I was actually a passenger in a car that was having an active oil leak. The driver knew what was happening, and was warned to pull to the side of the road and call a tow truck, but she wanted to try to make it home. Unfortunately, she didn't. The engine seized up, never to run again. What a foolish and costly mistake.
The simple fact is that the engine in your car cannot run without lubrication from oil. Heat and friction would, as illustrated in the case above, cause the engine to come to a full halt.
When I bought a new car many years ago and took it in for it's first oil change the mechanic said to me that if I kept the oil changed I'd get 200,000 miles out of the engine. He was right. I faithfully changed the oil every 3,000 miles and at 189,000 miles had to say goodbye to my faithful friend, not due to engine trouble, but due to a rusting frame. He also noticed that the oil filter that was on my vehicle from the manufacturer was larger than actually called for. He said this wasn't a bad idea. A larger amount of oil meant more flowing through the engine cooling and lubricating and cleaning the engine. When I started to change the oil myself I kept on using the larger oil filter.
Most new cars today don't call for their oil to be changed quite as often as every 3,000 miles. Generally it's 5,000 and some even more. I like to have the oil in my car changed at least every 5,000 miles. That oil change is actually more than an oil change. The technician gets to give your car a once over, checking belts and hoses and other vital fluids. Generally we don't even think about these things. It's much easier to change a worn belt while your car is in the shop than be broken down on the side of the road waiting for a tow truck.
The simple act of changing the oil in your car may be the best thing you can do to protect your car, and your investment in it.
About the author: This article courtesy of http://www.porsche-monster.com
Friday, June 15, 2007
Thursday, June 14, 2007
An Explanation of Defensive Driving
Defensive driving is defined as being able to operate a motor vehicle with the skills to avoid an accident in a situation where one could possibly occur.
Defensive driving is based on the premise that you, the driver, are actually a very good and safe driver that must be alert and able to react to the dangerous driving that others are engaging in.
Defensive driving utilizes advanced skills and awareness not initially taught to new drivers. The goal of one taking a defensive driving class is to become a proactive driver, in order to avoid dangerous road situations or the poor conduct of other drivers. Specific techniques and basic rules are used to achieve a safer driving experience.
Defensive driving courses are taught across the United States, as well as other countries. Defensive driving schools are sometimes referred to as traffic schools, depending upon the regional area.
In Texas, the term "defensive driving course" is used, while in New York they tend to use the term "traffic school." Anybody can take defensive driving courses to brush up on skills or to qualify for discounts on car insurance premiums.
Most often, individuals are referred to defensive driving courses after being ticketed for a moving violation or having been in an accident. Depending upon the laws of the municipality, the documented completion of a defensive driving course can allow for a dismissal of the ticket.
About the author: Defensive Driving Info provides detailed information about defensive driving online, and defensive driving courses and schools in Texas, New York, Washington, D.C., and other locations. Defensive Driving Info is the sister site of Radar Detectors Web.
Defensive driving is based on the premise that you, the driver, are actually a very good and safe driver that must be alert and able to react to the dangerous driving that others are engaging in.
Defensive driving utilizes advanced skills and awareness not initially taught to new drivers. The goal of one taking a defensive driving class is to become a proactive driver, in order to avoid dangerous road situations or the poor conduct of other drivers. Specific techniques and basic rules are used to achieve a safer driving experience.
Defensive driving courses are taught across the United States, as well as other countries. Defensive driving schools are sometimes referred to as traffic schools, depending upon the regional area.
In Texas, the term "defensive driving course" is used, while in New York they tend to use the term "traffic school." Anybody can take defensive driving courses to brush up on skills or to qualify for discounts on car insurance premiums.
Most often, individuals are referred to defensive driving courses after being ticketed for a moving violation or having been in an accident. Depending upon the laws of the municipality, the documented completion of a defensive driving course can allow for a dismissal of the ticket.
About the author: Defensive Driving Info provides detailed information about defensive driving online, and defensive driving courses and schools in Texas, New York, Washington, D.C., and other locations. Defensive Driving Info is the sister site of Radar Detectors Web.
Do More than Just Light Up Your Rear
Driving during the stark of night could prove to be not a danger for you if your vehicle has been properly equipped with lights. And the use of lights is not only restricted to driving during the night, but also during bad weather, cloudy days, strong storms, and foggy afternoons. Most of the industrialized world is lit by electric lights, and vehicles are included. Lights are more or less used both during the night time and also during the day time if the need arises. These lights normally get their power through the electric grid, and also through your vehicle's battery which has power stored in it.
Installed all around your vehicle, and also installed inside your automobile, lights are put in not just for show and additional glamour but they are installed there to serve an important purpose: keep drivers, passengers, and those who come in contact with vehicles safe. Lights located inside the vehicle help out in the proper visibility of the vehicle's control buttons that are pretty much needed during driving. Moreover, the lights that are installed outside the vehicle's body - those that are noticed mostly by people - are kept there to also provide safety especially during dire times when the weather seems to take on great fury on all the land.
Some of the lights that are installed on vehicles include headlights, fog lights, projector headlights, and clear corners. They provide a higher range of visibility for the driver so as to provide an efficient and safe drive. Also part of the lights line up are the tail lights that could be found at the rear of the vehicle. These kinds of lights do not only provide visible for your automobile, but it also takes on specific kinds of tasks when interfaced with the vehicle's turn signals. One kind of tail lights is the altezza lights.
The altezza tail lights derived its name from the Toyota Altezza, a compact luxury sporting vehicle from Toyota. This vehicle is also known as the Lexus IS 200 and the Lexus IS 300, and has the BMW 3-series and Nissan Skyline and Infiniti G as its main rivals. This term, altezza, is generally used for the clear rear automobile tail lamps that quite resembles those lights found on the Toyota Altezza. Altezza lights are attractively crafted tail lights that not only provide light but also serve as accessories for the vehicle. They are customized and could be installed in your vehicle to exude a more attractive and elegant fa硤e. These lights are also known as euro tail lights, euro altezza tail lights, and altezza euro tail lights for the very reason that the name was derived from the Altezza vehicle, and that it provides vehicles an artistic Euro look.
Auto Parts Discount regularly updates its complete catalog for a regular supply of any replacement parts. Included in its list of lights are fog lights, headlights and the altezza lights to light up a vehicle's rear and add a unique kind of look.
Installed all around your vehicle, and also installed inside your automobile, lights are put in not just for show and additional glamour but they are installed there to serve an important purpose: keep drivers, passengers, and those who come in contact with vehicles safe. Lights located inside the vehicle help out in the proper visibility of the vehicle's control buttons that are pretty much needed during driving. Moreover, the lights that are installed outside the vehicle's body - those that are noticed mostly by people - are kept there to also provide safety especially during dire times when the weather seems to take on great fury on all the land.
Some of the lights that are installed on vehicles include headlights, fog lights, projector headlights, and clear corners. They provide a higher range of visibility for the driver so as to provide an efficient and safe drive. Also part of the lights line up are the tail lights that could be found at the rear of the vehicle. These kinds of lights do not only provide visible for your automobile, but it also takes on specific kinds of tasks when interfaced with the vehicle's turn signals. One kind of tail lights is the altezza lights.
The altezza tail lights derived its name from the Toyota Altezza, a compact luxury sporting vehicle from Toyota. This vehicle is also known as the Lexus IS 200 and the Lexus IS 300, and has the BMW 3-series and Nissan Skyline and Infiniti G as its main rivals. This term, altezza, is generally used for the clear rear automobile tail lamps that quite resembles those lights found on the Toyota Altezza. Altezza lights are attractively crafted tail lights that not only provide light but also serve as accessories for the vehicle. They are customized and could be installed in your vehicle to exude a more attractive and elegant fa硤e. These lights are also known as euro tail lights, euro altezza tail lights, and altezza euro tail lights for the very reason that the name was derived from the Altezza vehicle, and that it provides vehicles an artistic Euro look.
Auto Parts Discount regularly updates its complete catalog for a regular supply of any replacement parts. Included in its list of lights are fog lights, headlights and the altezza lights to light up a vehicle's rear and add a unique kind of look.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
How to Start Your Search for the Perfect SUV Accessory
You finally did it. You went out and bought the SUV that you have always wanted. So now, you can see over the cars next to you at the intersection and you don't really have to worry about the idiot in lane next to you on the cell phone, after all, you can roll right over him. Now what? You want to personalize your SUV, make it reflect who you are, right? Right, you need SUV accessories. There are so many to choose from, where should you start?
1- Price is often a first consideration for many SUV owners. Quality is the second. These are the reasons that the internet is a good place to start looking for SUV accessories; there are so many sites and products to choose from. Consumers today are much more conscience when it comes to getting what you pay for, or even, getting more than what you pay for. Owners of SUV's are just like anyone else, they like to get a good product at a great price. The competition is so fierce that most sites will offer free shipping or deep discounts to win your business.
2- Companies that specialize in aftermarket add on parts are a great way to get your hands on the actual part that will be installed on your vehicle before you actually purchase it. SUV owners are also very fussy about the accessories that they choose to add to their vehicles. What ever is being replaced needs to be perfect For example, if you are looking for a set of running boards for your truck, you probably know pretty much what you want them to look like installed even before you begin your search. This is true not only for something that stands out, like running boards, but also for smaller items such as custom knob covers for the interior of the vehicle.
3- The dealership where you originally purchased you SUV is also an excellent source for quality aftermarket accessories. Dealers tend to be more expensive than some other sources of parts, and they may offer a more limited selection, however, the parts they do handle will be genuine accessories for your particular SUV. If they don't handle these types of products, they can give you the name of a reputable accessory dealer in your area.
4- Swap meets can be a fun, unconventional way to get the parts you are looking for. This is especially true if you are searching for an accessory that is hard to find or that is no longer being made. A swap meet allows you to see the part and get some of its history before you buy, since the part will most likely be used, this information can be important in your decision.
5- If you are the more adventurous type of buyer, you might want to try online auctions. Online auctions allow you to do business with people from all over the globe. There are many auction sites, with out a doubt; you will be able to find the part you are seeking. The biggest draw backs to buying from an online auction is the gamble that is involved (that may also be a lot of the allure as well), unfortunately you never really know if the person on the other end of the computer is trustworthy until you receive your part in the condition it was described. Fortunately, most online auction participants are trustworthy and understand that that is why they have customers.
1- Price is often a first consideration for many SUV owners. Quality is the second. These are the reasons that the internet is a good place to start looking for SUV accessories; there are so many sites and products to choose from. Consumers today are much more conscience when it comes to getting what you pay for, or even, getting more than what you pay for. Owners of SUV's are just like anyone else, they like to get a good product at a great price. The competition is so fierce that most sites will offer free shipping or deep discounts to win your business.
2- Companies that specialize in aftermarket add on parts are a great way to get your hands on the actual part that will be installed on your vehicle before you actually purchase it. SUV owners are also very fussy about the accessories that they choose to add to their vehicles. What ever is being replaced needs to be perfect For example, if you are looking for a set of running boards for your truck, you probably know pretty much what you want them to look like installed even before you begin your search. This is true not only for something that stands out, like running boards, but also for smaller items such as custom knob covers for the interior of the vehicle.
3- The dealership where you originally purchased you SUV is also an excellent source for quality aftermarket accessories. Dealers tend to be more expensive than some other sources of parts, and they may offer a more limited selection, however, the parts they do handle will be genuine accessories for your particular SUV. If they don't handle these types of products, they can give you the name of a reputable accessory dealer in your area.
4- Swap meets can be a fun, unconventional way to get the parts you are looking for. This is especially true if you are searching for an accessory that is hard to find or that is no longer being made. A swap meet allows you to see the part and get some of its history before you buy, since the part will most likely be used, this information can be important in your decision.
5- If you are the more adventurous type of buyer, you might want to try online auctions. Online auctions allow you to do business with people from all over the globe. There are many auction sites, with out a doubt; you will be able to find the part you are seeking. The biggest draw backs to buying from an online auction is the gamble that is involved (that may also be a lot of the allure as well), unfortunately you never really know if the person on the other end of the computer is trustworthy until you receive your part in the condition it was described. Fortunately, most online auction participants are trustworthy and understand that that is why they have customers.
How to Start Your Search for the Perfect SUV Accessory
You finally did it. You went out and bought the SUV that you have always wanted. So now, you can see over the cars next to you at the intersection and you don't really have to worry about the idiot in lane next to you on the cell phone, after all, you can roll right over him. Now what? You want to personalize your SUV, make it reflect who you are, right? Right, you need SUV accessories. There are so many to choose from, where should you start?
1- Price is often a first consideration for many SUV owners. Quality is the second. These are the reasons that the internet is a good place to start looking for SUV accessories; there are so many sites and products to choose from. Consumers today are much more conscience when it comes to getting what you pay for, or even, getting more than what you pay for. Owners of SUV's are just like anyone else, they like to get a good product at a great price. The competition is so fierce that most sites will offer free shipping or deep discounts to win your business.
2- Companies that specialize in aftermarket add on parts are a great way to get your hands on the actual part that will be installed on your vehicle before you actually purchase it. SUV owners are also very fussy about the accessories that they choose to add to their vehicles. What ever is being replaced needs to be perfect For example, if you are looking for a set of running boards for your truck, you probably know pretty much what you want them to look like installed even before you begin your search. This is true not only for something that stands out, like running boards, but also for smaller items such as custom knob covers for the interior of the vehicle.
3- The dealership where you originally purchased you SUV is also an excellent source for quality aftermarket accessories. Dealers tend to be more expensive than some other sources of parts, and they may offer a more limited selection, however, the parts they do handle will be genuine accessories for your particular SUV. If they don't handle these types of products, they can give you the name of a reputable accessory dealer in your area.
4- Swap meets can be a fun, unconventional way to get the parts you are looking for. This is especially true if you are searching for an accessory that is hard to find or that is no longer being made. A swap meet allows you to see the part and get some of its history before you buy, since the part will most likely be used, this information can be important in your decision.
5- If you are the more adventurous type of buyer, you might want to try online auctions. Online auctions allow you to do business with people from all over the globe. There are many auction sites, with out a doubt; you will be able to find the part you are seeking. The biggest draw backs to buying from an online auction is the gamble that is involved (that may also be a lot of the allure as well), unfortunately you never really know if the person on the other end of the computer is trustworthy until you receive your part in the condition it was described. Fortunately, most online auction participants are trustworthy and understand that that is why they have customers.
1- Price is often a first consideration for many SUV owners. Quality is the second. These are the reasons that the internet is a good place to start looking for SUV accessories; there are so many sites and products to choose from. Consumers today are much more conscience when it comes to getting what you pay for, or even, getting more than what you pay for. Owners of SUV's are just like anyone else, they like to get a good product at a great price. The competition is so fierce that most sites will offer free shipping or deep discounts to win your business.
2- Companies that specialize in aftermarket add on parts are a great way to get your hands on the actual part that will be installed on your vehicle before you actually purchase it. SUV owners are also very fussy about the accessories that they choose to add to their vehicles. What ever is being replaced needs to be perfect For example, if you are looking for a set of running boards for your truck, you probably know pretty much what you want them to look like installed even before you begin your search. This is true not only for something that stands out, like running boards, but also for smaller items such as custom knob covers for the interior of the vehicle.
3- The dealership where you originally purchased you SUV is also an excellent source for quality aftermarket accessories. Dealers tend to be more expensive than some other sources of parts, and they may offer a more limited selection, however, the parts they do handle will be genuine accessories for your particular SUV. If they don't handle these types of products, they can give you the name of a reputable accessory dealer in your area.
4- Swap meets can be a fun, unconventional way to get the parts you are looking for. This is especially true if you are searching for an accessory that is hard to find or that is no longer being made. A swap meet allows you to see the part and get some of its history before you buy, since the part will most likely be used, this information can be important in your decision.
5- If you are the more adventurous type of buyer, you might want to try online auctions. Online auctions allow you to do business with people from all over the globe. There are many auction sites, with out a doubt; you will be able to find the part you are seeking. The biggest draw backs to buying from an online auction is the gamble that is involved (that may also be a lot of the allure as well), unfortunately you never really know if the person on the other end of the computer is trustworthy until you receive your part in the condition it was described. Fortunately, most online auction participants are trustworthy and understand that that is why they have customers.
What to do when a hot engine is hard to start
Although usually engines exposed to cold weather is the most known problem related to car starting difficulties, hot engines might bring obstacles as well. Many people realize that the car do not start as easily as it should when the engine is hot and do not know what to do about it. In order to be able to overcome this problem, it is important to start by learning why it happens.
Most of the reasons by which a hot engine would be hard to start are based on problems related to the fuel. When the engine is too hot, fuel can't circulate properly due to the way in which vapor obstructs it and therefore the engine wouldn't start as easily as it should or it wouldn't start at all.
A car engine would keep on gaining temperature until a while after it was shut off. During this period of time is when the highest amount of vapor would be circulating around and therefore that is when the chances it obstructs the engine are bigger as well. This way, if you are driving in hot weather and you have just turned off the car in which you experience start problems, you should wait for a few minutes until starting it back.
Fuel injected engines do not experience this problem as much as others do due to the fact that the fuel remains inside the injectors by being under a very high pressure. This way, fuel injected engines would not become so easily obtruded by vapors as other engines would and therefore the car would not have the same problems to start as another would.
Also, engines might become hard to start while being hot if it coincides with the season in which refiners change from a fuel blend to another. Sometimes gasoline refiners change from a higher volatility fuel to a lower one when summer approaches due to the way in which hot weather causes fuel to evaporate easier. If refiners change back to a higher volatility fuel while the engine is still exposed to days of high temperatures, this could cause the fuel to evaporate too much creating too much vapor and therefore obtruding the engine.
About the author: Jakob Jelling is the founder of http://www.autorized.com. Please visit his website to learn about auto maintenance, auto insurance, auto safety and much more
Most of the reasons by which a hot engine would be hard to start are based on problems related to the fuel. When the engine is too hot, fuel can't circulate properly due to the way in which vapor obstructs it and therefore the engine wouldn't start as easily as it should or it wouldn't start at all.
A car engine would keep on gaining temperature until a while after it was shut off. During this period of time is when the highest amount of vapor would be circulating around and therefore that is when the chances it obstructs the engine are bigger as well. This way, if you are driving in hot weather and you have just turned off the car in which you experience start problems, you should wait for a few minutes until starting it back.
Fuel injected engines do not experience this problem as much as others do due to the fact that the fuel remains inside the injectors by being under a very high pressure. This way, fuel injected engines would not become so easily obtruded by vapors as other engines would and therefore the car would not have the same problems to start as another would.
Also, engines might become hard to start while being hot if it coincides with the season in which refiners change from a fuel blend to another. Sometimes gasoline refiners change from a higher volatility fuel to a lower one when summer approaches due to the way in which hot weather causes fuel to evaporate easier. If refiners change back to a higher volatility fuel while the engine is still exposed to days of high temperatures, this could cause the fuel to evaporate too much creating too much vapor and therefore obtruding the engine.
About the author: Jakob Jelling is the founder of http://www.autorized.com. Please visit his website to learn about auto maintenance, auto insurance, auto safety and much more
Financing Your Car -- What You Should Know
Buying a new car is the dream of many Americans; as a result many are sold each year, that is after financing is obtained in order to pay for them. While you might think going and picking out a car and then receiving on the spot financing is relatively easy it is not always so. Before you head to your local dealership to buy the car of your dreams, consider these tips on automobile financing.
Tip #1 Credit Score Your credit score has everything to do with whether or not you receive automobile financing as well as the interest rates and down payment requirements you will receive. Because of this it is incredibly important for you to know your credit score before you ever head to the dealership. If your credit score is above 600 then you should be able to get financing without too much trouble, however if your score is below 600 you should spend a few months lowering your bills and focusing on increasing your credit score so you can not only qualify for financing, but also for a great interest rate in order to buy that new car.
Tip #2 Compare Rates Different lending institutions from banks, online lenders and the dealership will be able to finance your vehicle. However, each of them is likely to have different interest rates, fee structures, and general requirements for you to meet. As a result, you should evaluate as many financing options as possible in order to find the best deal for you. Because, when it comes down to it, you don't want to pay a single cent more than you have to for your car financing needs.
Tip #3 Get Pre-Approved If there is any way you can get pre-approved for auto financing then you should do so. The reason for this is when you are pre-approved and head to the dealership you will be able to negotiate as if you had cash in hand. This will allow you to qualify for all the rebates and discounts the dealership might be offering and you can negotiate the price of the vehicle down as well.
Following these tips will help you get the best financing available to you considering your personal credit score and financial situation, not to mention the car of your dreams. So follow these tips, save money and finally put that new car in your driveway.
Tip #1 Credit Score Your credit score has everything to do with whether or not you receive automobile financing as well as the interest rates and down payment requirements you will receive. Because of this it is incredibly important for you to know your credit score before you ever head to the dealership. If your credit score is above 600 then you should be able to get financing without too much trouble, however if your score is below 600 you should spend a few months lowering your bills and focusing on increasing your credit score so you can not only qualify for financing, but also for a great interest rate in order to buy that new car.
Tip #2 Compare Rates Different lending institutions from banks, online lenders and the dealership will be able to finance your vehicle. However, each of them is likely to have different interest rates, fee structures, and general requirements for you to meet. As a result, you should evaluate as many financing options as possible in order to find the best deal for you. Because, when it comes down to it, you don't want to pay a single cent more than you have to for your car financing needs.
Tip #3 Get Pre-Approved If there is any way you can get pre-approved for auto financing then you should do so. The reason for this is when you are pre-approved and head to the dealership you will be able to negotiate as if you had cash in hand. This will allow you to qualify for all the rebates and discounts the dealership might be offering and you can negotiate the price of the vehicle down as well.
Following these tips will help you get the best financing available to you considering your personal credit score and financial situation, not to mention the car of your dreams. So follow these tips, save money and finally put that new car in your driveway.
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