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- 2. © Copyright Automotive Guidelines - All Rights Reserved. No part of this report may be reproduced or transmitted in any form whatsoever, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any informational storage or retrieval system without expression written, dated and signed permission from the authors. DISCLAIMER AND/OR LEGAL NOTICES The Publisher has strived to be as accurate and complete as possible in the creation of this report, notwithstanding the fact that he does not warrant or represent at any time that the contents within are accurate due to the rapidly changing nature of the Internet. While all attempts have been made to verify information provided in this publication, the Publisher assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions, or contrary interpretation of the subject matter herein. Any perceived slights of specific persons, peoples, or organizations are unintentional. In practical advice books, like anything else in life, there are no guarantees of income made. Readers are cautioned to reply on their own judgment about their individual circumstances to act accordingly. This book is not intended for use as a source of legal, business, accounting or financial advice. All readers are advised to seek services of competent professionals in legal, business, accounting, and finance field. Know Anyone Else Who May Want This Autos Guide! You are granted full rights to give away or distribute this report to your friends, customers, subscribers, as a products, gift to your website visitors or/and gift on your newsletter.
- 3. Please Start By Reading This - Then Pass It On - "The man who can drive himself further once the effort gets painful is the man who will win." Roger Bannister - "The spirit, the will to win, and the will to excel are the things that endure. These qualities are so much important than the events that occur." Vince Lombardi - "Success in our calling is the result of a person's love of and belief in the work he has undertaken. Earnest and conscientious labor often accomplishes more in the end than the brilliant genius." Anonymous - "Food offered without affection is like food offered to the dead." Hindu Proverb - "What you have to do and the way have to do it incredibly simple. Whether you are willing to do it, that's another matter." Peter F. Drucker - The best motivation is self motivation. The guy says, "I wish someone would come by and turn me on." What if they don't show up? You've got to have a better plan for your life. Jim Rohn - "How does one measure time? No, not in days, months, or years. It is measured by the most precious of all things: Love. Without which all beings and things whether brave and/or beautiful would perish." Irish Blesshin
- 4. Table of Contents: - Tips to Buying a New Car...................................................................................................5 - The Basics To Buying A Used Car......................................................................................6 - How To Get A Bad Credit Car Loan...................................................................................7 - How to Spot a Good Car Lease...........................................................................................8 - Save Money By Properly Maintaining Your Car.................................................................9 - How to Installation a Car Stereo.........................................................................................10 - The Different Between Diesel Versus Gasoline..................................................................11 - How To Reduce Your Gas Prices........................................................................................12 - Save Time And Find Your New Car Online........................................................................12 - How To Improve Your Car's Fuel Efficiency......................................................................13 - Getting Thrifty Car Rentals.................................................................................................14 - The To Know Auto Lemon Laws........................................................................................15 - Newbies Guide to Buying a Motorcycle.............................................................................16 - How To Get Started With Boating.......................................................................................17 - Electric RC Cars for Fun and Excitement...........................................................................17 - How Road Rage Study May Help You Drive Safer............................................................19 - How Do Hybrid Vehicles Work?.........................................................................................20 - A Look Into Hybrid Trucks.................................................................................................21 - What To Look For In Motor Homes...................................................................................22 - Things To Consider When Buying An ATV Trailer............................................................23
- 5. Tips to Buying a New Car Everyone wants to buy a new car apart from providing pleasure it also improves the standard of living of a person. The growing models of new cars are making more and more difficult for a person to choose the best of the lot. Firstly understand which one is better for you leasing or buying. If you are planning to buy a new car soon update yourself with the automated information available on the internet. It would be a better option if you purchase your car through a new car dealer. The best time to buy a new car would probably be September and October this is the time when the new models cars arrive. Even if you have already decided the type of vehicle you will buy, make yourself 100% confident about the vehicle. A buyer is said to be in a key position during the entire buying process. Hence it is very important to be well informed about the product even before entering into dealership. You need to keep in mind certain points before you buy the car from a new car dealer. The following tips will help you to take proper decision before you buy your dream car. 1) How much can you afford: This is the most important decision you need to make even before selecting the vehicle. Money plays a very important role hence analyzing your budget is very important. 2) Shop and get the best rates and models from different dealers and compare them to find out the best which suits you. Also check out for information on the internet regarding the features and the prices of new vehicles. 3) Find out whether the amounts quoted are before or after the rebate is deducted. 4) Order a new car if you are not happy with the dealers lot. Make sure you make the best decision even though there is a delay. You can also bargain by 10% to 20% as dealers usually tend to add his incentives in the invoice price. Always remember that the dealer pays the factory invoice price to the manufacturer. 5) While purchasing a new car always consider an alternative fuel vehicle as your main commuting car. Another important consideration would be to check how much of the vehicle can be recycled once it has lived its usefulness. 6) Always be cautious about the add-ons the dealer might force you to buy. They are specially designed by the dealers to earn that extra income. 7) Always remember that the manufacturer usually offers a guarantee of 36 months with the automobile. However the dealer might defraud you to buy the warranty you already have. 8) Finally remember that all new car dealers are not scammers. Out of one million people who work for dealership most of them are honest, hardworking and reliable. You need to do a little car research if you want to get the best possible car at a reasonable price. If you are not happy with the dealer’s lot you are free to walk away.
- 6. Did u know? According to Consumer Reports, only 69 percent of women thoroughly research car prices before they buy, compared to 86 percent of men. The Basics To Buying A Used Car If you feel purchasing a new car is tricky, then buying a second hand car can be quite trickier. But don't fret just yet--with these guidelines to keep you on track, that used car could be one of the sweetest car deals you've ever had. Where to Look Snoop around. It pays to be on the lookout for owners wanting to shift to a newer model, and thus wanting to sell the car of your dreams. This is where your friends and family come in. Aside from referrals, they could more or less ensure that the price is reasonable and the car's ownership history is satisfactory. Asking the Right Questions Why are the owners letting the car go? Make sure that they are not selling due to any major problems. How long have they owned the car? Given proper maintenance, a five to seven year-old car would generally be in good condition. What repairs have been done, or are currently needed? How's the mileage? The lower the mileage, the better. However, a used car with more miles could be satisfactory, too. In this case, ask about the vehicle's use. Was it a family car limited to city driving? Does the car come with a warranty? Take Note of the following: Body rust or holes are difficult to repair. A body panel rusting through is to be replaced. Different paint shades from one panel to another, peeling and cracked paint, or smudges on other car part indicates a poor re-paint job, which needs to be re-done. Threadbare tires, chipped or cracked glass, the electrical work and what's beneath the hood should be given proper attention, too. Going Out for a Test Drive If it's a manual car, the clutch shouldn't slip. If the clutch slips, instead of being steady as it accelerates, the motor will be revved up as when using neutral. If this happens get yourself a new clutch! Is the exhaust not chugging out excess smoke and noise? The car may need some good motor repair, or some of the exhaust system parts replaced. Do the pothole test. Overly shaky rides could indicate a suspension problem, an alignment problem and or a tire problem. Always have a trusted mechanic or a car aficionado friend to thoroughly go over the car with you.
- 7. The Turn Over, at Last The number of previous owners, registration details, applicable taxes, and insurance papers - should all be properly documented. With the paperwork done and the payment terms agreed upon, you're ready to hit the road, and enjoy the ride! How To Get A Bad Credit Car Loan Do you need a car loan, but are afraid to try because of your credit rating. Those with bad credit tend to be turned down for loans, but you can find many ways around the technicalities and finance the car that you would like. First, you need to be honest with your dealer. See how much clout they really do have by telling them that you are worried about your credit rating. If they say no worries, then you can believe that they will do anything possible to get you the loan to sell the car. You should also know that there are other things that you can do to help yourself get the loan, but you may first want to search for a dealer willing to do practically anything. If you find that you really want a certain car, but then the dealer doesn't sound more than willing to help, then you should consider having a co-signer. The only thing is that sometimes it's hard to find someone willing to take a risk for you. You will find that some places will ask for a co-signer regardless. If you have a bad credit rating because of a lack of credit, you will still need a co-signer. Even though they are more likely to approve someone with low, rather than bad credit, you still should go to the dealer with a willing co-signer. Co-signers basically state someone sticking up for you and claiming that you're a responsible person, however, it does put their rating in jeopardy if you don't pay the bill on time. You should always thank your co-signer by acting responsible with the loan. If you don't have a co-signer, you may just want to ask your Credit Card Company or bank for a personal loan. If you take out a personal loan with a credit card company you will find that your rates are higher, but you usually get approved and with out a co-signer if you have a good relationship with them. If you pay your credit card on time, they will more likely take the risk on you, however, if you are a new member, they may not want to. You shouldn't try to get a personal loan through a credit card until you have been with the company for about a year and you have showed them that you can be a responsible person. When it comes to anyone getting a loan they are a liability for the creditor, however, with bad credit, you're worse than just a liability, you're unworthy. You should expect to be turned down for at least one loan; however, if you look in the right places you'll get approved by someone.
- 8. How to Spot a Good Car Lease Leasing has been lauded as your cheapest ticket to keep up with the industry’s hottest vehicles and trends. The jury, however, is still out on leasing: with the industry long on hype and short on detail, it is difficult to distinguish between a genuinely good deal and a downright up-selling exercise. So how do you spot a good deal? First, you need to find out if there are any down payments on the lease. A down payment refers to the lump sum amount that you pay upfront, either in cash, non-cash credit or trading allowance, to reduce your monthly payment. You should think twice before putting money down on a lease: not only are you getting a rough deal, as you’re essentially forfeiting the general rule of leasing: not putting any cash upfront, but the money is not recoupable at the end of your lease. There is another big disadvantage: in the event of your car getting damaged or stolen, you insurance and the gap cost will not cover the loss. Mileage Limit Most leasing companies allow you a limit of 45,000 free miles over the length of a 3-year lease. This may seem like a good deal at first sight, but when you consider it only comes to 15,000 miles over a 12 month period it’s not difficult to foresee why it might be difficult to stay within this limit. Even people working from home have little trouble putting 15,000 miles on their cars. If you exceed the mileage limit, the penalty for each excess mile can be as high as 20 cents. This can add up quickly over the length of your lease: an additional 4,000 miles a year over the length of a 3- years lease contract, will end up costing you an extra $2,400 in excess mileage charges! Be realistic about your mileage needs, especially if you have to regularly commute over long-distances, before you sign the contract. Consider padding the miles that you expect to use since it is less expensive to contract for the extra before you sign than it is to pay the extra charges at end of your lease. Sales Tax Sales tax is usually capitalized and added to the monthly payments. However, some dealers choose not to include it in their calculations to drive the advertised lease payments even lower. What they do instead is state in the small print that the monthly payment excludes “sales tax”. Make sure you carefully read the fine print for any extra, hidden costs not included in the advertised monthly payment. Unscrupulous fees that typically slip through the cracks include sales tax, registration and title fees.
- 9. Save Money By Properly Maintaining Your Car Did you know that you can substantially save a lot of money simply by doing a quick 10-20 minute checkup on your car each week? In this article, I will give you the information you need properly maintain your car and saving money that would otherwise be spent on expensive repairs. My first advice to you is that you need to read and understand your Owner’s Manual for each car that you own. Next, follow the tips below and inspect your car on a weekly basis (should take no more than 10-20 minutes). - If you can get someone to help you just for minute or two then get them to watch your lights and turn signals to make sure they are all working properly. - Look at your tires and make sure that they look good without cracks or cuts. You need also to check the air pressure in each tire with a gauge. The tire will have a psi pressure on it and it will also be printed in your manual. Tire pressure is very important to the control of the vehicle. - Look at your belts and hoses for cracks and tears and replace as needed. Also check your hoses for any leaks. - Check the oil in your engine with the vehicle "not running". Pull out the stick and wipe it off then replace the stick in the engine and then pull it out again and check the level. Add proper oil if needed and be sure to change your oil and filter every 3000 miles. - Look under your car and look for any fluid leaks. Fluid leaks are the most common failure of vehicles. The vehicle needs all of its fluids and when it leaks the leaking part can fail at great expense. - Check your battery. Your battery will have two flat covers on the top. Pull each cover off and check to make sure there is enough water in each cell. Put distilled water in batteries. Also check the connections and if they are corroded you will need to take them off and clean them with a wire brush. - Check your brakes. The brake master cylinder is normally mounted on the fire wall just on front of the driver. It has a flat cap on it and it just pops off. Make sure that your brake fluid is kept full and if you keep having to add fluid you need to check for a leak in the brake system. This is very important as a brake failure can get you killed. - Check your power steering. The power steering unit will be located on the front of the engine and it normally has a screw on cap that has a short stick gauge attached to it. The power steering unit is a closed system and you want to be very careful not to over fill the unit. If you have a power steering failure the vehicle will be hard to steer and control. - If you vehicle has a transmission stick pull it out and wipe it off. Replace it in the transmission and then pull it out and check the level and condition. The fluid should be red in color and full on the stick. You should have your transmission filter and fluid changed about every 30,000 miles unless you live in a very hot or very cold climate. If you live in a harsh climate you need to change your fluid and filter at least once a year. Note that you should be careful to keep your hands and any foreign objects away from the fan and the belts while the engine is running. It is best to have a professional car technician help you out if you are doing this for the first time.
- 10. By following the above tips and advice, you can quickly and easily inspect your car each week and save a lot of money by having a longer-lasting, more durable car! How to Installation a Car Stereo Want to save some money? Ever wonder if you could do a car stereo installation yourself? Yes, you can do it yourself! Go ahead, spend that money on your hardware! Don’t spend it on labor. Besides, doing a car stereo installation yourself can be a very rewarding experience, not to mention you can learn a lot from it too. Nothing beats the feeling of seeing your “creation” in action, running smoothly and perfectly. But be very careful, you really won’t want to damage your expensive hardware. Well, most car audio hardware are no-brainers to install, you’d find that most of the time the parts have specially shaped sockets and slots etc. and would only fit where it’s supposed to be installed. Still, it’s best to proceed methodically. In a car stereo installation, you have to determine what kind of rig you’re going to put into your vehicle. If you’re a beginner, it’s best you do a car stereo installation if it’s just a simple system. You may want to leave the complicated stuff to the professionals, like installing delicate equipment like LCD panels, motorized parts etc. especially if it requires the creation of custom panels and such. Head units are one of the easiest to do in a car stereo installation. Fortunately, most units follow the same size standards (DIN). In many cars, once the factory radio is removed the aftermarket radio will fit in the hole. In many other cars, a kit is needed if the factory hole is too big, or not deep enough. In some cases the dash has to be cut. Any car stereo store should have kits required for installation. There are two types of mounting in a car stereo installation. ISO mounting is when the radio can be screwed to existing factory radio brackets, such as in most Japanese cars. Ring mounting is when an aftermarket radio comes with a metal ring that gets mounted to the factory radio hole or aftermarket kit via bendable tabs. In many cars, dash and trim rings have to be filed to enlarge the radio hole. Once the ring is installed, the radio slides in and is held by snaps. In most cases, special tools are required to remove the radio. Speakers are very critical in a car stereo installation. No matter how expensive your speakers are, if they are not properly installed, the sound will not be up to par. In a simple car stereo installation, you’ll probably be using speakers that fit into a factory location. Just make sure there are no gaps or holes. Sometimes building a wood or fiberglass baffle helps reduce holes and gives you much better sound. But always be careful when using power tools around speakers. Car stereo installation warranties usually don't cover holes in speakers. For unconventional speaker locations, sometimes metal has to be cut. You might want to leave this to the professionals, tools like plasma cutters and pneumatics drills are required. But if you’re going to insist, a pair of metal snips (left and right cut) will do.
- 11. A car stereo installation has to put up with vibrations and other noise sources in its environment. Even though it is impossible to eliminate these completely, there are products that will greatly decrease the noise and rattling, particularly on non-luxury cars. Liners, sprays and adhesive strips and even carpeting applied onto the panels can make a world of difference. The Different Between Diesel Versus Gasoline A diesel engine will go much farther on a gallon of fuel that the standard gasoline engine because of their designs, and due to the higher energy density of a gallon of diesel fuel. But, it also takes a bit more oil to manufacture a gallon of diesel than a gallon of gas, with the production and refining processes for diesel producing more gases that trap heat. Therefore, when you consider the relative merits of deisel and gas cars, try knocking the MPG estimates for the diesel car down by 20 percent. A diesel vehicle will cost you a bit more, so you'll get more bang for your buck from a gasoline vehicle. The nasty rumors you hear about diesel are true as well - diesel is less refined than gas, or in other terms it's dirtier. Diesel vehicles also emit more particulate matter and NOx, both of which are serious health hazards and air pollutants. Current diesel engines are more polluting per each mile they are driven than gas engines. Using biodiesel on the other hand, will improve this situation. If biodiesel is available in your area, you'll still need to examine whether a diesel is the right vehicle for you. When you consider the facts, you have to ask yourself which models you can afford, what is the MPG, will engine be succifient for you, and the number of passengers the vehicle will accommodate. Then, given your budget, you cango from there. There are numerous gas and diesel vehicles available, all you have to do is decide whichone is right for you. If you research carefully,you'll have the perfect vehicle for your entirefamily. How To Reduce Your Gas Prices Gasoline prices have seen its highs just recently. It seems for a moment that there would be no let up for the recent experience of rising of gas prices. It is a good thing that the price of crude oil might have gone down a bit. But it seems that this might just be for a little moment. There would be no guarantee that the recent rise in gas prices already had reached its plateau and on the way of going down. It would only be some time before the crude oil prices may again be rising to record levels. Although the demand for oil in the world has gone down a bit, it does not mean that less and less people might need it. In fact, the demand for oil is still great and that this demand may once again bring a rise in crude oil and gas prices.
- 12. And with the recent rise in gas prices, car driving has become quite an expensive activity. Cars, for the most part, are a necessity for a great number of people. Only a few might be thinking of giving up driving because of the high gas prices. More people would instead be thinking of surviving the recent rise of gas prices. Surviving for some might be applying some means of saving up on the fuel used when driving. One way that this can be done effectively is by improving the car’s mileage. Apart from buying a new car with better mileage, it can also be possible to improve the mileage of your current car. Here are some tips that might help you out. A car’s mileage can be substantially improved by simply becoming more efficient at car driving. Efficient car driving is developing careful but effective driving skills. Avoiding aggressive driving may be one. Driving aggressively is handling or driving the car with sudden accelerations and braking which can waste a substantial amount of fuel. You can waste from 5 to 33 percent of fuel of your car. This waste can add up pretty much and can worsen with the rising gas prices. Surviving the rising gas prices can mean driving more carefully and avoiding sudden accelerations and stops. Driving this way can help improve gas mileage. Another way to improve the car’s gas mileage is by getting rid of accumulated excess weight. Some cars can easily accumulate a lot of junk inside its trunk over time. Some people may just ignore them, but the excess weight can actually lessen the car’s mileage. By simply making the car lighter by removing some unwanted weight, using less gas on each trip may be possible. Carrying extra weight on the car means that it may require more power and energy to move. The extra energy needed means more fuel being used. Just by getting rid of the heavy junk or extra weight inside the car may be more than enough to help improve gas mileage. Another way to maintain a car’s good mileage is to have it regularly checked. Cars may go through wear and tear every time it is being used. Over time, this could accumulate and affect the car’s mileage. One way of trying to prevent this is by following a car’s preventive maintenance schedule. Most cars follow a certain maintenance schedule that allows them to remain efficient over time by keeping it properly maintained. A well maintained car can still enjoy good mileage even after many years on the road. Regular maintenance checks will allow even an aging car to be properly tuned up can help it run with good mileage. That can greatly help car owners survive the rising gasoline prices along the way. Save Time And Find Your New Car Online For many people, car shopping can be a frustrating, time-consuming and inconvenient experience. The good news is that with a little know-how you can use the Internet to turn what might otherwise be overwhelming into a manageable, even enjoyable experience. The Web is an excellent resource to help reduce the stress of car shopping and increase the likelihood of finding exactly the vehicle you are looking for. The online shopping search starts with thinking about the basic things you want in a new car. Ask yourself, "Do I want a new, used or certified preowned vehicle?" and "Would I prefer a car, SUV or truck?"
- 13. It's also important to ask "Do I have a favorite vehicle manufacturer?" and "If I buy a used vehicle, how important is the vehicle's current mileage to me?" Narrowing your preferences on at least a few of these items will minimize frustration and help lead you in the right direction. Next, you need to know where to go. Visit consumer-friendly Web sites such as Edmunds.com, Auto Trader.com and AOL for news, reviews and comprehensive vehicle overviews. The Internet allows you to shop for cars in your area on your own schedule, when you have time, without regard for the dealerships' hours of operation. Automotive Web sites that allow you to save car listings and searches will help you save even more time, since you can go back to where you left off instead of starting fresh each time you visit. Once you have reduced your search to a few select vehicles, do a side-by-side comparison of the cars. With just a few clicks, you can quickly compare up-to-date vehicle information and reviews, features and benefits and costs of several vehicles. More information in less time is a bargain any consumer can appreciate. Want your own customized shopping experience? Automotive Web sites such as AutoTrader.com allow you to personalize your car search. Registered users of the "My AutoTrader.com" function, listed on the company's homepage, can save up to 10 searches and up to 25 cars in their personal space and refer back to the searches at a later date. In addition, the comparison tool allows you to compare your top three car choices. How To Improve Your Car's Fuel Efficiency Not everyone buys their cars based on the car fuel efficiency alone, but it would be safe to presume that it is one of the foremost considerations. It is much more than a mere technical obsession. The running cost of the car, not to mention the maintenance aspect, depends solely on the car fuel efficiency. One of the very first questions that car users ask each other is, “What is your car fuel efficiency?” And naturally! Everyone who drives a car is bound to be concerned about car fuel efficiency. Most people whine and cry about their car fuel efficiency, but seldom do little else! People believe that it is the responsibility of the car manufacturer or the mechanic to keep the car performing at its optimum efficiency. But little do they realize that there is a whole lot that they themselves can do to ensure their car fuel efficiency. If you drive on a very low gear for instance when a higher gear would work just as well, it is natural that the fuel efficiency will drop. So learning to understand the efficiency levels of driving and following them well will go a long way in ensuring car fuel efficiency. For one thing, they can drive carefully and in accordance with the manual for efficiency. The car manual exists for a reason. And that is to ensure that the gear changes and the driving speeds work in tandem to give your car the maximum fuel efficiency. Another way to increase the fuel efficiency is to use the air conditioning in the car only when it is absolutely critical. This way, not only can you make your car go longer on lesser fuel, but you can also ensure that your battery life is enhanced.
- 14. So remember to drive with your windows open for the purpose of ventilation rather than close all windows and set the air conditioning on full blast. It is a matter of dollars and sense! Still another way to ensure that your car is fuel efficient is to ensure that you have filled your tires to the optimum level. If your tires are not filled with enough air, the friction levels increase dramatically. When this happens, it takes more power for the car to move the same distance than say, when the tires are filled to the optimum level and make the car travel along smoother. Although this is clearly specified in the manual, not many people pay heed to it. Following these simple steps will surely increase your car fuel efficiency. Getting Thrifty Car Rentals When planning to travel to other countries or even just to a different state, car rental has always been a must especially for traveling business men who need to go to one place to another. However, is spite of whatever “status” they may have, business men as well as ordinary travelers still opt to find and avail of the most thrifty car rentals that they could find. Thrifty car rentals usually abound, whether it be on directories, the internet or wherever it is that you can find service advertisements. It really just a matter of choosing the best thrifty car rental for you and your needs. Convenience is always a must whenever a person travels, this is pretty much while a lot of people opt to avail of thrifty car rentals, aside from having the convenience of being able to go whichever place they want without the hassle of hopping from one kind of mass transportation to another, they still get good value for their money. A good example of a reputable thrifty car rental service company in the country is the Alamo car rental company. A lot of people actually recommend availing its thrifty car rental service, because of aside from being practical, they provide good and efficient service to their customers. From providing their customers with a wide range of vehicles to choose from, cars, RVs, basically just whatever type of vehicle that you may need for you travels. They also have various travel programs that you can choose from, this thrifty car rental has actually created various customer programs to suit each and every one’s needs and demands. From corporate programs to government contractor programs, thrifty car rentals surely is their line of expertise. Another good reason for choosing the Alamo car rental service as your thrifty car rental option, is their strict adherence to quality of service, they’ve really made a name fro themselves by making sure that their customers needs are always kept and they’ve made it a point to keep their good customer feedback by assuring their customers (as well as those who are just browsing) that they provide quality, yet thrifty car rentals. Thrifty car rentals should never really be a hassle to your traveling needs (or demands), it is pretty easy to land on a huge list of companies that are able to provide quality yet thrifty car rentals. Just be sure to keep a keen eye on the companies that you are choosing from, unfortunately, is spite of a lot of thrifty car rentals who really do try to make an honest living by providing good, quality service to its customers, some sleazy thrifty car rentals still circulate in the market.
- 15. Be sure to be cautious still when choosing, some may offer really low rates but their cars may be not of real good quality, simply put, the reason why they’re offering thrifty car rentals may be because of their defective cars. Look out for "signs" when you’re choosing. Ask around, from your family, friends, colleagues and especially your travel agent in which of these thrifty car rentals would they actually recommend. Weigh out your options based on your needs, wants and most importantly, you budget. Of course, having a limited budget shouldn’t really just force you to end up settling with just any thrifty car rental service, shelling out a little more may not really hurt you. In the end, when it comes to looking for thrifty car rentals, it really is more of the quality of service that they provide which should matter to you. The To Know Auto Lemon Laws Generally, there are three pieces of legislation that you are to be acquainted with if you ever have to deal with a lemon car case (God forbid!). They include state lemon laws (sometimes referred to as warranty laws) that show differences as you move from one state to another, the Federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act and Uniform Commercial Code (UCC). If your state lemon law does not cover your case, you can safeguard your rights by going to the latter two. Now let's have a closer look at these laws. A state lemon law is legislation that applies to the vehicles with persistent defect(s) and defines in what cases the manufacturer breached the warranty and what the consumer is entitled to if the warranty is breached. Normally, the customer has the right to claim a refund or a new replacement. The lemon law is effective only if the vehicle comes with an express written warranty and during the warranty period. In most states it covers new cars that have been purchased to be used for family, personal or household purposes. A car bought for business purposes is not covered by the state lemon law, but can be refunded or replaced under the Magnuson-Moss Act or Uniform Commercial Code (UCC). Usually, when you are reduced to seeking justice, the action that you have to take depends on the state where you bought or registered your vehicle. In some of them, launching a written complaint is enough, while in others you will have to hire an attorney. Anyway, if your car dealer or manufacturer are unable to satisfy your claim, you first go to the arbitration and, if necessary, to court of law to resolve the dispute. And it is a manufacturer, not a car dealer, that you take to court. The Magnuson-Moss Act is a federal lemon law. It is a forebear of all state laws and serves as recourse, when state laws don't help. Its mission is to protect the buyer from manufacturer's breaching warranty. If your attorney chooses to sue under the Magnuson-Moss Act, the manufacturer is to recover your attorney's fees (if you win the case). It refers to the vehicles and other personal property priced $25 and higher purchased “for purposes other than resale”. The law was enforced in 1975 and covers the products that were acquired after July 4 that year.
- 16. The Magnuson-Moss Act deals with both “full” and “limited” warranties. The case can be taken to court with a valid cause of action even after the warranty has expired as long as the defect appeared in the vehicle during the period of warranty. And last but not least is Uniform Commercial Code (UCC). This law grants the customer the right to claim a refund or a new vehicle replacement, if the defect(s) present in the car have proved to continue after several attempts ("a reasonable amount of attempts") have been made to repair the inoperable part. The threshold of proof is defined by a particular state law. When and if you decide to take action against lemon makers, you can study the laws and do it yourself, but it can be wise to hire an attorney, who can do it quicker and more efficient with his fees recovered by the manufacturer. Newbies Guide to Buying a Motorcycle The web has an incredible amount of motorcycle information online. Now you can easily find your dreamed motorcycle with the help of online search. Online sites allow you to search according to the category, price, model, location of the auto dealers of the motorcycle and many more. It’s like bringing auto dealer at your door step you don’t have to go an search at any auto dealer for finding the motorcycle of your choice. Before you buy a motorcycle it’s very important to make a decision about what exactly are you looking for it will save your time and energy. As there are many types of motorcycles are available. The mainly difference is in their engines and weight capacity. It’s always good to buy a heavy motorcycle. Those who can’t afford the new motorcycle can go for used one they are always in good condition and even in used motorcycle you can find a wide range. So you can easily find motorcycle according to your choice and in your budged. You can even find motorcycles designed for children called as mini motorcycles. If you are looking for a unique motorcycle it’s always good to buy a custom made one that is designed according to your specifications and it will be in your budget. As compare to other powered vehicles motorcycle is a good mean of transportation. Because of the smaller engine motorcycle has a good mileage and even it’s easy for servicing. Always get insured your motorcycle from good insurance company how is specialize in motorcycle insurance and offers you a reasonable rates in the market.
- 17. How To Get Started With Boating One of the best things about boating is the fact that there are many boats designed for many different activities. For the majority of boaters, a general purpose craft that serves as a fish, ski, and picnic boat is ideal. To help you narrow down your search, ask yourself how you plan to use the boat. Fishing, cruising, water skiing, watersports, racing, or a bit of everything is what you should be wondering. There is a boat out there for you, all you have to do is find it. Finding the right size Finding the right size of boat depends on how many people you'll have boating with you and where you plan to go. All new boats have an "NMMA capacity plate" that wil you how many people you can safely have on the boat at a time. If you plan to use a trailer, you shouldn't get a boat bigger than 26 feet in length. Power needs Those who plan to water ski will need more power while those planning to fish will need less. The boaters of today will also be able to choose from new engines that are more efficient in fuel and very friendly to the environment as well. Boat costs There are boats for every type of budgets. Many new boat owners are very surprised to find that they can get their dream boat for much less than they ever expected. You can get new or used boats at a reputable dealership with financing, taking advantage of low monthly payments. Boating can be a lot of fun, as you long as you don't go overboard when you first begin. There is a lot to know about boats, costs, and types, which is something you'll learn over the years. Always have fun - and you'll enjoy boating for many, many years. Electric RC Cars for Fun and Excitement Electric RC cars and trucks are generally considered best for beginners, since even if you choose to build your own car, they tend to be simpler and easier than nitro cars. They’re also a great deal quieter and run much cleaner, meaning you’re less restricted by where you can run them. In terms of speed and power, they do have a great deal of pickup, though not as much as the nitro cars. Electric RC cars use rechargeable battery packs to power their motor and steering, which are usually recharged from a 12-volt car battery or wall socket.
- 18. Batteries run for about 5-10 minutes, depending on the type of engine your car has, and charging the battery usually takes 15-30 minutes. Because of this, it is strongly recommended you have at least two battery packs, to allow for quick replacement of the battery. This means your car can keep running while the other battery is recharging, giving the car more overall running time. At first glance, getting started with an electric RC car can be much less expensive than a nitro vehicle. But there are other costs to consider as well, such as additional battery packs, a battery charger and other accessories that will add to the cost, making it closer to the price of a nitro car in the long run. Of course, this cost also depends on what kind of car you end up purchasing and what kind of battery pack it requires, as well as how often you run the car and the quality of the batteries you get. Though the initial outlay of cash can be steep, but you’ll want to get quality battery packs and a good charger to save replacing cheaper batteries. The main reason electric RC’s are said to be easier than nitro is in the amount of maintenance and tuning their engines require. Though the care, maintenance and cost of battery packs is steep, it is still less trouble for the new driver than the air filters, tuning, fueling and various other engine parts that require attention on a nitro car. Instead, careful conditioning and proper storage of your battery packs will keep your electric RC running smoothly for years. Always consult your manufacturer’s instructions to make sure you’re getting the right battery packs for your car, and that you’re caring for them properly. Easier and cleaner, electric RC cars and trucks offer the genuine racing experience to the beginner on an easy learning curve. Proper conditioning and maintenance of the car and its battery packs are still easier than the many parts and problems often associated with nitro RC’s. If you’re a beginner, or if you just want to get to the races, an electric RC can offer you the speed and fun you’re after for less work. Also keep in mind that if you think you’d prefer an electric RC, but still want the experience of building your own car, that you can also purchase electric kits. These include complete instructions to build your own car from scratch, and because their systems are less complex than the nitro cars, they are a little easier to build yourself. Electric RC Car Motors In order to prevent unnecessary wear and tear on your electric motor, it is important to always break in your motor, before you drive it for the first time, and every time after you change its brushes. One easy method is to run the vehicle with the wheels off of the ground at about 1/4 power for about 5 minutes. This will slowly get the brushes fully seated to the commutator without causing wear and tear on the engine, and will allow your motor to run at its full potential. Your electric car will come with instructions on how to change the brushes on the motor, as well guidelines for how often. Remember, if you change the brushes on your motor, be sure to break it in again. How often you replace the brushes—and the motor, for that matter—depends on where and how much you’re running or racing your car. Generally, a motor should be replaced after it has gone through five or more pairs of brushes, but it will always depend on the individual car, its motor and how well they’re running.
- 19. How Road Rage Study May Help You Drive Safer Road rage has become a way of life, both on and off the track. And more and more, in cities across America, people are acting out their frustrations on our roadways with dangerous results. It's bad for professional and everyday drivers alike. In a new study sponsored by the Affinion Group and its AutoVantage automobile membership club, drivers from 20 major metropolitan areas in the U.S. were surveyed to learn more about consumer views on road rage. "This new study focuses on important attitudes and habits of drivers on the open road nationwide," said Brad Eggleston, vice president of AutoVantage. "This groundbreaking research is an important tool to help educate and influence safer driving habits throughout the United States." The study showed the cities with the worst road rage were Miami, Phoenix, New York, Los Angeles and Boston. Most courteous cities were Minneapolis, Nashville, St. Louis, Seattle and Atlanta. When asked the major causes of road rage in the survey, the most frequent theme was people being in a hurry, running late, being impatient and/or speeding, with stress, frustration and bad moods also contributing. Behaviors by other drivers that cause stress for commuters, and that can lead to road rage, include driving too fast (57 percent observe this happening every day), tailgating (50 percent see this every day) and cutting over without notice (44 percent see this every day). Commuters reported that other drivers frequently talk on their cell phones (98 percent observe this at least once a week), run red lights (59 percent observe this at least once a week) and slam on the brakes (54 percent see this happening at least once a week). As a reaction to rude or bad driving by others, people surveyed reported that they honked their horn at the offending driver (40 percent), cursed at the other driver (32 percent), waved their fist or arms (9 percent), made an obscene gesture (8 percent) or called the police to report the driver (5 percent). Overall, 30 percent said they see drivers doing other things like putting on makeup, shaving or reading while driving. Los Angeles (43 percent) emerged as the city where this is most likely to be seen, while Seattle (18 percent) emerged as the place where this behavior is least likely. Bobby Hamilton, a spokesman for AutoVantage, was the 2004 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Champion after achieving four career NASCAR Winston Cup Series victories. He founded Bobby Hamilton Racing, which owns and operates three trucks in the NASCAR Circuit. The most courteous cities are Minneapolis, Nashville and St. Louis. Least courteous: Miami, Phoenix and New York.
- 20. How Do Hybrid Vehicles Work? How many times have you pulled up to the pumps lately only to be shocked at the price of gasoline? Suddenly your $25 tank of gas is costing $40. Have you considered trading your vehicle in for something that gets better fuel economy? How about a Hybrid vehicle? If you’ve ever wondered “how do hybrid vehicles work?” read on. Hybrid vehicles address two issues – global warming by reducing emissions and reduced fuel costs. There are lots of different hybrid designs showing up on the market, so understanding how they work is very important to getting the best value for your money. If you have ever owned a moped, you can proudly consider yourself a first generation hybrid owner because they combine pedal power and gasoline. Hybrid vehicles really aren’t that new a concept. You’ll find them all around you in commercial use. Giant mining trucks, submarines, buses, and even train engines all have a fuel source and an electrical source of power. Most of the hybrid vehicles we are seeing on the market are gasoline and electric hybrids. This means they use both gas and electricity to power them. The two power sources can be combined in different ways. The parallel hybrid has a fuel tank which supplies fuel to the engine and a set of batteries which supplies power to the electric motor. Both sources are able to turn the transmission. The series hybrid is a little different. The gasoline engine turns a generator which can either power the electric motor that drives the transmission or charge the batteries. In this type of hybrid the gas engine never directly powers the vehicle. With a hybrid car the gas engine can be a lot smaller than in a conventional car so it can be a lot more efficient. Acceleration requires a larger engine to produce the power needed, but by using a smaller engine and combining it with the assistance of an electrical motor that is operating at peak load the acceleration needs of a vehicle can be met. Hybrid vehicles also capture the energy from the braking system. When the brake is applied, energy is removed from the car and dissipated as heat which is then captured and stored in the batteries for later use. Hybrid cars also have an automatic shutoff, so when the vehicle comes to a stop the engine is shut off and then restarts automatically when the accelerator is touched. This conserves energy that would be wasted when idling. Depending on the manufacture, the technology is used in various forms but the basics remain simple. Hybrid technology in the consumer auto market is still relatively new but will continue to develop and improve. Hybrid vehicles work efficiently to reduce tailpipe emissions and improve mileage. So if you are in the market for a new vehicle you might want to have a look at the hybrids.
- 21. A Look Into Hybrid Trucks With the increasing concern about environmental issues such as pollution and global warming, as well as the unbelievable rise in the price of gasoline, it is no wonder that hybrid vehicles are gaining popularity. Hybrid cars have been relatively common for years, with hybrid Sport Utility Vehicles in close competition, but what about hybrid trucks? We don't see those too often. Automotive manufacturing giant General Motors, however, believes that will change. In 2005, GM introduced hybrid versions of the Chevy Silverado and the GMC Sierra in Florida, California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, and Alaska. In 2006 the company made the vehicles available nationwide. These hybrid pickup trucks have 5.3 liter V-8 engines which have exactly the same amount of power and torque as there non-hybrid counterparts (295 horsepower, 325 pound/feet of torque). They can carry the same size loads, tow the same weights, and accelerate to the same degree that regular non-hybrid GM pickup trucks can. And they do it all while providing the most efficient gas mileage of any full-sized pickup on the market—about 20 miles per gallon on the highway. These hybrid trucks also feature a 2400 watt generator that can be used to power electrical devices, making them ideal for contractors or construction workers. When compared to the Toyota Prius, a small hybrid car that gets 50 miles per gallon, 20 mpg might not sound like much. It is in fact only about a 10 percent difference from the fuel consumption of regular non-hybrid GM trucks. This is because the Prius is what is known as a “full hybrid,” which means that its internal combustion engine can shut off completely when the car is idle or driving at low speeds, relying solely on battery power and drastically improving fuel efficiency. This type of fuel savings is great, but it requires a significant compromise of power, which is something that the general pickup truck owner simply will not stand for. Many truck owners use their vehicles for work related purposes, such as hauling heavy loads, and it is essential that a hybrid pickup truck be able to do this. If automotive manufacturers sacrifice power to gain fuel economy in hybrid trucks, their customers will disappear. Acutely aware of this, General Motors has decided that a little improvement is better than none at all. Hybrid Cars and Trucks and the Environment With fossil fuel emissions at levels of billions of tons per year and global warming becoming increasingly obvious, it is clear that sooner or later something must be done. For decades, scientists and researchers have tried to find alternative fuel sources, but there simply was nothing as convenient as the old standby—oil. The oil infrastructure is so vast and developed that is has become impossible to think of cars without thinking of gasoline, and many Americans are loath to change. But they must. Every major city in the country—New York, Chicago, Houston, Atlanta, and most notably Las Angeles—is plagued by pollution. The cities are shrouded by smog, there are pollution warnings on weather reports, and at times it is impossible even to take a deep breath without noticing that something is wrong with the air. This is not a world that most of us want to live in.
- 22. But if more people are willing to take the plunge and buy a hybrid car or truck, the effects over time will be enormous. A hybrid truck might be more expensive initially, but the fuel savings will soon make it worthwhile. And as hybrid technology improves, the cost of these vehicles will no doubt be reduced, making the future a lot brighter, and a lot less smoggy, for the next generation of Earthlings. What To Look For In Motor Homes Whether you are purchasing or just renting one of the motorhomes that are available for sale or rent, there are several things you should look for. First of all, best motorhomes are reliable. The manufacturer should be a trustworthy company that builds vehicles that don’t break too often. Motorhomes should also be comfortable to make sure that they can provide you and your family the possibility to take the enjoyable and relaxing trip. Motorhomes that you look at should suit all your personal and family needs and should include all the necessary amenities and equipment. Since there is such a wide variety of motorhomes offered for sale or for rent, you can be sure that you will find the one that will satisfy all your requirements. First of all, you should make sure that you consider only the motorhomes with appropriate size and number of beds. Motorhomes will also usually include several seats and a table that can be used as a dining table. You will also find different kitchen amenities in motorhomes. For example, you might want to consider motorhomes that include a kitchen sink, water system with hot and cold water, microwave, refrigerator (very useful for long trips), gas stove or oven (check the gas bottle specifications) and inside or outside grill. Most of the motorhomes will usually include a large storage section (many times with outside access). If you are planning to purchase a motorhome, you should create a list of different motorhomes that you like and compare them. After comparing technical specification, you might want to check the feedback written by other owners of these types of motorhomes. All you need for that is access to Internet and the model numbers for several best motorhomes that you selected from the list. There are many technical motorhomes review websites that will allow you to find out what different owners think about specific models of motorhomes and how good their experience is with these motorhomes. This will usually help you to make the final selection.
- 23. Things To Consider When Buying An ATV Trailer ATV trailer is the mode of transport to drag your ATV from one place to another. By using appropriate type of trailer, one can easily transport ATV with proper care, convenience, and expediency. The use of trailer has lessened down the stress and anxiety of moving your ATV whenever you are going on a trip with family or friends. There are few components in an ATV trailer like trailer hitch, hitch ball, ball mount, and safety chain which are specially created for the safety of your ATV. ATV trailers possess the capability of transporting maximum 6 ATVs at a single time. Points To Be Considered While Using ATV Trailers The method of using ATV trailers to move the ATVs from one place to another is not an easy task like riding a bicycle or driving a car, rather it is a challenging driving if your way is full of changing lanes. Therefore, there are few things to be taken into consideration while using ATV trailers. a - You should not hit the brake pedal harshly because your trailer will not cease as expeditiously as your car will cease. b - You should avoid driving your car with high speed if you are having ATV trailer at the back of your car as your high speed will worse the sway of the trailer. What to Consider While Buying ATV trailers a - While purchasing a new ATV trailer, you should always keep the below-mentioned points in mind in order to take the benefit of your trailer for long span of time. b - While planning to buy an ATV trailer, make sure the load and size of the trailer are adequate, as there are some ATV trailers that have the capacity of carrying more than one ATV whereas some can carry heavier loads than others. The maximum capacity of the trailer to carry ATVs is six in number. After getting a clear picture of the trailer required, you should place an order for it. c - There is a wide variety of ATV trailers in the market in terms of pricing, therefore it is always suggested to survey the market before buying it in order to save some dollars and should get the best. There is also an option of buying used trailers, which are generally advertised in the classifieds of newspapers or on the Internet. But it is always recommended to buy the fresh trailers else you should analyze the working condition of the old trailer properly. d - There are many websites that deal in the business of ATV trailers, therefore, it is always recommended to go for the reputable and renowned websites. You should always survey the online companies by going through the testimonials and reviews of their old or existing customers in order to get the idea about their products and services. You can even visit the online companies that are devoted in the production of trailers and can also order a trailer according to your suggested design and requirement. e - It is always recommended to ensure about the durability and strength of the trailer before starting it to use. For this, you can examine the quality of the structural beams with which the axles are attached because the complete load of the trailer will be held up by them.
- 24. You should also analyze the cross members which have to be strong and well-built otherwise if they will get bent then will end up in the cracking of the couplings or joints. f - Proper care should be taken while loading and uploading the ATVs in order to prevent any type of damage or destruction. Hence, having ATV trailer at the back of your car will really make your trip easy and adventurous while visiting to the new places. Success Is Yours! Best Regards, Garry Wilty.