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Monthly Archives: May 2010
What Determines Whether A Car Is A Sports Car
Author: Gregg Hall
Title: What Determines Whether A Car Is A Sports Car
Article: Ask anyone what a sports car is and they will probably invent an answer. Ask a dozen different people the same question and they will probably provide a dozen different answers. There are a variety of ways to define what constitutes an actual sports car. With no standardized definition available within the industry, the term “sports car” is without certain meaning.
Originally, it was easy to differentiate between a sports car and a regular production automobile. If a regular person could buy it, it wasn’t a sports car. Sports cars were toys for the extremely rich and automobile-obsessed. They are also used primarily in situations that represented a radical departure from conventional driving. Road races, rallies and other competitions were the home of the sports car as manufacturers and designers went head to head, testing their newest technological advances and inventive ideas.
These sports cars were almost always designed for a single driver and no additional passengers. Occasionally a “co-pilots” seat might have been added. The notion of a backseat made little sense considering the purposes for which the cars were being used. They tended to be extremely small and exceptionally faster than most regularly produced cars.
This historical moment gave birth to a notion of the sports car that survives today among many automotive enthusiasts. These traditionalists will consider a car a sports car only if it is a two-seater and designed for racing.
This perspective was antiquated somewhat by the post-war experience in the United States and elsewhere. Cars based upon the test car technologies began to make their way into the garages of the public. With a more mainstream audience, some changes were made to the traditional sports car, including the frequent addition of a small back seat.
As time passed, sports cars slowly grew and the technologies pioneered by sports cars found their way into vehicles, which were not undersized or built for racing.
In the 1960s, John Delorean decided to drop a large V8 into a Pontiac Tempest. His new invention, the GTO, ushered in the muscle car era. Purists might argue the American muscle cars were not sports cars, but simply cars making use of sports car refinements. The distinction however, began to become lost in regular conversation and “sports car” began to refer to any fast or high-performance vehicle.
The line becomes increasingly blurred with every year. Traditional sports cars are becoming increasingly rare as automakers recognize a need to maintain some level of functionality if they are to entice buyers. The innovations spurred by traditional sports cars are being adopted into vehicles of every size and shape. While traditional racing style sports cars are maintained in many product lines and though some boutique manufacturers still focus their efforts on small high-speed cars, it is impossible to ignore the “crossover” appeal of many traditional sports car features.
Some may say there are sports cars, sporty cars and sporting cars and that they are all different things. To the average person, however, they blend into one.
Which cars are sports cars? Today, it’s hard to tell. You can be a hardliner and say only the racing-based two-seaters qualify, or you can be liberal in your interpretation and proclaim all high-performance vehicles sports cars. Either way, you’d probably be right. Gregg Hall is a business consultant and author for many online and offline businesses and lives in Navarre Florida with his 16 year old son. Get quality car care products from http://www.5starshine.com
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Things To Consider When Getting Seat Covers for Vans
Author: Jo Alelsto
Title: Things To Consider When Getting Seat Covers for Vans
Article: Seat covers for vans are the popular choice of those who desire to change the appearance of their vehicles. The interior can look shabby after a time and this is the reason owners go to accessory shops to look for the appropriate covers for their van seats. However, with the large number of choices, selection can be troublesome. There are a few considerations though if you are contemplating on replacing your old upholstery with new seat covers. If you are reading this article, you are a step closer to finding the right covers for your van seats.
Budget – Different van drivers do not have the same amount of spendable cash on a given moment. Budget is an important consideration when you are choosing the right item. While price can equate with quality, there are low-cost items whose quality may just be fine. If you are not after premium, luxury products, opt for average items that may be bought at affordable prices.
Preference – Many owners of vehicles and cars are particular with the material, design and color. For instance, many would opt for a seat cover color that goes well with the exterior paint, otherwise the outcome may be plain outrageous. Others do not look at the price when choosing but simply consider the quality, which can come with any material depending on the manner of manufacturing. This is why it is important to trust reputable stores or companies when buying these products.
Aesthetics – Looking for seat covers is not just about price and quality. It is also about improving the interior appeal of your vans. Many customers want to clothe the seats of their vehicles to cover torn spots or stains. Others simply want to protect the original upholstery. Generally, the installation of seat covers provide a fresh look of your vehicle interior, creating a different and more pleasant interior ambiance.
Quality – Looking for excellent quality products is not necessarily difficult. In fact, you can find premium items on the web. This way you will be spending a lot of time driving to the nearest shop. High quality products tend to last long and tend to resist wear and tear. Manufacturers may recommend a few items to match your preference and the quality you are seeking. Quality does not have to mean escalating prices.
Seat size/dimensions – You may actually need to obtain measurements of your seats to ensure you would select the covers with the appropriate size. After all, you don’t want to end up clothing your van seats with covers that are either too loose or too tight.
Material – There are many seat covers in the market and each of these are made of different materials such as sheepskin, neoprene, leather, suede, fabric, and vinyl. Each of these materials offer different feel and each has an advantage over the others as well as disadvantage. For instance, the thickness of sheepskin provides good insulation; hence, products made of sheepskin serve for warmth during cold weather. Leather may provide that luxurious feel and appeal that is just inviting.
The best way to look for these products is to browse online. Doing your selection over the internet provides convenience and time-efficiency. In addition, you can compare prices of different items within a site and between two sites. When you are browsing sites that sell van seat covers, don’t miss to read product descriptions and customer reviews. User reviews would give you an idea of how well the products do after the purchase. Errors in workmanship may not show until a few days of product usage, and some customers are just too overt to open up their disappointment on a particular product. At the same time, reviews give you an instant knowledge about the pros and cons and other information about the products. Jo is a writer for “Sai Baba”s Seat Covers” (http://www.van-seat-covers.com/), a top UK retailer that manufactures a wide array of personalized products for your van interior ranging from steering wheel covers to van seat covers and mats designed to cater the requirements of their commercial clients and the general public, nationwide. If you are a private vehicle owner or a small local or major vehicle dealer searching for a superior quality but reasonably priced seat covers for vans then you should check out Sai Baba”s Seat Covers.
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Do Not Be Intimidated by Car Maintenance
Author: Terry Parker
Title: Do Not Be Intimidated by Car Maintenance
Article: Cars are like electric lights. We often do not appreciate them until they go on the blink. Regular maintenance checks and simple service can greatly reduce the cost of car ownership and keep you a much happier traveler!
Do not let the thought of car maintenance intimidate you. There are actually several car maintenance tips you can do even if you are totally mechanically challenged!
For instance, you will want to keep your windshield washer fluid reservoir full. This involves screwing off the cap and pouring windshield wiper fluid in the right spot. You can quickly check the fluid levels when filling up at the gas station.
While you have got the windshield washer fluid out, pour some on a rag and clean the bug guts, etc. off the wiper blades.
If you see any colored fluid leaking from your car, get it serviced immediately.
If you smell any peculiar odor coming from your car, take it to the nearest service station. Odors mean something inappropriate is going on under the hood of your car!
Every fall, go ahead and replace your wiper blades. You need new ones once a year so you might as well get them before winter sets in and you are wiping away that ice and sleet!
Be sure all your lights are clean and working, including brake lights, turn signals and emergency flashers. You can perform this quick check while filling up your gas tank.
Check your tires once a month and give a look over for cuts, bulges, or nails or other foreign objects sticking out.
Take your car to your friendly serviceman once a month and have the pressure in your tires checked. This service should cost you less than five bucks, if anything.
Every three months have your oil and oil filter changed. Many times an inspection is done during the oil change. It is worth it to pay a little extra if you have to and have this done. Ask to have your battery checked, too.
Have your air filter changed when it gets dirty. You can ask the folks who change your oil to check the air filter. They are happy to change it for you.
No matter how non car savvy you may have felt in the past, finding that you can do some simple maintenance checks puts you in the drivers seat. You are likely to discover in advance if your car has a problem that should be taken care of immediately. For more information about car problems and the automotive software to diagnose any related issues visit our site.
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Choosing Your Auto Repair: Get the Facts
Author: Zach Thompson
Title: Choosing Your Auto Repair: Get the Facts
Article: Do you have a mechanic that usually handles your auto repair? Some people have utilized a family mechanic for years. It’s hard to break free from a shop you’ve been going to for even a few years for your auto repair needs.
So what do you do if recently you’ve been getting your car back from the auto repair shop and it has been one thing after another, as far as things going wrong? You bring your car into the auto repair shop for one issue, but another springs up right afterward. There might be a pattern.
Conspiracy theorists say this is a sign your mechanic is trying to “pull a fast one”- deceiving you into thinking he has your best interest in mind. All the while, he is fixing one thing and setting up another auto repair issue to go wrong in the near future.
As unethical as that sounds, it’s very possible some auto repair shops are doing that. There is really no way for us, as consumers, to know whether they are and which auto repair shops are. This is all the more reason to stick with a family mechanic for your auto repair needs.
However, it’s hard to say whether your family auto repair mechanic, in fact, is one of those unethical people. When it comes to choosing an auto repair shop, you really have to gauge overall quality based on your experiences with that auto repair shop. Sometimes great customer service is important.
Good customer service makes for a pleasant experience when you are at the particular auto repair shop. It also gives the impression that the auto repair shop cares about your family’s well-being and will therefore take the time to do a good job on your vehicle.
There is not necessarily a link between great customer service and competency. Some people experience some of the best customer service at some of the worst auto repair facilities, competence-wise.
Try several shops until you find one that gives the best of both worlds: excellent customer service and consistently long-lasting auto repairs.
Let’s say your local family mechanic has really been doing a poor job on your vehicle lately. Maybe he’s getting old or has other health issues, causing him to not be working at his highest capacity. Or perhaps he, himself, is not actually working on your auto repair. Maybe his hired help is doing the auto repair work. It’s very possible his employees aren’t as good as he is at auto repair.
So what do you do? Let this shop you’ve loved all these years do a terrible job on your auto repair, because you can’t bear to leave? Or do you just drop your family mechanic and leave him in a lurch with no explanation?
No. The solution is to let him know and give him a chance to get better. This can be done in a diplomatic way. If it doesn’t improve, find a new auto repair shop as a last resort. Do you need an auto repair clinic Colorado Springs ? We can help you!
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Electric Vehicle Kits: Build Your Own Electric Car
Author: Kerry Ng
Title: Electric Vehicle Kits: Build Your Own Electric Car
Article: With rising fuel costs, more and more people and are looking for alternatives. One such alternative that is gaining popularity, especially with the do-it yourself types, are the electric vehicle kits. Anyone familiar with automobiles can now use these kits to convert traditional gas powered vehicles to one powered by electric current.
However, converting a traditional Gas powered vehicle into an electric vehicle can be a very daunting task. Only those who are the very mechanically minded should try this. To convert the vehicle will require extensive modifications to nearly all-mechanical parts of the car. Everything from the engine to the radiator, heater and air-conditioning, to the gauges on the panel. On top of that, the electric cars have to be recharged on a regular basis, which means having to purchase or use the services of recharging station. Solar power could be another potential source of power for the electric vehicle.
Can any car be converted into an electric vehicle?
Unfortunately, the answer is no. Not all cars can be converted into an electric vehicle. However, and the most common electric vehicle kit seems to be the Chevy S-10 pick up kit. For examples to follow just do a search online for Chevy S-10 pickup Electric conversions.
Other cars that are good candidates for conversion are the Chevy Geo, especially from 1989 to 1999. These cars are good potential candidates for an electric vehicle kit conversion. Cars similar to the Chevy Geo Metro, such as the Chevy Sprint, Pontiac Firefly and the Suzuki Swift are also ideal for conversions too.
Are there downsides to using an electric vehicle kit?
Going back a few years, many people associated electric powered vehicles with slowness and a lack of power. But as usual, thanks to technology, significant advances in the electric vehicle have changed all that. With these electric vehicle kits some cars can reach top speeds of between 70 and 75 mph. nonetheless, converting to electric power still has its drawbacks.
The biggest drawback it is of course the need for recharging the batteries. As an example, the Chevy Geo Metro kit must be recharged every 20 to 40 miles, depending on driving habits and battery quality. For city driving, this would be ideal. However, for lengthy commutes on the highway, this would not be ideal.
The Chevy S-10 with an electric vehicle kit installed will run a little longer on a single charge. On a single charge, the S-10 should last between 40 and 60 miles. Again this depends upon the driving habits as well as the size and quality of batteries. Some S-10 models can be equipped with solar powered panels which would in reduced in the need for charging, at least when driving during daylight hours.
Converting vehicles with electric vehicle kits is not a cheap affair. Most conversion kits seem to cost between $8000 to $10,000. And this does not even include professional installation as well as the cost of the batteries, not to mention access to or the purchase of a charging station.
Quite frankly, with the cost involved of using an electric vehicle kit, it probably wouldn’t be very practical for the average consumer, especially if they do a lot of highway driving. However, that being said, it probably would be ideal for a back yard mechanic who loves to tinker with cars and has a few bucks to throw around and wants to impress his beer-drinking buddies. Kerry Ng is a successful Webmaster and publisher of The Hybrid Cars Blog. For more great helpful information about Hybrid Cars visit The Hybrid cars Blog
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How To Go About Car Detailing On Your Own
Author: David Maillie
Title: How To Go About Car Detailing On Your Own
Article: Car detailing is an absolute clean up program for your car. Its a perfect sprucing up curriculum and is not just about cleaning, washing and polishing the exterior of the car. It involves a lot of tidying of the interior as well. Routine car detailing is sure to prove beneficial for your car. Every penny you spend for the detailing job (if you go for professional detailing services) and every effort you put in (if you decide to do it on your own) will go on to prevent damages to the vehicle and restore its good looks.
The car detailing job is not all that complicated and you will not need to pick up any special skill or technique for it. The first detailing tip suggested by most car manufacturers and professionals providing car detailing services is to start cleaning from inside. This is essentially a three-step plan involving vacuuming, cleaning and conditioning.
Follow it up with cleaning the car’s windows. Some glass cleaner and a clean towel are what you need to clean the windows. Do not ever use used rags to clean the windows!
Once you have covered the interior, continue with the exterior. Start with the dirtiest part of cars – the wheels. There are two different ways for cleaning the wheels. You may either opt for the most prevalent ‘soap and wheel brush method of cleaning’ or go for ‘spray on, rinse off’ chemicals. Anyway, whatever be your choice of wheel cleaning method, you need to assure that there is not a speck of salt, dust or debris stuck in the wheel for that can lead to corrosion.
Following the car wash product manufacturer’s directions will give you the maximum satisfaction with washing the car’s body. Give the vehicle a thorough bath and then lather with sponge and soap solution. Always keep in mind to work your way downwards from the top. Rub the body in soft circular motions and rinse off. Soak dry with a soft towel.
Getting down to the polishing job, you can accomplish it with the applicator supplied with the wax or go about it with a damp cotton cloth. Once you have covered the full body, start buffing, again advancing gently.
Some car detailing tips that will help you avoid any damage to the car are:
1)Never go about the detailing job under direct sun or when the vehicle is hot
2)Never use harsh chemical washes, rough clothes and other abrasive kits
Wrap up your car detailing act by cleaning and polishing the headlights and the metallic fittings. David Maillie holds numerous patents including his recently awarded patent for headlight repair, cleaner and restorer. For more information please visit:
MDwholesale.com
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Caught Speeding? 10 Safety Tips So You Won’t Get Caught Speeding Again
Author: Jessica A Parker
Title: Caught Speeding? 10 Safety Tips So You Won\’t Get Caught Speeding Again
Article: Speed limits are there for a reason: a person driving at 35mph is twice as likely to kill someone as if they were going at 30mph or less, and the stopping distance at 35mph is 21 feet longer than it is at 30mph.
Speeding really does cost lives – 1,000 people are killed every year as a result of speeding and another 6,000 are seriously injured. If a collision happens when someone is speeding, it is more likely to lead to injuries or deaths.
Unfortunately, today’s vehicles are so powerful that it is sometimes very easy to exceed the speed limit, even when you are trying to be careful. Here are some simple ways to prevent those times when your speed might start to edge over the limit, and tips on how to be extra cautious at times when accidents might otherwise be more likely.
1. When children are playing nearby, don’t go beyond 20 mph, and preferably go as slowly as possible
A child is killed on the road about every other day. Roads are more dangerous to children for a number of reasons. Children are less aware of the dangers of traffic and less able to judge the speed vehicles are travelling at, and they are more likely to be distracted and, for example, follow a lost ball into the road.
These things are inevitable, but drivers can reduce the likelihood of a child sustaining a serious or fatal injury by ensuring that they drive extremely slowly in areas where children might be playing or crossing the road.
2. If the limit is 30mph, don’t go above 3rd gear
This can be a useful principle to prevent yourself speeding. Travelling in 3rd gear makes it easier to tell if your speed is over 30mph.
3. Remember that speed limits are not a target, they are a maximum
Speed limits are a maximum, and sometimes you need to drive quite a bit slower than the limit to be safe. Examples include when there is poor weather or ice on the road, busy, narrow roads, roadworks, schools at opening or closing time, or any area with children, and bendy roads with reduced visibility.
4. Don’t get distracted on the road, distracted drivers speed
Driving may have become second nature to you, but it is actually a very complex thing to do. Loud music can be a distraction, as can attempting to do anything else with your hands, such as using a mobile phone, unwrapping a sweet or lighting a cigarette.
5. When entering a village, slow down
As soon as you enter a populated area you are likely to come across more junctions, as well as cyclists, pedestrians and slow-moving vehicles. You may need to slow down more than you would think to guard against all these potential hazards.
6. Know the speed limits by looking out for signs, particularly at road junctions
Don’t just rely on the type of road you are on as a guide. In urban areas, for example, dual carriageways can have a limit of 30mph.
7. Check your speedometer at regular intervals, particularly after leaving the motorway
Modern cars are smooth so it can feel as though you’re driving more slowly than you really are. That’s why you need to consciously check your speed more often, especially when going from a main road to a smaller one.
8. Give yourself plenty of time to get from one place to another and don’t make up for lost time by driving more quickly
Your journey time won’t be much shorter if you exceed the speed limit. Overall time to complete a journey is usually affected more heavily by the number of junctions and other obstacles you come across along the way. Making sure you have plenty of time to complete the journey will help you to relax and reduce the likelihood of speeding.
9. Try and work out what usually makes you speed, like being tailgated or overtaking, and watch out for it
If you have been caught for speeding at some time, perhaps you can remember what made you speed, and work out what your common triggers might be. Recognising these triggers and avoiding them should also make driving less stressful.
10. Assume that lamp posts mean the road is 30mph, unless signs say otherwise. Beware that it may be 20mph
The Highway Code advises drivers that street lights normally mean the limit is 30mph, unless signs specify otherwise. National Accident Helpline are specialists in car accident claims.
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Keep Your Truck Bed Scratch-free With A Bedliner
Author: Tom Sample
Title: Keep Your Truck Bed Scratch-free With A Bedliner
Article: When you buy a new truck, you want to preserve the way it looks; shiny, clean, and unscratched. However, if you are using your truck to haul tools, wood, metal or anything else, it will not remain pristine for long. Because of this problem, truck bed liners were created. The most common type of liners are drop-in liners.
This type is made out of hard molded plastic. They are molded to the exact dimensions of your model truck, so that it fits perfectly. They have ridges and grooves that help prevent slipping and sliding of the items you are hauling, and also to allow water to drain out. They are easy to clean. You simply hose them down with water.
The drop-in liner is usually bolted into place in the bed of your truck. It will not shift or slide around. They come in many colors, although the most common is black. The nice thing about drop-in liners is that you can remove them when you need to, and the original truck bed still looks like it did when you bought it.
There are many places to buy drop-in truck bed liners. Some truck manufacturers are realizing how popular they are, and making them that way, direct from the factory. You can buy it on the car lot with a liner already installed. You can also buy drop-in liners at auto-body shops and mechanics shops. They can cost upwards of $350, but well worth it if you wish to preserve your truck bed. The liners from the shops are of the same quality as the ones from the factory, because they use direct models of your truck’s bed. You can also buy drop-in liners that you install yourself with bolts. These, however, are not always as good. They are not a perfect fit with your truck bed, so they will slide around a little. When they do this, they can scratch the paint on the bed of the truck.
Sometimes drop-in bed liners can be gouged, scratched or broken. However, it would take a lot of abuse before this happened. Drop-in liners can last upwards of ten years, which is a good investment on your truck.
To save the look of your truck bed, liners are key. Some of the best are drop-in liners. You will be saving yourself a lot of time in the long run if you put a drop-in liner in your truck. Keeping it clean is easier, and reselling it later on down the road even easier. Take a look at drop-in liners before you buy your next truck. More information about adjustable bedliners
adjustable bedliners
http://www.adjustablebedliners.com
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