Archive for April, 2009

Safe Driving, Whatever the Weather

Phil Adams-Wright asked:


Safe driving is important for not only your own safety but the other road users and pedestrians. We take lessons and a driving test to make sure that our driving skills are up to scratch and we don’t develop bad habits.

The number one rule of driving is often put forward as being in 100% control at all times. The trouble is that with so many different factors that could affect our driving, conditions can sometimes become dangerous within the blink of an eye.

One factor that seems to cause a lot of accidents is the weather. Driving in adverse weather conditions can alter any aspect of driving; reaction times, braking distance and speed amongst many. It’s important to be extra careful when driving in adverse conditions as these can often be the instances which lead to an accident.

Rain

Rain is unfortunately all too common in the UK; heavy downpours can make driving on the motorway incredibly treacherous with all the spray flicked up by larger vehicles. When driving in the rain you need to be mindful of your braking, in the wet your tyres will lose traction and cause the car to skid so make sure you lower your speed and ensure your windscreen wipers are in full working condition.

Snow and Ice

It’s no surprise that the peak time of year for collisions and road accidents is winter. With snow and ice on the road your car may lose traction and skidding to a halt when braking is fairly common so it is advised to drive very slowly and allow additional time for your journey. You should brake softly and early due to the possibility of black ice forming. This happens when the slush and compacted snow gathers in-between the tire tracks and can look invisible to motorists.

Sun and heat

The heat can be as much trouble as the cold when driving. In hot weather, tarmac roads can be affected and start to soften. This, when coupled with increased heat in your tyres, can affect steering and braking. It’s also recommended that all fluids and coolants are topped up when driving hotter weather, to avoid overheating. Sunny weather may also affect your visibility so keep a pair of sunglasses handy and your windscreen clear of smudges or marks as the sun can intensify the appearance of them.

The elements can certainly affect our driving and therefore it’s advisable to take extra care, also ensuring that the car is in full working order such as brake and headlights, window wipers and screen wash. Checking that your tyres have the legal minimum of tread is important too as many adverse weather conditions can affect the level of grip your car has on the road.



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No Credit Car Loan Tips Canada

Auto Source Financial asked:


ad Credit Car Loan Tips

Get your Car loan approval with Bad Credit!

Know your Credit Score Before you apply

Is your credit really that bad? It might be better than you think. If you walk into a car dealership without knowing your credit history or credit score, you are at their mercy. They can basically tell you whatever they want and it will cost you if you get approved at a high interest rate. Some car dealers will lie to you and tell you your score is lower than it is, thus justifying why your interest rate is so high. They get a kickback from the bank for getting you approved at a higher interest rate. First and foremost you most know your credit score. Do not rely on the free credit reports because they will not give you your score. I recommend Equifax and TransUnion.

Personally review your credit report. There may be some things on there that will greatly affect your interest rate. Some bad credit can be corrected. First and foremost get rid of any bad blemishes you can dispute. Close any open credit cards you don’t need or use. Pay down or pay off your debts and credit cards. Do not blindly apply for a loan and get declined or get a high interest rate because of factors you can control. If your score is below 620 you will a sub-prime buyer and you will pay the higher interest rates. Each lender has its own definition of what constitutes a sub-prime borrower.

Apply online for a loan with Auto Source Financial



There are many lenders that will finance people with bad credit or with credit blemishes on their credit report. It’s in your best interest to get pre-approved before you go to the dealer to buy. This way you know exactly what interest rate you should be paying. You will also know the exact price range of the vehicle you can afford which will greatly help you in the vehicle selection process.

If you want to use the dealer for financing.

It’s ok to use the dealer for your financing as long as you are prepared. Have a copy of your credit report in your hand so they cannot lie to you about your score. Know what the current loan rates are and let them know you will not accept a higher rate. Be prepared to get up and leave if they won’t meet your demands. Most dealers have access to many lenders, many who do not deal with the public, only with Car Dealers.

Here is a list of questions you must ask when in the finance office:

1. What is the exact price I am paying for the vehicle?

2. What is the total amount of money being financed?

3. What is the dollar amount I’m paying for the credit (finance charge)?

4. What is the exact amount of each payment?

5. What are the total number of payments?

6. Don’t Fall for this Trick: Is this deal and finance rate subject to getting later approval of the financing from a third party? Watch for the “Subject To Financing” clause on the contract. This is where they get you. They send you home with a so called approved deal and call you several days  later to inform you that the financing fell through and they can’t get you the rate they quoted, but they found a lender who will give you the loan at a higher interest rate. Make sure the deal is approved by the lender before leaving the lot. If there’s any question, tell the dealer you’ll come back and get the car when everything is settled.

7. Is there a pre-payment penalty if I pay this loan off early?

We advise you to apply for the car loan online. This allows you to get approved from the comfort of your home or office and not have to sit around at a car dealership for hours. Once approved you can focus on the selling price of the car OR focus on finding the best vehicle at the agreed monthly payment.

Buy Here Pay Here as a last resort

You’ve tried every lender and have been denied. You have looked at your credit report and know why you are being denied or somebody has carefully explained what the issue on your credit report is stopping you from getting approved. At this point you must decide how bad do you need a car? There is one final way to get a car. There are some “Buy Here Pay Here” dealers that will finance you but be advised: They may not report your payments to the credit agencies thus no credit repair is occurring! Be very careful that you are buying a quality used car or you will end up with a piece of junk that is in the shop more than on the road. Many of the smaller dealers buy unwanted auction and wholesale cars that may not be in very good shape. We advise you to deal with a large franchise dealership that sell quality used cars that offer in-house financing. Always explore your options before you sign anything.

Bring the right paperwork to speed up the process. Most dealers want the following paperwork when you process a loan with them. Have the following items in your folder when you arrive at the dealer. Drivers License, Proof of Auto Insurance, Financial Info (bank and credit card account info), Social Insurance Number, References, Void Cheque, Proof of Income from paystubs or bank statements, Proof of Residence – usually more than one piece, Current phone bill or other utility bill, and the agreed upon down payment. We advise you to call the dealer first to get an exact list of what they require.

Repair and improve your credit!

Bad credit can be fixed. It takes time but it is worth the effort. Although you may be in a high interest loan today, if you work hard at improving your credit your next car loan will be much lower. Watch out for credit repair companies that promise to fix your credit fast. If you are going to use a credit repair company make sure they are reputable.


Want a Hybrid Car? Better Compare Them Here First

Floyd Dorrance asked:


Compare ALL Hybrid cars with each other before deciding.

The following article includes pertinent information that may cause you to reconsider what you thought you understood. The most important thing is to study with an open mind and be willing to revise your understanding if necessary.

For the past fout or five years, there has been much ado about Hybrid Cars and the many benefits they could offer. Their popularity has been compounded by the ever surging gas prices and the concern for the environment. It seems that Hybrid Cars are the solution to both. When you use a Hybrid car, you contribute less to the thickening air pollution, plus you save a lot of money since they require less fuel, plus there are numerous tax credits being given by many states.

For these reasons, hybrid cars have experienced a sharp increase in sales and more car manufacturers are joining the hybrid vehicle arena with their own versions. For those who are planning to buy a hybrid car, the choices are numerous, that’s why you have to compare hybrid cars with one another to see which one would go well with your needs.

Two of the top hybrid car manufacturers are the Japanese giant’s Toyota and Honda. They are credited with producing many innovations in the hybrid technology and their hybrid cars are the most acclaimed, most sought after and most awarded hybrid vehicles today.

Here we will compare the hybrid cars they are offering for 2007, these will include the Honda Accord Hybrid, Honda Civic Hybrid, Lexus GS 450H, Toyota Camry Hybrid and the Toyota Prius.

You can see that there’s practical value in learning more about “hybrid car”. Can you think of ways to apply what’s been covered so far?

Their fuel efficiency can be compared through their average consumption per mile in different situations, like; City Driving – where the traffic is constantly stopping, Highway Driving – where the engine can freely operate at maximum level and their combined average usage.

Miles Per Gallon – Average Miles Used Per gallon of Fuel

· Honda Accord Hybrid – 28 MPG (city), 35 MPG (Highway) and 31 MPG (Combined Average)

· Honda Civic – 49 MPG (city), 51 MPG (Highway) and 50 MPG (Combined Average)

· Lexus GS 450H – 25 MPG (city), 28 MPG (Highway) and 26 MPG (Combined Average)

· Toyota Camry Hybrid – 38 MPG (city), 40 MPG (Highway) and 39 MPG (Combined Average)

· Toyota Prius – 51 MPG (city), 60 MPG (Highway) and 55 MPG (Combined Average)

But before you just pick out the one with the highest MPG average, you still have to consider and compare a couple of aspects as well. This includes the fuel type. All of these vehicles use regular gasoline except for the Lexus which uses Premium Gasoline that is pricier.

Then you also have to compare the size class of each hybrid car and their engine size and liters. The Accord Hybrid is a midsize car with a 3 liter – 6 cylinder engine. The Civic Hybrid is a compact car with a 1.3 liter – 4 cylinder engine. The Lexus is another compact car with a 3.5 liter – 6 cylinder engine. The Camry Hybrid is a midsize sedan equipped with a 2.4 liter – 4 cylinder engine and the Toyota Prius is a compact car with a 1.5 liter – 4 cylinder engine. The more powerful the engine is, the more fuel will be consumed.

Considering this aspect and others is needed when comparing hybrid cars. You have to consider the differences. Before purchasing a hybrid car, compare first and do your research. Find one that would suit your needs and your personality best to get the perfect hybrid car for you.

That’s how things stand right now. Keep in mind that any subject can change over time, so be sure you keep up with the latest news.


Car Rental Faqs – Part 2

Car Guru asked:


Q. What does “car type” or similar mean?

A.  Car rental companies can never guarantee a specific model or car. When renting a car, companies will give you an idea of what you can expect – you may get the car type that was advertised or you may get one similar in size or model.

Q. How old are rental cars?

A. Depends on the car rental company. Larger suppliers like Hertz and Avis carry cars on their fleet that are about 3-4 months old. Smaller companies can carry cars up to 4 years old.

Q. Can baby seats be requested?

A. Yes, the majority of car rental companies do carry baby or booster seats and can be requested before collection.

Q. What happens if my rental car breaks down?

A. Most car rental companies should include 24 hour roadside assistance in the rental rate. If you do break down, help is only a phone call away.

Q. Can I pick up a rental car in one city and drop it off in another?

A. This is known as a one way rental. It depends on the supplier and the country – sometimes a fee will apply. Ask when booking!

Q. Can cars be driven into countries other than the country the vehicle is collected in?

A. In most cases, yes but conditions and restrictions do apply. In Europe, there are restrictions about travelling into Eastern Europe and some vehicles cannot be driven in Italy. In the USA, cars cannot be driven into Mexico. Always check at the time of booking.

Q. Are there age restrictions on drivers?

A. Yes. Maximum and minimum ages vary depending on suppliers and car type. Additional fees may also apply for younger or older drivers.

Q. Can anyone drive the rental car?

A. Additional drivers must be added to the rental contract before collection. There may be a fee for additional drivers.

Q. Can my prepaid rental be extended after the vehicle is collected?

A. Yes. In most cases, the renter pays the supplier directly for any extensions. However, this is at the local rate which is often higher than the pre-paid rate.



Q. What do I do if I return the vehicle early?


A. This is possible, however no refund of unused rental days is allowed by the car rental companies.


Electric Sports Cars Auto Reviews – Tesla Roadster

With environmental awareness increasing among people the demand of electric powered cars and hybrid cars are on the rise. In keeping with the trend Tesla Motors has brought its zero-emission high performance energy saving sports cars in the market. A superb combination of style, sophistication and futuristic technology Tesla sports cars are sure to sweep you off your feet.

Performance

Tesla Motors has recently introduced the high-performance Tesla Roadster, a next generation sports car which has already created a spark among the car enthusiasts around the world. The all new Tesla Roadster not only look attractive with a sleek carbon fiber body and retractable hard top it achieves an incredible 135 mpg.

Power

Tesla’s electric powertrain has been the main focus of several auto reviews on the roadster. The Tesla Roadster uses a 3-phase 4-pole Alternating Current induction motor which is controlled by the PEM (Power Electronics Module). Mated to a sophisticated two-speed electrically powered manual transmission Tesla’s unique electric powertrain is the source of highest torque and mileage while emitting one tenth of carbon dioxide compared to its gasoline combustion counterpart.

Style

Tesla Roadster comes in both metallic and non-metallic colors. From Brilliant Yellow to Thunder Gray you get wide range to choose colors for your car. Inside, state-of-the-art leather upholstery in black, gray or beige bears the mark of luxury.

Handling

As published in the auto news magazines, the Tesla Roadster is full of surprise. As you start the engine almost instant acceleration, that is, zero to 60-mph within 4 seconds gives you the required pace in the wink of an eye. What is best about the Tesla is that you don’t need to be a professional racing car driver to drive it. Its state-of-the-art technology ensures easy handling and smooth ride.

Battery

Much higher than usual electric cars that run about 60 miles per charge Tesla’s high-tech lithium-ion battery enables it travel up to 244 miles with 3.5 hours of charging. Tesla’s sophisticated Lithium ion battery pack is recyclable hence can be sold when dead. Instead of trashing it away you can sell them. You can charge it freely without waiting for the battery to get fully discharged.

Charging

Charging a Tesla Roadster is easy and safe whether you are at home or on the road. Once you buy the roadster you better generate a habit of charging it during the night so that every morning you find a fully charged car to drive off. You need to plug your Tesla into the High Power Connector unit at home. It takes around 4 hours to charge it. While on the road you can charge your car from any standard electric outlets using the Mobile Connector, an optional feature.

Safety

With most advanced safety features implemented in the Tesla Roadster Tesla Motors shows its commitment to passenger’s safety. The roadster gets high-quality Yokohama tires along with independent double-wishbone suspension to improve control while driving. It uses superior four-channel anti-lock brakes to reduce the vehicle stopping distance and increase vehicle control at the same time.

Finally, the Tesla Roadster boasting high energy efficiency and performance comes with an equally high price range starting from $101,500.



By: Tim Jones

About the Author:

Tim Jones is a self-published author and automobile expert. She writes auto reviews and speculations on latest models. For more information on sports cars, she recommends you to visit: http://www.caranddriver.com/

5 Handy Tips for Getting Cheap Auto Insurance

Gen Wright asked:


You could miss out on deals cheaper car insurance if you are not using the Intenet. The Internet offers an opportunity to find deals fantatic cheap car insurance. Here are five powerful tips on how to place an engine insurance.1 cheaper. Always compare car insurance quotes. There may be many major insurance companies car at home. The Web site for car insurance quotes allow you to get immediate quotes cheap car insurance with just a few clicks. Of course, you will need to provide some basic information like your contact details, and make and model of your car. Many who come to renew their car insurance are just too lazy to compare deals and they renew their car insurance year after year without even thinking. Therefore, remain ignorant of some of the great deals out there. Sometimes, they remain ignorant for years. But now, opportunities have changed. Now, as you learn later, the Internet will allow any car owner to compare prices in a matter of minutes.2. Always research the latest special discounts. The suppliers of auto insurance are advertising their products always in line with several promotional schemes. They do this to draw in new customers and encourage customer loyalty. For example, if you're a loyal customer for a specified number of years, you may qualify for special discounts. Other types of promotions may come in the form of gift vouchers, vouchers to shop, petrol vouchers and more.3. Keep a spotless driving record. A clean driving record generally allow you to renew your car insurance at a lower cost. That 's because the car insurance, like other types of insurance, is all about risk management. So if you have a clean driving record, the risk of you getting in accidents and costly lawsuits presenting is also lower. Therefore, the car insurance companies are often ready to offer special deals to keep a good client.4. Choose a vehicle that is most family safe. Generally, the vehicles and riders are more at risk to get in road accidents. As such, many car insurance suppliers recognize this additional risk and charge a higher premium on these cars. So unless you are happy to pay extra for expensive hobby (ie owning a sports car), owning a car of the room would be a much cheaper option. In the long term, type of car you own will save you a significant sum of money not only safe but also in spending and the way fuel taxes.5. Always try to find car insurance quotes on the World Wide Web. That 's because there are many websites easily accessible on the web that allow you to compare prices just providing some simple information. Appointments are usually immediate, that allows you to compare real-time pricing of auto insurance. Therefore, you can always get the most convenient option of auto insurance with the most reasonable price. Depending on whether you are a new driver or an existing driver of a car, the above ideas may or may not apply to you. But simply running the acouple of the above tips will get you a considerable amount of savings. Remember, technology is readily available to help you get quotes car insurance discounted. Enjoy them as complete for the greatest cost savings.

Kansieo.com

Car Show February – 2009 International Auto Show

Ethan Williams asked:


Did you notice that the number of auto shows is on the rise every year? Starting from January, you will find car shows, regional or international, take place almost every month in a year. Those who missed the car show of January need not bother as car show February 2009 is still to come.

Why:

Some people may wonder what the big deal about cars is. It is only a vehicle to take you from one place to the other. After all, a new model today will become old tomorrow. But that is not the case with car enthusiasts and car dealers. They just eagerly wait for this event. To them it is an opportunity to see next new model and get all the details. For engineering students the car show will be an excellent learning opportunity. As for auto makers and dealers car shows serve as a platform to promote their business.

Where:

Chicago is getting ready for 2009 Chicago Auto Show. Enjoy the auto exhibition in a relaxing atmosphere with complimentary food and beverages available. With a rich tradition of auto exhibitions Chicago is a center for automobile pioneers to showcase their latest vehicles.

Car shows February also include 2009 Philadelphia Auto Show at Pennsylvania Convention Center and 2009 Motor Trend International Auto Show at Baltimore Convention Center.

As in other auto shows in February car manufacturers from all over the world is going to bring their finest travelling innovations to display at the 2009 Michigan International Auto Show. Range of vehicles includes sedans, coupes, vans, SUVs, trucks, hybrids and sports cars.

Canadian International Auto Show is another big hit in the list of international Auto shows. The car show is held every February in Toronto. Its Classic Car Collection and Leisure World sections are popular attractions among car enthusiasts. With all major auto makers taking part in Montreal Auto Show the debut list is quite long.

What:

2009 February car shows are important as many of the renowned auto brands still have cards up their sleeves. Audi is present with a host of brand new models and concept cars. 2010 Audi A3 2.0 TDI with ‘clean diesel’ technology is a strong contender for future cars. Along with its signatur5e LED head and back lights and enhanced interior and exterior design it can be a good choice for urban drivers. Audi A7 Concept, popular as Sportback, already has its debut at Detroit Auto Show. Sportback conceptualizes Audi’s upcoming A7 4-door coupe.Volvo S60 Concept and Kia Soulster Concept are among other concept cars that you can take note of. They can give you a good idea about progress of automobile technology in Europe and Asia respectively.

You will also get to see a series of production cars this February including 2010 Cadillac SRX and 2010 Bentley Continental GTC Speed. Those who prefer luxury cars to muscle cars must hold their breath. 2009 McLaren SLR Stirling Moss is coming to sweep you off your feet. This million dollar ultimate luxury car is any car lover’s fantasy. In addition, pioneers in American automobiles, Ford will be present with its 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 Coupe & Convertible and 2010 Ford Taurus super cars. So, car lovers have good reasons for celebration this February.


Auto Repair Advertising – No Response + No Information = No Customer

Drew Turnbaugh asked:


If you partake of auto repair advertising, you may have noticed a downturn in effectiveness as a new breed of consumers emerges. They are armed not with phonebooks and word of mouth, but with Internet browsers and RSS feeds. They know where to check your information in the blink of an eye, and can find the perfect middle ground between price and quality faster than you can change oil. This new group of consumers ranges from 16 to 60, and they are looking for you. But are you ready for how they do business?

A recent study of consumers seeking auto repair quotes/information online showed extremely high levels of dissatisfaction with the speed and personalization received by local technicians. Beyond that, of the few facilities even offering email contact, virtually none of them chose to respond to the inquiry. Even more powerful is that the vast majority of these customers reported they took their business elsewhere. Some in just a few hours. A subsequent study, looking at the number of online searches for “auto repair” and all possible variations, found that in any given month between April 2006 and March 2007, there were well over 52.4 million inquiries nationwide.

What a fantastic opportunity for your auto repair facility! It seems the market is wide open for technicians who return emails. Somebody out there is getting this business… why not you? But here’s the catch: Technicians choosing to tap into this massive stream of new customers will have to be prepared to focus on direct, personal communication and provide information before sales.

No longer is it enough to say: “bring it in and we’ll take a look”, or push credentials and experience now you must provide information along with a ballpark price or at least an explanation of why you are unable to estimate and a disclosure of your inspection fee. If you want to establish the kind of trust and credibility which leads to long term clients, you must do the following:

1: Directly answer the question/concern of the individual.

2: Offer, based on the information given, either a ballpark price or an explanation as to why you are unable to give this and quote your inspection fee.

3: Offer potential, lower cost alternatives to the full procedure (if possible).

4: Ask for the business, then provide an easy way to contact you.

Would you rather have a person come in once and never return, or endless times over the course of many years for $50 – $150 maintenance, while bringing legions of friends?

This isn’t to say you shouldn’t flout your credentials; it is always a good idea to include a sentence or two about your experience and certifications. But this initial online correspondence must be about offering information. There is no other way besides direct, value rich correspondence to build trust with today’s net savvy consumer. Many auto repair facilities refuse to give any information at all over the phone or online. Unfortunately, this approach, in almost every case, backfires. Not offering some sort of info-rich response defeats the purpose of communication. This alienates your potential clients. While many technicians view these people as “price shoppers,” the majority of consumers are only looking for a healthy middle ground between quality and cost.

At the end of the day, the auto repair facility responding appropriately to online buyers has a much better chance of landing a strong line of new clients. Not only will you establish your professional credibility, but you will have a major edge against the fierce local competition with a wide open door to new word of net business.


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