ARTICLE SCHOOL

Tuesday, October 31, 2006

Inexpensive Car Insurance - Six Secrets

by: Steve Gillman


I learned a lesson about inexpensive car insurance when I was younger: Insurance agents lie. I would love to be able to say this is rare, but my experience tells me it is depressingly common. Apart from lying, they just won't tell you some things you need to know to save money.

Car insurance was just a legal requirement as far as I was concerned. I didn't have valuable cars when I was young, and I had no assets to protect from lawsuits. All I wanted was the minimum legal coverage needed to be on the road. I always made this very clear to my insurance agents, using many rephrasings, like "Just what the law requires, and nothing more," just to be sure they understood.

I assumed that this minimum was what my insurance company was giving me. Only after paying the premiums for many years did I learn that they had lied. I didn't have the most inexpensive car insurance policy, as they claimed. They gave me not the minimum coverage required by law, but their own "company minimum." I was pissed off.

I went to other insurance companies and they tried to do the same thing, passing off their own normal liability policies as the state-mandated minimum requirements. Only when I pushed would they provide the policy that I wanted - as long as I signed more paperwork, acknowledging that I was "under-insured." That was fine. I had no assets to protect at the time (Having few assets means you're less of a target for a lawsuit).

The bottom line is that by commission and omission, you will likely be lied to by insurance agents. I overpaid by hundreds of dollars over those years, because of one such lie. Now you know what to watch for if you just want a basic liability policy. Here are some other things you should know about getting inexpensive car insurance.

Secrets Of Inexpensive Car Insurance

- Get several quotes, of course. The important part here, though, is to be sure that each quote is for the same thing. Write down and compare the specific policy limits, deductible and a other parts of the policy.

- Review your policies annually. Ask for a policy review and get new quotes every year or so. Suppose that speeding ticket you had is past the three year mark (or whatever the company guideline is). They will often "forget" to drop the rate, so you may need to remind them.

- Take the kids off your policy. If your kids are at a college that's more than 100 miles away, you can have them taken off the insurance policy and save a lot of money. You can't let them drive the car when they come home to visit though.

- Raise your deductible. You will always get more inexpensive car insurance with higher deductibles. Plan to pay the first $1,000 of that accident if it happens someday. In the meantime, you may save far more in premiums over those years.

- Drop collision coverage. Once the value of your car is below a certain amount (an amount you can afford to lose), drop the collision coverage. It doesn't make sense to pay out thousands over a few years to insure a car that is worth just a few thousand.

- Ask about special discounts you might be eligible for. Non-smoker discounts, car/home policy discounts, and others are a possibility. Ask what discounts you may be eligible for in the future, too, and remind your agent when the time comes.

-Look at every part of the policy, and don't pay for things you don't need. Ask about anything you don't fully understand. Asking a lot of questions and really understanding the policy is one of the surest ways to get inexpensive car insurance.


About The Author

Steve Gillman has been hunting down obscure knowledge and useful secrets for years. Learn more, and get a free gift at: http://www.TheSecretInformationSite.com

Trailer Hitches 101 - A Guide To Towing

by: Caroline Smith


Attaching a trailer hitch to your car, van or SUV enables you to tow all kinds of loads. However, it’s not as simple as just fitting any old tow bar to your vehicle. Which type of trailer hitch you should use depends on the towing capacity of your vehicle and it would be unsafe to attempt to haul a heavier load. It is important to refer to your vehicle owner’s manual for information before fitting a towing hitch.

Then you must make sure you use the correct class of trailer hitch for the weight you intend to pull. Class 1 hitches can haul up to 2,000lbs, where as at the other end of the scale, Class 5 hitches can have a weight capacity of over 10,000lbs.

As a general guide, ball hitches are one of the most common types of trailer hitch and can easily be fitted to cars, SUVs and trucks. They have a ball that attaches to the socket of the trailer and are able to haul a variety of loads.

Heavy duty trailer hitches are required for heavier loads, such as hauling horse boxes, agricultural or industrial equipment. Gooseneck hitches use a ball mount, but are mounted on a central position on the underside of a truckbed, for increased stability and more even weight distribution. They are not suitable for use on cars.

Fifth wheel hitches are also fastened to the truckbed. This type of trailer hitch is mounted on a steel plate and becomes a permanent feature of the truckbed. Some fifth wheel trailer hitches require sliders for safer and smoother maneuvers. They have varying weight capacities, depending on the vehicle.

If you buy a trailer hitch, providing it is compatible with your vehicle and with a suitable towing capacity, it should be easy to install in around 30 minutes and be of lots of use for many years to come.


About The Author

Caroline Smith is a regular contributor to http://www.TrailerHitchesGalore.com - An online resource offering a range of trailer hitches and accessories including gooseneck and 5th wheel hitches, trailer hitch covers and more.

Searching For Auto Tech Schools

by: Andy West


Time has passed and the same old job situation has you down. The life you are living is much like a sad country song. It's not what you had imagined, and you don't like your day job one bit. Maybe it was a friend that shared with you the power of auto tech schools, or it could be that you have done your homework and know what auto tech schools can do for someone who is interested in a career change. Regardless of the reason, the time has come to give auto tech schools a serious look, and find out what it is they have to offer, and which schools fit your needs best.

It is important to look only at the Automotive Technology schools that are near you, because commuting is too much of a hassle for most students. The fact is that most auto tech schools require long hours of hard work. This is not conducive to major commuting. For this reason it would be wise to set a standard; to look at those auto tech schools that are no more than 1 hours drive away from your current home. This is the first step in narrowing down the process. Of course if you look at auto tech schools online, that would eliminate any commute whatsoever.

Next it is imperative to look at what you want out of the programs you may apply to, or you are thinking about attending. What degrees, certifications, or other things do you want out of auto tech schools? Thinking about this in advance will also help narrow down your search to the ones that best fit your criteria. Locating the best auto tech schools can be a challenge if you live in a rural area, but it is important to keep your needs in mind, no matter how small the selection of auto tech schools. Further, it is important to look at the ranking of the auto tech schools you are looking at by the people that have attended the school. Is it a high-ranking school in terms of satisfaction and instruction? Is it one that offers students a real chance at learning about the industry? Answering these questions will give you a better perspective of which auto tech schools will work for your needs.

Most importantly the program choose must have a strong career placement program. Finding auto tech schools that offer strong career placement should not be hard, since most of these schools count this as one of the top priorities of the school. After all if one is not getting a job after attending the programs offered, what is the point in making the career change? The auto tech schools or tech schools are simply in existence to give people a chance at a better life, by providing a solid education, and then supplying a list of employers to the student for consideration.

The auto tech schools with the strongest career placement rates should be at the top of your list for attendance possibilities. Career placement rates are simply calculated by taking the total number of graduates, and getting the number of auto tech school graduates that are placed into a job. This will give you the placement percentage. Most auto tech schools use this simple formula to calculate career placement rates. If a school has 100 graduates, and 80 are placed in jobs, the career placement rate for those auto tech schools would be 80%. This isn’t a bad rate, given that a few students will surely change their mind and decide a different career path.


About The Author

Andy West is a freelance writer for VC Tech, The Automotive School. VC Tech offers the latest and most up to date programs available at auto tech schools today. Please visit http://www.vctechnical.com to learn more.

Automotive Training For Career Advancement

by: Andy West


What is the main reason one takes automotive training courses? The answer is to get a better start on his or her career, and become a professional in whatever area that works best for them. This means that through training one can get advanced knowledge of any specialty that one pleases. Maybe you are interested in transmissions. Or possibly you are one that loves to work with tires. Whatever the segment, automotive training can help you get there, and with a few classes you can become a master of the automotive field of your choice.

Most automotive training takes place at local shops and schools. Some students start automotive training during high school, while others take college level courses a few years later. While some training programs offer certifications, others offer simply a general skill set to abide by for the students. Once this skill set is learned, a student can get a job at a shop, and do most of the routine repair work that is presented to them on a daily basis.

There are many things you will have to do while in automotive training, and some of those things require your full concentration and time. Therefore it is important to look at the best way to prepare. Consider how you will get ready for the task of enduring this educational program. Many people tend to jump into programs without the proper preparation, and end up dropping out before the program is complete. This is why it is important to prepare for your automotive career training, in order to avoid a fail out situation.

Do not quit your job when entering an automotive training program, simply cut back on the hours. For most students, the current job they hold is not what they want to do for a career. That does not mean it makes sense to quit it right away. One must wait until they have completed their education and found a new job, before quitting their old one if they in fact have financial obligations. If other family members are able to work, and are willing to help with finances, then it is presumably all right to quit your job and do automotive training full time.

Concentrate on creating a workable schedule for your time during training, and communicate with your instructors about whatever issue you might have with the automotive training program in which you are enrolled. Most programs will have methods for allowing one to work, and simply ask for the student to let them know in advance when their job might conflict with the current automotive training schedule. After informing the school of whatever hours you cannot be involved, it is time to communicate with the teachers. This means talking to the instructors about whatever schedule you have, and how you plan to make up missing assignments during training sessions that you are unable to attend.

By keeping a clear line of communication you will ensure success. Having success in automotive training is as simple as preparing for the task, and taking it serious enough to plan for in advance. Do this, and you should be well on your way in obtaining the career of a lifetime.


About The Author

Andy West is a freelance writer for VC Tech, The Automotive School. VC Tech is a world-class automotive training center, offering many exciting automotive programs. Please visit http://www.vctechnical.com to learn more.

Saving For Auto Mechanic School

by: Andy West


Time has passed, and the same old crumby job greets you each day as it has for the past several years. When will life change its fortunes towards you? The answer to this question is when you decide to save money, and go to auto mechanic school. Attending school is not an easy task for one that has a family, with bills to pay, and therefore it is necessary for one to save enough money before attending auto mechanic school.

While creating a budget might not be a strong point for the family, it is one way to save for auto mechanic school, and catapult your career to the next level. Unfortunately for most, no one will simply provide for one to go to auto mechanic school, it is one of those things that requires cash, and free cash for most Americans requires saving money. This is why creating a budget is so important. With a fixed budget and some discipline, a small fortune can be saved in a less than a year for most working professionals.

Creating a budget won't be easy, and takes a focused effort and strategic planning to make happen. Attending auto mechanic school most likely will depend on your personal ability to create and abide by a budget. Attending a training program is something that takes work, and must be made a priority. When creating a budget for your auto mechanic school fund, simply look at what costs can be cut. Treat your auto mechanic school budget as a business with a bill each month that must be paid. This will help put the concept of saving into perspective, and allow you to look at the auto mechanic school savings as a third party.

For example, you love doughnuts and coffee, and have decided that you can save nearly $10 a week by not eating at the doughnut shop for breakfast every morning. You should look at this cut back as one step closer to achieving your goal to attend auto mechanic school. Thinking about the new budget in a positive light will greatly enhance the experience, and help you to keep going towards your goal of attending auto mechanic school.

Creative budgeting is another way to save for auto mechanic school. Utilizing creative budgeting will make it easier, and more feasible to attend auto mechanic school sooner than one would think possible. Creative budgets are ones that are created around unique ideas that will allow for the saving of money through the replacement of paid activities with free ones. An example of creative budgeting would be to stop spending $10 at the video store each week, and rent movies from the library for free, and put that $40 a month towards auto mechanic school tuition instead. By doing this, one will save the money needed for attending school.

While most people look at budgeting as a negative, or repressive act that is not fun to engage in, others that love to save money look at it as a way of life. If you stop thinking like the former, and start to believe in the latter, auto mechanic school is not but a few months of saving away. Even for those that don't earn a substantial income, it is all about saving. Whatever is saved, can be used towards auto mechanic school, which often offers a tuition payment plan for those that need it.


About The Author

Andy West is a freelance writer for VC Tech, The Automotive School. VC Tech is a world-class auto mechanic school offering many exciting automotive programs. Please visit http://www.vctechnical.com to learn more.

As Fuel Bills Get Larger, Vehicles Get Smaller, And Traffic Signals Fail More Often

by: Eric Scribener


You've likely heard one of those chaos theory statements such as "If a pigeon lands on a statue in Trafalgar Square, and at the same time a tree falls in Yellowstone Park, then it will rain on Mount Kilimanjaro." Baffling, isn't it? Well, such is the nature of chaos theory. But higher prices for fuel at the pump are absolutely causing more and more people to sit at traffic lights that won't change for them. It's a very direct cause and effect issue – not at all chaos theory.

Unfortunately, people not being able to trigger traffic lights to cycle to green has the effect of causing more gasoline to be consumed/wasted. This raises the demand for fuel, which as we have seen, causes the prices to go up even further. It's an unattractive loop, to be sure. And let's not forget about the many other negative aspects of getting stuck at traffic signals that won't change such as irritation; excessive engine temperatures and overheating; frustration; additional green house gas emissions; excessive engine wear; carbon build-up, and so on.

Let's take a look at how high gas prices are affecting traffic signals. When regular unleaded gas hit $3 per gallon, with spikes as high as $4 in places around the USA, people started buying smaller means of transportation. Motorcycles, mopeds, small cars, and small trucks, with their miserly fuel behaviors, became much more desirable, and much more common on the streets and highways. It's a logical occurrence. If you own a vehicle that gets 15 miles per gallon, and you trade for one that gets just 18 miles per gallon, you stand to save hundreds of dollars a year on gas spending.

One of the reasons that smaller cars and trucks are so much more fuel efficient is that they use lightweight, high-tech alloys, plastics, and rubbers to construct them. There is no argument that new materials and construction techniques make today's vehicles eminently better than those of the past – and certainly more fuel efficient. However, the lack of (1)iron in these modern marvels of transportation makes it a real problem to trigger traffic lights. It's not the lower weight of these vehicles, it's actually the lack of iron. This makes it easy to see why motorcyclists, bicyclists, and moped riders have always had difficulty when it comes to triggering green lights. But let me explain further…

Since early in the 1960's, the overwhelming majority of the controlled traffic signals in the United States are regulated by very large, very weak electromagnets. Electromagnets that are used to sense iron, instead of lift it, are called "inductive loops." These loops most often appear at controlled intersections as large rectangles (outlined in black) in the road.

Inductive loops, like all magnets, detect iron - not aluminum, rubber, plastic, weight, mass, titanium, etc. Small cars and trucks, as well as motorcycles and mopeds, rarely have enough iron close enough to the ground to cause the inductive loop to detect their presence at the intersection – ergo, the light does not trip. Now for the solution to the problem.

Each Signal Sorcerer® traffic light changer (available at www.signalsorcerer.com) generates and directs a very powerful field that causes the traffic signal controlling inductive loops to detect the vehicle it's attached to, and initiate a signal cycle change. Signal Sorcerer® traffic light changers have been a must-have motorcycle and moped accessory around the world for years, but now that so many small cars and trucks are on the road, they are becoming the new 'must-have' accessory for four-wheeled vehicles.

Signal Sorcerer® traffic light changers install in about two minutes, and require no special tools. Everything needed comes with the each traffic light changer. No electricity, no wiring, no maintenance, a lifetime of service, legal everywhere, EPA compliant, DOT compliant, and the internationally famous Iron Horseman Technologies guarantee of your complete satisfaction.

(1) Iron: ferrite, chemical symbol Fe – used in the making of steels. Ferrite used to be a primary component of steels, but now, with newer, more efficient and stronger materials available, ferrite is rather rare.

Signal Sorcerer® is a registered trademark of Iron Horseman Technologies.

Iron Horseman Technologies® is the registered trademark of Iron Horseman Technologies.


About The Author

Eric Scribener is a 30-year veteran freelance writer and photographer currently on assignment for http://www.dotcomtucson.com/ - putting Tucson Arizona in the palm of your hand.

The Most Capable 4x4 Ever Built: The Jeep Hurricane

by: Al Oberm


The Jeep Hurricane is a concept vehicle unveiled by Daimler-Chrysler at the 2005 North American International Auto Show. It opened with and continues to receive rave reviews! So many in fact that it was rumored that Daimler-Chrysler was considering a limited production run of the vehicle. Those rumors have died down, but the Hurricane continues to draw the interest and attention of 4x4 afficianados, and hey, why not?

As Daimler-Chrysler has said: “Jeep Hurricane is simply the most maneuverable, most capable and most powerful 4x4 ever built," said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President - Chrysler Group Design. "It pays homage to the extreme enthusiasts' Jeep vehicles in form and off-road capability, but is a unique interpretation of Jeep design. Simply stated, it is the extreme example for the Jeep brand."

Why build such a vehicle? The Hurricane broadly successfully and dramatically illustrates Daimler-Chrysler’s ingenuity, technical ability and wherewithal. Still, the Hurricane does have practical applications out in the real world. As a Daimler-Chrysler spokesman put it, "Out in the wilderness, changing direction in minimal space can mean the difference between an afternoon of adventure and a distress call back to the trailhead…..The multi-mode four-wheel steering system on Jeep Hurricane is designed to offer enthusiasts the next level of performance and unexpected maneuverability." It’s not hard to imagine that we’ll eventually see a military vehicle built off of this original design.

The Hurricane possesses an extremely powerful power system with not one but two 5.7-liter HEMI engines, one in the front and one in the back. Both engines deliver an impressive 335 horses for a total of 670 hp. The Hurricane set-up uses the Chrysler Group’s Multi-Displacement System which allows it to run on 4, 8, 12 or all 16 cylinders enabling it to adjust for speed, power and torque giving the driver ultimate power train control. The Hurricane is responsive and can go from 0 to 60 in less than five seconds!

The power is transferred through a central transfer case with split axles and has a mechanically controlled four-wheel torque distribution system. The suspensions, both front and rear, are short/long arm independent with 20 inches of travel, featuring coilover shocks with remote reservoirs.

One of the most impressive features of the Hurricane is its zero turning radius, which enables the vehicle to turn virtually in a circle in place! This is all thanks to a skid steer capability and toe steer, which is the ability to turn both front and rear tires inward. The Jeep concept vehicle has two types of 4-wheel steering: the traditional method with the rear tires turning opposite of the front wheels and an innovative one in which all four wheels turn in the same direction. This actually allows the Jeep Hurricane to move sideways without changing where it is pointing.

Topping off all of this is the Hurricane’s fantastic ground clearance of 14.3 inches and impressive approach-departure angles of 64.0 and 86.7 degrees. It really is a go anywhere do anything vehicle.

The Hurricane also features an innovative way to combine body, power-train and suspension. The suspension along with the power-train is mounted directly to the one-piece carbon fiber reinforced body, eliminating the weight and need for a frame. The vehicles belly is protected and connected by an aluminum spine, which acts as a huge skid plate mechanism. This is a lightweight and structurally strong set-up.

The general public wasn;t the only ones who loved what they saw. The Jeep Hurricane won Autoweek’s “Most Fun” Concept award at the 2005 North American International Auto Show. As we noted earlier there were rumors that Daimler-Chrysler was toying with the idea of a limited production, but those rumors have died down amid the company’s statement that this was indeed a concept vehicle and that’s all (at least for now). Kids, however, will be able to enjoy the Hurricane as Fisher-Price has introduced an all-new Jeep Hurricane toy.

In addition, for learning about and ordering the latest innovation in Jeep aftermarket parts, great websites like http://www.xtremeterrain.com will illustrate what is new and offer a selection of affordable and high quality parts.


About The Author

Al Obern is a 44-year-old native of Kentucky and has a knack for research on Jeeps. During the day he is a Marketing Manager for one of the leading suppliers for Jeep parts in the country today, http://XtremeTerrain.com. They can be found at http://www.XtremeTerrain.com.

How to Find the Best Deals on Car Detailing

by: Jeff Mulat


Gas prices have really shot up. Most people don’t have much money to spend on their automobile. But it is important to take care of the exterior of your car and have the paint waxed.

Some people like to get their car detailed. But prices can get pretty steep for car detailing. Depending on where you live, you can pay $150-$200 to get your car detailed at a local car detailing shop.

Here is the secret to paying less money to get your car detailed. Get your car detailed by a mobile detailer! Mobile detailers usually charge you $10-$50 less than car detailing ships. The best part is that they will travel to your house to detail your car.

That means no waiting in lines, no sitting in a waiting room, no worrying about being stranded until your car is ready, and no worrying about traffic. You even save money in gas because you don’t have to drive anywhere.

As you can see saving money is not the only benefit of using a mobile detailer. Make sure you compare the prices of mobile detailers in your area. You can find some really good deals. Mobile dealers will compete for your business. Some mobile dealers will throw in extra services like vacuuming your car if you choose them.


About The Author

Jeff Mulat is an expert at finding deals in various markets on the Internet and offline. His latest web site reveals how to buy the Playstation 3 for less than $200. To learn more, visit http://www.jeffmulat.com.

180 MPH From An Ordinary Production Sedan

by: John Hartley


If you would like a car that looks almost ordinary, but that is as fast as many supercars, buy the BMW M5. Yes, on the outside, this is an ordinary European sedan – but under the hood is a 500 bhp V-10 engine that you might imagine came from a sports-racing car! Will it do 180 mph? No, it could, but it won't because BMW uses a limiter to prevent you going faster than 155 mph on all its hot cars. Actually, BMW says it will do over 190 mph without the limiter in operation.

The BMW M5 is powered by a very advanced 5.0 liter V-10 engine, ad fits neatly into the standard engine compartment. This is a very special engine, being built in small numbers and at high cost by BMW's M Center. It's a 90-degree V-10, which means that it won't be quite as smooth as some – in theory, at any rate.

ADVANCED 500 BHP V10 ENGINE

Maximum power is 500 bhp at 7,700 rpm – a real screamer this – while the maximum torque of 380 lb ft is produced at 6,100 rpm. Boy, you're really going to keep this revving if you want to use all that power. Still, when it's just mooching along at 4,000 rpm, this amazing unit produces quite a chunk of power.

Needless to say, it has all the features you'd expect in a supercar engine, such as a stiff aluminum block, twin overhead camshafts per bank of cylinders and and narrow 4-valve heads. BMW uses its variable valve timing system, and drives the inlet camshafts on each bank by chain, with a gear drive to the exhaust camshaft, a system pioneered by Toyota to save space.

SEVEN-SPEED SEQUENTIAL GEARBOX

Coupled to this marvel of a power plant, which would seem more at home in a slinky coupe, is a seven-speed sequential gearbox. This is the latest development of the BMW sporty semi-automatic. BMW claims it's the first seven-speed box of its type. Mercedes-Benz has a seven-speed automatic, and Audi has a CVT with seven stages, but these are not quite the same.

Why all these seven-speed boxes? Well, for maximum acceleration, and so that you have the right gear coming out of any corner, the more gears the better. When you've got that many gears, the shift pattern gets pretty complicated with a manual box, so they're going for either automatics or semi-automatics.

To go with the powerful power train are bigger brakes than standard, wider wheels and tires, and stiffer suspension. The handling is surprisingly good for such an ordinary-looking car.

HOT PERFORMER, QUIET LOOKS

The result of putting this engine in the BMW 5 Series is very hot acceleration for such a big car: 0-60 in 4.7 seconds, and 0-125 mph in 15.6 seconds.

Will people pay over $100,000 or so for a 500 bhp sedan? You bet they will. There are a lot of people out there that want supercar performance, but don’t' want to have to struggle to get in and out of the car. They also want to travel with plenty of luggage, and have room in the trunk for two sets of golf clubs – and more.

And they'll get a real kick from burning off cheeky guys in sports cars who get in the way. Cars that are much faster than they look, which we used to call Q cars, have quite a market. What's it like to drive? Well, at normal speeds, the car is very quiet, and you would not know how power you had. In fact, there is a switch on the steering wheel which limits power to 400 bhp. To get the full 500 bhp, you need to press that.

So, most of the time you'll drive with 400 bhp, and the problem is that the engine does not have a lot of power until you get to 5,000 rpm, an the power keeps coming in until you get to 8,000 rpm. You need deserted roads to use that power, but the car works pretty well in traffic and normal commuting. Not quite so good in everyday use is the gearbox. It does not have a torque converter, so it can be quite jerky when you shift up.


About The Author

John Hartley is editor of http://www.fast-autos.com, an online magazine devoted to fast cars and supercars. He has written from many of the world's top auto magazines, and has written many books about cars and the auto industry, including 'Suspension and Steering Q&A' and 'The Electronics Revolution in the Motor Industry'.

180 MPH From An Ordinary Production Sedan

by: John Hartley


If you would like a car that looks almost ordinary, but that is as fast as many supercars, buy the BMW M5. Yes, on the outside, this is an ordinary European sedan – but under the hood is a 500 bhp V-10 engine that you might imagine came from a sports-racing car! Will it do 180 mph? No, it could, but it won't because BMW uses a limiter to prevent you going faster than 155 mph on all its hot cars. Actually, BMW says it will do over 190 mph without the limiter in operation.

The BMW M5 is powered by a very advanced 5.0 liter V-10 engine, ad fits neatly into the standard engine compartment. This is a very special engine, being built in small numbers and at high cost by BMW's M Center. It's a 90-degree V-10, which means that it won't be quite as smooth as some – in theory, at any rate.

ADVANCED 500 BHP V10 ENGINE

Maximum power is 500 bhp at 7,700 rpm – a real screamer this – while the maximum torque of 380 lb ft is produced at 6,100 rpm. Boy, you're really going to keep this revving if you want to use all that power. Still, when it's just mooching along at 4,000 rpm, this amazing unit produces quite a chunk of power.

Needless to say, it has all the features you'd expect in a supercar engine, such as a stiff aluminum block, twin overhead camshafts per bank of cylinders and and narrow 4-valve heads. BMW uses its variable valve timing system, and drives the inlet camshafts on each bank by chain, with a gear drive to the exhaust camshaft, a system pioneered by Toyota to save space.

SEVEN-SPEED SEQUENTIAL GEARBOX

Coupled to this marvel of a power plant, which would seem more at home in a slinky coupe, is a seven-speed sequential gearbox. This is the latest development of the BMW sporty semi-automatic. BMW claims it's the first seven-speed box of its type. Mercedes-Benz has a seven-speed automatic, and Audi has a CVT with seven stages, but these are not quite the same.

Why all these seven-speed boxes? Well, for maximum acceleration, and so that you have the right gear coming out of any corner, the more gears the better. When you've got that many gears, the shift pattern gets pretty complicated with a manual box, so they're going for either automatics or semi-automatics.

To go with the powerful power train are bigger brakes than standard, wider wheels and tires, and stiffer suspension. The handling is surprisingly good for such an ordinary-looking car.

HOT PERFORMER, QUIET LOOKS

The result of putting this engine in the BMW 5 Series is very hot acceleration for such a big car: 0-60 in 4.7 seconds, and 0-125 mph in 15.6 seconds.

Will people pay over $100,000 or so for a 500 bhp sedan? You bet they will. There are a lot of people out there that want supercar performance, but don’t' want to have to struggle to get in and out of the car. They also want to travel with plenty of luggage, and have room in the trunk for two sets of golf clubs – and more.

And they'll get a real kick from burning off cheeky guys in sports cars who get in the way. Cars that are much faster than they look, which we used to call Q cars, have quite a market. What's it like to drive? Well, at normal speeds, the car is very quiet, and you would not know how power you had. In fact, there is a switch on the steering wheel which limits power to 400 bhp. To get the full 500 bhp, you need to press that.

So, most of the time you'll drive with 400 bhp, and the problem is that the engine does not have a lot of power until you get to 5,000 rpm, an the power keeps coming in until you get to 8,000 rpm. You need deserted roads to use that power, but the car works pretty well in traffic and normal commuting. Not quite so good in everyday use is the gearbox. It does not have a torque converter, so it can be quite jerky when you shift up.


About The Author

John Hartley is editor of http://www.fast-autos.com, an online magazine devoted to fast cars and supercars. He has written from many of the world's top auto magazines, and has written many books about cars and the auto industry, including 'Suspension and Steering Q&A' and 'The Electronics Revolution in the Motor Industry'.

The Importance of a Cars Gas Mileage

by: Morgan Hamilton


This article is for people who don’t know a lot about cars. Car gas mileage seems to be a rather strange and insignificant concept, one that at least causes some confusion. Many people don't fully comprehend how truly important gas mileage truly is. They feel as though car gas mileage has nothing to do with them, it has no real meaning, other than some formualic calculation that some like to conjure up.

But this is not the case and I soon came to discover that when I decided to buy a used car. Measuring the cars gas mileage is very important for owners of new cars, as well as for those having bought a used one. The mileage shows how many miles the car has actually traveled. Every car has a certain degree of durability on the roads.

You have to strictly measure the mileage so that you know exactly how to drive it, when it is appropriate to sell and at what price. The exact condition of the car is shown on its mileage, so you have to strictly calculate it so that you know where are you standing. No-one can be sure that their car won’t break up in the middle of a deserted road at two o’clock in the morning. If it happens, there should be posed the question WHY you haven’t calculated this at time.

Calculating cars gas mileage is not a matter of technical or mechanical ability. It is a matter of sheer rationality. You have to know how many kilometers your car has run, so that you are prepared if the worst comes to the worst. Perhaps it is best to keep a strict note of every time you go to a gas pump. You have to know and write down the date, the car’s mileage, and the amount of gas you have pumped up into the tank. The proportion between the mileage and the amount of gas shows you how much gas your car uses for one kilometer.

This is important, and you always have to know it before buying a used car. Perhaps you will come upon a “greedy” car, which takes a lot of gas to make a certain track. This is sure to wear your budget thin. There are reports for all kinds of cars on such sites as epa.gov, which show you precisely the cars gas mileage. You should definitely consult them and calculate the exact figures before attempting to buy either a new car or a used one.

Another important thing is that cars gas mileage can be important indicator if there are gas price increases. For example, if you are travelling from Texas to Washington, and you see that prices for gas are different, you may well calculate what sum shall you need to get there. If the prices are higher, and you car consumes a lot of gas, perhaps you will be deep in the red before you get to your destination.

Measuring the cars gas mileage gives you another advantage, which is hard to acquire elsewhere. It helps you bring your confidence that you can control all the money that you sepnd on your car. Being a driver doesn’t only mean that you go into your car and drive to where you wanna go. It means a totally changed attitude towards the world. You browse the whole vehicle industry before you buy a car.

You understand the car parts and learn to dismount them. You start calculating the money you will need for your car. Measuring cars gas mileage is escpecially useful for careless teenagers, who have just procured a license. It teaches the young drivers some very important things about the global economic cell we are all put to live into.


About The Author

Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning cars. Learn more at http://www.carsanddrivinginfo.com/cars--driving-information/cars--driving/the-importance-of-a-cars-gas-mileage.html

Scooter Gizmos And Enhancements

by: Jason Uvios


There are many types of scooters and hence they require different add-ons and accessories. The parts and accessories are modified from time to time depending on the upgrades of scooters. The add-ons add to the comfort and style of the vehicle. For Example a sea scooter is a wave rider, which is used for water sports. These scooters are specially designed to ride on the waves and their accessories must comply with all the safety standards so as to avoid accidents. In the same way medical scooters for the disabled have to be designed in such a way so as to give complete safety and comfort to the patients. Hence the accessories depend on the type of the scooter.

Here are some of the basic add-ons, which can be used almost on all the scooters.

Rear or front basket: This basket is usually there in all the scooters so that you can keep your stuff inside the basket if you wish so. This is one of the very essential accessories in a scooter.

Cup Holder: Cup holders are there in the scooters to hold your cups, cans and water bottles. This is very important for medical scooters like wheel chairs and even scooters that are designed for the children.

Saddlebag: Saddlebag is another attachment that helps you to keep your money, important papers, credit cards etc.

Rear View Mirror: If you are riding any vehicle a rear view mirror is very important so that you can see the other vehicles that are coming from behind. This is very important for your safety so as to avoid accidents.

Safety flag: This is very important for medical wheelchairs and scooters designed for children. This helps the other riders to be careful while riding.

Safety Belts: All the riders must put on their safety belts before riding. This is one of the most important safety measures that have to be followed by each and every rider.

Weather Breaker: A weather Breaker protects you from the sun and rain.

Scooter Dust Cover: To protect the scooter from dust and damage it is always advisable to put on the scooter dust cover when the scooter is not in use.

Mobile Charger: A plug- in socket can be improvised in a scooter to charge your mobile battery, which is very useful at times when you are going for long drives, or in emergency.

Back Rest and Arm Rest: The scooter seats have a backrest to ease your back. It also has an armrest, which allows the riders to travel with ease and comfort during longer trips.

Some of the above accessories improve the lifestyle and comfort of the riders. These add-ons provide complete satisfaction to the customers.


About The Author

Jason Uvios enjoys Writing about on Scooter Gizmos and Enhancements to visit:- http://www.scooter-europe.info and http://www.sweetscooteronline.info.

Electric Scooter Maintenance

by: Jason Uvios


Introduction

A scooter, which is considered lightweight, and yet sturdy, is the Buzzaround scooter. This is a type of scooter, which is a bit new on the market. The Buzzaround is manufactured by Golden Technologies manufactures. Some people also call it the Golden Buzzaround.

Gasoline power scooters, being around for a longer period have grown more familiar to mass; however, when it's an electric scooter in question, often the owners find themselves flabbergasted when their little pets grow disobedient. Little do they realize that certain little measures can get rid of the problems that cause botheration every now and then. Read on to find out more...

What should be done?

To keep an electric scooter up an running:

One should keep the tires inflated properly since smaller tires lose air pressure fast. This may result in the tube rotating inside the tire during both braking and acceleration; as a result, the valve stem may get destroyed. Also, this shall require the motor to work harder resulting in burnt armatures or brushes.

The battery must be charged frequently and after it returns to the room temperature. Heat damages batteries, hence, cooling it is recommended before charging.

Tension on the drive belt/chain must match the manufacturer's specification. Looseness causes slippage and shortens the life of the chain/belt, therefore, move the rear tire forward or backward to leave approximately one-half to one-quarter inch gap while pressing against the middle of the span. A center position is also much required; if it does not ride against the side of the belt hubs on the motor or rear tire, it may jump up on the edge and can lock the wheel.

Throttle and brake linkages require light (or right) lubrication to prevent binding.

It's foolish to ride electric scooters through wet surfaces; the water or mud can damage the electrical components.

To get rid of minor problems like:

Interrupted power: It can be a loose or broken connection or a battery with low charge. The second case is not that troublesome; however, if it's a broken connection, then expose the wiring from the top and check for the broken linkage; it can also be a failed controller box or a malfunctioning master switch. Except for the controller box, the rest should be made subject to replacement. Apart from the above-mentioned points, it can also be that the wires behind fuse assembly are subjected to a loose connection to the battery.


About The Author

Jason Uvios enjoys Writing about on Maintainance of Electric Scooter like Battery, Chain and Belts Visit :- http://www.scootertop.info and http://www.scootergalore.info

The Importance Of Using Regulation Compliant Brakes

by: Marinda Stuiver


The following headlines are extracted from articles and news sites, and serve as a couple of examples where brake failure has been identified as the major cause of accidents and potential deaths on South African roads. Taxis and buses are however not the only culprits. Every vehicle owner that service their own vehicle, using counterfeit brake pads in order to save a couple of Rand, risk not only their own lives but also those of their families and other drivers on the road.

“January 2004 – Bad brakes make trucks death traps”

Seventy percent of trucks inspected by road traffic police during a blitz operation on KwaZulu-Natal roads last week were found to have defective brakes….

“November 2004 - 'Death-trap taxis have no place on our roads' (2004)”

The traffic officers thought it was a can of cooldrink on the minibus taxi's dashboard - but they were about to be stunned. They found there was a pipe attached to the can that led to the brake fluid reservoir in the engine compartment. The driver was continuously pouring brake fluid into the can while driving. This was just one of the horrifying defects found by Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) officers conducting raids on taxis as part of their 500-day Operation Token Days, which includes the blitzing of taxis at ranks… (Ref. IOL.co.za, 5 November 2004)

Radebe blames brake failure in bus accidents (2006)

Brake failure was a major factor in a recent spate of bus accidents, Transport Minister Jeff Radebe said on Thursday. "Buses involved in these accidents are clearly old and not roadworthy," he told a SA Bus Operators Association (Saboa) conference in Pretoria. In some instances, buses were fitted with new parts to pass roadworthy tests, after which they were removed. Operators whose buses crashed because of negligence, recklessness and unroadworthiness would be held responsible, he warned. Radebe said all bus operators receiving state subsidies will have to renew their fleets and undergo regular testing at authorised facilities…

When should I replace my brakes?

Symptoms of brake failure:

1. Noises

Your brake system may be crying for help if you're hearing strange noises when you depress the brake. Two of the most common are squeaks and grinding.

2. Squeaks

Friction from the brake lining causes heat. Under extreme conditions this can damage the pads and/or lining, brake drums and rotors.

3. Grinding

Metallic grinding sounds indicate your brake pads are worn through. Metal-to-metal contact will damage drums or rotors.

4. Low or Fading Brake Pedal

Do your brakes require pumping to stop the car? Does the pedal sink to the floorboard when you're stopped at a light? There may be a leak in the brake system, air in the brake lines, or the need for a brake adjustment.

5. Pulling to one side or brake drag

Worn or uneven brake linings or a damaged brake line can cause your vehicle to pull to one side. Brakes that are out of adjustment or have contaminated fluid can cause brakes to drag.

Brake testing and the importance of brake pad certification – ECE R 90 and VC8053

ECE R90 is a European standard for brake components that requires brake manufacturers to conform and guarantee to the original equipment standards as far as performance and quality is concerned. Products complying to these standard carry an “E” mark on products and packaging. In Europe brake pads cannot be used or sold unless they carry this mark proving that they performance and quality standards compliant.

Most countries around the world are following suit by setting standards to which brake pads have to comply.

Regulation VC8053 is minimum specification published in the Government gazette No. 22014 of 2 February 2001, to which brake lining assemblies in South Africa has to comply and this specification is regulated by the SABS.

The tests for both these regulations consist of laboratory and road tests – we will not go into detail about it but rather summarize the requirements:

Brake pad road tests:

1. A series of 0-type standardisation tests – braking suddenly under different conditions of vehicle speed and load with the aim to test the correct response in emergencies, parking and different braking situations.

2. Loss of efficiency when warmed up – In the first test the brake is used 15 times in succession to test its performance under different conditions. In the process, the brake warms up. In the last instance its performance is measured and checked for correct operation after which the results are compared to brake performance when the brakes are cold.

3. Speed-sensitivity test – The pressure is identified in the previous test to obtain a deceleration of 5m/s2. The same kind of test is repeated at 65 km/h, 90km/h and 135km/h in order to check that the brake’s deceleration is maintained irrespective of the speed at which the vehicle is traveling.

Brake pad laboratory tests:

Once the road tests are completed, mechanical laboratory tests are done:

1. Compressibility test – the compressibility of the brake pad should not exceed 5% of its thickness at 400 deg. C.

2. Resistance to brake seizure – this test simply determines the adherence of the friction material to the metal support.

Once the tests are completed an approval number is issued and it is compulsory that the brake pads and packaging contain the specific number – example: E1 XXXXX. Packaging should be tamper proof and contain instructions in the local language where the product will be sold.

Standards compliant brake pads will not only ensure roadworthy vehicles but also ensure safety for both the driver and their passengers when it is needed most. So all vehicle owners are urged to ensure that the replacement brake pads they purchase complies to industry requirements and standards.


About The Author

I have a strong believe in the power of the Internet and the difference it could make in business. Out-sourcing is going to be the cornerstone of business in years to come and the formation of strategic alliances with companies and other consultants will distinguish leaders from followers. Combining strengths brings ultimate results and brings out the best in people so we make use of experts in various fields in order to bring only the best services to the market place focusing on convergence of web and mobile technologies and the influence it has on online marketing.

The articles submitted by myself have all been written on behalf of my clients - we also use these articles to build their brand and trust on the search engines.

View their website at: http://www.e-spectations.com.

Car Repair Prices: Who Charges More, Dealerships Or Local Shops?

by: Theodore Olson


Many argue that dealership prices are 4 to 6 times higher than local shops. This is farfetched. That would mean that $100 at a local shop would be $400 to $600 at a dealership. Dealerships aren’t run by the sharpest businessmen, but this kind of pricing discrepancy would put dealers out of business, fast. The sources calculating such pricing gaps are never quoted, so I am not sure from where such data comes, but let’s look at what’s really going on.

First, 98 % of ALL service centers are overcharging. This includes dealerships, local shops and franchises. Stating that dealerships charge four to six times higher unfairly singles out this portion of the industry. We need to watch out for every type of service facility. While it’s always easier to focus on the big, faceless name of a dealership, it’s unwise. Your local mechanic who you pass in the grocery store is just as likely to rip you off.

Surprisingly, in many respects, a dealership is often less expensive. To be clear, I am not siding with dealerships. Again, no matter what type of facility one services a vehicle, some type of price-gouging will occur. Having said that, here are some common myths about dealership prices.

MYTH 1: The parts are more money.

This is not true. Dealers, for the most part, stick to MSRP (manufacturer suggested retail price) guidelines. Guidelines, as abused as they are, are better than none. Local shops have no guidelines. They can charge whatever they want.

We've all been taught that aftermarket parts are less expensive than factory/MSRP parts—this is not true. A frequent “case in point” is air filter prices. Below is a sample from one of many actual invoices:

Dealership/MSRP Price: $17.00 (factory fiber filter)
Local Shop/Aftermarket Price: $32.00 (aftermarket paper filter)

Tip…always compare you’re aftermarket part price against MSRP, you’ll be surprised just how much your local garage is charging you for inferior parts.

MYTH 2: The labor “time” is higher.

Actually, many dealers follow manufacturer recommendations and industry standard multipliers. In other words, they’re not just shooting from the hip. The labor time (i.e., how long it takes to repair something—1, 2, 3 hours…etc.) may be lower than the resulting times from the labor price-gouging tricks practiced by your local garage.

This is not to say that dealers don’t practice labor tricks—they’re the masters! It is to say that they are more inclined to follow suggested guidelines.

MYTH 3:

Dealers always rip people off.

In the automotive service industry, every type of service center rips you off, dealers are no exception.


About The Author

Theodore P. Olson holds extensive certifications from Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, GM, and ASE. He currently works as a service industry consultant. Ted is the author of eight books and numerous articles on the automotive servcie industry. http://www.repairtrust.com.

The Other Side of the Truck Rental Coin

by: Scott Best


When you say truck rental, the biggest majority of us instantly think of a move it yourself truck rental company such as U-Haul or Budget Truck Rentals. But some of those same companies that you might associate with do it yourself movers also rent over the road semi tractor trailer combinations to individuals and companies who have qualifying CDL licenses. Budget and other companies have what the call commercial rental divisions, where they handle truck rental and leasing to all manner of commercial enterprises.

The advantage of leasing truck rather then buying can be substantial to many companies. Many companies need truck only during particular times of the year, or on special occasions. It might be advantages to some companies to lease or rent trucks for tax purposes, or insurance reasons. For companies that want to make sure that their cargos get handled only by personnel that are qualified, leasing trucks is a big advantage, making sure that drivers well informed about how to deal with special shipments when loading and unloading as well as while the shipment is in transit.

Other advantages for companies are flexibility and diversity of equipment, making it easier to match the right truck or equipment to the right job. Fleet availability to move what ever needs moved without the hassles of maintaining fleet operations, such as maintenance facilities, thus helping to simplify budgeting and expenditures.

Many of the companies that offer leasing of commercial trucks offer 24 hour roadside assistance as well as offering licensing services that take care of your permitting and tax reports further saving time and money. Some even offer driver safety programs that can help to educate and retain driving personnel. Also driver education and safety programs can help to reduce costs due to equipment and cargo damage, thereby lowing insurance rates.

Some leasing companies have dedicated systems that can track each and every truck while in route, helping companies to maintain critical transit time tables on important materials.

So if you company has need of trucks on a big scale or a small scale, it may be worth while to check into leasing or renting the trucks and equipment you need rather then hiring a trucking company or buying the equipment.


About The Author

Scott Best is a freelance writer who writes for many websites, specializing in target information compositions.

http://RentalTruckCentral.Com is a collection of truck rental information. Any thing that relates to renting or leasing trucks, be it for moving your household items or for a big commercial operation can be found at http://RentalTruckCentral.com

Gassing Up When And How

by: Kenneth M Flegel


Now how are we all feeling about the prices of fuel today? I personally am not impressed so I sought out a few fuel saving techniques and would like to share them with you.

Do you know what kind of gas mileage your vehicle is getting? Calculating this is extremely simple. Start by filling up your tank. Write down the odometer reading or reset your trip gauge to zero. The next time you get gas, fill the tank again. Divide the miles you traveled between fill ups by the amount of gas you bought on the 2nd fill. This is your miles per gallon, or mpg.

First of all when filling up the tank never top it off. Most new vehicles have electronic gauges which work by a piece of metal attached to the float arm that slides across metal contacts this is called a sending unit to indicate how much fuel is in the tank. Topping it off can push this contact beyond its limits and damage the sending unit leading to inaccurate readings of the fuel gauge.

Try to buy your gas from a gas station that is consistently busy and therefore has its underground tanks filled on a regular basis. Gas stations that are slow will have gas that has been sitting in underground tanks for longer periods of time, leading to gas contamination.

This contamination can mean that the gas you are purchasing is less powerful than fresh gas and will decrease your fuel economy.

A few tips we have used in saving gas are fairly simple and easy for anyone to use. Some of them are never let your car run to a completely empty tank I generally fill up when my gas gage reads around half or no less then a quarter tank. Gassing up in the mornings is typically the best time because the temperature outside is usually much cooler.

While driving always maintain a steady acceleration try to refrain from jackrabbit starts. Always keep your speed at moderate levels. Do not use air conditioning or heat unless necessary.

Avoid idling the engine when it could be turned off, never leave car idling for more then 10 seconds unless it is an absolute need.

Try not to take short trips where the engine doesn’t have the opportunity to fully warm up, and in cold weather always make sure you warm the engine up first.

It is very important to always have the right air pressure in your tires.

Having your car in the best running condition is always going to guaranty you the best mileage and performance.

There are many very good fuel additives out there and we have searched extensively to find out which ones are the most effective.

If you would like more information on the products we have studied contact us.

E-mail us at brendalarsen@sasktel.net
Or call 306-545-4535 or 306 501-7424
Brenda Larsen or Ken Flegel


About The Author

Ken Flegel works as a certified electronic technician , part time mechanic, and purchaser for the local school board. One of his responsibilities is the purchasing of the fuel for all the board’s vehicles therefore giving him extensive knowledge in fuel quality, condition, and price.

More Gas Saving Tips

by: Kenneth M Flegel


With the prices of gasoline going higher and higher, it’s not unusual for all of us to search out some fuel saving techniques most of the ones I have found are simple for any one to apply to their every day driving.

1. Always try to drive the speed limit. Did you know that for every 5 mph you travel over 60 mph, you are decreasing your fuel economy by 6%.

2. Try not to let your car sit idling for any length of time. According to Fueleconomy.gov the average driver will waste 17% of its gas by simply sitting in idle. So this means for every 10 gallons you purchase, 1.7 gallons are used to keep the engine running while you sit in park.

3. Keep your sunroof or windows closed. I really enjoy the sunroof on my car and it is alright to have it open if you are taking a leisurely drive around town and only traveling about 25 mph because the amount of drag will not be noticeable to your fuel consumption. But the amount of drag placed on your vehicle at highway speeds (55 mph or more), an open sunroof may reduce your fuel economy by 5%. Same thing will apply to your windows being open but they do not have quite as much impact as the sunroof. Avoid buying cars with spoilers on them or having one put on your car simply to “trick it out”. The basic function of a spoiler is to add downforce to your car to help improve handling at high speeds, so naturally having a spoiler will hurt your fuel economy. This also applies to roof racks and any type of carrier on the top of your car.

4. Remove any excess weight you have on your vehicle. Avoid keeping unnecessary items in your vehicle, especially heavy ones. An extra 100 pounds in your vehicle could reduce your MPG by up to 2%. The reduction is based on the percentage of extra weight relative to the vehicle's weight and affects smaller vehicles more than larger ones.

5. When highway driving try to use your cruise control. Using cruise control on the highway helps you maintain a constant speed and, in most cases, will save on your fuel consumption.

6. When driving up hill accelerate before you reach the incline. Think ahead when approaching hills. If you accelerate, do it before you reach the hill, not while you're on it. This will also increase your mpg.

7. Avoid driving on gravel or rough roads if at all possible. Dirt or gravel roads can rob you of up to 30% of your gas mileage.

8. Try to stay away from curving or winding roads. Compare traveling distance differences - remember that corners, curves and lane jumping require extra gas. The shortest distance between two points is always straight

9. Try to park your car so you can leave in a forward position. Avoiding reverse gear maneuvers will save on your fuel mileage.

10. There are many good fuel additives out there and we have done extensive research on them to view a list of our findings

contact us at.
brendalarsen@sasktel.net

or call Ken Flegel or Brenda Larsen
at (306)545-4535 or (306)501-7424.


About The Author

Ken Flegel works as a certified electronic technician , part time mechanic, and purchaser for the local school board. One of his responsibilities is the purchasing of the fuel for all the board’s vehicles therefore giving him extensive knowledge in fuel quality, condition, and price.

More Gas Saving Tips

by: Kenneth M Flegel


With the prices of gasoline going higher and higher, it’s not unusual for all of us to search out some fuel saving techniques most of the ones I have found are simple for any one to apply to their every day driving.

1. Always try to drive the speed limit. Did you know that for every 5 mph you travel over 60 mph, you are decreasing your fuel economy by 6%.

2. Try not to let your car sit idling for any length of time. According to Fueleconomy.gov the average driver will waste 17% of its gas by simply sitting in idle. So this means for every 10 gallons you purchase, 1.7 gallons are used to keep the engine running while you sit in park.

3. Keep your sunroof or windows closed. I really enjoy the sunroof on my car and it is alright to have it open if you are taking a leisurely drive around town and only traveling about 25 mph because the amount of drag will not be noticeable to your fuel consumption. But the amount of drag placed on your vehicle at highway speeds (55 mph or more), an open sunroof may reduce your fuel economy by 5%. Same thing will apply to your windows being open but they do not have quite as much impact as the sunroof. Avoid buying cars with spoilers on them or having one put on your car simply to “trick it out”. The basic function of a spoiler is to add downforce to your car to help improve handling at high speeds, so naturally having a spoiler will hurt your fuel economy. This also applies to roof racks and any type of carrier on the top of your car.

4. Remove any excess weight you have on your vehicle. Avoid keeping unnecessary items in your vehicle, especially heavy ones. An extra 100 pounds in your vehicle could reduce your MPG by up to 2%. The reduction is based on the percentage of extra weight relative to the vehicle's weight and affects smaller vehicles more than larger ones.

5. When highway driving try to use your cruise control. Using cruise control on the highway helps you maintain a constant speed and, in most cases, will save on your fuel consumption.

6. When driving up hill accelerate before you reach the incline. Think ahead when approaching hills. If you accelerate, do it before you reach the hill, not while you're on it. This will also increase your mpg.

7. Avoid driving on gravel or rough roads if at all possible. Dirt or gravel roads can rob you of up to 30% of your gas mileage.

8. Try to stay away from curving or winding roads. Compare traveling distance differences - remember that corners, curves and lane jumping require extra gas. The shortest distance between two points is always straight

9. Try to park your car so you can leave in a forward position. Avoiding reverse gear maneuvers will save on your fuel mileage.

10. There are many good fuel additives out there and we have done extensive research on them to view a list of our findings

contact us at.
brendalarsen@sasktel.net

or call Ken Flegel or Brenda Larsen
at (306)545-4535 or (306)501-7424.


About The Author

Ken Flegel works as a certified electronic technician , part time mechanic, and purchaser for the local school board. One of his responsibilities is the purchasing of the fuel for all the board’s vehicles therefore giving him extensive knowledge in fuel quality, condition, and price.

Spruce Up Your Scooter

by: Jason Uvios


Scooters are the most common form of two wheelers and are a safe mode of conveyance for those who cannot afford the luxury of four wheelers. So what is it about the scooters that make them so desirable over their other counter parts? Well, technological advancements these days have been successful in converting a simple scooter to a glorified two- wheeler. Not to forget, the various add-ons and upgrades that have elevated the position of scooters to a far more respectable level.

The scooter world has undergone a major evolution and this has resulted in the origination of motor scooters, electric scooters, mobility scooters and so on. The upgrades available for the scooters mentioned above are specific to each scooter and may be available with the manufacturer or other retailers that he might suggest. Arm-rests, cushions, baskets are some add-ons that can greatly increase the appeal of scooters while motors, engines, tyres and brakes are those accessories which can enhance its functionality and performance.

However it is always recommended that you buy your scooter from a reputed dealer and ensure that all its accessories are covered by a warranty. This ensures that if the scooter parts suffer any wear and tear during the usage they can be easily replaced without you having to spend a fat sum on them. Moreover buying accessories from a genuine dealer will also guard you against buying duplicate parts, which are rampant all over the market at cheaper prices.

Before buying any upgrades for your scooter always mention your model number to the dealer so that he is able to supply you with only those parts that will be compatible with your scooter. Buying mismatched parts would mean a wasteful expenditure since some dealers adhere to very strict exchange policies and don’t readily want to exchange the parts that have once been sold.

To ensure that all your scooter parts and accessories are in a good condition remember to get them serviced at regular intervals. This will be helpful in bringing to your notice those parts that need to be immediately replaced.

So if you already own a scooter and are thinking of all the ways and means to spruce it up, then go the stores to find out about the latest add-ons and accessories that can add a touch of class to your possession.


About The Author

Jason Uvios Writes about on Spruce Up Your Scooter to visit :- http://www.scooter-canada.info, http://www.scooter-always.info

A Dealer May Be Best For Serious Problems

by: Kadence Buchanan


It is well known that service departments at auto dealers almost always charge more than small garages for most repairs. That's because in order to run a service department at a dealership, the dealer must pay a fee to the auto maker. Naturally, they pass that cost along to consumers. For basic maintenance and small repairs, going to a local garage will probably save you money. However, for more complex repairs, a dealer's service department may be your best option. Here's why.

The mechanics who work in dealership service departments are highly trained in working with specific makes of cars and some may even specialize by specific model. They are typically extensively trained by the manufacturer and frequently attend refresher training courses. If your car is experiencing a problem that's common to your make of car but not common in others, a service department mechanic trained in working with your specific make and model will have an easier time catching it than a local garage, whose limited training resources must be spent on keeping up to date with many different makes and models.

Also, almost without exception, service departments offer some form of warranty on their work. Obviously, if the car is still covered by the master warranty any repeat repairs will be covered. But most auto dealer service departments warrant their work on cars that are out of warranty. The warranties are usually specific to the repair and may cover parts, labor and rental car expenses. Small garages may also offer warranties, but the advantage of a service department warranty is that it is usually good at any dealer of that make of car.

If the problem you're experiencing is the subject of a manufacturer's recall, a service department mechanic will be more likely to know about it. Service departments at car dealers typically run a check each time you bring your vehicle in for service to determine whether a recall has been issued for that make and model. Also, many car manufacturers require that recall repairs be done by a service department.

Finally, if your car needs to be in the shop for an extended period of time a service department that's located on the same site as an auto dealer can offer you more convenient access to a rental car. Many service departments have their own fleet of rentals. Or, if your car only needs to be in the shop for a day or less, many service departments have a courtesy shuttle.


About The Author

Kadence Buchanan writes articles for http://iautomotiveworld.com/. In addition, Kadence also writes articles for http://outdoorstalk.net/ and http://recreationandmore.com/.

Three Wheel Scooter Gives You Mobility Around The Store

by: Jason Uvios


If you have problems walking for more than ten minutes, a scooter could be the answer to getting a little freedom in your life. The freedom of shopping for yourself, for your family, and on your own time is enhanced with the use of a three-wheel scooter. A three-wheel scooter is one that has two small wheels in the back, and one in the front. The seat resembles a chair, with armrests and padding to make your ride comfortable while shopping.

The three wheel scooter is one which will give you comfort while waiting in long lines. Another advantage to the three-wheel scooter is many are equipped with a basket in the front, so you can easily load your groceries or your items without the aid of someone else.

Three Wheel Scooter Brands

The Shoprider, the Scootie, and the Parti are just a few name brand scooters, which are three, wheeled. The three wheel scooters are easily transported in a van, to and from the store in a van. A three wheel scooter can be purchased online or offline. You can use your savings, your cash card, your credit card, or you can purchase a scooter using your medical insurance. Often times Medicare will pick up the cost of a scooter for those who will require the use of a scooter over the long term.

Tri King, the Buzz Around and the Feather lite are additional name brand three wheel scooters you have the option of reviewing. The prices on many of the three wheel scooters are similar. You should review the size of the motor, consider if you are purchasing new or used, and you should also include the price of shipping or delivery when considering the costs of your new three wheel scooter.

A Three-Wheel Scooter Allows You To Move Electrically

A three-wheel scooter is a little different than a wheel chair but can be used in the same manner. If you like to control your movements, you will be able to do this, using the handlebars in front of you, and using the electric start, go, and brake on the scooter. All three-wheel scooters can be used in the home, or on the go. Many people find having a scooter allows the additional freedom of moving about the mall, getting through the grocery store, and all without the aid of another person having to do the shopping for him or her.


About The Author

Jason Uvios enjoys Writing about on Three-Wheel Scooter Gives You Mobility Around The Store to Visit :- http://www.scooternow.info, http://www.scootertoday.info and http://www.sweetscooteronline.info.

Scooters A Versatile And User Friendly Mobility Device

by: Jason Uvios


Scooters, the name itself brings to our mind a vehicle, which is usually a two- wheeler and helps us to be mobile. A scooter before used to be motorized scooter but from time to time there have been various upgrades on scooters and now we have many types of scooters that are available in the market. With the upgrades a lot of different accessories are also available for the scooters.

First let us see the various kinds of scooters that are available in the market:

Electric scooters: Electric scooters come in different sizes from small and portable to full-sized and rugged. Apart from a two-wheeler electric scooter also comes as a three-wheel travel scooter or a four-wheel travel scooter. These scooters also have a backrest to ease your back. These scooters are not only comfortable but also portable. It is amazing to note the speeds that these electric scooters can achieve and the ride is also smooth. Now you can ride around on an electric scooter and do your work in style.

Zap scooters: These are a stand up electric scooter that reaches a maximum speed of 12 mph. It has a powerful motor and a stability of a three wheel that makes kids and adults love it.

Razor scooters: Razor scooters are motorized scooters that are available for the kids. These scooters are available for the age group 5 yrs and above. They are usually small sized and portable vehicle.

Gas powered scooters: These kinds of scooters run on fuel and have got an engine. These scooters are motorized scooters also known as mobility scooters. They are stylish and light weighted vehicles. They are also reliable and sophisticated by nature.

Basically, gas scooters electric scooters and gas-powered scooters are by far the best-engineered, trouble-free scooters in the world. These gas scooters and electric scooters are made of the highest quality, materials, and components. The braking on these scooters is handled by powerful, highly technological front disc brake that stops exactly when you want it to. These scooters are designed for demanding riders who love a machine with handling capabilities and that will facilitate just about any type of maneuver one may desire to perform. And, should you crave for more performance; fear not, your craze for these wheelers can be satisfied with scooter parts and accessories that will thrill your soul. You can have your own custom made versions having knobby off-road tires, as well as graphically done footboards, complimented with extraordinary colors and cool paint schemes.


About The Author

Jason Uvios enjoys Writing about on Scooters-A Versatile And User Friendly Mobility Device to Visit :- http://www.scooternow.info, http://www.scootertoday.info and http://www.sweetscooteronline.info.

Disabled But Still On The Go: Scooter Buying Tips

by: Jason Uvios


Not being able to walk about for long periods does not mean you can't get out and see the world. Being injured, disabled, or when recovering from an accident, a scooter is going to give you the best mobility options, better than a wheel chair. A scooter is a small three or four-wheeled electric cart. You can fold it up and go, or you can dismantle the scooter and go anywhere you want.

Purchase A Scooter That Supports You Personal Body Needs

If you are big or small, a scooter can be found to fit your body. If you have trouble supporting yourself side to side, scooters are available with armrests and security features along the side. If you feel you need more support front to back, additionally there are supports front to back, with seat belts that will prevent you from falling forwards or feeling as if you are unable to hold yourself up.

In purchasing a scooter, look for handlebars that are sturdy, that are covered in rubber, and that fit your hand. If the handlebars are big, bulky and too large for your hands, it can mean you will feel uncomfortable while driving the scooter. If the handlebars are not covered in rubber, you could find you are not able to hold onto and control the scooter, as you would like. The runner on the handlebars will give you an added sense of control and a comfortable feeling overall.

Purchasing a scooter is much life buying a car. You want to make sure the wheels are solid, safe, and sturdy. If you live in a rocky terrain, or if you will be traveling about a good bit, you want to ensure that your tires are not going to go flat. The tires that will never go flat, that are solid are a good choice in purchasing a scooter. You will never be prevented from leaving or traveling because of a flat tire. You will find the tread on your solid tires very similar to the tread on tires that can go flat. Opt for a tire that will enable you to hop on and drive away any time you like without worries!


About The Author

Jason Uvios enjoys Writing about on The Hurricane: For Lightweight Convenience to Visit :- http://www.scootergalore.info, http://www.scooter2006.info and http://scooter-forall.info.

The Hurricane: For Lightweight Convenience

by: Jason Uvios


Being mobile can be more than just a dream today. If you are handicapped or if you are disabled, you want to be able to go places, to see all the sights, and to visit with your friends. No matter what age you are, the weight of the scooter you are using, or taking along with you, can be very important. The weight of the Hurricane is one that you can use, again and again, as it light, and transportable.

More About The Hurricane

The Hurricane scooter is one you will enjoy, as it will self-level. A level ride is one, which makes you feel not only safe, but prevents you from additional accidents while riding on your Hurricane. Some Scooters do not travels fast at all, and others will make you feel as if you are driving too fast often times. The Hurricane will travel with a maximum of eight miles per hour. While in a car, eight miles per hour will seem slow, eight miles per hour in the Hurricane is plenty fast.

You Will Feel Safe And Secure Riding On The Hurricane

Even though the Hurricane is light, and can travel along with the fastest of the scooters, it is one controlled easily with a touch pad. The touch pad control system is one allowing the rider to move about with ease, without having to hold their arms up high for long periods. The feeling while you are riding along on the Hurricane is one of a smooth ride, with a suspension system including shocks that will absorb the bumps in your path.

Safety Is Important While Riding The Hurricane

The Hurricane scooter is one that uses a suspension system, which will absorb movements while you are in the chair. This is a safety feature many love, as they don't want to feel additional pain while running on their Hurricane. The soft suspension ride is one you will truly enjoy repeatedly while shopping, or while visiting with friends.

The seat on the Hurricane can be adjusted to fit your size, your personal needs and you can angle back the seat as well if you like. A basket is provided with the Hurricane for carrying anything. You can see what is behind you using the rear view mirror for safe riding in close areas. You even have a headlight for safety on the Hurricane.


About The Author

Jason Uvios enjoys Writing about on The Hurricane: For Lightweight Convenience to Visit :- http://www.scooternow.info, http://www.scootertoday.info and http://www.sweetscooteronline.info

Add A New Life To Your Scooter

by: Jason Uvios


The scooter industry is going through a boom phase. All thanks to the variety of upgrades and accessories that has remodeled the look of a classic scooter. Some very popular models of scooters come with wheels as big as that of a motorcycle. Other scooters are available with engine size ranging from 250cc up to 650cc. The modern day scooters are available with four stroke engines and their performance can easily be paralleled with a motor- cycle.

Though most scooter retailers have a variety of upgrades and accessories stocked up in their stores yet you might sometimes get a better bargain online, for your scooter parts and add ons.

Baskets, lockable trunks, handle bar grips, mirrors, seat covers, kid's seat, extra battery charger are some of the extras that you can add on to your scooter.

Most scooter accessories can be bought either new or old depending upon your preference and how much you are willing to spend on them. However before buying old parts make sure that they are in a good condition or else they too might have to be replaced soon.

In order to make your scooter road worthy make sure that its turn signals breaks, headlamps, and chains are intact. This will ensure safety for both the rider as well as the vehicle. Other safety accessories that are a must with a scooter are helmets; drive belts, alarms and locks.

Since the markets have rolled out so many different types of scooters, which vary in shapes, sizes as well as functionality therefore their accessories also differ from model to model.

Scooters are not just economical to use but their size and maneuverability also makes it easier for the riders to scoot out of those areas with heavy traffic jams. In comparison to other vehicles scooters have a better fuel average, which makes them a popular choice with most people who don't want to spend a ransom on commuting.

Good maintenance is the key for keeping scooters in an impeccable condition. However there are some parts that might need replacement with time. So the minute you notice any defect such parts make sure to replace them immediately. After all it's always better to be safe than sorry!


About The Author

Jason Uvios writes this article on topic of Add A New life to Your Scooter to visit this article: http://www.scootergalore.info and http://www.scootertoday.info.

Flaunt Style And Convenience With Scooters!

by: Jason Uvios


Last week, my neighbor bought a brand new scooter. It was a gas scooter with a sleek body and a gorgeous look. I couldn’t help but ride it. It was an enthralling experience riding a fast gas scooter.

Scooters are fun to drive. Feel the adrenalin rush while riding a scooter, whether electric or gas.

Feel The “High” Of Gas Scooters!

Now your visits to the stores won’t be a tedious trip. Simply kick on the scooter and zoon off! Gas scooters are perfect for stretched roads. And the best thing is that you these scooters do not dig a hole in your pocket. They are friendly, money-wise and function-wise.

Don’t ask about the sizes and colors. They are endless varieties available. Talking about speed, the scooter buffs will have a good time with the number of speed options available.

A Quality Ride For The Disabled

How can the disabled people be left behind in the race for excitement? There are electric mobility scooters for them.

The disability scooters provide a good balance with three or four wheels. There is no fear of tripping over. The disabled can have a thrilling experience riding the scooter. Moreover, it improves the quality of living and adds zest to their life.

Why A Scooter?

Scooters are quite affordable, easy to operate, come in an array of choices, and are fun to ride.

You might have heard of instances when people have traveled for days together with one gallon of gas in their scooters!

The advancement in technology of scooters has been stupendous over the last few years. The batteries have become long lasting and more powerful. With some of the batteries, you can ride your scooter for a whole day without recharging it!

The Amazing Foldable Models

Folding scooters are a wonder. You can drive them to work, fold them, and store under your desk!!

If you don’t feel like riding your scooter back to home, hop into a bus and store your folded scooter in the public storage compartment of the bus. The height of convenience!

So, if want to have fun without much expenses, get yourself a scooter!


About The Author

Jason Uvios writes about on Flaunt Style And Convenience With Scooters! to Visit :- http://www.scooter-canada.info, http://www.scooter-europe.info and http://www.sweet-scooter-now.info.

Maintaining The Seat Of A Scooter

by: Jason Uvios


The seat, or the chair of the scooter is a very vital part of the scooter. No matter what type of scooter you own, or that you are considering to purchase, the seat will be important to how the rider enjoys the scooter, or how long the rider will be able to use the scooter. The seat could be leather; plastic, vinyl, breathable cotton or it could also be a molded plastic.

Caring For The Molded Plastic Scooter Seat

The molded plastic scooter seat is one that will wash down nicely with hot water and soap. You want to be careful not to use too much excess water, to avoid putting water on any electric items.

Caring For The Breathable Cotton Seat

The cotton material type seat is one that you can spot clean using Shout, or Oxyclean spray. Spay just a dab on spots, and then wipe clean with a wet paper towel. Cleaning the cotton seat weekly is going to keep ahead of having to replace the seat. For example, grease from your hands will soak into the material, but spot cleaning can leave it looking as good as new.

Caring For The Leather Scooter Chair

The leather scooter chair is one that will require less effort. The leather can be wiped down with a soft cloth to keep dirt and grease from building up on the leather. Soap and water should be avoided if possible. Avoid leaving the scooter sits in direct sunlight for long periods to keep the leather soft and for additional prevention of cracks of the leather seat area.

Plastic Or Vinyl Scooter Seat Covers

The plastic or vinyl seat cover can be wiped down with any type of soap and water. Drying off the seat after washing it is going to prevent soap build up and will prevent streaks while drying. You can easily using sprays such as 409, or bleach mixtures on vinyl and plastics to get off tough sticky stains and grease marks from hands.

If you live alone, and you are disabled, it is easier to get around the house using a scooter. A scooter is going to help you prevent falls, and breaking a bone, because you will be relying on the scooter to get from room to room. When you are home alone, you feel safe, secure and able to do just about anything in your scooter. A scooter is a personal mobility chair that will ease the stress on your body, and on your mind because you will be able to do more things for yourself.

The seat of the scooter is an item, which can be replaced when broken, or when it is cracking. Seats are available through most all-major retailers where scooters are sold. If you purchase a scooter, and the seat is not comfortable, does not fit your body, you can change the seat to one that fits your personal body size.


About The Author

Jason Uvios enjoys Writing about on Maintaining The Seat Of A Scooter to Visit :- http://www.scooter-always.info, http://www.scooter-now.info and http://www.scrispscooter.info.

Decoding a Vehicle's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)

by: Robert Carver


The first Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN) designed for vehicles were not standardized. However that problem was resolved beginning in 1981, when vehicles were assigned an International VIN code which consists of 17 characters (which cannot include the letter I, O or Q) unique to each vehicle.

The Vehicle Identification Number is most commonly found inside the windshield or driver’s side door jam.

Once the VIN has been decoded, it can be used to verify vehicle information such as the Country in which it was manufactured, Manufacturer, Body Style, Engine Type, Model, Model Year and more. There are several sites on the Internet that will help you decode the VIN number for the different manufacturers, such as BMW, Ford, Chevrolet and Dodge to just mention a few.

Additionally, with the VIN of a vehicle you have opportunities to find out many different things about the vehicle. Such as:

---You can visit CARFAX for a report on that specific vehicle. CARFAX will give you a history of the vehicle, whether it’s been identified as a "lemon," salvaged title, whether it has been in a major accident, if it’s a flood damaged vehicle, if there’s been odometer fraud, plus many other things based on the information that is available to them.

--- You can check out the latest information on compliance testing, recalls and technical service bulletins from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The list goes on.

The coding is as follows:

1st character- Identifies the country in which the vehicle was manufactured.

For example: U.S.A.(1or4), Canada(2), Mexico(3), Japan(J), Korea(K), England(S), Germany(W), Italy(Z)

2nd character- Identifies the manufacturer.

For example; Audi (A), BMW (B), Buick (4), Cadillac (6), Chevrolet (1), Chrysler (C), Dodge (B), Ford (F), GM Canada (7), General Motors (G), Honda (H), Jaguar (A), Lincoln (L), Mercedes Benz (D), Mercury (M), Nissan (N), Oldsmobile (3), Pontiac (2or5), Plymouth (P), Saturn (8), Toyota (T), VW (V), Volvo (V).

3rd character - Identifies vehicle type or manufacturing division.

4th to 8th characters - Identifies vehicle features such as body style, engine type, model, series, etc.

9th character - Identifies VIN accuracy as check digit.

10th character- Identifies the model year.

11th character- Identifies the assembly plant for the vehicle.

12th to 17th characters- Identifies the sequence of the vehicle for production as it rolled of the manufacturer’s assembly line.


About The Author

Robert Carver is a BMW Sales Advisor. Visit him at his website at http://www.mrbimmer.com for information about BMWs.

How To Purchase A Scooter For An Elderly Parent

by: Jason Uvios


Purchasing a scooter is a big decision. One, which you will much appreciate when the process is completed so let’s learn a bit more about buying a scooter for your parent. Purchasing a scooter will involve determining the weight of the scooter, the ease in folding or taking the scooter apart, and the ease in handling and driving.

What To Look For In The Wheels

The wheels of a scooter are important, because if they are not functioning, not working, one will not be able to use the scooter at all. Look for a solid wheel, so that flat tires are never an issue. Look for tires that balance the scooter, there is nothing worse than a ‘rocking feeling’ while driving along in the store. A scooter that feel safe, solid and secure is going to give the rider more confidence in driving anywhere.

Does The Rider Require Safety Features For Driving On The Road?

Allowing mobility for a person is a gift of life that will be treasured. If you are purchasing a scooter that will allow a person to get to the store, the park or to visit friends, you want to be sure of road safety features. Headlights are one safety feature you should be aware of. Headlights will make the rider more noticeable.

Also, look for bright colored side panels that do not blend in with the color of the road or the color of the background. A bright colored side panel is going to be an additional safety feature that will prevent accidents while making others aware of the rider on the scooter.

Features For The Driver On The Go

Purchasing a scooter for an elderly friend or parent will also allow that person to shop for their selves. In purchasing a scooter, you need to look at the basket features, and the sidesaddle bag features. The rider will want to take items with them or make purchases while riding. Being able to store items on the scooter is vital to using it more often and without hassle. Look for a stable, sturdy basket, and additional storage containers when purchasing a scooter.


About The Author

Jason Uvios enjoys Writing about on How To Purchase A Scooter For An Elderly Parent to Visit :- http://www.scooter-europe.info, http://scooterusa.info and http://www.scooter-today.info.

How To Negotiate When Buying A Car

by: Mary Greenwood


I recently purchased a new vehicle when visiting my son and was able to use some of my negotiating techniques:

1.Be Prepared and Do Your Research

Being prepared is of the utmost importance. Before even going to the showroom, one should first look at the ads in the newspaper and look at car sales at Edmunds.com or a similar website. That will give you an idea what is available and the going prices. In my situation, we actually went to the lot after it was closed and looked at the cars that we liked and saw the prices. One car model had a special discount of $7000. There was also a special for zero percent financing. The next day we called and asked the receptionist about the $7000 discount. She told us that the $7000 discount did not apply if using the zero percent financing. However, she did tell us that there was a $3000 dollar discount if one used the zero percent financing. That was useful information because we knew that the $3000 discount was a given and we would have to negotiate to get a higher discount. If you are not prepared, don’t go to the showroom yet. You need to know what you want before you get there.

2.Bring A Friend and Give Him/Her A Role.

Buying a car should be a team effort. Bring a friend or relative or two. In my case, I brought my son and very pregnant daughter-in-law. We each had a role. Whatever was said my daughter-in-law was supposed to say. “Let’s go home and think it over.” Sometimes the deal that the dealer presents sounds so good that it is tempting to accept it on face value. We had agreed beforehand that no matter what the deal was, I would say that we needed some time to think it over and needed to meet in private to discuss further. Our strategy was to have a dollar amount. I did not want to pay over $25,000 for the car no matter what. This kind of negotiation can be very stressful and this is another reason why having friends or family by your side is a plus.

3.Read The Fine Print And Know What All The Costs Are.

When we met with the sales rep, he started talking gibberish about the various costs and it was hard to follow exactly what he was talking about. At that point it is important to use your own checklist and write down all the costs that are being presented and add them up. Don’t be afraid to ask what a particular cost item is. Look at the sticker price and all the features that are presented. What are the extra or hidden fees? Maybe there is some leeway. Our strategy was to have a dollar amount that I did not want to go below. I did not want to pay over $25,000 for the car. It did not matter where the discounts came from, but the bottom line or deal breaker was anything above $25,000. As it turned out, this was the last day of the month, which is usually a good time to buy a car because the dealerships are very competitive as to who has the best track record for the month and are sometimes willing to go lower to get the sale so it can be counted in this month’s sales

4. Ask for One More thing

I knew which car I wanted and knew that I would probably leave the showroom with that particular car. It was the color I wanted and had the special features that were on my wish list. However, I wanted to get the best financial deal possible. I was not planning on getting financing, but the zero financing was too good to pass up. When I was comparing the price to another smaller and cheaper car, I realized that with the financing costs of the other car, my car was actually cheaper in the long run. If the dealership absolutely says the price cannot go any lower, then see if something else can be added to the deal as a sweetener. Is there an accessory you want that could make the deal more attractive such as floor mats, or steering wheel cover? Be creative and flexible. If there are two similar cars, maybe you could switch to the better car for the price you are negotiating. Maybe you can negotiate service for the car. Your want list is only limited by your imagination.

5.Stick To Your Guns and Don’t Say Yes Right Away.

As my mother used to say, it does not hurt to ask; the worse that can happen is that they say no. If you think that they have made their final offer, stick to your guns and try one more round. In my case, I was trying to stay under $25,000. The dealer came back with a figure that was a couple hundred dollars more than the $25,000 with a plausible explanation that this was absolutely the lowest they could go. At that point, part of me wanted to accept that amount and just pay the $200, but I forced myself to say that I wanted the sales rep to go back one more time to see if he could come down to the $25,000. The dealer accepted that offer, probably, because it was the end of the month and the amount in question was relatively small. If they had been resolute on the price, I probably would have paid the higher price but they did not know that.

If you follow these rules for buying a car, you will be negotiating like a pro.

Copyright 2006 Mary Greenwood


About The Author

Mary Greenwood, J.D., LL.M: Arbitrator, Mediator, Author of How to Negotiate like a Pro, 41 Rules for Resolving Disputes Available at http://www.barnesandnoble.com or http://www.amazon.com or http://www.booksamillion.com ; Email me at: Howtonegotiatelikeapro@aol.com. Visit http://www.Howtonegotiatelikeapro.com or http://www.Marygreenwood.com

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