Corvette -- 1984-96 C4 is One of Today's Best Performance-Car Values

Chevrolet's brawny plastic-bodied two-seater has long been a dream machine for countless enthusiasts. Today, that dream is more in reach than ever. The fourth generation or "C4" version of these cars are absolute steals on used-car lots.

These potent performers made their debut for 1984, replacing the soft, boulevardier 1968-82 "Shark" design. With vastly improved aerodynamics and extensive use of aluminum in its construction, the C4 was enormously more capable than its predecessor.

Throughout the C4's long production run, practically every model year brought significant improvements, including revised suspension, higher-quality interiors, and new electronic performance aids. Horsepower for 1984 was a somewhat tame 205, but it went up by 25 hp the next year and continued to steadily climb. A convertible was introduced for 1986, and the following year horsepower reached 240.

For 1990, the C4 got a redesigned dashboard, followed a year later with an exterior facelift that included more rounded front- and rear-fascia styling. For 1992, horsepower jumped to 300. From 1990 to 1995, Chevrolet offered the limited-production ZR-1, which was powered by a 375-405hp Lotus-designed V8. Output of the regular small-block-V8 C4 peaked in 1996, at an optional 330hp.

With strong V8 power and exceptional handling, any C4 is a tremendously potent machine, even against some of today's pricier new performance cars. Best of all, you can find loads of good C4s practically anywhere in the U.S. for less than $10,000.

When shopping for a C4, it's best to look for as late a model as you can, to take advantage of the many refinements the design received over the years. The most desirable cars are the 1992 and later ones. Besides having considerably more power, their softer styling is less 1980s "high-tech" and thus doesn't look as dated at this point.

Early C4 coupes (1984-91) show up by the truckload for less than eight grand, with a fair number of them listing for under $5000. But realistically, you should expect to pay $6000 or more for a decent one. Scrounge up at least another thousand or two on top of that if you have your heart set on a good 1992-96. As for ZR-1s, forget about 'em -- they currently sell for about $25-$40k.

Convertibles command about a 30-percent premium over equivalent coupes, which basically puts the 1992-96 ragtops out of our $10k Budget-Speed cap. Earlier convertibles, however, are still within range.

So while the performance-car world is drooling over new C6s or shopping for used C5s, these cars' fine predecessor is going for clearance-sale prices. And that's great for you -- a good used C4 can offer more thrills per dollar than most performance cars, making them well worth a look.

Custom Car Covers For That Perfect Fit!

Bob Crowley and his wife, Teresa, were proud of their silver Honda Accord. Despite living in the city and parking their car right on the street, their '98 Accord was nearly free of dings. The finish looked just as good as when they purchased the car. How could this be possible? With kids playing stick ball, tight parallel parking, air pollution, and pigeons that frequently splattered cars up and down the street, no car was immune from the regular insults of urban living. For the Crowley's it was no mystery: a custom fitted car cover was placed over their Accord whenever it was parked to give it maximum protection. For an investment costing less than two hundred dollars you can protect your car too. Please read on to discover all the advantages of utilizing a high quality car cover.

Without exception, a custom fitted car cover offers the best protection for any vehicle. With side mirror pockets, a high quality car cover will fit your vehicle snuggly much in the way a well fitted dress graces a woman's body or as a glove fits a hand. The benefit is a car cover that stays in place without flapping in the wind or sliding off.

Moreover, a custom fitted car cover will protect your car from the following:

Moisture - With four layers of protection a custom fitted car cover will resist moisture and protect your car's finish from acid rain, road salt, hail, sleet, and snow.

Pollution - Air pollution, dirt, and flying debris can all wreak havoc on your car's finish in no time. A high quality car cover will prevent your finish from looking old before its time.

Nature - In the city you have a burgeoning pigeon population to contend with, while in the suburbs you have squirrels, birds, and a host of other little critters who see your car as an invitation to leave their mark upon. Even if nature's critters like your car cover, they won't be able to do harm to your car.

Sunny Days -- You protect your skin with sunscreen, right? Don't think for a moment that your car's finish isn't immune from harmful solar rays. Even the best finishes come under attack and need protection. Regular washes and waxing does help, but in between times your finish is under constant assault.

Small Impacts -- No, a car cover won't protect your vehicle from another car slamming into it, but it can protect your car from someone who opens their door and bangs into your car as well as kids on skates who get a kick out using your hood as a seat for rest.

Intruders -- Why is it that strangers think nothing of peering into your unoccupied car when you are not around? Don't think for a moment they are admiring the design of your interior! Likely, someone is casing your car for anything of value left out in full view or they are admiring your Bose sound system. Regardless, a car cover keeps the snooping folks away. What they can't see they aren't likely to go after.

High quality car covers such as those made by Covercraft can offer the best protection for your car. Each custom fitted car cover is developed for the specific make and model of your car no matter whether it is a Honda, BMW, Dodge, Kia, or any other vehicle. The more layers it consists of means better protection for your vehicle too. Select one with side pocket mirrors and your vehicle will receive maximum protection. Truly, for what amounts to a small investment a custom fitted car cover offers an excellent return on the money.

Cooling System: How It Affects Your Mazda Car’s Performance

Just like human beings, the car needs to dissipate heat in order to avoid overheating and exhaustion. During combustion, the engine produces large amount of heat—about 4,000 degrees Fahrenheit. This is too much for the engine to bear so a cooling system is needed to keep it at a normal temperature. Cars usually overheat due to a damaged part in the cooling system, especially the radiator, the heart of the cooling system. It is therefore necessary that all its auto parts must be in proper working condition to ensure that the whole system works efficiently.

Aside from the radiator, the cooling system is composed water pump, freeze plugs, head gasket, thermostat, hoses, heater core, fan clutch and radiator fan. All these auto parts have special roles to perform thus the absence of one could significantly affect the whole cooling process and of course, the engine’s performance. Take for example the hose, this may seem to be just an ordinary part but once broken, the coolant can escape and so it’s no longer possible for the system to cool the engine. Even just the cap of the radiator is important. It holds the pressure in the cooing system; thereby, affects its stability.

How does the cooling system of your Mazda work? The coolant, which is a mixture of anti-freeze and water, is the one that absorbs the heat from the engine. It is drawn by the water pump from the radiator and is pumped through engine block and the cylinder head to absorb the heat from the engine and its parts. It goes back to the receiving tank of the radiator through the radiator hose. The radiator has tubes that contain large amount of water and has fin area to allow outside air to pass through. As the coolant spreads over the top of the radiator tubes, it transfers heat to the air.

The performance of your Mazda car is greatly dependent on your cooling system. No matter how gutsy its engine is, it can’t work normally without a cooling system. The engine can even be inutile in an instant if it overheats and all other auto parts under the hood can also be damaged. They could melt as the engine burns the fuel inside the combustion chamber and the pistons in the cylinder could expand extremely that they can no longer move to complete the whole process in the engine.

Your Mazda car can possibly overheat as well. Engine overheating is one of the most common problems auto users encounter. You can avoid this by adding water to your radiator. So if you notice a problem on a particular part in your cooling system, consult the best auto mechanic in town. But if you think the problem is worst, you may as well replace it right away.

Mazda Parts are everywhere to be found. Auto parts stores like Auto Parts Inner offers you Mazda parts like Mazda radiators, Mazda radiator support, Mazda Bumpers, Mazda radiator fan and Mazda coolant tank. This incredible auto parts site also offers other replacement Mazda parts such asMazda Tail Lights, Mazda rear view mirror, Mazda euro headlight, Mazda headlight molding, Mazda Wheels, and many other auto parts. You can find here auto parts for Mazda 323, Mazda 626, Mazda Miata, Mazda MX6, Mazda Protégé and Mazda RX7.

Auto Parts Inner is also one of the recognized auto information resources on the net. As an expert in this field, they offer simply the best auto parts with very efficient service.

Coolest Technology for Your Car: A Geek Guide

Car manufacturers are incorporating an inordinate amount of technology into their vehicles nowadays. Despite their best efforts, however, there are a number of things you can do to geek your ride. From one little gadget to a full-fledged car mod, there's always something else that makes your car one step closer to the batmobile.

GPS, OnStar and navigation Systems

Hate being lost? GPS is the answer. The latest in-car navigation systems feature voice recognition and touchscreen technology. GM's OnStar provides peace-of-mind in the case of an accident, but some say that the system enables Big Brother to track your every move. More advanced navigation systems can direct you to the nearest gas station or pizza joint instead of requiring a specific address. Some can even provide you with other data like stock quotes, news and sports scores.

War driving

If you haven't heard of war driving, it is the practice of driving around, locating wireless networks, and "sharing" other people's bandwidth. Black-hat hackers sometimes use war driving simply to find vulnerable networks or as a method of anonymity. This practice obviously requires a portable computer which leads to our next tip...

Put a computer (or two) inside

How cool would it be to have a computer at your disposal in the car? Many police departments now outfit their cars with a laptop computer mounted at an angle over the passenger seat. Hardcore geeks will do the same. Once you put one computer in your car, why not add a file server for music and storage? You can fit it under the seat or in the trunk and connect it to other devices in the car via a wireless network.

What do you do with a computer in your car? Bring your collection of music and movies along. Connect it to OBD (see below). Get online from anywhere. I can hear you now: "Anywhere?" well, anywhere with a cell phone signal. Verizon has a service that enables you to get online as much as you want for $60 a month (on top of your regular cell phone bill).

Hold still

Here's a simple one. Get a grip pad to set on the dash or the center console. This gives you a place to set your cell phone within easy reach. You can also set your iPod or sunglasses down. The great thing is, you can usually take a corner fairly fast and your stuff won't move an inch.

Radar and laser detectors; jammers

If you have a lead foot, it's worth investing in a radar detector. There are many models available from $40 to $400. Make sure to get a model that can detect K, Ka, and laser. If your chosen detector picks up on X band, so much the better, but make sure you can disable it. X band is a common source of false alarms (especially near traffic lights).

OBD II

OBD stands for On-Board Diagnostics. This system is built in to nearly all vehicles sold after 1996. If you have a laptop in your car, you can usually purchase a special cable that will allow you to view a real-time stream of data from nearly every sensor in the car. Want to know the left front wheel speed in real-time? You got it. OBD II provides many different data streams. You can view the horsepower and torque at any RPM, see how fast you can do 0-60mph, or find the actual gas mileage at any given speed and save some money at the pump.

OBD technology also helps to diagnose problems with your vehicle. When the "check engine" light comes on, you'll be able to tell whether it's a real problem or just a faulty circuit, and you can even reset it yourself without having to take the car in (make sure you know what you're doing).

Get things going

A feature typically sought after in colder climates.Wouldn't it be nice if your vehicle sat idling, heated and defrosted, in the morning? You can install a remote starter that enables you to start the car from indoors and let it warm up. This is a feature typically sought after in colder climates, but it can also be used to start the A/C and cool things down.

Creature comforts

Assuming you've got the basics covered like power locks and A/C, there are many features that you should consider when buying a new car. Heated seats, cruise control, dual-zone climate control, sunroof... A geek's ride may not have all the creature comforts, but if you're buying a new car, it only adds to the tech factor. Other cool features to look for in a new car include:

> Automatic tire pressure monitoring

> Adaptive cruise control

> Headlights that point in the direction of a turn

> Backup camera

> Adjustable suspension

> Push-button start (No actual key required)

> Bluetooth to integrate with your phone

> Side/curtain airbags

> Traction control

> Halogen/Xenon lights

If your car has all these features, well, you're probably a little too much of a geek. But I'd sure like to check out your car sometime.

Consider Fuel Efficiency When Buying a Car

When you need to buy your next automobile make sure that fuel economy doesn't get lost in the shuffle. Buying a compact car with good gas mileage is both friendly to the environment and your pocket book. You will enjoy the savings throughout the life of the vehicle.

There is a lot to consider when buying a car. If you are buying a used car the condition of the clutch, brakes, engine and transmission will play a huge role in how much that car will cost to operate. Even minor problems can result in $300 repairs.

With new cars you need to find the make and model that has a proven track record and fits your needs. Make sure that fuel efficiency plays a role in your decision making. If you emerge from the car buying process with a fuel efficient car you will burn up less cash in your tank and have more money to spend on things that matter.

Take advantage of what is known.

When it comes to vehicle maintenance, the one thing you can easily and accurately predict is how much gas you are going to use. Gas prices may fluctuate but most people can spend a week or two logging their gas consumption and get a good idea of how many gallons they use. If you don't already, track your gas consumption so you can use this information when purchasing a car.

Make it the #1 priority.

One way to make sure that fuel efficiency is considered is to start by looking at cars that get good gas mileage. Make it the #1 priority and see where that leads you. The problem with today's car market is car manufacturers know that gas mileage is not a major consideration when purchasing a new vehicle for many U.S. customers.

Crunching the numbers.

When you are evaluating a car's fuel efficiency, ask yourself how long you think you will be driving the car and determine how much gas will cost.

Let's say you want to get a used car for $5,000 and hope to drive it for 5 years. Below are some 5 year gas cost estimates based on driving 15,000 miles per year and buying gas for $1.40 per gallon. If gasoline is more expensive than $1.40, the costs will be even higher.

A Sampling of Used Cars:

1994 Ford Explorer SUV (2WD)

5 year gas estimate = $5525

1994 Honda Accord Sedan

5 year gas estimate = $3885

1994 Honda Civic DX Sedan

5 year gas estimate = $2385

A Sampling of New Cars:

2004 Ford Explorer 2WD

5 year gas estimate = $6175

2004 Honda Accord

5 year gas estimate = $3750

2004 Honda Civic Hybrid

5 year gas estimate = $2235

2004 Toyota Prius Hybrid

5 year gas estimate = $1910

This is a small sampling of cars but you get the picture. Unless you really need an SUV or large truck, you can save a lot of money by buying a fuel efficient compact car. You will sacrifice size and sometimes luxury when choosing fuel economy first. Part of this is because bigger cars and trucks are heavier and will naturally get worse gas mileage. But it is also a function of consumers not worrying about gas mileage when they make a decision on purchasing a new or used car.

A great site for comparing cars fuel economy is www.fueleconomy.org. Atwww.fueleconomy.org you can compare numerous makes and models of both new and used cars and set the default gas costs to reflect the current prices. The numbers above are based on a $1.40 regular gas price which is really hard to find right now. In the case of the 1994 Ford Explorer you likely pay as much in gas over a 5 year span as you payed for the vehicle in the first place.

Put fuel economy first and you will find yourself with more money in your pocket.

Fisher Swanson is a regular contributer to The ThriftyFun.com News. ThriftyFun publishes information about thrifty living. Send an email to thriftyfunnews-on@thriftyfun.com to subscribe to The ThriftyFun.com News.

http://www.thriftyfun.com

fisher@thriftyfun.com

Written by: Fisher Swanson

Common myths about car insurance debunked!

There are many myths about car insurance that have been floating around for years, and some of them may affect your buying decision. Educate yourself--or un-educate yourself, in this case--and you can make the smartest decision about your car insurance.

Myth: The day you turn 25 (or 18, or 35,) your car insurance rates go down.

It is true that most insurance companies lower rates as drivers get more experience, often at age 25. But it won't do any good to call your car insurance company on your twenty-fifth birthday, because you won't be re-rated that day. An insurance company generally is commiting itself to a rate when it sends you your renewal bill, and unless you make a change in the middle of your policy period, you won't be rated again until your next insurance renewal.

The good news about this is that accidents and tickets work the same way. If you get a ticket after you have already received your renewal, you normally won't be charged any points on your car insurance until it renews again or until you make a change to your policy.

Myth: Red cars cost more to insure.

This is a common misconception, probably started somewhere as a car insurance urban legend. Your full coverage insurance cost is decided by the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) of your car, and there is no indicator in the VIN as to what color your car is. Incidentally, though, red auto paint does cost more to repair facilities, so a car insurance company could have to pay out more in the case of an accident.

Myth: One claim can get you canceled.

It is certainly possible to have your car insurance canceled after only what claim. But car insurance companies have an underwriting process that takes a lot of factors into consideration. They will look at the number--and the dollar amount--of claims you have had over a period of time. The amount of time you have been with that insurance company is also a factor. Frivolous claims entered repeatedly by customers could be a reason for cancellation or nonrenewal, but there is no reason to avoid turning in claims on your car insurance policy if you stand to suffer significant financial loss.

Myth: As my car gets older, my insurance should go down every year.

It is true that the newest of cars cost the most to insure, but often the fact that your car is a year older doesn't mean your car insurance rate will go down. If the vehicle is old enough so that you don't feel like you need to carry full coverage on it anymore, that will lower your rate significantly. But as long as you carry full coverage on a car--even an older one--you probably won't see your rate decrease.

This is because the majority of accidents are not "total losses"--when the vehicle is damaged beyond repair and the insurance company pays out the value of the car to replace it. Most claims involve the repair of a vehicle, and the cost of car parts does not decrease significantly just because the car is older. In addition, labor costs for repair do not change at all, no matter how old the car is. The insurance company risks losing as much money on repairing an older car as they do a newer one.

When you are shopping online to buy your new insurance policy, it is important that you educate yourself as much as possible. Don't fall victim to myths that could affect your buying decision!

Coming to a Car Dealer Near You!

The 2006 cars are fresh in dealer showrooms and already talk is raging about several upcoming cars set for release in model year 2007 or later. The styles are great, the engineering is advanced, and you simply haven't seen anything yet. Let's take a peak at what is coming down the pike. One of these future cars just may be what you end up driving!

Hyundai Equus - Can you say, V8 Hyundai? That's right, the Equus which is already sold in Korea, may make its debut here in North America as a 2008 model. Reports have it that the car, which is larger than the Sonata, will be a rear wheel drive four door sedan outfitted with wood, leather, and all the latest electronic gadgetry.

Saturn Outlook - Things are certainly changing for Saturn, now that GM has killed off the Oldsmobile division. Still trying to find its footing amongst Chevrolet, Pontiac, Buick, and Cadillac, the division will get its first big crossover vehicle when the 8 passenger Outlook debuts as a 2007 model. Look for V6 power standard with the first Saturn equipped V8 as an option.

Ford Edge - If a Ford model starts with an "E" it likely is an SUV. The Edge is an SUV and it isn't an SUV. More of a crossover vehicle, the 2007 Edge will be based on the Ford Fusion which borrows its platform from the Mazda 6. Positioned between the Escape and the Explorer, the Edge is meant to be Ford's answer to other car based people movers including the Honda Pilot and the Toyota Highlander.

Volvo C30 - Can you say, subcompact Volvo? Yes, it is true: Volvo will be introducing the C30, a three door hatchback coupe. Some eight inches shorter than the compact S40, the car will run on a small inline four and it may be the first Volvo to have an optional hybrid engine. The C30 is to debut as a 2007 model.

Chevrolet Sport Wagon - GM's purchase of Daewoo is having some positive side effects in the development of the 2008 Sport Wagon. A joint Daewoo-Chevrolet venture, this five seat model will be a crossover vehicle and share some components with Chevy's larger Equinox. Planned as a world car, the Sport Wagon is likely to wear Daewoo, Chevrolet, Suzuki, and Opel nameplates.

Are you excited yet? If not, there are hundreds of additional models on the drawing boards and concept cars on display at an auto show near you. Hang on, change is in the air and you haven't seen anything yet!

Choosing the right car

We all dream about the car we’d like, Maybe we see one in the street and think “that’s the one for me” then, being fickle, will see another a little further along the street and say “No, that’s the car I want!”.

Don’t worry, this is quite normal, very few people know exactly what they want.

Here, we give you some considerations on choosing the right car for you so you don’t end up saddled with a car that, frankly, disappoints you! Remember that you are likely to spend a lot of your time sitting in it and the model you choose will say a lot about you to other people.

What will be your new car’s main purpose?
Your lifestyle and what your new car will be used for is the very first thing you need to think about. Basically, your dream car may be TT Roadster (a two-seater) bit if the car is to be used to drop the kids off to school, then it really won’t be suitable!

Consider this ….
• Is the car going to be used for family trips?
• commuting to work in? (then choose a diesel to get the most from your fuel)
• will it be a sporty second car for week-ends?
• Does it need to used for off-roading?
• Will it be needed for business?
• Are you married or single? Do you have children? etc etc

This will then help you build a picture in mind of the car that is realistically right for you

The costs
Another important consideration is running costs:

• What insurance group is the car? The higher the group, the more your insurance premium will be
• If your car is going to do a lot of mileage (over 12,000 miles a year), then think about choosing a car with a diesel engine – these are better on fuel consumption
• More expensive cars will have higher servicing and maintenance bills

Comfort
Depending on what purpose your car is used for, comfort is a consideration.

For commuting or high mileage vehicles, the car should be of the optimum comfort and, ideally, have air conditioning.

If it is a fun car, say a sporty number for weekends, then be prepared that the ride will be slightly harder (but a lot of fun!)

Featured Merchant
By now you should have a good idea of the type of car you want and what it needs to be like to suit your circumstances!

Now, think about how much you can comfortably afford and start doing your research!

The internet is a good place to start looking, you can research prices, specifications and, if you are after a new car, for a bit of fun, you can even visit a manufacturers site and build a car to your own specifications!

Also, scour the motor section of your local newspaper to see what finance deals and offers are on at local dealerships. You could pick up a good deal!

Happy Motoring!

Choosing A Safe And Reliable Car Transport Service

It doesn't matter if your car is a sports car, an antique car, or even just a plain family car, if you want it safely delivered to you, you will have to find a reliable and affordable transport company that has a car transport package that suits your needs and your budget.

But, when choosing a car transport service you have to be aware of some issues regarding the transport and delivery of such. Transporting something as precious as your car would be suicide if you don't take the proper precautions.

Here are some things to look out for when considering a car transport service.

Insurance Your car is a big investment. If you allow your car to be transported carelessly, you could end up with a badly banged-up car. To avoid this, you can have your transport service insure your car. While doing research on what transport service to hire, always look at the total price plus insurance. It may seem like a waste of money to some, but for those who have experienced having their cars shipped to them with dents, scratches, and - gasp - other major damages; insurance will seem like a welcome advice.

Know What Type of Transport You are Dealing With There are quite a few options on how to have your car delivered. You can have door-to-door, enclosed, open, terminal-to-terminal, and rail service among others. Some of these options may have features that you do not need, or features that are more than what you need. Make sure you understand the details of each option and choose one according to your needs.

Schedule You have to be clear on the schedules of pick up and delivery.

Pick up time is the amount of time it takes from receipt of the order to transport until your automobile is loaded unto the trailer. This time is usually 2 and 10 days. Transport services appreciate a three day allowance to find a trailer and assign your car to that trailer.

Transit time will take about 8-10 days. This depends on the destination and route taken. These trailers will usually carry about ten automobiles at the same time. And as they make the necessary stops to deliver each automobile, it could use up a lot of time. So, it would do well to be patient during these times.

When you and your car transport service come to terms on the dates, reinforce the fact that you will be expecting punctuality in the delivery and pickup. You might also want to consider whether the company allows you to cancel the transaction if they are late for pick up, or to refund a certain amount if they deliver you car late, or with damage.

If they are to be delayed, your car transport service should inform you ahead of time so you will not have to waste any time fussing over what happened to your car.

Report, Report, Report It pays to have everything documented and in paper. Have the transport service inspect your car before and after transport so you can assess whether there was any damage sustained during the process. They should check the condition of the car and note this all down in paper. This is a standard operating procedure for many of the car transport services around.

Conclusion Finding the appropriate car transport trailer to fit your specific needs and budget should be an easy task providing that you know you budget limitations, special travel requirements for your car, and the length of trip. In today's market there are literally hundreds of car transport trailer options out there, and you can count on finding the right one for you in no time at all.

The size of the car transport company is not the deciding factor. What really decides whether you can trust your transport service is the skill and track record of the service. Always investigate the past transactions of the transport outfit to see if there are any potential problems regarding their service.

Now you are all armed and a bit more knowledgeable in these matters. Car transport will now lose most of 'scary-ness' you had attached to it, thanks to added knowledge! Use this knowledge wisely and enjoy a worry-free car transport!

Choosing a Car Stereo

Choosing a car stereo can be a complicated and difficult task, especially for individuals with little knowledge on the subject. This process requires extensive research in order to determine you are receiving the best deal possible. Before going to a car stereo dealer, you may want to review and understand all the components of a car stereo. This way, you can personally choose which components you would like for your car. The following is a list of the basic components of a car stereo:

1. Decks - Car stereos cannot function without a deck. A deck constitutes any piece of equipment ranging from cassette decks and CD players to MP3s and mini discs. The deck is considered the glue that holds the car stereo together. The deck controls the overall output of the sound and allows you to control the music being played. All car stereo decks have a minimum 4-channel output for your speakers. If you want more power than what your speakers alone can hold, you may want to consider purchasing an amplifier.
   
   
2. Amplifiers – Amplifiers provide the power needed to blast the music in your car. The more powerful your amplifier is, the louder the sound system is going to be. An amplifier can have anywhere from 1 to 7 channels. The number of channels in your amplifier is the number of speakers you can hookup in a series circuit.
   
   
3. Speakers – Speakers are where the sound from the stereo is emitted. Different types of speakers are designed to produce different frequencies. Higher frequencies provide the capacity for more sound and produce a higher level sound as well. The efficiency of the speakers is what will determine how far the sound will travel. If you want the sound to travel far, you will need speakers with a higher frequency.
   
   
4. Subwoofers – Every high-tech car stereo system should have a subwoofer. Subwoofers complete the sound by providing high efficiency of low frequencies, through the bass. In other words, the subwoofer is the piece of equipment which makes the car vibrate. A subwoofer needs to be enclosed in either a box or possibly the trunk of your vehicle. Keep this is mind when budgeting the cost of your stereo system.

Child taken while sitting in Repossessed car

Common Sense, written by Renee McAbee, 11-17-05 president and CEO of www.procra.com andwww.nsrecovery.com

Today, I came across an article in the Ozarks local news that had a story based on what the journalist who wrote it heard from the two major people involved, a mother and a recovery agent.

The reporter gives quotes that seemed to be diametrically opposed to each other.

It seems that the mother of a three year child, who is out of work and behind on her car payments, claims that the recovery agent made her child cry when he repossessed her car that had her unattended child (that she left in the car) asleep under a blanket in the back seat. The mother admits to the journalist that she did do this then going inside her boyfriend's residence.

I cannot help but wonder if this mother has been under a rock and missed all the recent local news coverage concerning the sex offender's lists for Greene County. I checked before beginning this article and there are 506 people listed in Greene County on the sex offenders list. Of these 506, 4 are within a few blocks of this mother's boyfriend's house, 1 apparently is on the same street, South Kings Hwy. in Springfield. Sex offenders are not the only people who prey on children, but they are the ones who have been heavily covered in the Greene County media recently. Clearly it must have been very important to her to make this stop. Sometimes as parents we have to stop and ask ourselves what is of utmost importance. For those who have children, which would you leave in the car unobserved, your purse or your child.

What this reporter did not know or find out is how much training and experience some recovery agents go through to ensure the professionalism of themselves and their agency. The particular agent involved is certified through a program called Certified Asset Recovery Specialist or C.A.R.S. Joe Taylor of Matrix Education Systems who is a very well respected as founded this program and an expert witness in repossession related litigation. This certification-training course is rigorous and multi-faceted. It is dedicated to insuring physical safety for everyone involved as being the paramount goal. The recovery is secondary. The agent is taught how to recognize things that any "tow-truck driver" would not even think to check. The agent never wants to put anyone in harms way, the asset is never worth any physical injury to anyone. It is the responsibility of lenders to hire qualified repossession agencies. That is a challenge that repossession companies have stressed to smaller lenders for many years. Lenders are advised to hire only recovery agencies which are insured and certified anything less places your financial interests at risk. Clearly there are many repossession agencies operating on a daily basis who are not properly insured or certified, Midwest Adjusters, Inc. does not appear to be one of those companies.

The recovery agent states that he looked in the windows for a car seat and saw none. He states that the keys were left in the ignition. A spokesman for the local police department has said that the police don't believe there was any wrongdoing on the recovery agency's part.

The mother states she took the keys inside with her yet she admits that she left her child unattended and asleep. Society cannot police moral but clearly someone needs to.

Chevrolet Camaro - The Definitive Muscle Car

The Chevrolet Camaro was a "pony car" introduced by General Motors in 1967 to compete with the Ford Mustang, which by the way was conceived to compete with the Chevrolet Corvair Monza. There are four distinctive generations of Camaro's, 1967-1970, 1970 1/2 - 1980, 1982-1992, and the fourth and final generation was 1993-2002.

The first generation Camaro featured a unibody construction from the windshield to the firewall back and a separate steel frame for everything upfront. The first Chevrolet Camaro was available in both convertible and hardtop styles. There were eighty factory options and 40 dealer options available for the Camaro. The Camaro was offered with engines ranging from a 230 cubic inch six cylinder to a 327 V8.

The first generation SS package was the most popular. It offered a modified 350 cid V8 with an available 396 big block producing 325 hp.

In December of 1966 the famous Z-28 option was introduced. The Z-28 was a base Camaro that came with front disc brakes and power assist and a Muncie 4 speed transmission. The Z-28 also came with broad racing stripes on the hood and trunklid and a competition suspension.

There were minor changes made in the 1968 Camaro such as multi-leaf rear springs. In 1969 the Camaro was redesigned inside as well as outside. The Camaro received a make over including fenders, door skins, grille and taillights to mention only a few. There was a new dash and more comfortable seats. A V8 427 cid was also available.

The second generation of Camaro lost some of it's power due to the tightening emission regulations and a fuel crisis. The 155 hp 250 cubic inch V6 was the standard engine offering. The largest engine available was on the SS mode, a 350 or 375 hp 396 big block V8.

The third generation of Camaro saw the introduction of the IROC-Z, named after the International Race of Champions. Along with unique graphics the IROC featured a Tuned Port Injection that produced 215 hp.

The last year of production for the Camaro was 2002.

Chemically Improving Your Gas Mileage in Your Car

What if you could actually improve your gas mileage significantly (5-20%)? Not have to alter your driving habits? Not have to install any extra questionable parts on your car? What if it were as easy to do as 1-2-3?

Well, it is.

For years Big Oil has offered three or so different grades of gas octane 87 regular, 89-90 premium and 91-94 super.These grades are actually based upon a 100 octane scale where the cleanest burning, most ideal fuel was propane (clean burn fuel). But the scale never took into account arromatic petrol compounds and derivatives which can actually surpass the 100 octane mark, some as high as 115-130 octane.

So the object here is to get the engine running the cleanest burning fuel possible, leave less soot and deposits in the combustion chamber and on the valves, clean the injection system, or in older cars the carburetor, not hurt emmisions systems, not void our warranty, and, in the end, get increased gas mileage and increased engine life. Wow, thats a lot. It really isn't, though.

In recent tests it has been proven that arromatic petroleum distillates, alcohol (methyl alcohol), ether, acetone, and toluene can and will do all of these. That is to a point. If you make the fuel mixture too rich you can actually do the opposite. The ideal mixture found that was easiest to obtain and handle was 1-2 ounces of acetone per full tank (acetone can be found at your local hardware store or paint supply shop). This was tested on everything from 4-8 cylinder gas engines to big Cummings diesel engines. The range in increase of fuel efficincy was 5-20% and the average being 9%. It was found if you used 3 or more ounces per tank ful results were the same or worse than without the acetone - the mixture was too rich.

The effects of the acetone were then tested on the fuel line components themselves for resilience and it was found that unlike methyl alcohol (racing fuel) it did not have a caustic effect. Acetone will have a etching effect on paint, plastic headlight lenses, etc... Spills should be wiped up immediately.

So, to make the story short and get straight to the point, if you wanted to add an average of 9% fuel efficiency to your vehicle and do it for less than $.50 per fillup - its as easy as adding 1-2 ounces acetone per tankfull. Thats it - the only problems are Big Oil doesn't want you to know how to save on gas and you may still void you warranty as they now test for gas additives like acetone.

Also, one last note, acetone or any additive that makes your engine more efficient and burn cleaner is better for the environment - less emmissions.

Cheap Car Insurance – 7 Tips To Reduce Your Car Insurance Costs.

With the cost of car insurance becoming more and more of an issue for the average American family, there are increasing numbers of people looking for cheap car insurance. But although it is possible to find cheap car insurance, the question remains, is it worth buying?

Everyone knows that car insurance companies are not all equal. Cheap car insurance is wonderful when paying the bill, but make a mistake on the company you select and you could find that the cheap car insurance policy that you found may turn into a nightmare. Cheap car insurance may not turn out to be so attractive when making a claim.

So if you have found a discount car insurance broker don’t just take the cheapest quote that you get. You need to find out a little about the insurance company that is offering the cheap car insurance rates.

And there’s ways to reduce the cost of your car insurance even with the best of companies. Here are some tips for those looking for cheap car insurance to help reduce the cost of car insurance without compromising other things.

7 Cheap Car Insurance Tips

1.Look at your deductible amount. This is the amount that you pay first out of any claim. The cost of your policy is directly related to this amount. Many people, particularly those who have had their insurance policy for a long time, have never considered whether they ought to vary their deductible. If you have a good driving record and are prepared to increase the risk of paying a larger amount in the event of a (hopefully unlikely) claim you can save money by increasing your deductible.

2.Have a look at the type of car you drive. Certain types of cars attract higher car insurance rates. Cars such as sports cars and also certain makes and models that are prime theft candidates cost more to insure. If you are buying a car then find out which makes and models these are before you buy.

3.Drive carefully. Although it sounds a little trite to say it, your car insurance cost is a factor of your risk profile. You won’t get cheap car insurance if you have had 3 speeding fines and 2 accidents in the last year. These things are all taken into account and you should take care with how you drive. It all adds up onto your bill. There are big safe driver discounts available.

4.Considering installing safety and anti theft devices in your car. Again these affect your risk profile. If you have a car that is safer and less at risk of theft it should be cheaper to insure. And if you have a car with certain safety devices now check that your insurance company is aware of these, if not tell them.

5.Look at your policy when it comes to renewal time, don’t just pay. There are some things that you can vary in your policy that will affect the cost. Often there are some things there which duplicate other insurance that you may have that can be eliminated. Be critical, look carefully and ask questions about all these before you renew your policy.

6.Have a look at who your other insurers are. Many insurers offer a discount for multiple policies. If you insure your house with a certain company then ring them up and find out if they do car insurance. Get a quote from them. Find out what discounts they offer.

7.Find a good online discount car insurance broker before renewing. The internet is a fabulous resource. Use it. There are all sorts of discount insurance brokers online where you can get fast quotes from a wide range of companies. Don’t just settle for the same company you always use. Car insurance rates vary all the time. Always get comparable quotes before renewing any policy.

So if you’re in the market for cheap car insurance there’s some ideas for you. Don’t just accept that car insurance is always prohibitively expensive, get out there and do something about it.

Caring For Your Car's Brakes and Rotors

Having properly functioning brakes on your car is a must. Without working brakes, the front of your car will soon be attached to the car ahead of you, to a fence, to a tree or, God forbid, on top of a pedestrian. Regular brake inspections are essential to good automotive care and can save you money. Let’s take a look at what you can do to make sure that your brakes and rotors are receiving the proper maintenance.

1. Get those free inspections. Most brake shops offer free brake inspections. Why? Because they want your business, that’s why. The inspection should include a check of brake pads and shoes, hydraulic fluids, rotor/drum wear and calipers and, if equipped, your anti-lock system. Have your brakes checked at least once a year, more so if you do plenty of stop and go driving or you use your brakes excessively.

2. Become self aware. Many problems related to brakes can be headed off if car owners would pay attention to certain telltale signs of trouble including:

Your brake warning light comes on.

Your car pulls to one side when you press down on the brakes, instead of stopping in a straight line.

Your car jerks to a stop when you press down on the brakes.

Your brake pedal is either mushy, difficult to press down, or you must pump the brakes to get them to work right.

Your brakes grind uninterrupted and you hear a loud metallic noise when you press down on them.

One or more wheels are excessively hot after short drives.

You see fluid leaks around any wheel or in the engine compartment near the master cylinder.

If you are a weekend mechanic, you can perform your own inspections and install quality replacement parts such as Honda brakes or BMW brakes. Some parts such as Volvo brakes and rotors are more costly, but by carefully shopping around you can find top quality parts at a reasonable price.

So, take good care of your car and perform brake inspections on a regular basis. Your passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers will be thankful that you did.

Car Video Monitors: There Not Just For Your Kids Anymore

When car video monitors were first introduced to the market, they primarily consisted of either an overhead or flip down monitor. These types of monitors were geared mainly towards parents who took long trips in the family minivan with their kids. These days, there are quite a few more car video monitor options available to consumers with varying reasons as to what they are used for. Of course the market is still filled with parents looking to keep their keeps occupied during long rides, but now people are installing monitors to entertain business clients, review DVD presentations on the way to a meeting or play the latest Madden football game with their buddies on the way to a pro football game. Aside from the overhead and flip down monitors other types of car video monitors available to consumers include: in-dash monitors, headrest monitors, sun visor monitors, and mirror monitors.

Overhead Car Video Monitors: Overhead monitors are exactly what their name implies. You can attach an overhead monitor to the ceiling of your vehicle. Typically they are installed in larger vehicles such as minivans and sport utility vehicles since they require a good amount of headroom for the overhead installation. An overhead car video monitor often fits over your vehicle's overhead lighting unit. A typical overhead monitor is 7 - 10 inches, but you can buy monitors as large as 20 inches.

Flip Down Car Video Monitors: A flip down monitor is basically an overhead monitor that flips down for viewing. When the monitor is not being viewed it can be flipped up to add more overhead space to the vehicle. This type of monitor is also popular with consumers that own cars, who want an overhead car video monitor for their back seat passengers. Flip down monitors come in the same sizes as overhead monitors.

In-Dash Car Video Monitors: In-dash car video monitors provide video entertainment to the often-neglected front seat passenger (and driver, although I don't recommend viewing the in-dash monitor while you are driving). An in-dash monitor is usually one component of a larger unit that includes a TV tuner and receiver. Most in-dash monitors flip up from the unit when being viewed and flip back down to provide more front seat space when it is not being used. These monitors are usually 7 inches or less.

Headrest Car Video Monitors: Headrest monitors can either be mounted to the back of your vehicle's headrest or mounted into your headrest with the use of a mounting bracket and mounting kit. There are even headrest replacement monitors that are designed to replace your vehicle's original headrest. This allows the consumer to avoid cutting into the original headrest. When you sell or get rid of your vehicle you can replace the headrest monitors with the original headrests. Headrest monitors can be used in conjunction with or as a replacement to an overhead monitor. They are especially popular with car owners, since cars typically do not provide the necessary overhead space for overhead monitors. Headrest monitors are also generally 7 inches or less.

Sun Visor Car Video Monitors: Sun visor monitors can either be mounted into your vehicle's current sun visor or purchased as a replacement to your original sun visor. Manufacturers of sun visor replacement monitors have designed the visors in many different colors and textures to match your vehicle's interior as closely as possible. A typical sun visor monitor is 5 inches in length although they make them as large as 7 inches.

Mirror Car Video Monitors: Mirror car video monitors are LCD displays that are designed to fit over the existing rear-view mirror in your vehicle. Besides being used as a traditional video monitor, mirror monitors are also great for rear view cameras as well. This is the smallest type of monitor available for your vehicle and is generally no more than 4 inches long.

Car Repair 101

The more you notice about your vehicle, the more likely you'll be able to head off repair problems. Yep- even if you're mechanically challenged. You can detect many common vehicle problems by using your eyes and nose.

“See No Evil”

Is there a little stain or a drop of fluid under your vehicle? It may mean absolutely nothing. But you do want to check the wet spots immediately - just to make sure.

What color is the fluid under your car? Yellowish green, pretty blue or neon orange colors indicate an overheated engine or an antifreeze leak caused by a bad hose, water pump or leaking radiator. Not good. I remember the yellowish green ooze from my Chevette as the tow truck took it away to its final resting place. Get to a repair shop while you still can!

A dark brown or black oily fluid means the engine is leaking oil. A bad seal or gasket could cause the leak. This is how my first car met its demise.

A red oily looking spot indicates a transmission or power-steering fluid leak. Also, not good.

A puddle of clear water usually isn't a cause for concern. It may be normal condensation from your vehicle's air conditioner. Whew!

“Smell no Evil”

Take a whiff, and you may detect your vehicle's problem.

Do you smell burned toast? This odor often signals an electrical short and burning insulation. Have someone come look at your car. Don't drive it anywhere until the problem is diagnosed.

How about the smell of rotten eggs? This usually indicates a problem in the catalytic converter. Get to a repair shop! Pheee-yew!

A thick sharp odor usually means burning oil. Look for the sign of a leak. This problem needs to be addressed immediately if having transportation is important to you. You may also notice a bluish smoke coming from your vehicle. Ask me how I know. Ahh… memories.

The smell of gas after a failed start may mean the engine is flooded. Wait a few minutes and try again. If the odor continues, there may be a leak in the fuel system - a potentially dangerous problem that needs immediate attention.

A chemical odor may mean overheated brakes or clutch. Check the parking brake. Stop and let the brakes cool after repeated hard braking. Light smoke coming from a wheel indicates a stuck brake. Call a tow truck.

Do you notice a sweet odor? This may indicate a coolant leak. Watch your temperature gauge and warning light and drive to a repair shop. Now, if you see steam from under the hood, stop and pull over. If you keep driving an overheated vehicle, your engine will be seriously damaged. Call a tow truck.

The basic rule of smell is that if you do notice an unusual odor - get to a mechanic or get one to come to you. Pretty simple!

A little extra attention to what’s coming out of your car or truck could save you the cost of a new vehicle payment! Keep those eyes and that nose on the job!

Customizing your Car- Pinstriping Basics

Did you know pinstriping has a long history? Even before the invention of automobiles, pinstriping was used as an ornamental decoration for horse and buggy carriages.
Custom pinstripes started appearing on automobiles in the mid-1950s. Although pinstriping had been on cars long before that, the last American car to appear with auto pinstriping had been made by General Motors in the late 30’s.
For those individuals with muscle or sports cars, customizing their ride is an important part of owning and showcasing the vehicle, and pinstriping is a final touch.

Pinstripes are commonly painted in two colors: one that sets off the body color, and another, thin line, in a color contrasted with the stripe to make it stand out.

Mechanical pin striping is the best way to stripe larger vehicles- trucks, vans, or station wagons. The benefit is it lays down stripes of constant width, letting you focus attention on getting the stripe oriented properly along your working surface. You can set up your stripe lines using magnetic pinstriping strips with center grooves designed to be paint templates. They hold fast to steel surfaces, and can also work as guidea for your hand.

Striping with stencil tape is also popular. There are several types of stencil tape that are suitable for auto pinstriping applications. Stencil tape striping uses brushes, and a specialized pinstriping brush is an essential ingredient in a successful project. Stencil tape allows you to apply different color stripes without needing the other stripes to dry.

Freehand pinstriping is the most difficult method, requiring the most practice to master, but permits unrestricted creativity. The simplest plan for a freehand striping newbie is to lay a strip of masking tape down approximately a quarter inch from where you want the finished line to be, and then use this tape as visual guiding for your stripes. Whatever you do, don’t use regular masking tape, or your pinstriping paint will bleed under the edge. Get some auto body masking tape from an auto supply store.

No matter what method you use, pinstriping is one of the finest ways to make your vehicle distinctive. Just like anything else worth doing right, practice makes priceless results but having the best equipment you can get your hands on helps too.

Car Rentals for young people

Renting a car is a great way to see a new place, but car rental companies are leery of hiring cars to younger people. Many rental firms will simply not provide cars at all for drivers under twenty-five, while the price rates of others are simply prohibitive. Unfortunately, there is sound logic underlying this sense of caution displayed by car rental companies, as younger people have been shown time and again to be the most likely group of drivers to be involved in car accidents – this is also reflected in the high insurance rates that are offered to younger drivers. There are however some companies that offer reasonable rental deals to drivers under twenty-one, so if you are lucky enough to get a good rental deal, then pay it forward to your peers – drive your rental car as responsibly as you can to ensure the continuation of the great price for the next young driver who comes along.

Ensure your safety by always wearing your seatbelt. This is a simple thing to do that can literally save lives. It only takes a second, but can make a huge difference in an accident.

Always keep to the speed limit. Speed has been repeatedly shown to be the single greatest cause of road accidents, so stay safe and stick to the designated speed limit for the area you are in. Most places you visit will have signage to indicate the speed limit, but err on the side of caution if you are unsure. At the very least, you don’t want to have to pay a speeding fine.

Always be vigilant when driving in an unfamiliar area – keep your eyes peeled for any road signs and always follow them! There is often construction work going on in large cities, so keep an eye out for this too. Following road signs can prevent accidents.

As you probably heard countless times when first getting into a car, drive defensively! Even if you are a careful driver, you cannot always account for others, so watch out for other drivers – let others speed and cut across you if they want, your priority is simply to stay safe.

When driving in an unfamiliar place it is extremely important to concentrate on the road. While the road might seem to be distracting you from joining in the fun, your passengers will thank you for staying safe. Keep music to a minimum and ask your friends to keep rowdy games for later – once you get to where you’re going the fun can begin with abandon! Be careful and stay safe, and do your bit to help keep rental car prices for young people as low as you can.

Car Rental Safety

Vacations are traditionally a time when we let our hair down and have fun, and let all our humdrum daily worries stay at home to wait for our return. And while escaping the daily grind should be our primary vacation concern, we must not allow the holiday atmosphere deprive us of all good sense. Vacation safety is of paramount importance, and must remain foremost in our mind wherever our travels take us.

A car rental can be a fun way to get around on vacation, but we must always remember that driving in an unfamiliar location can be challenging and sometimes stressful. So before you book your hire car, ensure that driving is the right holiday transport for you – sometimes trying out the local public transport can be fun! But if driving is the choice for you, remember to put your safety first.

Always have insurance when hiring a car, so that you will have financial back up should an accident occur. Talk to your insurance dealer to ensure that you, and any other drivers, are covered.
Ensure that you have all appropriate documentation with you, including your driver’s licence. Make sure that you have an up-to-date map of all the areas that you intend to drive in, and make a note of local emergency numbers. It is useful to bring along a basic emergency kit of your own too, just in case, including basic medical supplies. It is a good idea too to have some food to hand as well – tempers will fray even more if hunger is a factor in a breakdown situation.

Drive defensively in unfamiliar areas to avoid accidents, but should one occur, the situation should be approached the same way you would deal with an accident in your own car. Once you have ensured that everyone is safe, exchange insurance information. It is always a good idea to inspect the rental car for damage before take it out, so that you will be aware of any pre-existing damage. Check that the gas tank is full too before you leave the rental depot.

Above all else is the safety of you and your passengers. Be careful when driving in unfamiliar areas – keep windows up and do not open the door if approached by a stranger. Rental cars are a common target for thieves, so ensure that rental company logos or information is not visible on the car. Thieves also pick on visitors to an area, exploiting their unfamiliarity, so keep your wits about you at all times.

Car Radiator Replacement Solutions

My first attempt at a more difficult auto fix-it project involved replacing the blown radiator on my ‘78 VW Rabbit Diesel. Let’s just say that I was a little “green” in this area and it was only with the help of a good friend that I was able to complete the task without resorting to calling a garage to finish the job. Still, it was a good experience for me and I believe that it is one job I could successfully tackle again in the future. You can too provided you purchase reliable OEM parts and get instructions that are easy to follow.

Back during the time that I owned my VW, the number of parts stores carrying in stock Volkswagen parts was fairly limited; the internet was in its infancy so shopping around for the best deal wasn’t something that I could do. The local VW dealer had the part, but their prices were stratospheric. I simply did not have the funds available to buy one from the dealer so I ended up snagging a radiator off of a junked Rabbit. Big mistake! It turned out that the junked car’s radiator leaked and the cap did not quite fit. I never found out why it was that way, but the junkyard dealer did refund my money. Fortunately, a local garage ended up having a decent used one available; we installed that one without too much of a problem.

Of course, I worried about the replacement part as it wasn’t warranted and it looked, well, quite used. Sure it was no BMW radiator so I did not have to pay a mint to have it shipped in from Germany nor was it a pricey Honda radiator fresh off the boat from Japan. Certainly, I counted myself blessed. Still, I found myself frantically watching the temperature gauge particularly on hot days when I ran the a/c at full blast. I was sure the “new” radiator would give out once again, so I pampered the car as much as I could.

Fortunately the options today for the consumer are better than ever before. Your choices include:

1. Ordering your part from a dealer as long as you are willing to pay full freight and then some.

2. Visit an auto parts store and see if they have the part on hand – this can work if it is a Jeep radiator, but you can expect that your Isuzu radiator will involve a 2-3 week back order.

3. Go to the junkyard and hope that your part can be found and is in excellent condition. Yeah, right.

4. Finally, you can order online through an established and reputable dealer who does not have the overhead of maintaining expensive brick and mortar stores. Prices with select online dealers are competitive and usually involve same day shipping at no extra cost to you.

As for the Rabbit, I traded it in for a new car only months after replacing the radiator. Had my replacement part purchasing options been better, I would have held onto it a bit longer. Shoot, at 50 miles per gallon the ‘lil bunny would be a jewel to have on hand today!

Car marketing

Years ago, some one in the car industry had a stroke of genius. They came up with an idea of engraving their name on each and every car that comes out of their factories. This small idea has generated free publicity worth millions of dollars for these car companies over the years.

M.K. tried to adapt the car company’s’ idea for his business. M.K. was a general contractor. He used to go to houses and fix them up. He could handle everything from fixing tables to installing electrical lines to plumbing work. M.K. thought why should he advertise General motors instead of his own company? So he bought a customized magnetic sign for $45.95 and stuck it on his truck.

Whenever he went to a house to work on it, he made it a point to park the car on the street instead of the highway. Many cars passing by would slow down and people would jot down M.K.’s number from the magnetic sign. The 46-dollar sign generated so much business for M.K. that he stopped buying ads in yellow pages and local newspapers saving him hundreds of dollars a year.

M.K. started asking people how they found out about him to track the results his advertising dollars generated and he found out that 70% of people had read his truck!

Action summary:

* Why promote a car company when you can promote your own company instead? Customized stickers and decals can be bought for as low as 15 dollars. Why not invest in them?

* Go one step ahead. Instead of promoting nike, wear shirts and caps that bear your company logo on them. This alone will run up more business for your company. Buy shirts for your employees too. When big companies like Comcast can do it, why can’t you?

Car Leasing for Beginners

Car leasing is extremely popular because it provides an attractive method of driving an automobile that you might not otherwise afford. It allows you to make lower monthly payments than with traditional car purchase loans. About one out of every four vehicles driven by automotive consumers in the United States are leased.

But leasing is not for everyone. You should take the time to learn about leasing, and be sure it's right for you before making a decision.

What is Leasing

While a purchase loan is a method of financing the ownership of a vehicle, leasing is a method of financing the use of a vehicle for a specified time period. As much as it sounds like renting, leasing is different.

A lease is a formal contract with a leasing provider that allows you to drive the provider's car and only pay for the portion of the vehicle's value that you use up during the time you're driving it. You agree to pay for insurance, licenses, taxes, repairs, and maintenance.

The leasing provider retains ownership and title to the vehicle throughout the lease. At lease-end you can simply return your vehicle to the provider, or you may purchase the vehicle and continue driving it.

Benefits of Leasing

Leasing offers the following benefits when compared to purchase loans:

- Lower monthly payments

- More car, more often

- Minimum or no down payment

- Smaller sales tax bite in most states

- No used-car headaches at end

Who Provides Leases

Contrary to popular belief, car dealers do not lease cars. Banks, credit unions, and financial divisions of major car manufacturers lease cars. Dealers simply act as agents of a leasing provider, such as Ford Motor Credit or GMAC, to arrange the lease on your behalf. Dealers typically work with more than one provider.

Once you've picked out the car you want, the dealer sells it to the leasing provider, who leases it you. It's not necessary, nor is it always the best choice, to use the "captive" leasing company chosen for you by the dealer.

You can arrange for lease financing yourself with an independent leasing company, bank, or credit union after you've negotiated price with a dealer. Some lease providers even work with dealers to acquire vehicles for you at reduced prices, saving you money and the stress of negotiation.

Who Should Lease

Leasing makes sense for many automotive consumers, but not for others. Here's how to determine if you are a good leasing candidate:

- Are you willing to trade ownership of your vehicle for lower monthly payments? Leasing is a great way to lower your payments or drive a better car for your money, but you must be comfortable with having no ownership of your vehicle, unless you purchase at lease-end.

- Can you stick with your lease until the end? Leases require you to commit to driving your vehicle for a specific number of months — typically 24, 36, 48, or 60 months. If you feel your lifestyle, your finances, or simply your taste in cars may change significantly in future months, you may not be a good lease candidate. To end a lease early is usually troublesome and costly.

- Do you drive more than 15,000 miles annually? If your answer is yes, you may not be a good candidate because lease contracts are typically written with an annual mileage limit, typically 10,000-15,000 miles. If you drive more that the specified number of miles you will pay a fee for every mile over the limit.

- Do you typically keep your vehicles in good condition and change vehicles every few years? If so, you may be right for leasing. Lease providers require you to keep their vehicle maintained and repaired, with no more than normal wear and tear. If you don't, you'll be charged at the end of your lease.

- How is your credit rating? If you have a history of paying your bills on time and don't have excessive debt, you are a good lease candidate. Otherwise, you may be required to make a large down payment and pay higher finance charges or, worse, be refused the opportunity to lease.

Shopping for a Lease

The most important element of a good lease deal is the price of the vehicle. Regardless of whether you buy or lease, you should always get the best possible price first. When leasing, this price becomes the capital cost, or "cap cost." Prior loan balances and fees may be added. Rebates, discounts, down payments, and trade-in credit are subtracted. The lower the capital cost, the lower your monthly payment. This is the only element of a lease deal that a dealer directly controls.

The remaining elements of a lease — money factor, residual value, and related fees — are controlled by the lease provider and are not negotiable.

Since a lease is simply another form of financing, interest charges apply. These interest charges are known as "money factor." Money factor is expressed as a very small number such as .00375, which is equivalent to 9% annual interest rate. Again, a small money factor results in lower monthly lease payments.

Residual value is an estimate of a vehicle's wholesale value at the end of a lease term. The longer the lease, the smaller the residual value. Your lease payment is primarily determined by the difference between cap cost and residual value, which is the amount that the value of the vehicle depreciates during the lease. The higher the residual value, the lower the lease cost.

Sales tax may also be included in your monthly payment, depending on the state you live in.

You can easily calculate car lease payments, once you know the key factors, using this Lease Calculator by LeaseGuide.com.

Leasing Fees

There may be certain fees associated with your lease. The fees that lease providers charge vary both in kind and amount. One of the most common is an "acquisition fee", which is an administrative charge for the work in initiating a lease. Another common fee is a disposition fee, usually charged at the end of your lease when you return your vehicle.

You may also be charged at the end of your lease for excessive mileage, damages, and unusual wear-and-tear.

At the beginning of your lease, you will be asked to pay the first month's payment, a security deposit, a down payment, if any, and applicable miscellaneous fees associated with licensing a vehicle in your state. You will also be asked to show proof of insurance.

Driving Your Leased Vehicle

Your vehicle must be driven and cared for according to the terms specified in your lease contract. Generally, this means keeping the vehicle in good condition, using it for lawful purposes, maintaining insurance, and allowing it to be driven only by licensed drivers.

Car Insurance Rates – Can You Lower Them?

Car insurance rates are prohibitive nowadays. Many families really struggle to pay the car insurance bill each month. And car insurance rates vary all the time. So if car insurance cost is an issue for you, what can you do about it?

The car insurance industry is a massive industry. It is also a highly competitive one, and car insurance rates vary over time as car insurance companies compete for business. Car insurance rates are often highly fluid.

It is entirely possible to lower the cost of your auto insurance rates by altering your behaviour, and you can do this by having a better understanding of how the rates are assessed.

Car insurance rates are based on an assessment of risk. Whilst insurance companies vary their rates to compete with other insurance companies, they also vary their rates based on their assessment of the risk posed by a particular driver driving a particular car. They do this because there is no point in buying business with low car insurance rates and then insuring high risk drivers at these rates. This is a recipe for losing money.

So, if you lower your risk, you lower your car insurance. How do you
lower your risk? Well there’s a number of ways that your own driving and car behaviour can affect your car insurance rates.

Have a look at the car you drive. Is it suitable for your current needs? If not then would it be worthwhile to consider a change?

Different cars attract different auto insurance rates. Sports cars, high powered cars and cars at greater risk of theft attract higher rates. How long have you had your car and would it be wise to think about another one that would be cheaper to insure and more useful to you?

Are you a safe driver? Do you stick to the speed limit? Are you at risk of other driving offences? Many people do not think about some of the consequences of speeding tickets and driving offences until after they have seen their subsequent car insurance bill.

Your risk profile is a direct result of your driving record. A clean driving record and you will be rewarded by cheaper rates. A poor driving record and you will be penalised, usually for quite a while.

Are you willing to attend driver training courses? Many car insurance companies offer specific discounts for drivers who have attended a course. Why? Lower risk.

Are you willing to drive less? Could you car pool or use public transport to get to work? Car insurance companies look at the amount of driving their clients do when assessing their car insurance rates. Why? Lower risk. Less miles driven equals less risk. And you’ll save on other car costs too.

So if auto insurance costs are an issue for you and your family there are things you can do. These are just a few of those things, there are many more. Car insurance rates are not set in stone.