Monthly Archives: February 2010

Author : Shane Hester

Whether street racing, drag racing, or track racing, one thing is for sure – the winners know they need the best performance race car parts as part of their winning strategy As part of the massive auto racing sport industry, the race car parts companies that design, build, and continue pushing the limits of what was previously possible, are as essential to the street and the sport as the race car drivers are themselves

For starters, many beginners in racing decide to begin their hobbies with a stock, off the street, automobile and add performance-tuned race car parts from there This is a fantastic way to get going in racing Whether just seeking enhanced street performance or thinking about taking a car to the track, a few simple modifications can take even a standard stock-model vehicle to a whole new level

For example, one of the most popular race car part inspired performance boosting accessories for almost any type of car is the cold air intake and easy-breathing air filter An add on that generally takes just an hour or two for the shade tree mechanic to install, a cold air intake is an easy way to score 5 to 10 extra horsepower with ease (and better gas mileage too)

Other popular racing parts that are popular among high performance street automobile enthusiasts include performance enhancing engine control computer chips, race ready lightweight engine components, low flow exhaust systems (from the catalytic converter and back, also known as “catback,” for remaining street legal), and of course cross-drilled brake discs to help the car stop as quickly as it goes Common accessory body components such as body kits and rear spoilers are inspired by race car parts that improve aerodynamics and stability

Beyond enhancing street performance, when a racer is really serious about racing, there are certain race car parts that are not only essential, but also required by official sanctioned rules and regulations This is where on-track racing really starts to get pricy

Safety race car parts like roll cages and fuel cells go hand in hand with serious racing The bottom line is clear – they’re just a required part of playing the game Beginners to auto sports would be wise to understand this from the very beginning as they build their garage full of race car parts and equipment

When it comes down to it, a variety of race car parts are part of the performance-minded automotive enthusiast’s arsenal It doesn’t matter if a car will never exceed the speed limit or if it’s the record breaking top fuel dragster, cutting-edge race car parts are an essential part of the winning car strategy – from improving fuel economy to winning serious races

Buy your performance parts for your street racing machine or contact Shane Hester at WebFirstCreations for quality blog links .

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Author : Tony Hill

Recently hailed as the best car in the world at the World Car of the Year Awards 2008, the Mazda2 excelled in every category to edge out the Ford Mondeo and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Starting with the exterior the Mazda2 puts other so-called ‘hot-hatches’ to shame The sleek and stylish curves make this award winning Mazda youthful and dynamic This is not surprising seeing as the chief designer was also in charge of the sporty Mazda RX-8 The contours and lines in the body shape suggest that the Mazda2 is ready for action; the sports version is even better with its 16 inch alloys and stylish body kit

The interior keeps on form with the sporty theme and smart layout although it has been suggested that the plastic used for the dash could be better The designers have made sure that there is plenty of space inside the 2 which is another plus with this supermini

The new Mazda2 is light and agile which is great for fuel consumption and for lowering your CO2 emissions Out of all the cars entered into the World Car of the Year awards the Mazda2 received the highest environment score of them all This car is a great choice then if you are looking for a new engine that is friendly on the environment

The Mazda may be light but safety is not compromised The use of high-tensile steel is the reason behind this and has resulted in the Mazda2 being awarded a 5-star NCAP rating The light-weight Mazda also means that it is easy to drive and is great for nipping around the town

There are lots of different specifications to choose from which allows you to personalise the car to suit your own specific needs You can choose from the 3door or the 5door and prices start at under 9000 GBP which is great considering you are getting yourself the “best car in the world ”

Insurance costs are reasonable too which shows that the Mazda2 is a good investment economically The Mazda also comes is a range of colours from the sporty ‘brilliant black’ to the bright ‘spirited green metallic ‘ Oh, and then there is the special edition Mazda2 Tamura Special Edition to choose from which is even sportier with its sports bumper, grille and side skirts

It is not surprising that the demand for the Mazda2 has been so high considering its impressive environmental credentials combined with its stylish looks With motorists becoming more aware of environmental issues when choosing a car the Mazda2 is a great contender and compared with other ‘environmentally friendly’ cars on the market the Mazda2 wins on looks hands down

Tony is an online marketer and writer. He is currently researching Mazda and the new Mazda2

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Author : Katie Kelley

There are approximately 251 million registered vehicles in the United States alone and in 2004 there were 198 8 million registered drivers with an estimated 6 6 million driver’s licenses likely to be issued in 2007-2008, according to information obtained from programs under the U S Department of Transportation (USDOT) and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

In 2005, there were nearly 6 4 million auto accidents resulting in approximately 40,000 fatalities, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) In 2007, the USDOT reported that:

* There were 236,468 non-fatal large truck accidents

* 54,961 injury-related large truck accidents

* 80,752 injuries due to large truck accidents

Large truck accidents account for a significant portion of vehicle accidents every year and also account for a portion of crash-related injuries and fatalities among drivers, passengers and pedestrians

According to research conducted by the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI), fatalities caused by truck accidents are rising and have steadily risen 5 8 percent over a the previous ten-year period Causes of Truck Accidents There are a plethora of reasons that an individual can become involved in a truck accident, but there are a list of common, reoccurring truck accident scenarios that have been identified by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which conducts research on highway collisions involving an array of motor vehicles

The following are some of the primary causes for a fatality or injury because of a truck crash:

* Trucks hitting pedestrians

* The force of the collision between a large truck and a smaller passenger vehicle/vehicles

* Trucks hitting fixed objects

* Loss of control (tire blow out, vehicle failure, weather conditions, etc )

* Animal in roadway

* Physical driver factor, including falling asleep, heart attack, etc

Another study conducted by the FMCSA also found that truck accidents will vary based on roadway type, weight of vehicle and cargo body type The study found that of the three main categories of roadway types (rural, urban and unknown), urban roadways (interstate, freeways, expressways, etc ) accounted for 63 percent of all large truck accidents Additionally, weight factored into the equation of truck accidents and truck fatalities/injuries

The study measured truck weight by single unit trucks (two axles, threes axles, etc ) and combination trucks (tractor trucks, truck pulling trailers, etc ) Of these, 62 percent of accidents were made up by combination trucks, specifically the tractor truck pulling a trailer

The study also detailed the different varieties of truck types involved in accidents:

* Van trucks, including closed van, refrigerated van and open top van

* Dump trucks (rear dump trucks and bottom dump/hopper bottom)

* Tankers (tank-liquid, tank-dry bulk and tank-compressed gas)

* Garbage refuse trucks

* Cement mixers

* Pole/logging trucks

* Auto carriers

* Livestock carriers

* Bobtail units (with no cargo body)

* Other category, which includes tow trucks, etc

* Unknown category (meaning un-inspected vehicles)

Of these trucks, the van trucks accounted for 46 percent of large truck crashes with dump trucks accounting for 16 percent of accidents and flatbed trucks accounting for 15 percent

Truck Accident Costs While the percentage of truck accidents varies each year, the UMTRI has noted that there is a steady increase of truck accident fatalities and injuries among passengers

Accompanying this increase is the rising costs per crash The USDOT funded a study through the Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation (PIRE) to determine the average costs of medium and heavy truck crashes

The study found that: An average truck accident cost $91,112 in 2005

* Crashes involving truck-tractors with two or three trailers accounted for the most costly crashes averaging $289,549 per crash

* Truck crashes involving trucks with no trailers and straight trucks cost an average of $56,296 per crash

* Truck crashes that involved a fatality cost nearly $3,604,518 per crash

* Whereas, truck crashes involving injury-only crashes averaged at $195,258 per crash

While the costs of fatal and non-fatal accidents have been considered shockingly high by some, the study noted that these cost estimates excluded additional factors such as:

* mental health costs

* roadside furniture repair costs

* cargo delays

* earnings lost by family and friends involved in or caring for truck accident victims

* the value of schoolwork lost was also not factored

Because of these exclusions, the estimated truck accident costs may even be considerable higher than estimated by the USDOT

Seeking Assistance after a Truck Accident

It is often difficult for an individual to gauge the devastation that has just occurred after a truck collision It is important that an individual who has suffered from a truck accident seeks medical attention immediately

While an individual may feel no pain after an accident, their injuries may be internal and an examination by a medical professional immediately following an accident can ensure that the appropriate safety precautions are taken

Additionally, it may be necessary for a truck accident victim to consult an experienced truck accident attorney for legal purposes, which may include a legal consultation for a potential truck accident lawsuit

Developing a truck accident lawsuit may seem to be a drastic measure by some, but when considering the costs associated with a truck accident, whether fatal or non-fatal, it can be deemed a necessary step, one that may provide monetary compensation in return for damages following a truck collision

Learn more about a growing trend among automobile accidents at http://truck.legalview.com/. Or use the LegalView homepage at http://www.LegalView.com and navigate to other personal injury sites including the automobile accident homepage. Also visit the most recently updated sites including the Cipro information portal.

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Author : Alan Largo

Are you tired and fed up of all the money you spend on fueling up your car? Just imagine for a second about being able to run your vehicle on water for fuel purposes

This would be an enormous savings – your wallet left full of cash at the gas pumps, each time you go to gas up your vehicle Ultimately, you will save thousands of dollars yearly on gas!

In order for you to use water as a fuel source for ignition inside your vehicle, you first will need to turn the water successfully into isolated properties

If you’re a mechanic, this should be a cinch for you to pull off once you acquire the items that are required along with the instructions However, if you aren’t a mechanic, you may wish to find one who is knowledgeable and able to hook up such a conversion device on your vehicle

The battery of your vehicle is effective in electrolyzing the water you use and transforming it into two separate types of gas These gases are hydrogen and oxyhydrogen

It is basically rearranging the exact same three atoms found in H2O or water This water is then converted into a gas, which is called HHO

You will need to learn how to build your own electrolyzed fuel cell to acquire fuel from a water reserve It is quite simple once you acquire all the needed items to transform your own water burning vehicle

These things are common ones you might already possess laying around the house or garage, or purchasable at your local hardware store A miniscule amount of water is retained in a miniature holding tank and then pumped into the vehicle’s carburetor to a separate fuel cell, which then supplies your vehicle with enough fuel to run

Once installed and in use, you have built your own water hybrid vehicle This method is also very handy in other types of transportation, such as; RV’s, trucks, planes and motorcycles

However, when initially starting to transform a vehicle to perform on water, you may have to experiment on a another vehicle if you have one, rather than practice on your daily driver

That way, you’ll be on the safe side until you completely get the gist of it and know specifically how to convert your vehicle correctly You should also be sure to leave everything untouched and installed by the car’s original condition so as not to disqualify your vehicle’s warranty

This is another excellent reason to get a second vehicle or a project car – to tinker and practice on Later on you can discover more about the set up and practical use of this economical fuel source

Imagine being able to save tons of money by operating your vehicle on water You will also be protecting our world by utilizing a water powered hybrid vehicle

Using water as a fuel supply lets your vehicle burn so much cleaner It will not emit as much toxic fumes as an everyday gasoline powered vehicle does

Converted cars are totally safe and friendly for our environment Driving your vehicle on water is not just really exciting, you can impress everybody and enjoy a full wallet in one shot You’ll soon discover how this incredible and viable alternative fuel can benefit you

Alan Largo is the creator and administrator of Run Car On Water and strives to assist others identify with their adverse gasoline situation through informative reviews. You’re invited to visit Run Car On Water to read his most recent article review.

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Author : Tom Sample

No matter who you are, at some point you’re going to need a truck Whether it’s for moving an entire home or a washer and dryer set, or to start your own hauling business, trucks are how big jobs get done For many, even though a truck is needed for one-time or continuous use, buying a hauler, pickup or especially a big rig is out of the question This is where a good rental can come into play

People who need trucks for personal use need them for a number of reasons Oftentimes a temporary need doesn’t justify an outright purchase This is when a rental can really help out There are companies that specialize in nothing but truck rentals to private, non-commercial drivers These trucks are not big rigs by any means They are smaller, lighter trucks such as pick-ups, small moving vans and so on They are great for moving the contents of a house, or doing a one-time pick up of something too big for your regular car

When leasing a truck for short-term, personal use, here are some things to consider:

* Shop around for prices and rental terms There is generally more than one company in an area that rents moving trucks or even pickups

* Ask about the little things Don’t sign the contract for a rental until you are very clear about hidden costs, rental requirements and so on Make sure you understand any extra per mile costs and fuel charges

* Check into rental insurance This is almost always a good idea Anything can happen and it’s not your truck you’re driving You don’t want to pay the bottom line if someone damages the rental

* Find out where and when the truck needs to be returned This is especially important for out-of-town deliveries or one-way trips Make sure you have good directions to a return location where you’ll be going If it’s an in-town move, you should be able return the truck to the location you rented it at

People with proper certification can even rent big rigs for one-time trips or to help establish their own businesses The investment in a rig can be too much for a single driver starting out, so rentals are often the way drivers go

Most of the rules for the private rental driver apply here, but in double the importance Since a commercial driver will be working to start his or her own business, making sure the truck is reliable and the lease understandable and affordable is vital

Those who need to hire on a rig can also do so There are plenty of trucking companies that offer not only big rigs, but also drivers for lease This is great for small companies that need to ship a lot of product, but don’t have their own trucking division

No matter who you are or what you do, a truck will someday be important They are one of the best and most efficient means for transporting goods from one point to another Whether it’s an appliance pick up or a move of an entire house, a homeowner or private resident will almost certainly need a truck at some point Drivers just starting out need trucks because without them, they have no business And, businesses must get their products from the production point to the sales point

More Resources

Truck rental.

http://www.truckrentalinc.com

Utility trailers.

http://www.utilitytrailersite.com

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Author : Andy West

Most truck enthusiasts know that your truck bed can be a blessing when you lack space in the cab of your truck There are some items however, you may need to have at hand daily that aren’t suited for the bed of your truck Whether you have emergency supplies, tools, or food for your crew, truck tool boxes can secure goods in a locked compartment, protected and organized There are many other uses that might seem odd but could be beneficial to you depending on your need

In the winter the roads can be extremely dangerous for drivers Trucks are more likely to rollover than most cars; therefore it’s extremely important to weigh down the bed of your truck when the roads are icy Some might not think this is required if you have four wheel drive or studded snow tires, but you’d be surprised how icy the roads can get Hauling 50-100 pounds of sandbags or salt bags in your toolbox could help you out during the winter Potting soil, gravel, or concrete can also be used to weigh down your truck and are easily kept in these storage areas Plus, if you ever find yourself stuck in a ditch you can cut open the bag and use the salt or sand for traction and de-icing

As a vehicle owner you must be prepared for any situation Vehicle crashes in the United States hit over six million in 2005 With that many accidents on roadways each year owners must be prepared Carrying blankets, jumper cables, radio transmitters, tools, flares, emergency lights, and an emergency kit is essential for any vehicle owner With the limited space in most trucks it’s a great idea to put essential items in the bed of your truck But, with changing temperatures, it’s harder to guard these essential items against rain, sleet or snow unless you stow them in a protected area

A toolbox can also be handy if you are an active outdoorsman Fishing rods, lures, nets, skies, snowshoes, and other gear can be securely locked inside and shielded from the outdoor elements during transport Oftentimes these items cannot be placed in the truck bed for fear of being stolen, flying out when driving at high speeds, or being damaged in bad weather Hauling these items in the house after every single outdoor adventure seems exhausting Keep them year round in a secure area

Not only are active outdoorsmen able to utilize them, but coaches for sports teams can use the space too Coaches for football or baseball teams can keep vital paperwork like team consent forms, stats and flyers in a safe spot You are also able to hold soccer balls, baseballs, bats, footballs, kicking stands, and uniforms in one compact area that is guarded from the elements The last thing you want is to be the unorganized or unprepared coach Don’t let your team down

Artists can also utilize safe transport in their vehicles Interested in driving up a forest service road to get the perfect view for your next painting? Easels, sketching pads, painting supplies, chalk, and canvasses can be stored easily while you make your way up that big mountain Supplies can be expensive, so protecting them is of the utmost importance

As you can see there are a multitude of uses for truck tool boxes It’s always important to utilize space in a day and age where more space is always needed Find a place to store your gear

Andy West is a writer for Buy Auto Truck Accessories, the best online retailer for your trucks needs, including great truck tool boxes. For more information please visit BuyAutoTruckAccessories.com.

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Author : Thomas Pretty

Once you have been to the caravan dealership and found your ideal caravan there are certain tips that can make your caravan holidays that more enjoyable Studying the forecourt of the dealership can be an arduous affair, deciding on the size and type of caravan you want as well as taking into account the towing power of your car The dealership will naturally want to sell you their best models but remember to keep the choice yours and only come away with an outfit that suits your purposes For travellers, here is a list of helpful hints that can make your caravan trip easier

Experienced caravaners and even advisors at the dealership will most probably advise you to make a list of the fundamentals that you will need on your trip and to laminate it This way, before you embark on any caravan holiday you have a list that you can check against before you leave, as it is laminated, all you have to do before your next trip is to wipe it clean and start again

Towing, as most dealership professionals will tell you is one of your most important concerns on any caravan holiday Part of this is to ensure your wing mirror extensions are securely attached A handy hint is to strap the extensions on diagonally as this makes them fit far more snugly

The caravan dealership should make you acutely aware of the security issues surrounding owning a caravan Naturally you will need to keep your outfit locked up when you are not using it but an added piece of advice is to keep the handbook and instructions with you rather than in the caravan, this way the thieves will have a harder job re-selling your caravan after they have stolen it A helpful hint for travellers is to keep a disposable camera in your car just in case an accident occurs, this way you can take an immediate record of the accident in case there are any insurance issues

Storing your caravan during the winter can be fraught with problems; it is hardly an option to head down to the dealership every year to buy a new one and hence maintaining your caravan is essential One way to keep your fridge in good condition is to keep the packets of silica gel that come with new shoes By placing these in the fridge when it is not in use, smells and mould will be kept to a minimum Not only will this prolong the life of your fridge but also make cleaning your caravan easier An addition to this is to ensure all of the water in your caravan is drained over the winter, the damage caused by frost and freezing can be catastrophic

Flies are a constant gripe of the caravanner; it is often the case that after a long journey the front window of your caravan is covered with dead flies Many will endure the constant scraping and cleaning every time you head out on a journey but there is an easier way By fixing cling film over the front window all you will have to do on arrival is to remove the cling film and hey presto, the window will be clean Another cleaning tip is for those who want to remove the dealership stickers, rather than scrubbing with water, applying a small amount of petrol or lighter fluid the stickers will make the stickers come off easily

Hopefully these tips have helped the caravanner make their ownership more enjoyable Ultimately they make life easier and should prolong the life of your outfit, after all, a caravan is a large investment and securing this investment is important If you want years of enjoyment and brilliant holidays, these tips should help you

Travel expert Thomas Pretty looks into ways that your choice of caravan dealership can mean extra hints and tips for your holidays.

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Author : Andrew Stratton

“RVing,” so to speak, is something that many people dream about Driving down the open road in a recreational vehicle with everything that you need right at your fingertips can be an unforgettable experience RVs will make your vacations better, and enhance your life in extraordinary ways Owning an RV can be very freeing, allowing you the ability to have limitless adventures, whether camping or traveling If your first recreational vehicle is going to be a used one, do your research Used RVs, in great condition, are sold everyday; the key is in knowing where to find them

Used RVs are typically sold by RV dealers Finding a dealer that has a good reputation for selling used vehicles is not hard to do Ask people that own an RV if they have a dealer that they can recommend to you Let your friends know what you are looking for Word of mouth is an excellent way to locate a dealer who will treat you right

RV dealers will often have perfectly good used RVs on the lot that have been traded in for bigger and better models Find out if they have one that had just a single owner before being traded in Be sure that you walk through the RV, that is has the accessories you want, and that everything is in working condition Don’t forget to test drive it as well Your RV dealer will help you with every step, and answer any questions that you might have

Keeping an eye on the classifieds in your local paper can help you locate dealers that have used RVs in excellent condition You can, of course, buy from an individual, but you lose the benefits a dealer can offer, such as any available warranty Don’t forget to check the mileage, and don’t be afraid to ask to take it to a mechanic that you trust to get it checked out A reputable used RV dealer should have no problem with your request Be sure that you ask how much oil it uses, and how many miles you can get to a gallon of gas

Searching the internet is also a great tool for finding a dealer that offers good condition used RVs at the right price Sometimes traveling to check out a great deal is worth the time and money that you put into it Take your family along with you to make sure that it is a model that they all will be happy with You will want your family to love the RV, and be comfortable on family camping trips and vacations; their input is an important part of your decision

Finding a used recreational vehicle in great condition ss not difficult to do Be sure that you are looking in all of the above places, and you will locate the vehicle of your dreams That next family vacation does not have to be a distant dream; make it a reality and take your family on the best vacation they can imagine in a great used RV

For more information about used RV’s,RV dealers, and RV Sales visit Bankston Motor Homes: http://www.bankstonrv.net/

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