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Monday, June 16, 2008

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.

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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.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeff_N_Richardson
http://EzineArticles.com/?Get-Your-Vehicle-Windshield-Repaired-at-No-Cost&id=1238408

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

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


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Debyah
http://EzineArticles.com/?How-Can-Hydrogen-Help-Me-Save-Money?&id=1234220

Sunday, June 1, 2008

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


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brenda_Williams
http://EzineArticles.com/?Will-Gas-Prices-Stop-Camping&id=1208444

Monday, May 26, 2008

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

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sergey_Popov
http://EzineArticles.com/?Water-Hybrid-Cars---Is-It-Possible-To-Run-Your-Car-On-Water?&id=1192924

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

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



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bill_Bailey
http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Repair-Chips-and-Scratches---Properly&id=1162145

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