Saturday, January 30, 2010

Air Deflectors For Your Vehicle

Placing a new air deflector on your car is a wise decision. Bugs, road debris, and rocks can all macerate your hood or even break your windshield. Within moments your trip upstate has come to a screeching halt because of what was tossed up in the air by the vehicle in front of you while you were cruising down the highway. An air deflector might have sent that stone harmlessly to the side or up and over the roof of your car. Instead, your windshield took a direct hit. Let’s take a look at all of the advantages of an air deflector and how installing one is a cost effective solution.

# An air deflector doesn’t have to cost you a bunch of money and when you consider what you save in replacement glass, it pays for itself right away.

# Air deflectors also help manage bug splatter the same way. You understand how it is to drive around at dusk in some areas of the back country: you get hit by swarm after swarm of the largest insects. Your wipers work overtime and, yet, still the bugs still come. An air deflector pushes bugs to the side, away from your windshield so you can see clearly.

# An air deflector is easy to install; no special tools are needed.

# Air deflectors are stylish too.

When purchasing an air deflector for your vehicle, you can order one that will fit your particular make and model. There is no one sized fits all air deflector; they are custom sized to give you the right fit every time.

Top manufacturers include Lund, Ventshade, and GT Styling. Deflectors are made of polycarbonate construction to ensure that they last long and can withstand all weather and road conditions.

http://www.fanfiction.net/u/2233183/

Air Compressors - Helpful Attachments For Air Compressors

Let’s say you finally go to the store and invest in an air compressor. You’ve heard how great air compressors are and how helpful for home improvement they are, and you have decided that, with all the home repairs on your “To Do” list, a compressor will come in handy. Once you bring it home, however, do you know what to do with it? How exactly do you plan to utilize your tank of pressurized air? Perhaps one of a variety of handy attachments will be just what you need to begin your home repairs.

First, invest in quick connect couplers and an inflation kit. Any tools you buy will require the couplers in order to be connected to the air hose, and if your kid’s bicycle tire goes flat or he’s dying to have his brand new pool toy inflated, you’ll be glad you bought the inflation kits.

Have you ever struggled to scrub away stubborn dirt from the wheel well of your car, or laboriously tried to wipe away all the dust and cobwebs from a piece of stored furniture? If so, a blo-gun is what you need to invest in. You’ll be surprised with all the uses you find for your blo-gun. Just be sure never to point it at exposed flesh.

A nail gun is another attachment never to point at exposed flesh; however, if you’re tired of wasting energy banging away with a hammer, let your air compressor do the work for you and invest in a nail gun. You could also use an air hammer or an air drill to do jobs around the house faster and easier.

An air stapler is an energy saving attachment much like the nail gun, and you’ll be surprised at what you can find to staple. Perhaps your roof needs re-shingling? A heavy duty air stapler may be the time-saving convenience that you’re looking for.

If you like to work on cars, an air ratchet wrench or impact wrench can make your job a whole lot easier.

Even if you don’t do body work on automobiles, an air sander and a sandblaster are attachments that can come in handy. Rather than laboriously scraping away old paint chips when you repaint your house, you could save time and the strength in your arm with an air sander or a sandblaster.

Once you start to actually paint your house, a paint gun may be just what you need to cut your labor time in half and improve the quality of your workmanship.

As you can tell by the aforementioned examples, air compressors start to look a lot less daunting and a lot more promising when you realize the time and energy they can save you if you invest in a few handy attachments.

There are adhesive dispensers that are perfect for scrap booking. These adhesive dispensers dispense adhesive squares, lines or dots. You can find an adhesive dispenser for any type of scrapbook need.

Vellum is a type of paper that is rather tricky when it comes to adhesives. Because vellum can be seen through you need to be careful when you glue it to something. If you do not use the proper adhesive you will be able to see the adhesive through the vellum and this is not attractive. Look for an adhesive made just for use with vellum and you will be able to use this specialty paper with ease and the final product will look lovely, too.

If you want to add dimension to a page you can use pop-dots or tape. This adhesive comes in various sizes and shapes and is thicker than regular adhesives. When you use pop-dots you can add buttons or other embellishments and they will stand out on your page. This is a great way to add interest to your scrapbooks.

There are also liquid adhesives and pastes that work for specific scrapbooks needs. When you are gluing paper to paper you will want a different adhesive than when you are adhering metal to paper.

At times you may need a hot glue type of adhesive. This kind of adhesive is usually in stick form and fits into a glue gun. Hot glue is good when you want to add ribbon or other fibers to your scrapbook.

As you can see there are many adhesives that you may need when you are interested in scrap booking.

http://www.divinecaroline.com/user/profile/189945

Advantages Of Professional Drivers' Instruction

Having a driver's license is one of the major status symbols among high school students and teenagers, in general. Aside from being a "coolness" asset, a driver's license also provides kids with a sense of independence by providing them with the right to drive on their own. Though most kids can't wait to get behind the wheel, some schools do not offer drivers education. As a result, most kids learn to drive on their own, through peers, or other unqualified instructors. This puts the kids' safety at risk because they are at the phase when they are most impressionable. They are prone to picking up unsafe driving habits, wrong information, and false confidence from these instructors. This is extremely risky, as most teen accidents are traced from this equation. The American Automobile Association or the AAA actually states that although the teen driving population is relatively small (7%), they account for at least 14% of all fatal motor accidents. These figures make the need for competent driving schools and drivers education urgent.

There are many advantages in enrolling in a drivers course handled by a professional instructors. Instructors from driving schools and drivers education provides objective observations and instructions about the students' driving abilities. Students are not saddled with instructions that are full of vague notions about driving, or about how a certain maneuver is done. Professional instructors are also able to give valuable and useful advice how to handle practice sessions with qualified supervisors. Furthermore, instructors address and discuss issues about the student's driving techniques to the supervisors which make for a comprehensive and coordinated training. Aside from teaching maneuvers and gear shifting, instructors also teach updated road safety precautions and traffic laws. They help students understand how certain laws apply to in-road situations. In short, professional instructors prepare you both for safe driving and road responsibility.

Another advantage in enrolling at driving schools and drivers education courses is the opportunity to receive honest assessment of driving skills from the professionals. They identify areas and skills which need improvement and constantly call students' attention to the problems they spotted. As a result, bad habits are eradicated before they actually start. Plus, professional instructors usually give summaries and written reviews of the students' skills that are useful for private practice time with qualified supervisors. Driving schools and drivers courses provide structured and systematic training which builds and develops the students' skills bit by bit. There is no rush to learn one maneuver to another before the first move is mastered. The students actually learn and understand driving basics before tackling more complicated lessons. Exposure to other lecturers and providers of road safety is a bonus from professional drivers education. Visiting lecturers usually include firemen, the local mechanic, paramedic, police, and towing service personnel. They provide seminars wherein students learn what to do in accidents and driving emergencies.

Lastly, an advantage often sought at driving schools and drivers education courses are the mock drivers' exams. These prepare the students for taking that all-important test and refresh their driving knowledge. Aside from this, there are also new policies that allow only students who have professional training to take driving tests and apply for driver's licenses. The purveyors of the laws see this as an extra measure needed to ensure the safety of the teen drivers, other motorists, and the pedestrians from irresponsible driving.

http://www.boomantribune.com/user/manie1971

Advantage Of Disc Brakes

Whether you drive a Mercedes, a motorbike or a pickup truck, you probably have disc brakes on your vehicle. And even though you probably never think about their function, they are the single most important function on your vehicle. Though there are several types of motor brakes, the drum and the disk, the disk brakes are more commonly used. Disc brakes are far better than drum brakes because of their powerful stopping ability. Disc brakes handle substantially better in wet weather conditions. Why chance anything but the best?


What are Disc Brakes?

Put simply, disc brakes consist of two pads that grasp a rotating disk. The disk, or rotor, connects to the wheels by an axle. You control the grasping power. When you pull on the brake, the clamps come together on the disk, forcing it to stop spinning and causing your vehicle to slow down and eventually stop.


How Do You Control Disk Breaks?

In a car, controlling your disk brakes is as simple as pressing the brake pedal or pulling up on the emergency brake. For motorbikes, however, there are two ways to slow it down. You can use the right hand lever or the rear left foot lever. They actually work better when you use them together to better the efficiency and lengthen the life of the disc brakes and pads.


How To Maintain Disk Brakes?

Regardless of the type of vehicle you drive, you will probably need to consider break maintenance or replacement at some point. It is important to check the thickness of your brake pads. If these pads are bare they can cause pricey damage to your disc brakes.

You should also keep an eye on your vehicle’s brake fluid. Your vehicle will run more efficiently with the occasional dose of fresh break fluid.

Replacing the break pads and the disc brakes fairly easily on your own. Don’t hesitate to get help if you are unsure though. A simple mistake like a poorly fitted brake pad can cause scarring to your disk brake.


What Type of Damage is Possible To Your Disc Brakes?

There are several ways your break disks can show damage. They can warp, scar or crack. It’s best if you can catch these signs of damage early on and repair them as quickly as possible to limit further damage to your disk breaks. Unfortunately, once they crack, the disc brakes are not repairable. It also helps to get the help of a certified professional when it comes to making repairs to your disc brakes.


How Are Disc Brakes Designed?

These days, the designs of the disc brakes vary greatly. Some are made in classic solid steel, but others have special hallowed out sections that allow the extra built up heat to escape. These slotted steel wheels may help prolong the life of the discs because they reduce built-up heat and cut back on the possibility of warping. The creative designs are endless and each design has a different effect on the performance of your braking system.

http://discuss.joyent.com/profile.php?section=personality&id=35219

Advancements In Heavy Equipment

There is a rapid advancement in the field of heavy equipment technology. Unlike the earlier days now, using global positioning satellite technology, heavy equipment placed anywhere in the world can be checked or diagnosed. Finding the right new equipment suitable is also getting to be a big challenge. With lot of options and features to consider, it will be an overwhelming chore.

Among the heavy equipment, backhoe-loaders are used in small demolitions, breaking asphalt, construction, digging holes/excavating, light transportation of building materials, powering building equipment, and paving roads. To smash concrete and rock, tools such as breakers can be used instead of the backhoe bucket. To empty its load more quickly and efficiently, some loader buckets have a retractable bottom. Grading and scratching off sand is executed with retractable-bottom loader buckets. The front assembly may be permanently mounted or have a removable attachment. Often other devices and tools replace the bucket. In order to mount different attachments to the loader, the backhoe loader must be equipped with a tool coupler. Find more info at http://www.heavy-equipment4u.info

Bulldozers are heavy equipment but they are also large and tracked engineering vehicles. With the mobility and ground hold given by the tracks they can move through very rough terrain. Swamp tracks in bulldozers are merely extra wide tracks.

The three distinct assemblies of compact hydraulic excavators are workgroup, undercarriage and house. The boom, arm or dipper and attachments such as bucket and breaker are parts of the workgroup of a compact hydraulic excavator. They are connected to the front of the house structure of the excavator via a swing frame that allows the workgroup to be hydraulically pivoted right or left to achieve offset digging for trenching.

Harvesters today do practically all of the commercial felling in Sweden and Finland and they were developed in these countries. Harvesters work best in less difficult terrain while clear cutting areas of forest. Small and very agile harvesters are used in the Nordic countries for thinning operations.
An iron or a cylinder placed between two metal rods so that it is able to freely slide down and up are included in the pile drivers. A pulley system is used to raise the cylinder which may involve the use of manual labor, steam or hydraulics. Small explosions in the chamber are used in modern pile drivers to raise the cylinder.

A piece of heavy equipment used for earthmoving in civil engineering, is a wheel tractor-scraper. A vertically moveable hopper in the rear part with a sharp horizontal front edge does the scraping. Raising and lowering of the hopper is done hydraulically. The front edge cuts into the soil like a cheese-cutter when the hopper is lowered.

http://uscatholic.org/users/tarei1983

Accessories To Improve Your Ride

Simple ad-on accessories can change the feel and function of your vehicle. This article focuses mainly on the lower priced parts that can be found in larger auto parts stores, big department stores, online, and electronic stores that are under 50$.

The 12 volt heated mug has a plug for power from the cigarette lighter socket. It keeps coffee and other liquids hot as long as the car is running. Some models even have a thermostat to set the temperature.

The 12 volt coolers can hold 2 cans of soda or can even be as big as a full size refrigerator for recreational vehicles.

The cooler/warmer gives you the choice of keeping food or drinks either hot or cold. There are many sizes ranging from a can of soda to even hold a six pack. The cell phone charger plugs into the cigarette socket to charge your cell phone.

Multipurpose lights can be incandescent, fluorescent or led. They can be plugged in the cigarette lighter, can be wired in the car’s power circuits, or be battery operated or portable. Thought the led lights tend to produce less light if you’re going to have the lights on without the car running the led lights drain less power from your battery.

The power inverter can be plugged in the cigarette lighter, clips to the battery or can be wired in. To change the 12 volt dc to 120 volts to power things like laptops and computers, coffee makers, cell phones, and many other small appliances. But you shouldn’t go over 400 watts; high power devices drain the battery of the car quickly and could even fry the alternator if your engine is running.

There are so many accessories that can change your car, like seat covers, floor mats, steering wheel covers, sun shades, GPS and much more.

So if you’re in the mood the spice up your car it can be done with a few changes. You just have to pick and go for it.

http://forums.deskpro.com/member.php?u=4760

Friday, January 29, 2010

AAA Urges Drivers to Heed Dashboard Warning Lights

Every time you start your car, the dashboard warning lights glow to greet you and fade away after a few seconds. But if they stay on, there may be a major problem that needs to be dealt with right away.

"Motorists need to be aware of the critical 'big three' warning lights," said John Nielsen, director of AAA Automotive. "They include those that monitor engine oil pressure, engine coolant temperature and the vehicle charging system. To reduce the chances of vehicle damage and/or a roadside breakdown, these warning lights require prompt and proper action when they illuminate."

AAA provides the following guidelines on what to do if these lights come on:

* Engine oil pressure: This warning light commonly displays an oil can symbol or the word "OIL." This means that the engine has lost its supply of pressurized lubricating oil and severe engine damage or catastrophic failure can occur within seconds.

If the oil pressure warning light comes on, pull off the road immediately, shut off the engine and have your vehicle towed to a repair facility. Unless you are in an extremely dangerous situation, do not attempt to drive the vehicle.

* Engine coolant temperature: This light commonly displays a thermometer symbol or the logo "TEMP." When the coolant temperature light illuminates, the engine temperature has exceeded the safe maximum. Until the rise in coolant temperature is reversed, the engine will suffer accelerated wear. If the increase in temperature continues, major engine damage or catastrophic failure will result.

If the coolant temperature warning light comes on, quickly assess the situation. Steam or liquid coolant coming from under the hood is a clear indication of overheating or a leak.

Pull off the road at the first safe opportunity and call for assistance. Because boiling coolant can cause severe burns, do not attempt to open the hood in the presence of excessive steam and never remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot.

* Charging system: This light commonly displays a battery symbol or the logo "ALT" or "GEN" and means that the electrical system is no longer being supplied with power by the alternator.

Depending on the electrical demands of your vehicle and the reserve capacity of its battery, you will generally have at least 20 minutes of daylight driving time before voltage drops to the point at which the ignition system will no longer function.

If the charging system warning light comes on, turn off all unnecessary electrical accessories and drive to the nearest repair facility to have the vehicle checked.

http://www.seriouseats.com/user/profile/linai1989

A Safe Defensive Driving Technique For Everyone

The Benefits of Learning a Defensive Driving Technique

Automobile accidents cause thousands of deaths and millions of injuries every year. The best way to ensure the safety of yourself, your passengers, and other drivers on the road is by learning a popular defensive driving technique.

There are a large number of successful defensive driving techniques to help ensure the safety of all individuals on the road. Being alert while driving is the important defensive driving technique and is connected with all of the others. This means being fully aware of what is going on around you. All too often, drivers concentrate on other objects besides the road. Examples of such distractions are:

• cell phones
• car radios
• applying makeup
• other passengers

Some areas of the United States and other countries have already banned, or are enacting legistlation to ban, the use of cellular phones when driving. Cellular phones are often held with one hand while the remaining free hand is used for driving. Driving with one hand is not the main cause of an automobile accident, but talking on the phone that is the problem. Many individuals are unable to talk on the phone and to concentrate fully on their surroundings while driving.For instance, an approaching vehicle could swerve into the lane of a driver who is talking on a cell phone, and they would probably not have enough time to process and to react to the situation. There are many drivers on the road, with our without cell phones, who would be unable to maneuver their vehicle around an unexpected obstacle. For this reason, staying aware and alert is a the most popular defensive driving technique.

The defensive driving technique of vigilance also involves looking out for debris on the road. Although the majority of roads are safe to travel, sometimes harmful debris can end up on the roadway. A driver of large truck hauling construction equipment could have inadvertently dropped debris. If the driver was unaware that debris fell from his or her vehicle, they will likely keep on moving and the debris will be left on the road. Whether a vehicle hits an object traveling at ten miles an hour or sixty miles an hour, damage is likely to occur. A lucky situation would involve only damage to the vehicle; debris on the roadway can cause vehicles to spin out of control or even to flip over, potentially causing injury to the driver or other passengers.

Animals and people on the road or along the side of the road are often a concern for drivers. This. once again, is another reason why being aware of your surroundings is a successful defensive driving technique. Walkers or joggers alongside the road pose a potential hazard, since the slightest nudge of a vehicle can seriously injure a pedestrian. Depending on the location, many roads have crossways for domesticated or wild animals. It is not uncommon for dogs, cats, squirrels, skunks, or deer to run out in the middle of the road unexpectedly. Although it may be impossible to avoid striking a wild animal, being alert will significantly reduce the risk.

Staying alert and aware of your surroundings is a defensive driving technique that requires little effort. Staying alert is something that should be done regardless of your situation when driving. Popular defensive driving techniques are designed to keep all individuals on the road safe. In addition to preventing injury, applying a defensive driving technique is likely to save you money in the long run. Insurance rates increase with every ticket or automobile accident. Learn a defensive driving technique and see the benefits of being careful.

http://rhrealitycheck.org/user/tamiu1972

A Quest For Answers

I have written a handful of articles about cars. The ones about “muscle cars” or the old generation and new generation are easily my most popular articles. In a quest to find out why this debate seems so popular I have developed a survey, which will be found in the “about the author” section below.

This one survey may not answer all the questions but it will be a good start. It was funny because as I was creating the survey I was trying to figure out which I prefer and I could not do it. I think it is because I like combinations of both. I was watching the Barrett Jackson classic car auction this winter and there was a car I would love to have had. It was an old muscle car, a 1970 Cuda or Challenger I believe, and it had a modern day Dodge Viper power plant.

There are advantages and disadvantages to both generations, at least in my opinion. I love the styling of the older cars, without a doubt. I like the fact that the older cars are bigger and more comfortable in many ways. Take a 1969 Chevy Camaro for example. You compare it to a 2002 Camaro and there is clearly much more room in the 69 model. There is more room in the car and there is a TON more room under the hood. Ever try working on one of those fourth generation f-bodies? They are brutal.

I also like the quality. The older GM’s are much higher quality. That is back when GM was at the top of its game and they actually cared about making cars. Now GM’s biggest business is their mortgage division, GMAC.

One thing that definitely has the newer cars leading over the older cars is the handling and the braking. I have driven my friend’s 67 Barracuda, his father’s 70 Roadrunner, 3 of my own 87 turbo Buicks, my 95 Z28, and a 2004 Nissan 350Z. One thing is clear, as time progressed the handling and braking got better. Although the turbo Buick’s handling and braking were not very good at all. The 1970 Roadrunner had no power steering or power brakes and it had a 383 for an engine. So, it had plenty of get up and go but I found myself praying it found its way to my destination because I was not confident I could navigate it.

At the other end of the spectrum is the 350Z. I took one of those for a ride. It did not possess that same kind of throw you back in the seat power and torque of the American cars, regardless of generation, but it handled like it was stuck to the road. I took a sharp turn by my house at 70 MPH and it felt like I was doing 20 MPH.

Different people like different things. In my survey I put a place for age because while I think most of the older generation will favor the muscle cars of the 60’s and 70’s I do not think that is a given. I see a lot of older guys driving the new cars like a 350Z or Honda S2000. I have heard about the Honda S2000 and how impressive it is but I test drove one of those cars when I was looking to get rid of my last Buick Grand National. I was not impressed by the Honda at all. I have no idea what all the hype is about regarding that car.

One thing that I will find very interesting is the responses from Corvette owners. Corvette has been around for decades and has seen many changes. The majority of the time I see a Corvette on the road it is an older guy driving it. I am curious as to what percentage prefer the 50’s and 60’s Vette’s over the newer models of the last 10 years or so.

The new Corvette Z06 is supposed to be extremely impressive with stock horsepower being rated at 505 hp. I personally like the styling of the newer Vette as well, although I could see why the real enthusiasts might not given its European styling.

One thing is clear, there are a wide variety of factors that go into why someone prefers one car or one generation of cars over the next. But, I hope to answer some of the questions with my current survey. If you are interested in this as well could you please take about 5 minutes, if that, and complete the survey below. Depending on the results I get from the survey I may do some follow up questions as well but this will be a good start at answering the age old debate of which is better, the old generation of muscle cars or the new generation of hi-performance cars.

http://concerns.youngmath.net/user/lemei1972

A Moving Experience

I’ve found a cool apartment! Okay, okay…so it’s not perfect. Just a few bugs. I mean literally! First expense? An exterminator! Is it worth the cash? Well, I can’t afford a more expensive place, so a one-time (please!) cash outlay should be okay. Maybe just a can of “Raid?”

I need a way to move my stuff. Daddy, can I borrow your truck? You don’t have one? Why not? Do you want one? I’ll help you pick it out! Well, it was just a suggestion. No need to get all bent out of shape! I guess I’d better call the truck rental places. What do you mean…$200…PLUS mileage? AND Gas? Good grief!

While I’m on the phone I’ll call the utility and phone companies. Yes, I know I haven’t used your services before. No, I don’t have a credit card; this is my first place. You want what? A $100 deposit? For EACH? Holy cow…do you people have a license to steal?

Daddy, I need $500 for moving expenses! I used all my money for the first and last months rent AND the damage deposit. Well, how was I to know this was going to be so expensive? Sell something? Daaaaad…I NEED my TV!

Boy, this place is pretty empty. Maybe I should buy a couch and a chair. Nah…I have my bed. That’ll be good enough. I don’t need a table; I’ll just use this box.

Renters Insurance? I don’t think so! What do I have to insure?

Just got my first phone call! I’d love to come to your party! Daddy, I need a car. Because it’s too far to walk to work, that’s why. Umm, Daddy…there’s car insurance too! Thanks, Dad…you’re the best! And gas? I didn’t think so…

Time for dinner. Let’s look in these boxes. Oh, No! No dishes or pans. No FOOD!

Uhhh, Mom?

http://provideocoalition.com/index.php/member/24548/

A Look at Car Transport Trailers

If you are moving a standard passenger car and want to investigate different car transport trailer options there are many possibilities in today’s auto shipping industry offered to the discerning customer. Open carrier transport is the most popular and least expensive type of auto shipping.

In most cases, your car will be transported on an eight or 10-car hauler, the same type of trucks used to deliver new cars. These trucks are 75-80 feet long and almost 14 feet high. They can be difficult to maneuver and are limited to major roads that are free of low hanging trees and low clearance bridges. Make sure you keep this in mind when directing the truck to the pick-up location. If you want to make sure that your car stays clean, and avoids all highway wear and tear, then have your car transported in an enclosed car transport trailer.

Enclosed trailers protect your car from all road hazards and weather for the duration of the trip. Due to the premium equipment and service provided with enclosed car trailers, it is usually the most expensive option in auto shipping. The following features are often available at an additional cost: lift gates for safe horizontal loading, ramp gates for long wheelbase vehicles, and winches for inoperable vehicles.

This car transport trailer option is excellent for costly or exotic cars. Some other popular enclosed trailer options for secure car transport are: six-car enclosed trailers, four-car enclosed trailers, and two-car non-stacking enclosed trailers. Multi-car or enclosed transport sometimes can't be used due to height and width issues. Be sure to check the specs of the trailer and the size of your car.

Some drivers prefer to transport their own vehicle. It is best to learn from a trained professional some of the nuances of moving cars. When you buy or rent a trailer ask for basic driving instructions and transport hints. There are some car transport trailer companies that will custom build your own trailer the way you want it. This option will depend on your budget and your specific needs.

When choosing the proper car transport trailer for your car, discuss the length and weight of your car with the car trailer company to ensure it is within legal load specifications. More over if you are renting or buying, look for companies with large inventories and factory stock so you can avoid waiting for the trailer that you want.

Finding the appropriate car transport trailer to fit your specific needs and budget should be an easy task providing that you know you budget limitations, special travel requirements for your car, and length of trip. In today’s market there are literally hundreds of car transport trailer options out there, and you can count on finding the right one for you in no time at all.

http://www.bakersfieldvoice.com/content/lirii1983

A Look at Automatic Tire Chains

With technology always advancing, it is no wonder that automatic tire chains have made their way into the tire chain market. These tire chains take away the pain of attaching tire chains in wintry or wet conditions, and can save drivers a lot of time.

Automatic tire chains can be used on pickup trucks, RVs, mobile homes, trucks, and buses, and they offer the traction of a single set of conventional snow chains at the touch of the button, which means an end to stopping and getting out of the vehicle.

To install automatic tire chains, drivers mount an electric switch to their dashboard, which provides 12 volts to an air solenoid mounted on the vehicle's frame rail. Compressed air is then supplied from either the vehicle's onboard air system or a 12-volt compressor kit. When the dashboard switch is activated, the solenoid opens, thus allowing compressed air to enter the air cylinder and lower the chain wheel so that it contacts the inside of the tire. The friction between the tire and the rubber-covered chain wheel then causes the chain wheel to rotate, which creates enough centrifugal force to wave the chains out in front of the tire. Chain is spaced at 60-degree intervals in sixth lengths on the chain wheel. This guarantees that there are always two chains between the tire and the road service, regardless of whether the driver is accelerating or decelerating. The traction is obtained both in forward and reverse. When the dashboard switch is turned off, the solenoid exhausts the air, and the chain wheels are brought back to their resting position.

Automatic tire chains are a great new technology for anyone who wants tire chains -- but does not want the inconvenience of getting out of their car and installing the chains in adverse weather conditions.

http://educationarcade.org/user/13934

A Guide to Trailer Hitch Covers

Parts of most trailer hitches are removable. The ball part of the hitch, the part that is used to fasten the cargo to the truck usually rests in the trailer hitch receiver opening. When the ball is removed, the receiver opening is left hollow. This opening protrudes from the tail of the truck and has sharp edges. People could bump into the metal rod or cut themselves on its sharp corners.

It is a good idea to use a trailer hitch cover to protect the trailer hitch receiver opening. Trailer hitch covers can cover the opening and keep any debris from clogging it. Trailer hitch covers also protect people from cutting themselves or bumping into the hard edges.

It can be inconvenient and time consuming to remove foreign objects from the hitch receiver opening. Dead, wet leaves, mud, sand, and other disgusting substances can clog the opening and make it difficult to secure the hitch to the truck. No debris can get into the opening if a cover blocks it. The trailer hitch cover fits into the receiver opening and covers the sharp and hard edges. Many trailer hitch covers are padded, so that people who bump into them do not get bruised. The covers are secured in the opening so that they do not fall out when the truck is in motion.

There are a wide variety of trailer hitch covers available. They can have nearly any type of theme imaginable. Some have college logos, animal shapes, catchphrases, emblems, or cartoon characters on them. People can add their own personal touch to the appearance of their truck by choosing one of these unique covers. Other trailer hitch covers contain working break lights that help alert drivers behind the truck when the truck is slowing down.

Trailer hitch covers provide safety to a pickup truck. People can’t injure themselves on the trailer hitch receiver opening if a protective cover blocks it. With the wide variety of covers available, anyone is sure to find a cover that fits their personality.

http://www.seriouseats.com/user/profile/linai1989

A Global Solution To Regional Mass Transit

As gasoline prices continue to fluctuate, regional mass transit systems look better and better as an alternative to personal automobiles for daily commuting. But, as these systems expand to meet the growing demand, they often run into an increasingly common dilemma.

Much of the best technology available today is from Europe and Asia, but most regional systems are government entities that must observe "Buy American" mandates when upgrading their infrastructure. Fortunately, reconciling the two demands doesn't always require settling for a less-than-optimal solution.

Chicago's Metra commuter rail is a case in point. Metra serves 500 miles of track and 230 stations in six counties. As part of a plan to upgrade both efficiency and customer satisfaction levels, Metra is replacing aging passenger cars with new Highliner cars, featuring the latest mass-transit technology from around the world.

The cars are being built by a Japanese company, Nippon Sharyo, and powered by Toshiba traction motors, but the final drives-a key high-value component-will be supplied by Voith Turbo of York, Pa. The final drives will be assembled and tested in Pennsylvania using gear wheels, bearings, seals and gear couplings from qualified U.S. suppliers.

"These units will help Nippon meet the 60 percent American content requirement for the new cars with no sacrifice in either quality or technology," said Voith sales engineer Michael Klug.

The drives feature an advanced design that helps prevent oil leakage, making the new cars more environmentally friendly than the ones they replace. They are also compact and robust, which contributes to rider comfort by increasing the car's reliability, and to operational efficiency by reducing maintenance requirements.

The first 16 Highliner cars went into service with Metra already. Voith will deliver a total of 116 final drives over the life of the program.

"We expect this kind of partnership to be the model for many more regional transportation systems across the U.S.," added Klug. "The marriage of global technology and local manufacturing and service is very hard to beat."

http://forum.developers.facebook.com/profile.php?section=personality&id=53425

A General View About The Bicycle

A bicycle, pushbike, or bike, is a pedal-driven land vehicle which has two wheels attached to a frame, one behind the other. They were first introduced in 19th-century Europe and then quickly evolved into its familiar, current design. Numbering over 1,000,000,000 in the world today, bicycles provide the chief means of transportation in many regions and also a popular form of recreational transport in others. The bicycle is amongst the most notable of human inventions. However there is a lot of confusion regarding when and who invented the very first bicycle. According to general belief, the earliest bicycle was a wooden scooter-like contraption named ‘celerifere’ and it was made by Comte Mede de Sivrac of France in about 1790.

An Overview of the Bicycle –

The basic shape and configuration of the frame, wheels, pedals, saddle and handlebars of the bicycle has hardly changed since the first chain-driven model that was developed in around 1885, though many important detail improvements have been made since, especially recently by the use of modern materials and computer-aided design. For example, the conventional design of the saddle or the seat of the bicycle has remained more or less the same. Though there have been experiments with noseless seats, people still prefer the conventional size.

Lights are another important yet ignored factor in bicycles. Even if one does not intend to use ones bicycle during the dark, one must have a precautionary lighting system. Lighting in the bicycle will serve the purpose of seeing others and making yourself visible to others both of which will help in avoiding any possible casualty in the dark.

As far as the frames are concerned, different materials have come to be used. Carbon, aluminum and magnesium are frames which are very popular. Even titanium frames have been promoted but as they are quiet expensive, they are used only by the cream.

http://network.nature.com/people/UBBA734FB/profile

Thursday, January 28, 2010

500 Auto Accessories!

The auto accessories market is experiencing explosive growth thanks to the ever increasing number of new vehicle models being marketed all across North America. For more than fifty years consumers have been the chief benefactors of this unrelenting growth and the selection for you has never been better. Let’s take a look at some of the many automobile accessories available to auto enthusiasts like you and how you can get your hands on what you want!

By definition, automobile accessories are those items [including parts] that do not come with your vehicle. Yes, in some cases you can purchase a fully accessorized vehicle, but for the sake of clarity I am defining auto accessories as aftermarket purchases only.

Depending on the type of vehicle you drive, the accessories available for it will vary. The more popular the model, the more likely that someone, somewhere is making custom fitted accessories for it. Indeed, America’s most popular vehicle – Ford’s full size pick up trucks – have more than 500 different types of accessories made especially for that truck. These accessories come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors and ultimately number in the many thousands of different items when calculated separately.

The following are just some of the many accessories available to owners of Ford’s F-150 pick up truck: air deflector, air scoop, bed extender, bed rail cap, bed rails, bed wing, body armor, body kit, brake light cover, bug shield, bumper, bumper cover, bumper guard, bumper mounting kit, bumper trim, cab spoilers, car wash supplies, cargo rack, door handle, door handle cover, door panel, door sill, fender flares, fender molding, front bed cap, front bed protector, front spoiler, fuel door, graphics, grille, grille guard, grille insert, grille shell, header panel, headlight covers, headlight trim, hood hinge, hood protector, hood scoop,mirror,mirror cover, mud flaps, nerf bar mounting kit, nerf bars, push bar, rear window protector, roll pan, roof rack, roof rails, running board mounting kit, running boards, running side box board, side molding, side skirts, side step, skid plate, spoiler, sport tubes, sun shield, tail light covers, tail light guard, tailgate, tailgate cable, tailgate cap, tailgate cover, tailgate handle, tailgate handle cover, tailgate handle relocator, tailgate net, tailgate protector, tailgate spoiler, truck bed rack, truck bed side rail, valance, vent visor, visor, wheel well trim, window covers, windshield wiper, wiper cowls.

As you can see the list is quite lengthy! Staggering better describes the market.

So, how did this whole business get started? Well, for the most part we have California to thank, particularly southern California. While New Jersey gave the world the turnpike and the parkway, the Golden State brought us freeways and a beach culture popularized by such groups as the Beach Boys, who sang about cars, girls, and the youth lifestyle. Sand, surf, girls, and driving go together, so if you are going to be in your car for a long time you might as well make it comfortable and personalize it, right? Thus, companies like Covercraft got started, specializing in car covers, while other companies were launched specializing in the building or modifying of entire cars, like Saleen.

Yes, your choices for auto accessories are simply fantastic: you can outfit your car the way you want it to look by giving it your personal touch well beyond what the automaker had in mind. Hey, this is America: the land of freedom and individuality. Accessorize your car today!

http://interact.webstandards.org/forums/member/9060

99 Octane Motivation Fuel

Keep them Euphoric: 5 more ways to turbocharge employees.

These are five additional ways that you can successfully create an encouraging work environment while increasing employee.

1.Distinguish your employees. It is essential that you empathize with your employees. Know about their family; know about what they do after hours, what interests them. This is not meant to be prying into an employee’s personal life, but knowing an employee can help you to resolve what motivates that employee. Different people are motivated by dissimilar things. What does the employee want? What do they want from this job, from their life, and for their future? Reaching goals can be difficult. Helping someone to reach a goal at work is impossible if you do not know what that goal is.

2.Discover more. It is your responsibility to create enthusiasm in the workplace. Therefore it is up to you to continue to study innovative ways to spur employees to action. You might opt to take classes that offered as short courses at HR firms or online universities. This will give you a fabulous opportunity to continue to learn new ways to stimulate your employees

3.Splurge special time with your employees. Take a few minutes out of your day to just talk with your employees. Give them an opportunity to voice their opinions and concerns or simply ask how their week went. This will demonstrate how much you care about his or her happiness within the company. You can also schedule performance reviews either once a month, once a year or however often is comfortable for you. This will allow you time to sit down and spend a little more time with the employee and give you a chance to discuss the highs and lows of the period in which the review is accomplished. Positive conversations, even on a casual level are a great way to increase employee motivation. Schedule one-on-ones and leave titles at the door.

4.Understand the employees’ feelings about their career. Most employees start out in a job on the bottom with hopes of advancement. One way to increase employee drive is to discuss the likelihood of advancement or lateral movement within the company structure. It might be a different position, or a promotion, in a sister company. Your employees should know that you care about the things that they care about. Let them know that you are there to help them achieve their goals and they will give you 110%

5.Be transparent. You as a manager know what it feels like when a higher up seems to be keeping something from you. Even though there may not be a secret, the big boss still hasn’t informed you on what is going on. Your employees may feel this way consistently. It is very important to keep employees informed about issues that arise in the company even if it does not directly affect them. Employees want to know about the company and they want to be involved. It is a good idea to have regular “catch-up” meetings, just to make sure that everyone is on the same page. Prepare employees if a major event is going to happen, such as a leveraged buyout or inspection by the CEO. Another way to explode inspiration among employees is to hold consultations when the company is planning on changing existing policies. Invite feed back from the employees and ask if they have any ideas about how to resolve the issue.

You as manager holds the keys to create a work environment that beneficial for company and employee growth. Sun Tzu asserts that “You are only as strong as your weakest link”. Increasing motivation among employees will make each link a little stronger and forge a tougher backbone for the company.

http://www.richmondchic.com/index.php/member/38808/

21 Classic Pontiacs!

So, you think you know your cars now, do you? Well, consider this to be a test of your knowledge of Pontiac history. 21 Pontiacs are featured here: some are current models while others are truly classic in every sense of the word, dating back to the early 1960s.

6000 – Full sized [or almost] front wheel drive sedan of the 1980s.

Aztec – Ugly is as ugly does. This crossover vehicle ashamed the Pontiac fleet for two years during the early 00s.

Bonneville – Full sized Pontiac sedan excitement retired in 2005 after more than 40 years of service. Part of GM’s massive restructuring and retiring of top model names.

Catalina – This model hearkens back to the mid 60s when two door hard tops ruled the day. Discontinued during the late 70s during GM’s “down sizing” shell game days.

Fiero – Mid-engine sport two-seater built for Pontiac during the go-go 80s. GM reached into their parts bin and took out Chevette and other components to create this little roadster.

Firebird – It goes without saying that this “pony” car is sorely missed. The good news is that it may be back by the time the 2009 model year rolls around.

Firefly – Twin to the Geo Metro, the Firefly was Pontiac’s 3 cylinder captive import of the late eighties to mid nineties.

G6 – Current compact model in Pontiac’s arsenal available in rakish coupe or sporty sedan.

Grand Am -- With its 1973 debut, the Grand Am quickly became the division’s mid-range performance car. Retired in 2005 with a host of other Pontiac model names.

Grand Prix – Hidden tail lights and a concave rear window marked the Grand Prix’s 1963 debut. The car has survived GM’s model name shake out and today’s car is a mid-sized, front wheel drive sports sedan.

GTO – Introduced in 1967, the GTO was a true coupe turned sports car. Eliminated in the 1970s, the GTO is back thanks to GM’s Australian division, Holden. Rear wheel drive and a big V8 too.

LeMans – Originally a Tempest model, the LeMans became its own model once the Tempest name was retired in the 1970s. Retired in the mid 1990s after a cheap Korean car was allowed to carry its name. Sheesh!

Montana -- A minivan for Pontiac, if not for the ages.

Parisienne – During the 1980s Pontiac needed a version of the Chevrolet Caprice. This full sized, rear wheel drive sedan filled the bill.

Phoenix – Part of GM’s “X cars” of compact import fighting vehicles introduced during 1979 as a 1980 model.

Sunbird – Nothing but a rebadged Chevy Cavalier.

Sunfire – Compact coupe retired in 2005 as part of, you guessed, GM’s model restructuring.

Sunrunner – Nothing but a rebadged Geo/Chevy Tracker.

Tempest – From the early sixties until the early seventies, the term “muscle car” befit this hot coupe. Especially nice as a convertible!

Trans Sport – Hideous looking minivan that debuted in the early 1990s. Mercifully replaced years later by the Montana.

Vibe – A currently produced compact five door sport wagon; cousin to the Toyota Matrix.

So, there you have it. At least another half dozen models were left out from this time period plus many models that dated back to the division’s founding as part of the Oakland Automobile Company in 1926. Pontiac excitement…have you caught it yet?

http://educationarcade.org/user/13934

10 Safety Tips When Riding An ATV

More and more these days, riders of all terrain vehicles (ATVs) are becoming injured or even killed when their ATV wrecks, enforcing the need for safe operating procedures. This is especially important for teenagers who are interested in riding ATVs and are less likely to practice safe conduct while operating the vehicles. Keep in mind that ATVs are just as dangerous as cars, motorcycles, trucks, or sport utility vehicles, so only operate them using the proper techniques and procedures. Many riders neglect the fact that these vehicles have the capability to extremely injure or kill the drivers, but in the correct hands, ATVs can be a fun way to spend time in the great outdoors. Follow these ten safety tips when riding any ATV:

1.) Only drivers over the age of 16 should operate an ATV.
The American Academy of Pediatrics strongly recommends that children under the age of 16 should not operate an ATV. This is especially important, since younger children are usually injured on ATVs due to their size or inexperience with operating vehicles. Even once a child is 16 and able to operate an ATV, adult supervision should be present at all times.

2.) Always wear protective gear.
Just like operating a motorcycle or bike, riding an ATV requires you use proper protective gear. ALWAYS wear a helmet. Most serious or fatal accidents occur when the rider is not wearing a helmet and falls on his or her head. Helmets may not be the most stylish accessory, but they can literally save your life. Also, since most riders operate ATVs in wooded environments, be sure to wear proper eye protection, as a rock, branch, or even a bug can fly into your eye and cause damage. Furthermore, be sure to wear boots and gloves to protect your hands and feet while operating the ATV.

3.) Take a driver’s safety course.
Before you drive a car, you take a safety course, so why should driving an ATV be any different? Safety courses educate riders of the correct way to operate and ride an ATV to ensure he or she knows how to handle the vehicle. Also, safety courses will teach riders of all ages the appropriate behavior when riding an ATV, making it critical for teens and adults to attend.

4.) Only one rider per vehicle.
ATVs are designed for only one rider at a time. Since you have to manipulate your weight in order to control the vehicle, two riders on a vehicle is incredibly dangerous. Also, the ATV may be unable to successfully hold the combined weight of two riders, making it less stable and more apt to roll over. Finally, having an additional rider can distract the driver from the task of properly operating the vehicle.

5.) Ride ATVs in appropriate settings.
When it comes to where to ride your ATV, ensure you choose a proper setting. Avoid roads and streets, since ATVs are not designed nor intended to be driven on concrete or asphalt with larger cars and trucks. Also, avoid improper terrain that may encourage the ATV to roll over due to instability in the ground.

6.) Do not speed.
ATVs are designed to go a certain speed safely. Increasing the speed—especially through certain terrains—decreases your control and the vehicle’s stability, making you more prone to have an accident.

7.) Do not operate an ATV impaired.
Many adults find themselves tempted to operate an ATV while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Even over the counter or prescription medications can impair your reaction time, thinking process, and judgment, so be sure to avoid operating an ATV during this time. Just like drinking and driving, alcohol and ATV driving does not mix.

8.) Carry a communication device with you at all times.
ATV operations should be sure to carry a cell phone or walkie talkie with them at all times so that they can call for help in the event of an emergency. This is especially true if you are riding alone, which is not encouraged, so that someone will be able to find you if you become injured. Whenever you plan to ride your ATV, you should either have another individual with you or notify someone of where you are going and when you plan to return.

9.) Do not attempt tricks or stunts while riding an ATV.
The most injuries on ATVs occur when the vehicles are operated improperly. Take great care in riding your ATV and be sure to avoid any tricks or stunts that will encourage an accident. Furthermore, avoid improper interaction with other individuals, whether they are on an ATV or not.

10.) Use common sense.
This final safety tip is by far the best. Your common sense can carry you a long way, especially involving your safety.

http://boxesandarrows.com/person/124746-mimae1981

9 Japanese Automakers

Japanese built and designed cars have flooded the North American market for over forty years now. Over time, many nameplates have come and gone, but Japanese cars continue to gain market share and acceptance with a growing number of motorists attracted to their high quality and durability. There are nine Japanese automobile manufacturing companies in existence. Can you name them? Let’s take a look at the list:

Toyota – The second largest automaker in the world is Toyota, maker of the Camry, the Corolla, and a host of SUVs, trucks, passenger cars, and a van. Toyota’s Lexus division produces luxury cars, while its Scion division manufactures youth oriented vehicles.

Honda – The Accord and the Civic are Honda’s two most well known models, followed by the Odyssey minivan, the Ridgeline truck, the Element, and several other passenger vehicles. Acura is the name given to Honda’s luxury car division.

Nissan – Drive a Datsun and then decide. Up until the early 1980s, Nissan’s North American nameplate was Datsun, but was switched to Nissan to give it a more global name. The Sentra, Maxima, and Pathfinder are amongst the division’s best selling vehicles. Infiniti is Nissan’s luxury car division. Renault Motors of France owns a controlling interest in Nissan.

Mitsubishi – Originally imported exclusively by Chrysler, Mitsubishi began to sell cars under its own name in the 1980s. Top selling models include the Lancer, the Eclipse, and the Montero. DaimlerChrysler owns a chunk of the company.

Mazda – The Tribute, Miata, and the “6” are some of the most well known Mazda models. The Mazda 6’s platform also powers several Ford Motor Company cars including the Mercury Milan. Ford owns an important stake in the company.

Subaru – Think all wheel drive and you may just think Subaru. The Forester, Outback, and Legacy are all top selling Subaru models. Fuji Heavy Industries [FHI] owns Subaru; General Motors has a 20 percent stake in FHI.

Suzuki – 20% owned by General Motors, Suzuki is as noted for producing cars as it is for manufacturing motorcycles. The Grand Vitara is one of its most noted models.

Isuzu – Did someone say General Motors? Again, GM owns a stake in Isuzu. At one time Isuzu imported cars to the US, but those days are over. Currently, Isuzu has a miniscule presence and the two vehicles they do sell – the Ascender SUV and I Series pick ups – are simply rebadged GMC vehicles.

Daihatsu – The Charade and Rocky were two models introduced by Daihatsu when the car company started selling vehicles in North America in 1988; four years later its North American operations were closed. In 1999, Toyota assumed controlling interest over the company.

So, there you have it: there are nine Japanese automakers, two of which are still independent. Much like the American market further consolidation is likely with nameplates disappearing entirely just like the Packard, Hudson, Oldsmobile, Plymouth, and a host of other North American nameplates have driven off into the history books.

http://www.redstate.com/users/tirie1982/

7 Ways to Grow Flowers

Flowering landscape trees are the crown jewels of the yard.
Perhaps no other plants, individually, can have as great an
impact on how a yard looks in spring. Browse the articles to
which I've linked below for information on particular varieties
of flowering landscape trees. Pictures are included.

Crape Myrtles: Landscape Trees of the South

A popular choice in flowering landscape trees for Southerners,
crape myrtles have a long blooming period (mid-summer to
fall). The blooming clusters of these flowering landscape trees
come in pink, white, red and lavender. The clusters appear on
the tips of new wood. Northerners can sometimes get away
with treating these flowering landscape trees as perennials
that die back in winter but come back in spring.

Trees

Not all specimens with a weeping habit are flowering
landscape trees, but this article looks at several weeping
varieties that do bloom, headed by four types of cherry.
Saucer Magnolias

The size and shape of the blooms are what suggested the
common name for these flowering landscape trees. Want a
specimen with a brilliant bloom as big as a saucer? Access
information on these beauties here.

Rose of Sharon

Although some people think of it as a landscape "tree"
(because it gets tall and can be pruned so as to have a single
trunk), rose of sharon is, in fact, a flowering shrub. The fact
that it blooms relatively late -- and for a long time -- makes it
a valuable plant for those looking to distribute their yard's
color display throughout the growing season.
Top 10 List of Flowering Landscape Trees and Shrubs for
Spring |

This article features information on ten flowering landscape
trees and shrubs that brighten our spring seasons. Included
are redbud, callery pear and crabapple.
Hawthorn: Late-Blooming Landscape Trees

This article offers information on Washington hawthorn trees,
which are perhaps most valued for the time at which they
bloom (late spring to early summer). Many of the popular
flowering specimens bloom earlier in the spring, and while
their blossoms are pleasant sights for eyes sore from winter's
barrenness, they desert us too quickly!

http://www.sici.org/forums/member/8400

7 Tips For Saving Gas And Money

The U.S. Department of Transportation reports that Americans drive an average of 29 miles each day, and spend almost 60 minutes a day in their cars. With the price of gas at the pumps skyrocketing, it just makes sense to do everything you can to save your hard-earned money. It doesn’t seem like gas prices will return to ‘normal’ any time soon. You need all the ammunition you can get to fight back; here are 7 tips to help.

1. Some credit cards are offering great gas savings. It works the same way that frequent flyer miles do- you get a bonus every time you fill up. You’re going to fill up anyway, so take advantage of the bonus!

2. Join the ‘club’. Gas stations are starting to offer great, money saving membership programs. Some grocery and department stores are also giving huge discounts at the gas pump when you use their store card. It’s worth checking into.

3. Regular tune-ups and oil changes will save you gas in the long run.

4. Check out gas prices on the internet. There are websites that will let you find the best deals on gas in your area, without having to drive around looking for them.

5. If you are in the market for a new car, check out the hybrid models. Not only will you save on gas, but you will also be eligible for great tax rebates from both the state and federal government.

6. Use the cheapest gas possible. Most modern cars run just as well on regular unleaded as on the more expensive premium gas.

7. Turn off the air conditioner. Running the a/c makes your car’s engine work harder, causing it to burn more gas.

Use these tips to squeeze the most miles out of each gallon of gas, and start saving money at the gas pumps today.

http://epractice.eu/en/people/96801

6 Simple Steps To Avoiding Expensive Car Repairs

Quite often, a visit to the car repair shop can be even more painful than a visit to your dentist. Perhaps physical pain it’s involved, but some car repairs can leave your wallet feeling pretty empty and you with a bad taste in your mouth. The best way to avoid costly repairs is to take preventative steps that will keep your car in the best condition possible.

The first thing to do is to follow the maintenance schedule as outlined in your owner’s manual. The best one is always that recommended by the manufacturer and if you fail to follow those guidelines, your warranty may be voided for future repairs. Always be sure to change fluids, filters and spark plugs as the car’s manufacturer recommends.

Upgrade your motor oil to a high performance synthetic oil, which can help to prevent certain problems and can also improve your car’s performance.

Always be sure that your tires are properly inflated. This is especially important because tires with too little air, or too much, can result in excessive wear and may cause a blow out. It is often recommended that tire pressure be checked during every visit to the gas pump. While this may seem like a lot, you won’t be sorry that you have kept your tires in the best shape possible. For reasons of both safety and the expense of new tires, this exercise is well worth it.

If you notice unusual noises on your car, check with your owner’s manual for information. Quite often, noises are perfectly normal and there is no need for concern. Your owner’s manual will let you know whether or not a visit to the car repair shop is necessary.

If you do have to take your car in for repairs, be sure that you are dealing with a reputable company. Check with the local Better Business Bureau and ask your family or friends for recommendations.

When it comes time to begin the repairs, get an estimate in writing. A quality repair shop will be able to provide this information and should also be able to assure you that the repairs will not exceed 10% of a specific dollar amount as outlined in the estimate.

The aforementioned steps will help to keep your car running smoothly and may also keep some extra bucks in your wallet. With the cost of gasoline prices these days, a few extra dollars can go along way.

http://www.mapmyride.com/user_profile?u=401126469505570826

6 Earth-Friendly Auto Tips

Last year marked a turning point in which Earth-friendly alternative-fuel and hybrid vehicles gained major attention and an increasing market share. On top of that, the AAA Great Battery Roundup collected more than 20,000 used vehicle batteries and disposed of them in an environmentally sound manner.

But you don't need to have old batteries lying around or buy a different vehicle to protect the environment. According to AAA spokesman Michael Calkins, you can make a meaningful contribution by adopting two easy-to-implement strategies: regular vehicle maintenance and better driving habits.

The following tips can put you on the road to environmentally conscious car care.

* Keep your engine running at peak performance in order to conserve fuel. Perform regular vehicle maintenance at the intervals recommended by your vehicle's manufacturer. Seek timely service if the "check engine" warning light remains illuminated on the dash.

To find a trustworthy repair facility, ask friends for recommendations or search on www.aaa.com for AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities near you.

* Check the air pressure in your car's tires regularly. Underinflated tires require your engine to work harder and use more fuel to maintain a given speed.

* Have your vehicle's air conditioning serviced only by technicians who are certified to properly handle and recycle automotive refrigerants. Older air conditioning systems contain ozone-depleting chemicals that could be released into the atmosphere.

* Some older vehicles use switches that contain highly toxic mercury to activate hood, trunk and glove-box lights. Many organizations, including a number of AAA clubs across the country, now host mercury "switch out" programs in which these environmentally hazardous parts are removed for recycling and replaced with nontoxic mechanical switches.

* Avoid "jack rabbit" starts, sudden acceleration and speeds above the posted limits; all of these habits guzzle gas.

* Properly dispose of engine fluids and batteries. Call your local government waste management agency to find out how. Never dispose of fluids on the ground or in any manner that might allow them to make their way into groundwater, lakes or streams.

Proper vehicle maintenance and environmentally friendly driving habits conserve natural resources, reduce exhaust emissions and reward you with a vehicle that will last longer and be safer to drive. In other words, when you "go green," the Earth wins, your car wins -- and you are the biggest winner of all! - NU

http://www.javaworld.com/community/user/34377

5 Tips To Buying Cars On Ebay Motors

There are many terrific benefits to buying cars on eBay Motors, including a price that the you get to determine, lower insurance and the absence of a car payment every month if you pay in full. If you plan on buying used cars on eBay Motors in the near future, here are several tips to make sure that the road to your new ride is a smooth one.

Buying Cars On eBay Motors Tip # 1
Check with your local automobile insurance agent before deciding on a specific used car. If the cost of auto insurance is an important deciding factor, you should be aware that SUVs will be more expensive than a car. Regardless, however, a used car will carry more affordable insurance than a new one of the same model and make.

Buying Cars On eBay Motors Tip # 2
Request a CarFax report. This information is available for a reasonable fee and includes information regarding the car’s history, including whether or not it has been flooded or if it has ever been involved in any type of accident. In addition, the number of previous owners and whether or not the title is clear should also be included in a CarFax report.

Buying Cars On eBay Motors Tip # 3
Check out the car’s value with Kelly Blue Book. This source is one of the most trusted when it comes to providing new or used car values. By entering certain information into the website, car shoppers can learn what that particular automobile should be sold for. This can help potential buyers realize whether or not they are getting a good deal.

Buying Cars On eBay Motors Tip # 4
Consider gas mileage. An SUV will typically use more gasoline than a compact car, which is important if the cost of fuel is a major deciding factor in your purchase.

Buying Cars On eBay Motors Tip # 5
Select a used car with as little mileage as possible. This should mean that the car has a longer life and hasn’t been used excessively.

And finally, when buying cars on eBay Motors, make sure that the automobile you choose is one that fits your lifestyle. For example, a family would likely be more comfortable in a van or SUV, while a single person or a married couple may be perfectly happy with a compact car. The design of an automobile that you may consider buying on eBay Motors will ultimately depend on your intended use and how many are in your family that will be riding along at the same time.

http://www.socialmedian.com/manee1973

5 Tips On Making Your Car More Fuel Efficient

With gas prices sky high most individuals who drive are interested in ways they can make their car more fuel efficient and save as much money as possible. While there are no fuel saving tips that will keep your car full of gas without filling up, there are some tips that really can help you save money on fuel over the long run. All of these tips focus on making your car more fuel efficient.

Fuel Efficiency Tip #1 Drive When You Crank Up
This might seem obvious, but as soon as you crank up your car you should drive off. However, many people crank up and leave the car idling for a while. Instead of this, when you crank up drive off and only keep your car running when it is absolutely necessary.

Fuel Efficiency Tip #2 Don’t Ride the Break
Many drivers hit the break more often than is necessary. Additionally there are quite a few drivers that slow down for a braking car when they could easily switch lanes. Not riding the break can increase your fuel efficiency by up to 30%, so this is a great tip you should follow.

Fuel Efficiency Tip #3 Turn Off Your Car
If you are going to be stopping for more than 10 minutes you should switch off your car to keep fuel efficiency at its peak and not burn more gas than is necessary.

Fuel Efficiency Tip #4 Don’t Turn Off Your Car
If you are only stopping for a brief moment or less than 5 minutes then don’t turn off your car because the amount of gas used to crank up is more than you would burn in that short period of time.

Fuel Efficiency Tip #5 Inflate Tires Properly
Too many drivers never think of their tires, unless one goes flat. However, having tires that are properly inflated can save fuel and make your car more fuel efficient, saving you money. Because of this, you should check your tire pressure on a regular basis.

While gas prices don’t seem like they will be dipping considerably in the next few months every tip to help you make your car more fuel efficient is helpful. So, follow the above fuel tips and you will see that over time your car really is more fuel efficient.

http://uscatholic.org/users/tonya1988

5 Safety Tips All Drivers Should Know

According to the 2000 census, more than 112 million people drive or carpool to work daily.

With all these people on the road, drivers need to take every precaution to ensure they arrive safely at their destinations. Here are some tips to heed in your travels.

* Keep your vehicle properly maintained. Follow the recommended service intervals found in your vehicle owner's manual, always monitor hoses and belts, and check filters, spark plugs and fluids. Also, be sure tires are properly inflated and gas levels are sufficient.

* Carry an emergency kit. In addition to standards such as a first aid kit and battery jumper cables, consider adding the Autolite TriGlo safety light to your vehicle emergency kit. Powered by four AA batteries, this compact light serves a dual purpose: It shines like a flashlight and alerts like a flare. Triangular in shape, the TriGlo light can be used as a bright spotlight or as a blinking safety triangle to warn oncoming traffic of a motorist's presence.

* Buckle up. When lap and shoulder belts are used correctly, they reduce the risk of fatal injury to front-seat passengers by 45 percent and the risk of moderate to critical injury by 50 percent.

* Know your route. Before hitting the road, take the time to map out your route. Motor clubs such as AAA provide auto travelers with maps and detailed directions to their destinations. Be aware of traffic, construction and weather advisories along your route so you can make alternate plans should these conditions affect your drive.

* Reduce driver distraction. Traffic, construction and careless drivers are distractions beyond your control. However, you can reduce the risk of an accident by decreasing the distractions inside your vehicle.

For instance, to avoid the glare from overhead lights used by your passengers, consider a product such as the Autolite SpotGlo seatbelt light source. This compact, battery-operated recessed light clips easily onto a passenger's seatbelt and slides smoothly on the strap for desired positioning. It directs a powerful LED light source right where passengers need it, without distracting the driver.

No matter where you're headed, heed these suggestions to arrive safely at your destination. Happy travels!

http://www.worldrps.com/bullboard/index.php?action=profile;u=8009

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

5 Practical Ways To Check A Used Car

Since its inception, the market of used cars has suddenly escalated at an unprecedented rate for the past few years. In fact, surveys show that the number of people who buy used cars is almost tripled when compared to the number of people who buy new cars.

That is why many people are enticed to buy used cars because it is gradually becoming a trend in the car buying industry.

However, it does not necessarily mean that buyers will just take the process of selecting used cars for granted. Hence, it is important to take note of the ways to check the car prior to the closure of the deal.

Therefore, for people who wish to know the different ways on checking the condition of the used car, here are some pointers:

1. Test drive

There is no better way to check the condition of the car than to do a test drive. In this way, the buyer will be able to know the actual condition of the car and its parts like the brakes, accelerator, etc.

Also, the buyer will be able to detect at once if there are some “clunks” and rattles on the used car, even if the test drive is just a short trip.

2. Personal inspection

Aside from test-driving, it is also important for the buyer to personally inspect the details of the body make-up and its condition.

In this manner, the buyer will be able to identify any signs of rusts and damages, the condition of the tires, oil leaks, etc.

3. Mileage check

Usually, an average user or driver will consume 12,000 to 15,000 miles in a year. In this way, the buyer will be able to know the approximate age of the car by looking at its mileage.

4. Mechanic check

Another way of checking the condition of a used car prior to its purchase is to seek the help of a mechanic. This may cost the buyer some charges but the money would surely be spent for a good cause. The mechanic is the best person who could instantly assess technically and professionally the condition of a certain car.

5. CARFAX Report

Knowing the history of the car is also one of the best ways to know the real condition of the car. Hence, it is important for the buyer to seek the help of CARFAX report in order to know the full details of the used car’s history.

Take the proper steps and research your purchase. Doing so will guarantee a happy car buying experience.

http://www.thelamfoundation.org/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=20089

4x4 Truck Tires - For The Big Boys

What do you want to see? A blur of forest and land slide by as you spin in all directions with mud surrounding your truck as if you’ve become engulfed in a tornado that’s comprised strictly of earth and water, is certainly a compelling option. And, that’s right, it can be an option. But, there’s something else that perhaps, unfortunately, cannot be ignored. Sometimes you need to get to work. And unless your office is conveniently located well off the highway, by way of some little known and covered path, well then you may need to consider the handling and driving of your vehicle under multiple conditions.

Its not always glamorous, but the fact is your 4x4 tires are probably going to ride upon reasonably dry, smooth surfaces. But, that’s not to say that you can’t be ready for anything. More practical purposes for having a 4x4, and the 4x4 tires that go with it, are things such as slippery conditions due to snow or mud depending on where you live and drive. But this is why you can have it all with All Terrain tires, as used with your 4x4.

You can cut down on the discomforts of riding on mud or off road tires, such as noisy street driving that may seem as bumpy as if you are actually off road and also undesirable aspects, such as potentially greatly reduced fuel efficiency. But, yet, be ready for when you know (or more importantly when you don’t know) you are going to want good traction and grip from your 4x4 tires. The name says it all, you’re going to be able to tackle all terrains and yet not wish you had something different on your 4x4.

http://epractice.eu/en/people/96520

4 Reasons Why You Need A Tonneau Cover

Installing a quality tonneau cover on your pick up truck is a great idea that can only enhance your truck’s look and value. You can shell out a little bit of money and get a cover that looks no better than a tarp or you can pay a lot of money and get a tonneau cover that really makes a statement. In the middle area -- where most consumers shop -- you can find more than a few sensibly priced designs that are sturdy, long lasting, and eye-catching. Some covers look cut-rate -- and they are, while others look costly -- but they really are not. For the most part you will pay less for a soft-top tonneau cover than for a hard-top cover, therefore it becomes a matter of personal taste as to which cover you select.

Simple to maintain The way you wash your truck is the way you will clean your tonneau cover: just be careful not to use a car tire or dashboard cleaning agent on it. Simply follow the manufacturer’s recommendation on how best to maintain your cover. Most any auto supply retailer should stock products expressly developed for maintaining a tonneau cover.

Secure for your stuff If you regularly carry valuable merchandise in your truck bed, consider purchasing a locking, hard shell tonneau cover. Covers such as those made by Truxedo or Extang are designed with your security requirements in mind and will keep probing eyes from seeing what is in the back of your truck.

Enhance your truck’s overall value If you keep your truck looking and running its best, a premium tonneau cover will only boost your truck’s value. When it comes time to sell you truck, you should be able to command a better selling price.

Save on gas Today’s high gas prices mean you must think of innovative ways to save on fuel consumption. One way you can achieve decent savings -- as much as 10-15% -- is to have a tonneau cover installed. With a tonneau cover in place, wind drag is significantly reduced: the less drag on your truck, the better your fuel economy will be.

Most tonneau covers come with a one year limited warranty which should be sufficient for you. A reputable online auto parts wholesaler can give you detailed information about the various product offerings, care and maintenance instructions, prices, shipping and handling information, and more.

http://rhrealitycheck.org/user/tonya1988

3 Ultimate Japanese Automakers

Japan has been producing automobiles for almost as long as America, to the surprise of some. As the American automobile industry has changed, so has Japan’s. To this day, however, Japan still has the highest concentration of automakers of any country on earth: nine to be exact. Three, however, are real standouts producing not only high quality vehicles but reaching well beyond Japan to all corners of the planet. Let’s take a look at the top three and how they are impacting the North American market.

Toyota – As the largest of all Japanese automakers, Toyota ranks only second to General Motors in global production. Toyota vehicles were first introduced to the North American market in the 1960s and were, at the time, widely panned by critics as being too small and inferior in quality. By the late 1970s, Toyota quality levels began to exceed the industry standard. Today, some consider Toyota the benchmark by which all car lines are judged; the company’s Lexus line of luxury vehicles and Scion brand of youth oriented vehicles are also leaders in their respective classes.

Honda – The only thing Honda lacks versus Toyota is size. Still, when you compare Honda vehicles with comparable Toyota models, Honda holds its own. The first Honda, a Civic, was introduced to the North American market in 1971 and was soon followed by the Accord as well as the Prelude. Routinely, the Accord battles Toyota’s Camry for the top spot in U.S. car sales year in and year out, while the Honda Odyssey battles the Toyota Sienna for the highest quality minivan [Chrysler’s minivans still are the best sellers]. Acura is Honda’s luxury car division which has also competed successfully with Toyota’s Lexus line up.

Nissan – Toyota and Honda are the only two fully independent Japanese automakers left in the world today as Nissan has since ceded control to Renault, France’s largest automaker. The first Nissans to hit the North American market did so in the 1960s under the Datsun model name. By the early 1980s the Datsun name was jettisoned in favor of Nissan and today the Nissan name is equated with some of the highest quality cars on the road. In the late 1980s Nissan launched the Infiniti division, a maker of luxurious cars that routinely battles with the likes of BMW, Lexus, Acura, Cadillac, and Mercedes as a top provider of opulent vehicles.

So, there you have it. Three top Japanese brands that have made a name for themselves. You may not own a Toyota, a Honda, or a Nissan, but you have to give credit where credit is due: all three automakers are proven leaders in a highly competitive and every changing industry.

http://educationarcade.org/user/13166

3 Tips To Buying The Right Radar Detector

There are many radar detectors on the market right now. Each one of them claims to have a single best feature. Some detect from the longest distance, while others claim to detect the most radar bands. Others claim to have the highest degree of accuracy and can tell the distance and direction of the radar gun.

With all these different features on the market, which one is right for you? What model of radar detector should you buy? How do you know it will actually work in your state? Is it legal in your state? These and other pressing questions are frequently asked. Here are 3 ways to know you are buying the right radar detector.

1. It detects the right bands for you state.

Some states use different types of radar guns, and unless your radar detector can pick up their signal, it isn't any use. There is a whole slew of different bands of radar guns, X, K, Ka, POP3 K, POP3 Ka, Laser, etc.

First you need to find out which bands that your states uses. Then you need to find a radar detector that can pick up those bands. Not every radar detector can pick up every band.

2. Find the model you want.

There are hundreds, if not thousands, of reviews for nearly ever radar detector ever made on the internet. Now that you know what bands you need to detect, you need to find the right mix of price and features. Some people don't mind paying $500 for a radar detector, some people want to pay under 100 bucks. Obiviously the more you spend, the more features you will get. And the amount you spend will usually determine the range that your radar detector can detect to.

There are many different websites that will allow you to compare different radar detector models. Once you have found the right model for your needs, find the right price. This usually involves going to a few comparison sites, and searching for that model of radar detector.

3. Make your purchase and install.

Some radar detector installations are as simple as plugging your radar detector into your cigarette lighter socket. Others are more complex and need to have wiring run throughout your car or truck. Depending on the complexity of the product, and your knowledge, you may or may not need to have your radar detector professionally installed. A great place to get a radar detector installed is a car audio store. These shops are experienced with running wire throughout cars, and have probably installed many radar detectors.

Keep in mind that radar detectors are illegal in some states, you should check with local law enforcement before purchasing and installing a radar detector.

A radar detector doesn't make you invincible to radar guns, and it doesnt't mean that you won't get a ticket. You should always obey the speed limit.

http://www.richmondchic.com/index.php/member/37928/

3 Exceptional European Automakers

When you think of exceptional cars that are built in Europe, does your mind run strictly to cars made by Rolls Royce, BMW, or Mercedes? Perhaps Jaguar and Lamborghini come to mind as well. Each of these makes deserve all the accolades given to them. Still, there are three makes that are, for various reasons, exceptional. Let’s take a look at Volvo, Volkswagen, and Audi, the three makes featured in this article.

For a country of just nine million to produce one automaker would be amazing enough. To lay claim to two automakers is simply phenomenal. Both Volvo and Saab are from this particular country which is Sweden. Now a part of Ford Motor Company, Volvo has greatly influenced the automobile industry over the years. Safety standards that had been universally low elsewhere are much more appreciated with Volvo. Front end crumple zones, reinforced roofs and specially designed interiors have all had their origin with Volvo. Out of these high safety standards have come a line of cars that are, indeed, some of the best built and safest cars on the road. Fortunately, through Volvo’s leadership, many automakers around the world have incorporated Volvo’s high safety standard. This is what makes Volvo exceptional in my eyes.

The company that brought to the world the first people’s car, the Beetle, is also exceptional. First designed in Germany during the 1930s, the Beetle survived World War II and was one of the most mass produced and loved cars in the world. From the 1950s forward the Beetle managed to make motorized transportation available to people who otherwise could not afford a car. From college students in the US to migrant workers in Mexico and from the gritty cities of Holland to the Irish farmlands, the Beetle made owning a car affordable the majority of the masses. Even after importation to the US ceased during the 1970s, the Beetle was produced for another generation and sold in Mexico.

Without drawing out the point too far, the term that best describes Audi’s quattro technology is “superior handling.” Perhaps that is an understatement but when Audi introduced quattro all wheel drive the company threw the gauntlet down and told the rest of the auto making world that quattro was the standard by which all luxury sedans would be judged. Audi's quattro technology has given the company such a huge advantage over competitors that over the years it has been banned from certain types of racing. Indeed, Audi’s quattro technology provides continuous traction long past when other road handling schematics have reached their threshold.

So, there you have it. Three truly exceptional automobiles from the European continent, exceptional in ways, perhaps, that should be labeled as extraordinary.

http://network.nature.com/people/U470F4CEC/profile

Why You Should Not Buy A Used Motorcycle Helmet

A motorcycle helmet is one of those essentials that will help save your life should you have an accident while riding your bike. This will protect your head from a damaging and even potentially fatal head injury. Motorcycle helmets are so important that state lawmakers have even included a directive in the state laws that orders all people riding the motorcycle to wear helmets.

Some people though do not understand the importance of this accessory. In fact, some people do not even like wearing it because it is too heavy and too suffocating. Others find it a killjoy to not be able to feel the wind on their faces when riding a motorbike.

Motorcycle helmets are not really that expensive but they are also not cheap. Some who are not that well-informed will probably save all their money for the motorcycle leaving a really small budget for safety gears like the helmet. Some even buy used helmets instead of new ones. This, however, is one practice that should not be encouraged.

Using used helmets is extremely dangerous and impractical. Used helmets are actually worthless and what is more you cannot really tell whether they are damaged or not. You won’t even be able to tell if they are relatively new ones or not. This is because the helmet is made from a hard outer shell that envelops a layer of expanded polystyrene. You will never be able to tell if the expanded polystyrene is already compressed or not unless you cut the outer shell. An already compressed polystyrene layer will not protect you from an accident.

Another thing that you should consider is the fact that polystyrene becomes brittle as it ages. This is the reason why old helmets should be exchanged for new ones in a couple of years as it may not be able to absorb much of the impact when an accident does happen. The polystyrene layer is also easily damaged by the sun and by chemicals such as gas vapors.

Motor bikers who always place their helmet near the gas tank will also unknowingly damage the lining of the helmet. It is also not a good idea to always let the helmet sit under the heat of the sun. If you can, try to park your motorbike in areas that are shaded. Pointed objects may also compromise the lifespan of the helmet by piercing through the polystyrene layer inside.

http://discuss.joyent.com/profile.php?section=personality&id=34991

Why choose a Honda Motorcycle?

When you are looking for a great motorcycle, you may want to try the Honda motorcycle. You will get this good dependable and quality product many years from. There is not doubt that you will be happy with your choice for many years to come. You will feel good and look good when you are riding down the road on your cool ride.

For a lot of the riders, finding the right motorcycle is going to be a difficult decision. They will take their time and find the right motorcycle that will be right for them. It will take a long time to search and find the one that will fit your personality and your lifestyle. It is important to make the best decision that you will be happy with and be comfortable with as well.

Most bike riders will ask their buddies what is going to be the best bike for them. They will take their information and advice and try to make the best decision for them. A lot of times the bike riders will discuss their problems with the bikes and find out what they like most and least about the bikes. For most of the Honda motorcycles, you can almost guarantee that you are not going to hear anything bad about them.

Most great Honda motorcycles can be found at a Honda dealership. There are lots of people that can find the right bike for them and not have to worry about getting a bad deal. For most people, they can get a good bike at a good price and be happy with that Honda Motorcycle for a long time to come.

There are many colors and styles to choose from when it comes to Honda Motorcycles. You can find the right ones to fit your style and your body too. You do not have to worry about not getting exactly what you want when you choose a Honda. There are so many to choose from and so many place that you can look.

Even used Honda motorcycles are a great bargain. There are many that you can find for a good price and ones that you can be happy with for a long time to come. Many times you can get a better deal with a used bike than you can get with a new one. It is all up to you and what you want to buy with your money.

Year after year, you can trade in your Honda motorcycle for a new one. This is a great way to get a new bike and get a good deal on your old one. You will not have to worry about the value of your bike going down. You are going to be able to have a good investment in your Honda motorcycle for a long time to come.

http://provideocoalition.com/index.php/member/23701/

Which Brand Of ATV Tires Is The Best

There are numerous brands of tires available on the market specifically designed for all terrain vehicles (ATVs). Quite often, when it comes time to purchase new tires for your ATV, the options are overwhelming. Although it is a great debate raging regarding which specific brand of ATV tire is the best, the question should be which brand ATV tire is the best for your needs?

There are several popular brands of ATV tires on currently on the market, ranging from the economical to the budget-busting. Tire pioneers Firestone, Goodyear, Pirelli, Dunlop, and Bridgestone produce ATV tires. These brands are most familiar with most tire consumers, as they produce automobile tires. Goodyear produces a wide variety of tires, including the popular choice for those interested in riding their ATV in muddy environments, the Tracker Mud Runner. Since the Polaris Sportsman 700 Twin was named 2005 ATV of the Year, Goodyear has become even more popular with ATV owners, since their Rawhide Grip tires are a feature of the 700 Twin.

For ATV owners wanting something out of the ordinary and are looking to after market tires to beef up their all terrain vehicle. Whether you want a tire that will out perform the typical treads available on ATVs straight out of the showroom or a tire that has a certain look that appeals to you, these after market tires are becoming more and more popular. Look to the High Lifter’s Outlaw tire if you want to lift the entire ATV for additional clearing space underneath the vehicle. If you choose this option, be sure to also purchase a lift kit so that your new tires will fit. Keep in mind that any lifting of an ATV can reduce the stability of the vehicle, so do these modifications with the utmost of care. Furthermore, brands like GBC produce fantastic tires that are designed to travel in sandy environments, specifically the Sand Shark brand of tire.

If you are interested in racing your ATV, look no further than the Maxxis brand of tires. Their popular model, the Maxxis iRazr is a great model for anyone wanting a top performance ATV tire. Also by Maxxis is the Razr, Razr 2, and Razr MX. Also for racing are tires produced by Carlisle, especially the Carlisle S-Trac Radial and the Badlands models. These models are perfect for individuals who want control without compromising their top speeds. Keep in mind that racing tires should only be used for racing and are inappropriate and dangerous for any other use. These tires have flat, knobby treads that allow the ATV to travel at maximum speed, but in turn, have decreased stability and control, especially on muddy, sandy, or uneven surfaces.

http://www.bakersfieldvoice.com/content/tonya1988