Cars and Society

The discovery of automobiles has been one of the most significant of the various innovations of the previous centuries and it cannot be denied that today automobiles and vehicles have a significant role to play in society. In the primitive ages, the only means of commuting form one place to another, across long distances where ensured by the domestic animals lie horses and following the discovery of the wheel, carts also became a popular means of transportation. As time advanced, automobiles came into being and today they have emerged as one of the basic necessities for most of those individuals who can afford to possess a car. Automobiles have had various positive and adverse effects upon society and some of these are discussed below.

• The automobiles or vehicles are one of the major causes of causing noise pollution and air pollution. The emission of toxic gases like carbon monoxide by the automobiles affect not only the environment but also the vital body organs of the humans and air pollution is capable of causing harm to the lungs and resulting in cancers. This is why nowadays, the use of alternative fuel vehicles are being encouraged as they can significantly reduce the harmful effects of pollution in the environment.
• The extension of roadways has resulted in the reduction of forest areas affecting ecological balance.
• It is also to be pointed out here that with the development of better quality automobiles and better mileage, cars are often a preferred option to travel over long distances than railways.
• Contrary to the use of domestic animals, cars and vehicles have emerged as a more favorable option as they can work efficiently and do not need to be rested after a while, thus utilizing lesser time to travel over long distances.
• The manufacturing of vehicles have greatly facilitated the growth of a plethora of industries which produce the various metals that are sued to make the body parts of a vehicle like steel. Gasoline has emerged as an important fuel resource which is used in the internal combustion engines.
• The increase in the number of automobiles has ensured the development of increased roads and highways.
• Cars are a marker of social identity. One of its most important effects in the social circle is its effect on the social status of a person. An individual is often judged by the car he drives. For those who possess luxurious vehicles and expensive models like sports cars, they are definitely considered to be an affluent lot.

Own A Renault Car And Want To Join An Owners Club?

Do you drive a Renault Laguna, Clio, Megane, Twingo, Espace, Performance Renault or any other Renault model, standard or modified? If so, then the Performance Renaults Club is the independent Renault site and owners club for you.

The club has been setup to create a social organisation and an online community for owners and enthusiasts to share and chat about anything Renault or Renault Sport related. It has also been setup to provide owners with all the information other owners have gathered while looking for performance, tuning and styling parts for their cars on the net.

This site aims to bring fans together from all over the world, to provide links to companies that supply bodystyling kits and parts, as well as suppliers of OEM parts, links to other personal websites, links to tuning sites, Renault Sports sites and to other generic sites all from one central location. It is currently the most visited Renault Enthusiast site on the net.

The site also provides a central place where owners can show off their cars, standard or modified, as well as Forums covering lots of different areas concerning Renault's, where you can interact, discuss and meet your fellow enthusiasts as well as at local area meets too or even national car shows. Also you can talk in real time via chat, private messaging or email. You're sure to find the help and advice you are looking for and make new friends along the way. If you run another club or site that you would like to add to us then get in touch.

How to Decorate a White Wedding Car and a Black Wedding Car

Wedding Car Decoration is a fundamental part of preparing for the wedding. All over the world create bridal car decoration in various ways. If you have a black or white car, you should continue reading...

Although many countries around the world still decorate the wedding cars with flowers pasted on the vehicle, there is a new trend of wedding decoration based on polypropylene films using tulle in various colors alone.

Car Decoration is now an integral part of wedding design and receives much attention in the past. Brides and grooms are aware of the importance that a decoration respective vehicle aesthetic design into the canopy, hall, bridal gown etc..

Today the wedding car design statement expressed the photos before the wedding and the bride and groom do in the canopy.
Many weddings produced by professional event producers based on the theme, the color combinations, the fantasy, or even the bride and groom's clothing.

For example, if the color purple was chosen as a color theme and all the elements event leads are used, it is possible that the car will have a similar color.

Adjust color and composition ornament very important, especially if the car is white or black. In fact, a white car decoration can be made using any color you choose, except white.

Like a painting color on white paper. As a black car will also be able to contain neutral and color combinations than other colored cars.

When customers consult with me about the appropriate color to decorate their wedding vehicle must take into account several parameters:

Type of vehicle (small, family, big, Jeep, limo, luxury vehicles), vehicle size, color and composition.

In the second part of the equation put the personal taste of the bride and groom.

It is not recommend using more than two colors. Ultimately If we try to create a list of decorations colors matching colors recommended by our recommendation following composition:

How to decorate a white car:

• Option A: pink tulle fabric + white and pink pom pon.
• Option B: bright purple tulle fabric + bright white and purple pom pon.
• Option C: cream tulle fabric + gold and cream pom pon (or gold + white pom pon).

You can decorate a white wedding car with white tulle fabric on one condition - if you add a decorative ribbon tied on the tulle fabric.

How to decorate a black car:

• Option A: white tulle fabric + white and cream pom pon.
• Option B: white tulle fabric + bright white and purple pom pon (or white + pink pom pon).
• Option C: cream tulle fabric + cream and white pom pon (or cream and gold pom pon).

In fact, there are a lot of options to decorate white and black wedding cars, and I gave here some examples for understanding the concept.

For more information, you can visit my website. You will see a wide variety of color combinations and you can draw the appropriate ideas for your wedding vehicle.

Smart Used Car Shopping - Part 2

We have already discussed in the first section of this article series how to determine and pre-plan the financials pertaining to buying a used car. This article is to be dedicated to brainstorming.

Shopping for a used car is not something the average person intends to do very often or at least not as much as he or she goes out grocery shopping. If you go out shopping while hungry you may buy things that you don't need, on the other hand if you go out shopping without a list, the odds are that you are going to get home and figure that you forgot to buy something. I can relate that to shopping for used cars, you have to do your homework, preparation and brainstorming to achieve he best results.

You need to engage in smart used car shopping.

After you figure out the financials pertaining to the car purchase, you need to brainstorm the make and model of the car. In other words, you need to broaden your choices as much as possible, and then narrow down the list until you come up with the best possible outcome for your money. You need to consider all potential cars in the class you are targeting. Make sure that you consider cars that you be ignoring. Don't fall in love with a make, or model, rather love your bank account. For example if you have in mind a Toyota Camry, have you considered a Chevrolet Malibu that is also within your budget.

Make sure that you compare all possible cars; obviously those cars should be related. Compare the cars side by side, concentrate on what you consider to be a priority to you, as gas mileage, annual deprecation, and the time period you intend to keep this car before you sell it.

For more information, check out the Smart Used Car Shopping.

Finding Mercedes Parts Online to Suit Your Car and Your Budget!

When it comes to finding the best quality in cars, you can't beat a Mercedes. In fact, the very name Mercedes has, for more than one hundred years, inspired images of grace and elegance in those who hear it. However, such quality means you'll also want to work hard to maintain it - which is where the need to find Mercedes parts online comes in.

When it comes to making sure that your Mercedes always runs smoothly, there may come a time when you need to replace parts. And, to ensure your car is just as effective as when you bought it, you'll only want the best quality. But if you can't quite afford the top prices that many retailers charge then buying Mercedes parts online may just be the solution for you.

The Benefits of Buying Your Car Parts On the Internet

In the past, buying new parts for your car meant travelling to your nearest dealer and paying well over the odds. However, nowadays all it takes is the click of a mouse button and you can have access to some of the best suppliers available - all at the best prices, yet still selling the best quality products made specifically for your Mercedes!

The best part of all this? You are no longer paying a middleman: buying directly from the internet means that you get the very lowest prices possible!

Finding Only the Best Quality Parts

If you still aren't confident about buying your parts online, it's a good idea to have a browse and read websites or user reviews guiding you on where and what to purchase.

Used Car Parts

If you don't have that much money to spend then another option is to opt for used Mercedes parts online, and there are many websites specialising in exactly what you need. You can also take a look at online auctions where you'll have the best chances of getting what you want at a fantastic discount!

Conclusion

It can be expensive to live life as the owner of a Mercedes Benz, but it's well worth it to keep it in good condition. The great thing is that it's now easier than ever before to find Mercedes parts online, no matter what you are searching for!

John Travolta - Why Danny Zuko's Car And My Wiper Blades Will Never Go Out Of Style

"Go Grease Lightning, Go grease Lightning!" Such a classic tune etched in the back of my brain. I'll never forget watching the race footage when John Travolta's white classic stainless steel steed launched over the water gap down in that Southern California sewer ditch, leaving Danny Zuko the winner. Also helping out with the whole situation was Sandra D. Every classic car should come with a woman like that.

By the age of 15, I was already gearing up to buy my first car, and it had to be a classic. I would rather own something that I understood under the hood than something that is smarter than me. I was scouring papers and the web and found great listings for Mustangs. Many were listed in our local Recycler. So the choice vehicle I went for was a 65 Mustang. They have such a classic and clean look to them and they look super impressive while rolling down the street.

This was a pretty impressive rig to own at the age of 16. I remember lots of heads turning when I used to park that beast in the student parking lot. One funny thing we used to do was we would point the wiper blades and water release vents out away from the windshields. So when the wiper fluid was turned on, the water would shoot out and hit any car or person to the side of the car. I'm not sure if this was easily done to Mustang wiper parts or if it was just a special trick that we could do with some of those older cars, but it sure surprised quite a few when they would get sprayed.

So along with my pimped out '65 Ford Mustang, I kind of liked the whole "greaser" look that the T-Birds had. I had to go out and get a leather jacket. I found one at a thrift store, and along with a couple pairs of blue jeans, I was there. Pretty much a blast from the past. It's pretty funny how fashions come back around in circles. Perhaps fanny packs and slap bracelets will be the next fad along with Iroc Camaros and white Jeeps and every school. And maybe the fashions can really be connected to each popular movie that comes out. So "Don't tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead" and "Clueless" can be blamed for such sweet fashions that will be coming back in the future.

I only wish that I decided to keep that '65 Mustang. Those classic cars will never go out of style. I have seen many of the new re-issues, the new PT Cruiser and the new Dodge Challenger.... They're very nostalgic and are new solutions. But the real deal lives in the old steel. Road rage is best in an old classic... just kidding :) But I'm sure many of us have thought from time to time how nice it would be to have an old clunker to teach a lazy driver a thing or two out there on the road. And the ease of being able to work under their hoods is so missed nowadays.

I have convinced myself enough to jump back online and search for one of those classic 'Stangs. I bet they go for more money now, but they are totally worth the investment.

Earn the Best Price on Your Car and Insurance

A study conducted by Sainsbury's Finance reveals that motorists were able to collectively overpay by nearly £200 million due to the fact that they're neglecting to haggle over the cost of a brand-new automobile. Worryingly, this might have long term consequences for their auto insurance premiums too.

The study determined that of the 1.33 million individuals thinking of purchasing an automobile between February and July 2009, approximately 117,000 claim they don't plan to haggle the cost they pay. This is in spite of the fact that rebates might be assured in the neighborhood of fifty percent with a few hotshot negotiations.

What is more is that neglecting to cut down the cost of a new automobile will at the same time have a harmful effect on your automobile insurance premiums as providers structure their prices based on the price of replacing the car in the case of a write-off. If you measure your vehicle at a more expensive price, you are probably going to pay a lot more on your auto insurance premiums.

It's feasible to earn many bonuses and extras from car dealers, especially because they really want to make a deal during a rough time in the auto industry. At the same time, it is deserving of thinking of the long-term consequences of your negotiations on your auto insurance.

For instance, requesting a dealer to add alloy wheels, boosted hydraulics or tinted windows within the price of a car purchase is a great money saver. However, almost all car modifications will knock up auto insurance premiums because they represent extra risk to insurers as parts are possibly hard to replace, and they might make the car a lot more attractive to criminals.

Many dealerships are conformable offering 12 months of free gas, car insurance or even road tax as a piece of the deal. This could really be worth taking advantage of because the amount of money you save could be significant - but make certain you're not connected to an auto insurance deal past the 1st twelve months.

Fast Cars and Turbochargers 101

They're the big things that sit on the bonnets of cars; cars that are usually surrounded by young males with loud music pumping from stereos. And they help cars go fast - really fast - by increasing their power. They're usually seen in high performance cars, and they can increase the power without adding size to the engine.

So, in essence, you get a really compact engine in a great looking car that can go really fast. They do have their drawbacks, though, and one is that they suffer from overheating - this needs to be taken into account. Turbochargers can be fitted after-market, which basically means you can put one in yourself, provided you know how to. It's a little difficult if you don't know much about cars, or engines, or turbochargers. Oh, and a high performance car (again, for the uninitiated) is one that has been created with specific facilities in place so that they can do things most other road cars can't - such as drive really fast. They usually have more powerful engines, thanks in part to turbochargers but also to things like injectors, and nitrous. That's nitrous oxide - a gas used to make cars go faster by increasing the engine's power. Beginning to sense a theme here?

For those that drive high performance vehicles, the trade-off comes with a cost - literally. Custom or modified cars contain parts that are pretty expensive and replacing or maintaining those parts can put holes in your pockets - quickly. The enhanced braking capabilities, the super suspension and the needy engines (like we need more needy things in our lives; aren't girlfriends enough?) mean you can spend a fair bit of your weekly wage just keeping your car going, not to mention the petrol and maintenance to keep it looking great. Kinda makes you wonder how some of these guys can spend all day sitting around with their cars, their mates, and their mates' cars - shouldn't they be working?

There are many things you need to take into account when you decide to purchase a high performance vehicle - or if you decide to modify an existing car. It's not just about pinstriping and alloy wheels. It's a way of life that demands expense and dedication - a turbocharger in the engine of a yellow sports car does not a statement make. Well, it makes a statement, but maybe not the kind you want to make. If you decide to go down this road, you need to put everything into it. It's a lifestyle, and not many belong in it.

Smart Used Car Shopping - Part 9

And here comes the finale of the smart used car shopping series. The closing article is dedicated to closing the deal. First let's start by recapping that I spoke about the importance of brainstorming, starting with a large list then narrowing down to a short list that you need to research for online, and then gather quotes, followed by the test drive, and cost associated matters. But before I go on, I need to remind you that shopping for a used car is not something the average person intends to do very often or at least not as much as he or she goes out grocery shopping. If you go out shopping while hungry you may buy things that you don't need, on the other hand if you go out shopping without a list, the odds are that you are going to get home and figure that you forgot to buy something. In other words, you need to engage in smart used car shopping. So, let's get to business, and close the deal smartly.

You have done your homework, you walked the walk and now it is time to talk the talk. Confidence is very important here, you should feel secure about the decision you are about to take, and move forward with you life with the best fit. Ask the salesperson to be left alone for a couple of minutes, and ask yourself if this car meets all the needs you are intending to satisfy. Reanalyze the financial situation, and make sure that it is realistic, and within the goals you have set for yourself. Last but not least, write down all the figures agreed upon with the salesperson, and carefully skim the booklet tht you are about to sign to seal the deal. Make sure that he numbers match, and the information is accurate. Finally, congratulations on the smart decision, and the ownership of your new car.

For more information, check out the Smart Used Car Shopping.

Ibiza Car Tour (Part One)

If you are visiting Ibiza or Formentera then you may decide to go for a car tour. One great part of Ibiza to explore would be the hilly western part of the island, taking in: Ses Figueretes, Sant Josep, Sant Agusti, Sant Antoni, and Sant Rafel. An important tip that not many people know: the road to Sant Josep suddenly narrows after quite a few of the bends, so always approach the bends slowly. The locals know this, and you should too.

If you start the tour in Ibiza Town, then you need to take Avinguda Macabich on Exit A, and head west past the vacation homes of Ses Figueretes. You will reach a turn off to the airport and you should take the PM802 on your left towards Ses Salines. This will take you to the village of Sant Jordi de ses Salines (it's worth stopping to take a look in the church), and then nine kilometers on from that you will reach Sa Canal. This is the spot to stop and take in the island's best beach: Platja Mitjorn. It's even more beautiful than Mari Formentera. At the end of the beach's western end there is an excellent shaded area which is ideal for picnics - it's rarely crowded as most people don't walk down that far.

After that you should head back towards Ibiza Town, but this time turn towards the airport. You will go past the airport, and past the beach of Es Codolar. It's worth going from here to the fishing port of Sa Caleta as there is a nice sandy cove beneath its red cliffs. After than you will head back to Cala Jondal for a bite to eat: there are plenty of restaurants to choose from, many of which overlook the white sandy beach.

Know the Basics of the Car Engine Parts

The car engine is certainly the main part that determines the usefulness of a car. No matter how luxurious a car you have bought, unless you have the right engine, you will not be satisfied with its performance. However, to ensure that you have purchased the right engine, you have to understand the basic features of the car engines. You have to understand the basic parts of the car engine. This will help you understand the way they function and at the same time, you will be able to identify the right engine for your car.

Well, one of the most important parts of an engine is the cylinder. There are different types of cylinders in a car engine and they work differently. This is why different manufacturers use different types of cylinders that make their cars suitable to a specific type of terrain. So, before you choose the right car, you have to ensure that the number of cylinders as well as the pattern of them is suitable for that. This is one very crucial factor that decides the performance of a car.

The next important part of an engine is the valve. This is also a very important part since it controls the fuel and air that will be released to the piston chamber. This is countered by the exhaust valve that releases the burnt fuel from the piston chamber. Eventually, this is released through the tail pipe.

Now, we have the piston of the engine to consider. Basically, this is the power device in your car engine. The combustion stroke forces it down while the flywheel and crankshaft bring it up with the momentum of the exhaust stroke. Actually, the flywheel is designed as a varying weight on crankshaft and it stores the momentum. The crankshaft keeps on rotating and it receives the movement from the stroke of the piston. Thus, the crankshaft becomes the initial drive line of the car.

Because of so many mechanisms going on, the car engines produce a lot of heat. This is why the cooling systems are necessary to keep it working for a long time. For that, the antifreeze is stored in the radiator to cool down the block of your Car engine parts. This is done by the radiator fan. This antifreeze is basically, a constantly moving path of hoses and compartment to cool the engine block.

However, for an engine to start, it needs a spark. This is provided y the starter system that generates the spark to light the fuel air mix compressed in the piston. This system is run by battery and it also lends movement to the crankshaft. The lubrication system in the engine makes sure that all these parts are moving smoothly and without damaging frictions.

Acura EL: Uniting Car and Driver

Designed to fuse and to connect the car and the driver, the Acura EL boasts a truly unique driving and riding experience. This car is known as a spirited automobile for it holds power and precision that connects the driver with the road. Even if this is so, the Acura EL also has a unique styling that exudes elegance and sophistication. Most people who have been able to handle and take a closer look at the Acura EL exclaim that it is very much like a Honda Civic although only the brand has been changed. The vehicle is then economical, provides an excellent and smooth performance, as well gives easy comfort.

The Acura EL has a redesigned grille and headlights. It also contains clean lines from the rear deck that provides the Acura EL a distinct European look. Made available in two trim levels which comprise of the elegant touring level and the lavish Premium, this car will surprise riders and drivers with its beauty, refinement, and dynamic performance. The car also boats an impressive linear steering as well as a precise four-wheel drive that has independent suspension. Drivers and passengers of the Acura EL will be given a superior road feel as well as a unique and different control.

Powering this vehicle is a very responsive 1.7 liter VTEC engine that is very much capable of producing 127 horsepower. Along with it is a five speed manual transmission, or the optional four speed automatic transmission. The car idles silently, has the ability to accelerate smoothly, can run with efficiency, and it also responds to inputs immediately. It remains quiet and serene during driving yet it boasts a boundless type of energy that is ready to shoot the car off the streets. For convenience, the Acura EL also has the Logic Control System installed.

The cabin exudes sophistication. Other safety features made standard include dual stage front airbags, side airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS), and child safety locks. As per standard features, the Acura EL boasts an automatic climate control, a steering wheel wrapped in leather, a cruise control, power windows, power door locks, body colored mirrors, body colored handles, a remote keyless entry, tinted glass, heated front seats, and a power sunroof. The control panel for this car is easy to understand. It sports big buttons that would allow the driver and passengers to quickly set the temperature, radio, or turn on or off the air conditioning and the rear defroster.

The Acura EL has been compared to other vehicles in its range. The list of competitors include the 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier, the 2005 Dodge SX, the Ford Focus, the Honda Civic, the Hyundai Elantra, the Kia Spectra, the Mazda Mazda 3, and the Nissan Altima.

You Can Sell Your Car and Retain Your Personalised Registration Plate

If you're considering reselling your automobile, there are several different things to bear in mind. Have you got a certain idea on how much you expect to sell it for? What's the most practical approach to sell it? How quickly do you want it sold? And what about your plates? If you have a personalised registration plate, you'll more than likely want to keep it - either to place onto a new car right away or perhaps to keep as you make a decision on what you want to do with it.

Simply put, when you get a private registration, what you are really buying is, in fact, the privilege to designate that specific number to a car - and exhibit that number on the number plates of the car. Seeing that many people see acquiring private registration plates as a smart investment, you probably won't want to lose your personalised registration plates after you let go of your car. So how do you actually go about this? What's the process you need to go through to sell your automobile but retain the private registration?

What exactly should you do if you are transferring the private registration to a new car? To begin with, both the car with the personalised registration and the car you are transferring the number to (regardless if a different automobile in your name, another car you are intending to acquire, or perhaps another person's automobile) will need to be registered with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), tax is up-to-date (or just recently taxed for the car which presently has the registration plates), and readily available for evaluation. Then, you will have to complete a V317 ('application to transfer or retain a vehicle registration number') form, in addition to including a fee of 80 pounds, an M.O.T. certificate for each of the vehicles, and also the certificate of registration of each vehicle - along with an accomplished 'application for a vehicle registration certificate' form (V62). Additionally, you will need to enclose a V10 form, insurance certificate, and tax, if either of the vehicles need to be subject to taxes. Application submissions are normally completed within two weeks (except in cases where the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency wish to look at either car), and you'll then obtain certificates of registration for both cars.

In order to keep DVLA cherished numbers, the process is much the same, and you will actually be completing the same form ('application to transfer or retain a vehicle registration number'). The very same basic rules apply. Provided that you're the documented keeper of the car, you may hold the registration number on a V778 retention document. This will last for 1, 2 or 3 years, costing 105 pounds, 130 pounds, or 155 pounds. Just make sure you always keep the retention papers secure; you are going to need it when assigning the registration number to a new vehicle later on.

Remember that there are some conditions when it comes to moving or retaining a personalised registration: you can't transfer it if the number is going to make the car appear younger than it really is, and also you can't move a personalised registration if it starts with a 'Q'' (or NIQ in N. Ireland).

No matter what you decide concerning your registration plates, a web-based specialist private number plate dealer could help you purchase, offer for sale, or transfer private registrations, and should you get bogged down on any part of the procedure, they will be ready to give skilled advice and support. Just remember that it is up to you to inform your insurance broker of any alterations to your vehicle or registration.

How to Buy Car OEM Parts at Discount Prices

If you have a car, you should understand that maintenance is part and parcel of owning a car. Of course, when you maintain a vehicle, there would be times that you need to replace some parts to keep your vehicle in good condition. And of course, every car owner wants to buy original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts at low prices. If you think you cannot do this online, then think again.

OEM parts can now be bought through the internet. Of course, a wise shopper would know that scammers and frauds exist online (and off the Web) so extra care and caution should be taken when shopping online. If you need to shop for some new parts for your car, then here are some useful tips to follow.

The first step is to find a reliable and trustworthy car new parts website. It is better to rely on big names especially if it is your first time to buy on the Web. Once you find a car parts website, you can then search for the specific auto part you need. A good website would provide you with a useful OEM parts search tool so that you would not have to go through every page of the site just to look for a particular piece of equipment. To use this search tool, you should simply enter the year, make and model of the car piece you are interested in. Once you have entered those bits of important information, you will then be led to a page that lists the available car new parts. You can then click on the specific item you are after once you have confirmed it is what you need. Lastly, you proceed to checkout and complete your purchase.

Using bigger auto parts sites assures you that you get discount parts as well. Buying online gives you already lowered prices but there are some online stores that give customers better prices. By choosing this kind of site, you get discount parts automatically.

Of course, you can also benefit from special deals like free or discounted shipping rates. Some online auto parts stores offer free shipping if your purchase is above $50. Now, that is one great deal that you cannot always get when you shop off the Web. In essence, each purchase you make from this shop will automatically get you discount parts for any type of vehicle.

Buying automotive parts on the Web is as simple as buying any other smaller item; that is, if you know where to shop. Grab great online deals when shopping for automotive parts and experience for yourself the ease and convenience provided by internet shopping. With this auto parts online shopping option, life can indeed be easy.

Car and Truck Alternators

Has your vehicle's alternator failed? Are you absolutely certain that it isn't your battery or starter? Determining which part has failed is essential toward avoiding unnecessarily replacing something that hasn't failed, like your battery. Let's take a look at some steps you can take to determine that your alternator, in fact, has bit the dust.

If you own an alternator testing machine, you can test to see whether your car's alternator is charging correctly. For most people this isn't practical as few motorists own such an expensive piece of equipment. For everyone else, there is a practical way for you to easily check to see if your alternator is working properly:

Connect a volt meter to your car's battery

Start your car

Observe the voltage output on the volt meter so that you can make an accurate determination.

If there is an increase in voltage when you start your car, then your alternator is more than likely working just fine. Likely, you battery is the culprit; check the battery itself and the connections to make a final determination.

If there is no increase in voltage, you are likely looking at having to replace your alternator.

The next step, of course, is to determine whether you will replace the alternator yourself or have someone else do the job. Some things to keep in mind as you weigh your options include:

If you trust your vehicle to a mechanic, what will the total cost of the work be including the part and labor? Is there a guarantee?

If you decide to do the work yourself, do you have all the tools on hand to get the work done? Do you own a repair manual? Do you want to purchase a new alternator or will a remanufactured unit suffice?

Your choices today are much greater than they were ten years ago, before internet shopping became a strong factor in reigning in high auto parts prices. Several online wholesalers, including the Auto Parts Warehouse, are in business to sell auto parts directly to you. Costs are generally much lower than local retail establishments and parts are from well known manufacturers, names you can trust in the business.

Doing the work yourself can save you time and money as well as give to you a sense of accomplishment. With a trusty repair manual at your side you can replace your vehicle's alternator quickly and accurately.

Why So Many Tune and Modify Their Cars and Benefits of Doing So

As you are driving on your local highway, you take a look in your rear view mirror and spot a gorgeous car speeding up to you. Taking a closer look, you find that what you are seeing is not a regular "stock" car but the driver has taken the time to customize the looks and functions of the car completely!

Tuning your car is not limited to specific set of tasks that you should do, though, some modifications to the car are more common and popular than others. Starting from the basics, to tune one's car is to modify and customize the basic car ("stock car") and upgrade the parts and looks to increase the functions of the car to allow for a better handling, speed, or display.

Though everything sounds good, better performance, better handling, but to modify your car is not for the "average Joe". The process of taking out the parts such as the engine, brakes, and other important features and installing or upgrading higher quality and better performance cars is a tedious task that many are not capable of accomplishing. Now, if one has the skills and patients, it is a worthy investment to make and a great result will show.

When someone says that they have a tuned car, many will jump to the conclusion that they have made a sport car for racing. This is not always the case, to tune your car for regular day-to-day use is quite popular as well. Some will choose to switch engines to save gas, others may only tune as they are in need of a new audio system or display screen.

Even though some will tune their car when needed and only for every day use, the most popular and well-known tuning is for a better performance. Tuning can be done on many cars with various makes and models but common cars that are tuned and modified are: BMW 3-Series, Mitsubishi Lancer (Evolution), Honda Civic, Subaru WRX, Mazda (variety), Toyota Supra, Ford Mustang, and much more!

Those are only to list a few cars that are well-known to the select who tune their cars. They are also good choices as they all have fairly good performance, some of which, have a great price margin as well so even the people who have a 6 car garage can afford to have tuning as a hobby.

A few ways that people tune their cars are engine tuning, such as getting 1000+ Horsepower on a 4-cylinder engine, creating a "lowrider" car with hydraulic suspensions, modifying spoilers and body kits, having different tires for racing, and much more.

There are many styles and looks that people have accomplished when tuning their car, you can view photos and rate what you think of tuned cars at Tuned Car Rating.

Shopping this Holiday Season - Safety in Mind (Part 2 - Car and Driving)

Yep, this is another reminder that with the joyous season of
giving comes the increase vulnerability to those that would
do taking. In English: the holiday has increased crime
rates, especially theft. Keep in mind that crimes occur
when a would-be criminal finds a "weak, accessible target".
The distraction of holiday shopping, planning, traveling,
visiting, etcetera is a perfect back drop for criminal
activity. Not that that's going to prevent or change any of
our plans. Right?

Let's hope not. All the while, let's add a few items to
our planning list. They don't involve time or money, just
safety-minded eyes and ears.

Are you aware of "the Criminal Triangle"? It indicates
that a crime happens when Desire, Opportunity, and a Victim
meet. Well, that makes things simple, as long as we don't
allow an Opportunity, we won't become a Victim. Um... What
qualifies as an Opportunity to someone with extreme
Desire? Not sure, but I am sure that implementing
these tips will help reduce the opportunity of you
becoming a victim.

Keep in mind these Holiday Shopping Tips when
Driving :

Shop with the sun, friends and family. Repeat!
Try not to shop after dark or shop alone. Never park your
car in an unlit area, no matter how convenient it is. Look
for street lights even if the sun is up (just in case your
shopping trip is delayed and it becomes stormy and/or dark
outside).

Be prepared. Look around... Remember where you
park... Have keys in hand before you leave the virtual
safety of home, office, or store. Walk with your house key
or your car key and a safety device ready, such as
your key fob with the 'panic' or 'horn' button, a whistle or
other audible device. Whatever your choice, be ready to
react if you are approached and feel
threatened.

Don't attract attention. Drive on well traveled
streets and keep your car locked and in gear, even when
stopped. Allow at least one car length space between your
car and the car in front of you so you can escape if need
be. (By the way: Beware of fender-benders! You may be
bumped intentionally. If you suspect this, lock your doors
and do not get out of the vehicle. Speak through your
slightly open window, and contact the proper authorities.)

Be cautious, not tempting. Before getting in
your vehicle, check inside, under and around it to make sure
no one is hiding. Look for shadows! If you are uncomfortable
- go with your instinct! Go back to the store or office and
have someone walk you to your car. If at any time you
suspect you are in danger or are being followed, go to a
store employee or security guard, if you're in your car,
drive to the nearest well-lit public area, call the
authorities and/or drive to the nearest police
station.

Don't display your private information. Do not
leave mail or packages in your car. Anyone could look inside
your vehicle and use the address to break into your house
while you shop. On that note, always shut and lock your
windows and doors, even if you only plan to "run in and
out". It only takes a moment of vulnerability for you to
become a victim. Keep valuables out of sight, preferably
locked in the trunk.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: Your best
defense may be as simple as being aware. Be aware of your
surroundings, your belongings and bystanders in the
vicinity. The above tips may reduce your chances of being
victimized, but will not eliminate the possibility entirely.

Identify areas of vulnerability and take action to remain
safe.!

Just in case you do find yourself in an awkward
situation, or (God forbid!) a victim, you'll want to report
the incident. When this happens, be prepared to provide the
following information:

o the race, sex, and approximate age, height and weight of
the suspicious person(s)

o what the person(s) were doing

o what the person(s) were wearing and any unique
characteristics (tattoos, scars, etc.)

o the location of the suspicious person(s)

o if the person(s) have left, how long ago, and in which
direction did the person(s) go

o the make, model, and color of the vehicle(s)
involved

FBI Crime Rate statistics indicate that 1 out of
every 25 people were a victim of crime in 2004 and 1
out of 250 people were a victim of a violent crime.

Your best defense against becoming a Victim of any crime
is knowing how to reduce or remove the Opportunity segment
of the Crime Triangle.

Do You Want an Adrenaline Rush for a Few Bucks? Try RC Cars and Trucks

Do You Want an Adrenaline Rush for a Few Bucks? Try RC Cars and Trucks

In all of remote control hobbies, a common opinion I've heard is that RC cars and trucks are easier to master for a beginner than flying machines. Planes, boats and helicopters can be great fun but having wheels on the ground means you can walk to wherever your vehicle is if you crash or it gets stuck or turned over. As a beginner, getting stuck may end up a common occurrence.

Newcomer or Master of the RC - It's fun either way.
One great thing about remote control vehicles is that newcomers have tons of fun just like long-time hobbyists. Remote control cars are among the best sources of a cheap, drug-free and safe adrenalin rush not limited by age or gender. It's one ride you that anybody can enjoy, without dangers or fear on being personally involved in a crash. According to the consumer report, 76.8% of males are Remote Control Car/Radio Control Car enthusiasts, especially when they were at the age of 5 to 34. Clearly there is no age limit and no gender barrier. And once you learn to control one it is much easier to learn to control others.

You can be in Control without Being in Danger.
Controlling an RC car can in fact be a lot more exciting than having a safe Sunday drive inside a full sized vehicle. Riding through a remote control can give you a feeling of security, while keeping your freedom to overdrive and over speed! Operating an RC car is quite basic; one only needs to know the fundamentals of RC driving. Using a joystick, a wheel or a trigger should be really easy once you get the hang of it. Sometimes it's tricky to turn the right way when the car is racing different directions.

There are numerous types of RC cars that you can choose from. The simple RC cars that can be simply described as living room toy should be the easiest to use, and you could say that it is the best for starters. Then there is also the RC race car that has superb features of complexity, speed and maneuverability. Finally there are some great pro models, that may have lots of features the beginner has no use for - yet.

Choosing your RC Weapon.
Overall, the most important thing to chose a rc car is: choose the one that suits your needs, budget, and the conditions in which you plan to run the kit. If you are a beginner, I suggest you start with an electric powered RC car. The gas powered cars have lots of power and if you are a more experienced enthusiast, you would start with a popular ready to run kit.

Off-Road, On Road and Rock Climbing.
There are three basic types of R/C Cars to choose from: Off road, On road and Climbing. Some of these can jump and others are meant more for racing and drifting. Models suitable for first-time hobbyists are available in every one! Racers love speed and bashers love tricks and jumps, and seeing how much a machine will survive. Both types may need a constant supply of replacement parts, just different ones.

Choosing between Gas/Nitro and Electric Vehicles.
You can choose between an electric or a fuel type RC vehicle. The variety of other parts on an RC might also impress you, as many RC cars are now fully customizable, one can make a car or truck simple and have a smooth cruising machine, or you can make it real fast and with enhanced suspensions just like a real race car. Even the simple ones can come with adjustments for steering.

There's more to running an R/C car or truck than the vehicle itself. Both Gas/nitro and Electric vehicles require a 2-or 3-Channel radio, motor(s), speed control and battery. And if you decide to race with electric you will need chargers and batteries and tire glue and you should be just about set to run.

Nitro vehicles require a radio, engine, fuel and muffler. Some or all of these items may be included with the vehicle, so read the product description carefully for details. Your model may also require items such as pinion, tires, wheels and body. Again, find the details about a rc car before you buy it. If you order by phone, ask the sales reps what is included and they should be able to tell you exactly what you'll need for each specific car or truck. If you buy at a hobby shop, the owners or clerks should have advice about styles and prices and what comes with a purchase. If you are into jumping and climbing and running through the grass then you should look into remote control monster trucks. There are many out on the market and many more that you can make custom.

Some things to keep in mind are:
Price! I've seen vehicle that cost over $2000 dollars. But you can have fun with something under $50 if you just want to kick around.

You may want to be sure you can get parts before you buy. Down time waiting for parts is no fun. Check your local hobby shop for availability of parts either aftermarket or stock replacement, there is nothing worse than having a brand new truck that you can't run because no hobby shop around has the simple part you might need.

Different machines have different starting styles....These can range from easy starts to pull starts and everything in between. If you are brand new to the sport then you should think of getting something that is a simple start or is not too hard. Even the electric cars and truck may require you to turn on your controller before you start power to your receiver on the car. You don't want it to go crazy.

Batteries. The electric RC cars need extra batteries and they will also need a charger. Nitro or electric, they both have many pros and cons and this is really up to you and your needs because nitro will cost more to run. But electric isn't without its price. And it doesn't matter how tough your truck it is, parts are going to break when you have a big crash! Make sure you get it on video.

Whatever you decide to do, be sure to have fun, because that is the point, really. The best RC Car, RC Buggy or RC Monster truck is the one that makes you happy.

Rodg Larson

Electric Cars and Hybrid Cars To Save You Money

Electric cars are designed to run by the use of a battery or 'electric' parts rather than from fuel like gasoline. Electric cars don't pollute like gasoline ones do so that makes them environmentally friendly. I believe in the future of electric cars. But there are some draw backs.

Costs

Are they expensive? Yes. The return on investment is not there. A hybrid runs on dual fuel of battery and gasoline. It runs primarily on battery but when the batteries get low, they will switch to gas. I saw one site that listed hybrids ranging from $40,000 to $60,000. You can buy 2 or 3 trucks for that but you won't get the mileage. The Volt gets really good mileage. Since it's a hybrid - both gas and battery for fuel, it works on both worlds.

By changing to a hybrid vehicle, it will help erase some of your gasoline bill while helping the environment. If you spend $300 to $400 a month (or more) on fuel, multiply $400 a month times 12 months, that's $4800 a year on fuel. It would take several years to pay off the Volt. By that time, the car may be shot. You won't erase your entire gasoline bill - because you use both battery and gasoline - but it will help reduce it. I think purchasing a hybrid is a good thing but it's too long for a payback. I know the technology is available but the ROI, return on investment, is not there. If you spend $40,000 to $50,000 you may not be able to get that back within 5 years or longer.

Batteries

A hybrid car running on batteries need to be plugged in to recharge your car batteries. So, you are using your house electrical power to recharge your batteries in your car. You probably use 15 amps over a period of 3 to 8 hours. I know you can use solar to recharge. It depends how far you drive during the day whether you would need to recharge them every night.

Do batteries need to go completely dead before recharging? No, the batteries will deplete to 80% of their discharge rate before it will automatically change to gasoline fuel. Most batteries even though they say they don't have memory, they do - even lithium-ion batteries. They are very good but I've recharged some that do have a memory. Some people say they will forget and have no memory but you must run them 100% down before recharging. I have power tools that can run for 10 minutes before needing to be recharged. Then, I have some tools that can run for hours before needing a charge. I know it has to do with the rate of discharge on the lithium-ion. Even though they say they don't have a memory, in my case, they do.

Return On Investment

Electric cars are great but the ROI is not there. Should people hold off on purchasing them? That's your decision. The gas industry is a lifeline for many people. But the gas industry is making record profits on hard-working people. If fuel was cheaper, we could be driving our big gas guzzlers and SUVs. But the gas industry is making it more difficult for small businesses especially in a time where they can't hold on in this economy. The gas companies say it's due to government industry standards. But they knew about the standards years ago. In fact, they know when government is changing the rules and regulations because they have lobbyist they try to block them.

Solar has come a long way. The electric cars use too much energy too fast so it has to be recharged quickly. We use too much power in too short a time. We want to drive 60 or 70 miles an hour on a highway everywhere we go. In order to get up to that speed and keep the energy going, it uses a lot of power. In order for you to get the recommended MPG on a vehicle, it would depend upon your driving speed. So a gasoline car for the dollar is still worth the money now, unless they improve on the electric cars. And I'm hoping they will!

How to Find Genuine JVC Car Audio Parts

Surfing through the internet will find you multiple JVC car audio parts and accessories. From DVD players to display screens, every part is available for you to choose. The stores that stock JVC car audio parts are many both online and off line. You need to put in mind the kind of JVC part you want and when you have the idea, go out and start searching. You are looking for the functions that will suit you and you are also looking for new features that may inspire you. Take time to study the various specifications and if the terms are difficult to understand, ask the store staff or any attendant. It is therefore necessary to shop in a place where you have known well the kind of service they offer and how they offer that service.

If they are first and foremost registered, you should be able to tell. You also want to shop in a store where they are authorized to sell JVC car audio parts. Those details determine whether you get the right kind of of JVC car audio part. Other things are terms and conditions, the warranty and the company policies. The price cannot escape from the minds of customers. You need to buy affordable products and this means that you have to search from all sources to get the two most important aspects in any product which is the quality and the low price. JVC car audio parts come in a high quality and you should be able to find them without any major hassles.

There are car audio parts specially made to withstand bad whether. This products are speakers and others. They are designed in a durable material and they can withstand rain, high humidity and heat. They have in built grilles and rain guards to help perform their function properly. There are many other enhanced JVC parts for car audio and all you need is available for you to purchase. Online purchases might prove cheaper depending on your location. They are certainly more convenient and time saving. The online stores should be credible and there should be nothing suspicious about them. They should have some experience in the business and they should have proof of that.

JVC car parts have made their name thanks to their years of experience in the business. The Victor Talking Machine Company of Japan was founded in 1927 as a subsidiary of the U.S based company Talking Machine Company limited. Over the years the company has outdone itself winning an Emmy award for outstanding achievement in technological advancement in October of 2001. It was probably known for its support for football since 1982 having sponsored the Arsenal team. They also have a strategic capital alliance with Kenwood. Therefore this proves that when you are getting your JVC parts, you can be sure that all you want in the product will be delivered in the brand name. Enjoy your products as you make your car audio even better.

Water Into Hydrogen Fuel For Cars and Trucks - A Myth?

Would you like to know if water Hydrogen fuel is a myth? Is it possible to actually do this? Yes! The whole process comes from a 100 year old proven technology call electrolysis.

Electrolysis is when you insert two pieces of metal into water then apply an electric charge. When applying the charge, The molecules are separated from H2O to HHO, which is water separated into its elements, thus becoming a very power fuel. This fuel is stronger than gasoline alone.

How much gas will I save? Customers that have purchased these water conversion generators, yes, these generators are available right now and have doubled there gas mileage or even more. So, yes, it's well worth the purchase of the generator.

How does water effect your engine? There is some speculation that the water creates more friction in the engine. Well, this speculation is merely that, just speculation. The process actually steam cleans your engine of gunk and creates much cleaner emissions. So far, there have not been any proven damaging effects of using this system.

Can you use parts from the local hardware and plumbing store to achieve Hydrogen fuel for cars and trucks? Again, yes you can if you have the proper instructions. As far as how easy it is to convert your engine, people claim it is step by step instruction and some places even offer technical support when you buy there manual plus several free gifts for fuel economy and other processes you can learn for around the house. Seems to me that unless you like paying for gas when you could cut it in half. Especially for people that commute or own very large trucks, SUV's, Deisel trucks and even RV's.

When you convert and turn your vehicle or any engine into a water Hydrogen [http://1stopshoppingsource.com/waterfuel/waterfuel.html] fuel car or truck, you should expect at least a 75% increase in fuel economy. This is the biggest thing to happen in decades even after the creation of the hybrid. Anyone can have fuel on demand with the process of electrolysys. Having the opportunity to use the water Hydrogen fuel generation, is a gift. We all need a break from this economy and owe it to ourselves to save the environment and money.

Buying and Selling Cars and 8 Excuses Why Some Won't Start This Profitable Business

Did you know that the business of buying and selling used cars is one of the most profitable little businesses you can start?

Well it is, but first I want to expose the 8 most common excuses some people use to NOT start this business. Mind you; they are only hurting themselves by believing this erroneous information, but here they are, including the reasons why that excuse is just that - an excuse to NOT start...

EXCUSE FOR NOT STARTING 1: "No one buys cars during a recession."

• Totally untrue! Why? It is true that the NEW car business suffers greatly during a recession, but consistent demand for used cars makes the used car business one of the few true recession-proof businesses anywhere on earth.

EXCUSE FOR NOT STARTING 2: "Its too difficult to make a profit because there are too many used car dealers in the business now."

• There are a lot of people in a lot of businesses that thrive and according to the last time the stats were compiled (about 2005); there were over 625,000,000 (That is six hundred and twenty five MILLION) vehicles registered in the world...and that translates to an almost unlimited amount of opportunities worldwide.

EXCUSE FOR NOT STARTING 3: " The only country you can run a successful used car business is in the U.S."

• That is simply not true because you can start a used car business in any part of the world where you are free to buy and sell things.

EXCUSE FOR NOT STARTING 4: "You would have no life because there is too much work involved in making money in the used car business."

• Untrue again because buying and selling used cars probably offers more free time to do the things you love in life more than any other kind of business. Want to start surfing (Like I do)? Go ahead and pattern your days around good surf sessions. Want to spend more time with those little humans (Your children) you call your children? Good, then start now because you can finally have the time to see your kids grow. Anyway, you get the idea.

EXCUSE FOR NOT STARTING 5: "I'm not a brainiac and don't have a college degree."

• You don't need a college degree to do this and make great money. You only need the desire and some guidance from a good mentor.

EXCUSE FOR NOT STARTING 6: "I can't quit my day job to do this."

• Fine, then go right ahead and keep your day job while learning this business. In fact; you can keep your day job forever if you choose to because the used car business is perfect whether you run it on a part time basis a few hours a week or eventually go full time.

EXCUSE FOR NOT STARTING 7: "Its too hard and expensive to get a car dealers license."

• Well not really. See, one of the cool things about having your own little used car business is that you can start today with no car dealers license and maybe get one later if you choose to. Or you may choose to run your own used car business legally without having your own car dealers license. Yes, there is a way to do this legally with NO car dealers license.

EXCUSE FOR NOT STARTING 8: "This kind of business is way too hard to learn."

• That was the old way. Yes, the old school way was to learn it either by the school of hard knocks (i.e. make a lot of expensive mistakes!), but now you can learn from someone that has made all the mistakes there are to make so you won't...so you can start making good money from day one.

Well now you've seen a few excuses to not start this business. Are those the kind of excuses you have used before? Hmmm, well instead of coming up with more weak excuses, why not check out all the positive reasons to get started buying and selling cars today?

The Dos and Don'ts For Children's Britax Car Seats - Part 2

It's highly important that you ensure your child's safety to the fullest extent possible when travelling in the car, in part 2 of this article on the dos and don'ts for child car seats we'll look at the things you should not do. By following these plus other manufacturer guidelines you'll be secure in the knowledge that you are protecting your child to fullest possible extent.

1. No matter how short the journey you should never carry children unrestrained in the car.

2. Never set a rear facing car seat in the front seat of the vehicle, in combination with an air bag it could kill. If you must set a child car in the front make sure the seat is pulled well back so as not to impact with the air bag in the event of an accident.

3. Don't use anything labelled as a 'universal car seat restraint'. Only buy and install restraints which are specifically designed for your car model according to the manufacturers guidelines. Also avoid buying second hand child car seat restraints unless you are fully aware of its history and it comes with complete instructions including the manufactures contact details. Never use any restraints which have already been in a crash.

4. Don't hold your child in your arms or share a seat belt. This is a killer as your superior body weight could crush and kill your child in an accident.

5. Make sure it's impossible for children to release any buckles around the car seat or climb out from the restraints, you should not tamper with the buckles in any way as this could seriously affect how well they'll perform in the event of an accident.

6. Lastly, always buy a genuine booster cushion and never use an ordinary one. In an accident an ordinary cushion could fly out from under the car seat and your child would then slide under the seat belt.

Donate a Car and Save Kids

Today's child is the future nation builder. So it's our social responsibility to ensure their basic needs and also their proper growth. A well educated child is an asset not only for a country but also for a nation. We need to feel shame as we are failure to help children who are out of home, those who stay hungry everyday and out of the light of education. But our small help and co-operation can change the life of those children.

Statistics show that there are approximately 10 million children who are seriously suffering from hunger. Some organizations have come forward to help such deprived children. The activities of those organizations are really mentionable. Such organizations are doing all these for poor children as their social responsibility, and they are taking no profit from this. You can also be a part of such an organization and can collaborate with their activities.

These organizations roll programs for underprivileged children to ensure their shelter, food, clothing, education and medical assistance. They are also concerned about the recreational activities of the children. You can also broaden your helping hand and work with such an organization. Some of those organizations are running Car donation program. You can donate a car to help such children. Your junk car can enlighten the future of poor children. Activities of such an organization are mentioned below.

To make the children educated these organizations are providing funds for educational scholarships and providing school books. They are also arranging summer camps for the children. They are getting money for the donated cars. The theme such organization is "Donate a Car". You can donate a car and co-operate indirectly where direct assistance is so tough personally. Your little help can build up a huge fund for such an organization. You can also donate a small piece of real estate or other vehicles for them.

The funds that are coming from Car donation program also help the children to get hospital support in their diseases. The children who have no parents get residential facility from your donation. Education makes them civilized. These organizations are working hard to bring smiley faces of underprivileged children. These organizations will go for helping more children in near future. These organizations are trying to make all positive and good from the feeling of their obligation for the deprived children. Without such help those children can go unheard.

"Each and every child will have a healthy adult" this is the prime concern of such an organization. They are going to set up a milestone with their revolutionary steps. These organizations are eliminating the difference in between the underprivileged children and other children who are getting all facilities easily. This will also increase the social value of poor children.

What Are The Specialties Of Car And Auto Locksmith Services

Apparently speaking, auto locksmiths are no different from the general service providers. However, from the technical point of view, these businesses are quite different from the other ones that provide a wide array of assistance to their customers. So they most pertinent question here can be how auto locksmith service providers differ from the other ones. Let us get into the issue in fair details.

Normally, a locksmith company operation would cover a wide range of activities. They prepare safes and safety vaults, surveillance systems, takes care of locking mechanisms of doors and windows in the domestic and commercial sector. However, when it comes to auto locksmiths, their range of activities is limited to issues related to cars and automobiles.

At times, people end up doing the most horrible thing of leaving their cars with the keys inside. This to say the least, one of the most intimidating experiences an individual can go through, especially when they have to run against time. These are the moments when locksmith companies come in handy. Their 24x7 customer service makes sure that the customers in distress are just a phone call away, and upon summoned the technicians of the said companies get to the customers with specialized tools with the help of which they solve the issues with little or no effort. The technicians of these car locksmith companies are experienced and competent enough to take care of any type of situation and resolve them at the earliest.

Besides, another terrifying issue that plagues the drivers is the ignition key getting stuck in the ignition hole or a part of the key breaking off with one end stuck in the hole. Now either way, this is quite a fix that would send a chill run down the driver's spine. Again, the technicians of these companies would arrive at the spot on being summoned with the appropriate tool(s) to resolve the issues with utmost professionalism and clinical precision.

Besides, they would also take care of the issues like breakdowns and flat tires for rented as well as owned cars and would provide quick solutions. The majority of locksmith businesses is home to some of the best technicians with loads of experience under their belts in an effort to assist their clients in the best possible way and stand out in the face of steep competition.

Again, the USPs of car locksmith companies has been their excellent customer-centric service and the cost effectiveness. All the said factors have been the reason why automobile locksmith companies are immensely popular all over the globe and as more and more companies are shaping up, the doors are open for a steeper competition - a fact that has compelled the companies to come up with more value-added service. In order to ensure that, businesses companies are hiring the best technicians and are following a stringent hiring and training process so that they show no laxity when it comes to customer satisfaction. The success of these companies after all depends upon the way they serve their customers at the hour of their needs.

Using a Steam Cleaner For Your Car and Home

Maintaining a clean engine is very important because it prolongs the useful life of the car. However, cleaning the car's engine is not a simple task; it entails careful cleaning and sometimes the right chemicals in order to carry it out perfectly. One wrong step can cause damage to vital engine parts. For those people who do not make themselves familiar with the procedures involved in using a steam cleaner, it may be better to bring it to car cleaning professionals.

But for those that want to learn the process of cleaning through a car steam cleaner, especially for cars that are very dirty, always remember the following essential tips:

In the choice of cleaning agents to be used, always refer to the car manufacturer's manual. There are car manufacturers that have their own line of car cleaning products that is specifically made for their car engines. Most often, these cleaning agents vaporize quickly and are much safer than using running water. Always refer to the product manual before applying these cleaning agents.

1. Before starting the cleaning process, make sure that the car is away from water sources. If possible, bring it to a car wash shop that has waste-water treatment facilities. This is to ensure that the grime and dirt from the engine will not find its way to potable water and other ecologically-balanced areas.
2. Before cleaning, make sure that parts that are vital are amply covered to prevent any liquid from spilling over it and cause damage to it. Newer cars contain more delicate electronic parts and therefore, it is very important to protect them from the steam cleaner.
3. Remove the battery cable's terminal, starting with the negative then the positive.

Remember that a steam cleaner uses high-pressure water. The more electronic components your car has, the more careful you should be. If still in doubt, there are always other ways of cleaning your car.

However there are some very effective steam cleaners that you can buy which are easy and relatively safe to use on your car. They can also be usefully employed in areas both inside of your home and outdoors in patio and yard areas. These steam cleaners can tackle kitchens, bathrooms, tiles, carpets, floors and furnishings as well as being effective on normally tough-to-clean items like outdoor barbecues and grills. They are also particularly useful for steam cleaning car engines, chrome accessories and car interiors' upholstery and carpets. Effectively using steam instead of harsh chemicals can make this a more eco-friendly way of cleaning and thus help to protect our environment.

How to Find Genuine Alpine Car Audio Parts

Alpine car audio parts are many and widely available for you to purchase. They come in handy when the original parts are not working or if you simply want to install something new. Firstly, you need to know the product you want to get. We might not always have the details but we can have a general idea. Visiting your car audio parts store or workshop will increase your insight. The simplest way to search for what you need is through the internet. There are very many parts put in categories to choose from. You will also get recommendations for what best suits you. Before you hurry into paying for any part, enough research will be paramount to ensuring that you get what you are looking for. Take time to do this.

The parts you purchase should be factory copies. What does this mean? Factory copies are original versions of the product. Many parts do not have the right quality to serve their purpose. A good parts dealer will be ready to show the origin of their products. Although it is very hard to tell copies that are not original, there are huge distinctions between them and one of them is quality. Many people have learnt their lesson by purchasing something that disappointed them. Experience is a good way to be weary and cautious of the alpine car audio parts you get. You need to see the alpine logo on the product. Logos have widely been copied but a keen person should be able to tell the counterfeit from the original.

Secondly, visit sites that are popular with people. When the service is right, customers bring themselves. Avoid being tempted by low prices. Your research on prices should show you the dominant price range. If other prices are too high or too low, think twice about the dealers of the parts. There are thousands of parts and accessories to choose from. They include CD changers, CD tuners, speakers, navigation systems, wireless headphone and the list is endless. You have very many options of each to choose from. Viewing the parts on the web sites is a good idea but, you need to go beyond that and make inquiries that will authenticate your chosen product. You must be aware of the terms and conditions of the company before you order your products from them.

Some companies do a deliberate job of making sure that the terms are the final details a customers reads. They determine the legality of your purchasing process. Other companies advise customers to print out their terms and conditions for their own files. This is because there is no other source to refer to the terms. You need to be aware of the general terms which are; the ordering process, the delivery, payment, returns cancellation and substitutions, liability and indemnity and many other aspects of regulations. Alpine car audio parts come in very high quality and are distributed by known dealers. You should therefore have an easier time finding what you want. Most companies have a privacy policy for their customers. The transactions you make are highly confidential. Have a relaxed time finding the parts you need.

How To Stop Your Dog Chasing Cars and Cats

It's a funny thing. Many of the behaviors our dogs have as puppies are much cuter when they have no power to follow through. Chewing on our shoes is cute until they get older and tear them up. The same is true for chasing cats or cars. They cannot reach them, so it's cute.

But, by laughing and taking pictures of your dog chasing cats or cars as a puppy, and not stopping the behavior, you're only permitting it to persist and putting your dog at greater risk as they age.

The Root of Chasing

Dogs chase for a number of reasons. Part of them has an innate hunting instinct that tells them to chase prey. A cat might trigger that instinct, and even if the dog would never hurt the cat, he will continue chasing it as long as the "prey" runs away.

The same is true for cars. Because they are loud and constantly driving by, coming in and out of your dog's senses rapidly, they will chase them. Their barking chases off the car, right? The simple fact that a car is mobile only drives this behavior into them deeper, making it harder to adjust.

Solving the Chasing Problem

No matter how ingrained it may be or how cute it once was, there are serious risks when your dog likes to chase either cats or cars. The danger in chasing cars should be fairly evident. The dog forgets the value of staying to the sidewalks and can quickly put itself in danger.

The same can be said of cats, however. A cat being chased may decide to stand up to a dog, causing a great deal of damage to him if the two are not careful. Additionally, a dog and cat can tear a swath of destruction across your house when you're not home - especially with the cat's nimbleness in play.

So, it's important to stop them as soon as possible. Here are some tips:

1. Controlled Training - To start with, you need to train your dog, in the house, in a controlled setting to be able to follow commands while distractions are present. Dogs need to concentrate to follow your cues, which requires quiet and familiar settings.

Teach your dog to heel, sit on a leash, and pay attention to you and you only while in the house. Then, upgrade your training to walking on a leash outside. Only when your dog can follow commands both inside and on a leash should they ever be unleashed.

2. How to Practice - It's important to practice in a setting where your dog cannot get hurt. Introducing your dog to a cat in your house can be a good way of testing their ability to stay calm and submissive.

Make sure you do it in a closed room, with minimal distractions. Keep your dog on a leash as well so they do not get too carried away. Leave space for your cat to escape if necessary and then let the two meet.

You can do the same with a jogger or bicycle outside, having them run or ride by your dog while you control him on a leash to see how he responds.

3. Cars and Safe Settings - Cars are the most dangerous issue and should be addressed early in life. Do this by making sure your dog never has a chance to chase them. Teach him to sit at curbs, to heel and only to sniff or inspect with your permission.

Effective training of your dog will start and end with you knowing how to trigger the right behaviors and tamp down the wrong ones. The biggest example of this you'll ever see is in regards to chasing. Dogs love to chase - control that and you know he's paying attention.

Imported Cars And Personalised Number Plates

If you are importing a car in to Great Britain, the very first thing you will want to do is check the most up-to-date regulations (even though you do this on a regular basis - they might have been changed since the last time you imported a car), as it is vital that the car meets these particular conditions.

Your car must be registered for use in Great Britain - and in order for this to occur the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) will have to be sure that the car will be suitable to use on British roads. Whenever the motor vehicle was first registered in the EU, which involves declaring that your motor vehicle is in fact suitable for use in Great Britain as well as agreeing to make whatever changes which may perhaps be needed (for example getting the right amount of seat belts). This is part and parcel of the MRS (Mutual Recognition Scheme), and you're able to see whether your vehicle qualifies under this particular scheme just by speaking to the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA). In cases where your application is accepted, the Vehicle Certification Agency provide you with a certificate that is going to support your application for a registration with the DVLA. The DVLA web site provides a lot more info on the best way to register your motor vehicle for the United Kingdom's roads.

Having said that what about changing the registration? If you're buying a new personalised plate or even if you currently have a private number plates and would like to transfer the registration on to your imported car, it is important to ensure you follow the proper procedures (all terms and conditions may be found on the DVLA web site).

Private Registrations may be acquired from a variety of different places - on the net, at a Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency auction, through a private sale or from some sort of dealer. You'll be able to purchase just about any registration plate you're looking for, provided that it is available, however, you cannot make a vehicle look newer than it actually is. Whenever you're choosing cherished plates for an imported vehicle, you will need certain things to hand: a Certificate of Entitlement (V750), an up to date M.O.T. certificate for your motor vehicle given that it is now in the UK, and also the log book (also known as a V5 Registration Document).

If you are transferring a personalised number plate you currently own, the regulations are slightly different, and you will need to fill out form V317. If your registration plate is being transferred from somebody else's motor vehicle, then both the registered owners have to fill out the form before sending it to the local DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) office. A transfer fee of £80 is also required for this transaction, in addition to a V62 form. Once again, all details may be located on the DVLA web site, although you should be aware that any sort of supporting documents will have to be the originals; copies aren't going to be accepted.

As a bit of a side note, whenever you're importing a motor vehicle, it is worth taking into consideration the viability of servicing it in the United Kingdom: will there be problems in relation to maintaining it and also obtaining spare parts? It is also worth paying attention to the narrow nature of many British roads if you're thinking of buying a huge car or truck from somewhere like the US; the number plate might fit, but will the car or truck fit down our peaceful country lanes? Doing a little investigation on the web before purchasing your car - and also your registration number - will allow you to buy what you need.

Cars and Their Accessories

There are various ways one can buy the car parts that they require. One of the most contemporary ways to getting the car accessories that one needs is by using the social media forum for this purpose. One can join the groups of the various car owners who have the same brand or the models of the cars to get information about the various car parts and their availability at the various stores. Those people who have the older car models benefit greatly from this approach as they can discuss the auto parts and the car parts requirements with the other members of the group and get apt information about it.

One car accessory that is being used by the people who work in the corporate world during their travelling regimes and long drives is the portable car handles. Using these handles the individuals can be sure of reaching their destination wearing the wrinkle free clothes and enjoy their rides in the vehicle with comfort and ease. Other families who are travelling with the babies or the younger children can also install car parts that will help them during their drives and add convenience to their travelling regimes. One such car accessory is the milk bottle warmer, which can be fixed in the place of the car lighters. This accessory warms up the milk bottles for the babies so that one does not have to stop repeatedly during their journeys.

There are various other types of the car parts that can be found in the world markets and the buyers can select them according to their style preferences, budgets and needs. Some of the people like to adorn their cars making use of the high fashion car parts. One of these parts that are very popular among the young drivers and the owners of the cars is the car wheel spinner. This accessory has no functional attribute but is only used to emit attractive graphical illusions when the tires of the car move.

The seniors or the patients, who need to travel in the car, can also make use of the shoulder seat belts that support their back while travelling, making travelling in the cars more comfortable for them. Those people who are looking for the branded car accessories can buy them from the online and real retails of these brands. In other cases they can also buy the same car accessories from the wholesalers and save some money on it as they will not be required to pay for the retail profits. Others who are looking for the used car accessories can save up to eighty percent by buying the required car accessories from the auto junkyards.

Electric Car Conversions - Parts List

For your electric car conversion you will need a few specialized parts. For example you'll need cycle batteries, an electric motor, a controller, battery charger, and more other small parts. Of course the most important thing is a vehicle. For this project any vehicle can be used but there are some which work better than other. Trucks and small cars are the best vehicles for an electric car conversion. A consideration is to find the lightest car because that will work best.

Furthermore you'll need a DC motor which produces the power for the car. You'll get more power for a larger motor. And don't worry that your car will be to slow! An electric car travels easily at 50 mph. What about batteries?

You'll need twenty deep cycle batteries. The plan which I've bought shows sources where you can get free batteries which you can find very easily. But why are twenty batteries needed? That's easy. Your electric car will achieve a range of more than 200 miles. So it need's the power of the batteries to achieve that range.

The controller will be needed to control the power from the batteries which goes to the motor. This determines how fast you'll drive. The controller will be connected to the gas pedal.

If you want to charge your batteries between trips, then you'll need an on-board battery charger. With that way you can simply plug it into any AC circuit and get charged up. Isn't it time you got started on your own conversion?

Do you need more information?

Tips on Buying Car Racing Parts

Racing is one of the expensive sports for big boys. The expense will not just end after you've bought a racing car but it continues because of the maintenance of the car. We all know that maintenance can really cost racers a big amount of money. So being wise in buying car racing parts is really needed in this sport. As you go on reading this article you will learn some tips on buying parts for your car that will save bundle of money.

Company Profile

This is the first thing you should know when you are buying spare parts for your auto. It is essential to know if the company is trustworthy and has a reputation of good quality products to take you away from buying repeatedly the same parts you need. You could as previews buyers, friends or expert mechanics if the company really sells good quality products.

Return Policies

When buying spare parts there are tendencies that you might buy a part that is not suitable in your car especially when you are not really an expert. So before purchasing the product you must clarify first if you can return the items if it is not the one you need. Also, know the terms that can turn down your privilege in returning wrong items.

Comparison of Prices

Before purchasing car racing parts always make a good search of prices of the parts in different stores. Don't stick with the first store you look at. There might some stores that give lower price or discounts on the parts you are buying. So doing comparison of prices can also save you a lot of money.

Have You Driven a Ford Lately? New Technology Options For This Years Cars and Trucks

 The news this week that Ford is back in the black, and impressive how they did so without becoming a ward of the US taxpayer. Coincidentally, I took a look at two of the company's latest cars to see what they are doing with installing technology there, and came away with mixed feelings. Yes, they are moving in the right direction, albeit clumsily. And while few people buy a car because of the installed computing features, they are becoming a bigger part of the usage equation as we spend more time commuting and working from our cars. 

Ford has two very different computing programs underway, and sadly they are mutually exclusive by design. The latest effort is called Ford Work Solutions, and it is only available on its truck line. The system is based on having a touch screen Windows CE 6.5 inch display in the dash, running a wide variety of software programs including a suite of office apps (but not the real MS Office), LogMeIn, GPS, entertainment controls, and more. Yes, that LogMeIn. It comes with a wide variety of confusing options, including a Bluetooth keyboard, printer, and cellular broadband data modem for Internet connectivity. The ideal target buyer is a building contractor who needs to work from the job site, or a delivery service. You can create documents and print them out in the cab, do a remote control session back to your office to pick up some data, and surf the Web to answer customer queries. The touch screen is a bit clunky, because some of the controls are designed for fingers on the screen rather than on the keyboard, but by and large it seemed well thought out. For example, you can't operate the PC when driving.

But I just couldn't shake the feeling that I was going back to the early days of WebTV, and using technology that was already obsolete before its time found its way into many current hotel rooms. Part of the challenge that car makers have is that by the time a computer is installed in the vehicle, it is out of date. Granted, this is a computer that you don't have to worry too much about -- Ford claims it will withstand brutal environmental conditions -- but it still is a Windows CE based device that is closer to my Uverse TV settop box or my mobile phone than the PC that I am using to write this essay.

The in-dash PC comes with a few handy things, though. It has SD card and USB ports right there on the dash so you can import files or connect to external data sources. You can synch up your phone's contacts and do voice command dialing. It has the GPS display and your audio system controls so you don't have to hunt around for them. And there is an optional tool tracking software where you can stick RFID tags on your tools and instantly do a census before you leave a job site and make sure you got everything back in the truck before you leave. There is also a vehicle tracking and scheduling software called Crew Chief that one Chicago pizza delivery company is using to match demand with supply, as the trucks have their own baking ovens that can finish the pies and get them piping hot to their customers. That seems to offer the most promise, if you can figure out the options. 

http://www.crewchief.microlise.com/

Ford has done a mediocre job of getting the word out about Work Solutions. They haven't any press loaners to try anywhere in the country -- I had to find one locally that was being used by one of their corporate dealer trainers.The company Web site has some information, but it doesn't satisfy anyone who has moderate tech knowledge, and indeed asks more questions than it answers. They could do better and appeal to more IT-minded potential buyers, rather than the big and brawny Joe SixPack contractors. (Actually, the contractor that my interior designer wife currently uses has a pretty sophisticated Web site that tracks his job progress and tasks, but that is story for another essay.) Each truck has to be specially ordered with the computer factory installed, so you can't just walk in off the lot and drive one home. They aren't all that expensive as computer options go -- the monthly fees for the cellular modem and LogMeIn is probably the biggest obstacle just because people don't normally think their car needs an additional monthly payment for communications. And there are a confusing array of options and add-ons, which is why the dealers need training here. The biggest issue  is that they aren't available in their sedans. I shouldn't have to buy a pickup truck, or even their sexy Transit Connects (which you see all over Europe and are just being imported here) to get a measly WinCE PC. 

Why not just spend your money on a laptop with a cellular modem and call it a day? You can get a "real" PC with a bigger screen and put whatever apps on it you desire, and still have the connectivity back to your office or Internet access if you need it. The only trouble is that you either have to leave your laptop at risk inside your car or have to tote it around with you. If you are a contractor or a delivery person or someone else constantly on the go, it might make sense to go with the in-dash PC. 

What about the other Ford tech package? This is the Sync software that they developed with Microsoft. It is designed for a character-mode display and isn't a real computer in the sense of even a CE-based device. It can sync up with your cell phone, offer turn by turn navigation instructions (but not a visual display of the landscape), and automatically mute the radio when an incoming call is detected for your cell phone. This is available on most of the newer model cars, and Ford will throw in the navigation package free if you buy other options for Sync. Or so I was led to believe. Again, figuring out all these options is maddening, and why so many of us run screaming from our local car dealers. 

Now, you should know that I have rather quirky car buying habits: I have only owned cars for about 25 years, roughly half my life, and only bought one Big Three American car over that period (my current car was made in Canada and is actually offered by Ford, although I bought the Toyota version). I don't drive it enough to consider the Work Solutions package even if it were available in a sedan. 

While I give Ford credit for trying to add some interesting technology to their vehicles, they have a long way to go before many people will choose to use it. Yet it is noteworthy in that they are attempting to go after a part of the market that the other car makers have ignored: road warriors that want to get work done in their cars, and not just deliver fancy infotainment systems. Now if they could appeal to the nerds they might have a winner. 

Finding Antique Car Restoration Parts

Have you recently decided that you would like to have your antique car restored? If so, have you decided how you would like to go about doing so? While many individuals turn to a professional antique car restoration business, there are others who choose to do their own restoration. If you are interested in doing so, you can, but there are a number of important factors that you may first want to take into consideration. One of those factors is the antique car restoration parts that you will need.

Antique cars are defined as being antique because of their production dates. Unfortunately, almost all antique cars are out of production now. If an antique car is still being produced, it isn't an original, rather it is a replica. What does this you mean for you? It means that it may be difficult for you to find your own antique car restoration parts. Despite being difficult and time consuming, there are a number of ways that you can go about getting the parts that you need.

Depending on where you live, you may have access to a car parts store. Chances are you will not find what you are looking for at a national car parts chain; they tend to only focus on newer vehicles. You will want to look for an individual or a company in your area that specializes in selling old, antique car parts. Even if the individual or company in question does not have the antique car restoration parts you were looking for, they may be able try and find them for you. As previously mentioned, whether or not one of these establishments can be found in or around your place of residence will all depend on where you live.

If you are unable to find someone locally, you may want to turn to the internet. In fact, the internet is your best chance of finding what you want. It might be best to perform a standard internet search with the name of the antique car restoration parts you are looking for. Your results may include classified ads where these items are being offered for sale or you may be directed to the online website of an individual or company that specializes in selling antique car restoration parts. Unfortunately, it can sometimes be difficult to shop for antique car restoration parts. If you are unfamiliar with antique car parts, you may not know whether you are getting a quality part. That is why you are advised to shop with caution, especially when using online auction websites.

As stated above, do it yourself antique car restoration is not your only option. You can also choose to have your antique car professionally restored. While this will cost a decent amount of money, it is important to remember the results; you will almost always end up with better results. In addition to results, you will not have to search for your own antique car restoration parts. If you choose to work with an antique car restoration business, they will find and purchase the parts for you. Due to connections made through previous purchases, it is often easier for an antique car restoration business to find the needed parts. Something that can take you a week or two, may only take a professional few hours or a couple of days.

When deciding whether you would like to do your own antique car restoration or have a professional do it for you, you are urged to keep the above mentioned points in mind. They may help make it easier for you to make a decision.