Archive for May, 2009

Car Maintenance – Top Tips Before Taking Your Car On Holiday

Summer is here, (well, in theory) and with current economic situations many people are choosing to stay in the country for their holiday to save a bit of cash. If you’re going to drive you may want to check one or two things on your car first and just perform a bit of basic car maintenance.

The last thing you want to do when you get to your destination is try to find a mechanic (especially one you can trust) because something’s gone wrong. If you’ve noticed any niggling noises or anything out of the normal in your car, check it out now, even if it’s nothing, you may be too focused on finding your way around your holiday destination to notice if it gets worse (if you’ve got kids, you may not even hear your engine screaming at you over the cries of ‘are we nearly there yet?’). You don’t want to start your holiday off waiting for your breakdown service while the family head to the beach.

Brakes

Lets start your car maintenance with your breaks, if there’s a problem with them, you don’t want to find out about it hurtling down the motorway with your family in the car. If you notice squealing or unusual noises when you brake, or if the car pulls slightly to one side, there’s a good chance you’ll need to replace your break pads, don’t worry, these are relatively cheap and with a certain level of skill, you can replace them yourself. The brake pads should be evenly worn, it’s very easy to know if they need changing, most break pads will have lines running through them, once they’ve worn down to a certain line, change them. A lot of cars will display a warning light on the dashboard that will also indicate it’s time for a change, and lastly, if you notice sparks coming from your wheels when you brake and the car doesn’t actually stop that’s also a pretty good indicator they need changing. The brake disks will also need checking, they should be evenly worn and should look almost polished, if there are any marks or uneven wearing, replace them.

Tires

If you’ve checked the brakes, it’s only logical to make sure your tires are in perfect condition too, this is basic car maintenance and should be checked regularly as you can not only be pulled over by the police for unsafe tires, you can be fined and be issued penalty points on your licence too. Your hand book will advice you of the correct tire pressure, remember this pressure will vary if you’re going to be carrying a heavy load, if your family has brought along more suitcases than the TARDIS could be expected to carry you will need more pressure in your tires than if you’re just carrying a normal load. Remember to bear in mind that over inflated tires will not have as much grip on the road and under inflated tires will consume more fuel. If you notice any cracks or splits in your tires, you need to replace them. Again, the outside lane of a motorway is not the best place to have a tire blow out on you.

Seat Belts

Seat Belts don’t really require a whole lot of maintenance, they don’t need top ups or regular changes but if they don’t work it could prove just as fatal as having faulty brakes. Checking your seatbelts is especially important if you are going be carrying other people in your car when you don’t normally do so, make sure they’re not frayed or physically damaged, and check they will hold anything when suddenly jolted. Lastly, check the buckle both holds the seatbelt against extreme pressure and that it releases easily in the case of an emergency. If the worst comes to the worst and you are involved in a serious accident and you need to get someone out the car, you cant afford to be struggling with a dodgy seat belt catch.

Windscreen and Wipers

Now you need to look at your windscreen, both the glass and the wipers. It would be nice if we could assume that because it’s summer, they wont be needed but they will, whether you’re just clearing your screen or because it’s raining or maybe the guy in front has decided your windscreen needed a wash while he was doing his own you will need your wipers and you should check them regularly, if you’re looking out for a signpost or your driving round somewhere you’re not familiar you’ll need to know your wipers can clear your windscreen instantly. Check the windscreen wiper blades are smooth and have no splits, cracks or stones stuck in them. Any cracks that appear on the windscreen should always be taken care of as soon as possible but it’s especially important if you’re about to go away as long journeys increase the risk of a chip spidering and causing serious damage.

Lights

Lastly, give the lights a quick check, it’s an offence to drive knowing you have faulty lights, quickly check the brake lights, indicators and headlights, remember you’re not just checking the bulb is ok, you need to make sure none of the plastic casing is cracked and they’re all clear.

Well that’s about it, you should be good to go, a quick bit of basic car maintenance is no substitute for a proper service by a qualified mechanic, if you notice anything out of the ordinary it’s always a safe bet to get someone who knows what they’re doing to check it out. All that’s left to do now is check your break down cover is still in data, pack the map (or sat nav) and have fun.

It’s not just the body of the car that needs good maintenance, the engine needs it too, Race Lubricants not only offer an extensive range of engine oil and lubricants but their expert staff are always on hand of offer you free advice when it comes to maintaining your engine.

Bmw Gets Iphone

What’s the next best thing to owning a BMW X5 equipped with the latest and greatest BMW X5 parts?

How about getting Apple’s new iPhone to work with it?

Apparently the newest and currently the hippest gadget around is compatible with BMWs that are compatible with other Apple iPods. The iPhone, in addition should work on Bluetooth-equipped BMWs. This isn’t much of a surprise since BMW is known to be among the leaders in automakers in making Bluetooth devices work in cars.

On June 29 BMW became the first automaker to announce a fully integrated system for Apple’s brand-new iPhone.

Initially, the German automaker will only offer integration for U.S. models, but with international sales of the iPhone a given, BMW is likely to extend the technology across to other markets.

In statement made in its website, bmwusa.com, BMW said, “BMW welcomes the Apple iPhone — It’s the kind of innovative approach you would expect from BMW. In 2004, BMW was the first to integrate the iPod into BMW vehicles and have customers take full control of their music on the road. So it seemed only logical that BMW be among the first to ensure iPhone owners have the same ability to enjoy their music, plus the added benefits of Bluetooth® hands-free calling across our model line. We are pleased to announce that BMW owners can use their iPhone in this way from day one. … Access to the iPod (or the iPod application of the iPhone) via the vehicle controls and central information or radio display is only possible on cars equipped with iPod/USB interface. The iPod/USB interface is available on 3 and 5 Series with 03/07 production, the X5 with 04/07 production and the 6 Series with 09/07 production date. Further details will be available shortly. In the meantime please contact BMW of North America’s Customer Relations Department at 1-800-831-1117 for further details.

“… The iPhone functions with BMW vehicles equipped with BMW Assist with Bluetooth® handsfree-calling as of the date of testing and meets or exceeds minimum standards established by BMW of North America (“BMW”). This is not a warranty for phone performance or functionality. BMW makes no guarantees or warranties as to the performance of any phone while connected to your BMW via Bluetooth® Wireless Technology. Furthermore, software releases by BMW, the phone supplier or the wireless carrier dated after testing might alter compatibility results.”

About the iPhone

Hailed as a revolutionary phone, the iPhone is a multimedia and Internet-enabled 2.75G quad-band GSM mobile phone produced by Apple. The iPhone’s functions include those of a camera phone and a multimedia player. It also offers Internet services including e-mail, text messaging, web browsing, Visual Voicemail, and local Wi-Fi connectivity. All these are accomplished via a multi-touch screen with virtual keyboard and buttons. Apple has filed more than 200 patents related to the technology behind the iPhone.

Hailey Kerr is a Business Administration graduate. She is currently part of a business consulting firm in Massachusetts. Hailey loves to write and enjoys doing her favorite hobby during her free time – cooking French cuisines.

Buy a used car online -Highly maintained, good quality running cars, and with huge discounts

People do not know the best places to get the best used car deals available. Most still prefer going to offline car dealerships and garages. Usually though, the discounts given there are not so much. Only few people know about online car auction sites. And one of the best places to buy cheap used cars is in an Autosellernetwork.com.

In a world where many people enjoy collecting old cars and turning them into masterpieces it’s evident that there must be some resources for finding these cars at cheap rate. Now most places you’d ideally look will have prices much closer to market value, but when you’re buying a classic car to fix up that you want to find the best possible deal out there.

The internet has many websites available now to car enthusiasts looking to buy classic cars and to if you’re looking for a cheap classic car to fix up then online classifieds and online auctions are goldmines. Here many people list their old vehicles there either because they don’t know the value or they just don’t want the vehicle anymore. Either way it’s perfect for you because you’ll be able to get the car you need for a reasonably cheap price.

Classic cars were once unreachable for the average car enthusiast, but now with modern technology the internet has brought a whole new marketplace to cars and it’s made it available to the average American looking to get into the classic car world. There are quite affordable and the odd person will want an unbelievable price but you’ll notice that and just avoid bidding on it as nobody else will either, considering there are so many affordable classic cars on the sites.

To buy a used car online put up for auction at these sites are highly maintained since most of them are stored at state facilities. Buy a used car online that are highly maintained, good quality running cars, and with huge discounts.

Buy a used car online can be easily searched online. Most of these websites offer free trial memberships. After the trial membership, a small fee is charged but this is considered very minimal because the site actually gives buyers thousands of dollars in savings.

For more information log on to : – www.autosellernetwork.com.

Buying a Used Car – The Thrill of the Hunt

The buying and selling of used cars in our country has been around since the advent of the auto. After the new industry took roots in the teens and the twenties, the buying and selling of cars has been right along side of it. Private individuals, auto dealerships, family members, all have been involved in the process. Someone, somewhere has either a car for sale, or is looking to buy a car at any given time.

This type of buying and selling has an unexplained phenomenon to it. Very seldom does a car go up for sale that there is not a buyer for it. On the flip side of the coin, if a person is looking to buy, there is never a shortage of cars that are for sale. One cannot be certain of the ratio between the buyers and the sellers, but there seems to be plenty of both. The high ratio of both fields equals plenty of buying and selling. Even in the depressed economy we live in, cars are for sale and there are buyers for them.

The buying of a car has got to be labeled the more fun of the two. The majority of the car buying adventure is the thrill of the hunt. Sports car, sedan, convertible, maybe even a truck. Color, mileage, does the car even fit me? These are all items that go along with the search. Sometimes, one might even change their mind as to what type of car to buy while doing the research of a new car. Which ever way the path leads you, rest assured there are plenty of buyers and sellers along that path.

Someone might argue that this type of buying and selling of cars will never die in this country. With all the people looking to buy a car on any given day, and the amount of cars for sale, they just might be right.

http://jerseycarcash.com/car/buying-used-car/

Jersey Car Cash – We sell and buy used cars in New Jersey. Get cash for your car today.

Top 5 Tips – DIY Car Maintenance

Good car maintenance is a prerequisite for a smooth running and a longer life of our prized possessions. While there indeed are automobile service stations to take care of them when they fall sick, you at your end can do a lot for your car’s upkeep and stitch it in time so as to save nine. This post offers 5 essential tips you can implement yourself, and which should pretty much ensure your car’s good health.

1. Check Engine Oil

Critical to an automobile’s lubrication system, the engine oil lubricates a car’s moving parts, cleans and inhibits corrosion, and also cools the engine by carrying heat away from the parts.

To check engine oil, Turn off the car’s ignition. Locate the dipstick, in case you don’t know where it is take the help of the owner’s manual and then remove the dipstick. Most dipstick carry the label “engine oil.”

Wipe off any excess oil and then check dip it another time to see if it reaches the “Full” mark or not. If not then you need to fill up to reach the “Full” mark.

Now, observe the color of the engine oil. A black an opaque appearance means time for a change. Dark brown but somewhat transparent means you’d need to change it after some time. A clear appearance means it’s OK, but be wary if it appears to be whitish, as that might indicate a need for a professional check up.

To replace engine oil, choose the product that’s already inside your car. Pour in slowly allowing it time to settle down. After you’re done, replace the dipstick properly.

2. Check Automatic Transmission Fluid

To run a check for automatic transmission fluid change the transmission lever’s position to Park of ‘P’ position. Locate the transmission dipstick, in case you don’t know where it is take the help of the owner’s manual and then remove the transmission dipstick. Wipe it and dip it again to check the levels.

Also look at the appearance of the fluid. A black fluid with a burnt smell is a sign that it needs a quick change. If its brown in color, then there’s still some life in it. In comparison a newly replaced fluid is red in color.

Aside from the appearance, refer to the owner’s manual as well. As some manufacturers specify the number of miles you can drive before a refill is needed.

3. Check Engine Coolant

This is a simple procedure. To perform the check simply locate the coolant overflow tank and note the levels.

Low coolant level will cause the engine to overheat, which may cause serious damage to the engine. If the levels are between “LOW” and “FULL” markings, then it’s OK. If it’s below the “LOW” marking, then naturally a replacement is needed.

4. Check CV Joint Boots

A majority of modern day automobiles are front wheel drive, wherein a CV joint’s job is to help in transmitting power to the wheels.

To check the CV joint for breakage or damage, you’d need to inspect the internal sides of the wheel. To make it easier for you, first turn the wheel to one side as much as it can turn. Now, look at the inside to inspect the front wheel arch. If your inspection reveals oil or greasing on the boot, it means that it’s broken. If it dry then there’s nothing to worry about. If it’s broken, then treat it as an emergency and arrange for a replacement.

5. Check Tire Pressure

Taking good care of wheels & tires is simple, very basic and very important. The point is to check air pressure without fail at least once a month. It might be a good idea if you purchased a tire pressure gauge, so that you can check the pressure any time by yourself. Another key consideration is to ensure the ideal tire pressure (as has been prescribed by the car manufacturer).

In addition to the basic checks outlined above, don’t postpone going to a professional mechanic if you sense trouble. Further, regular checkups too would ensure that an impending bigger trouble is forestalled before it blows out of proportion.

I am a journalist with 7 years of experience. Though, as a professional I’ve reported on myriad topics, my favorites are the auto and the healthcare industry. Two of the platforms I’ve previously worked on are Themedica and Automotive-Online. I now blog at: Smiling Health and Automobile Hotspot as it offers me a platform to write about my interests.

Too Old to Drive a Rental Car?

As the population in Australia gets older, the problem of renting a car both in Australia and overseas becomes more of an issue. Most car companies will have some kind of restriction if the older generation is looking to rent a vehicle. Whilst you may think that as someone that has been driving for 50 years or more, car rental companies can see you as a major risk to their asset

The Senior Driver Surcharge is payable by senior drivers over &/or between a specific age. This depends on country and/or car rental company. It is just the same as our car insurance companies here in Australia charge a higher premium if you have a driver aged 21 years on the insurance.

The reason why it is charged is because the car rental company sees senior drivers as high risk and they get charged a premium to have senior drivers covered by their insurance company. However, other car rental companies just restrict the driving age so they don’t have to get additional insurance.

To give you a few examples on how it differs between suppliers, let’s take a look at Car Rental in Ireland. One car rental company has a maximum age of 74 years with no surcharge payable. Another car rental company charges a EUR29 incl Tax /day fee for drivers aged between 70-74 years. And, a third car rental company doesn’t charge a surcharge but they require additional documentation from driver’s aged between 76-79 years, as follows -

1) Note from their Insurers stating that they have not been involved in any accidents within the past 5 years.

2) Note from their doctor stating that they are in full health.

When booking your car rental, it is advisable to always be truthful of the age/s of all drivers and ask the car rental company if there are any additional conditions for senior driver’s. Failure to do so may result in you using public transport to get around on your holiday.

Car Rental brokers, such as DriveAway Holidays will be able to advise quickly as to which company is going to be able to accomodate the older driver.

Porsche 911’s Turbo Upgraded By Techart

TechArt, a recognized German vehicle manufacturer and tuner, created a new kit for the Porsche 911 Turbo. The upgraded Turbo engine is capable of producing 580 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 700 Nm at 4,850 rpm. Power generated is transmitted to all four wheels through a modified 6-speed manual gearbox that comes with TechArt gearshift travel shortage and extra gear-box-oil cooling.


There were no modifications made to Porsche 911 accessories nonetheless; the 3.6 liter boxer engine was modified with 2 larger turbochargers, a sports air filter, integrated high performance catalysts, and the stainless steel exhaust system with special manifolds. The car can now hit 62 mph in 3.46 seconds and a top speed of 210 mph.


Other Porsche car parts were also customized. TechArt Formula is used to customize the exterior of the car. Additionally, the 5-spoke wheels and an aerodynamics kit use said formula to boost the car performance. The front spoiler created by TechArt lessens aerodynamic lift by 15 percent. Also, the new rear wing in conjunction with TechArt rear diffuser can generate 20 percent extra down force.


Porsche 911, a valuable sports car from Porsche AG of Stuttgart, Germany, is proven to be durable, distinctive, and famous. Since its inception in the auto industry, the same has been subjected to several modifications. As a fact, Porsche 911 has undergone constant development since 1964. The most notable mechanical modification is the introduction of air-cooled Type 996.


Porsche 911 has been upgraded and modified by both the private teams and the automaker. These modifications are specially made for Porsche to do better in rallying, racing, and other auto competition. Actually, Porsche 911 has been cited as the most successful competition car ever produced. Moreover, the most powerful is the Type 935. In an international poll, Porsche 911 landed on the 5th place for the world’s most influential car of the twentieth century. The top 4 cars were Ford Model T, the Mini, the Citroën DS and the Volkswagen Beetle.


TechArt, on the other hand, is a famed vehicle manufacturer. Nowadays, said company is setting a pattern in individualizing Porsche cars. Its workmanship and sense of design pave way for finest cars in the industry including Porsche 911.

Shane Morgay is a 34-year-old native of Ohio. She love cars and knows detailed information about them. She has a collection of miniature car collectibles and would love to have these collectibles become real ones. She works for a car part supplier most days of the week.