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.

Financing A Used Car

If you don’t have enough cash on hand to purchase the car straight out, you will need to consider your financing options. If you are a smart shopper you should figure out how you are going to finance the used car before you begin shopping. There are three main components that will come into play when you purchase a car. The first is the monthly payment, the second is the down payment and the third is the price of the car.

The monthly payment is going to be how much you can afford to pay each month. This will help the lender determine the life of the loan and when the payments will be due. Many lenders will require that you use the car to secure the loan. The car can be used as collateral and in the event that you default on the loan the lender will repossess the car to satisfy your debt. Monthly payments can also be lowered if you are able to make a down payment.

The down payment is how much cash you can afford to put down before financing the car. This will help to reduce your monthly payments as well. The better a down payment you are able to supply to the bank, the less amount of money you will have to finance through the lender.

The purchase price will be determined to the answer to the two previous questions. These numbers are important to have handy when you are negotiating over the price of a car. If you have these two figures in hand while discussing the price of the car, you will be able to remind yourself of what you can really afford to spend.

You have two options in financing a car. One is to finance the vehicle though your personal bank or credit union. This route is highly recommended, as you will be able to work with lenders that you are already familiar with. You will also be able to be eased in your mind, as your money is going to be sent to a reliable institution. Lower interest rates can also be found at reliable lenders. Using a bank or credit union also makes it easier to stick to your budgeted amount and allows you to find competitive interest rates.

Your other option is to finance through the dealer. This is an option for those individuals who find their credit rating less than good. Many dealers work with people with poor credit and will prearrange financing through an independent source.

When you are car shopping you will want to be sure that you leave yourself enough time to arrange the loan before purchasing the car. You want to be prepared to hand over the money in the event that you do find the used car of your dreams that you have been shopping for. You also do not want to be dependent on borrowing money from a dealer, as they often do not have the best financing and interest rates available, especially on their used cars.

For more Car buying tips visit Atlanta Used Cars at http://www.UsedCarsAtlanta.us and Dallas Used Cars at http://www.UsedCarsDallas.us.

Find A Good Shop To Get The Best Jet Ski Motor And More

Keeping a good care of your jet ski motor will take it to its peak performance. In fact, if you keep it in good condition, you really would not have to bother about rigid maintenance after.

But there are natural circumstances that we cannot discard. All jet skis depreciate and suffer from natural death. But that of course would take ages before happening.

Well, before your jet ski gets old and die because of an impaired motor, it would be good to note that there are shops that offer services regarding motors, spare parts and accessories.

Too many jet ski owners believe that what they need is a new jet ski motor when all the while, they only have to revamp their old ones. However, it can also be remanufactured and perform in the level of new ones. To help the motor regain its usual performance, the owner must be able to seek a top-caliber repair shop that exceeds one's expectations.

Here are some tips that will help you discover the best people to do the work for you:

Complete service
If you can't find this service then rest assured that such is the normal case. Most motor shops these days specialize in specific parts. However, there will always be some self-respecting motor shops that can provide you with all the stuffs you need.

Various local jet ski motor shops offer engine parts such as piston kits, crankshaft parts, cylinder heads, rebuild kits, and a number of others. Many of these shops also have their online services that further improve their outreach.

Aside from providing new, revamped or remanufactured jet ski motors, most shops both online and offline offer repairing services in case you lack the knowledge of fixing the motor yourself. Between their large selections of parts and equipments, you can also be assured of in-house services that will deliver your jet ski motors in their prime condition.

There are other packages that may be had from jet ski motor shops. Among these are the performance packages that will recreate your personal watercraft vehicle into a speed maniac that is ideal for racing and personal enjoyment.

Additionally, such shops may also provide wide array of parts selections used for other watercraft systems such as the pump, electrical connections and exhaust.

Well, jet ski stuffs never cease to increase in volume and kinds so it would be good to add that many shops can also provide jet ski gears and accessories. These include huge selections of eyewear and wetsuits, which make the sports an infinite source of enjoyment for water sport lovers.

Find The Car Of Your Dreams Through A Bmw Las Vegas Dealer

The BMW has long been revered as one of the most luxury vehicles of its time. First introduced in 1913 Munich, Germany, the BMW has stood the test of time in offering customers quality they can depend on and luxury that is unsurpassed in the marketplace. BMW may be a European car but the American culture has embraced it as a high-end vehicle synonymous with success. And nowhere does that hold truer than in some of America’s most prestigious cities. It’s no wonder, therefore, that BMW Las Vegas continues to thrive in delivering customers luxury they expect.

In this city of glitz and glamour, residents and visitors alike have come to expect an elevated level of luxury – in everything from their homes, hotels, and restaurants, to the cars that they drive. BMW Las Vegas dealers keep pace with this demand for luxury by providing customers with a variety of vehicles that fit their lifestyle without compromising the unequaled quality of the BMW brand.

From sedans and compacts, to SUVs and motorcycles, BMW Las Vegas dealers know the vehicles that will excite their customers and offer high performance in this hot dessert climate.

When purchasing a BMW from a BMW Las Vegas dealer you can go online to shop and compare prices. Look to pre-owned vehicles or shop at the end of a calendar year in order to find deep discounts. You will find BMW Las Vegas dealer personnel to be friendly, helpful, and reflective of the BMW reputation for sophisticated and knowledgeable service.

But most importantly, your budget doesn’t have to hinder you from owning a BMW. Any BMW Las Vegas dealer will walk you through the different series of the BMW car and the ways in which you can parlay your budget into luxury vehicle ownership.

For visitors to the area, a BMW Las Vegas dealer can rent you the vehicle of your dreams in which to enjoy the city during your stay. For a very affordable price, you can live the lifestyle of BMW if only for a few days, basking in the luxury and comfort that comes with vehicles of this class. What better way to enjoy your vacation?

Finding A Used Car Online Save Time And Money

When searching for your used car it can be very time consuming and expensive if you are running around from dealer to dealer only to be disappointed. There is a far better way to get your used car and one which costs nothing and you don’t even have to leave your own home. The solution to finding a used car is to go online with a specialist as this will save you both time and money.

Using a search engine allows you to narrow down your choices for what you are looking for considerably which of course saves you a considerable amount of time and of course money. Using the search engine you are able to narrow down your search to a specific area and of course one of the main considerations, the amount that you can afford to spend on a used car. If you begin your search by narrowing down the choices to what you can afford then you are able to whittle these down even further by the make and model.

When searching this way you will be able to view the cars by way of photos and of course you will have access to all the information regarding the car and a contact number so that you can ask any questions. Bear in mind the area that you are searching in as this is how far you will have to travel when it comes to taking your test drive.

Finding a used car online from the comfort of your own home is one of the most stress free ways of searching for a used car along with being one of the quickest, you are able to search used car dealers along with private sellers which gives you access to the widest choice of used cars possible in the shortest time possible.

Finding Discount Prices On Torrevieja Car Hire

A Torrevieja car hire is the best way to travel around the Costa Blanca. A car allows you to travel on your own time table without relying on the schedule for public transportation. If you plan to travel into the country or from city to city, a car is the best way to go.

You can hire the car in the city or at the Alicante airport. If you are travelling in the summer, be sure to reserve your car early, as they sell out quickly. Reserve the car at the same time you book your flight and hotel. This way, you will be sure to have the car you want at a good price.

Discount Prices on a Torrevieja Car Hire

The easiest way to comparison shop for a car is on the internet. You can compare the prices from several companies. Some websites allow you to compare deals side by side for an easier and more accurate comparison.

Be sure to compare the total package and not just the price. One may appear more expensive, but if it includes things like an extra driver, taxes and unlimited mileage it may be the better deal. Read the fine print and ask questions about what is included. Ask the cost of extras that are not included to give you a more accurate comparison.

When dealing with larger companies, call the local agency in Torrevieja. Most have a multi lingual staff, if you don’t speak Spanish. Sometimes the local agency may be running a special that won’t show up online. If this is the case, you may get a better deal than the one you found on the internet. It doesn’t hurt to call and check.

Things to Consider in a Torrevieja Car Hire

Consider the size of the car you need to rent. An economy size is the least expensive. These are cheaper both in terms of the rate you will pay and in fuel efficiency. If you are travelling with a small group, an economy will be sufficient. If you are travelling with a family or larger group, you will need a larger vehicle.

Economy cars sell out faster than other sizes. Reserve an economy, as you can always upgrade later. If the company runs out of this size, they will upgrade you to a larger vehicle. If this is the case, most will give you the upgrade for the price of the economy.

How long will you keep the car? Most companies charge either daily or weekly rates for a car hire. In most cases, paying the daily rate is more expensive than the weekly rate, if you are keeping the car for more than two or three days. You may actually save by paying the weekly rate, even if you are only keeping the car four days.

Ask if there are a minimum number of days that you must keep the vehicle. Some companies will charge the daily rate if you don’t keep the car for a minimum of five days. Read the fine print and ask about this. Other companies don’t care if you return the vehicle early.

Do you need the insurance? The cost of insurance through the car hire agency can be quite high. You may wonder if this is necessary. Before you leave home, contact your insurance company. Some do cover rental cars. If your policy covers the car, there is no need to spend the additional money on the car hire insurance. Ask your insurance agent about any conditions or limitations on your coverage. You want to save money, but be sure you are covered.

Some major credit cards offer insurance as well. Call your credit card company to find out if you are covered. Again, ask about any conditions or limitations on the coverage. If the credit card covers the rental, you are wasting your money on the insurance fees.

Finding Quality Motorcycle Jackets At A Reasonable Price

I can still remember the day I went and picked up my very first bike. I didn't have a motorcycle jacket period so I used an old leather jacket that I had hanging in the closet. Little did I know that motorcycle jackets aren't just made to look cool but that they have many life saving protective features built in to them. That is to say at least the ones that are made for sport bikes. Most of your traditional leather jackets like Fonzie used to wear don't offer much real protection in the way of impact, however they do protect your skin from road rash if you actually buy a quality leather jacket that is made from thick leather.

Since that first day I have bought several motorcycle jackets. I bought my very first one made by Fieldsheer from an online site that sold used riding apparel. It cost me about $250. That seems like a lot but I have had that jacket for 8 years now and its still in great shape, besides that it offers re enforced panels and body armor in all the contact areas making it much safer for me if I do go down. For a quality motorcycle jacket that is made from a high grade leather and is properly stitched and re enforced $250 to $350 is a very reasonable price. You can find cheap generic no name jackets for much less, however the quality of those is really bad. I will tell you a story about buying one of those generic made in Pakistan type riding jackets in a sec. Anyhow I would go with a Quality name brand when it comes to motorcycle apparel. Icon motorcycle jackets and gear are probably the most popular these days and Icon doe make quality stuff that is always stylish to boot. The nice thing about Icon is that you will likely be able to find boots and gloves as well as a pair of riding pants to go with the jacket. Icon also makes some really nice jackets made from a Kevlar mesh that offer about the same protection as their leather counterparts but are great for riding in warm weather. If you live in a place like Houston like I do you know that most of the year its super hot so having a mesh jacket is a big plus. I have one of each myself. Ok back to the cheap jacket part. A few years back I bought a classic motorcycle jacket for one of my girlfriends. We were riding on my chopper a lot so it made sense to go that route. I went to a local place and found a jacket for about $100 and bought it. I thought I got a good deal. Well no I got a really cheap motorcycle jacket. The leather ended up tearing on the jacket within a month around the zippers. Then the zipper went south. That is the last time I bought a generic jacket.

When you start looking for a motorcycle jacket at a cheap price start looking on the web. You are much more likely to run in to a good deal then at your local dealer unless you have a friend at the dealership you are going to pay full nut there plus tax. Most online motorcycle shops will carry quality apparel by companies like, Joe Rocket, Alpinestars, Icon, AgvSport and Arlen Ness to name some of the more popular ones. Most online shops will offer the same jackets at a discount off somewhere around 10 to 15 percent off and unless they are in your state their is no tax to be paid. I know some people are still leery of buying stuff online, however rest assured that most online merchants are quite reputable. If you have any doubts some of the things to look for is that they give you a phone number to call, their is a contact us section that lets you email them, when you go thru the checkout process make sure the little lock appears at the top or at the bottom of your browser showing that the checkout section is encrypted. If you do run in to a place that is way cheaper then anyone else always ask yourself why. Most of the dealers online buy their products from the same source so if one guy is super cheap that may be an indication of something shady going on. Also on a side note if you don't mind buying used stuff cheap you can try ebay. I have bought some really good stuff from there for next to nothing.

Finding Specialized Mountain Bike

Many times people participating in specific disciplines of cycling will buy a specialized mountain bike, designed for the discipline. While cross-country, enduro and freerider are the most common disciplines for mountain biking, over the years variations have arisen given greater need for a more specialized mountain bike to meet the demands of the cyclist. To help meet the specialized needs, various suspensions are used to help the rider maintain control throughout the course on which they are riding.

Typically, mountain bikes have wider tires with typical 26-inch wheels. Although on some of the more specialized mountain bikes, a 29-inch tire is used to help achieve better speed. Suspension from fully rigid, on which no suspension is used, to hardtail suspension which may of some give in on the front form, but nothing in the back and softtail which uses no additional suspension methods except for additional flex in the frame. There are also bikes with full suspension, which have a softer ride with suspension in the front and back, along with flexibility built into the frame.

Cross-country mountain bikes typically have lighter frames and while they may have full suspension, it is typically pneumatic on the front and rear to save on weight. The idea behind a specialized mountain bike for cross-country is more for its ability to climb hills and mountains than in an aggressive approach to downhill racing. Due to their lightweight construction, a specialized mountain bike for cross-country will not usually stand up to jumping and other rides on harder trails.

Freerider bikes care less about weight than suspension as many times riders use a lift available at a ski resort during the off season or walk their bikes up a mountain before beginning a rapid descent. With this specialized mountain bike typically having full suspension they can take on the many jumps associated with this discipline of mountain biking. Some of the strongest specialized mountain bike seen is used for urban and street riding and dirt jumping. Usually they have several inches of front end suspension and none on the back end and tires are typically slicker 24-inch and 26-inch diameter. Many riders will have up to nine gears on this type of bike while others will choose none. Other types of discipline involve single speed specialized mountain bike riding along with downhill, mountain cross and trials. Bikes used in trial are either stock or modified and are the lightest of the specialized mountain bikes, weighting between 15 and 25 pounds for better maneuverability.

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

Finding The Cheapest Motor Finance Deal

When it comes to buying a new car then you will have to give some consideration as to how you are going to pay for it. There are many options for financing a new or used motor and the most popular two are finance with the dealership or taking out finance such as a personal loan or car loan. So how do you find the cheapest motor finance deal?

The best way to get the cheapest motor finance deal is to go online via a specialist broker. While you could look through the many lenders yourself for the cheapest deal there is a far better and quicker way, going with an independent broker. A broker will know exactly where to look to get the lowest rate of interest and the best terms for a car loan, and they will be able to save you a great deal of time and money.

Many also have access to exclusive internet only deals, which means you could be paying even less for your car loan.

The added advantages of taking out a car loan rather than taking the finance that the car dealer offers is that a broker will endeavour to find you the lowest rate possible on the interest. This means that over the term of the loan you will save money. If you ask the broker to get a fixed interest rate loan for you then you have the safety of knowing exactly how much the monthly repayment is going to cost you and won’t have to worry about the rise of interest rates.

Along with this you can go into the car dealership in a much better position. By paying cash you can often get something knocked off the asking price for the car and it is well worth haggling with the dealer when it comes to this. If you have cash from the loan then you can also widen your horizons when it comes to shopping for the car. Sometimes you can get a bargain by going with a private buyer rather than a car dealership.

So when it comes to finding the cheapest motor finance deal go online. Find yourself a specialist broker and let them do all the hard work for you. While you will have to pay a broker fees, in the long run the deal they can get for you could save you a lot more than those fees cost and is well worth it.

Finding The Perfect Car

When you have made a solid decision about which type of car will best fit your needs, it is time to zero in on the details. You will have to decide on specifics like, make, model, color, options and more.

Of course we all would like to own a car that we have chosen every last bit of detail for, be it an unusual paint job or something as practical as an ABS system.

However the more leeway you are willing to give on your preferences, the better your chances are of making a great deal on your car purchase. There’s no need to sacrifice any options that are absolutely necessary to ensure your safety and comfort while on the road, but if you are willing to be flexible as to what color and accessories are included in the package, you may just find a more reasonable deal and certainly more options to choose from. This will give you more leverage when it comes time to bargain for the final price of the automobile.

Let’s put it this way: say you have very strict requirements about your chosen car’s paintjob and rims. Or perhaps you just have to have that expensive and esoteric car stereo system. What are the chances that your car dealer has a car on stock with those exact same specifications? Fairly slim actually and if they do have what you want in stock, chances are you will have no other choice but to pay the price the dealer is asking for. Either that or find another car dealer who does carry your chosen model in stock but is willing to lower the price.

Of course if you do find the model you want with the specifications you want, you wouldn’t want the dealer to know that so you can proceed with the negotiation as if you were just not that particular about the little details.

You may want to call several car dealerships in your area and ask about your chosen car model. This will give you an idea how much of them are available so you can then plan your bargaining strategy accordingly. Keep track of the results you gather from your inquiries; make notes detailing the name and contact information of the dealer and what line of cars they carry. This will help you get a clearer picture of all the options available to you when you make your final decision.

Finding The Right Lock For The Motorcycle Helmet

The helmet is probably the only thing that can save the person who is involved in an accident. This is because the outer shell is made of strong material that can probably withstand the impact of a collision.

When people buy a helmet, putting it on the head won’t keep it from coming off if the biker stops suddenly or goes too fast. The only way this can be prevented is having the right lock securing the straps from one end to the other.

The right helmet lock should be the kind that has two rings that fasten together. This is because snap fasteners have a tendency to come off during an accident.

If the dealer doesn’t have a helmet that can fit the size of the owner’s head, the one the person got should be brought to a decal dealer so the original locking mechanism can be replaced.

Once this has been changed, it will be a good idea to wear it on for the next 30 to 45 minutes. The individual should shake the head from one side to the next or look up then down to make sure it won’t come off and is securely fastened.

If everything is ok, the bike owner can already leave the store and enjoy driving down the open road.

The right lock for the motorcycle helmet may come in black, blue or any other color that the customer wants. This will usually sell for about four to six dollars a piece that can also be purchased online for almost the same price.

People who know how to put on the lock after purchasing the item online can do the changes at home. Those who don’t can ask a friend or family who are familiar with motorcycle helmet straps for help.

The person must remember to change the motorcycle lock after a few months or a year since this is prone to wear and tear. The same thing goes for the helmet that should be changed every 5 years.

The motorcycle helmet is the only thing that can protect a person who is involved in a motorcycle accident. This may not protect the other bones in the body but this can surely protect the owner’s head. It is essential then to get the right kind of lock for the helmet because this could mean save the individual from serious brain injury or death.

Finding UK Car Finance

There are many options available when it comes to getting UK car finance and when it comes to looking around for the best rate it can be time consuming and a hassle. However this is not so if you do it the right way, using your computer and internet connection you are quickly and easily able to compare and shop around for the best rate of interest possible when it comes to UK car finance deals.

There are not many people that can afford to pay out cash for the car of their dreams and because of this going with a UK car finance company is your only choice. However there are many choices when it comes to taking car finance and ways to get a loan for your car, even if you have a poor credit rating you can still get a car loan. However it is essential that you do take a little time and look around for the best deal and you should get several quotes from different companies or sue a specialist website that can do this on your behalf.

Simply by searching online you are able to get quotes from hundreds of sources and by doing so are able to compare the loan and finance rates. All that is required from you are a few details and the many quotes will pop up in front of you. It’s as easy as that and then you are able to apply online once you have found the cheapest deal.

There are many different ways you can get UK car finance and one of them is the personal loan. The biggest advantage to this is that you are able to go to the car dealer with cash in your pocket which means that you can sometimes get a better deal and there is no risk of the car being repossessed by the dealer. The downside of the personal loan is that you might have to secure your home on the loan or this might not be the cheapest rate of interest.

Another popular way of getting finance is to take out a car loan, these are specifically aimed at buying cars and with this type of loan you can sometimes get additional benefits such as cheaper car insurance or other discounts. The downside to this type is that very often the car is secured on this type of loan and if payments are missed then you risk repossession of the car.

One of the most popular ways that many people go for when it comes to UK car finance is by going with Hire purchase. It is most popular due to the fact that this is one of the easiest ways to get a loan and can also work out the cheapest, the downside is that the company can take repossession of the car through missed payments and the car isn’t yours until the last payment has been made.

Finding Your Best Deal By Using Car Auction Sites

Your old car just went to pieces today and you have very little money in your pockets. Perhaps you could look at the very limited selection at one of those local car dealerships that offer financing on a high sticker price made even higher by the interest rates they plan on charging you. You could go to the bank for a loan and beg the loan officer to give you some cash at a very high interest rate. You could do either of these things but you wish there was another option. Well, there are other options and they are called car auction sites.

How Do Car Auction Sites Work?

If you want to avail yourself of this great money saving opportunity, it may prove helpful to learn a bit about car auction sites first. Car auction sites offer a wide range of vehicle choices due to their very nature. The automobiles being auctioned are usually placed up for bid by individuals or small auto dealerships so prices can range from the no reserve car auction to items that have a preset price or at least some reserve on the car where the seller has the right to refuse to sell unless the price goes higher than his stated reserve price. Thus if a seller put a vehicle on an car auction site with a reserve of two hundred dollars and the highest bidder only bid one hundred ninety dollars, the seller would have the choice of selling the car for the one hundred ninety dollar bid or refusing the sale and relisting the car thru another car auction site.

There are a few things to consider before bidding on car auction sites as well. One major consideration is the location of the vehicle and the cost and method of shipping. The automobiles sold on car auction sites are located around the globe so pay close attention to where the car is located before bidding because all bids are considered final and legally binding as contracts and if you win the bid you will be expected to fulfill your contractual obligations towards the purchase.

Another consideration before bidding on car auction sites is the reputation of the seller offering the vehicle you are looking at. Car auction sites such as Ebay Motors have a great way of making sure you know the sellers reputation. Every buyer and seller on Ebay has a rating. It is generally considered a very good practice to buy from sellers who have high ratings and good feedback. This helps to insure that your experience with car auction sites will be a pleasant one.

Five Good Reasons To Take A Defensive Driver Course

You're probably like the majority of people driving motor vehicles on our roads - careful, responsible and courteous to other drivers. So you might ask yourself, why take a defensive driver course? Well, there are a few very good reasons, as you are about to find out.

Reason #1 (by far) - You Could Save Your Life

Taking a defensive driver course could save your life! It doesn't matter how careful or responsible you are when driving, accidents can still happen. Many accidents are caused by other drivers you encounter on the roads who act irresponsibly and drive dangerously. This means that in addition to being careful, responsible and courteous yourself, you must also drive defensively to avoid others who drive dangerously.

Reason #2 - Avoid Emotional, Physical and Financial Hardship

Large numbers of people are seriously injured in car accidents each year. Being involved in a car accident results in traumatic emotional, physical and financial hardship, and is often caused through no fault of your own. Accidents like this can affect you and your loved ones for many years to come. Taking advantage of a good defensive driver course can help learn techniques for combating the irresponsible and dangerous driving of others.

Reason #3 - Save Money On Insurance Premiums

Many motor vehicle insurance companies offer discounts and rebates to drivers who have undertaken a certified defensive driver course. Drivers who invest in defensive driving education and present a certificate of completion to their insurance company can often benefit from reduced car insurance costs.

Reason #4 - Traffic Violation Dismissal

In some municipalities, completing a defensive driver course is one of the consequences of being booked for a traffic violation. Completion of the defensive driver course, and presentation of the appropriate documentation can sometimes entitle you to a dismissal of the ticket. Undergoing driver education can also help you to drive in a much safer manner and avoid traffic violations in the first place.

Reason #5 - Learn Many and Varied Strategies For Safety

A good defensive driver course will use many tools to teach safety strategies. Quality courses use videos to show clearly the different defensive driving techniques that are important to remaining safe on the road. A good defensive driver course will often use animations to highlight common mistakes made by drivers. Animations are also used to demonstrate important techniques, such as how drivers should enter and exit from a busy freeway. Escape techniques for avoiding dangerous and aggressive drivers are also valuable tools taught by any good defensive driver course.

As you can see, there are plenty of reasons to take a good defensive driver course. Saving your life and avoiding physical, financial and emotional hardship alone would be more than enough reason to invest your money in some quality driver education. Don't delay, do it now!

Five Steps To Beating Rising Car Insurance Premiums

Following announcements from leading motor insurers in 2007, premiums for UK car insurance are expected to rise by 10-20% in 2008.

A range of causes have been quoted from a rise in claims due to unforeseen events such as the recent floods to premiums already being artificially low for some years. Whatever the reason, a further hike in motoring costs coupled with increases in other non-discretionary costs of living mean that 2008 could be an expensive year for millions of UK residents.

Fortunately, there are a number of steps you can take to counter these inflation busting increases on your motor insurance.

STEP 1 - Don't believe the hype

In spite of what the adverts tell you, there's far more to finding the cheapest cover than simply comparing the quoted rates. It's a complex, multi-variable product, and deserves your attention because of this. Have a good think about how and when you use your car and what type of cover and options you do and don't need. Many of us continue to renew policies with options we don't need and are unlikely to use.

STEP 2 - Search online for the right cover and the lowest price

The primary benefit of searching online is that you can compare cover and premiums from several dozens of companies using the same information. Price comparison sites will give you a baseline to work from, but be aware that not all comparison sites are equal. Some make assumptions about your needs and get quotes that may be higher or lower than you will be offered. Look for comparison sites that guarantee the accuracy of the premiums quoted.

STEP 3 - Look to non-traditional and newer insurers for the best prices

A surprising study run by a consumer advocacy group ran profiles through 33 insurance companies via multiple price comparison sites, and checking a number of risk profiles. The end result was that newer insurers, and insurers not known for doing motor cover consistently came out with the cheapest premiums. Don't close your eyes to a good price just because the company isn't "known" for car insurance.

STEP 4 - Get cover that matches your driving needs and habits

Many of us just buy a standard car insurance policy with cover options that we are unlikely to need or use. If you're a low mileage driver with a standard policy you could be wasting hundreds every year. There is even a new 'pay as you drive' policy that uses a GPS device installed in your car so that your premiums are linked to your personal driving habits including mileage, the roads you use and time of day you use them.

STEP 5 - Reduce the risk and make the most of discounts

Premiums for any insurance are based upon risk, so to reduce your premiums try and reduce the risk of needing to claim on your policy. Factors such as where your car is parked, how it is used and how secure it is are all factored into premiums. A little known trick that can work with some insurers is to add a low risk named driver to your policy. A female over the age of thirty with a clean driving record can cut your premiums by 5-10%.

Fix That Flat: Common Sense Tips For Using A Tire Jack

When you need to jack your car up to change a tire, it may not always be under ideal conditions. Regardless of whether you're on the side of a highway or in the relative comfort of your own garage, the process of lifting a vehicle weighing thousands of pounds entails some risk. By following a few simple procedures, you can minimize any hazards to yourself and your vehicle.

Know Your Jack

Most vehicles come equipped with a small scissor jack. This jack will be functional enough for an emergency tire-change on the roadside. Before you’re in an emergency situation, familiarize yourself with your specific jack and how it works.

Secure the Area

When possible, ensure that vehicle is parked on a level surface. Make sure that the car is secure. The emergency brake should be firmly set. Vehicles with automatic transmissions should be in “park,” while ones with manual transmissions should be left in gear. Wedge bricks or blocks to the front and back of the tire on a diagonal from the tire to be lifted.

Pick Your Battleground

Determine an appropriate place to set the jack. A common novice mistake is to set the jack under a bumper or body panel. These areas aren't designed to hold the weight of the entire car; they can break under the strain and allow the car to fall. The jack must go under the vehicle's frame, otherwise known as the chassis. Most cars are designed with a specific location for jack placement. When in doubt, check your owner's manual.

Keep it Steady

Make sure that the jack is placed on a stable, even surface. If the ground is rough or covered with gravel, place a broad, sturdy board underneath the jack. This is especially important with small, factory-provided tire jacks, which may very have narrow bases.

Proceed with Caution

Crank the jack up slowly. Although you may be in a hurry, take your time. Be careful to not have any part of your body underneath the car, so as not to be injured if the vehicle should fall. Once the car is lifted enough for the tire to clear the ground, push on it a bit to verify its stability on the jack.

Lower the Vehicle

Now that the tire has been changed, bring the car back down just as you jacked it up: slowly and with care. Once again, no part of your body (or anyone else's) should be underneath the vehicle. If there are other people present or assisting, have them step back away from the car and out of the way. Finally, remove the blocks from the chocked wheel.

By working at an even pace and using common sense, you should be able to raise a vehicle, change its tire, and lower it again safely. Keep in mind that these instructions only apply to lift a car to change a tire, not to any kind of repair work that requires you to get underneath the car; for that, further precautions will be necessary.

Flat Motorcycle Tires... Roll Hard!

Motorcycles with flat tires . . . roll hard! If your motorcycle is cruising along at 55 mph and your rear motorcycle tire suddenly deflates [has a blow out!] you now have a tremendously, dangerous challenge ahead of you. Avoiding other vehicles, controlling the steering, a swaying rear-end making everything unstable makes for a sizable victory when you roll off the side of the road and come to a stop. Congratulations, job well done! More riders than not end in an accident or something worse. All because of their motorcycle tires. Who knows your thoughts if it is the front tire to blow? You better be prayed up.

We all want a sharp looking bike. Once you select your make and model, your interest is on chrome, color, accessories, personal appearance, dress etc. but let us not forget about the importance of the rubber motorcycle tires that get us around. Frame, structure and engine all work together and hopefully are worry free for years. Motorcycle tires keep moving and we need to often watch for wear and safety.

There are two critical places that motorcycles need to be checked before each ride or at least once a month. Both are easy to do and both are many times overlooked. One area is brake fluid. If the pedal is mushy, bleed the lines or have someone else do it. Two, motorcycle tires need to be inspected. Why do we forget these?

Our safety depends on it. We trust our life to the two motorcycle tires under us that have at best two patches of rubber in contact with the ground the size of our two hands at any given moment. Move that along at 55 mph or even at 15 mph and each of the motorcycle tires is taking on a serious responsibility. The attention and care we offer towards our motorcycle tires can help us tremendously with our safety and enjoyment of biking.

Here are some areas where things can go wrong with your motorcycle tires:

- Tire Pressure: Under-inflation may cause uneven wear, loss of control [stability], wears the motorcycle tires out faster and increases the chances of the motorcycle tires failure. Over-inflation allows motorcycle tires to heat up, limit traction [although a slight 10% over-inflation may actually increase traction in wet conditions] and affects the wear. To correct these, use a good tire gauge and check the motorcycle tires when it is cool. Keep the motorcycle tires pressure at the recommended PSI.

- Fluids: Brake fluid, gas and lube spills need to be cleaned immediately. It deteriorates the rubber. Many of the cleaner protectants used on motorcycle tires harm the finish rubber. The best way to clean is to use old-fashioned soap and water.

- Bumps: Potholes, curbs and stones may slash or crack the tire. Look for any problem.

- Accelerated wear: Everyday use may be a potential hazard. Spinning motorcycle tires on take off or holding the brake on emergency stops need to be checked.

- Nails, screws etc.: It is better to find them before you ride than to discover these nuisances 20 minutes down the road. Motorcycle tires that use a tube may “pop” from a nail/screw or sharp object, where a tubeless tire may have the nail/screw actually plug the hole they created which gives you a little more time for repairs.

- Valve stems: Make sure the cap is on. It helps to protect the valve stem from leaking air and protects the stem valve from opening by centrifugal force and leaking air at higher speeds. When you use motorcycle tires with tubes, the valve stem should be straight out. If it is on a slant, the tire has been under-inflated and the tube has moved around the rim. Often this damages the tube and creates a leak.

- Tire weights: Weights need to be firmly fixed to the rim. If they fall off it will throw the tire out of balance and cause uneven wear.

- Rim: Cracked or dented rims are potential problems. You may want to replace wire spoke wheels when they become damaged with a cast or billet wheel that uses tubeless tires. Check with your dealer on this.

- Worn/torn: Thin tread is easier to detect. Flat wear is due to leaning very little and driving mostly in a straight line, resulting in a ridge at the edge of the flattened middle of the tire. This causes motorcycle tires to become unstable in a leaning turn. It wants to warble. The tire may have more wear but it should be replaced. [It is good to replace both front tire and rear tire at the same time.] Sidewall punctures, cracking, cord separation are an alert.

- Tread: Check the grooves called “sipes” making sure that the tread is still sufficient. The lack of having tread affects the cooling of the tire when in use, wear, stability, traction and can cause hydroplaning on wet roads.

When doing your inspection of motorcycle tires get a friend to roll the bike while you check the tread and sidewalls. You may need to get a work stand if alone. Obstacles to having a good inspection are long pipes, saddlebags, fenders etc. making it hard to see the rear tire. Front motorcycle tires are a bit easier to examine. This sounds like a lot but it goes quickly and is easy to do. Make it a habit to check your motorcycle tires frequently.

Some miscellaneous information you need to know. You will have better handling and get more out your motorcycles tires when you keep the rear tire aligned and balanced. Consider having this looked at approximately every1000 miles. Be careful when you have new motorcycle tires it takes the first couple of rides to get traction working well.

So! Happy riding and remember to check your motorcycle tires often.

Floor Mats - A Buying Guide.

How many people recognize this scenario: You're getting ready to leave the job site after a long day of backbreaking work and your boots are absolutely filthy. Do you just jump in and tear off down the road or do you leave your boots in the bed and drive home in your socks? Or how about this one: You pull up to the soccer match to pick up the kids and they look like they've been in a mud stomping competition. Either way, your carpet is about to take a serious beating! Or maybe not…

Welcome to the Stylin Concepts Floor Mat Buying Guide! We're going to present some solutions here to the above problems. Now, these floor mats won't solve all of your problems. They won't cut the grass for you and they certainly can't stop your neighbor from stealing your newspaper. What they will do is keep your carpet protected from all of the dirt and grime that accumulates on your shoes.

We've broken this buying guide up into three sections - Carpeted, Rubber/Plastic, and Metal (Yes, metal floor mats). Carpeted floor mats are, of course, covered in carpet. Rubber/Plastic floor mats are some sort of rubber or plastic material. Many of these still offer great protection and are generally easier to clean. Metal floor mats are made of metal. They are some of the toughest on the market and offer rugged good looks that are hard to pass up.

Carpeted Floor Mats

Catch-All
Catch-All Carpeted Floor Mats from Nifty are custom molded to the floor of your vehicle. That means that you will get great floor coverage and a perfect fit. They feature a molded lip around the entire perimeter of the mat that will contain any dirt or debris that your shoes/boots may track in. The carpet is chemically treated to be stain resistant and comes in colors that closely match most factory carpet colors. The good news doesn't stop there either; these come with a lifetime warranty and feature a rugged anchoring system that holds them firmly in place. If you're interested in good looks and ultimate protection, then you definitely want to get your hands on some of these floor mats.

Lloyd Custom Carpeted
These Custom Carpeted Floor Mats from Lloyd are really a treat. They come custom cut for your floor design and in many, many factory and non-factory colors. The outer edge of the mats has a sewn binding that you can also get in many different colors. There is a large assortment of factory logos available such as the Chevy Bowtie, the Cadillac Crest, or the Dodge Ram Head. But it doesn't stop there; they also do custom lettering. You can get mats for your Escalade that actually read "Tommy's Escalade" or mats for your Ram that read "BADASS HEMI." These mats are held in place by a custom anchoring system and feature a 2-year warranty. If you want mats that are going to offer you some protection and a lot of customizable options, then you might want to get a set of these for your truck or SUV.

Rubber/Plastic Floor Mats

Xtreme
The Xtreme Catch-All Floor Mats made by Nifty are a wonderful product. Like its brother, the Catch-All carpeted floor mat, these feature a lifetime warranty and are custom molded to fit your interior. But instead of being carpeted, these are made from a material called Xynet and have an easily cleaned, non-skid textured surface. They feature the same rugged anchoring system as their carpeted sibling and really stay planted in place. Available in Black, Tan, and Grey, these floor mats are easy to clean and offer superior protection.

Black Armor
Black Armor Floor Mats are a great product manufactured by Highland. They are custom molded for your interior and, like some other floor mats, offer a raised lip around the edge of the mat to contain dirt and water. They come with a lifetime warranty and are available in Black, Tan, or Grey. They do not have an anchoring system but instead use a non-skid pad that you put under the floor mat to keep it in place. These are a good option for someone who wants a floor mat that offers great protection and is very easy to clean.

Lloyd Clear Overlay
The Lloyd Clear Overlay Floor Mats actually serve a double purpose; they can be used alone, as an inexpensive alternative to other floor mat lines, or they can be used to keep your Lloyd Custom Carpeted floor mats from getting dirty. Like their Lloyd Custom counterpart, they offer a full 2-year warranty and the ¼" spikes on the bottom keep them from sliding off and exposing your nice custom mats.

Rubbertite
These Rubber Floor Mats also made by Lloyd are great for the budget minded truck and SUV owner. They are custom cut to fit your floor and are made from high quality rubber. Hundreds of tiny "cups" catch any water or debris that you may track into your vehicle. They are lower cost than other lines but still offer great protection. If you want some quality floor mats that offer great protection and are custom cut to your floor, you need to check these out.

Logo Mats
These Logo Floor Mats made by Plasticolor feature a universal fit with good protection. They come in black, and are available with various popular logos. They also have a lifetime warranty and make a great gift for anyone who likes to customize their truck or SUV.

Metal Floor Mats

Diamond Plate
These rugged Diamond Plate Floor Mats are manufactured by Owens Products. They feature a polished surface and some models even have a welded hinge to provide a high-tech angular design. They offer a one year warranty and are priced just right. Whether you've got a shiny, billet covered interior or a hardcore work truck, these are a good way to go.

For more information, please visit Stylin Concepts.

Focus-ing Attention

They're not usually backwards in coming forward at Ford, but you certainly can't accuse them on being first past the post with the first power operated coupe cabriolet they've put on the European market...

In fact, they've sat back and watched their main rivals take the plunge before giving the nod for this neat version of the Focus.

So are they coming up on the rails after giving the rest a head start? Well, not exactly. Because while the Focus CC is undoubtedly a smart looker that retains all the good points of the Focus hatchback – crisp handling, neat interior etc – in other areas it's a little disappointing. It's fairly well documented elsewhere that there have been the odd hiccough of two with the mechanism of the Pininfarina designed and developed hood. Problems that manifest themselves in more rattles per square centimeter than you would reasonably expect from a car that outwardly shows such flair and brio and is so downright desirable if you hanker after the merits of open top motoring if the sun ever shines and a snug interior come the cold dark days of winter.

With the roof down (it takes 29 seconds) the Focus comes into its own. Eveything feels nailed down and there's no scuttle shake (windscreen flexing) to worry about, and it's down to you to enjoy the experience of this full four seat coupe cabriolet. It's not as smooth an operation as some of its rivals, in that the opening and closing of panels at the rear is accompanied by a resounding clunk in some instances that literally shakes the whole car. With your finger on the button you can feel it all happening behind you, and I guess some people won't take to that experience

Our test car came with the 136PS 2.0 diesel engine, the same unit as in the C-MAX that passed through our hands the week before, but it came into its own in this guise, where the lower kerbweight made it feel quicker still. Its certainly more responsive and economical too. I managed to top 40mpg over a mixed few days that included a cross country run to Goodwood for the Festival of Speed (mark it in your diary as an event not to be missed on any count next year) and a lot of motorway miles.

Ah yes, the motorway. Make a mental note to scan the sky more carefully before lowering the hood and setting off. The first few drops of rain were soon followed by a torrential downpour between suitable parking areas on the A3 and the 29 seconds it took to shut out the weather quite enough when I eventually stopped and ensured the interior of the Focus was well and truly wet. Me too. Don't you just love the English summer? On a smooth road the Focus is in its best environment – you just don't notice any rattles at all. But unfortunately roads in Britain tend to be far from smooth these days... You name it – manhole covers, potholes, discarded ring pulls from beer cans, they all have the ability to make you wince. It's not a secret either that there are 'issues' with leaks developing on the early cars – we had a dribble of rainwater in ours – but it's not a problem Ford are unaware of and they've been working hard to sort it before letting cars go out to customers. Nice gearbox, no sloppiness and it has a precise feel to it which helps you build up a good flow on a cross country run as the Focus has the ability to change direction quickly and efficiently. And of course it's a safe car with roll hoops that 'fire' into position in just a tenth of a second if the sensors detect the car is going to roll.

Price wise, if you're in the market for a car like this you're going to have to spend in the order of £20,000 for the privilege of a top end version. The Focus CC sampled here (CC3) costs £20,887 with its Bluetooth hands free option, but prices start at £16,795.It has that dash of Italian elegance, no doubt about that. The design is distinctive but still a Focus for all that.

A Ford in an Italian designer suit, if you like.

Folding Mountain Bike

There are many different kinds and styles of mountain bikes that you have to choose from, one of the most popular being the folding mountain bike. The folding mountain bike is extremely popular for a number of different reasons, namely that it is so incredibly mobile. After all typically when you go mountain biking you go to desolate and remote areas, and so you do not have a great means of transportation for your bike.

This means that if you need to get it over an especially rough area of terrain or over water for instance, that you will have to physically carry it, and this can be incredibly difficult, which is why the folding mountain bike is so ideal.

Any folding mountain bike typically looks just like any other mountain bike, only they are patented to be able to fold into a compact and easy to carry size within 30 seconds, and without the use of tools. When you buy a folding mountain bike for yourself you are joining the growing number of riders who openly enjoy taking their folding bike wherever their spirit of adventure takes them, and it also allows riders who are not necessarily that strong, for instance many women and children, to be able to keep up with the other riders.

If you are interested in purchasing a folding bike for yourself, then there are several great companies you should take note of. One in particular is Montague, which is a company that is known as being the world’s leading manufacturer of folding bikes. They are continually expanding their product line and partnerships and are definitely one of the most affordable options here as well.

Another great company offering these folding mountain bikes is Evans Cycles, a company that is known for being the largest independent bicycle dealer in the UK, and as well one of the largest mail order departments. Their range of bikes covers mountain bikes from leading brands such as Specialized, Trek, Kona and Saracen, just to name a few.

The folding mountain bikes are definitely worthwhile, and definitely worth the price that you will pay for them, especially when you consider the comfort and convenience that they are going to bring you. Just make sure that you take your time when deciding on a company to buy your folding bike from, so that you can get the best quality and value possible.

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

For Sale By Owner: Cars And Trucks

Selling your car or truck? It's important to keep in mind that prospective used car buyers evaluate the person selling the care almost as much, if not more, than they examine the car itself. In order to win their interest and their trust it is crucial that you should make a good impression. Wherever possible possible, strive make your prospective customers feel comfortable and be open in your response to their inquiries.

Be ready to answer their questions as soon as prospective buyers start calling. Answer questions posed over the phone honestly in an effort to prepare callers for what to expect when they see the car. This works to save both you and the customer a lot of time and work by making only those appointments that have a reasonable chance of becoming a sale. Furthermore, strive to make appointments with each customer for a specific time, rather than leaving them to some vague time such as "after work", or "Saturday afternoon".

Remember that making an appointment when selling a car increases the chances of the buyers showing up. Don't feel obligated to wait for a late customer. To help things go smoothly, request a contact number (preferably a cell phone) and take it in stride if some prospective buyers don't show. Cancellations, with or without notice, are simply part of the process.

It should be expected that any potential buyer will ask to test-drive the car. Ride along with them so you can answer questions, as well as ensure the safety of the automobile. There is also the possibility that the customer may not be familiar with the area, so riding along with them allows you to serve as a guide.

Some of the buyers are likely to want to have the car inspected by a mechanic. If a mechanic has already checked it, this is the right time to show that paperwork. This is a reasonable request in any transaction such as buying or selling a car.

Protect Yourself

It is important to be cautious and to take steps to ensure your safety and the safety of your interests. For example, holding onto a buyer's driver's license is a reasonable safeguard if a buyer insists on going on a test-drive by his or herself. If the buyer has a problem with this arrangement there's a very good chance that allowing an unsupervised test-drive would go against your best interests. On the other hand, it's not unreasonable for a buyer to want the car checked by a different mechanic if it has already been checked by yours. Be prepared to go with the flow a little bit, and you are more likely to get a sale.

For The Cheapest Car Finance Quote Visit A Specialist

The internet is a great place to start your search when it comes to getting the cheapest car finance quote for your new car, but unless you know what to look for and where to look it can take a long time and can be confusing. If you want to be sure you have the cheapest car finance quote then visit a specialist and let them do all the hard work of looking around for you.

The majority of lenders will try and confuse you with technical jargon which leaves you being unsure as to whether you have actually got the best deal possible. By going with a specialist you can be sure they understand this jargon and can cut through it. There are also many pitfalls that the unsuspecting person can fall into when looking for the cheapest car finance quote and of course while a specialist can get you the best deal it is also essential that you are aware of a few facts yourself.

Before going to a specialist decide how much you want to pay in total for your car, consider the deposit that you are willing to pay and also how month you can comfortably afford to pay each month on the car finance repayments. One very important fact to take into consideration is also to include the running costs of your new car including car maintenance, fuel, insurance and tax because they all add up.

Once you have a clear figure in mind and know that you can afford to repay the loan then go to someone who specialise in finding the cheapest car finance quotes. Make sure that you give them the information needed and the amount that you can comfortably afford to repay and then let them do all the hard work of digging out the best deal available to you.

Ford Explorer 2006 review

Recently I have tested the new Ford Explorer 2006 RSC Advanced Trail. And I was impressed. I leave you to find a complete list of specifications of this the most selling SUV in North America somewhere else on numerous websites, in car magazines, and present below impression and opinion of my own.

Ford Explorer 2006 is the real proof that straggling company is on a right track to gain back trust of Americans significantly corroded in a last 15-20 years, although Explorer, as it mentioned before, remains the bestseller through these years of Japanese auto expansion to the American market.

The new Explorer is one of those vehicles that present well balanced combination of SUV and car abilities. Its highway ride on a 100/120 km per hour is smooth and absolute cars’ like. In fact I regret while on a front passenger seat that this SUV is missing a handle above the window which is standard on every well equipped car model. Other than that it is provide car’s comfort in every dimension with very good noise protection. Powerful engine almost silent, suspension soft enough, dashboard is well designed with all buttons of a right size and in proper place except maybe gear shifter that looks like an on/off switch on a kids electronic toy.

I am a car guy, so to continue SUV/car comparison I have also figured out that the front passenger of new Explorer is slightly discriminated (as at most trucks and cars) compare to the driver in its ability to go in/out of the truck. While driver enjoys “seat moving back” feature when key is out from ignition, passenger is climbing in its seat with far less comfort ability. Nevertheless both driver and passenger seats are comfortable even for a long ride. Praising designers for the Explorer’s dashboard I will withdraw a few compliments back while talking about inside door handles. As for me they are located too low to be good to grab to open/close the door for an average size man.

Every vehicle today is a receptacle of cap holders and Explorer is no exception. But not every one has convenient and big enough glove compartment, so our tester is definitely not a winner here.

I like adjustable pedals, it is a great option. But is it safe to allow the driver to adjust pedal while driving?

There is plenty of room on a second raw seats and roomy enough although less comfortable on a third. At least you have an option: carry 6 passengers and no luggage or 4 with descent cubic footage on a back of your Explorer.

For some reason all four doors of new Explorer in their lowest part are sharply curved towards the body of the vehicle and it’s cool and probably gives some extra rigidity. But if you are tended to notice with regret every new scratch on your beast/beauty body (pick the one!); you will see them (scratches) for sure right after taking Explorer off road for a first time. Scratches easily appear on a lower part of rear doors which sandwiches between the vehicle’s frames and sidestep with so small clearance in between, that sand and muds sticking to the doors are working as abrasives for all surfaces.
Few years ago I have tested then new Explorer 2001 along with others SUVs in a same class like Nissan Pathfinder, Jeep Cherokee etc. That Ford Explorer was not much different or worse than other contestants in terms of off road capabilities. But it was squeaking and crackling on every serious pothole or bump. There is nothing like this on Explorer 2006.

Year after year customer demands more and more from the vehicle and auto manufacturers should accommodate those demands to keep pace. Ford made it with the new Explorer. It is really great truck.

Ford Extended Warranty - Know The Facts

An extended warranty is something extra—something you add-on when you purchase a vehicle. It is different from a regular warranty. Often, a regular warranty will be thrown-in when you buy a vehicle, and it will cover some repair work on certain parts. Usually, such warranties are for a specific amount of time or vehicle use, such as 3 years or 25,000 miles.

An extended warranty, though, covers your vehicle for a longer period of time, for example, 5 years or 50,000 miles. You can usually buy an extended warranty when you buy a vehicle. An extended warranty will be added on to your purchase and worked in to your monthly payment. For as little as it will cost, you will receive peace-of-mind, knowing that your vehicle is covered around the time when you might expect something to go wrong.

You can buy an extended warranty from the dealer, through a broker, or even from the manufacturer. Take the Ford extended warranty, for example. They offer a number of extended warranties for their vehicles. If you drive a Ford Focus, you are offered these Ford extended warranty options: pre-paid maintenance plan, powertraincare extended service plan (covers 29 components), basecare extended service plan (covers 84 components), extracare extended service plan (covers 113 components), and the premiumcare extended service plan (covers over 500 components).

There are many options for a Ford extended warranty. You need to look at your vehicle, study the plans, and decide how much comfort and peace-of-mind you want or need. For example, if you trust Ford, you might select the pre-paid maintenance plan. This plan will cover basic maintenance, and make sure that your car is kept optimal. But if you want more protection, you might choose the powertrain plan, or any of the other plans that offer more-and-more protection.

A Ford extended warranty offers you the peace-of-mind directly from the manufacturer and helps you feel secure driving your vehicle.

Ford Focus Is 'Comfortable And Versatile'

The UK's best selling car at the moment; the Ford Focus, is a comfortable and versatile mode of transport, according to the manufacturers, who claim the latest model is longer and wider than before.

With a variety of body shapes available in several trim levels, the Ford Focus costs from £11,395 on-the-road for the three-door 1.4 Studio model, to £19,200 for the 1.6 16-valve TDCi Titanium estate with Durashift CVT transmission.

The most basic Studio model standard equipment including electrically operated front windows and central locking, while its low car insurance rating in group 4E will have been aided by the array of safety features in and around the vehicle.

These include features such as Ford's Intelligent Protection System, including driver and front passenger airbags, side airbags and front seatbelt pyrotechnic pre-tensioners, while standard anti-lock braking with electronic brake force distribution will help to avoid accidents happening in the first place due to drivers locking up.

Additionally, the ISOFIX seat mounts allow drivers with young families to secure child seats much more easily in the back of the car.

Indeed, Ford manufacturers describe the car as the safest in its class, citing its five star Euro NCAP rating – factors that are crucial in deciding a particular vehicle's motor insurance grouping.

Drivers looking for Ford car insurance may also find the standard security features of interest, such as immobilsers and central locking, which can be operated remotely in the LX models and above.

The Ghia model, which includes various luxury features, is fitted with a Thatcham category one volume sensing alarm, to ward off burglars and keep car insurance claims to an absolute minimum.

Except for the range of high-performance Ford ST models, the maximum motor insurance grouping for any car in the Ford Focus range is 10E, which is generally for the Ghia and Titanium range models.

Ford Vs Chevy: The Debate Goes On, Part 2

Price is always a big concern when purchasing a new or used vehicle. The cost of used vehicles really depends on the quality of the vehicle and the amount of miles on it. New vehicles are pricey, but Ford and Chevy often compete to get business. I can almost guarantee that if you tell the Ford dealer how much Chevy quoted you for a similar vehicle of theirs, they would meet or match the price. If they won't, you can go to another dealer, or ask for concessions to make the deal more attractive to you.

In many areas such as price, speed, and safety, Chevy appears to have some catching up to do. One problem they have is they always seem to be following in the footsteps of Ford rather than introducing something new to attract new customers. While the age old debate between Ford and Chevy owners will continue on, it is important to base that decision on some solid facts. Just because your grand-daddy said that Ford was the best doesn't mean that they still are. And it certainly doesn't mean that Ford is better for the particular type of vehicle you are buying.

You can find excellent information on Ford and Chevy comparisons in Consumer Reports, safety ratings, and various online resources. Make sure you look for unbiased information though or you will end up with nothing more than the opinion of the reader.

As you can well guess, most reviewers are biased in a review like this. Safety ratings, MPG ratings and other figures are good things to look at when comparing. Don't forget though, that there can be a good deal of variation from model to model and from year to year. So it's very important to compare apples to apples. Don't try to compare a 2007 Ford Explorer to a 2003 Chevy Blazer.