Driving After 65: The Aarp Defensive Driving Course

As the number of Baby Boomers entering their sixties increases, the need for continuing driver education for senior drivers will increase as well. A 2007 USA Today report indicated that drivers 65 and older were involved in 72% more automobile s than just eight years previously. That figure does not necessarily mean that older drivers are more reckless than they were in 1999; it could simply mean that there are more drivers over 65, a statistic which will continue to grow.

While many senior drivers are extremely safety conscious, they may not be able to compensate for the slower reflexes which normally accompany the aging process. The driver’s licensing exams in all stated require that drivers pass a vision test, but they do nothing to test for reaction speed. But millions of seniors lead active, productive lives; many of them still work for a living; and to arbitrarily deprive them of the ability to drive would be disastrous for everyone.

The AARP Solution

AARP, the American Association of Retired Person, offers a solution in the form of AARP defensive driving classes. The AARP Driver Safety Class, which would be more appropriately named the AARP Defensive Driving Class, is designed to protect the rights of senior citizens to drive by teaching them how to avoid s which could cost them their licenses.

AARP defensive driving techniques, because it helps seniors avoid s, will even qualify those who have completed the AARP defensive driving courses for discounted automobile insurance with some insurance companies. The increasing rate among those 65 and older is a great reason for automobile insurance carriers to raise their older clients’ rates to almost unaffordable levels. Those senior drivers who participate in the AARP defensive driving program will show their automobile insurance companies that they are determined to continue to drive safely.

Finding An AARP Defensive Driving Class

AARP defensive driving classes are available all over the US, and you can find one in your area simply by visiting the AARP website at http://www.aarp.org. Search for an AARP defensive driving class by entering your ZIP code in the search box.

You can also place a toll-free call to AARP at 1-888-227-7669, and ask them to find the location of the nearest AARP defensive driving class. You will have to leave a message containing your SIP code, and in three to five business day someone from AARP will contact you by telephone with the class information.

An AARP defensive driving class will require two four-hour sessions over two days, and costs only ten dollars. The instructors will also teach you how to assess your own physical conditions so that you can determine if you will be able to continue to drive safely. And even with AARP defensive driver training, you will still have to pass your driver’s license exam.

Knowing when and where to do defensive driving is crucial if you want to use your defensive driving skills to avoid s or the kinds of situations which can easily lead to s. You put good money and a lot of time and effort into your defensive driving course, and knowing where to use your defensive driving skills will pay you back in no time!

Driving On Our Roads – What Does The Future Hold?

Environmental issues have never been higher on the agenda than today and with this has come concerted pressure on the motorist. Deemed as one of the most highly polluting sources of pollution, the question has now fallen on how to shift people away from their cars. Initiated by the Stern Review, a number of additional schemes have either been introduced or are currently being planned, leading to the question of what does the future hold for the motorist?

The Stern Review stated one overriding conclusion, that the world must act now on climate change or face devastating consequences. Unfortunately it also appears that this action is going to lead to devastating consequences for motorists. Various proposals in the Stern Review were suggested, including introducing a fuel-price stabilizer, meaning when fuel prices they will never be able to fall again, and per mile road charging.

Taking a deeper look into each proposal uncovers fundamental flaws. Artificially setting prices has never made economic sense and furthermore, the fuel price stabilizer would simply have the effect of desensitizing people from changes in the fuel price. Consider a huge rise in fuel prices which subsequently fall but this fall is not reflected in the price. People become used to this new higher price and when they see that it stays at this level for many months they become used to it, never lowering their consumption, even if fuel prices then begin to gradually rise.

Then there’s per mile road charging. As it stands people are charged on a per mile basis – the further one drives the more fuel they use and the more they pay. Is this not a ploy to generate even more revenue and prepare for a time when cars no longer run on fuel? If everyone was to suddenly switch to electric cars the government would lose a vital source of revenue. Per mile road charging could fill in the shortfall, brought in under the umbrella of concern for the environment.

A couple of new road charges have been brought in. The first, to be introduced in Richmond-upon-Thames, is that homeowners will be charged a fee to park their vehicle outside their homes, the value of the charge depending on the type of car they own. Residents’ parking restrictions, initially introduced to help homeowners park outside their homes, are suddenly being turned against the very people they were meant to help.

The London Congestion charge has already risen to £8 a day from its original £5 a day, and proposals were unveiled recently to charge so-called “gas-guzzlers” £25 a day to drive into Central London. An extortionate amount by anyone’s standards.

However, something has to be done to protect the environment so what’s wrong with making a start and pricing polluting motorists and vehicles off the road? It’s certainly hard to argue against the fact that some cars do pollute large amounts of greenhouse gases and they should be discouraged. But isn’t the real fact to emerge from all this that the car driver is simply an easy target? Infrastructure is already in place whereby large additional taxes can be introduced whilst many people have little choice but to use their car, meaning that the revenue generated from these taxation schemes will be significant. Even the Stern Review undermines its argument against the motorist by producing figures showing that transport is responsible for 14% of all the emissions of greenhouse gases in the UK. Transport that includes car travel, lorries, buses, trains, ships and aircrafts. In addition, the argument is that economic growth will suffer if we fail to act now. This simply neglects the effect of imposing huge taxes on motorists, seriously inhibiting people’s ability to travel to work and help the economy, and this is all without even mentioning a certain rapidly growing country – China.

Driving Test Nerves

Driving tests can be things that cause problems for many people. Even folks who happen to be good drivers can get nervous over a driving test. Because one little mistake can cost a person the chance to get a driver’s license, there is significant pressure to perform well on driving tests. The fear of driving tests, like many other phobias, is strictly driven by mental stimulants. People fear driving tests because they have doubts about their ability to perform successfully. In addition, lots of people have a healthy fear of driving tests because they don’t know what to expect.

Much of the fear of driving tests can be linked to not having enough confidence in one’s ability to succeed. Even though a person might be the best driver in the world, they can still have fear of a driving test if they lack self confidence. This problem is likely just a side effect of other psychological problems that the person may face in their life. Lack of confidence doesn’t limit itself to just one are. When a person lacks confidence, it creates doubt for them in just about every situation.

Other folks fear driving tests because of uncertainty. Even though they know how to drive, they have no idea how a driving test works. They don’t know what is going to asked of them and they don’t know how the examiner will judge their performance. In short, they are in the dark to some extent. Both of these things are mental blocks that must be removed if a person is going to have any success on a driving test.

If you go into a driving test and you are nervous about the test, you won’t perform well. That is a fact of life. Nervousness and stress have a terrible effect on success levels on driving tests. How do you get rid of these things? You have to attack the subconscious thoughts that drive your doubts and your fears. Once that self conscious villain is laid to rest, you can get on with passing the driving test.

Hypnosis is a good way to help the mental aspects of the driving test. Though it won’t help you learn to make a turn, it will help your mind rest easy over your ability to make the turn. I have seen many clients that have had success with their driving tests. Get some information today and find out if hypnosis can help you.

Dvla’s Personalised Number Plates Auction A Success

The DVLA enjoyed continued success with their latest auction of previously un-issued personalized number plates.The last auction was held at Dormy House Hotel,Broadway,Worcestershire on the 5th,6th and 7th of September 2007. Bids were taken by letter,telephone,on line and of course in person in the room.

Top price paid was £31000 + vat + auctioneers commission + transfer fee ( approx £38750 total ) for the number 111 S,not sure why that went for so much, seems a lot if it was bought to go on a Lotus Elise. Other notable high prices were £17800 for 67 A and £17100 for 551 KHS ( presumably because it resembles SIKHS ). 1 numbers continue to demand high prices with 1 LHR achieving £13700and 1 PLA £13000.

Lowest prices were £250 with the best value one of these being L92 UKE at £300 .Other genuine bargains in the lower price range were E10 MAX at £600 and DOU 99Y at £800 .Prices in general seemed to be higher than those achieved in auctions held earlier in the year.There were fewer good numbers where no-one had attended to bid which are traditionally mopped up by the dealers.

Surprisingly unsold numbers were 4 HPS , 13 LEO ,786 RAV.
Total income for the DVLA ( or treasury if you like ) was in excess of £4 million and as the DVLA have no purchase costs ,as they are un-issued numbers that have not been used previously this is a very healthy figure to achieve.

The next auction of personalised number plates is on the 24th,25th and 26th October and will be held at Down Hall,Bishop Stortford in Hartfordshire.A catalogue can be ordered by calling 0800 089 2222. You can bid in person,by phone , by letter or on-line but you must register in advance.If you are bidding for a high value registration number it may be best for you to attend in person so you can absorb the whole experience which will make your number all the more enjoyable but make sure you set yourself a limit as most bidders get carried away and pay far more than they intended.

Ebay Car Auction Site – Our Guide To Car Auctions On Ebay

An Introduction on eBay - eBay car auction site

EBay has become one of the most popular ways to sell goods currently available in the world. Thanks to eBay, virtually anyone with a computer, an internet connection, and a simple to make eBay account can trade online.

People are free to sell goods, buy goods, sell unwanted goods, buy goods in bulk and sell for profits, whatever the cause, eBay can suit your n needs. The auction site has become so popular over the last few years that the company is now expanding to heights never before imagined by the founders.

EBay is well known around the world and it has users based in many countries. The good thing about eBay is that can sit in the comfort of your own home selling away until your hearts content.

eBay car auction site
Now, on to the car auction side of eBay..

Although eBay is more than just a car auction site as we have discussed above, it is indeed also a very popular car auction site. Many people who trade in cars are turning to eBay to sell their cars.

You can sell cars fast on the eBay car auction site, write out full detail on the car you are selling, offer specific viewing times, and to be honest, probably get a price on your car than you would offline. This is simply because you are advertising your car to much people. You can reach thousands of people via eBay, so the marketing power of the auction site is tremendous.

How long to list the car for on the eBay car auction site

We generally don’t give a guideline to this because it depends on how fast you want to sell the car, however, if you want to advertise to more people for longer, you could put the car on for 10 days, set a reserve price, and see what happens.

A reserve price is simply a price that you wont take any less than, viewers wont get to see this, but lets say your car is worth $2000, and the auction finishes with $1500, you wouldn’t have to sell the car, this means eBay offers some form of protection for sellers who want the money they feel the item is worth.

However, if you don’t set a reserve, you have to sell the car at whatever the auction price is, so if the car sold for $1500, you would have to sell the car for this price.

Ebay Motor Car Auction, The Best Place To Search For Cars

If you ever wanted to buy or sell a car or any other type of vehicle, you should know that a great place where you can do all these things is the eBay motor car auction.

From here, from this place, if you want to buy a car you can choose from all sort of models and prices. And the best thing about it is that you will have all the details, all the things you may want or need to know, right there in front of your eyes. No dealer eager to get more money will lie to you. All the facts will be placed on the Internet page, for everyone to see. The decision to whether buy the car or not will depend only on the buyer. You will not be influenced in any way by anyone.

Also, if you are trying to sell a car, the eBay motor car auction is the perfect place for you too. Don’t waste any more time looking for the best dealer that will help you sell that car of yours. The best place for a car that you want to sell fast and for a reasonable price is the eBay motor car auction.

Things that Buyers may Want to Know about eBay Motor Car Auction

The eBay motor car auction has some great features that you may want to know about. For example, there is a free buyer protection. Almost all vehicle purchases on eBay motors are protected up to $20,000. This kind of protection also occurs when you use PayPal to buy parts and accessories, and for these items you are protected up to $1,000.

There are all sort of tools that will help you decide what car to buy, and whether to buy it or not. You will also be able to check the seller’s reputation. If you find it unsatisfactory you can always decide not to bid. The recommendations on vehicle shipping, financing and insurance that eBay motor car auction provides will definitely help you make the best decision.

Things that Sellers may Want to Know about eBay Motor Car Auction

The eBay motor car auction has a worldwide audience. Over 10 million persons visit the eBay motor car auction site every month. This is indeed an appealing thought for someone that want’s to sell his car.

One more thing that you should know when deciding where to sell your vehicle is that on the eBay motor car auction a vehicle is sold every minute. This is indeed a great piece of information.

Economical And Affordable Green Automotive Technology

Although hybrid cars are the rage, and there are all kinds of alternative energy sources on the horizon, hybrids are cost prohibitive, usually ranging $3000 to $7000 more than the gas only version of that model. However, instead of changing fuel sources, some automotive companies have been using a new type of transmission to improve fuel economy, lower emissions, and actually make vehicles faster without adding to the sticker price.

These companies are using a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and instead of having set gear ratios (or gears), it constantly varies the gear ratios, as well as engine performance, so that they both operate at their most efficient level in any driving scenario.

Because these key components of the power train are at their peak performance at all times, fuel economy is improved by 6-8% and carbon dioxide emissions are reduced by 10%.

Although these figures may not sound impressive, the gas savings increase the highway mileage of most vehicles by 4 to 6 mpg, which adds up pretty quickly at $3/gallon.

The CVT’s potential for reducing emissions is also significant. As Carlos Ghosn, CEO of Nissan Motor Company, said, achieving his goal of selling one million CVT equipped vehicles by the end of 2007 will have “the same effect in terms of reducing CO2 emissions as selling 200,000 hybrid electric vehicles.”

Since there is no shifting between fixed gears, there is no ‘shift shock’ or jerking sensation, which makes them exceptionally smooth to drive. CVTs also do well in hilly terrain since there is no ‘gear hunting’ or bogging down on a hill, followed by a loud, violent downshift, which also contributes to its superior acceleration.

You may be wondering why this isn’t in every car if it is so great. Well, every year, more vehicles in the American market add CVTs as an option, though it has happened quietly, as many people are leery of new technology, especially in cars.

The CVT is actually quite old although it is new to American automobiles. The concept was developed by Leonardo DaVinci and was first patented in the late 1800’s for industrial applications. The CVT has been used in Asian and European vehicles since the 1950’s, but until recently CVTs could not handle the power that American drivers demand from their cars. However, CVTs have seen widespread use in snowmobiles and Formula 500 racing where they have a reputation for extending engine life and being much easier to rebuild than either a manual or automatic step transmission.

So where can you test drive a CVT-equipped vehicle? Well you can go to dealerships selling Ford, Dodge, Audi, or Mini-Cooper, to name a few, although a Nissan dealership may be the best place to go. In order to hit their goal of one million CVT sales in 2007, they have installed CVTs in nearly every sedan in their lineup, including the best selling Altima, Maxima, and economical Versa (as a side note, Nissan has also made side curtain airbags standard in these models, improving safety and reducing insurance costs).

Although you may not have the budget for a hybrid vehicle or cannot wait for that miracle fuel to hit the market, you can take it easy on the environment, as well as your checkbook, by checking out a few cars with a CVT.

Edsels: A Great Introductory Collector Car

Edsels Demonstrate the Irony of Bad is Sometimes Good

The word Edsel has become synonymous with failure in the American culture. However, sometimes bad is good. This is the case regarding the newly popular practice of collecting Edsel cars. Many people consider Edsel cars the most ridiculous model ever made, having plenty of style but absolutely no quality other than that. However, these days Edsels have become quite the attraction by prized show cars, at least in some circles.

The History of the Edsel

Edsels were debuted by Ford Motor Company in 1956 in an attempt to fix the dearth of medium-sized cars the company was experiencing. Named after Henry Ford’s son, the line became famous as one of Ford’s infamous flops. In fact, the line almost sunk the company. Edsel as a line failed when it first came out because of bad marketing, and the incident has in fact become known as exemplary of a marketing disaster and specifically as an example of America’s difficulty with marketing in the 1950s. The Edsel has actually become the butt of many jokes, undeservedly, some think. Featured in Pee Wee’s Big Adventure and Airplane II, in which the car’s engine was used to get a spaceship up and running, some may recognize the Edsel from these movies.

The Edsel as a Collector Car

There were never that many Edsels made, so they are pretty rare to begin with. This may be one reason that they have become popular collector cars, which their owners collect with loyalty. 5,000 Edsels are believed to be in existence these days.

One outstanding and characterizing feature of the Edself is its front grille, termed a horsecollar grille. At the time of manufacture, this vertical grille was considered a bold change and even a possible forerunner of upcoming popular style features.

Some specific models within the Edsel category are worth even more and are hot items in the collector car market. For instance, Mahwah Edsels are especially prized because of their rarity; they were sold on the eastern side of the country, and not many survived the climate’s harsh winters.

One thing that might be difficult in owning an Edsel is finding parts to restore it. Since the cars were not produced to the extent of many others, they are rare in the first place. Obtaining high-end OEM speedparts is reported as being particularly challenging.

Why Now Could be the Best Time to Buy an Edsel

Now seems like quite the opportune time to buy an Edsel for those who are interested. They are considered to be well-priced at the moment for those who are interested in collectible cars. Some people consider the Edsel to be a poor man’s collectible car because even with their relatively few numbers, there still seem to be more out there than people who have to have them.

The car’s fiftieth birthday is near, with many attendant anniversary gatherings of proud Edsel owners. Some owners today were original owners back in the 1950s. Today, many consider Edsels to be nice and well-assembled cars. Young people who have never seen one are consistently enthralled by this remnant of the past.

Effective Ways To Deal With Car Dealerships

When it is time for you to buy a new vehicle you would be wise to enter the dealership with the mindset that you are about to engage in a game of chess, where the salesman wants to get as much money from you as he can, while you try to get the best deal for the least amount of money. Somewhere in the middle of all the haggling that will ensue, you have to try and reach a deal where, if you are not fully satisfied, at least the price is fair. No one has ever driven off a car lot in a car they got for under invoice, and nobody ever will.

One thing you must keep in mind as you enter into negotiations is that the salesman has to make money; he’s got to eat and clothe his kids, pay his mortgage, etc. If you don’t want him to rip you off, then don’t attempt to try and rip him off either.

Now before you even reach the point where you are at the dealership, (you’ve taken your test drive and you are at the negotiating table), you need to do your homework. The best way to do this is to use the Internet. Websites such as http://Cars.com and http://Edmunds.com are great resources. Both give reviews of cars and allow you to make side by side comparisons to help you decide which car is right for you. Once you decide on the car you want (which could take you as long as a year to decide) its time to research some dealerships, which can also be done on the Internet.

Most dealerships to day have Internet sales departments, which allow you to look at their inventory online and request price quotes. All dealerships are very competitive and should get back to you within a day of you requesting one. However, if they take longer or refuse to give you a quote over the Internet; instead, trying to get you to come to the dealership, then don’t use them. More than likely the salesman intends to try and pressure you into making a purchase.

Hopefully you will be able to get at least three quotes. Once you do, visit all three dealerships and take the car for a test drive, as well as do a little negotiating over the price to see if you can get them to come down some. Once this is done, you have to make a decision about who you want to buy from. You should base this on who provided the best shopping experience, as well as the best deal.

Buying the right car can be hard, which is why you want to be patient and take your time when making a decision. For example, I just had to have a Nissan Titan when they first came on the market. I never had driven one, didn’t really know much about them except that I liked the body style and I liked that they went fast. So I bought one and six months later was tired of driving it. I didn’t like having a big vehicle, and I hated the gas mileage it got. I got so tired of driving it that I traded it in, took a loss on the loan and bought a new car. However, I only bought my new car after two years of research. By the time I showed up at the dealership I knew every specification on the car I wanted and new exactly what I was willing to pay. I’ve never been happier with any other vehicle than the one I drive now.

Electric And Hybrid Cars

We all know that something needs to be done about the state of our environment. After all, if we continue the trend that we have started of polluting and damaging the world around us, it may not be able to continue to provide us with the healthy elements we require for a healthy life. But solutions to the environmental issues are few and far between. Take our transportation situation, for example. We have become a society that is increasingly dependent on the use of cars to get around, as our world and neighborhoods have become bigger and more spread out. But cars are known polluters, and the cost of gas is beginning to limit the distances that we want to drive. We need a solution to this dilemma, and two of the possibilities that scientists are studying are electric and hybrid cars.

Electric cars run on an electric motor that is powered by a battery or series of batteries. These batteries need to be recharged periodically, usually after 50-100 miles of use. While this type of vehicle is very environmentally friendly because it produces almost no pollution, the fact that is must be recharged so frequently makes it a very inconvenient choice for many car owners. The other problem is that the recharging process has traditionally been a long and inconvenient one for the average car user. This is why you haven’t seen too many electric cars on the road at this point. However, by combining the electric and hybrid cars, you can create an automobile that is non-polluting and fuel efficient.

When it comes to electric and hybrid cars, the latter may be the more desirable choice for the large majority of car owners. While both the electric and hybrid cars use less fuel and emit less pollution, the hybrid cars are designed to go longer distances with less maintenance in between. This means that you can reap the benefits of using less fuel, which is a huge savings today when you consider the high cost of gasoline, with a vehicle that is much more convenient to use. Hybrid cars combine the ease of a small gas engine with an electric motor that is capable of recharging itself. You end up with a cleaner vehicle that can go longer distances on less fuel. The electric motor aids in the acceleration process, and also enables the car to turn itself automatically off and back on at stops, saving plenty of fuel for maximum efficiency.

While both electric and hybrid cars fit the bill when it comes to environmental friendliness, the hybrid car may be the vehicle of choice when it comes to convenience and ease of use. Consider a hybrid car for your next family vehicle and count the many benefits that you will receive.

For information on buying and selling new and second hand cars and bikes visit http://www.bharathautomobiles.com/index.php

Electric Mopeds, Scooters, Bikes And Mobility Scooters Review

In these days of high fuel costs and environmental issues people are looking at ways to save money and help the planet. One way they are doing this is by turning to electric vehicles such as bikes, scooters, mopeds and mobility scooters. They are finding there are many advantages over fueled powered vehicles, mainly cost, environmental factors and parking just to name a few. Another plus is the pure fun of riding these things as you zip through the traffic, taking short cuts, all with the due care, of course.

As I was writing these articles the one thing that struck me is the difference this type of vehicle can make to people's lives, especially if a car is not viable option. Let's look at the people who have some physical problem that restricts their mobility, with an electric motor scooter they can gain a tremendous amount of independence in their lives by doing those ordinary day to day things we take for granted. It also means that they do not have to rely on other people to do these things for them.

As the popularity of these vehicles grow the options they now have is enormous and they are so cost effective you can have than one type for different usage and also backup if there is a breakdown in one machine. What I mean is you can have a fold-away machine for convenience and storage or a full blown machine that will take you almost anywhere with ease. Also the batteries and chargers are much more sophisticated allowing less monitoring coupled with better power storage. For the bikes there are also after market kits that can be fixed to a normal machine without going to the expense of buying a specialty machine.

It will pay to check your local rules and regulations for your area in regards to licensing and insurance. You find in most areas that you will not need a special license and in some cases children as young as 12 years old will be able to take these machines on the road. Also, in a lot of cases, your current automobile, household and/or health insurance will cover for most mishaps.

I have written a separate article for each group that I have mentioned here and you find the links on the left hand side of this page. Please enjoy them

Electric Scooters: An Efficient Transportation Alternative

You just returned home from work. After spending thirty minutes in traffic to go a measly eight miles, your patience is shot.

You have not been home for even an hour when you notice that you need to go to the store to get some necessities. Instead of jumping in your car, you decide to save some gas money, along with your last nerve and take in the sights. It’s only a mile or so to the store, so instead of dealing with traffic, you opt for an alternative mode of transportation and avoid the hassle.

Electric scooters have become increasingly popular due to their energy efficient, environmentally friendly makeup. Without the need for petroleum to power electric scooters, you are helping the environment with every ride. Instead burning fossil fuels and emitting more carbon into the atmosphere, you can do your part in saving our wonderful planet and have fun while you’re doing it.

Most electric scooters have the ability to fold down for easy storage or transport. With this added convenience, you can virtually take your electric scooter anywhere.

Electric scooters are perfect for that short trip. Instead of hopping into the car, burning the gas and dealing with traffic, hop on your electric scooter, turn the key and before you know it, you have arrived at your destination headache free.

Some electric scooters can reach a distance of twenty to thirty miles without needing a charge. If you take the average trip to the store two to three times a week, you will still have enough charge for more trips in between. When you take your automobile on several short distance runs, you are burning more gas with every acceleration. Every time you accelerate, you emit more pollutants into the environment and burn more gas than at a steady speed.

Electric Scooters are your cost effective alternative. Though the price range differs among the different types of electric scoters, it is safe to say that the average 250 watt electric scooter that has a range of about ten to twelve miles per charge will run about $150-$200. For a 350 watt electric scooter that range from twelve to up to twenty miles per charge can set you back a mere $180 to $250. And the bigger 500 watt electric scooters that can average twenty to a whopping 30 miles on a charge will hit you wallet for around $300 to $400. One thing to remember: This is a one time fee, and you don’t have to keep filling up the tank, thereby after a few charges your electric scooter has virtually paid for itself.

Overall, when you look at the cost, efficiency, and overall convenience; you will agree that electrics scooters are one more thing in our lives that are not just a matter of convenience, rather a matter of being practical, which makes us more efficient in the long run. You can’t go wrong. Do your part to save the planet, save some nerves and put that

Electric Vehicles

I don’t know about everyone else but if you just ask the kids they’ll tell you they’re all for electric vehicles. It doesn’t matter what kind either. Make all the vehicles electric! After all, electric vehicles are fascinating and easy to use not mention easy on the wallet when it comes to buying gas. Maybe it’s the fact that electric vehicles run in an amazing and mysterious silent way. That’s got the roaring, gut throbbing internal combustion noises beaten hands down. Silence, it seems, is associated with thinking – at least conscious thinking occurs in the silence. Issues of reality and form and style and daydreaming are all part of this silent phenomenon.

If every kid wants electric vehicles, maybe that’s the place to start marketing them. The other day my wife and I helped move a Barbie® Jeep. It’s an electric powered kid sized vehicle and is too heavy for one person to lift, let alone a child. Nevertheless, the toy is very popular and we both thought to climb in and take it for a spin. It’s fun, adventurous, and even parents love it. Back in the adult world, one of the major unresolved electric vehicle issues that remain is that of weight vs. safety. Numerous models of Italian, Swiss and Chinese electric vehicles already exist on the market but few models satisfy U.S. requirements for highway safety. The dilemma is that electric vehicles are kept light for efficiency sake. The required battery storage adds a lot of weight but not where it counts.

Chrysler introduced an electric vehicle in California back in 2000 that was in reality a glorified, weather resistant golf cart. There was more marketing hype than real interest but the giant automaker did meet its EPA mileage goals that year. Slower speeds associated with around town driving are more suited for electric vehicles. Perhaps with new, lighter batteries we’ll see heavier electric vehicles that can meet stringent safety requirements, but it hasn’t happened yet.

Still, the attraction for electric vehicles remains. Considering the state of the world we will probably see some sort of renewable energy vehicle successfully enter the marketplace in the near future. Whether it will be an electric car or one powered by a fuel cell, the final vote is still out.

Electrical Clothing Is Not Dangerous

The first electric motorcycle vests made an appearance in 1971. But they are yet to become a rage because most riders suffer from electrocution fears. They would rather brave the cold than put on electrical clothing. This is a most unfortunate psychology. The riders must realize that the electrical clothing is wired by 12-volt charge. It is not strong enough to give them a shock, far less a fatal one.

There are some riders who fear that the electrical apparel will drain away too much amperage. This too is a misconception because electrical apparel uses too little power to affect any of the normal motorcycle functions.

These two are the main reasons why most riders avoid using electrical apparel. But there are some who take pride in their physical well being. To them it is an anathema to wear artificially heated clothes. They love to ride out in the cold in normal winter wear.

There is nothing wrong in such an attitude. You can surely avoid electrical clothing if you feel that your body is strong enough to resist even the bitterest cold weather. However, you must remember that electrical clothing can surely improve your riding experience by keeping your torso warm.

Today, manufacturers not only sell electrical vests but also jackets that have an electrical lining on the sleeves and the inside. The heat generated by such clothing increases the body temperature not only in the torso region where the vital organs are located but also keeps the fingers and toes warm.

Almost every rider knows how difficult it is to control a bike once the fingers go numb. Even the best of winter gloves can’t stop the chill creeping into the fingers, and slowing down a rider’s responses. This is where electrical clothing can prove very useful.

A good practice when wearing electrical vests is to wear it on top of a full-sleeved cotton shirt. This will ensure that the electrical vest does not touch the body. Also, the heat that is generated is retained by the cotton liner, and does not get dissipated.

The only danger of electrical clothing is that you may get too used to it. Even in moderate conditions you would like to put on your electrical vest. This is not a good practice. Like warm clothes, electrical clothing should be used to ward off cold. The body should not be made dependent on artificial heat sources.

Electrical Wheelchair Lift For The Automobile

When someone is on a wheelchair, special care must be given when the person needs to ride in automobile. This is because the individual is not able to get in or out of the vehicle like normal people.

The person can lift the disabled individual into the car and when getting out which will take a long time or make this happen faster by installing an electrical wheelchair lift on the automobile.

There are two types of wheelchair lifts. The first is powered by hydraulics and the other using electricity. More people prefer the electric type because this can be wired to the battery of the vehicle. This saves a few dollars from buying fluid, which has to be placed periodically to keep it functioning.

The person can check out the nearby store for the kinds of lifts available. The extended lift is the most convenient because the individual will just push a button for this to come out making it easy to push the wheelchair in. The same thing will be done when exiting the vehicle.

There are also variations in the type of exits used on the electric lift. People who entered in the lift may also exit the same way or enter through the center then leave either on the right or the left. The type of vehicle the person has will determine which is applicable.

The cost in on an electric or hydraulic wheelchair lift is very expensive. The cheapest one is a little over $10,000, which is not covered by Medicare or by an insurance firm. The person may be able though to get a thousand dollar discount from the manufacturer of the van if this is new or borrowed.

Electric wheelchair lifts have been around for some time. Even if the store has models available for various vans, it is still advisable to bring this in for the technician to get the right measurements.

When this has been completed, the customer can bring the vehicle back in for the installation of the lift. This could take a day or two if there are many customers who are also having this done.

The individual should check if this works properly before leaving the shop with and without the one on the wheelchair.

All electric wheelchair lifts are ADA compliant. This should be checked from time to time to make sure there wouldn’t be any problems for the one who is on the wheelchair.

Electronic Model Railroad Scenery: Make Your Railroad Complete

Anybody that has a model railroad will know just how exciting it can be to actually maintain it and use it. However, without one thing, the railroad would not be half as much fun! The scenery that is placed around the train tracks is often quite simply breathtaking, especially if it is highly detailed and very lifelike. Of course then you have your electronic model railroad scenery, which just takes it to the next level.

Electronic model railroad scenery is extremely popular with the railroad modelling fanatics. Of course, the trains and the tracks are both electronic but the electronic model railroad scenery simply blows the trains out of the water! There are model figures, tunnels and buildings for individuals to use at their own discretion to enhance the trains and tracks immensely as well as give you the feeling that you really are there with them! Obviously, all of the electronic model railroad scenery is scaled down to size, although they are made to represent all full sized features accurately. This is a practice well honed by architects, movie directors and other similar individuals that want to create an accurate representation of what their eventual structures would look like.

Model railroading became popular in the 1960s, but back then it was literally just the trains and tracks. Electronic model railroad scenery was not as popular then and would rarely be found on an enthusiast’s track! However, as it was gradually introduced later, it caught the imagination of children and adults alike because it made the tracks look more realistic and sent their imaginations running wild! It is till extremely popular now, all these years on, as a result of the electronic model railroad scenery. As a result of technological innovations, it just keeps getting better and better.

Electronic model railroad scenery can be bought for all shapes and sizes of track, from the minute to the quite realistic and an eight life sizes ones that you find in major toy stores. The latter is the biggest you can possibly get and is commonly called the G scale amongst enthusiasts. No matter what size your particular model railroad, I guarantee that there is electronic model railroad scenery out there for you! It can work out expensive though if you buy it all at once and fail to effectively shop around first!. For more info see http://www.modelrailroadshelp.com on Model Rail Road.

Electronic model railroad scenery has captured the hearts and minds of many individuals over the years and will continue to do so well into the future. The models are simply gorgeous, whatever scale you have them on. You can let your imagination run riot and really experience the railroad, which is what it is all about!

Emergency Hybrid Response Vehicles

Quite often when people have not yet shown an overwhelming interest in something, the government will provide a little push to get them started. For example, to get a program rolling, the government buys a million emergency hybrid response vehicles. Now, every city in America gets to participate in the experiment. Next, the manufacturer generates a promotional campaign based on their product and a strong concern for safety. Where better to present this than to the huge post 911 forum of emergency responders? With a little luck this campaign takes on homeland security proportions and becomes a great success. It’s all about putting the idea out in the public eye.

The term emergency hybrid response vehicle is already a hodgepodge. You can bet that to the corporate geniuses who put the buzz words together, they are worth billions of dollars, but what do they really mean? Webster says ‘Hybrid’ means “an offspring of genetically different parents” – fair enough. That explains the strangeness of terminology. Of course, to respond to something is to take appropriate action, the point being just that – a response rather than knee-jerk reaction.

Emergency responders have a hundred years of experience dealing with accidents pertaining to internal combustion. Accidents within the hybrid arena can involve high voltage, potential explosions and hydrogen handling issues. This gives them a practical heads-up on dealing with the new technology and points to the future trends being promoted.

But why choose the emergency vehicle to promote hybrid response? Well, petro-chemical fueled vehicles, emergency generators and alternate electric powered devices, still need a fuel source and are subject to supply limitations whenever disruptions to the distribution chain occur. This happened after hurricane Katrina and threatens to happen whenever Middle East unrest stirs world market fears. Hydrogen fuel is easily produced. We’re now another step closer to understanding emergency hybrid response vehicles.

The crystal ball says that emergency hybrid response vehicles are here to stay. The technology still has major glitches but it must be getting close. As a side note, you can bet the military budgets will soon allocate funds for a whole bunch of emergency hybrid response vehicles. Let’s see what happens when the gas prices soar and oil supply lines ultimately dry up. At least the emergency hybrid response vehicles will be out on the roadways!

Engine Know-how: Cylinders, Torque, And Pistons

Everyone knows that if you want to pack a punch, the 8-cylinder engine is the way to go. You know it, I know it, the car dealer knows it, and if you check with your insurance agent to see if your premiums will increase when you trade in that 4- for an 8-, you can be sure he/she knows it too. But it's not quite that simple. Which engines really do perform the best? Well, to answer that, we need to look at a few engine basics.

In an engine, pistons (which thrust the fuel into forward motion so to speak) travel down cylinder sleeves allowing valves in the engine to open. These valves are called "intake valves" because once in the open position, they let fuel and air enter the cylinders. When the pistons rise, the amount of space inside the cylinder decreases, causing the fuel and air to compress. As we all know, compressed gases are more flammable. A spark, thanks to the spark plug, ignites the gases in the cylinder causing explosions that send the pistons back down. What goes down, must come back up, right? So when the pistons push back up the second time, a different valve opens — the exhaust valve — which pushes the combusted fuel/air mixture out of the chamber. The pistons in an engine come in even numbers (hence, the 4-cylinder, 6-cylinder, and 8-cylinder options). The reason for this is because for every piston that's up, there's a partnering piston that's down. These pistons are connected to rocker arms that turn the crankshaft, which causes the wheels to turn. The constant switching of up-and-down pistons (two up while the other two are down in a 4-cylinder engine) is what causes fluid, forward motion of the vehicle.

Once we understand the function of the pistons, it's easy to see how a 6-cylinder engine produces more power than a 4-cylinder engine. Two extra cylinders, two extra pistons. More fuel being burned with each turn of the crankshaft, more money spent on replacing the amount of fuel you burn.

For the most part, 4-cylinder engines provide adequate power for small, light cars. However, the 6-cylinder engines are more responsive and fairly standard on small trucks, mid-size cars, and SUVs. Larger, heavier SUVs and larger trucks, designed for towing or hauling, often feature the 8-cylinder engine. But is bigger always better?

This is where 'torque' comes into play. Take for example, the Isuzu Ascender, the popular five-passenger SUV. Designed to be able to haul your whole family, plus tow those wave runners you bought with last year's Christmas bonus, the Ascender only features a 6-cylinder engine. Why not eight? The answer: torque. The design of the Ascender's 4.2-liter Inline 6-cylinder engine actually generates 285 horsepower and 276 lbs.-foot of torque — more power than some 8-cylinder engines.

Torque and horsepower are significantly more complicated than simply understanding how pistons and cylinders affect power. But the basic principle is that every car's drive train (the system that converts the fuel to power and the method of getting that power to the vehicle's
wheels) is slightly different, and some are more efficient than others. So a 6-cylinder engine which operates more efficiently can, in reality, provide more horsepower while burning less fuel than an 8-cylinder engine with a less stellar design.

Enjoying A Snowmobile At Full

A snowmobile, sometimes referred to as a snow scooter, a sled, or as a snow machine, can be defined as a land vehicle that is propelled by rubber tracks or belts, equipped with skis for steering. Snowmobiles are meant to be driven on ice and snow, without a road or trail being necessary.

The first ever snowmobile can be traced back to 1923, when a man by the name of Carl Eliason made modifications to a Ford Model T by replacing the undercarriage with tracks and skis. These earliest snowmobiles were used to deliver the mail through sleet and snow in the wintry Midwest area. The snowmobiles appearance and function has changed quite a bit over the years.

Today, there are a variety of reasons why people enjoy snowmobiles; recreation, remote travel, racing, as well as being used in rescue efforts. Snowmobiles are also made in a variety of styles, with some being produced for the single rider, with others being made for two passengers. Many riders of snowmobiles also utilize their snowmobiles to gain access to wilderness areas that are too remote to be accessed by a normal motor vehicle.

Snowmobiles have become so popular that there are now specific events centered on them! There is the Snowcross Racing Series, Snowmobile Skipping Races, as well as the Grass Drags, which are held in the absence of snow, right after Labor Day in Minnesota. While not all snowmobiles are manufactured the same, the average recreational snowmobile can reach speeds of 120 miles per hour, and the snowmobiles made for racing can reach speeds in excess of 150 miles per hour.

Not only are snowmobiles popular in the United States and Canada, Russia has their very own version of the snowmobile, which can be seen in the aerosan. Aerosan, when translated, means “aero sled.” The Russians use this propeller-powered snowmobile for delivering the mail, patrolling the borders, as well as for recreational purposes.

The aerosan has a very colorful past, and their use by the military can be traced back to the 1920’s. They were used in the Second World War, and were outfitted with a machine gun mount that was attached to the roof of the aerosan. During wartime, these particular snowmobiles were also used for medical evacuation in deep snow.

No matter what your reason for riding a snowmobile, you should always practice a bit of snowmobile safety. When operating, or riding as a passenger on a snowmobile, you should never be under the influence of alcohol. You should always carry a first aid kit, always wear protective headgear, monitor your speed, and never travel alone. There are also snowmobile safety courses that are available from a variety of sources, and these safety courses are always a good idea for the younger riders. Staying safe should always be the first priority when enjoying a snowmobile!

Ensuring Safety Around The Helicopter

What you know and you don’t know about safety around helicopter could make a big difference.

Here are some important information you must know in order to be safe around the helicopter at all times:

Approaching the helicopter – For some, especially the first timers, the sound of the rotor can be so intimidating at the same time exciting. These two are the main cause of absent-mindedness. And somehow, they tend to neglect the importance on knowing how to approach the helicopter.

What you should do is to keep calm and be aware of everything that is happening around you. Do not approach the helicopter if the pilot has not yet given you the signal to do so. Also never approach the helicopter where the pilot cannot see you. Approach the helicopter either from the side or front.

Approach the helicopter while keeping your head down. The rotor turns fast that could cause severe or fatal damage if you were hit. Also, in case you wear something that might fly off like hat, hold on to them carefully. If you are carrying long rod or tools, hold them horizontally. This would prevent the chance that this would hit the rotor.

On uneven grounds, make sure that you approach on the downhill side. This will keep you from the danger that you might hit the rotor. Remember this so that you stay out of danger.

While on the helicopter – Like riding a plane, there is a strict rule to follow to ensure that you have a safe ride. And it will all begin at the closing and opening of the door.

Once you have approached the helicopter safely, open the door slowly and be gentle on closing. Remember that helicopters are made to fly thus they are made from light materials so be very light on the doors. Just pull it slowly and close the latch handle gently. Wear seatbelt at all times and follow everything the pilot has said. The pilot knows about helicopters more than you do.

Departing from the helicopter – Departing from the helicopter is as critical as approaching it so make sure you follow the safety guidelines.

Wait for the pilot’s signal that it is safe to depart. Never disobey this or else suffer the consequence. On uneven grounds, depart on the downhill side. This would prevent you from hitting the rotor blade. And, keep your head down until you are clear with the rotor.

These things may be simple and very basic that is why not everyone follows it. If you don’t want to get hit by the rotor or fall off in mid-air, you have a very good reason to follow everything mentioned.

Equipment Needed To Change A Tire

Changing a tire is easy if you have the right equipment. Flat tires can occur for many reasons and at any time while you are driving. Sharp rocks, pot holes, pressure, or old tires can cause leaks to occur. Many times, you will be able to get the car home, but sometimes you may have to change the tire in a parking lot or on the side of the road. You should always be prepared when this happens. You should have a smaller tire called a donut that will get you to the tire repair shop so that a new tire can be put on the car. You should also have a tire jack and lug wrench that will loosen the lugs that keep the tire on the car.

Depending on the type of car that you have, you may be able to buy discount ties. Smaller cars can usually be fit with smaller, less expensive tires because they are standard issue from the manufacturer. Unless you own a sports car or other type of speciality car, you will be able to save money by purchasing discount wheels. After changing the tire, you will have to make an appointment with a tire repair service that will change your tire. Unless you have tires at home, you will have to take the car to one of these places.

If the tire repair shop has the tire in stock, then it can be changed in an hour or less depending on the number of people that are in front of you. If the tire is not in stock, you will be sent to another repair shop. Many times, repair shops that have a few stores also have computerized inventories that can be accessed by employees. Discount tire stores will be able to refer to other stores within their network. They will be able to look up tires online to see which stores have the ones for your car in stock.

Custom wheels cost more and may be more difficult to find depending on which tire the repair shop has in stock and how it will take for them to find a speciality tire. If you want to save money, you can purchase discount rims from online stores and junk yards. Car rims and truck rims can be found at a discount if you know where to look. While this may mean that your car cannot be driven for a few days, you will be able to save a lot of money and still keep your car looking the way you want it to. For many people, having a car that looks good is very important. Details such as rims and tires mean a lot to those who love their car.

Establishing Your Truck Insurance Rate

Finding your car insurance rate involves factoring in the variables involved in rate calculation and employing the information you collect about your own driving habits and, surprisingly, the driving habits of your peers. Depending on the area in which you live, you may find the premiums on your car insurance dictated by government or comprised of information based on your own personal use. Traditionally, the latter option is the most commonly employed standard, but there are exceptions in factoring car insurance rates that exist in many states.

When your car insurance rate and the premiums involved are not calculated by the government, they tend to involve an actuary. An actuary is a professional business person that deals in the fiscal impact of risk and uncertainty. They are employed by car insurance companies and by the department of motor vehicle and safety regulatory committees to establish a foundation for the rates involved in insurance policies and the rates of any other issues as pertains to traffic issues. Often, actuaries work with the department of motor vehicle and safety regulations to determine these rates based on the safety of the roads in the area and on driving records.

Actuaries often look to the volume of traffic in a particular area. One can expect lower rates if they spend time driving in a low traffic area because of the lower risk. Conversely, one can expect higher rates if they live in a high traffic area because of the increase in risk and uncertainty. The decision on the rate includes this information along with other pieces of driver history and road status.

Gender, surprisingly, is also a variable that is considered when establishing your car insurance rate. Because, according to most statistics in most areas of the world, men drive more miles per year than women, the rates for male drivers tend to be higher than those for female drivers. Men also have a significantly higher accident involvement than females do, creating more risk for male drivers and raising premiums. Females tend to keep the car insurance low and tend to end up with lower premium rates because they tend to be safer drivers. This tendency, however, in terms of car insurance low rates can be argued by proving general accident histories from your own personal experience.

Other issues greatly affect car insurance rates. Driver age and distance driven on average are just some of these issues, but there are many factors that can influence your car insurance rate. Insurance companies take all of the information they have into account to give you a rate that best protects you and other drivers from any incidents on the road. Your car insurance rate may remain fixed for quite some time, but that rate can change with years of first-rate driving.

An extra service you can get from your Truck insurance company is getting your truck wrapped.

Truck vinyl graphics and truck wrap are the ideal way to get your products known to the customers you want.

They are moving billboards and you can't miss message while the trucks are rolling down the street.

Lately there are many insurance companies that co operate with the major truck wrap companies and give you the customer a benefit while you establish your truck Insurance.

Ethanol Distillation And Ethanol Uses

Ethanol is becoming a very clear option for the alternative fuel market, as more and more countries start using and studying the ways to make ethanol use more popular, this is one kind of revolution that will change the fuel industry forever.

To have a better understanding of what ethanol distillation is, let’s get into the basics of ethanol.

Ethanol fast Facts

•Systematic Name: Ethanol
•Other Names: Ethyl alcohol, grain alcohol, hydroxyethane, EtOH
•Molecular Formula: E2H6O
•Physically, ethanol may be described as a colorless, flammable, slightly toxic chemical compound that has a distinctive perfume-like smell.
•It is produced from sugar cane and used as automotive fuel in Brazil. Ethanol made out of corn, on the other hand, is being used widely as a gasoline additive and direct fuel in the United States. Straw, meanwhile, is being used to manufacture ethanol as well.
•Ethanol is currently the leading biofuel provider in Europe.

Ethanol Distillation

Most of us already have an idea on how distillation happens. Let’s have the production of distilled water as an example. When water is subjected to heat, it is expected that steam would conduct away from a tube. A tube looped and oriented downward and allowed to cool would yield condensed vapor and eventually, water.

For ethanol, simple distillation will not be enough. Fractional distillation would be the best choice. The latter is used for separating mixtures of liquids with varying boiling points - like water and alcohol.

To start the distillation of ethanol, consider the following steps:

1.Prepare a small beaker and/or a simple glass half-filled with the rather miscible mixture of water and alcohol.

2.Cover the beaker or the simple glass jug with a funnel or something similar, so that a balloon can be placed to suck air out of the beaker.

3.After some time, the alcohol vapor and the steam in the mixture just above the liquid in the beaker or glass will reach a state of equilibrium. This should be relative of temperature and even pressure of the environment.

4.With regard to equilibrium, change can no longer be observed in the vapor to liquid ratio in the water to alcohol ratio within either the vapor or liquid mixture.

5.However, because of alcohol’s higher volatility, the ratio of water to alcohol in the vapor state is greater than that of the ratio in liquid state.

6.The occurrence of liquid-against-vapor-states permits the distillation from an escalating concentration of alcohol from the water and alcohol mixture.

And finally, by having sequences of repeated evaporation as well as condensation, a higher alcohol concentration is achieved from the re-condensation of recent vapor state.

This is since the alcohol inside the vapor mixture is at a greater concentration than it was from the liquid mixture from which it was changed into a vapor state.

Euro Tail Buying Guide

Stopping with Style
A custom truck or SUV just isn’t complete without a set of custom taillights. Taillights are like a fine wine – well, okay, they’re not really like wine. Custom tail lights aren’t anything but custom tail lights and if your truck doesn’t have them, you might as well be ridin’ around in a horse and buggy.

Clear Tail Lights + Police = Ticket
Not too long ago, clear tail lenses were the big thing. Manufacturers couldn’t make them fast enough to keep up with demand. But there was a problem; they weren’t street legal. State DOT offices started cracking down and the police responded. Tickets started to pile up, manufacturers were fined hundreds of thousands of dollars for making clear tail lights, and production stopped. Everyone looked for a new alternative.

Hello Altezza!
Nobody knows where the term “Euro Taillights” actually came from. The design actually came from a production Japanese car; the Toyota Altezza (In America, we call this the Lexus IS 300). Altezza tail lights feature the styling that we’re familiar with today; a chrome interior with red reflectors and a clear housing. At some point, somebody called them euro tail lights and the name just stuck.

Euro taillights are DOT approved. They have the one key element that was missing from clear tail lights - red reflectors. Without that red reflector you can, and will, get pulled over.

Many Styles, Many Names
The name “Euro Tail Lights” actually applies to most custom taillights on the market. As you read before, the original design had a chrome interior with red reflectors and a clear housing. The range of available styles has expanded in many ways. Some have a carbon fiber designed interior, and are often called Carbon Fiber Tail Lenses or Carbon Fiber Tail Lights. Some are black inside. These are commonly called black tail lenses. Some euro tail lenses have a smoked housing instead of clear, some have flames on them. Some of the newest on the market use LEDs instead of traditional bulbs. They are much brighter than anything currently on the market and the LEDs practically last forever!

The point of all this is to educate you on the history and some of the different styles of custom tail lights on the market. So whether you are looking for Altezza Tail Lights, Euro Tail Lights, or Clear Tail Lights, you’ll know what you’re talking about when it comes down to it.

For more information, please visit Stylin Concepts.

Everything's Bigger In Texas: San Antonio's 39th Annual International

Got plans for November? Why not head down south to the country's second largest state (in both land mass – behind Alaska, and population – behind California) and check out some authentic Tex-Mex eats as you peruse the impressive International Auto & Truck Show? Did we mention it's big???

From November 8 – 11, the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center will sport over 350 new trucks, SUVs, automobiles, and concept cars. It's been an annual event for 39 years drawing thousands of car and truck enthusiasts from all over the world.

What can you anticipate seeing? Well, starting at the East Hall, you'll walk past 2008 models from Mercedes-Benz, Scion, and Suzuki. Isuzu will be right there in the mix with its high-performance pickup trucks and SUV model (the Ascender). Audi will display its newest TT and Lexus will show off its future lineup as well. Continue into the West Hall and check out the Lotus display, and those by Cadillac and Hyundai.

If car shows are your thing, Texas is the place to be. The state offers over two hundred truck and auto shows each year, ranging from the San Antonio Autorama at the Autodome to the Texas Heatwave Show at the Travis County Expo Center in Austin.

If speed is what gets your blood pumping, Texas delivers in that area as well. Racing is popular in Texas as proven by the Texas Speedzone, Twin Cities Speedway in Odessa, Thunder Hill Raceway in Kyle, Bad Boyz Speedorama in Austin, and Houston Motorsports Park in… you guessed it – Houston.

While we love the great state of Texas, finding an auto show in your vicinity shouldn't be too difficult. There are literally hundreds of auto shows every year, in every state and that's not counting the big international shows overseas. France, Germany, Britain, Japan, even China puts on amazing auto shows – a car lover's dream.

And car shows aren't what they used to be. These are major productions with food, entertainment, booths from all kinds of automobile industry reps, and of course, a glimpse into the future of cars (both immediate and long term). Many offer events for the entire family, making it a great destination for a family vacation. For example, San Antonio's car show takes place near Riverwalk – a hot spot for restaurants, hotels, and theme parks (San Antonio's Six Flags Fiesta Texas is only a hop, skip, and a jump away). Other local attractions include golf courses, Natural Bridge Caverns, the San Antonio Zoo, and Ripley's Haunted Adventure.

So the next time you're down south where bigger is better, check out the San Antonio Annual International Auto and Truck Show. You might just be surprised at what you find – these aren't your parents' auto shows. They're more than that. They're destinations. And they are truly the only place where so many different vehicle manufacturers come together to give you a glimpse of what the future holds for the auto industry.

Everything You Need To Know About Car Auction In Chicago

Everyone needs a car. This is a very well known fact. If you want to have the ability to travel fast and in good conditions, not depending on anyone else, the personal car is the right solution for you. And where can you buy your car? Well, there are a lot of answers to this question. One of them, and maybe the best one, is from a car auction.

The car auction can really help you when looking for a car to buy. At a car auction you can choose from a large range of cars, of all shapes and sizes, and with varying prices.

You probably already know that all the major cities and not only them have car auctions. This means that you won’t have to spend a lot of time searching for one.

The city of Chicago makes no exception. The car auction in Chicago is one of the largest in the U.S. So, if you live in Chicago this means that you will have access to one of the largest car auctions in the country, the car auction in Chicago. But don’t worry if you don’t live there, you can always make a trip to this city.

Reasons Why You Should Choose the Car Auction in Chicago

One of the best places where you can buy your car is the car auction. And one of the best car auctions is the car auction in Chicago. But we already said that. What you need to know when going to a car auction is that here you can find almost any kind of car that you want. With a little luck you will probably find your dream car.

Why waste time searching in other places when you can just go to a car auction and look at all the models and brands, and then pick the one you want. At the car auction in Chicago, as well as in other car auctions, you can see the cars, analyze their performance and technical sheet, look at the design, see how well they were maintained, talk to the owners about them, compare the prices and then decide which one to buy.

Remember that the final decision is always yours to make.

The tradition and size of a car auction can also be a reason for choosing the car auction in Chicago. Here you will have the guarantee that you will be able to choose from a large number of cars. And you will also be certain that in case something goes wrong you will have the possibility of always going back to the place where you bought the car, because the car auction in Chicago will always be there.

Everything You Wanted To Know About Boat Lifts

How many people know about boat lifts? Just the ones who own a boat, probably. Boat lifts used to be called davits, and while most of us may have heard of those contraptions, we visualize them on large ocean liners.

Before the 1970's, most boats were lifted with a davit system, or pair of davits that contained a fore and aft (front and rear) cable system that were in turn connected to holes, or eyes, on a boat. The arms of davits were connected to something solid, whether on the deck of a large ship, or on a pier or a mooring dock.

When a winch was turned, the cables, attached to the boat and the davits, lifted the boat from the water. Small majorities of people today still use davits to lift their boats out of the water, but by far, the majority of boaters and those in the boating construction industry use boat lifts for this purpose.

Boat lifts support the boat from underneath, contrary to the cables used on a davit system, which could put strain on the rib construction of smaller boats. With boat lifts, the keel of a boat is cradled with boards that are connected to a lifting platform or other type of cradling system.

Boat lifts experienced a major design change in the 1980's and the switch from a davit system to boat lifts took the country, and the world, by storm. Galvanized steel davits were replaced by aluminum. While aluminum is a little more expensive, it's also resistant to corrosion and keeps its appearance longer, without the rust stains common on most davit systems.

Since the 1980's, boat lifts have gone through several additional design changes, and numerous techniques to improve the cradling system on boat lifts have been experimented with. Hydraulic cylinders, pneumatic flotation and cables have been tried and improved, though hydraulic methods are cost prohibitive and are difficult to maintain around salt water and its effects on parts. The preferred boat lifts along coastal waters are cable lines attached to sea walls or mounted supports.

This system allows boats to be lifted out of the water with a minimal amount of space and effort, and three methods are the most popular. With the cable boat lifts used today, shafted beam lifts, elevator lifts and beamless lifts are the most popular and cost effective. While these designs are based on systems that have been used for decades, the materials used to construct such boat lifts these days improve on both effectiveness and cost.

As with most industries, the boating industry has seen large advancements in technology in the past couple of decades, and boat lifts are no exception. New methods, materials and designs continue to improve the ease through which boats can be protected, painted and repaired out of water with minimal damage to structure or surfaces that were prevalent in the past. If you own a boat, or are considering purchasing one, make sure that you have access to boat lifts, as well as all the equipment you'll need to keep your boat in tip-top shape.

Exhaust Systems For The Hobbyist

There are exhaust systems and then there are exhaust systems. Your vehicle’s exhaust system does everything that it needs to do to keep your car performing properly as well as to protect the environment safe from harmful pollutants. When it is working properly, that is. Not every owner is satisfied with stock exhaust systems, particularly the hobbyist or recreationalist who uses his or her vehicle for leisurely pursuits. If you are a hobbyist and you want a system that performs well beyond what a stock exhaust system has to offer, then please read on for some important information.

So, what is your sound preference? Say, what?! Yes, one of the attributes of a high quality performance exhaust system is finding one that brings out the sound that you want it to make. Generally, there are three types of exhaust systems sounds you can choose from. Gibson Exhaust, a popular manufacturer of performance exhaust systems breaks it down as follows:

High: Produces a sound of high volume and intensity. Expect resonance with the cab.

Moderate: “Big Block” powerful exhaust tone with minimal resonance inside of the cab.

Low: Produces a mellow tone while it maintains a stock sound within the cabin.

Are you not sure which type of system that you want? Then, simply stop by the Gibson Exhaust site for sample sounds of the exhaust system for your truck or SUV.

Beyond sound, there are several other characteristics of any performance exhaust system that should be noted. They include:

More power. Stock mufflers can restrict engine power by as much as one third. With a properly specified and fitted performance muffler in place, air flow restriction can be reduced significantly. The result will be borne out every time you pull something or when you climb a hill as torque is freed up to bring out additional power.

Improved fuel economy. An efficiently working engine burns less fuel. With a performance exhaust system in place, your engine has a friend and not a foe that works in conjunction with the engine to achieve higher fuel mileage.

Longer lasting. What good is paying extra money for a performance exhaust system if it doesn’t last longer? Made from aircraft quality stainless steel, your performance exhaust system can easily outlast the life of your vehicle. Depending on the manufacturer you choose, warranties as long as one million miles can assure that the exhaust system you place on your vehicle not only avoids corrosion but is also the last one it will ever need.

Certainly, performance exhaust systems can cost a lot more than stock systems. For the hobbyist who enjoys the throatier sound, stronger torque, and improved fuel economy, a performance exhaust system makes perfect sense.

Extang RT Tonneau Cover Review

Let me start with a brief description:

The RT Tonneau Cover by Extang is a low profile tonneau cover that sits nearly flush to your truck box. The tarp is made from an industrial vinyl. The bows are not so pronounced as other soft tonneaus. There is what they call a “perfect fit control” at the cab end to keep your cover adjusted to suit the different hot and cold climate conditions. This adjusting is done manually. The rear rail locks at the rear and you must open it with the tailgate down from underneath the tarp. The bows roll up with the tarp. The tarp seals with an industrial Velcro sealing system. There are buckles to secure the tarp when it is rolled up to the cab. This tonneau cover also comes in a tool box edition.

Benefits:

The Rt sits almost flush with your truck box.

The bows roll up with the tarp to give you quick easy access to your truck bed.

Lock on rear for added security.

Protects your cargo from weather, winds from higher speeds and keeps your cargo out of sight from thieves.

Great new look on your pickup truck.

As most tonneau covers it saves on fuel consumption.

Easy installation with no drilling required.

Customer Woes:

Many say this cover is nice and snug but some say the tarp does flap a little at higher speeds. Some do admit they may have to play around with the adjuster.

Some say they get a little water.

Although the stake holes are usable some did not like the fact the tarp did not cover these.

Make sure the rails are straight for the lock mechanism to work properly.

Although the tarp locks at back but even with a tailgate lock it would not be hard for thieves to get in.

Extreme Mountain Biking

Extreme mountain biking is a physically taxing sport and is not suitable for those people who have chronic ailments like asthma, hypertension and other types of diseases that can hinder the physical endurance of a person. If you are one of those people who are suffering from any type of ailments that affect your stamina and overall physical condition, it would be better for you to forget about extreme mountain biking and switch to a type of sport that is less taxing. On the other hand, if you are one of those people who are at the peak of their health and think that they can conquer severe physical challenges, extreme mountain biking is something that you can enjoy doing.

To make sure that you are physically fit to handle to extreme mountain biking challenges, you need to physically and mentally prepare yourself to tackle all these challenges. Build your strength before you go out there and try to conquer a difficult mountain trail. To help build your strength and your resistance, you can enroll in one of those strength training classes. You may also practice doing long distance biking to build your stamina.

There are at least three basic styles of extreme mountain biking. First, you have the downhill or the free ride where the biking where the biker gets to do anything from jumping, downhill racing and others. According to experts, this type of extreme mountain biking is one of the most dangerous types of sports and will require a great deal of skills on the part of the biker. A little slip in the wheels while going downhill at top speed could cause severe injuries on the riders and may even result to fatalities. If you want to try this type of extreme mountain biking, make sure that you are in top shape. Never try this type of extreme mountain biking if you have doubts when it comes to controlling your bike or keeping your balance. You need to be physically and mentally tough to engage in an extreme downhill ride.

The second type of extreme mountain biking is the mountain climbing or uphill ride. Although this type of extreme activity is not as dangerous as the downhill ride, this can be very physically and emotionally taxing. The third type of extreme mountain biking is the cross country racing. Of the three types of extreme mountain biking, the cross country racing is considered as safer.

For buying and selling used or new (second hand) bikes and motorcycles check the link http://www.bharathautomobiles.com/motorcycles-s2_0.html

Exude Brilliance With An HID Bulb

HID bulbs have revolutionized the world of automotive driving. Install an HID kit now and get superior lighting even in the worst driving condition. Trust your HID bulb to give you unparalleled illumination for the rest of your car’s life.

The Product of Brilliance

Thomas Edison was a genius. So was Carl Benz. Edison literally lit up the world while Benz (excuse the pun) mobilized it. Whoever thought of putting incandescent bulbs into automobiles was not too bad himself. Headlights revolutionized the world of driving. It allowed for 24-hour driving and made the road safer for motorists.

But incandescent bulbs have its share of disadvantages. For one thing, it causes glare that can be discomforting and dangerous. And since incandescent bulbs work on the concept of heat transmission, they can also be very inefficient. Another downside is that incandescent bulbs will only run for about 1,000 hours.

For years, engineers and technicians have been working on creating the perfect headlights for your car. As a result, a variety of lighting systems have been developed. These include halogen headlights and High Intensity Discharge (HID) bulbs. Among these automotive lighting systems, the HID bulb has proven to be the most efficient.

How the HID Bulb Works its Genius

The HID bulb produces intense bright light that’s perfect for the most distressing driving conditions. Install this in your car and drive through the thickest fog without the worry. An HID bulb uses xenon. Unlike the incandescent light and halogen light, this does not have a filament and does not work with heat. Instead, it sends large amounts of electricity through gas which creates an electric arc that emits the light.

Halogen lights have been around for a long time and will probably still be around for the years to come. However, people are beginning to realize the edge of installing an HID kit. The yellowish beams produced by the conventional halogen bulb does not compare to the bright white light of the HID bulb. HID bulbs also consume less power than halogen lamps.

Why Halogen Headlamps Must Leave Your Car

Still not convinced? Compare the life span of your old halogen lamp to that of an HID bulb. You’ll be amazed to find out that while your halogen lamp has a limited lifetime, a top-of the-line HID bulb will last the lifetime of your car. Before you trade in your old headlights, check out your options. Hundreds of manufacturers and distributors have popped up due to the incredible demand for the product, thus, you’ll have to do some window-shopping or site hopping.

If your budget is your concern, look around for HID automotive lighting kits within your range. Just a friendly reminder: whatever budget you’re working on, never settle for cheap, aftermarket HID kits. These kits may be easier on your bank account but they won’t last long.

Do customer service research, especially when considering unknown vendors. Look around and compare offers. Be sure to ask for product warrantees when purchasing your very own HID conversion kit. The rule of thumb when buying your HID bulb and lighting system is that you get what you pay for. Don’t worry if you find that you’re spending a little more than you would on halogen lamps. You can count on your HID kits to be worth every penny.

Fast Cars – The American Muscle

In the 1960s there was a class of cars introduced to the world known as muscle cars. These cars were sleek and sporty and contained a powerful engine. Most of these cars boasted a V8 engine which was geared for speed. As these cars were produced the manufacturers were in stiff competition with each other. As each manufacturer tried to out do the other, we were led into an era of some of the fastest cars of our time. With no thought to gas and fuel efficiency, Americans seemed to be having the time of their lives. Their cars were fast and eye-catching, both on the road and on the race track. Racing stripes and flashy decals made a statement about both the car and the driver. It seemed the flashier the car the more desirable.

At a time when the luxury automobile was the king of the road for the married set, the younger crowd wanted something smaller, faster, and sportier. The Shelby Mustang and the 440 Roadrunner are two of the fast cars which were built to satisfy the desire for high performance and speed. There were many more fast cars to come. Camaros, Chargers, GTOs, and Firebirds all tried to pack as much punch under the hood as was possible. Corvettes offered speed and sleek style, but they also had a high price tag. Most of the other high performance cars offered a price that was affordable to the average working class people.

The Fuel Effect

During the 1960s and 70s auto manufacturers were riding high on a wave of speed and performance. Then we entered an era where we were told gas was in short supply and we were destroying the ozone with our extravagant auto emissions. We reluctantly let go of our fast and sporty cars and took to the streets with a V6 and even a V4. Gas mileage and cheaper insurance costs forced the fast cars onto the race track and off the roadways.

The desire for speed will be with us always. We will probably never again see a time when speed and high performance engines are sold for the every day street car but we can get a glimpse of these cars at the raceway or at vintage car shows. The baby boomers were around to see these cars at their inception and they still carry a torch for them today. Many will spend a small fortune to restore one of these original fast cars back to their former splendor.

Fast Cars, Sports Cars – British Performance

At the end of World War II there was a surge of high performance, fast and sporty cars that began to emerge. The soldiers who were returning home from war were instantly attracted to these fast sports cars, many which were exported by Britain. At that time the British were building high quality sports cars at a price many could afford. The British sports cars were superbly engineered and quickly began taking the sports car world by storm. Their sleek and sporty design made them highly desirable.

The fast and sporty British cars began to really take off when the Triumph came out with the TR2 in 1953. At the time Triumph produced some of the most sought after cars in the world. The United States fell in love with it and soon began seeking other British sports cars.

Taking A Look At The Cars

The Jaguar is probably the most popular fast, sport car the British offer. Many people see the Jaguar as the top of the line automobile. The brand new Portfolio which is being unveiled in March 2007 brags of a speed of 155 mph and can reach 60 mph in only 4.9 seconds. The Portfolio features a 4.2 liter engine and the car will be offered worldwide.

BMW is also offering a new coupe and convertible in their 3 series. These are supposed to be the most appealing BMW fast and sporty cars to date. These come with aerodynamic styling and lower suspension which offers a sportier look and ride. These sport modes are offered in Silver, Black, Blue, Graphite, White, and Red.

Aston Martin is announcing improvements to their famous Vanquish S. This automobile is famous for its luxury and unique style. It was also made famous by James Bond in the movie “Die Another Day”. The Vanquish S Ultimate Edition will showcase many of the features of the Vanquish s that many Britons love. With only 40 being built, these cars will be offered as a limited edition and predictions say they will all be sold in only a few weeks.

This edition will be produced in Ultimate Black and this will be the only car available in this color. The interior will be trimmed in leather and stylish black chrome. It will offer a top speed of 200 mph. This car is the result of customer research and request and contains the features most sought after by the public. It comes with a high price tag but will be considered an investment since the car will likely maintain or increase in value.

Fast Cars, Super Cars – Paying For Horse Power

For the rich and famous it seems to be a statement of success when they own the very expensive fast and super cars. These fast, super cars will usually be found in areas such as Hollywood, Las Vegas, or New York since these are the places where the rich and famous usually work and live. In other countries you might find royalty and upper members of government sporting these cars but few members of the working class will ever have the money to buy one.

Fast Cars, Super Cars – Looking At The Models

The exotic Ferrari Modena is a popular Ferrari model which offers a six speed transmission, a V8 engine, and will get about 11 to 16 mpg. With a price tag of $152,000, this car is capable of doing 189 mph and reaching 60 mph in 4.2 seconds.

One of the top of the line super cars, which is also a fast car, is the Lamborghini. The current Sypder is considered to be one of the most popular super cars available. Voted as the most beautiful car in the world, the Spyder sports a V10 which reaches a speed of 195 mph with the roof up and 191 mph with the roof down. It comes with a price tag of $195,000. Its lightweight aluminum frame allows the car to reach faster speeds and it can do a quarter mile in 12.2 seconds, reaching a speed of 122 mph.

If you want to come down a little closer to earth you might want to take a look at the Dodge Viper. It also offers a V10 which can reach speeds of 190 mph, will do 0-60 in 3.8 seconds, and a quarter mile in 11.9 seconds. The Viper is rated for 10 to 20 mpg and comes with a price tag of $80,000. This makes the Viper a super car which is a fast car with a more affordable price tag.

A never-ending classic super car is the Corvette which is put out by none other than Chevrolet. This American icon has been around for several years and continues to improve with age. Available in a coupe or convertible, you can choose from several color combinations. You also have the choice of a 6 or 7 liter engine, and the starting price is about $66,000. These cars have withstood the test of time and continue to be one of the most popular sport cars on the market today.

Fast Cars And The Weight Issue

Weight is one of the most important issues to consider when building a fast car for road or track. Putting a car on a serious diet is pretty much free horsepower, as any attempt to lighten a car improves the power to weight ratio, this seriously improves acceleration.

The gains on a lightening a car are huge and not just limited to gains in acceleration either. Once you have lightened a fast car you will find the car performs better in the corners and under braking, parts such as brakes and tires will last longer on the car also.

The potential gains are huge but it must be done correctly, you would not want to lighten a rear wheel drive car too much on the rear or you may find traction a problem particularly with a high power output.

The truth is your fast car could be made a great deal faster cheaply and easily just by shaving a few pounds off the body.

How do we remove weight from the fast car?

This bit is as easy as you want it to be, but as with most forms of car modification it depends on how far you want to go. I know a guy who races a BMW and he decided to go all out on weight saving, he even scraped every bit of under-seal from the floors of the car, extreme perhaps but he managed to remove nearly 2 stone of under-seal, not a bad effort.

The obvious place to start saving weight on your fast car is by removing the interior, and anything else that you do not need, the fronhttp://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=1556708069461774298t seats can be replaced with light weight racing items, the unused wiring removed, carpets and sound deadening, pretty much all of the unnecessary parts, my car has just a driver seat and a cage with much of the unnecessary wiring removed. This makes for a car with very impressive performance.

Many other components can be replaced with lighter parts, gear box casings, axle covers etc. It is worth noting that a stainless steel exhaust is lighter than the same in mild steel, so this constitutes a worthwhile investment.

It is also important to reduce the unsprung weight on the car also, by this I mean wheels, brakes and anything else before the suspension mounts, this provides a very good increase in the handling of the car.

Fear Of Driving Tests

Fear of driving tests is a normal thing that affects different people in different ways. Anybody who has come through young life has had to deal with the stresses of learning to drive. It is one of those rights of passage that each person must go through in order to have a successful life. Some folks just can’t get past their fear of driving tests, though. This is a mental problem that deals with issues of self confidence within a person’s subconscious. If you don’t do something about it, it could impact your ability to gain a driver’s license.

Even if a person is a great driver who would have no problem passing a driver’s test, they can still fear the driving tests. Even if they have been schooled on some of the skills that will be tested during the driving test, they might still hold a sort of apprehension when it comes to actually performing in the test. This is not unusual in any way. When people have a healthy fear of the driving test, it can affect their ability to perform during that test, though. Like with any other sort of fear, this fear is somewhat crippling in the way that it can limit a person’s ability.

Psychological issues and subconscious thoughts have a lot to do with why a person might fear a driving test. Perhaps that person has thoughts that won’t leave their head about their ability to perform. Maybe the person just doesn’t have the ability to stand up to the stress associated with a driving test. Whatever the case, it’s essential to get over this most basic fear and conquer the driving test. One way to do this is through hypnosis.

I have been a hypnotherapist for many years and I’ve seen lots of people come through my clinic looking for help. Some of them come for more serious issues like smoking or addiction issues. Still, others come because they want help getting over their fear of the driving test. They realize that hypnosis is not just something found in magic shows. After going through hypnotherapy treatment, they understand that sometimes, the most important thing is just changing your mindset.

If you are suffering from fear of the driving test, then get some information about hypnosis and find out what it can do for you. You might discover that it’s just the boost you need to help you conquer your fear of a driving test.

Features Of Roadmaster Mountain Bike

You don’t have to be a bike pro to realize that the Roadmaster mountain bike is cheap and is ideally suited for the biker not wanting a whole lot of features other than its thumb shifters that are present instead of levers or twists. You may also not know much about what Sach’s Power Chains are and whether you should have opted for a mountain bike with Viking Titanium Chain or whether you need to know how good or bad are Campagnolo as compared with SRAM derailleur. But, once you have begun to ride your Roadmaster mountain bike, you may very well find that you need to learn more than just how comfortable or not the bike is to ride.

Before buying your Roadmaster mountain bike, you need to also consider a few basic things that will help you get the best from your purchase. Look for comfort of ride; weight of the bike and of course its price. Once you realize that you are getting good value for money and an affordable mountain bike, you will even forgive your Roadmaster mountain bike for its rather cheap and somewhat painful seat. And, it is also ideally suited for anyone on a tight budget. Other than that, anyone that is in need of a reliable mountain bike that allows him or her to even commute on it, this bike has a few advantages and those that have used the Roadmaster mountain bike have generally stuck with their bike for quite a few years.

The Mountain Fury is one of the Roadmaster mountain bike models that you may find a bit heavy to cart about, and if you need to carry it up a few floors to store it in your apartment high up in a building, you will certainly find it rather unsettling. However, once you get it on the trail, the story is quite different and there is no problem with the ride as changing gears is not a problem and you can even attain speeds of about twelve miles per hour in windless conditions, which means you are getting good value for your money.

The trouble with this roadmaster mountain bike is that riding it can be painful to your backside and so you may need to spend a few more dollars and get a cushion to get a more comfortable ride. Another worry for you about the roadmaster mountain bike is that the tires may not last too long, though, for a fifty dollar bike you should not expect more. So, if you don’t mind the weight and like the cheap price, the Mountain Fury Roadmaster mountain bike may be quite a good option.

For buying and selling used or new (second hand) bikes and motorcycles check the link http://www.bharathautomobiles.com/motorcycles-s2_0.html

Fiberglass Tonneau Covers, Reduce Gas Mileage

Fiberglass tonneau covers are becoming more popular among truck accessories today. They are very easy to install, light weight, and easy to manage. Even though the fiberglass truck bed covers are light, they are tough and withstand inclement weather conditions and roads with pot holes and dips.

If you want to add beauty to your truck, with simple installation and almost no drilling, this is a long-term investment with which you will be pleased.

Simple lifting without straining yourself and easy access to the truck bed is a feature all tonneau covers offer. Most fiberglass tonneau covers open from the tailgate, and the hinges are present near the bed of the truck.

Fiberglass truck tonneau covers are manufactured so they can be painted and matched to the exact color of your truck. This sleek design and added accessory is a real head turner. Your vehicle will look like it is ready to enter a show because of this simple upgrade.

There are also a variety of covers that have a handle near the tailgate, adding to a more polished, expensive-looking appearance for your vehicle. Along with the beauty and style added, you have increased security of your gear.

How about adding a special emblem for that finishing touch? With many name brands to choose from, such as Access, Bestop, Gaylord, Masters, Pace Edwards, Truxedo, and others, the sky is the limit to choosing the best cover for your truck.

Hard tonneau covers may also come with a keyless remote system, which is yet another theft deterrent and ease of accessibility for you.

Almost all truck bed covers are custom made for your pick-up truck. All the necessary hardware needed for simple installation is provided along with the cover. The covers not requiring drilling are secured to the bed of your truck with heavy-duty clamps.

The hard fiberglass tonneau cover has a special locking systems so the loads kept in the back of the truck bed are secure. Some models even include a wing at the back, which adds to the aerodynamic style of the truck and makes for great savings on gas.

Quite a few truck owners purchase their vehicle to have more room to haul around a variety of gear. They wind up needing to lug their tools in and out of their truck every night, for fear of theft. If the room your truck provides is not secure, then you are literally wasting over 80 per cent of your truck’s space. You can also choose a tool box with tonneau cover, especially designed for anyone owning a lot of tools for their specific trade.

Therefore, it is more important to protect your cargo from getting damaged from not only the ever-changing weather conditions, but from would-be-thieves waiting to steal your expensive property. With the rise of truck break-ins, this type of theft deterrent system is a must.

The designs and benefits of these covers have been refined and improved by constant redesigning and engineering. After researching the price of different truck bed covers, you must decide which one fits your particular needs and budget.

Prior to your purchase, think about all of the ways in which you use your vehicle and cargo area. There are tonneau covers that open in one piece, like the hood of the car, while others can be stretched and locked with the tailgate. New and different styles are being introduced all the time, because truck owners are speaking up and telling the manufacturers what they need.

All the vendors of the fiberglass tonneau cover use the maximum space available, and thus produce the covers all the way to the tailgate. The benefits of these truck tonneau covers are noticed immediately after its installation. You can see the new sleek style of your truck, and feel the added safety and security of your gear.