Cars Articles
Determining Cars Value
(category: Cars, Word count: 516)
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When shopping for cars, it is important to understand the cars value before deciding whether or not to make the purchase. One way to determine a cars value is through Kelly Blue Book (kbb.com) and their extensive pricing system. By entering select data about either new or used cars, consumers will receive instant value estimates. In order to get an accurate cars value, consumers must know the make and model of the automobile, current mileage, additional features and overall condition.
Selecting from a variety of different cars is what the purchasing process is all about. By having so many automobiles to choose from, shopping around is the best way to find the car that you want at a pricetag that you can afford. No matter whether new or used, a cars value should be a large deciding factor in the final purchase price. A knowledgeable customer will be informed about the cars value and will be able to make a good decision as to whether the sale price is fair or not.
When shopping for either new or used cars, consumers should always take a test drive and also request to take the automobile to a trusted mechanic for further inspection. Under no circumstances should a consumer accept the word of the individual, or company, selling the automobile. One of the best ways to determine the cars value is to have a trusted mechanic assess the condition of the automobile. In addition, this is the only real way to make sure that the automobile is in the condition as stated. The majority of cars are exactly as stated by the seller but, when auto safety and a large amount of money is involved, there is no room for error in judgment.
Some things to keep in mind is whether or not the purchase price includes a warranty. If not, the final loan amount may be higher than the cars value if the customer purchases a warranty and has it financed in with the loan. Many automobile dealers have the ability to do this, but is primarily for the purchase of a used car. The reason is because new automobiles are generally covered with an automatic warranty from the manufacturer, which is included in the purchase price.
Automobiles can be found at a variety of places, including a local dealership, the classifieds section of a local newspaper, the bulletin board at a local retail or grocery store, word of mouth or even online. In many instances, a licensed dealer can order cars from another automobile dealer. For example, if a customer wants a specific model and color of a car and knows which out-of-state dealer has that car for sale, they may request that a local dealer obtain the car so that they have the convenience of purchasing locally. This is not at all uncommon and is actually a standard practice among many dealerships offering both new and used cars. Before agreeing to this type of arrangement, customers should make sure they have assessed the cars value before signing on the dotted line.
Catalytic Converter Hazards
(category: Cars, Word count: 404)
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Government auto emissions control legislation mandates that virtually all cars built or sold in the U.S. come equipped with a catalytic converter. A smart device, catalytic converters help to convert dangerous and polluting exhaust gases into less harmful carbon dioxide and water. As helpful of a device that it is, there are some hazards that come with the use of a catalytic converter. Read on to learn what you need to know about your vehicle's catalytic converter.
Many consider a catalytic converter to be a godsend. With pollution levels ever climbing, the U.S. government acted to reduce harmful pollutants in a step to clean up the environment. The Environmental Protection Agency was formed by the Nixon Administration and the agency was instrumental in passing the Clean Air Act to help America control pollution. Since 1975 virtually every passenger vehicle has come equipped with a catalytic converter.
As helpful as catalytic converters can be, they can be problematic. Besides catalytic converter failure, which generally goes unnoticed until your vehicle flunks its next inspection, it is the intense heat of the unit that can cause problems.
If you work on your own vehicle, you need to let your car cool down completely before working near the exhaust system. Catalytic converters get very hot, as hot as 1800 degrees, and any burn sustained from touching a hot converter can be very dangerous, even deadly.
Motorists have also learned that a catalytic converter can be a fire hazard. For the past three decades police and fire department reports have indicated that many car fires have been started because a motorist parked their car over dry leaves. Even when the engine is off the hot converter can drop a spark which can ignite leaves underneath. If that happens, your car can be engulfed in mere minutes and destroyed by the conflagration.
There are also hazards that occur to the catalytic converter itself. Because the unit burns at such hot temperatures, catalytic converters can suffer rapid thermal deactivation. Some experts suggest switching to synthetic engine oil to help reduce phosphorous contaminants a known contributor to catalytic converter failure.
No, you cannot legally remove your catalytic converter as you may become subject to stiff fines and penalties. Yes, if your car was built before 1975, none of these concerns matter to ou so enjoy your classic and let her rip without pollution controls holding you back!
Brake Calipers Car Blogs And You
(category: Cars, Word count: 439)
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If you are big fan of the internet, as I am, you likely appreciate having access to much of the information you read online. Where else can you find information that is accurate, easily obtainable, and above all else: free? The library, perhaps. Still, reading some of the car blogs out there can be a risky proposition especially if you are prone to taking everything you read as the "gospel truth."
Blogging certainly is fun and it is all the rage. You don't have to know how to design web sites and you don't even have to know how to write especially well. Therein lies the rub. Over the past several months I have had occasion to read information that is not only suspect, but downright inaccurate. Of course, if the writings are simply someone's opinion about something that is one thing. However, when the writings give explicit instructions [or leave out pertinent information] on how to fix something, such as brake calipers, those instructions must be correct otherwise the reader could be obtaining information that isn't just factually wrong, but dangerous.
Concerning brake calipers, if you are blogging about brakes, please make certain that when you discuss a brake inspection that you include brake calipers in the discussion along with pads, rotors, ABS, and more. Yes, a reputable mechanic will check all of that out, but diminishing that information in your blog entry can make the reader think that a brake caliper isn't important. Indeed, they are important: brake calipers squeeze the brake pads onto the rotor to stop your car. Over time, brake caliper seals can wear out and your car can lose its braking capability.
I have several rules I follow when reading stuff online, particularly that which is posted on blogs:
1.Who is the author? Is that information given or is it someone simply posting anonymously?
2.Who manages the blog? Does this person know cars or not?
3.What is the source of the quoted information? Is it from another author or is it simply company material regurgitated for all to read?
4.Most importantly: is the site a bad neighborhood? Meaning, is it set up simply to capture cheap pay per click ads and not much else? I have a real problem with any site that is over run with advertising!
Ultimately, if you read something online check its veracity with at least one other source. You can easily "google" a few keywords and check the results for similar content. Of course, if someone is spreading inaccurate content all over the internet, then you know what the answer is!
How To Keep Your Tires In Good Shape For A Long Time
(category: Cars, Word count: 377)
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Your vehicle's tires are actually synthetic rubber which has been shaped into its form. It covers the circumference of the wheel of a vehicle. What it actually does is it dampens any strong shocks or forces that could be the effects of any irregularities on the road surface like bumps or potholes. In fact, tires also protect the wheel itself from wearing out too soon.
That is why it is of utmost importance that a car owner should take extra care when it comes to the tires. One of the most common ways of keeping a tire in good shape and condition would be to maintain the proper air pressure. Make this activity a routine and do it regularly. And this is very important also when you are about to take long drives. And during the summer months, be sure that you check the tire pressure when the tires are cold for the air inside expands when the tires are hot so you would be getting a different reading.
How do you know the right amount of air has already been put inside the tires? Check your car owner's manual. Usually, this document holds pertinent information regarding anything and everything about your vehicle and this includes the recommended tire pressure. Or you can also check the label found in the glove box or in the driver's side's door latch. You see, if a tire has just the right of pressure, they are more likely to last longer and less likely to fail you while you drive.
Make sure that your tires are wearing evenly. If not, there might be a problem with how you drive or with the wheel alignment. Now, if you see treadwear warning bars running across the tire, do not think twice about replacing that tire. It just means that it has already consumed its lifespan. Bald tires are actually unsafe.
Amidst all the advances in the automotive world, Auto Parts Online remains committed to delivering superior Jaguar parts to its customers worldwide. It has proven reliability for genuine and quality auto parts. Any replacement parts like wheels that your vehicle might need could be easily located here.
Why Buy A Hybrid Car
(category: Cars, Word count: 639)
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For anyone interested in saving money at the gas pump and helping the environment, the new hybrid cars are an excellent choice. Small and fuel-efficient, hybrids are now being made by more manufacturers than ever.
Although hybrids cost more, and can be hard to find due to high demand, it still pays to choose a hybrid. Consider the following reasons to buy a hybrid next time you are in the market for a new car.
Smaller, More Efficient Engines
The hybrid's fuel efficiency is increased by its small size and the use of lightweight materials. Periodic engine shut-off is another fuel saving feature of the hybrid. When it is stopped in traffic, the hybrid's engine temporarily shuts off. The engine restarts automatically when the car is put back in gear.
Hybrids are powered by the combination of an efficient gasoline engine backed by an electric motor for acceleration. The electric motor is powered by batteries that are recharged automatically by recapturing the kinetic energy usually lost during braking, known as regenerative braking. When the car is slowing down, the electric motor runs backwards, acting as a generator to charge the battery.
With this collection of advanced fuel efficiency features, hybrids can outperform conventional cars in several arenas.
Environmental Friendliness
Another reason hybrids are more environmentally friendly than conventional gas engines is that they idle less and use fuel more efficiently. The hybrid not only gets better gas mileage, it produces less pollution than other, non-hybrid cars. Some hybrids are getting 10 to 20 miles per gallon more than a regular gas engine. They are also capable of reducing harmful emissions by 90%.
Many hybrids use aerodynamic design to reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency. Low rolling tires made of special resistant rubber reduce friction on the road. The high capacity, nickel-metal-hydride battery pack is reliable and available to power the hybrid when needed. Hybrids also use the latest in power-train technology, for integrated power management that contributes to fuel efficiency.
Popularity Enhances Styles And Choices
More makes and models are now being offered as the popularity of hybrid cars continues to escalate. Buyers can now purchase the Honda Civic and Accord, Ford Escape, and Toyota Camry in hybrids. GMC and Chevrolet are currently making 2 hybrid pick-up trucks. In the near future, Saturn, Lexus, Honda, and Chevrolet will make hybrid SUVs available to the public. Chevrolet has plans to offer its Malibu in hybrid form in 2007.
You can get a hybrid that looks like a conventional car, such as the Ford Escape. Or you can choose a hybrid that looks completely different from anything else on the road, such as the Toyota Prius. With so many hybrid cars on the market, there is a style to suit almost everyone.
Tax Incentives Available
People who buy hybrids can get significant tax breaks from the US Federal government through 2006. The amount of your tax break is determined by your tax bracket and when you file. Some states are also starting to offer hybrid car tax breaks as well. Tax breaks backed up over the long run by lower fuel costs make hybrid cars a good buy.
Fuel Efficiency Becomes A Reality
Although most people have been aware of hybrids only in recent years, the technology has actually been around for a long time. Ferdinand Porsche built the first successful hybrid car in 1899. But hybrids first began to catch on in the 1990s when Honda introduced the Insight and Toyota introduced the Prius.
It's been a long wait, but fuel-efficient transportation is finally becoming a reality with the hybrid. As more of these cars take to the road, our air will become cleaner, and our country will be less dependent on foreign sources of oil.
Consumer Guide Automotive Gives Isuzu Better Than Average Ratings
(category: Cars, Word count: 549)
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In an article published January 26, 2008 (? Today is the 21st?), Consumer Guide Auto rated several SUVs on various features and ranked the 2008 Isuzu Ascender better than the class average in four separate categories: Acceleration, Fuel Economy, Controls, and Cargo Room.
ChrisThe September 7, 2007 review of the 2008 Isuzu Ascender by staff at Cars-dot-com praised the mid-size SUV for its standard side-impact airbags, body on frame construction, and rack-and-pinion steering. U.S. News & World Report noted, "The 2008 Isuzu Ascender base model comes with manual driver and front passenger seats, height-adjustable front headrests, a second row folding bench seat, power windows and door locks, a tilt steering column, air conditioning with CFC-free refrigerant, manual dual-zone climate control with rear switch, and an AM/FM stereo and CD player with six speakers. Buyers who choose the Preferred Equipment Package also get an 8-way power driver's seat with lumbar support, remote keyless entry, cruise control, and a cargo cover, among other conveniences."
Editors for Kelley Blue Book wrote this about the 2008 Isuzu Ascender, "Have you been itching to get a new GMC Envoy or Chevrolet TrailBlazer, but you're waiting for some big event to ensure you get the most bang for your buck? We're going to let you in on a little secret: The deal you've been waiting for is at this very moment sitting at the Isuzu dealership. It's the 2008 Ascender, a carbon copy of the GMC and Chevrolet twins, with a nearly-identicalnearly identical price tag but with an additional two years added to the powertrain warranty (seven-years/75,000 miles vs. five-years/100,000 miles). The Ascender is not available with a V8 engine, but it has the same suspension, same interior features and same seating capacity as the GMC and Chevrolet offerings. How can you go wrong?"
Kelley Blue Book isn't the only one to notice the superior warranty of the Isuzu Ascender. In a report comparing the top 25 mid-size SUVs, U.S. News & World Report pointed out that the Ascender has an "excellent warranty compared to competitors." And we're hard pressed to find an SUV that can prove otherwise. Even the popular 2008 Honda Pilot only offers a powertrain warranty for five years or 60,000 miles. The Isuzu Ascender's powertrain warranty is good for seven years or 75,000 miles.
In addition to the superior powertrain warranty, the 2008 Isuzu Ascender also offers a 3-year/50,000-Mile Basic Limited Warranty with no deductible, a 6-Year/100,000-Mile Corrosion Limited Warranty, and a 7-Year/100,000-Mile Roadside Assistance package.
No other SUV offers that combination of warranties to its customers.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the 2008 Ascender five out of five stars for front- and back-seat occupant safety in side-impact crashes. The excellent rating can be attributed to the head-curtain, side-impact airbags that now come standard in the SUV.
While above-average ratings from entities like the NHTSA and U.S. News & World Report are certainly something to be proud of, Isuzu is most proud of the above-average ratings it receives from the folks who drive it. With exceptional safety and performance features, considerable cargo and passenger space, and available luxury packages and accessories, the Isuzu is easy to customize for individual drivers and their needs.
Remove Cigarette Smoke Out
(category: Cars, Word count: 327)
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Cigarette smoke is one of those odors that are very hard to remove from your car. This smell is very much likely to stick to your car's interior and stay there for a long period of time. You might not be a smoker yourself, however, if you do drive with a smoker or if you share your car with a smoker, the odor might be irritating for you. You may have tried air fresheners and airing your car out. However, these do not work effectively.
The very best thing to do is clean out your car. The odor is easily overpowered to take flight once you get to clean your car. The fact is that cigarette smoke is much more likely to stick and live in your car's interior. So cleaning then out would also drive away the odor.
First off, try shampooing your car's interior. Do not forget to do the same to your carpets, upholstery, seats, and floor mats. You can use an odor eliminating shampoo to take off the smell of cigarette smoke. If you do not know where to purchase such a product, you can try locating one through the Internet. Or you can visit your local hardware or home improvement store. You can find one of these from these sources.
Do not leave out all the surfaces of your car's cabin. Use the same shampoo to clean these parts. To do so, you would need a damp sponge. Just place a small amount of the shampoo on the sponge then work it on the surface and then wipe down. Also clean your windows. This time, you can use a glass cleaner.
By doing such, in no time at all, you would be saying goodbye to that cigarette smoke odor that has been bothering you for a long time. Just make sure that you do not allow anybody else to smoke while inside your vehicle.
Are You Looking For A Luxury Car Consider The Cadillac Cts
(category: Cars, Word count: 754)
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Sometimes it seems that a car is far more than just a car. Talk to someone with a Land Rover and they're sure to tell you that their vehicle is much more than just a Jeep, while Jeep drivers will tell you that their vehicles are a way of life.
Turn on the TV and you're likely to hear that when you're looking for a long-lasting vehicle, you should turn to a Honda, and if you're looking for quality, you should consider buying a Toyota.
Similarly, many will tell you that if you are looking for a luxury ride, if you're looking for vehicle that's high on both class and style there's only one option: you'll have to get yourself a Cadillac.
There are going to be some who see the name Cadillac and initially dismiss it as a brand that their parents or grandparents might drive. But those who understand a need for speed, luxury styling and a manual transmission will tell you that the Cadillac CTS has everything the savvy shopper and driver may want to find in a vehicle.
First, there's the Cadillac CTS engine - a 2.8-liter dual overhead engine with an output well over 200-horsepower - that will get you started in a hurry as soon as the light turns green or when the freeway traffic eases up.
Then there's the interior. Proving once again that the Cadillac CTS is far from a traditional Caddy with a more youthful feel, the CTS has comfortable leather seats, an easy to navigate dash and an absence of the wood trim that many younger drivers feel is out-of-place in an automobile.
Instead, the Cadillac CTS focuses on all of the features that younger drivers are looking for - quality, luxury, responsive power, and best of all, speed. Drivers and passengers of the Cadillac CTS will find that there's plenty of space in the front and rear seats. They'll find that climate control is a breeze in the CTS - with all of the controls easy to access and use.
Most importantly, they'll find that they have easy control over a high-quality stereo system - a system that is iPod friendly, making it easy to keep the stereo playing your favorite tracks whether you are driving across town or across the country on a road trip with friends.
Equally handy for those who are taking long road trips is the navigation system that is optional on the Cadillac CTS. With GM's OnStar system, you'll find street maps, hear turn-by-turn directions along with distances, and be able to plan the best route for getting to where you want to be.
With the Cadillac CTS, you'll find all of the luxurious styling that is synonymous with the Cadillac brand. You'll find a smooth driving and riding experience, and you will find that Cadillac makes it easy for you to be able to customize your car so that it has everything that you really want and need.
Are you looking for more power than the standard CTS will offer? Then, upgrade to the Cadillac CTS-V with its 400-horsepower V8 engine that will deliver 0-to-60 mph performance in 4.6 seconds.
What most folks simply do not realize is that the Cadillac brand generally produces some of the fastest American-made cars in the marketplace. According to an article written by Isaak Carter in 2007 titled, "Surprises in the American Performance Car Market", Cadillac had three of the fastest American-built automobiles in the 2006 model line-up. In fact, the four-door Cadillac CTS-V finished in ninth place in the Forbes countdown, with a top-speed of 163 mph. One reviewer even described the Cadillac CTS-V as a "luxury sedan with the performance of a Corvette."
If you want to be sure that your car's temperature is comfortable even on the coldest days, then upgrade to the heated seats - and if you are really serious about a vehicle that caters to your every whim, you can also opt for the heated steering wheel that is offered with the Cadillac CTS models. Want a sound system that your friends will be envious of you for having? Then, upgrade your speakers and consider having a satellite radio system installed.
Envy is a beautiful thing, when you see it on the faces of the people in your life. Take the Cadillac CTS for a test drive and see for yourself why it is one of the top-rated vehicles in the luxury automobile marketplace.
Tips For Selling Your Car On The Internet
(category: Cars, Word count: 355)
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With a little attention to detail and some elbow grease, you can save thousands of dollars by selling your vehicle online rather than swapping it with a dealer. The following tips will show you how:
* Avoid overpricing. Research the private-party value on sites like cars.com to find out exactly what your car is worth and price yours competitively to sell quickly.
* Thoroughly clean your car inside and out; wax the exterior. The car should be spotless, with no clutter. Have existing problems repaired, or be prepared to lower your price accordingly.
* A vehicle history report provides credibility and builds trust. Carfax reports are available free at cars.com with the purchase of their Premium Ad package. If you have maintenance records, show them to potential buyers.
* A professional inspection will prevent last-minute surprises and adds to the buyer's peace of mind. Cars.com recommends SGS Inspections, with its nationwide staff of inspectors who will come to your home, office or any convenient location and perform a 150-point inspection and post results within 24 hours. Their fee includes interior and exterior photos.
* When writing your ad, provide specific details and features. Include plenty of well-lighted photographs of your clean and shiny vehicle, inside and out.
* Respond to inquiries promptly to keep the buyer enthused. Get the buyer's full name, address and contact information. Verify the information before meeting face-to-face. Initially, you may wish to meet the buyer away from your house and also have a friend come along.
* Accompany the buyer on the test drive to continue discussing the vehicle's selling points.
* Once you've agreed on a price, discuss method of payment. It's best to request a cashier's check drawn on a local bank and to go with the buyer to the bank to verify it. For cash transactions, both buyer and seller should sign a cash receipt or a bill of sale.
* After the transfer of title, notify your insurance company and local DMV. Remember that in most states, the license plates stay with the buyer.
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