Car Insurance Articles

.

Answer the question, Is your car insurance as cheap as it looks, before you renew the same old policy you've had for years. Compare online insurance companies before you renew with your old one.



Nobody looks forward to choosing their car insurance. Many people stay with the same company year on year to avoid endless phone calls or trawling quote comparison sites at renewal. Nowadays, however, many companies offer significant introductory and online discounts which only apply for the first year. What this means for the consumer is that shopping around makes good financial sense. But while it can be extremely tempting to go for a cheap policy, it's wise to know exactly what you're buying into.

What's Missing?

Sometimes one company will offer Fully Comprehensive coverage for the same rates as another's Third Party insurance. This should ring alarm bells, it's possible it's cheaper for a reason.

A car insurance policy booklet is divided into sections. The level of cover you have purchased will include some or all of these. Third Party Only is the legal minimum and included in all policies. Mandatory since 1930, it covers you for damage to another's person or property. Then Fire and Theft is added to that, followed by damage to your own car - Fully Comprehensive includes all three.

There are things we automatically assume to be part of a Comprehensive policy - European coverage, windscreen coverage, a courtesy car, coverage for driving other cars - but not necessarily so. Policies may have been stripped to the bare bones in order to appear cheap. The missing features may then be offered as chargeable extras, so take care.

If you are considering driving abroad, check what level of coverage you will actually have while out of the country. It might be lower than your normal level of coverage and you may only be allowed a limited time abroad. To increase the time or level of coverage would then be chargeable.

Auto Insurance Excesses

So you have a cheap policy that seems to give all the coveage you need. The next thing to check are the excesses. These are what you pay in the event of a claim, such as deductibles. Sometimes they can be high in order to keep the premiums down and there are compulsory excesses on top for categories of driver who the insurer perceives to be a higher risk. This may include young drivers, foreign drivers or those with points on their license - check which apply to you.

Extra Charges

Whether we want to believe it or not, it does cost an insurer to set up or cancel a policy, and to process your claims. As businesses, they will attempt to recoup the costs from the customer, probably in the form of cancellation fees or charges for amending your policy. If the premium is very low these charges may be higher to compensate. Some cancellation fees are even levied within the mandatory 14 day cooling off period, so be aware of what you're letting yourself in for.

Sadly the process of renewing your insurance remains a long, drawn out process and even higher premiums may not include everything so it's worth devising a checklist to use when you shop. Go in armed with your own questions and reduce your chances of unpleasant surprises later in the year.

carjunky
.

Privacy Policy

I respect your privacy and I am committed to safeguarding your privacy while online at my site schuers.com. At schuers.com, the privacy of our visitors is of extreme importance to us. This privacy policy document outlines the types of personal information is received and collected by schuers.com and how it is used.

Log Files
Like many other Web sites, schuers.com makes use of log files. The information inside the log files includes internet protocol ( IP ) addresses, type of browser, Internet Service Provider ( ISP ), date/time stamp, referring/exit pages, and number of clicks to analyze trends, administer the site, track user’s movement around the site, and gather demographic information. IP addresses, and other such information are not linked to any information that is personally identifiable.

E-mail Subscription
If a user wishes to subscribe to my posts via e-mail (powered by Feedburner), I ask for contact information such as name and email address. Out of respect for my users’ privacy, a way to opt-out of these communications is provided.

Cookies and Web Beacons
A cookie is a piece of data stored on the user’s computer tied to information about the user. My site use cookies for tracking visitors’ activity. Some of our advertising partners may use cookies and web beacons on our site. Our advertising partners include Google Adsense. Please check their websites for respective privacy policies.

These third-party ad servers or ad networks use technology to the advertisements and links that appear on schuers.com send directly to your browsers. They automatically receive your IP address when this occurs. Other technologies ( such as cookies, JavaScript, or Web Beacons ) may also be used by the third-party ad networks to measure the effectiveness of their advertisements and / or to personalize the advertising content that you see.

I use outside ad companies to display ads on my site. These ads may contain cookies and are collected by the ad companies, and I do not have no access to or control over these cookies that are used by third-party advertisers.

You should consult the respective privacy policies of these third-party ad servers for more detailed information on their practices as well as for instructions about how to opt-out of certain practices. schuers.com's privacy policy does not apply to, and we cannot control the activities of, such other advertisers or web sites.

If you wish to disable cookies, you may do so through your individual browser options. More detailed information about cookie management with specific web browsers can be found at the browsers' respective websites.

Links
This Web site contains links to other sites. Please be aware that I am not responsible for the privacy practices of such other sites. I encourage my users to be aware when they leave our site and to read the privacy statements of each and every Web site that collects personally identifiable information. This privacy statement applies solely to information collected by this Web site.

Contact Information
If you require any more information or have any questions about our privacy policy, please feel free to contact us by email at dziaulhaque@gmail.com.

Last Update
This Privacy Policy was last updated on November 12, 2009.

Get More Miles Out of Your Car or Truck

.

Get more miles out of your car and truck...stretch your vehicles life.

(NewsUSA) - Due to the current economic climate, many Americans are becoming less willing to make expensive purchases. Even the nation's long-held love affair with the automobile hasn't escaped the penny-pinching trend.

The latest trends demonstrate that Americans are trying to stretch the mileage of their current vehicles. In 2006, the average car owner drove their car for 68 months before trading it in for a new vehicle. By the fourth quarter of 2008, the average trade-in was 76 months old.

The following simple and inexpensive preventive checks provided by The Automotive Service Association (www.ASAshop.org), which represents thousands of repair shops nationwide, will greatly extend the life of the vehicle and ensure safer operation:

- Always consult your owner's manual, but a good rule of thumb is to have the oil and filter changed regularly, every 3,000 to 4,000 miles.

- Have all fluids checked, including brake, power steering, transmission and transaxle, windshield washer solvent and antifreeze. These fluids play a large role in the safety and performance of the vehicle.

- Keep your engine tuned. A fouled spark plug or restricted fuel injector can reduce fuel efficiency as much as 30 percent.

- Have the chassis lubricated frequently. This step extends the life of the moving components of the vehicle's suspension system.

- Check battery cables and connections for corrosion, and clean them as needed.

- Have the lighting system checked frequently, including headlights, turn signals and brake and tail lights.

- Check windshield wiper blades for cracks, tears and windshield contact. Replace them approximately once a year or sooner if streaking begins.

- Inspect engine belts regularly. Worn belts will affect the engine performance. Look for cracks and missing sections or segments.

- Have the air filtration system checked frequently. The air filter should be checked approximately every other oil change for clogging or damage. This system ensures that the vehicle is performing at its peak condition.

Always consult the vehicle owner's manual for individual service schedules as manufacturer maintenance requirements will vary.

Automotive Service Association members agree to follow ASA's Code of Ethics, which is the automotive service industry's standard for professional business practices with consumers in mind. For more information, visit ASA at www.ASAshop.org.

carjunky
.

Lucky Dog Contest on NASCAR's Raceway

.

Put Your Lucky Dog on NASCAR's Raceway

(NewsUSA) - Avid NASCAR fans should be familiar with the racing term "lucky dog." During a race, the Lucky Dog Rule allows the driver of the next lapped car behind the leader to gain back a lap during a caution -- a time when drivers are forced to reduce speeds due to trouble on the track. But a new contest takes the term "lucky dog" a bit more literally.

NASCAR fans and pet lovers will find much to love in "The Luckiest Dog of NASCAR" Contest, which could put one lucky winner's pooch on Kyle Busch's No. 18 Pedigree Toyota Camry during the Checker Auto Parts 500 in Phoenix on Nov. 15. The winning dog's owners will receive a three-day, two-night trip to the race.

And what does it take to win? Creativity and a dog unafraid to dress-up. During the entry period, which runs through Sept. 12, 2009, dog-loving NASCAR fans can log onto NASCAR.com/pedigreeluckiestdog to either upload a race-themed photo of their dog, or to vote on the other photos. Each voter is automatically eligible to instantly win one of 200 available $25 Pedigree gift cards. There's no limit to how many times a person may vote.

Every week, the popular vote on NASCAR.com will determine a finalist. After voters choose 20 weekly finalists, a panel of judges will select one grand prize winner on or about Oct. 1, 2009. The judging process will be based on creativity, originality and adherence to the NASCAR theme.

"We're excited to give one pet owner the chance to publicly profess the love they have for their dog," said John Anton, Marketing Director of the Pedigree Brand. "At Pedigree, everything we do is for the love of dogs, and this contest is really about giving people a platform to celebrate the bond between them and their best friend."

carjunky
.

10 Scary Myths About The Law...DUI Is One Of Them

.

10 scary myths about the law-DUI is one of them. Find out how you can be arrested for drinking under the influence when you are not legally drunk. There are some misconceptions about tickets, those for DUI and other driving violations that you should know the facts about!



(ARA) - Did you know that you don’t have to be legally drunk to be arrested for driving under the influence? That there are many ways to break a contract or that if you receive a ticket and there’s an error on it, it’s still valid? Not knowing the law in some of life’s most common legal situations can lead to unexpected expenses, substantial penalties or could put yourself and others at risk.

Unfortunately, many Americans carry a number of misconceptions about some of the most common laws that affect their everyday lives, according to FindLaw.com (www.findlaw.com), one of the world’s leading online sources for legal information.

Based on inquiries from among the more than 4 million visitors who come to FindLaw.com each month, here are the top 10 scariest myths about the law:

Myth 1:

You have to be over the legal Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) limit to be charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI).

Fact: In most states, it's illegal to drive a car or other motorized vehicles (motorcycles, boats, snowmobiles, etc.) while impaired by the effects of alcohol or drugs (including prescription drugs). Many people get to this point before they are at the BAC limit, which is 0.08 percent in all states. That means you do not have to be at or above the legal limit to be charged with a DUI.

Myth 2:

A written contract can’t be broken.

Fact: Actually, parties can get out of written contracts in many ways. For instance, if the contract wasn’t drafted well, a court may declare it not to be binding. A contract can be deemed unenforceable when the terms are patently unfair to one of the parties. Contracts may also contain specific conditions under which the contract can or will be dissolved.

Myth 3:

If someone breaks into your house, you have the right to use lethal force against them to protect yourself, your family or your property.

Fact: While most states, counties or cities protect a homeowner’s right to defend their family and their property, not all allow the homeowner to use lethal force. Some jurisdictions that do allow for the use of lethal force require that the homeowner must reasonably believe that the intruder means to inflict death or serious bodily injury on the homeowner and his or her family.

Myth 4:

An error on a traffic ticket voids the ticket.

Fact: For minor errors, there are administrative procedures that courts can use to modify information entered on a traffic ticket.

Myth 5:

If the police don’t read a person their Miranda rights when arresting them, they can’t be convicted of the crime.

Fact: Police are supposed to advise a person who has been arrested of his or her right to remain silent and their right to an attorney. But, the failure to do so won’t result in the case against the arrestee being dismissed. Instead, a judge might not allow any statements the arrestee made while in police custody to come in as evidence against them. This may make it more difficult to convict the person, but they could still be found guilty if there is sufficient alternative evidence.

Myth 6:

If a person is driving a car without a license and is injured in an accident, they can’t recover damages if the accident isn’t their fault.

Fact: Whether or not a person is driving with a license won’t affect their ability to recover damages if the other driver was at fault.

Myth 7:

Couples who live together for six years are considered married.

Fact: Not all states recognize “common law” marriages, and the states that do might have additional requirements. The amount of time that a couple has cohabitated is not the sole determinant of whether or not the couple has entered into a common law marriage.

Myth 8:

Car insurance won’t cover you if someone other than your spouse or a family member is driving your car.

Fact: Most insurance policies cover the car owner in these circumstances. Check with your insurance provider to see if your policy includes this provision, and, if it doesn’t, ask if you can add it.

Myth 9:

An undercover police officer always has to admit that he or she is a cop.

Fact: Police officers are allowed to use deception to fight crime, as long as they don’t intimidate or harass someone into committing a crime that they otherwise would not commit. If an undercover police officer had to reveal their identity, it could put their life in jeopardy, so there is no requirement for them to do so.

Myth 10:

Every nonprofit (and every donation to a non-profit) is tax-exempt.

Fact: In order for a nonprofit to gain tax-exempt status, it must meet the requirements of Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. tax code. Donors who make a qualifying donation to a 501(c)(3) organization are entitled to list the donation as a deduction, but donations to groups that haven’t been granted tax-exempt status under 501(c)(3) are not tax deductible.

carjunky
.

Tire Time? Is It Time For New Tires?

.

Time for tires? Buying basics for tire shoppers to help make the best selection when it's Tire Time! Learn what is important when you are tire buying.


(ARA) – It’s one of the most important vehicle-related purchases you can make, yet a whopping 62 percent of women and nearly half of all men think it’s difficult, according to a recent survey. What is this process that so many American car owners consider a hassle? Buying new tires.

“Most people barely have time to do what they need to do every day, let alone find extra time to shop for tires, but driving on worn-out tires is a safety hazard and replacing them should be a priority,” says Lauren Fix, the “Car Coach,” a nationally recognized automotive expert who travels the country talking to people about their cars.

Though close to 85 percent of American women are responsible for the maintenance of their vehicles, many don’t know when it’s time to buy new tires or what they need to know to buy the right ones for their cars, the national survey by TireBuyer.com revealed. The survey also showed that 21 percent of men admit they don’t know as much as they think they should about buying tires.

For all those American motorists who aren’t sure when their vehicle needs new tires and how to go about purchasing them when it does, Fix offers a few simple tips:

A Penny Really Can Save

“One penny can spare you a dangerous blowout,” Fix says. It’s a tried and true test of tire tread – stand a penny on its edge in a tread groove. Make sure Abe’s head is pointing down, into the tire tread. If you can see the top of his hair or any of the penny background above his head, it’s time to replace your tires. If you can’t see the hair on top of his head, your tire treads should still be OK to drive on. And remember, tires don’t wear evenly so repeat the test on several spots on the tire.

Keep The Manufacturer’s Advice In Mind

Most manufacturers will give you an estimated amount of miles their tires will be safe for. Be sure you know what their recommendation is for your tires and vehicle, and keep a close eye on tire tread depth as you approach that mileage limit. If you’re buying a used vehicle, be sure to have your mechanic check the tire treads and find out from the current owner when he or she last replaced the tires.

Well-Cared-For Tires Are Safer Tires

The quality and condition of your vehicle’s tires directly affect your safety on the road. Visually inspect tires at least once a month, looking for excessive or uneven tread wear, cracks or bulges on the sidewalls or tread, tread separation, and signs of punctures, or nails, screws, glass or stones imbedded in the treads.

Check for proper inflation at least once a month. Under-inflation is the leading cause of tire failure, and can impact how your car handles and its fuel efficiency. Refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual or the sticker on the inside of your car’s door jamb for proper tire pressure.

Exceeding passenger and cargo load ranges is the second leading cause of tire failure. Check the code on your tire’s sidewall and your owner’s manual for the maximum load range for your vehicle and don’t exceed that range.

Finally, replacing all four tires at the same time ensures maximum safety, performance and efficiency.

What To Do When It’s Time To Buy

Go online. The TireBuyer.com survey showed that both men and women like the idea of buying tires online, citing the convenience, ease of purchase and the opportunity to see prices before buying in a pressure-free environment. Online purchasing is also appealing, survey respondents said, because they can instantly view the selection that would fit their car. They also liked the ability to have the tires shipped free from TireBuyer.com to the certified dealer of their choice.

The easy-to-navigate site allows buyers to browse from an inventory of more than 3 million tires and wheels, narrow their search to products that fit their car, and use 3-D imaging to see how any tire or wheel combination will look on their vehicle. Once they choose a tire, they can purchase online and pay for the tires and installation – done by the certified local tire dealer of their choice.

“Driving around on worn-out tires isn’t safe,” says Fix. “Tires are the only point of contact cars have with the road. If you want to keep your car longer than usual because of the economy, then the best investment you can make is regular maintenance and buying new tires when you need them.”

carjunky
.

Citrus Cleaners Have Taken Center Stage In Detailing

.

Are you amazed at how many specialty cleaners that are available to clean your vehicle?

Wheel and rim cleaner, tire cleaner, brake dust remover, engine degreaser, white wall cleaner, tar remover - the list goes on.

Ever wonder what the pros in Dealerships and Detailing Shops use?

In those businesses, concentrated citrus cleaners have replaced them all and taken the center stage.

Why?

Simple – they work, and work extremely well where time and results matter. Citrus cleaners work as well or better than the caustic counterparts that we are all used to using. Citrus cleaners are also cost effective and versatile.

For example, a good professional-grade, concentrated citrus cleaner now replaces a lot of specialty products that professional detailers needed to use in the past. Citrus cleaners easily dissolve and lift grease, oily residue, grime and dirt without harming or discoloring the surface.

The principal component of a good, professional grade citrus cleaner is something called d-limonene. D-limonene is extracted from the oil found in peels of citrus fruits, a natural solvent that is also biodegradable.

As with any product, the quality and performance difference is related to how highly concentrated the ingredients are, including d-limonene. For example, more “orange” cleaners are showing up on retail shelves, some of which are scented or colored orange, or both - and aren’t really suitable for heavy duty cleaning tasks.

A good professional grade citrus cleaner is highly concentrated and is able to be diluted all the way down to 1:50 for general cleaning tasks.

Other than simply working better, there are many reasons detailing pros use citrus cleaners. Citrus cleaners replace dangerous, flammable solvent-based products, are safer to use, environmentally friendly, non-caustic, and much more economical and cost effective.

Citrus cleaners degrease, clean and deodorize at the same time while leaving behind a clean surface with a pleasant scent.

For example, cleaning and degreasing under the hood is a snap with a good citrus cleaner at the coin car wash.

Here’s how:

Simply pop the hood, spray the cleaner from front to back, left to right, then right to left - getting coverage in all the nooks and crannies.

Throw in some quarters, select rinse and spray away all the crud.

Once you’re done, shut the hood and rinse off the excess from the outside finish.

Go for a short drive to dry it off and it will look like brand new.

If you’ve owned a utility trailer, RV or camper, you undoubtedly experienced those dreaded black streaks that run down the sides from the roof, which can be a real challenge to remove.

To easily remove them, substitute a good concentrated citrus cleaner as you would for soap. Wash as normal and rinse. The results will be a clean shiny surface with no black streaks.

Sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it? It really is that easy with a good citrus cleaner.

Cleaning and removing brake dust from wheels, and tires with a citrus cleaner is a breeze. Liberally spray a concentrated citrus cleaner directly on the surface and select high-pressure rinse and you’re done – usually no need for scrubbing.

Citrus cleaners also do a great job at removing adhesive residue, cleaning concrete floors and countless other uses.

Try a professional-grade citrus cleaner next time in your cleaning regimen. Other than getting better results, it will make things a lot easier on you and your wallet.

carjunky
.

How to Paint and Clear Coat your Car

.

If you have ever painted a vehicle before, you will have no problem with this project.
If this is your first paint job, just makes sure your read all of the instructions on your varnishes and take your time; you will do just fine.

Before you begin this job, make sure that you are familiar with the airbrush equipment; there is a lot of preparation work to be done first, but when it comes time to apply the paint you do want to make sure you are comfortable with the equipment and its operation.

Difficulty Level: Difficult

Make sure to read all the directions on the products you buy for this project. Make sure they are exactly what you need.

Things you'll need for this project:

Airbrush equipment
Air compressor
Masking tape
Old newspapers
Hand and electrical sander with fine, medium, and coarse sand papers; if the old paint on the car is in moderate condition, a 360 grit sandpaper will work fine
Putty knife
Primer
Base coat color paint
Bucket of clean water
Clear coat paint
Electric buffer
Buffing compound

Step 1:
Set up for your preparations somewhere outside. You will need to have a lot of maneuverability around the car to reach those hard-to-reach places; also, make sure you are in a place that can be easily cleaned, as you will be leaving a mess behind.

Begin by stripping the car of the old paint. Use a small putty knife to chip off large strips; brand new straight razor blades can also be used to pry difficult spots off the body.

Be careful not to gouge into the metal of the vehicle, as any and all dents and dings will be blatantly obvious when you are finished painting; by then it will be too late to fix them. Strip away as much as you can with the putty knife and razor blade; you should see bare metal when you are finished.

Once you have all of the large areas scraped clean, follow up with the sandpaper. Test your assortment to find out which is the most effective; the best sandpaper for any given area will change depending on where on the car you are working at.
When you are finished the surface should all be bare metal.

Step 2:
Move the car indoors; somewhere that there is still enough room to maneuver around the car as you work, and somewhere clean enough that there will not be any flying dust or debris in the air, because any and everything sticks to wet paint; with that said, also make sure that you have proper ventilation while you work.

Wearing a breathing apparatus and proper filtration masks must be used to ensure your safety while painting. Make sure that any other exposed surfaces in the area are covered with drop cloths to prevent them from becoming coated with over spray.

Step 3:
Using the masking tape and newspapers, completely cover all windows, outside mirrors, headlights, tail lights, and turn signal covers that you don't want to paint. Using the tape, cover any and all chrome or aluminum trimmings that you don't want painted. The only thing left exposed should be the bare metal that you want to paint.

Step 4:
Mix your primer into your airbrush gun following the manufacturer’s instructions. When ready, begin working in sections about a foot long, covering all of the exposed metal in even, steady strokes. Consult your manufacturer’s directions as to how long the primer needs to be left undisturbed to dry. Clean out your painting equipment thoroughly and allow it to dry while you are waiting for the primer.

Step 5:
Mix your base paint into your airbrush gun following the manufacturer’s instructions. When ready, as with the primer coat, begin working in sections about a foot long. Holding the gun about 6”-10” away from the body, begin applying the paint in even, steady strokes.

Make sure that your passes overlap to avoid seaming; you should come about halfway back and pass over a previous area before moving forward. Think, “Two steps back, one step forward” as you work.

Again, refer to the paint manufacturer’s directions in regards to drying time. As before, clean out your airbrush equipment thoroughly and allow it to dry before moving onto the next step.

Step 6:
Dipping your sandpaper in the clear water, begin to wet-sand the color coat until it is smooth. Usually the finest grade sand paper you can find will work best. Keep it sopping wet throughout this process to get the best result. Let the car dry completely before moving on.

Step 7:
Mix the clear coat varnish and load into your airbrush gun according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Using the same application method as before, completely cover the base coat surface with a coat of the clear varnish. Allow to dry completely, referring to the paint manufacturer’s instructions as to time. Once again completely clean your airbrush equipment and let dry completely.

Step 8:
Using your buffer and buffing compound, polish the clear coat until it shines like it’s ready for a showroom floor.

Stand back and admire your job well done!

carjunky
.

Before Applying For Auto or Mortgage Loans, Do Your Research

.

Before applying for auto or mortgage loans, do your research...it can save you money in the long run. Auto loans and mortgages are among the largest loans you will ever borrow, be sure to do your homework. Compare several different loans before you sign one.

(ARA) - While the number of auto and mortgage loans issued are down, and the effort it takes to get a good loan these days might seem daunting, there are signs that consumer lending is improving with positive economic reports.

And even though dollars aren't handed out as quickly or easily as they were just a few years ago, it is possible for a person to obtain a mortgage or auto loan.

Signs that consumer lending is improving include:

1. Interest rates remain low.
2. Banks are stronger and evaluating loan requests in depth.
3. Inflation is staying low.

Consumers interested in either a mortgage or auto loan should first review their credit scores to determine whether they can afford the loan. A bad credit score could mean denial or paying a lot of extra money. Federal law requires everyone to be able to access a free credit report from each of the three credit agencies once a year. With that credit report information, you can find out if your report has errors or if you have areas where you can work to improve your score.

"Once you have determined that your credit score will assist you in acquiring a mortgage or auto loan, you need to do some research on the loans available," says Daniel Wesley at CreditLoan.com. "In the mortgage loan area, you need to investigate whether an Adjustable Rate Mortgage works better or a Fixed Rate Mortgage. And in the auto loan area, secured and unsecured loans are available through direct and indirect financing, giving you plenty of options to research to best fit your budget."

ARMs are good if you plan to live in your house for only a few years because your mortgage rate will be fixed for a set number of years at a lower interest rate. But they can fluctuate quickly once the time period expires, increasing your payments greatly. You may be eligible for a refinance on the mortgage at that time – make sure you research the terms of your ARM closely.

Fixed Rate Mortgages – while higher than typical initial ARMs – are at a historic low, which has made these types of mortgages very popular. They are also popular for families looking to refinance.

Auto loan interest rates for new car purchases also have fallen from a year ago according to interest.com. Some tips for getting an auto loan include:

1. Check your credit report
2. Know what you can afford in payments
3. Determine whether a low-cost option is really the best idea in the long run

carjunky
.

Conserving Gasoline Is Always in Style

.

Conserving gasoline is always in style, and today's economy makes everyone think about it more and more. Find out how to get the best gas mileage from your vehicle.


(NewsUSA) - Whether you are trying to stretch the family budget, help the environment, or lessen the nation's dependence on imported oil, conserving gasoline can benefit most everyone.

"Using less gasoline is one of those rare win-win situations," notes Martin Lawson, editorial director of the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), an independent nonprofit dedicated to improving the quality of automotive service and repair through the voluntary testing and certification of automotive technicians. "Families can benefit immediately while helping the environment in the long run."

Whatever your motivation, here are some gas saving tips from the pros at the ASE:

Monitor Tires.

Under-inflated tires or poorly aligned wheels waste fuel by forcing the engine to work harder. (Let the tires cool down before checking the air pressure.) Out-of-line wheels, as evidenced by uneven tread wear, should be aligned by a professional.

Remove Excess Weight.

Remove unnecessary items from the vehicle. Store only essentials in the trunk. Less weight means better mileage. Promptly remove rooftop cargo carriers to reduce air drag.

Consolidate Trips and Errands.

Some trips may be unnecessary. Also, try to travel when traffic is light so you can avoid stop-and-go conditions.

Avoid Excessive Idling.

Shut off the engine while waiting for friends and family.

Observe Speed Limits.

Speeding decreases your miles per gallon.

Drive Gently.

Sudden accelerations guzzle gas. Anticipate traffic patterns ahead and adjust your speed gradually.

Use Windows and Air Conditioning Wisely.

Your mileage should improve if you keep the windows closed at highway speeds, since air drag is reduced. This is true even with the air conditioning on -- assuming that the system is in good working order. But turn the air conditioning off in stop-and-go traffic to save fuel.

Keep Your Engine "Tuned Up."

A well-maintained engine operates at peak efficiency, maximizing gas mileage. Follow the service schedules listed in the owner's manual. Replace filters and fluids as recommended; have engine performance problems corrected at a repair facility. A well-maintained vehicle will last longer, too.

Given today's high-tech engines, it's wise to have this type of work done by auto technicians who are ASE-certified in engine performance. Repair shops that employ certified auto technicians display the blue and white ASE sign.

carjunky
.

LED Lighting Automotive Technology

.

LED lighting automotive technology can help you make your car greener.
Lighting Could Be New Key To Greener Vehicles

(NAPSI)-In light of tougher federal fuel economy and emissions standards, automotive engineers have found what may be a surprising way to wring an extra mile per gallon out of today's vehicles: proper lighting.

"While current vehicle lighting has many benefits, it's also very inefficient," said David Hulick, global product marketing manager at OSRAM SYLVANIA for its automotive LED systems division. "The incandescent bulbs in today's automotive lighting applications generate more heat than light, requiring more electrical power.

"The vehicle's gasoline engine generates electricity, but it cannot do so very efficiently," added Hulick. "The more energy needed, the harder the engine has to work, increasing fuel usage and greenhouse gas emissions."

Engineers are moving to lights powered by light-emitting diodes, or LEDs. Unlike incandescent bulbs, LEDs have no filament, so more of the electricity is used to make light, not heat. An LED can make the same amount of light as an incandescent bulb with 85 percent less energy. LEDs are also free of contaminants such as mercury or cadmium and are designed to last a vehicle's lifetime.

Many of today's vehicles utilize LED signal and tail lighting, including the 2010 Ford Mustang. The vehicle uses the OSRAM SYLVANIA's JOULE system, which incorporates LEDs into a form that resembles a typical incandescent bulb, making it easier to adapt the new technology to current vehicle design.

The vehicle's LED tail lamps use 87 percent less electricity than the incandescent counterparts. That's an annual savings of 10.5 gallons of gasoline and 205 fewer pounds of CO2 emitted into the atmosphere. "Multiply those savings by the nearly 250 million registered light-duty vehicles on America's roads and you can see the impact that LED lighting could have on helping to clean up the environment," said Hulick.

The automotive lighting could play an even bigger role moving forward as more hybrid-electric and full-electric vehicles come to market. A recent study by the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI) compared the power consumption of an electric vehicle equipped with all-incandescent lighting to a vehicle equipped with all-LED lighting.

According to UMTRI, the increased efficiency of LED lighting has the potential to extend the range of the electric vehicle by up to 2 percent of the total distance driven. That equates to as much as one to two full battery charges for the current generation of electric vehicles.

carjunky
.

Road Trips Nov 16, 2009 - 9:14:27 PM Email - Print - Discuss Affordable Fun For Holiday Travel

.

Road trips need some affordable fun for holiday travel and family get-togethers, and games like TouchMaster3 and Nintendo Wii give you the gaming choices to help you make your holiday travel fun for the entire family.



(NAPSI)-Airport delays, long road trips to see relatives and sometimes longer days spent visiting can leave you feeling less than jolly during the holidays.

Try these boredom-busting tips to help amp up your holiday fun:

Terrific Travel

There may be no place like home for the holidays, but for millions of Americans, it's the season to hit the road. Forty-three million people were expected to take to the skies last season alone, according to the Air Transport Association, with millions more driving long distances to see friends and family. If you'll be among them, check out two boredom-busting games: TouchMaster3 for Nintendo DS and Game Party 3 for the Nintendo Wii.

TouchMaster3 offers a compilation of 20 addictive games in one-ranging from puzzles, cards and strategy games to action and word challenges--and it's simple enough for gamers of all experience levels to enjoy. Additionally, users have the option of single-player and two-person multiplayer modes, and they can even use the device's wireless feature to challenge friends and family over local DS wireless. TouchMaster3 features hours of fun and unlimited replay options through collectible bonuses. Players can test their skills on games such as Bumperball, Slime Assault, Dice King 2, PrismaTix 2 and Wild Words. TouchMaster3 makes a great travel companion for puzzle lovers, gamers and casual players this holiday season, for just $29.99.

Family Competition Favorites

Millions of families reunite around the holidays, providing plenty of time to catch up and enjoy one another's company. You can spice up some of those long days with fun games the whole family will love, such as Game Party 3 for the Nintendo Wii.

Available exclusively on the Wii system for just $29.99, Game Party 3 provides a high-energy social gaming experience with 19 diverse games for the whole family. Options include new games such as Billiards, Mini Golf, Smack-A-Troll and Racquetball, as well as returning favorites like Darts, Trivia and Horseshoes. Each game lets up to four players compete at once, and the "tournament mode" lets as many as 16 players participate together. You may be surprised at grandma's skill at Darts and the kids' agility at Racquetball! You'll make new holiday memories the whole family will remember.

Both games are published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and are available at local retail stores where video games are sold.

carjunky
.