New Car – Auto Loans

Archive for October, 2011

In these days of high gasoline prices, it may seem ridiculous to consider ways to increase your car’s performance as they are almost always associated with increased fuel consumption. However, there are four ways to increase performance that do not have to negatively impact your gas mileage. Let’s take a closer look at each one.

1. Reusable Air Filters. Landfills are stuffed with items we use once and then throw out. Auto air filters are one such item and through the life of a car you can go through 6-12 of them with no problem. For approximately three times the price, washable and reusable air filters are a great alternative. When you purchase one it likely will be the last air filter your car will ever need. Reusable air filters enable you to gain slight increases in horsepower and acceleration as well as to impact the environment in a positive way.

2. Performance Chips. All new cars are operated by a computer chip that tells how much torque and horsepower can be displaced. Performance chips or recalibrations of your current chip can produce significant increases in horsepower and torque for your vehicle.

3. Performance Exhaust Systems. Cat-back or “catalyst-back exhaust systems” are a great way to free up trapped torque and to unleash horsepower. Keeping all the important emissions parts in place, a cat-back system incorporates large width exhaust pipes and low restriction performance mufflers into your car thereby lowering exhaust back pressure. A side benefit is the really awesome sound emitting from the exhaust system.

4. Cold Air Intake. A cold air intake is an under the hood mod that helps to reduce the temperature of the air entering the car for the sole purpose of increasing the power of the engine. Side benefits include enhancements to the appearance of the engine bay as this part can be attractive and colorful; the sound the unit makes is also appealing.

Costs for each of these performance enhancements can vary greatly. Shopping online with a trusted wholesaler is one of the best ways to find top quality parts at the lowest possible prices. By doing the work yourself, you can save a bundle and enjoy the fruits of your labor in no time.

All terrain vehicles (ATVs) have a reputation as being dangerous, as each year, many adults and children are seriously injured or even killed by accidents or wrecks. Just like any vehicle, the short answer is: yes, ATVs are dangerous, the same way cars, sport utility vehicles, motorcycles, or trucks are dangerous. Far too often, these accidents involving ATVs come about due to improperly using the vehicle or ignorance about the vehicle. Riding an ATV does not guarantee an injury just as riding in a car does not guarantee an injury; however, certain safety precautions should be taken in order to minimize risk.

For starters, no one under the age of 16 should ride a full sized ATV. This is a recommendation put forth by the American Academy of Pediatrics and should be taken as law. Children under the age of 16 do not have the development necessary for operating a vehicle of this magnitude. There are options for children who are interested in riding an ATV, as manufacturers make smaller models with less powerful engines for children. Before anyone gets on an ATV, he or she should be sure to know the proper rules for operating the vehicle. Training courses for ATV driving are offered all over the country, so be sure to enroll in one before you begin operating the vehicle. Finally, the rider should wear protective gear—including a helmet, gloves, boots, and eye protection—to protect their body from hazards of riding an ATV or potential accident.

Many ATV accidents occur when more than one passenger is riding on the vehicle. ATVs are designed for only one person, and the weight of two individuals can cause the vehicle to turn over. Also, the distraction of having another person on the ATV can cause the driver to wreck. Furthermore, ATVs are designed for off road driving and should not be driven on hard surfaces like concrete or asphalt. In addition to the hazards of riding on a road with cars and trucks, ATVs do not perform well on hard surfaces and are incredibly difficult to control.

Most accidents occur while the driver of the ATV is using the vehicle improperly. This includes navigating dangerous terrain, riding at excessive speeds, or dangerously interacting with other individuals or ATVs. Keep in mind that your ATV is designed to go a certain speed over certain terrain, so speeding should be avoided at all costs, since the vehicle can tip over or crash. Furthermore, any stunts or tricks using an ATV should be avoided, since that is the easiest way to get injured.

While riding an ATV, be sure to have some sort of communication device, whether it is a walkie talkie or a cellular phone that can call for help in case of emergency.

The 3m clear bra is a wonderful invention for any car-lover who treats his prized possession like a true friend. A man’s best friend is not always the family dog. Sometimes a car can take the place of a great pet and nothing hurts more than seeing that first scratch or dent on your favorite automobile.

However, traditional protective bras are not the most attractive option for car owners who want to protect their investments.

The problem with the traditional protective covering is simply due to the fact that it covers the magnificent machine. No real car enthusiast wants to hide his prized automobile under a rubbery surface. He doesn’t want to spend a lot of money on the perfect finish to cover it up with a protective layer. Unfortunately, many car owners had to choose between chips and scrapes or hiding the finish.

Not anymore. A car enthusiast can opt for a 3m clear bra that protects the car by creating a colorless barrier between the car’s finish and the elements. The 3m clear bra is simply a protective film that is literally painted over the car’s exterior. This product is commonly used on trucks, cars and vans of vehicle owners who cringe at the thought of a pebble getting near their priceless object.

The 3m clear bra is also used to protect headlights as well. The protective layer is commonly applied to the front of the vehicle and on the lenses of the headlights. The beauty of this material is that it is virtually undetectable. The original design of the vehicle is not changed in any way. The owner has the peace of mind that comes with knowing that the car is protected while having the luxury of enjoying his vehicle in its original state.

Some may wonder if the product is really as effective as the traditional protective cover. The 3m clear bra will protect the vehicle from chipping. The material was originally designed to be used on aircraft propellers to protect them from chipping. Surely the material will be effective at preventing chipping on vehicles as well.

Another concern is the quality of the clarity of the 3m clear bra. How clear is it, really? The manufacturer of the product boasts that the material is virtually undetectable unless the vehicle is very white in color. The clear coat is slightly visible on a stark white car when very close but it is not detectable from a distance. You will see a faint line where the 3m clear bra stops but that is better than an ugly bug shield or paint chips.