More miles with a safe driving

When we talk about the safe driving in order to earn more miles, it has tend to work on our driving method on how we save a gas in order to run up in more miles. When it comes to safe driving, we're not just talk about the safety measures in driving a car like driving safely in common. When it comes to more miles specification of safe driving, it deals on the safe using of cars. Use of cars while driving is a worth while experience on how you can manage valuing the gas or fuel of your car. For driving a car is not just driving it for your purpose of using it in order to go in any place. A good driver is not deal on the racer or driver of the racing cars who can hit a fastest time. A good driver when it comes to usual driving, he/she must have deal with any safety measure. Safety measure for his/her life and safety measure for the life (fuel, engine) of the car. An excellent fuel consumption will give a complex advantage in caring your car. Make your way used car values in order not to regret anytime.

A smooth step into acceleration pedal will give a smooth and safe driving that turns to low consumption of gas which means cost effective consumption of fuel. An smooth driving will protect the life of your car and especially your life as a driver. This is the great benefits of safety driving. You are away from any accident, you can protect the engine of your car, you can lower your fuel expenses, and you can protect the environment for pollution. Over using of fuel will give damage into the environment because of smokes that generates by your cars. For example, you are reckless in driving, you keep on angry stepping on acceleration which make you an over speeding until you don't notice that because of over speeding, your car was overheat. So, your car might be damage and it may cause generating more smokes by the engine of your car.

Here are the ways on how to drive safe in order to get more mileage: proper car maintenance will help to get more mileage, maintain a regular change oil, proper driving like hitting the exact mileage recommended, make a smooth break, don't put lot of things into your car which bring extra weight into it, you can convert your car also in low cost fuel if necessary, and keep your car in good running condition. Saving fuel is a worthwhile money saving concept. But when we talk what is more effective money saving concept in driving; mileage or time travel saved by driving fast? For me you can save for mileage. Because speed driving will burn more fuels. Though in short period of time than in a mileage driving, still speed driving is not the right way to make a cost-effective fuel consumption.

Safety driving will give a good life for your car as well as into your life. Focusing into your safety driving concept will makes your family happy. Why? Because you are safe from any car accident. Don't let yourself belong into about 25,000 victims of car accident every year in Australia. Keep on the right track and have a safety driving method in order to save your life from killer car accidents.

Author Resource:-> Get more information about cars with Oz Free Online-place for great car deals for the best value for your money. Oz Free Online offers quality and great service when you sell used Australian cars, for Australian cars for sale and for cars for sale. Visit us now.

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5 Facts You Might Not Know About Car Tyres

Car tyres are an everyday object that we take for granted. But without them driving would be a very different experience. Any fan of Formula One Racing will be able to tell you about the importance of tyres. To keep up in a conversation with a motor sport fan, I have compiled five interesting facts that you may not know about car tyres:

1. There are several different types of car tyres, not just budget or expensive. The type of tyre you choose depends on factors such as the vehicle's make, the desired performance, how you drive your car and the driving conditions.

Five different tyre classifications are:

a) All Weather

b) Wet Weather

c) All Terrain

d) Mud

e) Performance

A wet weather tyre will handle the harsher conditions of winter better than a performance tyre, which is suited to summer driving.

The tyre types differ in the rubber compound used (soft or hard) and the tread patterns. These can affect driving in terms of grip, performance, tyre noise and wear. For instance All Terrain tyres have large tread block patterns that are very noisy on normal roads but have great grip when driving off road.

If in doubt about which type of car tyre is best for you then consult a car tyre specialist for advice.

2. Over 40 million car tyres are disposed of by tyre retailers, garages and vehicle dismantlers every year. Responsible companies pay for the tyres to be disposed of in an environmentally friendly fashion.

A 2006 EU directive banned the disposal of almost all tyres in landfill sites. Many are re-used after having new tread applied. Others are shredded and used in carpet underlay or for road re-surfacing. An emerging market is energy recovery. It is hoped that tyres could partially replace coal as a fuel source for many industries.

Car tyres can be re-used at home in the garden. Ideas include as a raised bed for planting flowers or herbs, a basic composter, as part of a children's playground or the old favourite- a car tyre swing.

3. Car tyres inflated to the vehicle manufacturer's recommended pressure can improve fuel economy by 10%.

Under inflated tyres increase the rolling resistance on the road and if one tyre is a different pressure to the others an imbalance is created. It makes the car engine work harder, using more fuel.

4. The legal minimum tread depth for a car tyre is 1.6mm. This applies to the entire circumference of the tyre.

Most tyres have a tread wear indicator built into them. It is a horizontal bar of rubber located between the tread patterns, at a depth of 2mm. When the height of the tread wears down to the height of this bar it is time to consider replacing your car tyres.

5. New car tyres need running in. This is where the Formula One fan can help. They will be able to tell you the tyres on the racing cars improve after a certain amount of use. The same applies to our new tyres but not really for the same reasons as a Formula One car.

A new car tyre is formed in a mould which is lined with a non stick coating. The coating is needed to be able to remove the tyre from the mould. It creates a wonderful shiny appearance on a new tyre but also reduces grip. It can take up to 500 miles to scrub the coating from the tyre. During this time it is advised to take extra care when driving fast, on corners or bends and driving in the wet.

Author Resource:-> Merityre.co.uk are a leading UK independent supplier of car tyres. Visit their website for free vouchers, including 10% off your next MOT, free wheel alignment check and free locking wheel nuts.

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What to Do When Your Car is Overheated

An overheated vehicle is a fairly common occurrence, especially in hotter climates or extreme road or driving conditions. The following article covers steps for you to take if you suspect that your engine is overheating.

First, you can probably tell if your engine is overheating. The temperature gauge located on your dashboard will indicate a high temperature. Also, when you feel a substantial loss of power, meaning the car will not accelerate appropriately when the gas pedal is pushed; there is a high probability that your engine is overheated.

A few common sense rules to follow:

Do not drive the car any further than you absolutely have to. Pull off of the road as soon as you can find a safe shoulder. Failure to do so could cause a fire.

Do not turn off the engine. Place the vehicle in Park. If driving a manual transmission, place the vehicle in Neutral.

If you have time, open all of the windows and turn off the air conditioner. Turn the heater or air conditioner knob to the maximum hottest setting. Turn the fan to the highest setting

Doing this may help the engine to cool down. You can monitor the temperature gauge indicator on the dashboard.

If there is water or steam coming from the hood of the car, get out of the vehicle, stand clear, call for assistance, and do not open the hood.

Once the hood is cool and the engine has had opportunity to cool off, remove any jewelry, your watch, tie, and any loose clothing, and slowly lift the hood.

If the engine is hot, do not attempt to remove the radiator cap. Doing so can cause very hot water to spray out. Try not to touch any part of the engine.

At this point, there are a few visual checks that you can make. If any of the next three points are the problem. Turn off the engine.

First, check the belts; if they are frayed, torn, or missing, this is probably the problem.

Check the hoses for tears or leaks; they should not be leaking water.

Make sure the fan is running and the coolant is not leaking.

If you allow the engine to completely cool off, restart the car and with the engine running, you may then check the coolant level. You may add coolant at this time. This will temporarily solve your problem, but there is probably a need to get the car to a car repair facility.

A steaming engine can be daunting, but by following these safety rules, and checking the aforementioned items, you can probably perform a self-diagnosis. At this point it will be necessary to get take your vehicle in for a routine inspection and possible car repair.

Author Resource:-> When looking for affordable used auto parts and " target="_blank">http://www.everdrive.com/Makes/AA-Engine.html"> Guaranteed used car engines consider parts from http://www.everdrive.com

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Top 10 Earth Friendly Ways to Travel

As concerns about emissions and global warming increase, people are scrambling to make all of their regular activities more environmentally friendly. Travel has been singled out by many as one of the biggest contributors to the climate change problem. Fortunately, there are many ways to make travel greener. By keeping these Earth friendly means of travel in mind, you can take a trip and help the environment at the same time.

1. Walk
Perhaps the most environmentally friendly means of travel is walking. While walking between cities or across oceans is obviously impossible, any trip can be made greener by increasing the amount of time walking. Not only is walking good for the environment, it is a great way to get some fresh air and exercise. It will also put you in close contact with the place you are visiting, potentially increasing your enjoyment of the trip.

2. Ride a Bike
The only downside of walking is that it can be slow. Riding a bike is a faster, zero emission, alternative. Like walking, riding a bike is a great way to get some exercise and fresh air. Bikes can be purchased new or used and sometimes even found for free. If you are visiting a new city, it is worth finding a bike shop that has rentals available. A rented bike is the perfect vehicle for a tour of a new place.

3. Mass Transit
In some places the weather, terrain, or traffic congestion makes walking and riding a bike challenging. If walking or riding a bike is impractical, look for public transport. The city bus or subway is a great way to get around and the overall environmental impact is significantly less than that of driving or taking taxi cabs.

4. Take the Train
If you are traveling greater distances, see if a train is available. Trains are fast and comfortable and give off dramatically fewer emissions than airplanes or even buses. Many people argue that, since the train will be making the trip with or without you, the individual emissions responsibility is zero. Whether you agree with this or not, the train is a one of the most earth friendly means of travel around.

5. Take a Bus
If the train is not available, or is too expensive for your budget, taking the bus is a good alternative. While not as comfortable as flying or taking a train, the bus is reliable and more environmentally friendly than flying. With stations in most towns and the center of many cities, the bus is also often the most convenient option among all public transport.

6. Rent a Hybrid
If you need to drive, try renting a hybrid. Though slightly more expensive than standard car rentals, hybrids offer considerable fuel savings and decreased emissions. Once difficult to find, hybrids are now carried by most major rental agencies and are available from offices across the country.

7. Share a Ride
If you are going to be driving a large distance, consider sharing the ride with someone else. Ask friends and family when you are planning your trip if they know anyone with a similar itinerary. If this fails, visit your local church, library, or community center and see if they have a ride board. Similar services are also set up online. By sharing the trip with someone else, you effectively cut the potential emissions in half.

8. Offset Your Emissions
Whether you drive or fly, consider reducing your emissions by participating in an offset program. When you pay into one of these programs, your money is given to projects that work to reduce carbon emissions, global warming, and climate change. By giving an amount of money proportional to your expected travel emissions, you can make your trip "carbon neutral."

9. Stay Still
Of course, not traveling at all is the only way to totally eliminate emissions, but many of us are not willing or are not able to give up or travel plans. Still, we can embrace this philosophy on our trips to reduce our overall impact. Instead of traveling to a place and then moving constantly to neighboring areas, try slowing down if possible. Go to one place and stay there. It may mean that you do not see the same number of different places, but each one you visit will be experienced to the fullest.

10. Stay Local
By not traveling as far from your home you can also make the trip more environmentally friendly. While it may not seem as exotic or exciting at first, there are likely neighboring areas that you have not visited, at least not as a tourist. This can be a fun and exciting way to see the area in which you live. Even if you travel far away, consider keeping things local once you get to your destination. Try to eat food that comes from nearby and buy sovereigns and products from that region.

Travel can have a huge impact on the climate and environment, but it does not have to. By keeping some of these tips in mind when making your travel plans you can make your trip much more earth friendly.

Author Resource:-> Rent a Hybrid Car (http://www.hybrid-rental-car.com) offers information on how to rent a hybrid and other tips to make traveling more environmentally friendly.

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Discount Rental Cars: 8 Ways to Save

Renting a car when you're on vacation or while you're waiting to get your car repaired can cost a lot of money if you are not careful.

If you need to rent a car, follow these tips to make sure you're getting a great deal:

1. Pick the right size of car.

If you only have a family of three, you don't need to rent a full sized SUV. Larger cars are more expensive to rent. Rent the smallest sized car that you can get away with.

2. Pick the right type of car.

Although many people look at renting a car as an opportunity to get a luxury vehicle, the budget savvy traveler will choose more carefully. Just like when it comes to purchasing a car, renting a luxury car is more expensive than renting an economy car. And you'll pay through the nose if you decide to rent a sports car! Stick with a basic car and save money.

3. Consider renting for an entire week.

By doing a cost comparison of rental rates, you may find that renting a car for an entire week is a better option that renting for just four to five days. Compare the daily rental rate to the weekly rate. Often times the weekly rate is a better deal. Double check the company's policy for turning in the car early, just in case you need to do so.

4. Comparison shop.

If you have a choice of car rental companies, make sure to shop around. Get similar quotes from each car insurance company and find the best deal on the type of car that you need. You can also search prices online through travel sites. Sometimes, you will find the cheapest prices directly at the rental company's website. Look for online coupons at secondary sites that will save you even more.

5. Look for package deals.

If you are renting a car for your vacation, you may save money if you book your flight, hotel and car rental all at the same time. But don't assume that a package deal will equal a better rate. Do the math to make sure that you'll be saving.

6. Talk with your car insurance company.

Your regular car insurance company may offer discounts on car rentals. In addition, they may also insure you while you are driving a rental car. Read your policy carefully or call your car insurance provider to make sure that you'll be covered while you have a rental car. If you are, this means that you won't have to buy the daily insurance from the car rental company, which can save you a lot of money.

7. Look at your credit card benefits.

Most people don't realize that a lot of credit cards come with car rental benefits. You can receive discounts on car rentals or rental car insurance through your credit card. Call your credit card company to find out your benefits regarding renting a car.

8. Try to find discounts through other memberships.

Several other membership groups offer discounts on car rentals. If you are a member in any type of large group or club, check to see if you have any rental car benefits.

Author Resource:-> Jamie Jefferson writes for Susies-Travel-Coupons.com. Visit today to find car rental coupons and easy car rental promotions.

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Eco Friendly & Money Saving Tips for Good Car Maintenance

Car fuel prices are fluctuating and escalating through the roof. Research shows the average age of vehicles to be 9 years. So is keeping your old car and stretching your work horse even further being environmentally friendly? How can we do that without having to spend more on maintenance?

It is a natural course with your car engine wear and tear affecting performance and car fuel consumption gets rises. You have a choice to either change to a new vehicle and save you the maintenance hassle. This is what a lot of people would do every 3 years before the car sounds the alarm for repair needs. Alternatively, if you are not privileged with such financial luxury, keep good car habits and you might still save a hefty sum from your car maintenance.

Check out the following good practice car maintenance to enhance the longevity of your vehicle:

Cars are like humans, you need to keep them in tuned with the seasons. Remember to change to winter tires and add anti-freeze. Plug in your electric cord to warm up the engine half an hour before you start your journey.

And in summer, check your fluids too. The sun heats up and dries the fluids more quickly. Check your oil level, coolant fluids etc. Keep your car in a covered garage.

Sign Up For A Comprehensive Regular Tune-Up Package. The mechanics will do your oil change, change your air filters, check your spark plugs, radiator and fuel injector, test your brake pads, tire pressure, rotate your tires (if required) as well as tune your wheel alignment. Have the computerized system checked by your specialist mechanics. Life saving devices such as the air bags, antilock breaks etc must be checked for safety too.

Change Your Oil Every 3 Months Or 3,000 Miles. Here is a simple example to help you visualize. Imagine re-using the same pot of oil for deep-frying your French fries everyday for 3 weeks... the oil has become a thick crude of glob and your fries tastes weird doesn’t it? Same theory goes for your car. Revitalize your car engine with a fixed scheduled oil change routine.

Listen & Feel the Strange Warning Signs. Be conscious of squeaky noise, gasoline smell, and oil leaks on your garage floor. Check where the noise comes from. Early detection of car faults could save you a ton of money.

Befriend A Good Mechanic. Not only will you save money, you save yourself some anguish from unscrupulous mechanics some of whom change your good parts for bad or recommend unnecessary jobs.

And now, get ready to enjoy the ride!

Author Resource:->

Joey Lee has 17 years of business & marketing experience in the Insurance & Banking Industry, holds an Executive MBA, and a Platinum Ezine Author. Get the latest eco friendly green cars info at Environmentally Friendly Cars and much more at CngCar.org

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Used Car Extended Warranty - 3 Advantages of Purchasing A Used Car Extended Warranty

If you have a used car and the warranty is no longer valid because of the age of the car or the mileage a great way to protect yourself from unexpected expenses related to car repairs is to purchase a used car extended warranty. The older you car gets the more likely you will have high repair bills and if you are not expecting them than it can take a chunk out of your budget. Most people who own used cars do not know that they are eligible for a used car extended warranty but they are. In this article we will take a look at some of the advantages of getting a used car extended warranty.

Used Car Extended Warranty-Advantage #1

It is inevitable that the older a car gets the more likely that it will start to have mechanical problems. If you are not prepared to pay for the repairs for a used car than you may be short of the cash that is needed to make the repairs. A used car extended warranty will take care of the repairs.

Used Car Extended Warranty-Advantage #2

Almost all of the extended warranties come with road side assistance and towing. If you are traveling and your car breaks down you will know that you make a phone call and somebody will be there to repair the car. If a repair cannot be made on the side of the road you can get it towed to an approved mechanic in the area and the warranty company will foot the bill.

Used Car Extended Warranty-Advantage #3

If you decide that getting a warranty for your used car if for you than nothing is greater than the piece of mind that comes with it. If you have an extended warranty than you already know that if something happens to your car that it is already paid for. It really can be stressful when your car breaks down and you do not know where the money will come from to pay for the repairs but with a warranty you do not have to worry about it.

A used car extended warranty is like a security blanket for people. You can also get many quotes online so you know you are getting the best price. If you want the piece of mind in knowing that all of your car repairs will be paid for than you may want to consider a used car extended warranty.

A used car extended warranty is designed to save the car owner money from car repairs. To get a quote which can save you as much as 50% on your warranty go to www.realautowarranty.info for a free quote.

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How To Spot Auto Repair Fraud

Have you ever seen a person get suckered into paying more than they should have for an imaginary auto repair? Well, it happened to me. I won't use the name of the place here. All I'm going to say is that I was taking my vehicle in for a standard oil change and left this particular place about $1,000 later. I had been led to believe that there was more wrong with my car than there really was. Truth be told, my car was brand new and there was nothing wrong with it. Shame on me, I guess- but shame on those people for trying (and successfully) fooling another customer.

It is not unusual for car owners to end up paying a lot of money to have repairs made on their vehicles. Cars require a lot of maintenance and if this maintenance is overlooked the resulting repairs can be an extreme drain on finances. While many expensive car charges are perfectly legitimate and expected there are a few auto mechanics that will attempt to take advantage of the fact that many consumers expect to spend a lot of money on car repairs. Each year car owners are over charged thousands of dollars for vehicle repairs. In order to avoid being taken advantage of there are a few tricks that consumers must be aware of.

Be wary of "specials" on oil changes, tune-ups, and other regular maintenance services. Many unscrupulous auto repair shops will use these advertised prices to attract new customers looking for a deal. Once the customer shows up to the shop the mechanic will try to separate the car owner from their vehicle and then later tell the car owner that there are many things wrong with the vehicle in order to charge more for repairs. Usually, when a scam is under way the auto repair shop will attempt to frighten the car owner into having the repairs done immediately by claiming that they will face dire consequences if they attempt to leave before having the repairs made. Don't fall for this trap, however. If you are inexperienced when it comes to your knowledge of vehicles, don't allow someone else to take advantage. Bring someone with you who knows a thing or two about cars, this way they catch the employee in a lie and/or give you advice. If you can't bring someone, have your phone handy and simply tell the employee that you don't feel comfortable with making a decision until you speak to someone more knowledgeable about car repairs.

Another way to spot repair fraud in the making is auto repair shops being unwilling to put estimates in writing. Most legitimate auto mechanics have no problem with providing written estimates prior to beginning the work. On the other hand, repair shops that are hoping to use fraud to get more money out of customer than necessary will only provide a verbal quote. This will allow the auto mechanic to complete any work they wish (or charge for parts and work not completed) without the customers consent. When this happens most customers have no choice but to pay for the repairs they did not want.

Rent a 15 Passenger Van Atlanta and 15 Passenger Van Rental Atlanta

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Top 5 Used Cars For Your College Freshman

If you're looking for reliable, used transportation for your college-bound child, check the following vehicles first - they are probably your best bets. And they're all under $5,000.

Geo Prizm, '95-'97

Chevrolet Prizm, '98

Honda Civic, '94

Ford Taurus, '97-'98

Subaru Legacy, '96

Here are some general tips when considering a used vehicle:

Before you shop

- Get your financing in place before choosing a car. Knowing exactly what you can afford will save you time.

- Be aware of the current "going rate" of vehicles before purchasing by checking automotive guides available online and in most bookstores and libraries.

- Consider all different outlets for used vehicles such as trade-ins at new car dealerships or private sales, not just secondhand car dealers.

General Advice when inspecting vehicles

Never buy a car without test-driving it yourself. First, make sure you are insured to drive it. Then, if possible, take it on a drive that covers a mixture of conditions: fast highway driving, slow urban driving, and twisting roads. Don't forget to check the reverse gear.

Before making an offer

- After the car passes your personal inspection and test-drive, there are a few more things to bear in mind before making an offer

- Ask to see service and repair history as well as repair receipts. Treat a denial that these receipts exist with suspicion.

- Check whether the mileage on the odometer corresponds with service and repair receipts.

- Check to make sure that the car's 17 digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN for short) matches the car's ID number on the registration document.

- Ask if it is permissible to have the car inspected by an independent mechanic. If it is (and you can afford the added expense), ask the mechanic to carry out a cylinder compression test to assess the condition of the engine and to estimate the cost of any repairs that he/she thinks may be warranted. You can then ask for the cost of these repairs to be deducted from the asking price.

- If you have a car to trade in, don't mention it until you have negotiated a discount for the one you want to buy.

Also, when buying a pre-owned vehicle, it may be worth investing in a warranty. Read the warranty small print very carefully, as some warranties exclude more than they cover.

Happy car shopping!

Ed writes for Plugged In Parents.

Please visit his column at http://www.pluggedinparents.com

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Car Ding Repair

A car ding repair is easy to do if you have a good auto ding repair kit. Such repair kits are not so expensive; about $30 and it’s really easy to used. Such automobile ding repair kids can be purchased at most stores selling car parts or car accessories. The task you have to do is to pull or remove glue from the surface on all panels of the vehicle and most of these cheap ding repair items for sale today are really working for this purpose if the dents or dings are not too big. For small and medium dents or dings, ding puller devices provides a simple, cost efficient removal. Fortunately there is no need to access the underside of the panel.

We see a trend today that more and more vehicle manufactures are using light gauge sheet metal in the construction of vehicles. In fact, it is not difficult to dent many new cars by simply leaning against them. The nice things about these dent/ding out, glue puller kits are that they give the do-it-your-selfers and car amateur enthusiasts a professional option to expensive dent removal services.

There are also different kinds of ding or dent repair kit and each of them offers a tool for specific damage. So you must know which repair kit you need for fixing your specific problem. This is no big deal however, because the only thing you have to do is to tell the sales person in the auto part or accessory store what you'll need to do and he or she will find the dent fix kit for your needs. To cover yourself completely, you can buy several of them, thus having a tool for any ding or dent problem your car might incur. If you purchase three different ding or dent fix kits, you'll have what you need for all types of dent repair.

How to use these kits? Here is what you do:

• apply a bead of glue to the pulling nib
• affix the nib to the lowest area of the dent you're going to fix
• the ding repair tool slips over the threaded stud
• a wing nut tool is threaded down pulling the metal up
• as soon as the dent is pulled out, a couple of drops of a release agent that normally is included in the kit is applied to the glue and the pulling nib will come right off.

These dent fix kits are inexpensive and easy to use and they will not damage your factory finish.

Terje Brooks Ellingsen is a writer and internet publisher. He runs the website cheap-used-cars.w-eland.com. Terje gives advice and helps people with automotive issues like finding cheap car parts online as well as car ding repair and other auto repair issues.

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How to Save Money on Auto Repairs - Choose a Shop

With increasing gas prices, we are all looking for ways to save money. Buy a Hybrid for around`$30,000 to save $10 a week in gas? I don't think so. A lot of us realize that with the economic slow down our best bet is to reduce debt and drive what we already have a little longer. This article is for people that are looking to save money on their car repairs but don't want to do the repairs themselves.

Find a repair shop before your car is in desperate need of repair. The easiest and less stressful way to try a shop's services out is to schedule an oil change. By scheduling your car for this service, you can get to know the place, see if it seems trustworthy, organized and professional. Look for ASE certifications or dealer training certifications while there on your visit. Ask about their other services and what their warranty is on parts and labor.

Save money by having repairs done as soon as there is a problem. Delaying repairs can often result in more damage being done to related parts, requiring more labor and material. Have the car checked, just because your car overheated, don't assume that it needs a water pump. If you ask for a water pump, that is what you'll get and your car may still overheat. If you ask the service writer to have your car checked for overheating, then it will be their diagnosis and you have a leg to stand on if the repair didn't remedy the problem.

You are much more likely to have a good experience if you communicate well with the shop. Don't always elect go with the lowest price, you may end up with inferior parts and possibly a less experienced auto technician performing the repairs. Everyone is in a rush these days, but when you get your car worked on allow ample time for the repair so the work is not rushed. Anyone that works too fast is prone to make mistakes. Ask to see the old parts, you may not know what you are looking at, but this helps to insure the parts were replaced and that they did in fact fail. With a little common sense, you'll save a ton of money on car repair and you won't even get your hands dirty.

Dennis is an ASE Master Auto Technician that has hands on experience with automotive tools for over 23 years. He founded http://www.denlorstools.com/ in 2005 that offers namebrand auto tools, shop supplies and shop equipment at great prices.

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Do It Yourself Auto Repair: What You Need To Know

This article answers some of the questions asked by car owners or would be Do It Yourselfers on Do It Yourself Auto Repair.

What is DIY or Do It Yourself Auto Repair:
This is a maintenance system where a vehicle owner carry out specific repair works on his/her car. The repair work can be major or minor.

Can anybody carry out Do It Yourself Auto
Repair: Yes, anybody old enough to own a car, and calm - headed enough to follow some sets of repair instructions can successfully carry out Do It Yourself Auto Repair.

It does not require deep knowledge of engineering or mechanism, just the ability to believe in yourself and follow instructions.

What are the requirements for Do it yourself auto
repair: The following are the basic requirements, which may be more, depending on the repair job to be done.

• A good auto repair manual.


• Set of tools.


• Auto parts for replacement.


• Calmness and determination.


• Time.

From manual you can get all the requirements and the procedures.

Where Can Do It Yourself Auto Repair be carried out:
Anywhere there is space. preferably in a place where there is privacy and where you are shielded from sun, rain, etc.

Can I get help for Do It Yourself Auto Repair jobs when
I needed one: Yes you can get a real life help if you register with a good auto repair site and/or auto repair forum for car owners.

There you meet car owners like yourself sharing their experiences in Do It Yourself Auto Repair job and their failures too, you learn a lot and avoid many pitfalls.

What are the benefits of Do It Yourself Auto Repair: you stand to gain a lot in Do it Yourself Auto Repair, Some benefits includes:

1. Reduction in repair and maintenance cost.
2. Self Satisfaction in carrying out your repair works.
3. Better understanding of your car system and operations.
4. Opportunity to meet/chart with other car owners, share ideas and gain from their experiences.
5. Ability to gain total control over your car.

The total benefit of Do it Yourself Auto Repair cannot be generalized it depends on where an individual is starting from and his background knowledge. You really see it when you start.

What is the rate of success in Do It Yourself Auto
Repair: The rate of success figure is not constant, for it depends on individual knowledge and what he has committed to it.

But a lot of people have been recording success, this you can find out in DIY forum sites. even
people that started as a complete novice.

The important things to hold to record success is, having the right tools equipment and starting/doing your Do it Yourself Auto Repair jobs rightly. This I can show you.

You may have many more questions not answered here, but you don't need to know all answers before you start, just a step-by-step guide. if others have been doing it then you can do it.

Why not start right now.

Tope Olawumi is a seasoned auto - infopreneur. His site at

http://www.all-about-auto-part.com/Do-It-Yourself-Auto-Repair.html
shows you all the information you need to do your Do It Yourself Auto Repair right. For your right manual visit;

http://www.all-about-auto-part.com/Do-It-Yourself-Auto-Repair-Manual.html.

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Increasing Your Gas Mileage By Changing Your Driving Habits

So many people complain about their gas mileage and the price of fuel. But there is one way to save a good 5 to 10 percent of your fuel costs by simply changing your driving habits.

If you are driving automatic vehicle and the light turns green you should let off the gas while in drive and allow the vehicle to drive forward before applying pressure to the gas pedal and then slowly pushing forward as the car goes down the road. Another thing you should do is let off the gas pedal a good distance before you know you have to stop and allow the car to slow down by the friction of the roadway and you will save the difference in fuel from your car running at idle to whatever the RPMs would have been at had you stayed on the gas until the last minute.

In the city driving if you are very careful you can save up to 20 percent of your fuel costs by just using these two techniques. When you're on the highway it behooves you to use the cruise control. And if you want to pass it is better to pass while you are going down a slight grade rather than going up a slight grade. It is amazing how much fuel you can actually save and how you can change the number of miles per gallon that your car gets with the fuel simply following a few of these techniques.

If you save 15 percent of your fuel that is the same as getting a 15 percent discount on the price of your gas. Perhaps you should think of it in this way and modify your driving habits to optimize the efficiency of your vehicle. Consider this in 2006.

"Lance Winslow" - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/. Lance is a guest writer for Our Spokane Magazine in Spokane, Washington

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Auto Repair Advice

Auto repair advice gives you simple and practical solutions for questions regarding your vehicle. There are numerous web sites providing comprehensive information on auto repair. These sites also feature links to auto repair service centers, shops and garages near your place.

You are given instruction on auto parts and their functioning. Online advice resources provide the service of experts who pinpoint the exact cause and suggest possible repairs before you visit the shop. You can even post car care or repair questions on their message boards. Car owners and mechanics exchange advice and help through these forums. Auto repair advice given on these sites is often free of charge.

Auto repair advice is sometimes provided in manuals given along with your vehicle. Whether opting for online advice or depending on repair manuals, the vehicle owner should have a clear understanding of the terms and techniques involved. In case you are taking your vehicle to a service centre, a written estimate should be sought and the history of the shop should be checked out with the Better Business Bureau. One has also to check whether the repairs provided have any guarantees. If so, get the details in writing.

It is important to verify whether your car is still under warranty before venturing to repair the car yourself. For cars under warranty, the repair work must be performed by a mechanic or a technician certified by the manufacturer. The repair in this case is usually carried out at the dealer's service center. Some manufacturers do not offer to perform repair work and you may have the provision of carrying it out elsewhere. Read your warranty carefully to find out how you can get the repair costs reimbursed.

You can get repair advice from mechanics and experienced persons in the automobile industry. Repair advice is given for almost all models and types of vehicles, whether domestic or imported.

Auto Repair provides detailed information on Auto Repair, Auto Glass Repair, Online Auto Repair, Auto Body Repair and more. Auto Repair is affiliated with Discount Auto Parts.

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Cheap Auto Repair

Auto repair is a headache for motorists all over the world. Repair and replacement of parts have become so costly that motorists are looking for cheap auto repair as an alternative to regular repair.

Many auto repair firms advertise to repair vehicles at cheap rates but they do this by using inferior parts and employing unskilled workers. Generally, specialized shops, including transmission repair and old car repair shops, offer cheaper auto repairs compared to general shops. There are even general repair shops that provide you quality repair at cheaper rates.

It is imperative that you discuss the exact nature of the repair job and take time with the mechanic before you actually launch the repair. Most of the modern vehicles have computerized monitoring systems, which help mechanics identify problems easily. Auto repair manuals and guides call tell you details of each repair job and the normal time taken for each. These manuals can be bought from auto parts shops in your neighborhood.

Online you can find many experienced mechanics advertising cheap auto repair. They do brake jobs for as little as $50.00 and many other repair jobs just as cheap. There are also part-time mechanics who do most of their work at their own house and are ready to do cheap auto repair on request.

Cheap auto repair is usually sought by people who are money-minded. Cheap repair has many drawbacks too. It is not reliable, and often functionality is not guaranteed. Mechanics doing cheap auto repair generally do not give proper attention and, in many cases, inferior parts are used. Cheap auto repair can lead to long-term problems that may sometimes cost you much more money in the long run.

Auto Repair provides detailed information on Auto Repair, Auto Glass Repair, Online Auto Repair, Auto Body Repair and more. Auto Repair is affiliated with Discount Auto Parts.

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Auto Repair Guides

Auto repair guides explain the maintenance, repair, and cleaning of automotive supplies. These are guides meant for home users as well as professionals. Nowadays, these are available in electronic versions, and there are many software packages available to diagnose and fix automotive problems.

Major companies in this industry such as Ford, Mercedes, Chevrolet, and Volkswagen provide electronic auto repair guides so that even amateur users can learn a lot about auto repair. Auto repair guides usually tell you how repairs are done on all major parts of an automobile including the brake system, cooling system, electrical system, engine system, A/C-heat system, body and exterior, exhaust system, fuel system, steering and suspension system, and drive train.

A number of good online auto repair guides are provided free on selected websites. These sites provide useful articles and FAQs that enable you to learn the techniques of auto repair step by step.

Lots of auto repair guides tell you how to do simple auto repair jobs at home.

They also help you find quality used auto parts. Lots of auto repair guides also give you advice on auto repair shops in major cities. Auto repair guides also provide information on auto insurance, car rentals, driving schools and car washes. They help you learn more about automotive maintenance, car accessories and car audio systems.

At the most basic level, general auto repair guides walk you through some of the most basic maintenance and repair processes that are common to all vehicles. If you are new to auto repair, these may help you a lot. Auto repair guides also tell you how to choose a repair shop and how to choose a technician. They provide you with an idea about repair charges and preventive maintenance too. You can learn a lot about protecting your auto repair investment from these guides.

Auto Repair provides detailed information on Auto Repair, Auto Glass Repair, Online Auto Repair, Auto Body Repair and more. Auto Repair is affiliated with Discount Auto Parts.

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How Does Servicing a Car Affect the Resale Value?

Resale value is a very important factor for many car owners. Many car owners do not plan to own just one vehicle throughout their entire lifetime. Often times, an owner will keep a car for a year or two, or until the car loan is paid off and then trade in that vehicle for something new. Resale values effect trade-ins as well as traditional sales.

Many factors affect the resale value. For one, the resale value of the car diminishes as soon as you drive it off the lot. This is unavoidable and owners will try to offset that loss by cosmetic improvements and changes. Another factor that may or may not be unavoidable is accidents.

The diminished value due to a car accident varies car to car all due to the damage incurred. There are several reasons why an accident diminishes the car's value; the most obvious is the damage. Of course, if the owner does not repair the exterior and the interior damage of the vehicle it will not be nearly as much as it was once worth. However, should the owner have the car in for servicing they may be in for a shock.

After an accident, the car will loose considerable amount of its resale value. Even if the owner or the Insurance company pays for top of the line parts for the car repair. This is because future buyers will see that accident as a black mark and even though everything was repaired, they will still be very wary of it.

This loss of resale value does not only affect cars that have been involved in an accident but with any vehicle that has been repaired for any reason.

Minor repairs, such as oil filters and the like will not really impact the resale value. Repairs that are seen as routine maintenance are regarded as common place are unavoidable. What will have a negative impact on resale value include replacements and repairs as a result of neglect and misuse.

In regards to servicing as a result of accidents, some insurance companies may pay for the diminished value of the vehicle. This is only true if the accident is not your fault, of course.

What can also affect a car's resale value are the types of parts used. OEM, or Original Equipment Manufacturer will not bring the value down as much as using LKQ parts will. LKQ (Like Kind Quality) are restored or recycled parts. Many Insurance companies will use the LKQ parts instead of OEMs since the restored parts are far cheaper. For car owners, this will mean an even greater loss of any potential resale value.

Car servicing, as long as it's routine like rotating the tires or changing the oil, will not necessarily affect the resale value. Only when that car repair is a result of an accident or neglect will owners see a diminished value for the vehicle.

Some ways to help improve the car's resale value can include:

- New Paint

- Clean Interior

- New Tires

- Clean Upholstery

- Everything in working order

While such visual improvements will not raise the resale value to where it was before a major servicing, it will help even slightly.

Find a car service and auto repair service centre near you with our easy to use research tool. Most car makes and models supported. Includes vehicle reports, price guide, service guide and more. To make a booking, visit Holden Service.

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Get Your Vehicle Windshield Repaired at No Cost

When most people get a bulls eye or star break in their windshield they figure they just have to wait for it to become a crack so the insurance company will file a claim. When you do this you will have to pay your deductible before the work is done. When you have your windshield repaired instead of replaced your full coverage insurance will pay 100% of the repair.

You can choose any facility you want to do the repair and they will contact the insurance company, help you file a glass only claim for repair only and it usually takes less than 30 minutes to do a repair and call in the claim. Repairing your windshield helps the environment by keeping glass out of landfills and you keep the factory windshield seal so there are no leaks. All repair companies that I know of give a lifetime warranty on repairs so you may never have to replace your windshield unless something actually cracks it bad enough.

Most insurance companies will allow repairs up to six inches in length. As long as the damage is not in the drivers direct view it can be repaired and is nearly invisible when done correctly. Look in your local phone book to find an auto glass service provider to help you with any questions you may have and they will gladly help you. You can even ask your insurance agent about it and he may be able to recommend a repair shop to you.

If you have any kind of small damage to your windshield you should have it repaired as soon as possible because road vibration or more rocks hitting the glass can cause a lot bigger problem and cost you a lot of money.

I hope this article helps a lot of people save a lot of money. Thank you for your time.

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How Can Hydrogen Help Me Save Money?

If you're like most people, there's a good chance that you haven't given hydrogen a thought since the eighth grade. Heck, there's a good chance you didn't even give it a thought back then! But with gas prices at record highs, hydrogen has become a fixture in the news and it has the ability to really improve your life.

So you're probably asking yourself, how can hydrogen help me save money? Before I answer that question, let's go over a few basic things about hydrogen.

Hydrogen is an element, one of the basic building blocks of the universe. In fact, hydrogen is the most common element in the entire universe, comprising more than seventy five percent of all things!

It's also one of the components of water (H2O), and one heck of a fuel source. It's highly combustible and burns incredibly clean. That, along with the fact that it's readily and easily available, is the reason that you're seeing a lot about it in the news.

One of the most advanced ways to use hydrogen as a fuel source is in hydrogen fuel cells. A fuel cell is more or less a battery that never runs out of power, as long as you keep replenishing one of the chemicals. It turns hydrogen and oxygen into water, a process that releases energy that is then used for power. There are several different fuel cell technologies that are currently being developed in laboratories all over the world.

This is wonderful, but not especially useful for those of us who aren't living in a laboratory. However, there is something that can help you use the power of hydrogen right now. By installing an easy to use converter kit, you can turn your car into a hydrogen-burning, super-efficient machine.

What these systems do (in very basic terms) is use electrolysis, the same process fuel cells use, to turn ordinary water into a hydrogen gas that your car can burn in place of oxygen. Normally your car mixes oxygen and gas to power the engine. This certainly works, but it's really not a very efficient process.

By allowing your car to mix the hydrogen gas with gasoline instead of just oxygen, it means that you can go farther with every tank of gas. This means you'll have to fill up less often, which means you get to save money. And with gas prices as high as they are today, it means you get to save a lot of money.

And that, my dear friend, is how Hydrogen can help you save money. Just by using the simplest, most common thing in the universe, you can use less gas in your car and make each tank last longer.

Save money and buy less gas by using the power of water to increase your car's fuel efficiency.

Learn more at WaterForYourCarNotGas.com

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Will Gas Prices Stop Camping?

Gas prices continued to rise again today as oil hit record high today on the first day of a long weekend. There are millions of people traveling out to their cottages this weekend and with gas costs running high it's strange that not many people would rather stay in over paying high gas prices. The cost to have fun is becoming highly unmanageable for some and it could pose a threat in the next few years as gas continues to rise and people continue not receiving raises. Most people don't have cottages either and instead they have a big trailer with a big truck that has to haul to trailer, and this causes for some unreal gas pump prices. It's estimated that with the current gas prices that a truck pulling a trailer is costing roughly $120 per fill-up. Now if you realize also how much gas is being burned due to having such a heavy load then you'll realize that one trip could entail four or five fill-ups of $120. This is a mortgage payment for some people and this is the cost people are going to be seeing all summer long.

Now I know the enthusiasts won't be staying inside and away from their trailers and friends but I'm sure the high gas prices has ruined the idea for younger couples and families to enjoy the outdoors. There are enough costs to worry about and many people simply can't afford a couple hundred dollars in gas on a weekend trip to the cottage country.

Reports have shown that the highways and stores have been busy like usual for this first day of the first long weekend in the summer and it seems most are willing to part with the cash for fun in the sun. I'll still enjoy the camping life this summer but I will be ensuring that my trips remain close to home so that I can conserve on the gas costs as much as possible. It's recommended that you should remain close to your home this summer due to high gas prices. The closer you stay the less you'll spend on gas and the better off you'll be.

RV's are even worse on gas then trucks pulling trailers and you can bet that they will be feeling the gas prices as well this summer and I doubt well see as many of them as the summer goes on, but today reports all over show that RV's are being rented at a steady pace and they expect it to follow through into tomorrow where a lot of people will be traveling in the morning looking for rentals as well. Businesses can only be optimistic about the gas prices and hope that it doesn't keep the consumer indoors at home this year, but early signs show the gas prices haven't bottomed out this dedicated group of individuals. Boats may also be scarce this year with the gas prices so high and more people may be paddling around the lakes rather then booting around in an engine.

Gas prices continued to rise again today as oil hit record high today on the first day of a long weekend. There are millions of people traveling out to their cottages this weekend and with gas costs running high it's strange that not many people would rather stay in over paying high gas prices.

Auto Carrier Versus Driving Car Relocation Services

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Water Hybrid Cars - Is It Possible To Run Your Car On Water?

Running cars on water used to be some imaginative idea that wasn't real enough to many but now adays with the new technology really happening a hydrogen powered car actually a definite reality. The vehicle would only need a means to contain and break water into hydrogen and oxygen and then inject these gases to a regular engine so it would run on water literally. And it is now very much possible with just little technical effort that anyone convert their regular car into a hydrogen powered vehicle and that would definitely be a breather from the horrible gas prices rising every week as we find them in the news.

HHO fuel cells (hybrid hydrogen oxygen) provide hydroxy gas generated from water, to aid in combustion. This uses HHO to assist in the burning of gasoline via a complete combustion cycle which reduces gas emissions and isn't hard on your engine without eating up a lot of your gas, allowing you more miles of travel.

So how does your HHO reduce gas emissions and save up on gasoline? The idea is actually a system that breaks down carbon, and remove its deposits from your car engine. This efficient method greatly increase fuel efficiency and also increases the longevity of your vehicle's engine. Your alternator can generate enough HHO with 12v at 1 amp to utilize a well built HHO cell. Seeing all these advantages makes purchasing the system and running your car on water more than worth it. Some even say that HHO cells actually pull less power than car wipers.

They say that HHO cells get pretty hot with the combustion, but still there are ways to control the heat like for example using an ample amount of catalyst (baking soda) and/or with a PWM (Pulse Width Modulator). Since your running a water-for-fuel system, freezing weather could present some problems too while using your catalyst. But no worries because you can also control the freeze by adding 20% denatured alcohol to your fuel cell so you won't freeze up. Either of these catalysts help with the production of HHO.

Configure your car into a water burning hybrid, isn't really hard to do. It doesn't even require too much expertise on engines or a major in mechanical engineering. Plus you get all the benefits of not using gasoline as fuel. By using water as fuel, you can now say goodbye to rising gas costs, increase your mileage dramatically (of course this depends on what type of car you drive), reduce poisonous emissions and prevent global warming. Not only that, they say you can even get IRS tax refunds via your brand new economically friendly vehicle.

Just remember to check your water level every 2 to 3 hours Because of the risk of finishing off your water fuel as your engine burns the water, diminishing water level by the minute. This happens like when water evaporates as you burn it. As the water turns into HHO it is burned by the vehicle and so the water level goes down. One problem that occurs given this this situation is that the cell then has more room for hot HHO. It would be like sticking a hot empty coke can in cold water, making the can implode! Now this is not good for your new system and your engine. So to maximize its lifespan, keep your fuel cell filled with water always. Don't forget also to stick with the plans. These really add MPG and are simple to make.

The materials for converting your car into one that runs on water can be purchased for less than a you expect it and the benefits far outweigh the cost. Your pocket, mother Earth, and your car/vehicle will thank you in the end.

If you want to know how to convert your car to run on water and gas to save 40% on fuel costs, visit the site below.

Run Your Car on Water

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How to Repair Chips and Scratches - Properly

Scratches and chips on the paintwork of your car can be an eye-sore and can have a detrimental affect on the resale value of your car.

To properly repair chips and scratches on the paintwork of your car you need to get together the following items to do the job:

• Touchup or color matched paint
• Compatible primer
• Organic cleaner
• Solvent
• 3M Imperial Hand Glaze
• Sanding Block 2000 grit
• Car wash
• 600 grit wet/dry sandpaper
• Round un-dyed wooden toothpicks
• Large lightweight cardboard boxes (large shoe box or bigger)
• Several 100% cotton towels
• New pencils with unused erasers
• Rubber glue
• Several heavy clean plastic cups
• Roll of quality masking tape

Paint chip repair is a learned skill and should be practiced on an area of the car that is not readily visible.

Don't try repairing the larger panels such as the hood first.

Test all cleaners or solvents on the paint prior to usage. Apply a little cleaner or solvent to a cloth and rub it onto a patch on the car not clearly visible. If you do not get any color on the rag, then the cleaner/solvent should be safe for the paint. If you do get color on the rag, then you need to try another solvent.

REPAIR STEPS:

Step 1
At least 24 hours before you want to start, use the rubber glue to attach small 600 grit sandpaper circles (the diameter of the eraser) onto several new pencils. The eraser must be unused and flat on top.

Step 2
Wash the car with a quality car wash and dry thoroughly.

Step 3
Paint chips are generally of two different types. The worst case has exposed the bare metal, while the less severe has left the original primer paint still intact. Clean the area of the chip thoroughly with a degreaser. If there is rust on the exposed metal, clean off with the pencil eraser. Use a toothpick to gently probe the area and make sure that the edges of the chip are secure and not waiting to fall off and ruin your work.

This is an optional step! If you do not feel comfortable with sanding or your paint is one of the new clear-coated finishes, you should jump to step number 5.

Take the new pencil/sandpaper tool you made earlier and dip it into clean water and put a few drops of water on the chip area.
*SLIGHTLY* rough up the chip and a small portion of the surrounding paint. Lightly turning the pencil will rough up an area the diameter of the eraser and this should be more than enough. Keep the roughed up area as small as possible, the object is to give the new paint approximately 1 mm of old paint to "grab" around the perimeter of the chip and not dig scratches.

Step 4
Move onto the next chip and repeat the above. Depending upon the amount of time available, you may wish to tackle 10-20 chips at one time. Try to stay within the area that may be covered by your box(es).

Step 5
When finished sanding all your chips you are tackling at this time apply a small amount of Alcohol or Enamel Reducer to a rag and wipe each chip and surrounding area to remove any sanding dust and grease/oils. Use additional solvent and new area of the rag for each chip. Allow to dry (these are highly volatile and will evaporate quickly with no residue).

Step 6
If the original primer is intact, and "pencil sanding" does not disturb the primer, then skip the next step and go directly to painting
(step 9).

Step 7
Make sure that the chip and surrounding area is clean. If not, reclean with the organic cleaner, Alcohol or Enamel Reducer. Pour or spray a small amount of primer into a clean plastic cup. Dip the point of a wooden toothpick into the primer to get a thin coating on the first 1-2 mm of the toothpick. If there is a blob on the end, gently scrape it back into the cup. Place the tip of the toothpick against the center of the chip and allow capillary action to literally flow a *THIN* coat of the primer into the depression of the chip.

Move onto the next prepared chip.

If you have finished priming all your prepared chips before two hours are up, cover with a box, taped down with masking tape. The key is to allow the first coat of primer to dry at least two hours.

Dispose of your cup and start with a fresh cup and toothpick. Apply another thin coat of primer to each repair that needs primer. Priming is completed when no metal is visible and the level of the primer is below the level of the surrounding paint. This is important! Cover and allow dry for two hours or until dry.

Step 8
Apply a small amount of Alcohol or Enamel Reducer to a rag and wipe the chip and surrounding area to remove any sanding dust and grease/oils. Allow to dry. Repeat for all the chips you intend to repair.

Step 9
If you are using a touchup, shake the bottle thoroughly. If you are using color-matched paint, mix thoroughly and pour a small amount into a clean plastic cup.

Step 10
Dip the point of a new toothpick into the paint to get a thin coating on the first 1-2 mm of the toothpick. If there is a blob on the end, gently scrape it back into the bottle. Place the tip of the toothpick against the center of the chip and allow capillary action to literally flow the paint into the depression of the chip. Repeat for each chip. The key is not to use too much paint. Do not re-dip the toothpick. Use only the amount that will flow from one dip.

Step 11
Cover with your paint box and allow to dry 2 hours and repeat 8-12 times till the depression is filled with paint and bulges slightly upward and covers the roughed up area with a thin coating of paint. The first 2-3 coats may not completely hide the primer. This is fine because you have many more coats to go.

Step 12.
The paint application is completed when the new paint bulges slightly upward (a fraction of a millimeter) and had covered the roughed up area with a thin coat of new paint. Allow the paint to dry for at least a week.

Step 13:
The touchup paint has been applied to the surface and allowed to dry for at least 1 week, and resembles a minute mound on the flat plane of the existing paint.

The object is to remove the mound and make the surface of the paint one continuous flat plane. The Finesse Block offers the ability to gently remove only the high spot of the repair. Unlike sandpaper or polish on a rag, the five usable sides of the block are flat and act like a "wood plane" to remove only the elevated areas of the repair. The 2000 grit will not leave scratches.

Step 14.
Soak the Finesse Block in clean water for 24 hours prior to use. Put a small drop of car wash on the chip repair. This acts as a lubricant for the sanding block. Then gently "plane" the high spot on the paint. "Plane" in one direction (usually back to front - drawing the block towards me). If the block dries out, re-wet and continue use.

When the new and existing paints are blended (smoothed to the flat plane) to your satisfaction, clean the area using a quality car wash and lots of water and then use a quality glaze to restore the high gloss finish. I prefer 3M Imperial Hand Glaze. Don't use a machine on your car.

Step 15.
When applying either a glaze or a wax, apply to your soft cotton cloth or applicator pad and work in one direction only. Circles are many times the cause of "swirl marks." A front-to-back, back-to-front motion (the way the air flows over the car) will help minimize swirl marks or at least make them less visible. Buff out with a soft cotton cloth. If it looks good, wax with a quality hard wax and you are done.

Step 16
Tip for applying wax. If you are using a quality Carnauba based wax, try applying it with your fingers instead of a pad or cloth. Hold your fingers together and use your fingertips as an applicator pad. The tactile feedback from your fingers will tell you when the wax has been worked into the paint. If grit should lodge under your fingers, you will know immediately and not grind it into the paint. A pad will not allow this tactile feedback.

A circular motion of the pad will make a 360-degree swirl mark. All marks on paint are most visible at a 90 degree viewing angle. Thus the front-to-back marks are most visible from the sides, whereas a circle stands out from any viewing angle.
Bill Bailey is a freelance writer and journalist. Bill's website contains more articles and practical tips and advice on cars, travel, finance, shopping and computers. Go to http:www.schnafflehound.com

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Facing Teen Drivers’ Top Killer

In just a fraction of a second, a teenage driver’s life could be lost. And that could be because of being involved in car crashes, one that is considered to be the leading cause of teen death. What do you do to stop this killer from continuously killing other teen drivers? Would you have the courage to step up and face your killer?

It seems like teen drivers are far more courageous and more responsible that they were before. At present, 25 schools had their students join a competition wherein these students had to use their brains and their creativity so as to be able to create a campaign which would better inform teen drivers about what is at stake once you take that spot behind the wheel. This competition is Project Ignition’s and it is sponsored by State Farm with the assistance of the National Youth Leadership Council.

Out of the 25 schools who have had their students join, only 10 were chosen as the finalists. The Auto Channel reported the following schools as the finalists: Ada High School (Okla.), Bergen County Technical School (N.J.), Bishop McNamara High School (Md.), Harry D. Jacobs High School (Ill.), Howenstine High Magnet School (Ariz.), Louisburg High School (Kan.), Medina Valley High School (Texas), Nease High School (Fla.), Owen Valley High School (Ind.), and Upper Arlington High School (Ohio).

Dr. James Kielsmeier is the head and president of NYLC and he said, “Project Ignition embodies the true meaning of service-learning and how teens can have a direct impact not only on the lives of their peers, but also on the community. Teen driving behavior and habits are a major factor in teen driving accidents. Project Ignition uses service-learning as a tool for young people to educate themselves and their neighbors on the risks they face every time they get behind the wheel.”

To create the campaigns, Project Ignition had given the 25 teams from different schools in the country $2000 which served as grant during last year’s fall season. This amount the teams used to be able to develop and work on their campaign which surely reflected the young ones’ creativity. The teams could work on various subtopics like how a Neuspeed race coil spring could help save your life, how safe driving should be done, and elementary driving safety. The teams made sure that their campaigns were heard and seen through various media - pamphlets, videos, key chains, public service announcements, and a whole lot more.


Author Resource:-> Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.


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Auto Parts Tips

The Internet is a great way to shop. From the comfort of your chair, you can go from one online shop to the next, comparing product prices and features so you always get the best deals. You can also read product reviews of shoppers who have previously bought an item and learn from their experiences. You save urself the hassle of actually going out to these stores, lining up to pay, and carrying back the goods to your house. With just a few clicks of the mouse you can shop and buy, and wait for your purchase to arrive at your doorstep within 5 days or less. This is shopping connvenience at its best and what's more, online shops are open 24 hours a day!

So the next time you need a replacement for your car, say a new headlight or a
better exhaust muffler, buy online. You would be surprised to know that there are hundreds of websites offering a wide range of auto parts and accessories. Many of these online shops carry
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) replacements and aftermarket performance parts for your vehicle. Their massive online catalogues can be sorted according to auto part, type of car, and year of make so you can zero in to what you need in no time. Unlike your brick and mortar auto parts retailer, online auto parts merchants will inform you through email or by phone when an accessory that is not in stock becomes available.

There is no question about the convenience offered by online auto parts shopping to busy car owners but you may want to take certain precautions to ensure a smooth and enjoyable shopping experience.

1. Know your online retailer.

You want only the best replacements for your car so make sure you are shopping in reputable online stores. Check out their inventory of car accessories. Does the store offer a wide selection for a particular replacement? Does it provide relevant information about the product eatures and pricing? Click on the site's About link and see if the store has clearly disclosed who they are and how to reach them. A good way to determine an online store's reputation is through the quality of its customer service.

2. Protect your privacy.

Shop only at secure websites. When you're at the checkout page, the address on your browser should begin with 'https' instead of just 'http'. 'https' means the the online transaction is being secured from malicious interception. It is very important to read the store's Privacy Policy so you know exactly what the store will do with the personal and financial information you are giving to them. Look for eTrust, VeriSign, HackerSafe, BBBOnline
Reliability Program, and other privacy enforcement seals to guarantee your security and privacy.

3. Keep a record of your transactions.

Take note of the shipping and handling fees and total charges before you click on that Buy button. The total price you pay for a new car part is often higher than the published one. Make sure to printout receipts, confirmation emails, and other information related to your order so you have something to back you up in case you have questions or problems with the shipment.

4. Read the fine print.

There are cases when what is delivered to you is different from what you ordered and you have to return it. While rare, errors such as this do happen so read the online merchant's cancellation, return, and complaint-handling policies. Does the store offer warranties for its auto parts and accessories, and who honors that warranty? Do you get a refund to your credit card or get a store
credit? If these are not posted, it is wise to call or send an email to customer service first before going ahead with your purchase.

So there you have it. These tips
seem too much a bother at first but as you get to know the best auto
parts retailers online and become comfortable with their system, you eventually
save yourself some headaches and disappointments. Happy online shopping!

How To Find Low Cost Auto Parts, At The Right Price

Whether it’s for your 4-year-old Chevy minivan, or the vintage Dodge Charger you have underneath the canvas in your shop, finding auto parts that don’t cost you a fortune might be a tough task. Auto wreckers, E-bay, parts locators – these are all valid ways to try to find the auto part you need, at the price you want to pay.

For newer vehicles, you might be inclined to pay full retail price at your local auto parts store, just to get the exact part you need for your vehicle. What you should realize is there are dozens of cars with parts just like yours, or reasonably close, that are sitting in impound lots, auto wreckers, and on the
Internet, just waiting to find a new home. What makes them more attractive is that these auto parts can be found for a fraction of what you would pay for a new part. Chances are, they will last just as long – unless they have been damaged.

With any vehicle newer than 10 to 12 years, you will be able to find anything from windshields and side mirrors to carburetors and radiators at the local auto wreckers. Most auto wreckers can save you piles of cash when you are shopping for low cost auto parts. Many of them have their cars catalogued on computer, along with the parts that have been stripped from them. It makes shopping for low cost auto parts a breeze – and very economical.

With many older vehicles, you may face a tougher task of finding the auto part you need – at a reasonable price. The parts are out there – you just need to spend the time finding them.

One of the best places to find auto parts for everything from collector cars and vintage autos, to the Ford Tempo that needs a headlight, is on the Internet. Whether you search for the part on an auction site like E-bay, or if you use a national parts site like JC Whitney, chances are that someone, somewhere is going to have the parts you need for your vehicle. There is a good chance that those parts are going to cost you much less than finding someone to custom make a part, or purchasing the part from a retailer.

Vintage cars, especially ones that are older than a half century may pose a problem for someone shopping for low cost auto parts. The problem is, many of the parts that are out there are really br>hard to find, and when you do find them, they may cost you a great deal of money to purchase. The first thing you should do is exhaust all of the auto wreckers in your area. You never know who has that ’57 Chevy rusting away in the back corner of the lot since their grandfather owned the yard. Next thing to do would be to track down all of the used car parts locators on the Internet. You might find dozens of them, and if you want the final piece to your collector car puzzle, it is worth the work.

If you are still having no luck shopping for low cost auto parts to go with your vintage beauty, there are two other avenues you might follow to track down the part you need. First, search the Internet and the Yellow Pages for any car collectors groups that match your car. If you need a headlight for your Model T, try finding a group that collects those cars, and inquire where they found their parts. You may even get lucky and find someone who has that part in one of the salvaged cars they have used. Collector clubs can not only be a great lifeline for parts, they may be able to offer you advice on fixing up your car on a budget.

This next option might be a reach for some, especially if you live in the city, but rural landowners have a knack for collecting and storing all sorts of machinery on their properties – cars, trucks, tractors, etc. This might be your ace in the hole on a part you are having no luck finding anywhere else. They may also be the cheapest when you are shopping for low cost auto parts.

Talk to the local tow truck driver in a small town, or rural area. They often have the scoop on who has what, and if you’d be able to find a certain part in the area. It certainly is worth the effort if you are able to find that final remaining piece to finish your car. Don’t be afraid to scour the countryside looking for the part you need – sometimes they are found in the most unsuspecting places.

Your last resort (and most expensive) is to have a part custom made. If you are shopping for low cost auto parts, this might not be the road to travel. But, it is a final option.

With all of these avenues to follow, in all likelihood you will find the auto part you need, and you should be able to find it at a price that doesn’t put a huge dent in the pocketbook. Happy hunting!

About the author:
Search for low cost auto parts online at JC Whitney without
paying for shipping.
Visit http://jcwhitney.dontpayforshipping.com


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What You Should Never Do When You Buy A Car

Sooner or later most people buy a new car. It doesn't matter if it's your third new car or your first, it almost always happens sometime.

There is an art to buying a new car and if you know it, you're better prepared when that day arrives.

Every car buyer knows that there are tricks to getting a car at a reasonable price. Dealerships and private sellers rarely mark the car at it's actual worth.

Instead, they mark the price up a little so that they make a good profit for themselves. Another reason is that this lets them give their salespeople better commissions, and this makes them work harder to sell the car to you.

Whatever the reason, almost all dealerships can be talked down on their initial prices, if you know how to haggle properly. When you buy a car, keep this in mind all the time.

The savvy buyer will know that they can talk the dealership's prices down a little bit, if he/she knows the dealer's lingo and tricks beforehand and shows that he/she are prepared to deal with them.

Salesmen are there to try and hustle a good price for the company, while you are trying to hustle a good price for yourself.

If you have ever wanted to get your money's worth out of buying a car, then this will be your comprehensive guide to getting through all of the bull and getting a car at a good price.

Most of the time, it isn't even just the deal of buying a car that is the problem. Dealers and salesmen have a way of getting extra money out of you for the "extras".

Many people don't even realize that they purchased the extras until the deal has been closed. And then it's too late.

Salesmen speak their own language, and to know when you are being sold on something that you don't want, you need to know how to speak the same language as the salesmen do. Once you do, you will never again be oversold when you buy a car.

Buying a car doesn't have to be scary and it doesn't have to be the worst experience of your life. Many people are worried when they buy a car because they know that they are likely going to get ripped off.

About the author:
Complements of http://USGasTracker.org,a premier company which helps the consumer save money on gasoline. Thousands of gas stations across the nation are tracked daily to guarantee the lowest prices on gasoline anywhere in the United States.

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Timing belts, the sleeping time bomb

When buying a used car always insist on determining if the vehicle has a rubber timing-belt. Be aware that about five years ago an International Oil Company did a follow up on 5,000 cars it had turned back after 3 year leases and traced them to their eventual private owners. All the cars had by then passed through wholesale auction markets and likely one or more retail dealers before being sold to a private owner. The survey disclosed that 50% of the cars had their odometers illegally turned back.

When buying a used car, supposedly with 40,000 miles for example, and determining it has a rubber timing belt, insist on a written guarantee from the seller to guarantee in writing to replace the timing belt at no charge if it fails within another 20,000 miles, a typical recommended total amount (Call any Dealer to get the recommended amount for the particular make of vehicle). After all, the vehicle may in fact already have 55,000 miles on it. If the seller will not make that guarantee, then he is admitting that the mileage is probably not accurate and by implication may well have been turned back. If the seller will not make that guarantee, consider a compromise, such as $100 maximum cost. If not acceptable, walk away and look elsewhere."

Before buying any car, especially 4-cylinder foreign cars, or even 6-cyl. BMW, be aware of the unavoidable cost of $400-$800 to replace the timing belt at anywhere from 50,000 to 70,000 miles if the car has an 'interference' type of engine. The sales person will invariably not mention that an 'interference' type engine powers the vehicle and may not even know what one is. If a timing belt on an interference engine is not replaced at recommended intervals, the repair cost when the belt breaks (not gradually, but always catastrophically) could increase to $3,000 to $5,000 due to engine failure because parts have smashed into each other

An 'interference' engine is an engine design that has been avoided by some manufacturers for well over 80 years. General Motors, Chrysler, etc., typically use a metal chain-type timing belt on push-rod engines (often called a timing chain) to transmit torque from the engine crankshaft o the engine camshaft that opens the valves that admit air and fuel. (Note: on some new cars the fuel is admitted not through the valves but through injectors in the top of the cylinder. Rather than use a steel timing chain, interference engines may use a rubber timing belt with its limited life, whereas steel timing belts typically last 150,000 to 200,000 miles or more.

Valves open further in an interference engine and project further into the combustion chamber than in a 'free-running' engine. This allows outside air at atmospheric pressure flow faster into the combustion chamber through the larger valve opening. The engine can therefore inhale more air, be a little smaller, and still create as much power while reducing its. manufactured cost and also guaranteeing future repair business for its dealer. If a rubber timing belt breaks by not being replaced soon enough, some of the valves stuck in their open position will collide with the top of the pistons, thereby breaking or irreversibly damaging one or the other or both. To make matters worse, it is not possible to measure the wear on such a rubber belt so that it could be replaced when there is some indication of imminent failure. Failure in these belts is catastrophic, without warning. This will require a whole new engine be installed. Woe to the owner.

Finally, the rubber belt may have to be replaced long before 60,000 miles solely due to its age. This is really playing a bad poker hand. Interference engines are like a time bomb waiting to explode unless replacing the timing belt at the recommended interval. Be aware of that guaranteed future expense before buying a new car, or especially a used car, " with such an engine.

For details on this subject or for recommended mileage to replace rubber timing belts on interference engines, connect on the Internet to http://www.gates.com/brochure.cfm?brochure=2389&location_id=3053, a worldwide
manufacturer of such belts. When its web site appears, click on Replacement parts/Automotive. Look for 'Timing belt replacement Guide'.

Visit http://www.AutoTruckData.com for related resources
Copyright 2204-2005 by Beacon Data LLC. br>Reprinted with permission

About the author:
Ralph Hoffmann has a major in Applied Mathematics, and became fascinated with the anomalies inherent in automotive leasing. His web site http://www.autotruckdata.comaddresses some of the fascinating results.

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