your vehicle – whether it is Car, Truck or Sports Recreation Vehicle.

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23rd April 2008

Follow The Tips Below To Get More Mileage Out Of Your Vehicle

If you are on a limited budget, you know how important it is to take care of your car.  You can get more mileage out of your vehicle if you follow the tips below: The first thing you have to consider is if your car has the capability to run many miles without incurring repairs that are too costly.First, consider, does your vehicle actually have the ability to run many miles without acquiring expensive repairs. You can check consumer reports to find out what you should be paying for certain car repair services. If you desire to have longer car expectancy, you should check your engine oil at the start of each month on a consistent basis. You should check to make sure that the full level marker is on the dipstick.Be sure to check your tire pressure and other fluids every three months before leaving on any long trip. Check your transmission fluid, power steering fluid, brake fluid, radiator coolant and windshield washer fluid. Fluids are important because they grease the movable parts to lessen fiction and heat. These are the important reasons for longer life expectancy of your vehicle.You should have your engine oil and filter oil checked every 6,000 miles that you drive each year; usually at the start of the spring and close to the end of the fall. More than 10,000 miles driving should involve changing your engine oil and filter oil every 3,000 miles or every four months.Check your anti-freeze before the winter begins. The antifreeze should be able to endure about 30 degrees below the coldest temperature. It important to not have your antifreeze gets frozen or else it will crack the block of the engine which would cause you thousands of dollars in repair cost. Your engine air filter should be changed one time every two years if you drive about 6,000 miles per year and once per year if you drive 10,000 miles per year.Give your car a thorough wash and cleaning, removal of tar and was during the spring and fall. Use a safe car wash product for better wax finishing.Vehicle Maintenance is important to keeping your car in good condition. It involves regular check up and doing it on a consistent basis. Each week you should look at some part of the vehicle no matter how small it is such as your door panels, windows, dash board, tires, and other parts. You don’t want to be surprised in the event something goes wrong. In addition, you want to have a nice looking vehicle that you can be proud of.The car tips above are only some of the essential maintenance necessities that will assist you in making your vehicle run longer. Be sure to refer to your car’s owner manual for any additional maintenance tips. For basic maintenance, you only need a small amount of money and time, but the benefits are long lasting and will keep your vehicle performing well for many years until you are ready to buy a new one.

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22nd April 2008

Timeless, This Is How Classic Cars Are Often Described

A car is considered classic if it achieves a collectible value. The most popular classic cars don’t have a particular genre. And there are many debates on how classic cars should be defined.Let’s take a look at the evolution of automobiles first and see what vehicles were like before the classic cars.The first on the list is the antique cars of the 1880-1916. It was previously called the horseless carriages. The first horseless carriage used steam. Nicholas-Joseph Cugnot was acknowledged for creating the first full scale steam vehicle. It can accommodate four passengers. Since then, the automobile has evolved in so many aspects like, designs, colors and power source. Much is credited for the early designs of these cars. It has paved way for the creation of many other classic cars.1916-1924 is the age for Vintage automobiles. This is the result of the horseless carriage evolution. Everything was better with the car in this era. From its machinery down to its comfort, it was more comfortable to drive and ride in. The designs were also more stylish and fashionable. There were innovations in terms of rolling windows and other car features. It was also the era where durability was given importance. More affordable automobiles were available too. It made traveling easier. It was the age of discovery and creativity.The classic cars came after the Vintage era. The term classic is often used to describe an older car. But many would contest. According to some, not all old cars can be considered classic. It has to exude elegance and sophistication before a car can be labeled as such. For some, before a car can be considered as classic, it has to be top ranked. It should represent quality and class. It should be brilliantly planned in terms of style and engineering.Some of the popular names of classic cars include the following:• Alfa Romeo, an Italian automobile manufacturer established in 1910.• Bayerische Motoren Werke AG known as the BMW. It is a German automobile manufacturer popular for coming up with top class luxury cars.• Jaguar Cars Limited. In 1922, it was founded as the Swallow Sidecar Company.• Mercedes Benz, also known for manufacturing high performance and luxury cars.• Rolls-Royce is another known brand of luxury cars. And;• Volvo, it is also a known maker of luxury cars owned by Ford Motors Company.Since classic cars are extremely valuable, utmost care should be given to it. Some simple tips of taking care a classic car includes taking care of the car’s paint. Its paint depicts the kind of owner it has. Since it is the exterior part of the vehicle, any irregularities on it will easily be noticed. To avoid repainting avoid scratching it, and learn to wash the car to maintain its beauty. Use the proper tools in washing the car. Use cotton or paint-safe washing mitt. Dry the car properly, this will prevent water spots.Your car will remain timeless if you know how to take care of it.

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21st April 2008

Take Control Of Your Car Insurance Costs

Amid concerns about a predicted increase in premiums, it’s actually become easier than ever to save money on your car insurance, if you know how and where you can cut costs.According to the latest AA British insurance premium index, if you shop around at renewal time you can save up to 33% on your car insurance costs. The index data also showed that those who insure their cars for third party theft and fire damage have the most to gain by switching to a new insurer at renewal time.Cut What You Don’t NeedWhen you’re renewing your motor insurance, look out for ways in which you can save by cutting out cover that you don’t need.- Don’t add drivers to your policy unless they drive your car regularly. It’s cheaper to add an additional driver for a day or a weekend if it’s a one-off occasion. (On the other hand, if you’re a married man, adding your wife to your policy could actually help reduce your costs, as single men are often viewed as riskier drivers.)- Don’t add your children to your policy unless it’s really necessary. Naming a teen driver will really push the costs up. Similarly, if your children are named, don’t forget to remove them when they leave home.- A higher excess will help you save on premiums, and if you’re a careful driver this can be particularly helpful. Don’t forget though, that if you’re in an accident that’s your fault, you’ll have to pay the excess before you can make a claim.Other Ways to SaveThere are several other ways to save on your car insurance, some of which don’t directly depend on your policy’s terms and conditions.- Preserve your no claims bonus and save up to 70% on your premium after five years if you remain accident-free. Most people find that their premiums rise sharply after the first renewal period following the loss of their no-claims bonus, so hold onto it for as long as possible.- Make your car more secure. Install anti-theft devices and use your garage. You’ll pay lower premiums on a car that’s less likely to be stolen.- Insure multiple cars, or your car and home, with the same company, if you can get a discount that makes it worthwhile.- Take an advanced driving course to improve your level of risk. Don’t forget, however, to include the costs of the course when you’re calculating how much you can save.- Pay your premiums annually. The average company charges a 15% APR for monthly premiums.Watch Out for Hidden CostsIn some cases, the insurance companies that offer the cheapest cover make up for their prices in other ways. Some companies charge annual percentage rates for monthly insurance installments of close to 40%. Others make up the losses on their competitively-priced premiums by charging an additional fee each time you travel out of the country in your car.In other words, don’t believe the hype and do your homework before you take out a policy.

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17th April 2008

The Best Time To Replenish Your Gas Tank Is When You Have Half A Tank Or Less Left In Your Vehicle

Turn the nozzle

When you have finished filling up your gas tank try turning the nozzle of the hose a full 180 degrees.
This will drain a bit more gas into your tank; in some cases up to an entire half cup that would otherwise be a bonus to the next gas customer.

Once you get into the habit of turning the hose you’ll find yourself doing it without thinking. That extra half cup that you get each time that you fill your gas tank can add up to a lot of extra gas at the end of the year that you never have known about.

>>> High octane gas

!!!!! Please consult your Owner’s Manual before changing the grade of fuel you use. !!!!!

For most cars these days, buying higher-octane gas is a waste of your money. Regular unleaded has approximately 87 octane already and is fine for your vehicle.

By avoiding buying high-octane gas you’ll be saving a large amount of money over a period of time.

High octane gas is always more expensive at the gas pumps so the next time that you feel guilty for filling up your SUV with regular gas you can be assured that no harm will come to your vehicle.

Octane is simply a measurement of how difficult it is to ignite the gas in your car and has nothing to do with the quality of the gas. If you are experiencing engine pings, rattles, or knocks you can switch to high octane gas.

However, you shouldn’t be experiencing any of those knocks and rattles if you are keeping your vehicle maintained and making sure that you don’t miss those scheduled maintenance checkups.
If you are driving a new model car you definitely shouldn’t be hearing any pings or rattles and if you are you should take your vehicle to a mechanic.

>>> Avoid topping off

Try to avoid “topping off” at the gas pumps. When you purchase just a bit of gas at the gas station the pump doesn’t have enough time to really activate, resulting in short bursts of fuel that may short change you from the amount of gas that you are purchasing.

The best time to replenish your gas tank is when you have half a tank or less left in your vehicle, or when you find a gas price that you just can’t afford to miss.

>>> Avoid running your gas tank too close to empty

Try not to drive your car when the gas gauge is on empty.

You may think that you using very little gas when your car is on empty, but you are in fact using more gas because your vehicle is running less efficiently as it tries to accelerate and decelerate in a normal fashion.
Keep your gas level above the quarter tank mark if at all possible.

>>> Avoid buying gasohol

You should never purchase gasohol for your car since it contains only two-thirds of the energy of gasoline.

This means that you would need to buy much more gasohol to go the same distance on a tank of gasoline.

Gasohol is a mixture of ethanol (alcohol made from grain) and gas, and is used by some farmers to help cut the amount of pollution in the air.

Even if you are traveling and it seems like the only fuel choice for miles is gasohol try to avoid buying this type of adapted fuel.

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