3rd September 2010
What I want you to understand by the time you get done reading this is that new car prices are the pocketbooks worst nightmare. There is nothing so damaging to a budget than trying to afford a new car on a salary that shouldnt be burdened with that luxury.
The problem with new car prices is that they are a figment of the car dealers imagination. How much are people willing to pay in order to use and own this vehicle? The best way to show people how unreal these prices are is to show them what happens to the value of the new vehicle once it is driven off the lot. Thats right it plummets! Not because the car changed at all but just because it is no longer technically speaking in the language of the auto world a new car.
So how do you get the reliability of a new car (which really is another huge misconception) without having to hurt yourself financially. Well there are several ways that I want to suggest you get around the evils of new car prices without having to sacrifice your ride.
First dont buy new cars! Obvious as this may seem people who cant afford to throw money away do every couple of years by purchasing a new car. I am lumping in those that lease too as they are not getting anything but miles out of the car as far as ownership is concerned. The only people that have the right to a new car are those that can and gladly do take the hit of driving the car off the lot in order to drive a new car. Often people enjoy things like the warranties that come with a new car and the low interest rates that are being offered, etc. But the fact remains that you can do it another and much better way.
So buying used is the only alternative right? Right! And it is a good one at that. You see depending on your price range you can often pick up cars that were literally driven off the lot only months earlier but for the drastically lowered price. The sad thing is that the people that are selling them are no longer able to afford them one, because it is more car than they should have, and two, because they had to pay new car prices. Go on the internet and there are literally hundreds of new-used cars for sale that will give you every bit of the dependability and performance of a new car for greatly reduced prices.
Two more pearls of wisdom. First, used cars are often MORE dependable than there new car counterparts. They have stood the test of time and are still motoring fine. Number two it is always cheaper to maintain a car than to by a new one and therefore you shouldnt sell a car just because you have to put in a new transmission. Think of repairs, even big ones like this, as typical maintenance and you will be a much happier car owner.
27th August 2010
What to Look For While Betting on NASCAR
Auto racing such as Formula One and other races such as the Indy 2000 are big hits internationally. Millions of fans crowd stadiums to watch the different cars race by. The screech of burning tires as they spin by you is an experience that very few forget.
NASCAR is one of the largest racing organizations in the USA. With millions of fans around the country, and some of the most expensive race cars and teams put together you can see how NASCAR and betting go together like peas in a pod. But today we are going to talk about the teams crews.
The great thing about NASCAR is that it is an individual sport and a team sport at the same time. So when we start talking about sports betting, or race betting, the options that we have are spread out and full of potential, although we are going to focus on the teams part today.
Now on any given day a NASCAR driver can come back from last place and win a long and tough race. Certain things must happen for a gambler to win his bet just like certain things must happen for a circumstance like this to take place. This is where the team comes into play.
Sports betting and betting on NASCAR is and around the clock job; the teams mechanics are working on the cars days in a row to get ready for the start time, changing fuel capacities, and tuning up the engines due to weather conditions as well as fitting the correct tires to the surface. A teams crew can make all the difference on race day whether that driver will win or lose. If the car is not running at full capacity due to some over looked object that needed tweaking, the driver may lose serious horsepower from his engine and lose valuable seconds here and there on the track.
Now again in NASCAR there is so much telemetry and science that go into these cars; that the teams will drive a car all the way to the finish line burning off fumes to maybe win the race, or have the race blown because the car ran out of fuel after the last turn. The amount of gas they carry in the car determines weight, how fast the car will move under certain conditions and for how long the car will travel without needing to refuel.
This is what can make betting on NASCAR races so interesting is the amount of variables and how they change minutely due to a change in air temperature or how the sun is beating down upon the asphalt or what wind speeds from which direction.
I hope that this article helps you understand better the ins and outs of car racing in general and NASCAR races in particular. If you are not a fan, try and visit one of the tracks while a race is in progress. It will astound you. If you wish to learn more about auto racing or about the NASCAR race circuit visit http:www.gambling-portal.comauto-racing.html and have a ball.
20th August 2010
Minor Car Accidents – A Minute By Minute Survival Guide
What do you do if you have a minor collision with another vehicle on the road?
First 30 seconds:
1.Stay in the car.
2.Put your emergency flashers and headlights on full beam.
3.Switch off the engine.
4.Apply the handbrake.
5.Take deep breaths.
6.Check your passengers, especially children and old people are OK.
Second 30 seconds, if no-one is more than shaken up:
1.Check for signs of aggression from the other driver
2.If other driver is aggressive, stay in the car and ring the police.
3.If other driver is behaving in a reasonable way then open your door and get out.
4.Remember that everyone has elevated adrenaline levels in this situation and strive to think – calm.
5.Call the police
Next 4 minutes:
1.Consider whether your passengers are safer inside the car or outside.
2.Ask nearby drivers for their details and if they would be willing to act as witnesses.
3.Talk to the other driver, but never admit any responsibility for the accident.
4.Leave the car where it is, until the police have arrived, even if it is causing an obstruction.
Next 5 minutes:
1.Take photographs of cars and licence plates. Discretely try to include the other driver in your shots.
2.Take photos of the junction and road layout where the accident happened. Include road condition and weather.
3.Make notes. Was the other car driving with headlights? Was the other driver wearing glasses, or sunglasses? Did the other driver seem distracted by children or anything else in the car. Was the other driver drinking, using a phone or smoking when theaccident happened?
Next 15 minutes:
1.By now the police should have arrived. Answer their questions and stay calm.
2.Tell the police officer of any observations that are relevant, such as if the other driver was using a phone, or had no lights on.
3.Move your vehicle once the police officer has completed any measurements or other necessary observations.
4.Ask the police officer what the next stage is. Will there be any prosecution?
5.The police officer may give you an indication whether your vehicle is safe to drive home.
6.Make sure the police officer gives you an Incident Number and his or her name and number.
7.If your vehicle cannot be driven call a vehicle recovery service.
Later:
Call your insurance company and ask for a list of autobody repair facilities that they deal with in your area. Find help at http:www.autobody-repairs.info
Your insurer will almost certainly have a list of Approved Repairers. These will be companies that the insurer has found inspected and found acceptable. Many companies will inflate estimates if they know that the bill is going to be paid by an insurance company. The estimates provided by Approved Repairers have been judged reasonable and uninflated.
The workshop receives a large part of its business from the insurance companies so are well motivated to stick to their rules, and not to add on damage repairs not arising from the insured accident.
To receive approval status the bodyshop will need to have jigs, paint-shops and ovens to heat the painted parts to ensure the work is up to the original quality.
While your car is in the bodyshop, ask them for estimates to make good any other body work damage that has not arisen from the accident. You will have to pay for this yourself, but the price is likely to be lower than if you just drove in off the street to have those jobs done.
13th August 2010
Automotive enthusiasts can now upgrade their vehicles with high-performance, forged magnesium wheels adapted from Formula One racing designs.
Magnesium.com recently announced the introduction of one-piece, forged magnesium wheels for street use in North America. The wheels are 20 percent to 30 percent lighter than forged aluminum and offer increased safety and performance.
“The U.S. wheel market is quite formidable and we intend to supply a smaller but very important segment of the 100 million vehicle wheels used in North America,” said Mark Lisnyansky, president of Magnesium.com.
The magnesium alloy wheels are initially available in 20-inch and 22-inch sizes, and are treated with a high-tech anti-corrosion coating. The company will also be developing wheels in various sizes and compositions for specific North American applications.
“Steel wheels are becoming nearly obsolete and the prevailing trend is toward cast aluminum wheels,” Lisnyansky said. “While most people are not familiar with forged wheels, performance car enthusiasts know that forged wheels offer significant advantages. And forged magnesium wheels, which are lighter and much stronger than their aluminum counterparts, are the next logical step in optimizing vehicle performance.”
Magnesium wheels offer consumers improved safety by shortening braking distances and delivering higher acceleration rates as well as improving gas mileage. The “dampening” factor of magnesium allows for vibrations caused by road imperfections to be absorbed six times more effectively.
Using specialized aviation industry equipment, the company has been producing Superbike and Formula One competition wheel forgings for many years. The wheels are forged in Russia by a subsidiary and then machined and finished in Italy.
6th August 2010
When you purchase a new car you may get a roadside assistance package included but if you have a used car you typically wont have roadside assistance and the benefits it provides, such as towing services. Not to worry, there are many companies offering memberships that will give you peace of mind.
Parts do wear out over time. Thats why one of the biggest concerns a driver has is the fear of a breakdown that will require towing. As we all know these events always occur at the most inopportune time or when we dont have the extra cash to cover a towing bill. By becoming a member of one of the many auto clubs that offer services, youll have peace of mind that when disaster strikes youll be covered.
AAA, or American Automobile Association, has divisions throughout all of North America. For a nominal yearly fee youll be provided with all kinds of services for you and your vehicle. Youll have full roadside assistance. Whether you run out of gas, lock your keys in the car, get a flat tire, or break down, youll be covered. Planning a trip? If you need maps AAA will provide them. And if youre thinking about taking a vacation to a sunny tropical destination, AAA has full travel services and can offer you some great prices.
Good Sam is another auto and RV club that offers excellent services to its members. Its a camping club, motor home club, and RV club all combined into one. For under 80 a year you get a full year of roadside assistance for your RV, and all the cars, vans, and trucks in your household. You get a full year of emergency towing services, lockout services, and trip interruption services as well as emergency medical referral services.
Drivershield costs under 70 a year and offers a 24 hour toll free hotline for emergency towing, roadside assistance, and locksmith. It also offers a lifetime collision repair warranty thats good from coast to coast as well as 50% off at thousands of motels, hotels, and dining locations across the country.
If you ride motorcycle and want the same type of protection for your bike as you have for your car, Bros Club Cycle Services is worth exploring. For less than 100 you will get a two year membership which will give you 24 hour a day 365 day a year emergency roadside protection, which includes a network of more than 40,000 flat bed service providers across the US, Puerto Rico, and Canada. Youll get towing services, flat tire assistance, dead battery assistance, and you can even purchase your motorcycle insurance at a discount. You also get some great discounts at motels, hotels, dining locations, and parts providers.
Its a given. At some point in your travels you are going to require towing services. So why not consider a membership in one of the many national auto club programs that will give you peace of mind?
30th July 2010
According to the latest information from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), teens have the highest crash risk of any drivers, at nearly four times that of drivers over 20. In fact, the IIHS says 39 percent of all deaths of 16- to 19-year- olds are caused by car accidents, making it the leading public health problem for teenagers.
It’s the parents’ responsibility to teach kids how to be safe in the driver’s seat. My son became a race car driver while he was still in his teens, so I really understand the fear of putting your child behind the wheel.
“It is more important than ever to think ‘Safety First’ before teens get behind the wheel and onto the open road,” said Brad Eggleston, vice president of AutoVantage, a leading car care and travel assistance group.
Here are a few tips for parents:
1. Give the driver’s seat to your teen. Recent reports suggest teens need between 25 and 50 hours of supervised driving before getting a license. Stay calm. If you panic, so will your child. Cover parking, multiple lanes, various road types, weather conditions and different days and times. Draw attention to safety hazards and day-to-day conflicts. Simple, straightforward instructions are best.
2. Limit the number of friends allowed in the car when your child drives.
3. Wear your seat belt. Some 63 percent of fatally injured teens are unrestrained. Lead by example.
4. Continue to periodically ride with your licensed teen. The sudden freedom he or she gains with a license can result in risky behavior, such as speeding. Teens are new to the road and can be overconfident.
5. No cell phone. The IIHS says drivers with cell phones are four times more likely to be involved in crashes that result in injuries.
6. Drinking and driving don’t mix. Make yourself available should things get out of hand. Blood alcohol concentrations as low as 0.02 percent can hinder a driver’s ability to track moving targets.
Membership in AutoVantage (http:www.autovantage.com) begins with a two-month trial that costs 1 and can be canceled anytime during the trial period. Unless you call toll free (1-800-876-7787) to cancel during the trial period, your privileges will automatically continue at a low monthly membership fee. Customers can cancel at any time for a refund of the unused portion of then-current month’s fee, no matter how much money they’ve saved.
23rd July 2010
It’s the season for getting our vehicles in gear for 2006. Let’s begin with the only part of your car or truck that actually touches the highway-your tires.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says underinflation is the leading cause of tire failure-and tire failure can lead to accidents.
Be your own crew chief and follow these simple guidelines from the NHTSA and other experts:
• Take a peek at your tires: Visually inspect your tires on a regular basis. Consumer Reports says consult a professional if you see cracks or cuts on the sidewalls. If you see bulges or blisters, which signal potential weak spots that could lead to tire failure, replace the tire at once.
• Under pressure: A tire doesn’t have to be punctured to lose air. Tires naturally lose air over time. Check the pressure in all your tires -even the spare-at least once a month with a tire gauge.
• How much air?: Tires should be inflated to the psi, or pounds per square inch, recommended by the vehicle’s manufacturer.
• Time matters: The best time for checking pressure is when a tire is “cold”-at least three hours after the vehicle has been driven. Even if you only drive your car around the block, the tire still needs to rest for three hours to get an accurate reading.
• Tread test: Make sure your tires have the proper amount of tread. Many tires have tread wear indicator bars molded into the tread. If you can see a solid bar of rubber across the width of the tread, it’s time to buy new tires.
• Rotation, rotation, rotation: Most manufacturers recommend rotating tires every 5,000 to 8,000 miles. However, some four-wheel- drive vehicles require rotation even sooner, such as every 4,000 miles. Always check your owner’s manual.
According to Brad Eggleston, vice president of AutoVantage, “One of the best precautions is proper tire maintenance, which keeps your vehicle humming during the often hazardous road conditions.”
16th July 2010
Do you know most of the car accidents are caused because of one or the other fault in the car tires? Most of the car accident reimbursement that the car owners have to pay to the accident victims or the loss they have to incur in terms of insurance money they get is all due to fault in car tires. So, when you go out to buy a car then with all the factors like performance, brand, price, appearance, comfort, and maybe even safety, do consider the performance and integrity of the car tires as well. Even if you own a pre-owned car do make sure that your car tires are in good condition and match your car type, the kind of use it is put to and the geographical demand of the area where you live.
Reliable Tires
Remember different kinds of vehicle require different kinds of tires. So, you must do some research on your car type and its matching tire type. Do not trust the previous owner if you are buying a used car. Make sure it has compatible car tires. Tires are good for varying conditions, last for varying lengths of time, and cost varying amounts to replace. You must know what type of car tires would work the best in your area. Conditions such as extreme heat, frequent rain or snow, or heavy winter weather are some to consider when you are looking to purchase tires, or to purchase a vehicle with its unique tire needs.
Savings
Buying the appropriate tires for your car ensures lowered risk of mishap thus, lower insurance premium. Again for special usage cars such as racecars you can get a good insurance premium value if you make sure you use tires specifically made for such cars. High performance tires may cost more than the normal tires but using them saves a lot of money. Driving on tires with worn-out tread can be extremely dangerous, especially in severe weather conditions. If any accident is caused in such conditions you will not only loose money in insurance but also have pay from your pocket to reimburse for the damage caused by your car and to your car. Different vehicles need different tires and also come with different insurance rates charged by different companies that insure you and your vehicle under different amounts. Thus, make sure your car tires are safe so that you are saved from insurance hassles later on.
9th July 2010
How To Lower Your Car Insurance Costs Once And For All!
With fuel costs escalating out of control these days, car running costs are becoming a serious burden for the average family, especially families with more than one car. Because of this reason more and more people are looking for ways to control the costs associated with their family transport.
One such cost is the cost of car insurance. Below are 7 tips for lowering your car insurance costs:
1. Drive carefully. It may sound obvious but as insurance premiums are related to risk then your manner of driving is related to your insurance premiums. Safer driver equals lower premiums. It may not seem so at the time but those traffic violations or speeding fines reflect in your bill.
2. Have a look at other insurance policies you have with other companies. Many insurers offer discounts for combining all your family insurance with their company. Find out who they are and get a quote on all your policies combined.
3. Also note the differences in premiums you would be paying for the type of car you have. Different types of car attract different levels of premium because, in particular, different types of car are driven by different types of people, who may have different types of risk profile. Sports cars, for example, will usually show a higher rate of accidents than staid boring family cars.
4. Consider your deductible. This is the amount you pay first out of any claim, and the cost of your policy is directly related to the amount of your deductible. Higher deductible – lower premium. So consider carefully whether you could afford to pay a higher amount first from any accident and raise your deductible. If so, you will get lower premiums.
5. Safety and anti theft devices can reduce the insurance costs for a car. Talk to your insurance company and find out if there are any safety or anti theft devices that you can install to reduce your premium. Then consider installing them making sure that you notify your insurance company once you have done so. And why not ring up your company and make sure that they are aware of any safety and anti theft devices you already have, if they aren’t you may get a reduction.
6. Always look online for a competitive quote from other companies. Most of the major players and brokers are represented online and it is extremely competitive. Be sure to take advantage of this fact.
7. Don’t just pay your premium blindly without checking if you can do better. Car insurance rates vary all the time and so even if it was the best rate last year it may not be this year. Every year shop around to see if you can do better, you may be surprised.
Follow the above tips and advice and youll be pleasantly surprised at how much you can save on your auto insurance.
2nd July 2010
Have you ever felt that your little car can no longer handle your ever growing family members? Have you ever thought of getting a new, bigger, more spacious car? If so, then this article will show you how to choose the perfect spacious car for your family!
First off, the choice for a more spacious family vehicle is usually between a sport utility vehicle (SUV) and a minivan. Both offer flexible passenger and cargo areas, comfortable seating for five to eight persons, and rear-seat entertainment systems.
So, what type of car should you choose? To come up with the right choice, you need to look at how the vehicles styling, fuel economy, passenger and cargo space, towing capacity, and safety will suit your familys needs and lifestyle.
Passenger & Cargo Space – Sport utility vehicles and minivans have comparable passenger and cargo space, but the roomy interiors of a minivan can be a delight to young kids. Unlike SUVs, minivans also have a low step-in height, so theyre easier for kids to climb into. Minivans large picture windows afford young passengers a better view of the passing scenery, therefore keeping your impatient young ones amused for a good part of the ride.
Fuel Consumption – Minivans give better mileage than SUVs, which have a reputation for being gas guzzlers. If you want to squeeze more miles out of the gasoline tank, then a minivan would make a more economic choice than an SUV. Other ownership costs, such as maintenance and insurance, also tend to be higher for SUVs than minivans. Unless youre willing to pay the price for being cool and stylish, the practical minivan is the way to go.
Style – More than a matter of need, a vehicles styling is a matter of personal preference. The SUV usually wins out over the minivan when it comes to appearance. With its rugged, sporty styling, an SUV oozes urban cool, unlike the minivan, which is perpetually associated with soccer moms and suburban neighborhood carpools. Most men would recoil at the thought of driving a minivan, so if your husband would be sharing driving duties, you might have to talk it out with him.
Towing Capacity – If you own a boat and like to take the entire brood for weekend sailing retreats, then an SUV would make an appropriate choice. SUVs have superior towing capacities, enabling them to pull practically anything between a trailer and a small boat. Otherwise, if youre only schlepping groceries and your kids soccer team, then theres no reason to overlook the minivan.
Safety – Although both have comparable safety features, SUVs have a higher rollover risk than minivans. SUV devotees counter this by pointing out that rollovers account for only three percent of all traffic accidents and claiming that SUVs offer excellent passenger protection in two-car collisions. It remains to be seen whether this supposed collision safety factor outweighs the risk of rollovers. If the threat of rollover accidents keeps you awake at night, then a minivan could give you a little peace of mind.
Choosing the perfect spacious car for your family involves carefully evaluating the above features and choosing whats best for everyone. By doing your homework, youll save yourself from ever facing buyers remorse when buying your next family car!
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