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Privacy Policy for www.basic4automotive.blogspot.com

If you require any more information or have any questions about our privacy policy, please feel free to contact us by email at mkhozen@gmail.com.

At www.basic4automotive.blogspot.com, the privacy of our visitors is of extreme importance to us. This privacy policy document outlines the types of personal information is received and collected by www.basic4automotive.blogspot.com and how it is used.

Log Files
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These third-party ad servers or ad networks use technology to the advertisements and links that appear on www.basic4automotive.blogspot.com send directly to your browsers. They automatically receive your IP address when this occurs. Other technologies ( such as cookies, JavaScript, or Web Beacons ) may also be used by the third-party ad networks to measure the effectiveness of their advertisements and / or to personalize the advertising content that you see.

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You should consult the respective privacy policies of these third-party ad servers for more detailed information on their practices as well as for instructions about how to opt-out of certain practices. www.basic4automotive.blogspot.com's privacy policy does not apply to, and we cannot control the activities of, such other advertisers or web sites.

If you wish to disable cookies, you may do so through your individual browser options. More detailed information about cookie management with specific web browsers can be found at the browsers' respective websites.

Auto-razzi shots of prototypes drive automakers nuts, most times

A truck for a contractor is like a horse for a cowboy. Just like the horse has to be comfortable, fast, look good and be your best friend so should a truck be comfortable, fast, pleasing to the eye and be your best friend. In the old days, the saddle bag held everything a cowboy could possibly need. It had a place for his grub, his bedroll for the night and his canteen to make sure he was always hydrated on the long trip. Today's cowboy just needs his 4x4 wheel base with leather seats, CD player, pounding base speakers and the addition of an up to date, storage box that fits perfectly in the back and houses everything from the tools he needs for work to his overnight bag and drink cooler.

Tool boxes for the back of the truck can be bought in every size shape and description. There are black plastic ones, silver colored metal with lock and key or heavy metal boxes with internal locks. If color scheme is your thing, tool boxes can be found in almost any color scheme to complement your truck. When shopping for a tool box it is important to know what you are going to use the box for.

Will this box be needed for tools for the work site or will it be used for other projects also. Perhaps your tool box will only be needed for personal projects like you own lawn. Will you need a box that is portable or one that must remain bolted to the truck at all times. Try to think of all the things your truck does over the period of a few months and consider the uses your truck box may be called on to provide. Do you take your truck to work and park it out front in a clean parking lot while you go to work in the office? Or is your truck primarily a work truck. By that I mean are your tools of the trade stored in your truck day and night. Are your tools expensive? Do you need a strong lockable storage box that can stand the dirt and grim of a dusty work site or do you only need to haul your tools to work once in a while on special occasions? In addition to these considerations, one must always look at for the best size and fit for your particular truck.

Every truck is different. There are long base and short base. There are small trucks meant to haul very small loads and heavy based trucks with extremely heavy loads in mind. The differences in the make and model as well as the purpose of the truck will give you an idea of what type of storage container you will need to purchase. A quick surf on the web will give you a notion of what you are actually looking for. Sales people at large department stores and garages can help you with the exact type and proportions of this very important automotive accessory.

Article Source: http://www.eArticlesOnline.com

Here is your guide to Satellite Radio from Sirius.

1. How Does It All Work?

Satellite radio is a digital audio service originating from studios in Canada and the United States. It is broadcast throughout North America by satellites travelling in an orbit above the western hemisphere. Vehicles equipped with a satellite radio receiver and a subscription can access Sirius' 120 channels of news, talk, sports and commercial-free music programming, which includes some of entertainment's biggest names – Howard Stern, Martha Stewart, Cosmo Radio, ESPN, Hockey Night in Canada Radio, NASCAR and CNN.

2. How Can I Get Satellite Radio In My Car?

It's as easy as checking with your dealer as most new vehicles are available with satellite radio. Additionally, there are a variety of Sirius aftermarket dock-and-play and portable radios available that can be installed quickly and easily.

3. I Live In A Remote Part Of The Country. Will I Be Able To Get A Signal?

Sirius Satellite radio provides coverage across North America from urban centres to some of the most remote regions. Even while you are travelling from one province to another or within the U.S., the reception will remain clear.

4. What About Road Trips?

Satellite radio was made for road trips. With Sirius, you won't be out of range and you can drive from Victoria to Charlottetown or Winnipeg to Miami without ever having to change the channel.

5. What Type of Commercial-free Music is Available?

Sirius offers a variety of music that is completely commercial-free from almost every genre including 80s pop hits, classic rock, opera, hip hop, country and jazz. Sirius also offers channels dedicated to iconic musicians that have included Bruce Springsteen's E Street Radio, Grateful Dead Radio, Paul McCartney's Fireman Radio, Coldplay Nation, ABBA Radio and Neil Diamond Radio, among many others.

6. Can I Listen At Home?

With a plug-and-play Sirius radio and a homekit or boombox accessory, you can listen to satellite radio anywhere.

7. Can I Listen Online?

Subscribers can listen to Sirius programming over the Internet from their computer at home or work, at no additional cost.

8. What About Cost?

Subscriptions are available for a monthly cost of $14.99. Subscribers can arrange to have a pay-as-you go monthly plan or a one, two or three year subscription.

For more information please visit: www.sirius.ca.

Everyone wants to learn how to drive, in fact, most of us have to learn how to drive.

We may need to drive for work, or drive to get us to work, but for one reason or another most people get their license.

When I got my license, we had one car in our family and my Dad gave me driving lessons in that car.

For a time lots of young people had driver's ed in school, but many of those "extra" programs got tossed out with budget cuts. Today many people prefer to use a driving school.

Learn It Right The First Time

When you are taught to drive, those first lessons will always stay with us. This is the main reason when you learn something, you should make sure you are learning to do it correctly.

If you learn it right, you will know all the basics and they will guide you. If someone in your family is going to teach you to drive, you should consider a couple things.

Do you listen to everything that person tells you to do? Are you very comfortable with that person? Do you think that person is always right? If not, they should not teach you how to drive. If you don't listen to them now, you will not listen to them when they are your driving instructor.

It would be a good way to save some money, but to get the most out of your lessons I recommend that you use a driving school.

It's becoming an American standard that a teenager will go to a driving school. A driving school provides the student with a teacher who is qualified to teach you the rules and regulations of the road. A trained driving instructor will teach you to drive correctly. Your family members will most likely tell you all the short cuts they take while driving. Not a good idea. When you drive a vehicle that weighs tons and you make a mistake, you are putting yourself and others in danger. Everyone in the car with you, and people in others cars could get hurt if you make even a small mistake. So you can't afford to make a mistake, can you?


Once you know how to drive, using the correct skills taught to you by a driving instructor, you will be able to form your own style of driving, one that includes all the focus you can muster, and one that keeps your attention on road signs, other drivers and the driving laws.

The Other Advantages Of Learning To Drive In A Professional School

By taking a driver training course you can earn yourself a discount on your auto insurance policy. Insurance companies trust the professional driving instructors will teach you the correct way to drive, and all the rules and regulations that go along with driving a car. This savings in important to you because today car insurance rates are higher than ever.

Sometimes having a certificate from an American driving school can make it easier to get an international drivers license in other countries. This could be a big plus if you plan to travel to other countries and would like to drive a car while your there.

Another plus about going to a driving school is they will help you to prepare to take your written driving test as well as your physical driving test.

After a few driving lessons with a professional driving instructor you will begin to notice the confidence you have about your diving ability, and when it comes to test taking you won't be any where as nervous as you would have been had you studied on your own.

Yes driving instruction can be expensive, but for every penny you spend, you will be paid back in full by learning the proper way to maneuver a car, by learning the rules and regulations of driving and vehicle use, by being able to drive confidently and with care.

You will be paid by back by the safe way you drive, protecting yourself, your passengers and your fellow drivers.

Are you looking for "��cars for sale"�� at an affordable price? If yes, you may take help of used car sales companies. These companies help you get the kind of car you want and that too in your budget. If you are staying in Sydney, you may avail of the advantages of one of the many renowned used car companies existing in that area. Used cars Sydney companies offer a vast variety of cars to choose from like Mazda, BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Holden, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota, Peugeot, Kia, Mitsubishi, and many others.

Although, there are many used car dealers in Sydney, you may not trust every used car sales company. Here are hence some factors which you can consider whilst selecting a used car sales company for yourself.

Status: The reputation of the used car dealer is very important as it would help you get an honest deal. To locate reputed used car dealers, you can hook on to the Internet and collect all the information about a company before making a deal. You can also talk to your family and friends, who have acquired their cars from used car dealers, about the reputation of the company.

Services: In addition to the reputation, you may also need to check the services offered by your chosen used car sales company. The services might include maintenance and service appointments, finance options to help you acquire your car, extended car warranties, and many others.

Cost of the Vehicle: The cost of the car not only includes the price you pay for purchasing the car, but it also comprises "��add-ons"�� that might include tinting of windows, CD changers, products for protecting the paint of your car, accessories for your car"��s interior and others. So, you must check the car beforehand to get an idea whether you are required to pay extra and if yes, how much.

After you select a company, all you have to do is fill in the fields like Make, Model, Year, Body, Transmission, and Price Range and the used car sales company will offer you the best deal as per your requirements.

Apart from selling old or used cars, many used car sales company also sell new Mazda cars. These new Mazda Sydney car companies allow you to take a test drive so that you can judge the performance of the car before purchasing it. These used car sales companies also offer extended warranty on their Mazda cars. One such company that deals in both old and new Mazda cars is Hornsby Mazda. Incepted in the year 1975, the company is known for offering the best deals to its customers.

If you want to know more about used car sales or Mazda service Sydney, log on to hornsbymazda.com.au.

Article Source: http://www.eArticlesOnline.com

When it comes to purchasing a vehicle, especially for the younger generation, their first choice is regularly a motorcycle. There are several reasons behind this choice, most notably the facts that they can be cheaper to purchase and motorcycles with smaller engines can be used a year earlier on a public road than a car can be. However, whilst they may be cheaper initially, the motorcycle insurance premium can be a considerable amount for young riders, as they hardly possess any driving experience required, so insurance companies have to increase their premiums to compensate for this.

Unfortunately, the fact that new riders have only a small amount of driving experience is going to be a major factor when calculating an insurance premium. This point can be extremely annoying for a lot of young riders, as it is something that cannot be changed or affected and simply something that is helped as time goes by. However, it is good to know for most that there are several varying factors that young riders can change and if looked into thoroughly, these factors can ensure a cheap motorcycle insurance policy.

One of the first things to consider is which motorcycle is going to be purchased. It is extremely tempting to go out and purchase the latest model, with all of the added extras. Whilst it would look visually stunning, for a young rider, it would be almost impossible to find affordable insurance, most notably for the fact the motorbike would be more prone to being stolen, repairs in the event of an accident are going to be more costly and chances are it could be rode extremely fast, increasing the risk of an accident happening. To ensure that the first couple of years worth of insurance premiums remain low, an older motorbike should be purchased, as the insurance company will be more content in providing cover for this, due to the vehicle being much cheaper to repair or replace should an incident occur.

After an appropriate motorcycle has been chosen, it is imperative to ensure low insurance premiums that it remains as safe as possible at all times. For example, during the night, the vehicle should be stored away in a safe and secure location, such as a garage or locked shed. Throughout the day however, it is often difficult to provide as safe as an environment, therefore the motorcycle should be fitted with an alarm, immobiliser and if possible, a tracking device. If all of these factors are abided by, the insurance company will take note that all possible precautions have been taken and will afford a reduced premium.

Above all, the easiest way to reduce your premiums is to be a safe rider. By abiding by the Highway Code, not accruing any penalty points and gaining a substantial No Claims Bonus, the insurance company will see that as no incidents have happened in the past, there is lesser chance they will happen in the future and will therefore be able to adjust the insurance premium accordingly.

Article Source: http://www.eArticlesOnline.com

Connecticut General Statutes Annotated § 42-179 to 180

42-179 New motor vehicle warranties.

Leased vehicles. Resales. Transfers. Manufacturer buybacks.

(a) As used in this chapter:

(1) "Consumer" means the purchaser, other than for purposes of resale, of a motor vehicle, a lessee of a motor vehicle, any person to whom such motor vehicle is transferred during the duration of an express warranty applicable to such motor vehicle, and any person entitled by the terms of such warranty to enforce the obligations of the warranty; and

(2) "motor vehicle" means a passenger motor vehicle or a passenger and commercial motor vehicle, as defined in section 14-1, which is sold or leased in this state.

(b) If a new motor vehicle does not conform to all applicable express warranties, and the consumer reports the nonconformity to the manufacturer, its agent or its authorized dealer during the period of two years following the date of original delivery of the motor vehicle to a consumer or during the period of the first eighteen thousand miles of operation, whichever period ends first, the manufacturer, its agent or its authorized dealer shall make such repairs as are necessary to conform the vehicle to such express warranties, notwithstanding the fact that such repairs are made after the expiration of the applicable period.

(c) No consumer shall be required to notify the manufacturer of a claim under this section and sections 42-181 to 42-184, inclusive, unless the manufacturer has clearly and conspicuously disclosed to the consumer, in the warranty or owner's manual, that written notification of the nonconformity is required before the consumer may be eligible for a refund or replacement of the vehicle. The manufacturer shall include with the warranty or owner's manual the name and address to which the consumer shall send such written notification.

(d) If the manufacturer, or its agents or authorized dealers are unable to conform the motor vehicle to any applicable express warranty by repairing or correcting any defect or condition which substantially impairs the use, safety or value of the motor vehicle to the consumer after a reasonable number of attempts, the manufacturer shall replace the motor vehicle with a new motor vehicle acceptable to the consumer, or accept return of the vehicle from the consumer and refund to the consumer, lessor and lien holder, if any, as their interests may appear, the following:

(1) The full contract price, including but not limited to, charges for undercoating, dealer preparation and transportation and installed options,

(2) all collateral charges, including but not limited to, sales tax, license and registration fees, and similar government charges,

(3) all finance charges incurred by the consumer after he first reports the nonconformity to the manufacturer, agent or dealer and during any subsequent period when the vehicle is out of service by reason of repair, and

(4) all incidental damages as defined in section 42a-2-715, less a reasonable allowance for the consumer's use of the vehicle. No authorized dealer shall be held liable by the manufacturer for any refunds or vehicle replacements in the absence of evidence indicating that dealership repairs have been carried out in a manner inconsistent with the manufacturers' instructions. Refunds or replacements shall be made to the consumer, lessor and lien holder if any, as their interests may appear. A reasonable allowance for use shall be that amount obtained by multiplying the total contract price of the vehicle by a fraction having as its denominator one hundred thousand and having as its numerator the number of miles that the vehicle traveled prior to the manufacturer's acceptance of its return. It shall be an affirmative defense to any claim under this section

(1) that an alleged nonconformity does not substantially impair such use, safety or value or

(2) that a nonconformity is the result of abuse, neglect or unauthorized modifications or alterations of a motor vehicle by a consumer.

(e) It shall be presumed that a reasonable number of attempts have been undertaken to conform a motor vehicle to the applicable express warranties, if

(1) the same nonconformity has been subject to repair four or more times by the manufacturer or its agents or authorized dealers during the period of two years following the date of original delivery of the motor vehicle to a consumer or during the period of the first eighteen thousand miles of operation, whichever period ends first, but such nonconformity continues to exist or

(2) the vehicle is out of service by reason of repair for a cumulative total of thirty or more calendar days during the applicable period, determined pursuant to subdivision (1) of this subsection. Such two-year period and such thirty-day period shall be extended by any period of time during which repair services are not available to the consumer because of a war, invasion, strike or fire, flood or other natural disaster. No claim shall be made under this section unless at least one attempt to repair a nonconformity has been made by the manufacturer or its agent or an authorized dealer or unless such manufacturer, its agent or an authorized dealer has refused to attempt to repair such nonconformity.

(f) If a motor vehicle has a nonconformity which results in a condition which is likely to cause death or serious bodily injury if the vehicle is driven, it shall be presumed that a reasonable number of attempts have been undertaken to conform such vehicle to the applicable express warranties if the nonconformity has been subject to repair at least twice by the manufacturer or its agents or authorized dealers within the express warranty term or during the period of one year following the date of the original delivery of the motor vehicle to a consumer, whichever period ends first, but such nonconformity continues to exist. The term of an express warranty and such one-year period shall be extended by any period of time during which repair services are not available to the consumer because of war, invasion, strike or fire, flood or other natural disaster.

(g)

(1) No motor vehicle which is returned to any person pursuant to any provision of this chapter or in settlement of any dispute related to any complaint made under the provisions of this chapter and which requires replacement or refund shall be resold, transferred or leased in the state without clear and conspicuous written disclosure of the fact that such motor vehicle was so returned prior to resale or lease. Such disclosure shall be affixed to the motor vehicle and shall be included in any contract for sale or lease. The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall, by regulations adopted in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, prescribe the form and content of any such disclosure statement and establish provisions by which the commissioner may remove such written disclosure after such time as the commissioner may determine that such motor vehicle is no longer defective.

(2) If a manufacturer accepts the return of a motor vehicle or compensates any person who accepts the return of a motor vehicle pursuant to subdivision (1) of this subsection such manufacturer shall stamp the words "MANUFACTURER BUYBACK" clearly and conspicuously on the face of the original title in letters at least one-quarter inch high and, within ten days of receipt of the title, shall submit a copy of the stamped title to the Department of Motor Vehicles. The Department of Motor Vehicles shall maintain a listing of such buyback vehicles and in the case of any request for a title for a buyback vehicle, shall cause the words "MANUFACTURER BUYBACK" to appear clearly and conspicuously on the face of the new title in letters which are at least one-quarter inch high. Any person who applies for a title shall disclose to the department the fact that such vehicle was returned as set forth in this subsection.

(3) If a manufacturer accepts the return of a motor vehicle from a consumer due to a nonconformity or defect, in exchange for a refund or a replacement vehicle, whether as a result of an administrative or judicial determination, an arbitration proceeding or a voluntary settlement, the manufacturer shall notify the Department of Motor Vehicles and shall provide the department with all relevant information, including the year, make, model, vehicle identification number and prior title number of the vehicle. The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall adopt regulations in accordance with chapter 54 specifying the format and time period in which such information shall be provided and the nature of any additional information which the commissioner may require.

(4) The provisions of this subsection shall apply to motor vehicles originally returned in another state from a consumer due to a nonconformity or defect in exchange for a refund or replacement vehicle and which a lessor or transferor with actual knowledge subsequently sells, transfers or leases in this state.

(h) All express and implied warranties arising from the sale of a new motor vehicle shall be subject to the provisions of part 3 of article 2 of title 42a.

(i) Nothing in this section shall in any way limit the rights or remedies which are otherwise available to a consumer under any other law.

(j) If a manufacturer has established an informal dispute settlement procedure which is certified by the Attorney General as complying in all respects with the provisions of Title 16 Code of Federal Regulations Part 703, as in effect on October 1, 1982, and with the provisions of subsection (b) of section 42-182, the provisions of subsection (d) of this section concerning refunds or replacement shall not apply to any consumer who has not first resorted to such procedure.

42-179a Copies of paperwork or invoices.

A dealer or authorized agent of a manufacturer shall, upon the request of a consumer, provide such consumer with copies of any paperwork or invoices related to repair work performed on such consumer's automobile in accordance with the provisions of subsection (b) of section 42-179. Any person who violates the provisions of this section shall be guilty of an infraction.

42-179b Dealers and lessors to deliver information.

Each motor vehicle dealer, as defined in subsection (11) of section 14-1, and each person engaged in the business of leasing new motor vehicles shall, at the time of sale or execution of the lease of any new motor vehicle, deliver to the consumer, as defined in subdivision (1) of subsection (a) of section 42-179, of such vehicle written information, in a form approved by the Commissioner of Consumer Protection, which explains the new automobile warranty and dispute settlement program established pursuant to this chapter.

42-180 Costs and attorney's fees in breach of warranty actions.

In any action by a consumer against the manufacturer of a motor vehicle, or the manufacturer's agent or authorized dealer, based upon the alleged breach of an express or implied warranty made in connection with the sale or lease of such motor vehicle, the court, in its discretion, may award to the plaintiff his costs and reasonable attorney's fees or, if the court determines that the action was brought without any substantial justification, may award costs and reasonable attorney's fees to the defendant.

(ARA) - The holidays are fast approaching, and you’re probably starting to think about gift ideas for those near and dear to your heart.

Whether you’re shopping for a teenager, a college student, a friend, spouse or parent, you can’t go wrong by giving the gift of technology.

In recent years the hottest gifts have gone mobile. Digital devices such as iPod’s or mp3 players that offer the convenience of on-the-go entertainment. But industry experts are expecting portable navigation devices to be hot sellers this year.

PNDs are the fastest growing electronics category in North America, mainly because millions of consumers have discovered how effective they are at eliminating much of the stress of travel. Getting lost, asking for directions and reading maps are replaced with clear directions from a calm, friendly voice.

As the name implies, the main function of portable navigation is to apply global positioning system technology to help you navigate from where you are to where you want to be. Once a destination is selected, spoken directions accompany visual cues to turn as the user moves their car, bicycle or themselves.

In recent years PND prices have declined so a device is an affordable gift for many budget sizes. As prices have dropped, product features have expanded and may include:

* Rich editorial content such as travel guides and restaurant reviews.

* Helpful points of interest such as key landmarks, hotels, ATMs and gas stations.

* The latest road network developments to help you choose the best route to suit your needs.

* Real-time traffic updates.

“Consumer demand for more accurate and intelligent routing is becoming a standard. So much so, in fact, that many navigation devices now utilize traffic services that deliver real-time information about traffic conditions,” explains Howard Hayes, vice president of NAVTEQ Traffic, a leading provider of real-time traffic services. “Today, consumers can count on their PNDs to help them avoid construction zones, to find the best way to get around rush hour traffic when they’re in a hurry, and even to avoid the backups caused by an accident.”

If your friend or loved one already has a PND or a device that is in their car dashboard, don’t think they wouldn’t still appreciate some other type of travel gift. One idea would be to purchase some updated map content or software for them. NAVTEQ updates their maps quarterly. Log on to www.navigation.com to find the software you need.

And here are other travel gift ideas that can double as stocking stuffers:

* Noise-reducing headphones, which not only eliminate traveling noise, but also play your favorite music group.

* Two-way radios to keep caravans together or individual members of your party together when on an excursion.

(ARA) -- Know anybody who has trouble parking their car in the garage, not knowing how far to pull up before bashing the bumper against the back wall? Or anybody who leaves his/her car too far out and has the garage door grind down on its back end? Park-Zone is an inexpensive device offering a simple, yet high-tech solution to this daily problem.
In the often-crowded home-garage environment where depth perception is so difficult, parking a car can be quite a headache and lead to expensive bumper damage. Now, homeowners can use Park-Zone by Exeter Technologies, which offers a convenient, high-tech solution to this daily parking dilemma.

Park-Zone looks and acts like a space-age traffic light. Upon a vehicle's entry into the garage, the green light illuminates, indicating that the driver can proceed. Next, midway through the garage, an amber light cautions the driver. Finally, the red light comes on, signaling for the driver to stop in the 'park-zone.'

"It uses green, yellow and red lights to guide drivers as surely and smoothly as if they were docking a passenger jet," says "TIME." Exeter Technologies' Sr. Managing Director Arman Rousta reaffirms, "Park-Zone will work on any vehicle, no matter what you drive -- it can be a simple sedan, even an SUV or a Mack Truck. A number of fire houses are using Park-Zone to park their fire trucks."

"You ought to have one of these if you're having problems parking. I used to scratch my front bumper regularly against the back wall. I'm very happy with Park-Zone," says Orthello Byers of Bellaire, Texas, who has been using Park-Zone for a few months now.

Taking a look at how cars have evolved over the years, you may notice that bumpers are no longer two pieces of durable rubber protruding from the ends of a vehicle; rather, they are an element of aerodynamically designed automobiles, made of fiber glass or some other fragile material. Studies show that even the most minor scratch will cost you at least $300 to repair!

In an independent study, brand new cars [different models] were chosen to hit garage walls while parking at merely 5 MPH. No bumper went undamaged, as the cost or repairs ranged from $3,000-$7,300! Ridiculous as it may sound for a bumper, that is reality.

Park-Zone is mounted on the back wall of the garage and operates on 4AA batteries that will last for up to one full year. The ultrasonic sensing unit connects to the traffic light display via a standard telephone cord. To calibrate your own park-zone, simply park your car at the desired distance from the back wall of the garage. Push the injection button on the display unit, and through a simple calibration in a matter of seconds, Park-Zone presets the distance at which the red light turns on every time.

"Users will find that Park-Zone's ease of installation and operation makes it an extremely simple, yet very effective high-tech gadget," states the inventor of Park-Zone and, Chairman and Principal of Exeter Technologies Inc., Dr. Michael Yaron.

They call it Park-Zone. Drivers will call it peace of mind.

Special Features

The "brain" of the device is an ultrasonic transducer Made in the USA by the Polaroid Corp. The Sensor emits repeated sound waves that reflect off of surfaces and travel back to the sensor as an echo. After detecting an object, the sensor transmits a signal to the display unit.

4AA batteries will last for up to one year. The all new Platinum Edition Park-Zone offers the choice of either using batteries, or plugging the unit into the wall via the included AC Adapter.

The special "watchdog timer" offers special modes of operation. While the car is parked in the garage, Park-Zone enters the "Home-Mode," pinging (emitting sound waves) less frequently. When the car is away from the garage, Park-Zone enters the "Away-Mode," pinging more frequently anticipating the arrival of the car.

Default Modes:

If another object or human should pass by the sensing unit, Park-Zone will differentiate between them and the vehicle and automatically revert to whichever mode it was previously in.

When batteries are running low, the red light will flash repeatedly for up to two weeks to remind you to change them.

If the telephone cord is improperly connected to either the sensing unit or display unit, the solid red light will remain illuminated.

With a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $79.95, $89.95 for the Platinum Edition, Park-Zone is available at The Sharper Image, Brookstone, K-Mart, Caldor, The Herrington Catalog, AAA Catalog, Amway and numerous other locations.

For more information, contact Exeter Technologies Inc., Yogesh Shyam, One Penn Plaza, Suite 4025, New York, NY 10119, (888) EXETER1 [888-393-8371], Fax: (212) 760-0470, email: yshyam@exetertech.com, or visit www.park-zone.com and www.exetertech.com. Courtesy of Article Resource Associaton, www.aracopy.com

(NUI) - According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more children are killed as passengers in car accidents than by any other type of injury.

Many of these deaths and injuries can be avoided with the proper use of child safety seats and seat belts. While 97 percent of parents believe they install and use child safety seats properly, NHTSA reports that nearly 73 percent of child seats are installed and/or used incorrectly.

The following are some tips on child safety in and around motor vehicles.

* Never position a child in the path of a front air bag. Kids of all ages are safest when properly restrained in the back seat.

* Always keep a child secured in a child restraint. Make sure the harness straps and the seat itself are not loose and that your child is the right age and weight for the restraint used.

* Before getting into the vehicle, check for children around the area, behind your vehicle and in the street. When backing out, roll down the window and listen to hear if children are playing near your car or calling out to you, check rearview and side mirrors for children (or pets) and honk to give a warning that you are moving your car.

* Never let your child ride on your lap. It is not only unsafe, it is illegal in all 50 states.

Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge service specialists provide these additional reminders for child safety:

* Never leave a child unattended in a car.

* Always keep the car locked, including the trunk or hatch.

* Keep fold-down seats in the upright and closed position so children do not crawl into the trunk.

* Keep car keys out of reach and sight of children.

* If a child gets locked in a car and cannot get out, immediately call 911 for assistance.

There is no substitute for having a child's safety seat professionally checked.

Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge dealers offer two free services and informational Web sites to assist parents: SEATCHECK, a toll-free hotline and Web site listing more than 3,000 child seat inspection stations across the country (1-866-SEAT-CHECK; www.seatcheck.org) and Fit for a Kid, a dealer-based child safety seat inspection service (1-877-FIT-4-A-KID; www.fitforakid.org).

Safety seat inspections are available by appointment at participating Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge dealers for anyone, regardless of make or model vehicle they drive. For more information, visit your local Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge dealership.

The MOT test is a yearly safety test that all vehicles older than three years must undergo to continue to be able to be on the road. After the vehicle is inspected and passes the requirements each vehicle owner is presented with a certificate. The certificate is proof that the vehicles was deemed safe and met the environmental and road requirements. Vehicle owners can generally find local locations where the testing is done.

Users can simply check out local garages to see if they perform the MOT test. Individuals must make sure that they go to an acceptable facility in order to ensure that the test is done properly and that they get a valid certificate. Those garages or other locations that perform MOT testing are generally distinguished with a blue three triangle logo. Every garage that this logo is displayed is an accepted MOT testing facility and vehicle owners can inquire about getting their vehicle tested. Many locations require individuals to make appointments. However, most people will find that they are able to get an appointment rather quickly and that they have no problem getting their vehicle serviced before their certification expires.

It is important as stated before to go to a quality garage for MOT testing because there is certain equipment that is required to perform the necessary inspections. Each MOT test station has test bays set aside where the MOT testing will be performed. Various equipment is required to do the MOT testing and garages must make sure that their equipment is ready and up to date. The MOT test will inspect a number of parts on the vehicles such as the door handles, the seatbelt, brakes, lights and other features. Any customer who wants a detailed description of the MOT test, what will be tested and the passing criteria can receive a helpful manual at their testing location. Customers should also feel free to ask any additional questions that may not be covered in the manual.

At the MOT locations a certified MOT tester will be doing all of the testing so customer can rest assure that a trained professional is handling the test. Each location is checked regularly to ensure that it is continuing to meet the MOT testing standards so each testing location will provide quality testing service. Each MOT tester has to go through a training course in order to be approved to be tester so the whole process is handled very professionally. For individuals that are unsure where they need to go they can generally look online to get a detailed list of locations in their area where the testing is held. However, one of the quickest and easiest places to go is a local quality garage. This is a good idea because in the event that something happens to be out of compliance and needs to be fixed most garages will perform the necessary repairs with the vehicle owner"s permission. Garages generally hold the MOT tests for several hours during the day which gives individuals plenty of time to get their vehicle in.

(ARA) - Many young people across America are immersed in all things automotive. With the popularity of reality shows such as “Pimp My Ride” and “Ride with Funkmaster Flex” and movies such as “The Fast and the Furious,” young people are fascinated by car culture. Yet, even as interest increases, there are still not enough qualified automotive technicians to help keep America’s cars on the road.
According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), auto dealerships employ 265,000 technicians, but still need to add an additional 35,000 technicians annually through 2010 to fill the need. Castrol SYNTEC recognizes that, in order to address the shortage, young people must be educated about the opportunities available in the automotive repair and service industry. The recent launch of the Castrol SYNTEC Outperformers Scholarship Program attempts to do just that.

Now in its fourth year, the program is committed to attracting young car enthusiasts to take interest and pursue careers in the automotive service and repair industry, while rewarding them for their passion, hard work and ambition. This year, one national winner will receive a $7,500 automotive scholarship to attend a racing or high performance automotive class and an apprenticeship at celebrity car enthusiast Funkmaster Flex’s Team Baurtwell Body Shop in New York.

“High-performing cars, trucks and motorcycles make my eyes widen and jaw drop. They’re the reason I get so excited about work every day,” says Funkmaster Flex. “I’m eager to share my love for vehicles with the next generation of ‘Outperformers’ because making vehicles look good, sound sweet and perform better only happens through knowledge and dedication to the trade. That’s why we’re offering the one winning Castrol SYNTEC Outperformer an apprenticeship with Team Baurtwell, an experience they can use now to help build a career for the future.”

For young car enthusiasts nationwide, the opportunity to become a 2005 Castrol SYNTEC Outperformer starts by accessing www.syntecoutperformers.com, where a few minutes of thoughtful writing can lead to an unforgettable scholarship and internship to help launch a rewarding career. Entries will be accepted between March 1 and midnight June 15, 2005.

In addition to entering the program here are a few basic tips for young car lovers to take to pursue a career in the automotive service industry:

* Talk to your guidance counselor or instructor. The first step in learning about any career is to speak to your school guidance counselor or teacher. Your educators can suggest the right classes to take, or additional sources to point you in the right direction.

* Take a class or join a local car club. The next step is to gain hands-on experience with your future. Take a basic automotive class or joining a local car club that regularly works on cars to gain firsthand knowledge and fundamental skills, and help determine whether the career is a right for you.

* Research job opportunities. There are plenty of jobs available for young automotive technicians, and identifying the best opportunities is critical to gaining experience. In addition to your local paper, regularly visit auto-focused career websites including autojobs.com and autojobstoday.com for entry-level listings. Also, check the job boards of industry associations such as the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation and Automotive Training Managers Council. Many of these organizations have resources dedicated to helping young people get started in the industry.

* Secure an internship. One of the easiest ways to secure a new job is to show relevant experience. Take an internship or part-time job working at a local repair shop or dealership. The experience you gain there will prove invaluable as you search for a full-time job as a qualified automotive technician. Organizations such as Automotive Youth Educational Systems, which is dedicated to encouraging bright students to pursue careers in automotive service technology, can help you find opportunities with auto dealerships that are close to home.

Courtesy of ARA Content

The Renault Clio is a car full of options. It offers a differing range of body styles, 3 and 5 door options, and different choices of diesel engines. The Clio is the biggest car in its class appearing much larger than its predecessor. The interior has gone through a complete remodel. The Clio has the option of key card entry. The 1.5 litre diesel engine version of the Clio comes in three outputs,

The Clio is an economical car both in purchase price and in economy. The Clio contains more cabin space than its rivals, with front seat passengers enjoying an abundance of head, leg and elbow room. The glove box is also a nice useful size. The controls and dials are large, useful, and easily read.

Renaults Clio provides a smooth ride with comfortable seating. There is minimal engine and road noise even at higher speeds. The Clio has easy access with wide opening doors and seats which sit high enough for passengers to slide in.

The large area of glass in the Clio provides good all-round visibility. The car is easy to drive with a 1.5-litre engine which is powerful enough for a smooth ride. The steering is light, but accurate and well weighted. The interior and exteriors are both made from good quality materials made to durable and stylish.

The Clio has good cabin space making it an excellent choice for a small family vehicle. There is ample space for front and rear passengers and there is enough space in the boot to carry cargo. The Clio would be an excellent choice for a first time cars buyer. It’s economical on fuel and its standards provide for good insurance rates.

The Clio comes standard with remote deadlocking and a security alarm. It also features automatic door locking over 5 mph, and engine immobiliser. ABS brakes are standard, and the Clio features four airbags on all models. The active head restraint has also been added. The Renault Clio also comes standard with and audio system including a radio/CD player.

The Privelege versions of the Clio come with a two tone dashboard, with the interior finish of dark grey.

The Renault Megane is an exception to the boring cars in its class. The Megane Sport Tourer has been improved with its new V-shaped grille, enhanced headlights, and new front bumper. The rear bumper has also been modified just slightly. The interior sports instrument graphics with white backlighting.

The Megane’s improved electronic power steering feature helps for a smoother, more enjoyable ride. The car has a range of powerful diesel engines, but it doesn’t sacrifice on economy. The Megane should be inexpensive to maintain and to run because of the availability of diesel engines, low asking price and likely low insurance rates.

The interior cabin of the Renault Megane is spacious providing room for up to four adults. There is plenty of leg and head room in the front for the comfort of passengers. The rear does have its limitations on leg room. The boot is large and its low loading lip is accommodating. The rear seats can fold down for even more cargo room. The Megane’s controls are easy to locate and are intuitively placed. The seats are comfortable in both the rear and front seats, being wide and supportive. The suspension adds to the comfortable ride, accommodating for any bumps along the road. The doors open wide for ease of entering the care.

The tail lights are designed in a stacked configuration for ease in reverse parking. The Megane Sports Tourer features a 1.9-litre dCi 130bhp engine which produces performance along with economy and refinement.

The Megane has standard remote central locking, engine immobilizer, and security alarms are available as an option. Keyless entry is also a safety feature which can provide a high level of security. Safety features also include ABS and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution with ESP and traction control. Tire pressure monitoring is a useful option as well.

The Renault Megane audio system comes standard with a radio/CD player combination providing good sound quality. Column mounted controls provide for easy driver operation.

Did you know that every year in the US there are more than 10,000 car accidents and some 400 Americans die in them. The usual reason is failure to have routine maintenance done on cars.

The car is the most popular and usual means of transportation in the United States, and about 90% if adult Americans own one now or used to own one. By keeping your car in good condition you can reduce the risk of easy to fix problems causing an accident that could kill you, your passengers or people in other cars.

Before hitting the road, you should check the following items regularly.

1. Your Tires – Lots of American cars have all season tires on them. What ever the kind of tire you use it is important to regularly check them. Check for air levels, flats, leaks, worn spots, over use, low treads. Just inspect your tires weekly.

2. Your Wipers –You should change your windshield wipers at least twice a year. So that means just about every six months.

3. Your Brakes – You need your brakes to slow your car down when you press on them. If you press on your brake pedal and it goes all the way to the floor, you need to have them checked. They are way too low.

Newer cars may have a brake warning system in to automatically let you know when there is a problem with your cars brakes. It is usually found on your dashboard, and will light up if it finds a problem with the brakes.

This signal will let you know it is time to have a mechanic check out the brake system unless you are handy enough to fix it yourself. Check your owners manual to see what your specific problem may be.

4. Your Headlights – Can you believe that in the year 2005 more than 2300 pedestrians died because some drivers had problems with either their headlights or their vision. You should replace your headlights every year.

Here is my top 10 List for visits to the mechanic

1. Electronic/Ignition control
2. Electrical problem
3. Suspension/steering
4. Brake system
5. Oil change/filters/lube
6. Radiator problem
7. Exhaust system
8. Fuel system/carburetor
9. Clutch/transmission
10. Air conditioning system

Keeping up with routine check ups and car maintenance can be expensive. That is the most common reason that lots of people don't keep up with the maintenance as suggested in their car owners manual. You can find ways to save money on auto repairs.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) confirmed that $20 billion was spent on auto repairs that were not necessary due to fraud and incompetence. Here are some simple tips for you to show you how you can afford repairs when you need to have them done.

1. Preventive Maintenance – This can save you a lot of money during the life of your car. It will prevent serious damage that can be done to your car by letting little problems become big ones. Read your owners manual and follow the recommended servicing's that will keep your car in good shape and keep it running longer.

2. Get An Estimate – Before you let the mechanic do the work your car needs get a written estimate. It is always good to know what you are being charged and what work will be done to your vehicle. If the price he gives you sounds to high, check other mechanics in your area. It is always smart to get at least three estimates before having any work done.

3. Car Pooling – You should give your car a rest once and awhile. You can try car pooling with co-workers to save your car some wear and tear, and you can save yourself money by sharing the cost of gas, tolls and parking.

4. Do The Repairs Yourself – If you read your car manual you will increase your understanding of the basic workings of the car, and how to fix them. There are some things you can do yourself without too much technical knowledge. You can change your own oil, and give your car a tune up.

Don't try to undertake tasks which you have no knowledge of whatsoever, but routine maintenance should be easy for you to handle. You can take a beginner mechanic course at a local high school adult center to learn exactly how to do simple repairs.

You can often find the answer to your repair question in your owners manual, and it will let you see if it is something you can do yourself or if your car needs to go to the shop.

There are so many different leasing options it can be quite a task to find a good leasing option. There are a few fairly simple ways to determine if a lease is a good one or a bad one before you sign the paperwork. The first thing that needs to be done is determining the amount if any that is needed as a down payment on the vehicle.

For the most part, you should not have to put money down on a lease vehicle. However, this can vary depending on the credit rating of the person leasing the vehicle.

In some cases it is good to put some money down on a lease vehicle just in case there are any charges at the end of the lease that are unexpected, it will not be as big of an out of pocket expense. Another important thing to know about a lease is the mileage allowance, as well as the cost per mile if you go over the allotted mileage.

The majority of the dealerships that deal with leasing give the consumer around 15,000 miles a year for the vehicle. If the mileage is over the allowed mileage it is the norm for a dealership to charge anywhere from 10 cents to 25 cents per mile over the allowed mileage. This in itself can end up costing a lot more than anticipated in the long run at the leases end.

On most occasions it is possible to negotiate the mileage of a lease vehicle prior to signing the agreement. So, before you go to the dealership try to be aware of the estimated miles you will need in order to stay under the lease terms and not end up spending money you do not need to.

The sales tax is another way to determine if a lease is a good one or not. The sales tax can typically be added into the monthly payments, therefore it does not have to be an initial out of pocket expense. Not all dealers will do this, some prefer that the consumer pay the sales tax up front in order to keep the lower payments.

It is necessary to be aware of all of the small print on both sides of the contract. This way there will not be any hidden up front costs to the consumer at all. Make note if the monthly payments are written as not including the sales tax. This can be an added monthly expense that was not figured into the individuals budget.

Versatile, Technology-Filled Vehicles Lead In Growing Entry-Level Segment

(NAPSI)-A little advice from the car experts can make it easier to find the coolest ride without emptying your pockets.

For example, the editors at Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com, the leading provider of new- and used-vehicle information, recently named their 2008 Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000 for any driver looking for a cool car on a budget.

This gas-sipping bunch provides more than just affordability and efficiency. They offer the latest technologies and versatility to accommodate all lifestyles. With options like navigation, hard-drive music storage, voice-controlled iPod integration, Bluetooth phone connectivity, push-button start and leather seating, the possibilities for functional, comfortable and cool cars abound.

In making their choice, the kbb.com editors considered safety, fuel economy, interior size, comfort, technology, the vehicle’s fun-to-drive factor, as well as the decidedly subjective “cool” factor.

Top 10 Coolest New Cars 2008

Ford Focus

“Cool” might not be the first word that pops into your head upon seeing the new Ford Focus, but don’t judge this book by its cover. The Focus sedan and coupe are the most affordable cars in which you can get the SYNC music and phone integration system, which allows you to play any song in your digital library simply by saying its name. MSRP: $15,280

2008 Honda Fit

With gas prices on the rise, small cars like the Honda Fit are gaining in popularity. The Fit sips gasoline and offers the sportiest driving experience available in an econo-car. Plus, the seats can be configured in multiple arrangements, so it can easily hold things like your friends, your gear or a medium-sized alpaca (according to a photo on Honda’s Web site, anyway). MSRP: $14,585

2008 Jeep Patriot

The Jeep Patriot has a classic look reminiscent of the departed Jeep Cherokee plus a functional interior and a sub-$18,000 price tag-even when equipped with four-wheel drive. Combined with highway fuel economy up to 28 miles per gallon, the Patriot delivers a cool mix of SUV-like versatility and carlike efficiency for buyers on a budget. MSRP: $16,055

2008 Mazda3

On the list for the fifth year in a row and still in its first generation, the Mazda3 is the current elder statesman of cool compact cars. Available in four- and five-door layouts, the dynamic Mazda3 is responsive, quick and stylish, but also comfortable, efficient and practical. MSRP: $17,230

2008 Mitsubishi Lancer

The Mitsubishi Lancer’s aggressive, rally-inspired looks belie a starting price of less than $15,000. The low cost of entry will leave many buyers with enough extra cash to add cool options like a hard-drive navigation system, an impressive premium audio system or perhaps a stylish spoiler. MSRP: $14,615

2009 Pontiac Vibe

The hot-looking Pontiac Vibe has always delivered a very cool combination of affordability, versatility and fuel economy. Compared with its predecessor, the new-for-‘09, second-generation Vibe boasts a sportier look inside and out, a more powerful engine and even a lower starting price. MSRP: $15,895

2008 Scion xB

The original “box on wheels” grew rounder, larger and more powerful for 2008, but the xB remains a distinctively styled non-conformist. Cool standard features include steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, iPod integration and a choice of three wheel designs for instant customization at the dealership. MSRP: $16,270

2008 Subaru Impreza

With 170 horsepower, all-wheel drive and a double-wishbone rear suspension, the Subaru Impreza sedan adds a sporty and capable touch to the cool car selections. The five-door variant has a similar base price and suits those in need of more cargo room for their active lifestyles. MSRP: $17,640

2008 Suzuki SX4

This is the second year in a row that Suzuki’s small crossover has made the list of cool cars under $18,000. In addition to a sporty exterior and roomy, stylish interior, the SX4 still has the distinction of being the least expensive all-wheel-drive vehicle sold in America. MSRP: $15,395

2008 Volkswagen Rabbit

The versatile and affordable Volkswagen Rabbit hopped its way onto the list with its perky 2.5-liter engine, comfortable ride, sharp handling and a level of interior refinement rivaling that of some much pricier vehicles. MSRP: $16,250

For more information, visit www.kbb.com/coolcars08.

Perhaps the most important thing to remember about an auto auction is that you're on your own – with an auction, it is every man for his self. What this means is that you always have to be on the lookout for warning signs of a bad auction or a bad vehicle.

At an auto auction, you're buying what you see in the condition it is in right then, like the ‘As Is’ sign in the window of the car you looked at in the local dealership. There is no warranty, no mechanic on hand to check out the engine, frame, or body of the vehicle, and there are no written promises anywhere guaranteeing that a vehicle will run. If you buy a car that breaks down within two days, there is no return policy.

There are several steps to take when looking for a ‘good’ car auction. First, know which type of auction you want to attend. Government car auctions offer vehicles and other properties that have been repossessed or seized and are held at a specific location on a routine basis, like once a month or every second and fourth Saturday.

You can find announcements of government car auctions in your local newspaper. Secondly, do the research prior to bidding on any automobiles at any auto auctions.

You should know exactly what type of vehicle you want, as well as the estimated value of the car and, if possible, the VIN number in order to do a car history search, and the mileage.

If possible, have a mechanic inspect the vehicle, or you do it yourself. A lot of auctions have a two-day preview period before the actual auction where interested parties may examine the vehicle. However, this does not include driving the vehicle, and auto auctions offer no guarantees or warranties.

You can search for auto auctions in your state online or with your city, state, or federal government offices to find auction sites and dates. Repossession auctions offer cars so new they still have the window sticker as well as high-mileage used, older vehicles at below the sticker price.

Online auctions work just like on-site auto auctions, only you cannot inspect the car prior to purchasing it. All of the information you need about the car is provided so nothing is in question, and the vehicle will be shipped for a small charge to a location of your choice for inspection before finalizing the deal.

Look for companies that, in the case you aren't satisfied, will give you your money back. Select a handful of services that provide what you are looking for and compare them before making a decision on which to go with.

A former employee of an auction company said to always go to the preview period prior to the auction, where you and your mechanic can inspect the vehicle. Check for odors or mildew stains on the carpets – signs a car has gotten wet – and try see if it was jump-started to bring into the auction room – signs the car has some small or major issues.

Whether it was your fault or not you, if shown to be in violation or the cause or recipient of an accident will have higher payments. Those are the facts. It is good to know, that as the years go by and you improve on your driving skills and fail to have accidents or violations the rates will go back down again, but not for several years. This is something that you should always remember when driving about on the roads. Following the rules of the road is extremely important not only for safety reasons, but for the adverse affects not following them can have on your car insurance rates. If you need to refresh your memory on the rules of the road that in itself is not unusual. Even after passing your driver"s exam it is hard for some people to remember every single thing you need to know about the road. Ask your driver"s license center for a pamphlet to revamp those rules that you knew so well every once in a while and make sure that you are in tune with the latest rules. There are some, like putting on the headlights when using your windshield wipers that are becoming law in most states. Knowing these knew rules will help you to avoid getting a ticket. In most instances, only moving violations will make your car insurance rate go up, though you should make sure in your particular state that you know all the laws and follow them precisely. They are there for a reason and you are expected to follow them and know what they are. For that reason, it is a good idea to refresh yourself to the latest rules of the road from time to time to make sure that you are a great driver while you are out there in your vehicle.

A good driver is always knowledgeable of their vehicle, the rules of the road and also their insurance. Know what you need to do in case of an accident. Keep your information and the contact number in your glove compartment so that you can find it quickly and easily. You should always be prepared and that way you can safely report an accident if you should experience one. It is not only you that needs to be cautious on the road, but others, and since you cannot control them you need to know what to do in the case that another driver is careless. Always being prepared and knowledgeable is the best way to be when you want to experience the road and all that you can enjoy and still stay safe. The road is a great place to be, taking care of your car and yourself while you are out there is very important. Do the things you need to stay safe and always prepared and you will get to enjoy so much about the road.

Do you have any bumper stickers on your car that just won"t come off?
If so, below are some tips on how to get every single bit of the bumper sticker off.

If you have particularly difficult bumper stickers that need removing, try these handy DIY tips:

Run to the hardware store and get some lubricant. WD40 will usually do the trick. Smear the lubricant on the outside of your sticker. If you"re lucky, you may be able to pull the sticker off and be done with the job.

If most, but not all, of the sticker came off and left tiny paper bits behind, run to the kitchen and pick up a spatula or out to the garage and grab some fishing line. You can use either of them to gently scrape off the remaining sticky parts of the bumper sticker.

If the methods above don"t fully remove the bumper sticker, try some of these ideas:

Grab a hairdryer. Yes, you read right: a hairdryer. Get an extension cord, and turn that blower right on to the bumper sticker. The heat from the dryer will moisten and possibly melt the old adhesive that"s attaching the sticker to your car. Put it on high heat. Slowly pull the sticker up, moving the hairdryer along the sticker as you slowly pull the sticker up.

To remove any remaining adhesive sticking to your bumper, get some rubbing alcohol and a cloth that is lint free and gently rub the alcohol on the sticker. This should work very well if your sticker is on your windshield or a window. If you"re concerned the alcohol might damage your paint"s finish, warm soapy water should work just as well. "To completely remove bumper stickers, you need to have a bit of patience - the last remaining adhesive on bumpers is notoriously difficult to remove completely.

Polish and/or wax should do a good job of removing the sticker"s shadow -- the discolored outline where the sticker once was -- from the bumper.

Article Source: http://www.eArticlesOnline.com

Auto Repair Fraud: What You Need To Look For.

NAPSI)-A trustworthy auto repair shop can keep your vehicle running safely and protect you and your passengers from life-threatening harm while on the road. Most body shops are honest, but some will put your life and safety in danger with cheap, shoddy and bogus repairs.

These schemes line the shop's pockets while putting you at risk, causing you stress, and costing you time and money. Many repair schemes also bilk insurance companies, causing everyone's auto premiums to rise.

Auto repairs rank third among the top 10 consumer complaints compiled by the Consumer Federation of America. Drivers lose tens of billions of dollars each year to faulty or unnecessary car repairs, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates.

Poorly repaired vehicles can break down in traffic or high speeds. Crucial parts can also crack or malfunction. You could lose control, causing a serious risk to you, other drivers and pedestrians, according to the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud (www.InsuranceFraud.org).

You could also be a victim of insurance fraud:

• Padding charges.

Shops may offer reasonable verbal repair estimates but present final bills that are far beyond the estimates.

• Needless repairs.

A shop may pad bills by "repairing" mechanical problems and damage that don't exist.

• Counterfeit or used parts.

Some dishonest shops install parts that are counterfeit, substandard or used but charge you for expensive new parts.

Here are some ways to help prevent fraud:

• Seek recommendations.

Your insurer should have a list of preferred body shops. Also, ask friends and relatives for a shop they trust.

• Get a written estimate.

This should include parts and labor-and get the estimate before you authorize repairs. Also make sure the shop agrees, in writing, to contact you for approval before performing work that exceeds a certain dollar amount.

• Watch out for waiving the deductible.

Be wary if the shop offers to help you recover or "waive" your deductible.

• Ask to see repairs and credentials.

You want to see exactly what was done. Have the shop point out what parts were replaced or repaired. You should also see the old parts that were replaced. A good repair shop should be neat and have modern equipment. Look for updated certifications such as the Automotive Service Excellence Blue Seal and those from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence.

Conventional lubricants are refined from crude oil. Refining is a process of physically separating light from heavy oil fractions. Crude oil is a natural substance. It contains millions of different kinds of molecules. Many are similar in weight but dissimilar in structure. Because refining separates products by weight, it groups molecules of similar weight and dissimilar structure, so refined lubricants contain a wide assortment of molecules.

However, not all of those molecules are beneficial to the lubrication process. Some of the molecules found in refined lubricants are detrimental to the lubricated system or to the lubricant itself. For example, paraffin, a common refined lubricant component, causes refined lubricants to thicken and flow poorly in cold temperatures. Some refined lubricant molecules also may contain sulfur, nitrogen and oxygen, which act as contaminants and invite the formation of sludge and other by-products of lubricant breakdown.
Synthetic lubricants are not refined. They are chemically engineered from pure chemicals.


Pure Because they are derived from pure chemicals, synthetic lubricants contain no contaminants or molecules that dont pull their own weight.

Uniform  Because synthetics contain only smooth lubricating molecules, they slip easily across one another. On the other hand, the potpourri of jagged, irregular and odd-shaped molecules of refined lubricants dont slip quite so easily. The ease with which lubricant molecules slip over one another affects the lubes ability to reduce friction, which in turn, affects wear control, heat control and fuel efficiency. Synthetics are superior.

Uniformity also helps synthetics resist thinning in heat and thickening in cold, which helps them protect better over a systems operating temperature range and helps synthetic lubes provide better seals than conventional lubes do.

Designable Synthetic lubricants may be made to fulfill virtually every lubricating need. On the other hand, the applicability of conventional lubes is limited, due to their functional limitations in high temperatures, low temperatures and other demanding conditions.

(NewsUSA) - People used to assume that electric cars were science fiction -; a technology that might help reduce gas needs in the distant future.

But with gas prices on the rise, hybrid technologies never looked so appealing.

Companies now make road-worthy electric vehicles that reach normal speeds, travel normal distances and plug into normal electrical outlets.

What's not-so-normal?

The cost of an electric vehicle's upkeep. Electric cars don't need gas. They don't require air filters or oil changes. Driving 120 miles in a gas engine car costs at least $13.50.

The electricity needed to power an electric car 120 miles costs a paltry $2.20. Electric car buyers can also receive state and federal tax credits.

Many technology companies see potential in lithium-ion battery technology, the batteries that can give electric cars staying power. But one company, Hybrid Technologies, Inc., both builds new electric cars and converts existing vehicles to use electric motors.

Hybrid Technologies, Inc. (HYBR.OB) built one concept vehicle, the Reaper, for military use. The Reaper can handle tough terrain, reach speeds of 85 miles per hour and go 185 miles between power-ups.

Hybrid Technologies also converts the Mini Cooper, Smart Car, Toyota Yaris, PT Cruiser and Chrysler Crossfire into electric vehicles.

Hybrid Technologies removes the vehicles' original gas engine and installs an electric battery, which gives each car a 120-mile range.

Hybrid Technologies sees its sophisticated battery-management system, which uses lithium-ion batteries, as the key to its financial future. It estimates that its lithium-ion batteries will last at least 120,000 miles before they need replacement.

Hybrid Technologies offers warranties on all of its converted vehicles. If a car owner has a problem that cannot be solved over the phone, Hybrid Technologies will either send a technician to the owner's home or ship the vehicle back to its facilities.

Hybrid Technologies is attracting buzz on the marketplace. The company hopes to make an electric Mini Cooper available through Sam's Club Stores, and both NASA and the Environmental Protection Agency use technologies developed by Hybrid Technologies.

Oil now trades at over $129 a barrel. Lithium-ion technologies can only become more valuable, and Hybrid Technologies, Inc. looks like a solid contender in the green market.

Jenn Hoffman is a host of The QualityStocks Daily News Segment each day at QualityStocks.net, and she also works as an independent business consultant to select companies nationwide. Most recently, she was featured on "The Apprentice." Hoffman will be active with "The QualityStocks for Women" newsletter, geared toward investment-minded women. To sign up for the newsletter, log on to http://Signup.QualityStocks.net.