|
||
|
Auto repair coupons are a great way to save money on the required
maintenance for your car. This maintenance is something you need to do
anyway, so looking for and using coupons can only be a benefit to you. There are a few ways to go about finding and using auto repair coupons. Clip coupons as you find them. We all get coupon mailings from time to time. Usually these contain coupons or flyers from local businesses, including automotive repair shops. Keep an eye out for these auto repair coupons, and save them when you find them. Even if it's a repair you don't end up needing, and you just throw the coupon away when it expires, the worst that will happen is that the coupon will take up some space on your fridge or in your drawer for a little while. The best thing that can happen, of course, is that you find the coupon at just the right time to save some money on something you were going to have to do anyway. Examples that you'll probably see a lot of are coupons for oil changes, radiator flushes, air conditioning maintenance, alignments, and tires. Go look for the coupons when you need them. There are a lot of resources online if you find yourself needing a specific repair or maintenance. For instance, coupon sites such as valpak offer a searchable coupon database. You just print the coupons you need, and take them with you when you go. Since many of these online coupon sites feature local businesses and allow you to search in your specific area, you should be able to find a wide selection. Check with your favorite auto repair shop. If you have a favorite place you take your car, don't go someplace else just because you have a coupon. There's a reason why that shop is your favorite, and you may end up being dissatisfied if you take your car anywhere else. Instead, check with your favorite shop and see what offers they are running. They may have flyers with their current coupons in the store, so they can give the special deals to customers when they ask, particularly loyal returning customers like you. Or they may be able to tell you how you can get your hands on their specific coupons online, in the local paper, or in a mailing they sent out recently. There's also another possibility you might consider. Sometimes one shop will honor another shop's auto repair coupons, just to get (or keep) your business. So call your favorite local shop or pay your favorite mechanic a visit, tell them about or show them the discounted service offered, and see if they can do anything for you. It's always worth a shot. Maintaining your car can be expensive, so it pays to find all possible ways to save money. A great way to save money is to clip auto repair coupons for expenses you'll have one way or another. Hopefully these suggestions have given you some ideas for how and where you can save money on automotive repairs. |
Tuesday
3 Ways to Save with Auto Repair Coupons
3 Advantages Of Hybrid Cars Over Conventional Cars
|
||
|
Due to the rising cost of fuel and the environmental damage it
causes to our planet, many car owners or buyers are looking for an
alternative way to save money. Let's face it, fuel supply is finite and
the prices of gas is only going to rise higher and higher. That is where
a hybrid car has its advantages Hybrid cars have been gaining in popularity in recent years. With lower cost of production and new hybrid car technology being developed, owning a hybrid car is becoming affordable to everyone. Hybrid Cars Saves Gas The obvious advantage of using hybrid cars is that it saves gas. Combining the cleaner energy of an electric motor with the long range capacity of a gasoline engine allows a hybrid car to save as much as 30 miles a gallon. One feature of hybrid cars is that the gasoline engine is shut off automatically when the car stops. This also helps in saving fuel. That is also the reason why hybrid cars are so quiet why it is stationary. The gasoline engine is automatically turned on when you step on the accelerator pedal. Hybrid Cars Are Environment Friendly Hybrid cars emit lower toxic emissions compared to conventional gasoline-powered cars due to less gasoline being burned. It is environmentally friendly, causes less pollution and releases less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. If you do not know, carbon dioxide is one of the primary reasons for rising global warming. For example, the Toyota Prius can reduce tailpipe emissions by up to ninety percent and the greenhouse gas emissions by as much as fifty percent. Tax Incentives For Hybrid Cars Due to world political pressures around the world to reduce greenhouse emissions, President Bush signed an agreement in 2005 to provide huge tax relief to hybrid car buyers. The tax incentive varies by model and are based on two factors 1. How fuel efficient the hybrid car is compared to a conventional car in 2002 with the same weight class. 2. How much gasoline the hybrid car can save in its lifetime compared with an equivalent conventional car For example, a Honda Accord hybrid car have reduced tax credits of $600 while a Toyota Prius has a tax credit of $3150. Do note that the tax credits do expire after 2010 for most hybrid cars. Hybrid car manufacturers are continually researching for more ways to reduce fuel consumption and better fuel efficiency. Also as more hybrid cars are being adopted, the cost of hybrid cars will reduce making it more affordable for everyone. |
Thursday
How to Fall Asleep Faster and Fight Insomnia Naturally All Natural Tips for Falling Asleep Faster
For all-natural rest try staying away from sleep aids, drugs and alcohol
to help you fall asleep at night. Sometimes people with insomnia become
excessively tired because they can't sleep, they get desperate and then
get addicted to a sleeping pill. Instead of using drugs you can take
the approach to getting to sleep at night naturally.
If you have laid in bed tossing and turning but not being able to go to sleep, then you may want some help falling asleep. If you have been tired but just can't fall asleep, but don't want to take anything that isn't natural keep reading. If you have gone a few days without restful sleep and have a period of insomnia you may need a little help getting to bed. Try some of the ideas below to fall asleep fast.
If you are unable to sleep try some deep breathing exercises. Lie on your bed and start to take some deep breaths. You need to breath from your abdomen filling your belly with air. Continue taking these deep breaths and try to slow your breathing down, which will slow your heart rate. Try deep breathing from your diaphragm for five to ten minutes to help you fall asleep faster.
Sometimes drinking something warm can help put you to sleep. You can warm up a cup of milk or soymilk to help you sleep. A cup of warm milk is soothing and can help relax you. If you don't like milk or are lactose intolerant you can try having a cup of Chamomile tea before bed. By drinking this caffeine free herbal tea as a natural sleep aid; you will soothe yourself into a relaxing sleep.
Dim the lights around you for about an hour before your bedtime. This may include turning off the television and computer. Getting your body used to the lower light will help you sleep better later. Make sure your bedroom is not too brightly lit either. Too much light in the room or in the hallway can keep you awake. Your body needs darkness to sleep, which is why it gets dark at night.
If you are like many people you have thoughts about daily life or concerns for the next day that may keep you awake. If you are excited or worried about tomorrow it will be difficult to sleep tonight. One way to help you with your thoughts is to write them down in a journal. Sometimes a thought will go around and around in your head and will cause you not to fall asleep. If you have this problem take five minutes to write about it in a sleep journal or a regular diary. This action just releases these thoughts and you won't spend as much time thinking about them.
Here are a few things for you to remember about getting better sleep. Stick to a sleep schedule, go to bed at the same time each night, this gets your internal clock set and you will fall asleep faster. Stay away from caffeine before bed, it's a good rule of thumb not to have caffeine after 5pm, if you know that caffeine keeps you awake you can stop having it earlier. Try to keep stress to a minimum; stress can keep you up at night.
If you have tried all of these tips, ideas and more and are still experiencing chronic insomnia, you will want to pay a visit to your doctors office. Or if you still want all natural sleep aids, a doctor who also practices homeopathy may be the best choice for you. If all else fails try counting sheep. Good luck, good night, and sweet dreams.
If you have laid in bed tossing and turning but not being able to go to sleep, then you may want some help falling asleep. If you have been tired but just can't fall asleep, but don't want to take anything that isn't natural keep reading. If you have gone a few days without restful sleep and have a period of insomnia you may need a little help getting to bed. Try some of the ideas below to fall asleep fast.
If you are unable to sleep try some deep breathing exercises. Lie on your bed and start to take some deep breaths. You need to breath from your abdomen filling your belly with air. Continue taking these deep breaths and try to slow your breathing down, which will slow your heart rate. Try deep breathing from your diaphragm for five to ten minutes to help you fall asleep faster.
Sometimes drinking something warm can help put you to sleep. You can warm up a cup of milk or soymilk to help you sleep. A cup of warm milk is soothing and can help relax you. If you don't like milk or are lactose intolerant you can try having a cup of Chamomile tea before bed. By drinking this caffeine free herbal tea as a natural sleep aid; you will soothe yourself into a relaxing sleep.
Dim the lights around you for about an hour before your bedtime. This may include turning off the television and computer. Getting your body used to the lower light will help you sleep better later. Make sure your bedroom is not too brightly lit either. Too much light in the room or in the hallway can keep you awake. Your body needs darkness to sleep, which is why it gets dark at night.
If you are like many people you have thoughts about daily life or concerns for the next day that may keep you awake. If you are excited or worried about tomorrow it will be difficult to sleep tonight. One way to help you with your thoughts is to write them down in a journal. Sometimes a thought will go around and around in your head and will cause you not to fall asleep. If you have this problem take five minutes to write about it in a sleep journal or a regular diary. This action just releases these thoughts and you won't spend as much time thinking about them.
Here are a few things for you to remember about getting better sleep. Stick to a sleep schedule, go to bed at the same time each night, this gets your internal clock set and you will fall asleep faster. Stay away from caffeine before bed, it's a good rule of thumb not to have caffeine after 5pm, if you know that caffeine keeps you awake you can stop having it earlier. Try to keep stress to a minimum; stress can keep you up at night.
If you have tried all of these tips, ideas and more and are still experiencing chronic insomnia, you will want to pay a visit to your doctors office. Or if you still want all natural sleep aids, a doctor who also practices homeopathy may be the best choice for you. If all else fails try counting sheep. Good luck, good night, and sweet dreams.
Tuesday
Does Wearing Sunglasses When Driving in Heavy Rain Help Increase Visibility?
It is easy to save a lot of money on Panerai Power Reserve / GMT watches uk sale by buying at this brilliant website - http://www.watchesuksale.co.uk. Please don't hesitate to drop your comments on the article to let the author know your views.
As we all known, driving in rain is not as dangerous as driving in heavy snow days or on ice, but it is still full of hazards. And any experienced driver will have a common sense that in heavy rain days, your vision in a car is very poor even though you turn on the fastest speed of your wipers.
However, month ago, a friend of mine told me a piece of tip about how to increase your visibility when driving in heavy raining days. He said by accident he finds that in bad weather, just trying sunglass will have clear visibility at once. And he added that he enjoys clearer view compared with driving without them. He told me make sure a pair of sunglasses nearby in my car, which will help me have a safe journey with good vision.
Actually, I have heard this before and don’t know if it works. I have not tried this method because these days I always enjoy sunshine. However, I have attempted to search for related information.
It is said that the raindrops falling on windshield refract light, which is very dazzling and makes our vision blurred. While, sunglasses help cancel such refraction.
However, someone says that not all sunglasses can achieve that effect. The best choice is polarized sunglasses. And others point that you should avoid wearing dark-colored polarized sunglasses in rainy days for it is much more cloudy and gloomy and dark-colored lenses cannot serve you better vision and safer journey.
Do sunglasses cancel the refraction caused by rain or not? Try it yourself and share your experience with your friends. By the way be carefully when you test this approach in downpour.
As we all known, driving in rain is not as dangerous as driving in heavy snow days or on ice, but it is still full of hazards. And any experienced driver will have a common sense that in heavy rain days, your vision in a car is very poor even though you turn on the fastest speed of your wipers.
However, month ago, a friend of mine told me a piece of tip about how to increase your visibility when driving in heavy raining days. He said by accident he finds that in bad weather, just trying sunglass will have clear visibility at once. And he added that he enjoys clearer view compared with driving without them. He told me make sure a pair of sunglasses nearby in my car, which will help me have a safe journey with good vision.
Actually, I have heard this before and don’t know if it works. I have not tried this method because these days I always enjoy sunshine. However, I have attempted to search for related information.
It is said that the raindrops falling on windshield refract light, which is very dazzling and makes our vision blurred. While, sunglasses help cancel such refraction.
However, someone says that not all sunglasses can achieve that effect. The best choice is polarized sunglasses. And others point that you should avoid wearing dark-colored polarized sunglasses in rainy days for it is much more cloudy and gloomy and dark-colored lenses cannot serve you better vision and safer journey.
Do sunglasses cancel the refraction caused by rain or not? Try it yourself and share your experience with your friends. By the way be carefully when you test this approach in downpour.
Cheap Used Cars...Think Again?
European branded cars are often high on the list of used cars people
love to buy. Lexus and BMW are car manufacturer names that rank high on
the used car list options for many people. If you are a lover of jaguar
automobile lines, you can easily get a used one online or in an
auction.
Many used car dealers tend to rip off those looking for used cars because many of them are too na ve. Before you purchase a used car, you have to give it a thorough check up, so to speak. Used cars that have less than 60,000 miles and are less than 5 years old are often excellent buys.
The body work of a car includes the color of the car and the texture of the surface of the car. If the surface of a used car is far from smooth, then you should walk on by as it may be an indication that the car is in less than excellent shape. Always steer clear of paint over used cars when shopping for a used care because you may get less in terms of quality than what you paid for.
The first thing that you have to do when you want to get a used car imported from Japan is to find a good dealer who has a commendable command of English; language can be a barrier to a good used car sales. You should ensure that your Japan used car dealer is registered with the local government as this will enhance credibility and foster trust.
Car finance is often organized and approved based on two types of interest rates; fixed and variable interest rates. You may not have all the time in the world to look for car finance; as a result you can hire a car finance specialist to help you. Car finance enables you to buy any used car you want provided that you can pay back within the arranged time.
The pricing of used cars can be influenced by the exterior and interior of the car. You can get a solid idea about how much used cars go for by reading the guide book provided the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA). The internet can also provide you with an idea about the various costs of used cars.
If you purchase your second hand car from an auction deal, you should always ensure that the ownership papers are transferred to you to avoid any misunderstanding.
Research is the best way to get the best used car deal. If you don't dig deep through used car sources such as the internet or newspapers, you may never find the used car that you are looking for.
Many used car dealers tend to rip off those looking for used cars because many of them are too na ve. Before you purchase a used car, you have to give it a thorough check up, so to speak. Used cars that have less than 60,000 miles and are less than 5 years old are often excellent buys.
The body work of a car includes the color of the car and the texture of the surface of the car. If the surface of a used car is far from smooth, then you should walk on by as it may be an indication that the car is in less than excellent shape. Always steer clear of paint over used cars when shopping for a used care because you may get less in terms of quality than what you paid for.
The first thing that you have to do when you want to get a used car imported from Japan is to find a good dealer who has a commendable command of English; language can be a barrier to a good used car sales. You should ensure that your Japan used car dealer is registered with the local government as this will enhance credibility and foster trust.
Car finance is often organized and approved based on two types of interest rates; fixed and variable interest rates. You may not have all the time in the world to look for car finance; as a result you can hire a car finance specialist to help you. Car finance enables you to buy any used car you want provided that you can pay back within the arranged time.
The pricing of used cars can be influenced by the exterior and interior of the car. You can get a solid idea about how much used cars go for by reading the guide book provided the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA). The internet can also provide you with an idea about the various costs of used cars.
If you purchase your second hand car from an auction deal, you should always ensure that the ownership papers are transferred to you to avoid any misunderstanding.
Research is the best way to get the best used car deal. If you don't dig deep through used car sources such as the internet or newspapers, you may never find the used car that you are looking for.
Buying At Repossessed Car Auctions-00-886
Buying a repossessed car is a great way to claim a quality motor vehicle
at a sometimes incredible price. The best way to buy a repossessed car
is at repossessed car auctions, these car auctions sell cars at such a
low price that it can be a dream come true for potential car owner who
would have paid a much higher price buying the vehicle at the
dealership.
Could all this just hype? Can it be that we are really able to save big dollars buying at the auctions? I mean we have all heard the stories, like getting a car for $100 but could this be a reality and are those stories more of a flash in the pan than the everyday norm? If it is really true many of us would be saying where can I sign up to get a car from these repossessed car auctions?
Lets take a quick look at car repossession and why these cars go to auction. To begin with what is a repossessed car? Well to put it simply it is a car that has been repossessed by the bank, most of the time this occurs when the owner has defaulted on their car loan or lease repayments. When a car is repossessed it is normally held normally for a period of time to give the owner a chance to catch up on their payments, if the owner can not catch up the bank takes full ownership of the vehicle.
The main reason that repossessed cars are so cheap these days is not because the car is a wreck, in a bad mechanical state nor that it is a bad brand name for that matter, but it is because of the shear number of cars that are repossessed today. The storing and maintenance of these cars is just huge and it lowers the price considerably for you. Car repossession is on the increase every year.
I know what you are thinking, well if they are that cheap why doesn't everyone buy their cars this way?
There are a couple of reasons why
1. Ignorance, Basically people's lack of viable information in regards to these kinds of auctions. Sad but true, in general people have absolutely no idea or clue about where to find information about these auctions, where they are being held and how to get in on the action.
2. Car Dealers, Yes you read that right they don't want you to know or even get a glimpse of these kinds of auctions. They are constantly buying these cars at auction for resale. Often times making thousands of dollars on each car.
3. Fear, We are fickle but also we want security. I mean the words repossessed car auctions screams at you something must be wrong with the cars, only problem with them is their owner. The thing is with the right homework completed and some good research you are well on your way to buying brand new hardly used cars for under $500.
Could all this just hype? Can it be that we are really able to save big dollars buying at the auctions? I mean we have all heard the stories, like getting a car for $100 but could this be a reality and are those stories more of a flash in the pan than the everyday norm? If it is really true many of us would be saying where can I sign up to get a car from these repossessed car auctions?
Lets take a quick look at car repossession and why these cars go to auction. To begin with what is a repossessed car? Well to put it simply it is a car that has been repossessed by the bank, most of the time this occurs when the owner has defaulted on their car loan or lease repayments. When a car is repossessed it is normally held normally for a period of time to give the owner a chance to catch up on their payments, if the owner can not catch up the bank takes full ownership of the vehicle.
The main reason that repossessed cars are so cheap these days is not because the car is a wreck, in a bad mechanical state nor that it is a bad brand name for that matter, but it is because of the shear number of cars that are repossessed today. The storing and maintenance of these cars is just huge and it lowers the price considerably for you. Car repossession is on the increase every year.
I know what you are thinking, well if they are that cheap why doesn't everyone buy their cars this way?
There are a couple of reasons why
1. Ignorance, Basically people's lack of viable information in regards to these kinds of auctions. Sad but true, in general people have absolutely no idea or clue about where to find information about these auctions, where they are being held and how to get in on the action.
2. Car Dealers, Yes you read that right they don't want you to know or even get a glimpse of these kinds of auctions. They are constantly buying these cars at auction for resale. Often times making thousands of dollars on each car.
3. Fear, We are fickle but also we want security. I mean the words repossessed car auctions screams at you something must be wrong with the cars, only problem with them is their owner. The thing is with the right homework completed and some good research you are well on your way to buying brand new hardly used cars for under $500.
3 Exceptional European Automakers-00-5617
When you think of exceptional cars that are built in Europe, does your
mind run strictly to cars made by Rolls Royce, BMW, or Mercedes? Perhaps
Jaguar and Lamborghini come to mind as well. Each of these makes
deserve all the accolades given to them. Still, there are three makes
that are, for various reasons, exceptional. Let’s take a look at Volvo,
Volkswagen, and Audi, the three makes featured in this article.
For a country of just nine million to produce one automaker would be amazing enough. To lay claim to two automakers is simply phenomenal. Both Volvo and Saab are from this particular country which is Sweden. Now a part of Ford Motor Company, Volvo has greatly influenced the automobile industry over the years. Safety standards that had been universally low elsewhere are much more appreciated with Volvo. Front end crumple zones, reinforced roofs and specially designed interiors have all had their origin with Volvo. Out of these high safety standards have come a line of cars that are, indeed, some of the best built and safest cars on the road. Fortunately, through Volvo’s leadership, many automakers around the world have incorporated Volvo’s high safety standard. This is what makes Volvo exceptional in my eyes.
The company that brought to the world the first people’s car, the Beetle, is also exceptional. First designed in Germany during the 1930s, the Beetle survived World War II and was one of the most mass produced and loved cars in the world. From the 1950s forward the Beetle managed to make motorized transportation available to people who otherwise could not afford a car. From college students in the US to migrant workers in Mexico and from the gritty cities of Holland to the Irish farmlands, the Beetle made owning a car affordable the majority of the masses. Even after importation to the US ceased during the 1970s, the Beetle was produced for another generation and sold in Mexico.
Without drawing out the point too far, the term that best describes Audi’s quattro technology is “superior handling.” Perhaps that is an understatement but when Audi introduced quattro all wheel drive the company threw the gauntlet down and told the rest of the auto making world that quattro was the standard by which all luxury sedans would be judged. Audi's quattro technology has given the company such a huge advantage over competitors that over the years it has been banned from certain types of racing. Indeed, Audi’s quattro technology provides continuous traction long past when other road handling schematics have reached their threshold.
So, there you have it. Three truly exceptional automobiles from the European continent, exceptional in ways, perhaps, that should be labeled as extraordinary.
For a country of just nine million to produce one automaker would be amazing enough. To lay claim to two automakers is simply phenomenal. Both Volvo and Saab are from this particular country which is Sweden. Now a part of Ford Motor Company, Volvo has greatly influenced the automobile industry over the years. Safety standards that had been universally low elsewhere are much more appreciated with Volvo. Front end crumple zones, reinforced roofs and specially designed interiors have all had their origin with Volvo. Out of these high safety standards have come a line of cars that are, indeed, some of the best built and safest cars on the road. Fortunately, through Volvo’s leadership, many automakers around the world have incorporated Volvo’s high safety standard. This is what makes Volvo exceptional in my eyes.
The company that brought to the world the first people’s car, the Beetle, is also exceptional. First designed in Germany during the 1930s, the Beetle survived World War II and was one of the most mass produced and loved cars in the world. From the 1950s forward the Beetle managed to make motorized transportation available to people who otherwise could not afford a car. From college students in the US to migrant workers in Mexico and from the gritty cities of Holland to the Irish farmlands, the Beetle made owning a car affordable the majority of the masses. Even after importation to the US ceased during the 1970s, the Beetle was produced for another generation and sold in Mexico.
Without drawing out the point too far, the term that best describes Audi’s quattro technology is “superior handling.” Perhaps that is an understatement but when Audi introduced quattro all wheel drive the company threw the gauntlet down and told the rest of the auto making world that quattro was the standard by which all luxury sedans would be judged. Audi's quattro technology has given the company such a huge advantage over competitors that over the years it has been banned from certain types of racing. Indeed, Audi’s quattro technology provides continuous traction long past when other road handling schematics have reached their threshold.
So, there you have it. Three truly exceptional automobiles from the European continent, exceptional in ways, perhaps, that should be labeled as extraordinary.
Tips for Buying a New Car
Buying a new car can be fairly easy if you follow a few tips and tricks.
You have to know what your doing in order to get a good deal and
knowing your rights. Car Dealers are there for one reason. To make money
off of you. You have to keep that in mind.
Know the time
There are certain times in the year when you should try and buy a car. This will ensure a good deal for you. If you can wait until December then you should do that. The reason for this is, most people are out shopping for gifts for their loved ones. They are not thinking about buying a car. This means the car dealerships have less customers then they would normally have. This will make the dealers cut prices to all time lows in order to drive costumers in. Another great month to buy a car is in October. Car dealerships will offer a all time low on this year models so they can clear out for next year models. There are many incentives on cars for the dealers. Tell them you know about them and would like that amount knocked off.
Credit Score
You will want to know your credit history and your credit score. You cant get a good deal if you have no clue about your scores. If you have a higher score, that's a better deal you can get. Find out all your information before going to the dealer.
Bargain
You will need to remember during this time, that he is working for a big commission. The dealer is going to try and get you to pay the most for the car. They will tell you that they can knock this amount off and that's final. Trust me when I say this, its never final. You should know what the car is worth, then you know how far you can push it. If you don't like the lowest price he is willing to offer you tell him, you have changed your mind and get ready to leave. More then likely, he will go back on his final offer so he can keep your business.
Trade In
Don't let them know you have a trade in until you have both agreed on a price. Once the price is set and you both are happy, then tell him that you have a trade in. Make sure you know what your car is worth, so you don't get ripped off in this process. If you owe money on a car its best to not trade it in. Many people have been ripped off this way. The sales men offer to pay off the car payment , in turn giving you a lower offer. No matter what happened, you name is still on that loan which makes you liable. If you really want to do this, then make the dealer write something down with a time limit. If they do not pay off the loan in the time limit, tell them the deal is off and return the new car.
Location
If you know a certain car that you want, go for that car. If the dealership does not have that car, do not have them locate that car for you. You find that car and go get it. So many times people have been ripped off letting on dealership buy it from another. Then there are all kinds of hidden fees and who knows you may not even get the car you were looking for. Your better off finding your own car and going from there. This way you know what your buying and where its coming from.
Know the time
There are certain times in the year when you should try and buy a car. This will ensure a good deal for you. If you can wait until December then you should do that. The reason for this is, most people are out shopping for gifts for their loved ones. They are not thinking about buying a car. This means the car dealerships have less customers then they would normally have. This will make the dealers cut prices to all time lows in order to drive costumers in. Another great month to buy a car is in October. Car dealerships will offer a all time low on this year models so they can clear out for next year models. There are many incentives on cars for the dealers. Tell them you know about them and would like that amount knocked off.
Credit Score
You will want to know your credit history and your credit score. You cant get a good deal if you have no clue about your scores. If you have a higher score, that's a better deal you can get. Find out all your information before going to the dealer.
Bargain
You will need to remember during this time, that he is working for a big commission. The dealer is going to try and get you to pay the most for the car. They will tell you that they can knock this amount off and that's final. Trust me when I say this, its never final. You should know what the car is worth, then you know how far you can push it. If you don't like the lowest price he is willing to offer you tell him, you have changed your mind and get ready to leave. More then likely, he will go back on his final offer so he can keep your business.
Trade In
Don't let them know you have a trade in until you have both agreed on a price. Once the price is set and you both are happy, then tell him that you have a trade in. Make sure you know what your car is worth, so you don't get ripped off in this process. If you owe money on a car its best to not trade it in. Many people have been ripped off this way. The sales men offer to pay off the car payment , in turn giving you a lower offer. No matter what happened, you name is still on that loan which makes you liable. If you really want to do this, then make the dealer write something down with a time limit. If they do not pay off the loan in the time limit, tell them the deal is off and return the new car.
Location
If you know a certain car that you want, go for that car. If the dealership does not have that car, do not have them locate that car for you. You find that car and go get it. So many times people have been ripped off letting on dealership buy it from another. Then there are all kinds of hidden fees and who knows you may not even get the car you were looking for. Your better off finding your own car and going from there. This way you know what your buying and where its coming from.
Ways to Stay Awake While Driving
Many people cannot imagine how anyone could fall asleep while driving,
but when extremely tired, it can happen. A person wants to close their
eyes for just a few seconds, and a few seconds results in an accident
while falling asleep. Instead of risking getting into an accident, use
the following ways to stay awake while driving. Sleep is by far the best
antidote to staying awake while driving, but it is not always possible.
Precautionary Statement
Never attempt to drive any distance when drowsy. Use commonsense, and the take the following steps to stay away while driving only when minimally tired. Get plenty of rest whenever possible, and when in doubt regarding the ability to stay awake on the road, pull over to a safe location and take a nap. Drowsy driving is impaired driving, and it is never worth the risk.
Eat Something
When trying to stay awake when driving, take something to munch on. Peanuts are a good choice since they are loaded with protein. Trail mix and granola are also great pick-me-ups for anyone trying to stay awake on the road. The mixture of tastes and textures keeps it interesting when working on trying to stay awake.
Roll Down the Windows
Wind rushing through all sides of the vehicle can help a person stay awake while driving. If hair is a concern, open the passenger side window and the driver's side window in back to create a diagonal cross breeze. This will allow wind to rush through without making a mess of clothing and hair.
Turn up the Music
Singing to upbeat music is another one of the best ways to stay awake while driving. Pop in a CD or turn on the stereo. Find a familiar tune that is not soft or slow like a lullaby. Turn it up a little louder than usual, and do not worry about people seeing your lips moving while singing. Trying to stay away while driving is far more important than worrying about the thoughts of others that will never been seen again anyway.
Talk to Someone Using a Hands-Free Unit
Many states do not allow cell phone use when on the road, and even in states without a phone use law, do not attempt to call someone while driving and trying to stay awake. In locations where it is legal to still use a hands-free unit, call someone before driving down the road. Talking to someone is one of the best ways to stay awake when driving, and if they are not in the car, the phone is the next best thing.
Drink Something Caffeinated
Eating will certainly help keep a person awake while driving, but soft drinks work equally as well, especially those containing caffeine. Stop off for a fountain drink or a long-lasting energy booster. Take a look at the article entitled Gas Station Cappuccino. This is another beverage that will satisfy a craving while keeping a person away while driving whether it is a trip across town or far down the road.
Precautionary Statement
Never attempt to drive any distance when drowsy. Use commonsense, and the take the following steps to stay away while driving only when minimally tired. Get plenty of rest whenever possible, and when in doubt regarding the ability to stay awake on the road, pull over to a safe location and take a nap. Drowsy driving is impaired driving, and it is never worth the risk.
Eat Something
When trying to stay awake when driving, take something to munch on. Peanuts are a good choice since they are loaded with protein. Trail mix and granola are also great pick-me-ups for anyone trying to stay awake on the road. The mixture of tastes and textures keeps it interesting when working on trying to stay awake.
Roll Down the Windows
Wind rushing through all sides of the vehicle can help a person stay awake while driving. If hair is a concern, open the passenger side window and the driver's side window in back to create a diagonal cross breeze. This will allow wind to rush through without making a mess of clothing and hair.
Turn up the Music
Singing to upbeat music is another one of the best ways to stay awake while driving. Pop in a CD or turn on the stereo. Find a familiar tune that is not soft or slow like a lullaby. Turn it up a little louder than usual, and do not worry about people seeing your lips moving while singing. Trying to stay away while driving is far more important than worrying about the thoughts of others that will never been seen again anyway.
Talk to Someone Using a Hands-Free Unit
Many states do not allow cell phone use when on the road, and even in states without a phone use law, do not attempt to call someone while driving and trying to stay awake. In locations where it is legal to still use a hands-free unit, call someone before driving down the road. Talking to someone is one of the best ways to stay awake when driving, and if they are not in the car, the phone is the next best thing.
Drink Something Caffeinated
Eating will certainly help keep a person awake while driving, but soft drinks work equally as well, especially those containing caffeine. Stop off for a fountain drink or a long-lasting energy booster. Take a look at the article entitled Gas Station Cappuccino. This is another beverage that will satisfy a craving while keeping a person away while driving whether it is a trip across town or far down the road.
A Close Look at Your Car's Exhaust System
The beauty of the exhaust system on modern cars is that no one thinks about it
for years and years. As long as it does not rattle, make loud noises, or
leak, it does its job quietly and efficiently.
Except for the tail pipe that sits under the rear bumper or behind a rear
tire, the exhaust systems of today are rarely noticed. They are made of
better metals and frequently last deep into the second hundred thousand miles
on most cars. Sometimes, they exceed the life of the car.
The exhaust system begins inside your car's engine. The valves that operate
at the top of each cylinder are responsible for two things. One
responsibility is to let fuel into the cylinder to allow combustion to
happen. The other is to let exhaust exit the cylinder. Each valve or set of
valves performs the appropriate action during the up and down strokes of the
car's pistons.
As the piston moves upward in the cylinder on the exhaust stroke, the vapor
residue from the fuel ignition is forces upward through the open exhaust valve
and into the exhaust manifold. When you look at your car's engine, the
exhaust manifold looks like 4, 6, or 8 arms (usually one for each cylinder)
coming from the sides of your engine and going toward the rear of the engine
where they all intersect into either a single or dual exhaust system.
Inside most exhaust manifolds are two devices. The first is a sensor to make
sure that the burned mixture coming from the cylinder has combusted properly.
This lets your car's onboard computer know if the car is running as it
should. If a problem is detected, the computer will turn on the "check engine
soon" light on your dashboard. This is one of several reasons that this light
may come on.
The second is a damper to regulate the speed with which the exhaust flows from
your engine. This damper serves two purposes. The first is to maintain a
little back pressure on your engine to make it run better. The second purpose
is to help regulate the motors operating temperature. When the motor is cool,
it closes a little to warm it up to the optimum temperature. The opposite
happens if the engine is too hot.
A malfunction in this damper can light up you "check engine soon" warning.
Sometimes as a car ages, this damper can create a rattle inside the manifold.
Usually, this is not a problem, but if the damper sticks open or shut, it can
create the need for a repair job. This always means a new exhaust manifold.
The exhaust pipe fits on the exhaust manifold where all of the arms
intersect. Sometimes there is a gasket at this juncture, but not always. It
varies by model and manufacturer. The exhaust pipe technically runs from the
manifold to the catalytic converter. The catalytic converter serves to remove
most of the hydrocarbon residue from the exhaust.
These converters are why cars today run on unleaded gasoline. Tetraethyl lead
was an octane boosting agent until the 70's. The lead ruined these
converters, and so lead had to be removed from the gasoline. Converters cause
your car to run much cleaner than cars of 30 or 40 years ago. If this
converter fails, your car will run terrible and only about 10 miles per hour.
From the catalytic converter, the intermediate pipe runs to the muffler. It
is only a foot or two in length. The muffler is responsible for keeping the
noise level down. It has baffles inside to divert the exhaust into several
different chambers and dampen the sound from a low rumble to non-existant
depending on the type of muffler installed.
The tail pipe extends from the muffler to the rear of the car. Sometimes it
may have two segments. Hangers along the length of the system keep the tubing
and equipment from falling down or having a distracting rattle.
Most cars today have one set of exhaust equipment. For dual exhaust vehicles,
you just have two of everything. One runs down each side of the vehicle.
Never touch the exhaust while it is hot. Even at the end of the tailpipe, it
can be hot enough to leave an ugly burn on your skin.
for years and years. As long as it does not rattle, make loud noises, or
leak, it does its job quietly and efficiently.
Except for the tail pipe that sits under the rear bumper or behind a rear
tire, the exhaust systems of today are rarely noticed. They are made of
better metals and frequently last deep into the second hundred thousand miles
on most cars. Sometimes, they exceed the life of the car.
The exhaust system begins inside your car's engine. The valves that operate
at the top of each cylinder are responsible for two things. One
responsibility is to let fuel into the cylinder to allow combustion to
happen. The other is to let exhaust exit the cylinder. Each valve or set of
valves performs the appropriate action during the up and down strokes of the
car's pistons.
As the piston moves upward in the cylinder on the exhaust stroke, the vapor
residue from the fuel ignition is forces upward through the open exhaust valve
and into the exhaust manifold. When you look at your car's engine, the
exhaust manifold looks like 4, 6, or 8 arms (usually one for each cylinder)
coming from the sides of your engine and going toward the rear of the engine
where they all intersect into either a single or dual exhaust system.
Inside most exhaust manifolds are two devices. The first is a sensor to make
sure that the burned mixture coming from the cylinder has combusted properly.
This lets your car's onboard computer know if the car is running as it
should. If a problem is detected, the computer will turn on the "check engine
soon" light on your dashboard. This is one of several reasons that this light
may come on.
The second is a damper to regulate the speed with which the exhaust flows from
your engine. This damper serves two purposes. The first is to maintain a
little back pressure on your engine to make it run better. The second purpose
is to help regulate the motors operating temperature. When the motor is cool,
it closes a little to warm it up to the optimum temperature. The opposite
happens if the engine is too hot.
A malfunction in this damper can light up you "check engine soon" warning.
Sometimes as a car ages, this damper can create a rattle inside the manifold.
Usually, this is not a problem, but if the damper sticks open or shut, it can
create the need for a repair job. This always means a new exhaust manifold.
The exhaust pipe fits on the exhaust manifold where all of the arms
intersect. Sometimes there is a gasket at this juncture, but not always. It
varies by model and manufacturer. The exhaust pipe technically runs from the
manifold to the catalytic converter. The catalytic converter serves to remove
most of the hydrocarbon residue from the exhaust.
These converters are why cars today run on unleaded gasoline. Tetraethyl lead
was an octane boosting agent until the 70's. The lead ruined these
converters, and so lead had to be removed from the gasoline. Converters cause
your car to run much cleaner than cars of 30 or 40 years ago. If this
converter fails, your car will run terrible and only about 10 miles per hour.
From the catalytic converter, the intermediate pipe runs to the muffler. It
is only a foot or two in length. The muffler is responsible for keeping the
noise level down. It has baffles inside to divert the exhaust into several
different chambers and dampen the sound from a low rumble to non-existant
depending on the type of muffler installed.
The tail pipe extends from the muffler to the rear of the car. Sometimes it
may have two segments. Hangers along the length of the system keep the tubing
and equipment from falling down or having a distracting rattle.
Most cars today have one set of exhaust equipment. For dual exhaust vehicles,
you just have two of everything. One runs down each side of the vehicle.
Never touch the exhaust while it is hot. Even at the end of the tailpipe, it
can be hot enough to leave an ugly burn on your skin.
2003 Hyundai Elantra GLS: Reliable, Great Features, Affordable and More
Not so long ago, Hyundai was producing some of the least reliable
vehicles on the road. This is not true today, and the sales figures
reflect this fact. This article reviews the Hyundai Elantra GLS, which I
have owned for the last six months. This review is based on a 2003 GLS
with a five-speed manual transmission. This model remains the same from
2001 to 2006. I have primarily used this vehicle for running errands,
traveling from point A to point B, and one road trip.
The Elantra is classified as a subcompact, and this reflected in its curb weight of just over 2600 pounds, inline four cylinder engine and 33 MPG highway fuel economy. The Hyundai Elantra has one of the most powerful engine in its class, boasting about one hundred and forty horsepower at its peak. During mixed driving, I average 28 MPG in this vehicle. The Elantra also sports class leading standard features, such as air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, power steering, front and front side airbags. All of this adds up to make the Elantra a worth competitor in the subcompact car class.
The styling of the Elantra is contemporary, and is reminiscent of many other cars. The GT trim offers a four door hatchback that may remind you of some audis from some years back. The interior is well laid out, with controls placed intuitively. Interior space is acceptable, especially for a subcompact. The drivers seat has front and rear height adjustability, along with the usual tilt and forward/backward adjustability that is expected. The seats have proven to be comfortable even on long road trips. The trunk in the sedan is large enough for most peoples needs, and the rear seats fold down to provide great cargo capacity. The four door hatchback version offers excellent cargo capacity and versatility.
The Elantra offers good handling and a comfortable ride, though the model is known to shake slightly at about seventy miles per hour. This can be cured by having the tires balanced correctly. Road noise is fairly low, and visibility is excellent in front, and good in back. The vehicle seats four adults comfortably.
Acceleration is very good for a subcompact, and getting on freeways is a painless and effortless affair. This is very different from my past experience with subcompact vehicles, where high revs and lots of engine noise went hand in hand with entering the freeway. Even accelerating uphill, no more than 3500 RPMs are needed with the Elantra. The Elantra can accelerate from 0-60 in 8.4 seconds with the manual transmission. Manual transmission shift points are perfectly spaced in my opinion. Minimum shift speeds are 15,25,35 and 45 MPH.
My biggest complaints about this vehicle are the clutch and the engine management system- The clutch is a hydraulic clutch, which is nice, but it has a 'damper' that prevents it from closing as quickly as I'd like. This results in a clutch that feels mushy. Some Elantra owners have taken to boring out the damper to make the clutch feel more direct. The engine management system tends to keep the engine revving in the two thousand RPM range for an unusually long time, and the tachometer 'floats' when you shift. This is all designed to help novice drivers handle the standard transmission, and to provide a more civilized driving experience, but as a driver with a decade of experience with manual transmissions, I find these features to be more annoying than anything.
The stock radio leaves much to be desired, coming with an AM/FM radio and a cassette player of all things. There is a one hundred watt CD player available from the manufacturer, but I opted to replace the radio with a quality aftermarket radio, and I have found that the stock speakers are good, delivering decent bass, good midrange and acceptable treble response. The sound isn't too muddy or resonant, and I don't feel the need to upgrade the speakers.
My particular Elantra has just crossed the one hundred thousand mile threshold, and it still looks, feels and performs like a new vehicle. I've heard that you can expect to go beyond the two hundred thousand mile mark with these vehicles, and based on how my car is holding up, I believe it.
Overall, the Elantra offers an effective combination of reliability, features, power and fuel economy- all at an attractive price. I would highly recommend considering this vehicle if you are shopping for a small car.
The Elantra is classified as a subcompact, and this reflected in its curb weight of just over 2600 pounds, inline four cylinder engine and 33 MPG highway fuel economy. The Hyundai Elantra has one of the most powerful engine in its class, boasting about one hundred and forty horsepower at its peak. During mixed driving, I average 28 MPG in this vehicle. The Elantra also sports class leading standard features, such as air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, power steering, front and front side airbags. All of this adds up to make the Elantra a worth competitor in the subcompact car class.
The styling of the Elantra is contemporary, and is reminiscent of many other cars. The GT trim offers a four door hatchback that may remind you of some audis from some years back. The interior is well laid out, with controls placed intuitively. Interior space is acceptable, especially for a subcompact. The drivers seat has front and rear height adjustability, along with the usual tilt and forward/backward adjustability that is expected. The seats have proven to be comfortable even on long road trips. The trunk in the sedan is large enough for most peoples needs, and the rear seats fold down to provide great cargo capacity. The four door hatchback version offers excellent cargo capacity and versatility.
The Elantra offers good handling and a comfortable ride, though the model is known to shake slightly at about seventy miles per hour. This can be cured by having the tires balanced correctly. Road noise is fairly low, and visibility is excellent in front, and good in back. The vehicle seats four adults comfortably.
Acceleration is very good for a subcompact, and getting on freeways is a painless and effortless affair. This is very different from my past experience with subcompact vehicles, where high revs and lots of engine noise went hand in hand with entering the freeway. Even accelerating uphill, no more than 3500 RPMs are needed with the Elantra. The Elantra can accelerate from 0-60 in 8.4 seconds with the manual transmission. Manual transmission shift points are perfectly spaced in my opinion. Minimum shift speeds are 15,25,35 and 45 MPH.
My biggest complaints about this vehicle are the clutch and the engine management system- The clutch is a hydraulic clutch, which is nice, but it has a 'damper' that prevents it from closing as quickly as I'd like. This results in a clutch that feels mushy. Some Elantra owners have taken to boring out the damper to make the clutch feel more direct. The engine management system tends to keep the engine revving in the two thousand RPM range for an unusually long time, and the tachometer 'floats' when you shift. This is all designed to help novice drivers handle the standard transmission, and to provide a more civilized driving experience, but as a driver with a decade of experience with manual transmissions, I find these features to be more annoying than anything.
The stock radio leaves much to be desired, coming with an AM/FM radio and a cassette player of all things. There is a one hundred watt CD player available from the manufacturer, but I opted to replace the radio with a quality aftermarket radio, and I have found that the stock speakers are good, delivering decent bass, good midrange and acceptable treble response. The sound isn't too muddy or resonant, and I don't feel the need to upgrade the speakers.
My particular Elantra has just crossed the one hundred thousand mile threshold, and it still looks, feels and performs like a new vehicle. I've heard that you can expect to go beyond the two hundred thousand mile mark with these vehicles, and based on how my car is holding up, I believe it.
Overall, the Elantra offers an effective combination of reliability, features, power and fuel economy- all at an attractive price. I would highly recommend considering this vehicle if you are shopping for a small car.
Three Things to Never Say at a Dealership When You're Buying a New Car
When you're negotiating for a new car, watch what you tell the sales
person. I've been writing about personal finance for 6 years and have
purchased 10 new vehicles over the years, gaining more skill each time.
One of the things I've learned is never to say anything that gives more
power to the dealer. An experienced car sales person picks up on certain
phrases and uses them to wring more money out of you. Here are three
things you should never say when you're at a dealership:
1) Wow, I love this car! It's exactly what I want. Most car models are available in abundance. If you don't come to an agreement on the vehicle you want at a particular dealership, you can most likely find a similar car at a dealer down the road. Car salesmen don't want you to know this. They depend on emotional decisions, so they lick their chops in eager anticipation of a hefty commission when you fall in love with a certain car.
You might already have designs on a certain model based on your initial research, and you can't contain your glee when you finally see the car in person. Or maybe you fall in love during the test drive, just as the sales person hopes you will. Smart sales people know they can squeeze more money out of you if you really, really want that car. They'll play on that desire, and they might even imply that someone else is interested in that same vehicle to push you into a snap decision.
Offset this by narrowing down the type of car you want and searching dealer inventories online. If you're looking for a common model and you live in a well-populated area, you'll probably find plenty in stock at several dealers. When you visit the first dealership, play it cool. Instead of gushing over the car, make neutral comments like, "Yes, it has some nice features. I could live with this model if the price is right."
If the sales person won't negotiate and you know the price is too high, head out to another dealership. Chances are you won't make it to the door before you're intercepted with a better offer. If not, the other dealer might be more willing to give you a fair price.
2) I want to spend $199 (or $299 or whatever) on my monthly payment. As soon as you let a sales person know how much you can afford to spend, he or she will make sure that you pay that full amount. Many sales people will ask how much you can pay, and when you say an amount, they'll add, "And up to?" as a ploy to get you to go a little higher.
Avoid this pitfall by refusing to discuss payments until you've agreed on a bottom line price. Better yet, have a pre-approved loan elsewhere before you start shopping around. This allows you to pit the dealer against the credit union for the financing. Go with your pre-approved loan if the dealership's finance department can't give you a better interest rate.
3) I have bad credit, so I really, really hope you can help me. Making this statement is like painting a target on your back and heading out to a shooting range. It takes away your bargaining ability because the sales person will act like he or she is doing you a big favor and that you need to take whatever vehicle you're offered.
Bad credit gets in the way of financing a car, so fix it up as much as possible before you start shopping. You're entitled to free copies of your three credit reports every year, so order them from www.annualcreditreport.com before your car search begins. Look for mistakes that are making your credit worse than it needs to be, like on-time payments marked as late. Dispute them for free on the credit bureau websites. The law requires removal if the bureaus can't verify the negative information, according to the Federal Trade Commission.
Once your credit report is cleaned up as much as possible, approach your credit union or the bank with which you normally do business and see if they'll give you a pre-approved. They might not be able to if your credit score is still too low, but it's worth a try. Having that pre-approved loan takes away the dealer's ability to hold bad credit over your head.
If you can't get your own financing, don't let the sales person act like he or she is doing you a favor by working with you. Many people have dings on their credit histories caused by rough patches in the bad economy. Take your business elsewhere if you're not treated like a valued customer.
1) Wow, I love this car! It's exactly what I want. Most car models are available in abundance. If you don't come to an agreement on the vehicle you want at a particular dealership, you can most likely find a similar car at a dealer down the road. Car salesmen don't want you to know this. They depend on emotional decisions, so they lick their chops in eager anticipation of a hefty commission when you fall in love with a certain car.
You might already have designs on a certain model based on your initial research, and you can't contain your glee when you finally see the car in person. Or maybe you fall in love during the test drive, just as the sales person hopes you will. Smart sales people know they can squeeze more money out of you if you really, really want that car. They'll play on that desire, and they might even imply that someone else is interested in that same vehicle to push you into a snap decision.
Offset this by narrowing down the type of car you want and searching dealer inventories online. If you're looking for a common model and you live in a well-populated area, you'll probably find plenty in stock at several dealers. When you visit the first dealership, play it cool. Instead of gushing over the car, make neutral comments like, "Yes, it has some nice features. I could live with this model if the price is right."
If the sales person won't negotiate and you know the price is too high, head out to another dealership. Chances are you won't make it to the door before you're intercepted with a better offer. If not, the other dealer might be more willing to give you a fair price.
2) I want to spend $199 (or $299 or whatever) on my monthly payment. As soon as you let a sales person know how much you can afford to spend, he or she will make sure that you pay that full amount. Many sales people will ask how much you can pay, and when you say an amount, they'll add, "And up to?" as a ploy to get you to go a little higher.
Avoid this pitfall by refusing to discuss payments until you've agreed on a bottom line price. Better yet, have a pre-approved loan elsewhere before you start shopping around. This allows you to pit the dealer against the credit union for the financing. Go with your pre-approved loan if the dealership's finance department can't give you a better interest rate.
3) I have bad credit, so I really, really hope you can help me. Making this statement is like painting a target on your back and heading out to a shooting range. It takes away your bargaining ability because the sales person will act like he or she is doing you a big favor and that you need to take whatever vehicle you're offered.
Bad credit gets in the way of financing a car, so fix it up as much as possible before you start shopping. You're entitled to free copies of your three credit reports every year, so order them from www.annualcreditreport.com before your car search begins. Look for mistakes that are making your credit worse than it needs to be, like on-time payments marked as late. Dispute them for free on the credit bureau websites. The law requires removal if the bureaus can't verify the negative information, according to the Federal Trade Commission.
Once your credit report is cleaned up as much as possible, approach your credit union or the bank with which you normally do business and see if they'll give you a pre-approved. They might not be able to if your credit score is still too low, but it's worth a try. Having that pre-approved loan takes away the dealer's ability to hold bad credit over your head.
If you can't get your own financing, don't let the sales person act like he or she is doing you a favor by working with you. Many people have dings on their credit histories caused by rough patches in the bad economy. Take your business elsewhere if you're not treated like a valued customer.
5 Ways Great Drivers Practice Fatigue Management
Driving drowsy contributes to about 1,500 deaths each year on America's roads, the Federal Highway Administration
reports. Only the tip of the driver fatigue iceberg, it also shows up
in "100,000 police-reported highway crashes." Can you avoid driving
drowsy? Sure! Five fatigue management tips put you on the road to
arriving alive.
1. Take a break every 100 miles
The AAA Foundation warns that driver fatigue can overcome you even when you feel rested. Taking a break every 100 miles, or every two hours, breaks up the monotony of watching the white lines whizz by and become a blur.
2. Avoid driving during the three deadly times
There are some times when driver fatigue is more likely to lead to accidents than at other times during the day or night. Fleet Safe identifies the hours between midnight and 2 a.m., 4 a.m. and 6 a.m. and 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. as the dangerous zones. Avoid driving during these hours.
3. Drink strong coffee and then nap
It may sound counter-intuitive, and Fleet Safe experts are the first to acknowledge that you should not do this "more than once in a single journey," but there is the possibility of employing two cups of coffee with an immediate 15-minute nap as a fatigue management tool. If you sleep longer than the 15 minutes, all bets are off and you are likely worse off than before.
4. Undergo bright light exposure
In light therapy, the patient spends some time sitting near a light therapy box. It mimics the presence of daylight. NHTSA explains that you can "overcome circadian phase disruption," which is a fancy way of saying sleepiness brought on by jet lag or shift work, with light box exposure. If you encounter travel or work related fatigue, driving after light therapy can be helpful as a fatigue management tool.
5. Don't believe the old wives' tales
You cannot beat driver fatigue by changing your radio station to the heavy metal DJ and blasting the Scorpions at maximum decibels in your car. SafeNY also warns that rolling down your windows or having the air conditioner set to ice cold and going full blast will not prevent you from driving drowsy in the long run.
Start out your drive with a good night's rest. That said, do not risk your life and the lives of other drivers. When you cannot beat driver fatigue, it is time to pull over and take a nap.
1. Take a break every 100 miles
The AAA Foundation warns that driver fatigue can overcome you even when you feel rested. Taking a break every 100 miles, or every two hours, breaks up the monotony of watching the white lines whizz by and become a blur.
2. Avoid driving during the three deadly times
There are some times when driver fatigue is more likely to lead to accidents than at other times during the day or night. Fleet Safe identifies the hours between midnight and 2 a.m., 4 a.m. and 6 a.m. and 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. as the dangerous zones. Avoid driving during these hours.
3. Drink strong coffee and then nap
It may sound counter-intuitive, and Fleet Safe experts are the first to acknowledge that you should not do this "more than once in a single journey," but there is the possibility of employing two cups of coffee with an immediate 15-minute nap as a fatigue management tool. If you sleep longer than the 15 minutes, all bets are off and you are likely worse off than before.
4. Undergo bright light exposure
In light therapy, the patient spends some time sitting near a light therapy box. It mimics the presence of daylight. NHTSA explains that you can "overcome circadian phase disruption," which is a fancy way of saying sleepiness brought on by jet lag or shift work, with light box exposure. If you encounter travel or work related fatigue, driving after light therapy can be helpful as a fatigue management tool.
5. Don't believe the old wives' tales
You cannot beat driver fatigue by changing your radio station to the heavy metal DJ and blasting the Scorpions at maximum decibels in your car. SafeNY also warns that rolling down your windows or having the air conditioner set to ice cold and going full blast will not prevent you from driving drowsy in the long run.
Start out your drive with a good night's rest. That said, do not risk your life and the lives of other drivers. When you cannot beat driver fatigue, it is time to pull over and take a nap.
123 Extend the Life of Your Vehicle’s Exhaust System
If you find yourself constantly
replacing exhaust system components, it may not be because of faulty
parts. The problem may be you and your driving habits. When you
understand how your exhaust system works as a unit, you will see how
early system failure can occur.
Understanding catalytic converters
The catalytic converter in your vehicle is located after the exhaust manifold and before the muffler. This part is designed to reduce the harmful byproducts from your engine's exhaust and convert the byproducts into less harmful elements. The exhaust emitted from your vehicle contains carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbon (HC), and nitrogen oxide (NOx).
These harmful elements are converted chemically to produce less harmful emissions. The HC and CO change to carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O), in vapor form. NOx changes into CO2, H2O, and nitrogen (N2). The change of these elements into water is where your exhaust system may run into trouble.
There are some things you can do, or avoid doing, to maintain the life of your catalytic converter. Leaded fuels can destroy your converter quickly. The lead will coat the inside of the converter and prevent the catalysts from doing their job. While fuel in the U.S. is unleaded, some fuel or engine additives may contain lead.
Muffler and tailpipe failure
The water, or water vapor, that is created by your catalytic converter is what can cause early failure in the rest of your exhaust system. As your vehicle runs, the muffler and tail pipe heat up and evaporate the water in the exhaust. If you only drive your vehicle for very short time periods, the exhaust system may not heat up enough to evaporate the water.
Water remaining in the muffler and tailpipe will cause early corrosion. While this will often occur more frequently in winter months, it can occur all year. You do not necessarily need to drive for longer periods every day, just ensure that you do drive long enough a couple of times a week to eliminate the water in the system.
Hangers
The hangers and attachment pieces for your exhaust system hold it in place. These parts often rust quickly and then break. Replace broken hangers as quickly as possible. Even if your muffler or tail pipe is not dragging on the ground, it has less support. More vibration across the exhaust system will cause parts to disconnect or otherwise stable hangers to break.
Helping your exhaust system remain intact for its normally expected lifespan is not very difficult. Avoid using fuel additives that can damage your catalytic converter. Replace broken components quickly to reduce the stress on the rest of the system. Finally, run your vehicle for long enough to heat up the muffler and tail pipe to evaporate the water inside.
Understanding catalytic converters
The catalytic converter in your vehicle is located after the exhaust manifold and before the muffler. This part is designed to reduce the harmful byproducts from your engine's exhaust and convert the byproducts into less harmful elements. The exhaust emitted from your vehicle contains carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbon (HC), and nitrogen oxide (NOx).
These harmful elements are converted chemically to produce less harmful emissions. The HC and CO change to carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O), in vapor form. NOx changes into CO2, H2O, and nitrogen (N2). The change of these elements into water is where your exhaust system may run into trouble.
There are some things you can do, or avoid doing, to maintain the life of your catalytic converter. Leaded fuels can destroy your converter quickly. The lead will coat the inside of the converter and prevent the catalysts from doing their job. While fuel in the U.S. is unleaded, some fuel or engine additives may contain lead.
Muffler and tailpipe failure
The water, or water vapor, that is created by your catalytic converter is what can cause early failure in the rest of your exhaust system. As your vehicle runs, the muffler and tail pipe heat up and evaporate the water in the exhaust. If you only drive your vehicle for very short time periods, the exhaust system may not heat up enough to evaporate the water.
Water remaining in the muffler and tailpipe will cause early corrosion. While this will often occur more frequently in winter months, it can occur all year. You do not necessarily need to drive for longer periods every day, just ensure that you do drive long enough a couple of times a week to eliminate the water in the system.
Hangers
The hangers and attachment pieces for your exhaust system hold it in place. These parts often rust quickly and then break. Replace broken hangers as quickly as possible. Even if your muffler or tail pipe is not dragging on the ground, it has less support. More vibration across the exhaust system will cause parts to disconnect or otherwise stable hangers to break.
Helping your exhaust system remain intact for its normally expected lifespan is not very difficult. Avoid using fuel additives that can damage your catalytic converter. Replace broken components quickly to reduce the stress on the rest of the system. Finally, run your vehicle for long enough to heat up the muffler and tail pipe to evaporate the water inside.
7-Day Road Test: 2013 Chevy Sonic Hatchback LT
Better Than Fiesta
Rust, as well as often subpar build quality, cost cut materials choices and engines that were never all that frugal and always rather loud and unpleasant to the ear. For cars like this and the Ford Pinto they invented the term "subcompact penalty box," with that term sometimes fitting nicely to models like the admittedly reliable Nissan Sentra. But with the bankruptcy of General Motors a new car company truly did arise from the ashes as this Sonic subcompact (available as a sedan or hatch) has not only become a worldwide sales hit for Chevrolet but is also the very first financially profitable small car that the monolithic automaker has ever built in its history.
How that happened was one part Governmental pressure due to GM's earlier bankruptcy and the UAW (United Auto Workers Union's) desire to keep the North American plant that builds these fun to drive and aggressively stylish small cars due to a work sharing agreement of some kind. Chevy even gave the car a stylish dashboard using a motorcycle's minimalist gauges as inspiration for the speedometer/tachometer other secondary controls. The result is mightily impressive with even the beloved Honda Fit's interior fit and trim and plastics seeming a tad secondary to the Sonic and what it offers even just in LT trim. It also took all of the abuse our canine road tester Indiana Mae could toss its way.
Our test LT model stickered just a couple hundred dollars above $18,000 but came with a six-speed automatic transmission, a zesty and eager even with four on board 1.5 liter turbocharged 138 horsespower/148 lb. feet of torque 4-cylinder motor, 15-inch alloys, Bluetooth, USB-Audio, a nice sounding 6-speaker AM/FM/CD system as well as for an extra $200 we added Chevy's brilliant and brilliantly simply MyLink system. Not only does it add a large 7-inch color screen for all your infotainment needs including the ability to utilize a navigation function through it for about $50 additional dollars. Good luck finding that offer anywhere else.
Of course, this new Sonic LT we drove also came with our expected cruise control, power windows, air conditioning, keyless entry and much more. But what really struck us most was how tightly and carefully built that this vehicle felt, almost as if it knew there were mistakes to be made up for in the past. Well, Chevy, you really didn't need to but in the Sonic you have created a true subcompact class leader. Please, drive on by your Ford dealer past the Fiestas and get yourself a 2013 Chevy Sonic.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)