Monthly Archives: February 2010

Author : David Maillie

You hear them on the radio and TV everyday Some have outrageous ads and sales gimmicks “Push, pull or drag your trade in for $4000 minimum trade”, “Best price in the world!” “Best bumper to bumper warranty ever – we cover everything ” “Repo’d car sale today ” Bet you didn’t know that these ads can be and usually are very misleading and can be illegal

According to Leslie Anderson, AAA, Misleading advertisements and deceptive marketing from car dealers has been on the rise in recent years Car dealers, due to a struggling economy are resorting to grey market sales tactics and ads Many of these ads are either borderline or even illegal in nature With all the publicity in recent years of scams and illegal business activities by businesses from every state you would think most states would have toughened up their laws and started to crack down on bad car dealers Only one state, New York, has really done anything

There are laws already on the books that make many of these advertisements and such illegal, but few states will even look into these activities In New York, if you run a Push, Pull or Drag sale the odds are you will get fined The thinking behind New Yorks laws is that if you promise someone a set figure for their vehicle it should not be factored into the discount or markup of the newer, replacement vehicle This is deceptive advertising Yet I hear these same ads, with even higher amounts promised on the radio and TV in North Carolina and South Carolina all the time Then there’s the matter of expressed and implied warranties

Expressed and implied warranties are actually covered under federal laws Every car dealer must have a federally approved warranty disclosure placed in the window This is to show if a warranty exists and what is actually covered This was done as there was too much discrepency in the past with car salesman blurring the line of what is really covered and what isn’t On a recent drive from North Carolina to South Carolina I saw 11 used car dealerships that did not have these in the windows – at one we found they were in the glove compartment When we asked the salesperson why it wasn’t in the window he said it wasn’t necessary In New York, every car dealer you drive by or visit will have these prominently displayed

Then you have the usual lies – car dealers advertising a repossession sale, cream puffs, etc They will lie about the origination of cars just like in a recent Carfax ad Oh that was just a little fender scratch (complete repaint from a 50mph accident) or new upholstery (due to a flood and complete submersion) These repossession sales, like Repo Joe, do a media Blitz and claim they have all repossessed vehicles for a great buy When in fact they probably don’t even have one repossessed car that is for sale Most car dealers get their cars from either trades or local auctions

Regardless of what they claim they most likely do not know the vehicles history You can’t even rely on Carfax 100% as many vehicles are repaired without full salvage disclosure or even any repair history A carfax report is only as good as the information that is actually entered into the system Before you rely on that Carfax or what the dealer says is the cars history listen to this – Tennessee attorneys Frank Watson and David McLaughlin charge that Carfax’s ads promise more than it can deliver “Carfax fails to disclose the limitations of their database,” says Watson “People think they have a little insurance policy on their Carfax report, and it’s just not accurate,” says McLaughlin Carfax is an online company that searches databases for a vehicle’s history, claiming to be “your best protection against buying a used car with costly, hidden problems ” But, critics say when it comes to many accidents, online reporting companies fall short A class-action lawsuit against Carfax claims the company doesn’t have access to police accident data in 23 states

This article should be a wake up call to car buyers to be more on the alert to car dealer scams, lies and untruths It should also be an alert to states from Oregon to Florida that more needs to be done to curb bad car sales tactics Most car dealers aren’t small mom and pop organizations They are large million or billion dollar companies that will do anything to make a dollar Even crossing the line or blurring what is legal and what isn’t And according to one big dealer in Charlotte, North Carolina whom didn’t want his name or dealership mentioned for obvious reasons – “its all about that bottem line and if we get caught, thats what our lawyers are for Per another car dealer, “it’s a buyer beware market: Buyers must beware and be detectives too “

David Maillie holds numerous patents including his recently awarded patent for headlight repair, cleaner and restorer. He is always striving to create new products that save the consumer money:
MDwholesale.com

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Author : Art Gib

Whether you’re moving your place of residence, hauling donations off to the second-hand store, or towing ATV’s up the canyon, the reliability of your tie down techniques and cargo buckles can mean the difference between a safe arrival or scattering your belongings all over the highway

Here are a few tips to help you ensure a safe arrival

Securing a Loose Load

When I say “loose load,” I’m talking about hay, dirt, or just a jumble of smaller items that are thrown into a trailer or truck bed without each item being individually tied down This could be several garbage bags that you’re hauling to the junkyard, gift packages that you’re transporting for Toys for Tots, or simply a myriad of items of your own that you are moving from one apartment or house to another

The last thing you want happening is for loose items to come flying out of your trailer or truck bed as you cruise down the freeway at 65 mph If this does happen and another vehicle is damaged or an accident is caused as a result, you become liable

It is for this reason that many states require that loose loads be covered in order to prevent anything from flying about But in addition to covering the load, you’ll want to make sure that everything is packed properly and tightly to prevent movement of any items to begin with

After properly (and evenly) loading your trailer or truck bed, be sure to secure your cover (often a tarp for smaller loads) tightly Once you start moving down the road, air is likely to travel beneath your cover and try to lift it from your vehicle or trailer The tighter you keep your cover to the items you’re transporting, the less air is likely to get beneath it, and the less likely it is to come loose You also want to make sure that whatever you’re using to tie down the cover is tightly secured to both the cover and the trailer or vehicle

Securing Large Loads

For large loads, such as an ATV, motorcycle, or even a backhoe or other large equipment, the best option is often heavy-duty straps connected to a ratcheting cargo buckle The cargo buckle ought to connect directly from the trailer to the load (i e the ATV, backhoe, etc ) at several points to prevent any part of the load from being lifted up during bumpy rides and to prevent it from sliding around

Check the weight rating of the cargo buckle straps If the straps have a rating of 500 pounds and you’re hauling a two-ton vehicle, then four straps will be required at a minimum, although it’s always better to be safe than sorry, so doubling the number of cargo buckles to eight would be recommended

The main thing is to simply use common sense when securing your load Think about what could happen to your load as you travel at high speed, over bumpy terrain, and any other conditions you might run into Then take another look at your securing technique and decide whether it will be able to sufficiently handle a variety of conditions And always err on the side of safety

Art Gib is a freelance writer. Trucks, Trailers and Outdoors (http://www.truckstrailersandoutdoors.com/product/cargo-buckle-and-tow-strap) specializes in towing equipment such as the CargoBuckle brand cargo buckle tie down system.

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Author : Dominic Donaldson

After months of searching for the perfect caravan, your own little holiday on wheels, you have finally grabbed yourself a bargain, a shiny 2 berth 15ft 1996 Swift Challenger 480 with end washroom You have the days booked off work, the route planned for the road and petrol money in the bank All you need now is to think about buying your caravan accessories With a number of little extras packed in your mobile home, you can be free to enjoy all the conveniences of everyday life combined with the freedom of life on the road

To many of us, the idea of throwing a tent in the back of the car and heading off on to the open road, with no itinerary, no reservations, no commitments, is quite frankly exhilarating However after a few days of eating beans from a pan and washing in nearby lakes and streams, living ‘on the edge’ may start to feel a little daunting as you start to miss your home comforts Cue the modern day caravan It’s the campers answer to modern adventure You get all the benefits of being on the road, with the added luxuries of sleeping under a hard roof and washing in a hot shower With the extra space to carry additional caravan accessories, you’ll wonder how you ever went without those items that either didn’t fit or plug in to your two man tent From flat screen TV’s, to barbeques to leisure furniture, there’s a whole market of ‘goodies’ available to make your caravan holiday one to remember

You may argue that it is not entirely necessary to take a barbeque when you are staying in a luxurious caravan with an oven and grill just waiting to cook your cuisine However practicality is not the only reason the portable kitchens ooze appeal Arguably, the taste of flame grilled burgers, sausages and chicken drumsticks is hard to match, as is the sociable atmosphere Can an oven cooked chicken really compare to the family effort involved when dad grills the meat and the children put together a potato salad and butter the bread rolls? Enjoying a barbeque outside your caravan is quite honestly, all part of the camping experience

Depending on the size of your party, from a solo traveller to a large family, there are Barbeques to meet any need Perhaps you may choose a gas flatbed style, with cast iron burners or for smaller parties, you may select a smaller, modern stylish tabletop Gas Barbecue with aluminised burners If however you are looking for the ultimate all-in-one outdoor cooking convenience, with no holds barred, buy yourself a barbeque built to boil, bake, roast, stir fry and flame grill and make every meal a family effort

While enjoying the great outdoors, you may also like to indulge in some outdoor furniture as caravan accessories From quality windbreaks, to folding chairs and tables to inflatable boats and heavy duty outdoor marquees, there is a huge selection of equipment designed to make your life on the road easier While you have spent valuable money on your caravan and want to get as much use out of it as possible, it’s also fun to spend your time outdoors, especially if you are vacationing during the summer months Enjoying a bite to eat under the stars or hitting the water in canoes or boats is all part of the eau-natural experience

Finally for those who still feel they need some homes comforts on the road, a selection of TV’s are available for your caravan Gone are the days of wiggling around an aerial of an old black and white screen Consumers can now choose from plasma to widescreen, from top of the range to more budget options Whether you want to catch an evening movie or just keep up with the local weather and news, you’ll find no shortage of high-tech portable and compact TV’s on the market to entertain you

Choosing the right caravan is vital to getting the most out of your holiday however choosing the right caravan accessories will only help to complement your choice Whether you are looking to get as far away from your regular routine or maintain the familiarity of home-life during your vacation, the choice is yours

Dominic Donaldson is an expert in the automobile industry.
Find out more about caravan accessories and how they can complement your mobile holiday.

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Author : Katie Kelley

Buses generally thought to be a safe method of travel; after all, they are significantly larger than other vehicles on the road and many buses do not even come equipped with seat belts

A study by the National Bus Safety Council between the years 1987 and 1996 found 4 3 bus rider fatalities per year compared to 44,000 passenger vehicle fatalities over the same time frame However, buses are involved in an alarming number of crashes, many of which prove fatal In the last week, school bus accidents causing injury have occurred in Massachusetts, New York, Michigan and Wisconsin

Public transportation buses also frequently are involved in accidents leading to injury and death; a Washington, D C woman recently was hit and killed by a Metro bus, becoming the fifth fatality in eight months in the D C area from bus accidents

Accidents involving school children have prompted many school districts to re-outfit school buses with seat belts, even though many states still do not require school buses to have seat belts Data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) and the Motor Carrier Management Information System (MCMIS) reveals that 5,212 deaths in 2005 were caused by crashes involving large trucks and that 91,824 injuries were a result of crashes involving large trucks

Who is at Fault for Bus Accidents?

Because buses can carry large numbers of people and often are cumbersome to drive, it is important that bus drivers are well-trained and qualified for the job A bus driver can be held at fault for causing an accident However, bus accident lawsuits are not always clear because state and federal laws differ in who they say is at fault for such accidents

“Common carriers” are defined as being someone whose business is transporting people or material items from one place to another for compensation; such services typically are open to the public

Common carriers, which include commercial bus companies, are governed federally and by most state governments, and the drivers of these vehicles are required to have adequate training and equipment to complete their duties

Bus drivers consequently are subjected to strict standards for their performance and can be found at fault in bus accidents However, the involvement of insurance companies and contractors in accident legal proceedings make questions of who is at fault much more complex Because state governments are involved in establishing their own common carrier regulation, bus accident litigation action can vary widely from state to state

Finding an experienced lawyer who is familiar with the common carrier laws of the area in which the accident took place and insurance policies regarding bus accidents is highly advisable

What Should Be Done in the Event of a Bus Accident?

* If no law enforcement is present at the scene, immediately file an accident report with the police, sheriff, or highway patrol

* Be sure to record the name, address, insurance information, vehicle license number, and driver’s license number of everyone who was involved in the accident Also obtain names and contact information from any witnesses

* Take photographs of the accident scene, of all vehicles involved, and any injuries to victims of the accident

* Do not discuss the accident or any injuries you suffered with anyone other than your doctor or lawyer

* Do not agree to making a recorded statement or sign any document that you have not first reviewed with your lawyer

* Immediately seek medical treatment and be sure to tell your doctor how your injury occurred and about any pain from which you may be suffering

Should I Contact an Auto Accident Lawyer?

In the event of a bus accident, it can be incredibly beneficial to have the counsel of an experienced bus or auto accident attorney If you or someone you know has been injured in a bus accident and believe someone else may be at fault, it is advisable to contact an auto accident attorney

For more information on bus accidents, visit http://crash.legalview.com/. Also use the LegalView homepage at http://www.LegalView.com to locate other legal issues such as the latest on the Digitek Digoxin recall or information on Levaquin side effects.

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Author : Paul Fitzgerald

Jeep is an automobile band name and a division of Chrysler, an American automobile manufacturer Jeep is one prominent name of luxury SUVs Its compact bulky body, off-road driving and handling prowess is favored by many SUV enthusiasts

The Cherokee has always been built on a car-like unibody chassis instead of a body-o-frame design It was done so in order for this luxury vehicle to have equal on ease in driving and handling, as it is off-road But despite having a unibody chassis, the Cherokee’s excellence in driving through rough uneven terrain is never compromised mainly due to its advanced for wheel-drive systems

The latest version of the Jeep Grand Cherokee debuted for 2005 represents the model’s third generation By far, it is the most sophisticated and most desirable midsize luxury SUV It can accommodate up to five passengers is available in three main trim levels in the following hierarchy: Laredo, Limited, and the Overland But an SRT8 is also sometimes offered, depending on the demand

This SUV is equipped with a standard 3 7 L V6 generating a 210 hp However, for those who want more power in this monster machine, they can opt for a 4 7 L V8 that kicks off 235 hp or a 5 78 L V8 engine that boosts up to 330 hp Yet, if one needs for more speed, the SRT8 actually comes with 6 1 L engine capable of generating up to 420 hp All uses a five-speed automatic transmission and except for the SRT8 which comes in with an all-wheel drive, the Grand Cherokees are available either in two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive

Of course, with this brute a machine, safety is not amiss Standard safety features include traction control, energy management system, rear seat head rest, child seat lower anchorage, pretensioner, integrated seatbelts, advanced airbags system, trunk release

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s crash teatst results the Grand Cherokee is has maximum injury protection capabilities for it was given full five stars for frontal and side crash test as well as getting a high rate for the frontal offset crash test The results only surmise that driving a Grand Cherokee on or off road provides you with amazingly smooth ride and handling, not to mention great speed, you can also be rest assured that the safety features it comes with are reliable But of course, that is not reason enough to be negligent of your responsibilities as a driver

Now, if you’re planning on flying to Las Vegas or New York with your friends or family and does not want to be bothered with having to hail a taxi in the busy streets of these cities, car rentals are just a few ticks away You can ether call or make a reservation via the Internet It is that easy to rent cars nowadays Moreover, you also a have a wide range of vehicles to choose from

Las Vegas Exotic Car Rentals: From 1928 to 2008 we have the LARGEST selection of Exotic, Classic and Luxury Rental Cars on the Strip! From Auburns to Packards, Voyager Classics Car Rentals has the largest selection of classics available for rent anywhere in Las Vegas.

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Author : Andy West

Brush guards are not like they used to be twenty years ago Twenty years ago they were strictly utilitarian and no attention was given to appearance So you would see great looking trucks and SUVs with awful looking welded contraptions that hid the front of the vehicle The old guards made the vehicles look like they just came off the scrap pile even if they did get the job done

Today the brush guard has been streamlined so that it can actually enhance the vehicle’s appearance They are made with stainless steel that shines like the chrome on the truck You can also buy brush guards that are made out of powdercoat carbon steel The bars which make up the guards are designed in different configurations too so that you can choose how high and wide the guard comes on the front of the truck The availability of different styles gives you an opportunity to choose a version that best fits your needs

In the old days a brush guard had to be bolted onto the frame of the vehicle through drilled holes Because holes had to be drilled, it was much more likely that the vehicle would eventually experience body rust The new brush guards bolt on to the vehicle without requiring drilling The brush guard can accommodate extra lights like fog lights too You can also fit a winch onto the front of the frame and add the brush guard

The price of trucks and SUVs only keeps going up The amount people pay for a full sized truck with extended cab and a long bed is close to the amount people once paid for their homes fifty years ago Buying a truck is an investment and the last thing you want is for the grille or engine to be damaged Brush guards fit over the grille and provide double duty protection When you drive through the woods or heavy underbrush, these accessories prevent anything from damaging the grille, poking through the grille to the engine and also ruining the paint on the front of the truck

Brush guards are useful in a number of situations Hunters, farmers, ranchers, 4-wheelers, developers, contractors and surveyors are typical of the kinds of people who find themselves driving through potentially damaging brush The brush guard not only protects the vehicle, but it also adds a safety feature to the truck or SUV Any one driving a truck or SUV with a stainless steel brush guard is more protected than he or she would be in a truck without a brush guard

If you have a truck or SUV and plan on driving through difficult conditions which put your grille or engine at risk, adding this accessory to your vehicle can give anyone peace of mind Also called grille guards, they are designed to protect the grille, the engine, the front end paint job and even the driver under the most difficult brush driving situations Brush guards are made to accommodate style preferences in two different materials, stainless steel and carbon steel Trucks and SUVs that have them attached often find they need to lead the way for other vehicles without the same protection

People who spend a lot of time driving through brush, tall grass and wooded areas, can make great use of brush guards Instead of letting Mother Nature damage your vehicle, the simple installation of brush guards can keep your investment safe from potential damage The new guards do not ruin the look of vehicles like they once did That’s why you see trucks sporting brush guards that have never seen the brush

Andy West is a writer for Buy Auto Truck Accessories which offers many unique auto accessories including brush guards.

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Author : Steve Thomas

Hiring a camper van for a vacation is becoming an increasingly popular choice for those seeking new adventures The lure of the open road and freedom to roam wherever you please is an appealing thought for many Knowing a little about the history of the camper van can give you that sense of belonging whilst out on the road

A traditional camper van has a folding roof that pops up to provide room for the sleeping quarters One of the favorite makes of camper vans has been that of VW The VW camper van based on the VW Beetle, made its first appearance at the 1949 Geneva Motor Show and the basic design has held the test of time The vans do around 25 miles to the gallon and offer plenty of internal space

The VW camper is a firm favorite with the surfing community It has remained a popular choice for the young at heart for decades and has become a symbol of free spirit for many Often seen with a new paint job featuring large flowers, these vans have long secured their iconic status and a place in history

Another of the iconic camper vans were those created by Wally Byam of the Airstream company Airstream started off in 1936 with a trailer called “the Clipper” Using aircraft technology to reduce wind resistance and provide optimal strength to weight ratio, the Airstream has become a true American icon

The first Airstream branded camper van called “the Classic” made its debut in 1979 The company continues to innovate and produce camper vans to this day and has a 10,000 strong international membership of the Wally Byam Caravan Club Over 1000 rallies are held each year by the club

Camper vans have evolved into what we call motorhomes As the name suggests, the objective is to create a “mobile home from home” Motorhomes come in all shapes and sizes and are generally classed by the distance between the front axle to the rear axle This measurement is called the “wheelbase length” and is termed as short, medium and long

Fuel costs are a definite consideration for many when deciding to hire a camper van This problem has been taken on board by the rental companies and manufacturers Many camper van hire companies now offer vans with conversions to LPG This should at least half your fuel costs

One thing I should mention is that insurance cover for camper van hire can be expensive and you should know up front exactly what you are covered for Take time to review the policy Remember to comply with most hiring insurance policies you should carry out the daily maintenance tasks on the camper as specified by your rental agent

Don’t overstretch your budget on the camper van hire cost Part of the enjoyment of a camper van is being able to visit and enjoy new places If you are a couple, a medium wheelbase camper should provide you with a good overall comfort levels and ease of use

When hiring or even buying a camper van you should try and arrange a test drive first so that you can decide which style best fits your needs My personal preference is to use medium wheelbase vans as they tend to offer the best compromise between size and comfort Whatever van you choose it’s sure to be an adventure

Steve Thomas is a developer and writer for a number of online travel websites, including the UK Away Travel Directory where you can find a comprehensive list of motorhome and camper van hire companies. To find out more visit http://www.ukaway.co.uk/

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Author : Andy West

You’ve just bought a new truck and it’s the one you’ve always wanted Now what to do? You could try sprucing it up with truck accessories, that’s what you should do next In today’s world, there are options for everything All you need to do is find what fits your vehicles personality, and yours There are a lot of truck accessories you can add to the exterior body

1 Tailgate Accessories – You can add bedcaps, tailgate inserts, nets, running lights, bed mats, seals and protectors All used to help protect the bed of your vehicle

2 Truck Bed Liners and Bed Mats – You can choose to have skid resistant or high density polyethylene liners and mats and you can even have them customized according to your desire If you haul a lot of loose cargo (like rocks, pebbles, etc), it might be wise to get a mat or liner

3 Truck Bars and Rails – If you’ve bought an older model, you may want to dress up your truck with bars or rails You can choose from pre-designed rails or customize your own design

4 Ground Effects – You can add ground effects to your car like rear wings, auto skirts and other restyling effects to make your vehicle unique

5 Hood Scoops and Vents – You can also choose to install hood or roof scoops or side, turbo or fender vents in any design or brand as you wish

6 Window Pillars – To prevent your windows from breaking, in case anyone smashes into you, try adding window pillars

7 Ventshades and Window Covers – If you want to open your windows but not give yourself away to the outside world, then installing ventshades or window covers will assist

8 License Plate Covers and Frames – If you want to dress up your car the easiest and cheapest way, then all you need are license plate covers and frames Be sure to read up on your local traffic laws

9 Wheel Covers and Hub Caps – This is the next best and cheapest thing to dress up your vehicle with

10 Tonneau Covers – Protect your things by adding tonneau covers to your pick-up truck Choose from aluminum, retractable, fiberglass, folding or roll-up models

11 Vehicle Protection – This option includes bumper protectors, tailgate seals, protector pads, scuff protectors, line door guards and inset guards All of these accessories will protect you and your family in an unfortunate accident

But let’s not forget the inside of your truck, which you can also dress up in one way or another

1 Air Horn Parts – Change how your car horn sounds with these replacement air horn parts

2 Door Sills – It protects the paint of the car at the door and strengthens the look of the car

3 Pet Barriers – Can’t leave your pets behind but don’t want your car interiors to get ruined? Put in pet barriers!

4 Floor Mats – Floor Mats are designed to protect your carpet

5 Windshield Covers and Sun Shades – I believe that every vehicle should have these accessories It deflects the suns rays and protects the interior of your car

Whatever your needs might be, truck accessories and vehicle accessories will give your auto that extra appeal, and will turn heads Be the talk of your neighborhood with the many options manufactures have to offer Just be sure to do some research and make sure what you buy you ultimately need and will use There’s nothing worse than buying a product you won’t really use, right?

Andy West is a writer for Buy Auto Truck Accessories, a great online resource for all your truck accessories and parts. Visit them today at BuyAutoTruckAccessories.com for more information on their valuable products!

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