Lifts are used to raise a vehicle on a stable platform, allowing automotive mechanics unrestricted access to inspect and repair the underbelly, transmission and wheels of the vehicle. Multiple vehicle lifts are standard equipment in most auto repair shops. In addition, some automobile enthusiasts install lifts in their homes for vehicle storage.
Prior to 1920, only service pits were available for repairing and doing preventive maintenance on the undersides of vehicles. The hydraulic auto lift was invented in the 1920’s to reduce the time and equipment needed to hoist vehicles off the ground. Depending on the design used, .today’s vehicle lifts can raise up to 50,000 pounds and can cost between $9,000 and $45,000. Installation not included.
In the beginning, there were no industry standards and vehicle lifts varied in design and construction. After World War II, there were only fifteen auto lift manufacturers in the United States. They recognized the need to develop standards to guide the industry. In 1947, the U.S. government issued its first set of standards. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration developed its own regulations in 1974.
Today, there are three major manufacturers of heavy lifts: Mohawk Resources Ltd. of Amsterdam, NY; Advantage Lift Systems based in San Diego, CA; and Rotary Lift in Madison, IN. Electric controls for lifts are standard, and lift features vary according to price and model. They vary depending on where they make contact with the vehicle, usually the axles, frame or wheels. They include single-, two-, four-post, and scissors lifts. The single- and two-post lifts are ideal for small trucks and cars. The four-post auto lift is used for most commercial and transit vehicles. The scissors lift saves space by having the posts in the middle of the lift, operating like an open pair of scissors.
Over the years, the structure of the automobile body has changed. Vehicles previously built onto underbody frames are now being constructed into frameless or unibody styles. Lifts have evolved to better handle the structure of newer vehicles. Rotary, for example, has developed the three stage lift. It has three telescoping sections, giving it a greater range of extension and retraction than other lifts. As a result, it can reach a broader range of vehicle pick-up points. It has become the preferred lift of many vehicle manufacturers, including Honda, Volkswagen and Audi.
Despite changes in the design of lifts over the years, many injuries and accidents occur annually. This is usually due to human error rather than any flaw in the lift design. The most simple things often lead to disaster. Auto mechanics sometimes fail to keep the lift area free of debris, grease/oil and obstructions. Not paying close attention when working around the lifts or allowing untrained individuals to use them are two more potential problems. Some forget to wear the right safety gear, including goggles, a hard hat, and steel toed boots.
Proper use and maintenance of the equipment is essential. Blocking or overriding the controls is dangerous. The manufacturer's rated capacity is shown on the nameplate affixed to lift. Despite this, some mechanics use the lift to hoist vehicles that exceed the weight limit.
An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. Mistakes made before the vehicle is lifted are accidents waiting to happen. The lift arms must be properly positioned before the vehicle is raised. If the center of gravity of the car is not on the center of the lift, cars may tip off. With some vehicles, removing or installing items may cause a critical shift in the vehicle’s center of gravity and result in instability. Mechanics should always refer to the lift manufacturer's recommendations. If there is not ample overhead clearance space, the vehicle may be crushed. Mistakes also occur when the transmission is not in neutral, doors are not securely closed or the ignition is not turned off. Some repairmen fail to lock the lift into place before going under it. Others raise the car while someone is inside the vehicle.
Numerous accidents occur during the lifting process. The vehicle should be loaded on a lift carefully. Mechanics should ensure that the lift supports are in contact with the manufacturer’s recommended lifting points. When a secure contact is made, the lift can be raised to the desired working height. If work will be done under the vehicle, the lift should be raised high enough for its locking device to be engaged.
Before lowering a lift, the mechanic should ensure that everything is removed from under the vehicle. Locking devices should be disengaged before the lift is lowered.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Safety Motorcycle Helmets
Motorcycle helmet is used as a protective gear for the head to avoid severe injuries brought about by accidents. In some countries, wearing helmet is comparable to wearing seatbelts, regulated as part of the street ordinances as general safety measure. But of course, any promulgation imposed is debatable and others would drop the matter in every philosophical manner they can give reason against its use.
Looking at the physical make-up of motorcycles will not guarantee pure salvation in every imaginable trauma. When used, it can only lessen the severity. To have an understanding on its function it is important to know how fatal head injuries can disable a person in one incident. When it comes to serious matters like heavy impact, a helmet is nothing. The most important thing about skull fractures is to avoid the fragments from embedding the sensitive tissues of the brain, until then, most head injuries are not as fatal as expected. Basically, a full-blown impact on head can lead to permanent malfunctioning of the body system.
Another kind of fatal head injury caused by motorcycle accident is when the brain is stirred while there is no open wound in the head. In this case the brain bumps the side of the skull leading to small yet deadly movements and rotation enough to cause internal bleeding inside. The use of properly designed motorcycle helmet can help absorb the shock in the head after it sinks to its protective cushions. It must not be too soft to let the head crush through its hard interior walls at once. After that, the hard plastic will yield without control. Helmet design considerations are all about the tolerable impact the head can handle, which the soft linings provide as protection, and the exterior protection from punctures.
Types of motorcycle helmets for effective use come in different appearance:
FULL FACE - Covers the full area of the back of the head, chin but has a shield made of plastic in the eye area for visibility. It is usually ventilated though some still consider it warmer and lacking flow of air inside. It tends to isolate a rider and restrain hearing because of full head coverage.
OPEN FACE - Almost the same as the full face design except it has no chin cover, which means it has low protection for the face. It has a plastic shield open to particles during a ride. It can cause injuries out of trapped small debris caught on speed. Thus, it is advisable to wear riding goggles as additional protection for the eyes.
Motorcycle helmet may not give ultimate protection but it saved a lot of lives during minor injuries.
Looking at the physical make-up of motorcycles will not guarantee pure salvation in every imaginable trauma. When used, it can only lessen the severity. To have an understanding on its function it is important to know how fatal head injuries can disable a person in one incident. When it comes to serious matters like heavy impact, a helmet is nothing. The most important thing about skull fractures is to avoid the fragments from embedding the sensitive tissues of the brain, until then, most head injuries are not as fatal as expected. Basically, a full-blown impact on head can lead to permanent malfunctioning of the body system.
Another kind of fatal head injury caused by motorcycle accident is when the brain is stirred while there is no open wound in the head. In this case the brain bumps the side of the skull leading to small yet deadly movements and rotation enough to cause internal bleeding inside. The use of properly designed motorcycle helmet can help absorb the shock in the head after it sinks to its protective cushions. It must not be too soft to let the head crush through its hard interior walls at once. After that, the hard plastic will yield without control. Helmet design considerations are all about the tolerable impact the head can handle, which the soft linings provide as protection, and the exterior protection from punctures.
Types of motorcycle helmets for effective use come in different appearance:
FULL FACE - Covers the full area of the back of the head, chin but has a shield made of plastic in the eye area for visibility. It is usually ventilated though some still consider it warmer and lacking flow of air inside. It tends to isolate a rider and restrain hearing because of full head coverage.
OPEN FACE - Almost the same as the full face design except it has no chin cover, which means it has low protection for the face. It has a plastic shield open to particles during a ride. It can cause injuries out of trapped small debris caught on speed. Thus, it is advisable to wear riding goggles as additional protection for the eyes.
Motorcycle helmet may not give ultimate protection but it saved a lot of lives during minor injuries.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Save Money On Your Next Care At A Repo Car Auction
It's been a used car dealers best kept secret for a long time. Repo car auctions were a place used car dealers could pickup several good used cars and/or trucks bring them back to their lot and sell them for a nice profit. While that is still the practice of some used car dealers it's easier now for the average joe to learn the ropes, and get his/her own deal on a repo car from the auction.
Find the Information
This can be the toughest part of the entire process. Discovering where and when auctions take place, and if you can or can't get into one is the first step. Your local town office may have information about repo car auctions in your area, also watch the news papers for notices of police or government surplus/repo auctions. These auctions will not only have cars and trucks but also other merchandise such as boats, atv's, and other motor vehicles.
With the advent of information sharing on the Internet it's made it even easier to locate repo auctions. There are services set up solely for this purpose of providing info on auctions in your area as well as what items will be going up for auction.
Where do the vehicles come from
There's a variety of places cars can come from that are up for auction. More times then not they've been repossessed by finance companies, banks, the police and even the town or state. Most times cars and trucks at repo auctions are newer model years, with low mileage, and in good shape. Making it the perfect place for you to pick up your next new to you car.
The best way to navigate the repo car auction circuit is to use a professional service that specializes in providing consumers information on auction locations, cars available etc. Understanding how to bid on a car you may be interested in, making payment if you win, and pickup are all items that should be posed to a professional.
No question if you're willing to do a little bit of research you'll save a bundle buying your car from a repo auction rather then a used dealer. You could very well bid against the same person you'd buy the car from otherwise. Using a service to do your research online prior to heading out to locate an auction is ideal. You'll be able to see what similar cars have sold for at other auctions, and sometimes even place a bid online.
Find the Information
This can be the toughest part of the entire process. Discovering where and when auctions take place, and if you can or can't get into one is the first step. Your local town office may have information about repo car auctions in your area, also watch the news papers for notices of police or government surplus/repo auctions. These auctions will not only have cars and trucks but also other merchandise such as boats, atv's, and other motor vehicles.
With the advent of information sharing on the Internet it's made it even easier to locate repo auctions. There are services set up solely for this purpose of providing info on auctions in your area as well as what items will be going up for auction.
Where do the vehicles come from
There's a variety of places cars can come from that are up for auction. More times then not they've been repossessed by finance companies, banks, the police and even the town or state. Most times cars and trucks at repo auctions are newer model years, with low mileage, and in good shape. Making it the perfect place for you to pick up your next new to you car.
The best way to navigate the repo car auction circuit is to use a professional service that specializes in providing consumers information on auction locations, cars available etc. Understanding how to bid on a car you may be interested in, making payment if you win, and pickup are all items that should be posed to a professional.
No question if you're willing to do a little bit of research you'll save a bundle buying your car from a repo auction rather then a used dealer. You could very well bid against the same person you'd buy the car from otherwise. Using a service to do your research online prior to heading out to locate an auction is ideal. You'll be able to see what similar cars have sold for at other auctions, and sometimes even place a bid online.
Save Time Shopping For A New Or Used Car By Browsing Online First
The traditional car buying experience is often seen as an overwhelming task. But thanks to the Web, customers can save time and enter a dealership precisely knowing what they want to buy.
How many times have you started the process by visiting different car dealerships? Purchasing a new or used car is a significant investment and you will hopefully be keeping your vehicle for awhile. You likely have certain features and options in mind, which will help narrow the scope of which models you will consider. But because you want to find the best car to meet your needs, the process can be intense and arduous.
Many car companies and dealerships are posting their inventory online so you can search for a car to best suit your needs. If you begin with the website as your first step, when you walk into the dealership, you have a narrowed list of vehicles that have the features you want, in your price range and you don’t have to waste a lot of time driving around from one dealership to another.
There are three different types of auto retail sites available for car buyers and each has its own unique advantages.
The Coast-to-Coast Dealer’s Website
When browsing online for your car, one of your primary concerns may be selection. CarMax is an online car dealership with a large inventory, located in several states across the country.
When you visit the site, you enter the make, model, price range and other details for the type of car you want. You are asked to enter your zip code, and then given a list of available vehicles at locations near your zip code. You can compare models, pricing, features, mileage, and other details.
If you aren’t sure what type of car you want, this is a good option to check out as many cars as possible in your price range.
The Local Dealership’s Website
The local dealership is probably the best option if customer service, in addition to selection, is important to you. The difference is similar to shopping at a large retailer versus the small specialty shop owned by a local family known for their contributions in the community. But whereas that small specialty shop may not have an inventory comparable to the big guys, the local dealership may not only offer a comparable selection of cars, but services that you won’t find at the larger auto retailers.
Conklin Cars is a new and used car dealer with several locations in Kansas. When working with a dealership that has several locations, you have the advantage of a large inventory, and working with specialists at each location. Customers who have visited the Salina car dealer site, for example, can also visit the company’s Newton car dealership and Hutchinson auto dealer sites online or in person to compare models, features and pricing.
But in addition to searching for cars based on brand, make, model, new, used, and even “building” the car you want, customers can also send questions to the dealerships’ parts and service technicians. Rather than running all over town to try and find the right part your car needs, or taking the car to a mechanic that may not be familiar with your car, you’ve got both covered at one location. This works well because it gives you a one-stop-shop option for not only purchasing your car, but care and maintenance after purchase.
Other notable advantages of using a local dealership include better, low-pressure sales and customer service, in addition to unique services. At Conklin Cars, sales reps are trained to create relationships with customers for any of their car buying or car service needs. For example, customers can rent a vehicle from Conklin Cars, a unique feature of this local dealership not found at many auto retailers.
Brand Name Shopping
If you have a particular brand in mind, visiting the company’s main site is probably your best option. A manufacturer’s website will offer a comprehensive look at all of the company’s offerings. Saturn, for example, is known for its low-pressure, no-haggle pricing. Like most automotive brands, the site is quite comprehensive with a photo gallery of different models, pricing, features and other valuable information to help you make an educated decision on which one of their vehicles will best suit your lifestyle.
Modern technology has created an opportunity for the car buyer to save much time, effort and stress when shopping. Depending on whether you want a vast inventory, a local resource capable of providing all of your car service needs, or you’re focused on one particular brand, beginning the car buying process online is a smart move. If you know your budget and enter the dealership with a clear decision on which cars you want to see, you’ve got the hardest part of the car-buying process covered, and all that will be left to do is make a decision and go through the paperwork.
How many times have you started the process by visiting different car dealerships? Purchasing a new or used car is a significant investment and you will hopefully be keeping your vehicle for awhile. You likely have certain features and options in mind, which will help narrow the scope of which models you will consider. But because you want to find the best car to meet your needs, the process can be intense and arduous.
Many car companies and dealerships are posting their inventory online so you can search for a car to best suit your needs. If you begin with the website as your first step, when you walk into the dealership, you have a narrowed list of vehicles that have the features you want, in your price range and you don’t have to waste a lot of time driving around from one dealership to another.
There are three different types of auto retail sites available for car buyers and each has its own unique advantages.
The Coast-to-Coast Dealer’s Website
When browsing online for your car, one of your primary concerns may be selection. CarMax is an online car dealership with a large inventory, located in several states across the country.
When you visit the site, you enter the make, model, price range and other details for the type of car you want. You are asked to enter your zip code, and then given a list of available vehicles at locations near your zip code. You can compare models, pricing, features, mileage, and other details.
If you aren’t sure what type of car you want, this is a good option to check out as many cars as possible in your price range.
The Local Dealership’s Website
The local dealership is probably the best option if customer service, in addition to selection, is important to you. The difference is similar to shopping at a large retailer versus the small specialty shop owned by a local family known for their contributions in the community. But whereas that small specialty shop may not have an inventory comparable to the big guys, the local dealership may not only offer a comparable selection of cars, but services that you won’t find at the larger auto retailers.
Conklin Cars is a new and used car dealer with several locations in Kansas. When working with a dealership that has several locations, you have the advantage of a large inventory, and working with specialists at each location. Customers who have visited the Salina car dealer site, for example, can also visit the company’s Newton car dealership and Hutchinson auto dealer sites online or in person to compare models, features and pricing.
But in addition to searching for cars based on brand, make, model, new, used, and even “building” the car you want, customers can also send questions to the dealerships’ parts and service technicians. Rather than running all over town to try and find the right part your car needs, or taking the car to a mechanic that may not be familiar with your car, you’ve got both covered at one location. This works well because it gives you a one-stop-shop option for not only purchasing your car, but care and maintenance after purchase.
Other notable advantages of using a local dealership include better, low-pressure sales and customer service, in addition to unique services. At Conklin Cars, sales reps are trained to create relationships with customers for any of their car buying or car service needs. For example, customers can rent a vehicle from Conklin Cars, a unique feature of this local dealership not found at many auto retailers.
Brand Name Shopping
If you have a particular brand in mind, visiting the company’s main site is probably your best option. A manufacturer’s website will offer a comprehensive look at all of the company’s offerings. Saturn, for example, is known for its low-pressure, no-haggle pricing. Like most automotive brands, the site is quite comprehensive with a photo gallery of different models, pricing, features and other valuable information to help you make an educated decision on which one of their vehicles will best suit your lifestyle.
Modern technology has created an opportunity for the car buyer to save much time, effort and stress when shopping. Depending on whether you want a vast inventory, a local resource capable of providing all of your car service needs, or you’re focused on one particular brand, beginning the car buying process online is a smart move. If you know your budget and enter the dealership with a clear decision on which cars you want to see, you’ve got the hardest part of the car-buying process covered, and all that will be left to do is make a decision and go through the paperwork.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Save Yourself Car Payments - Undercoat Your Own Car
Undercoating stops and prevents rust and keeps your car looking great. It’s recommended for those planning on keeping their vehicle more than a couple of years It is a thrifty job in two ways.
You save the cost of having it done, and leave the body from rusting away.
Undercoating is an extra dollar that an auto dealership often tries to load onto you when you buy a new car. But you need not dig into your pocket for this extra. You can do the job yourself at a total cost that is a portion of what an auto repair shop will charge you.
Undercoating has two advantages. First and foremost, it will protect a card by preventing the rust that eats through a fender and through a car body. Secondly, sprayed or brushed into metal to metal cracks and crevices the black asphalt material will forestall many a squeak and rattle.
Most people think of undercoating in connection with strictly a new car. However it is usually a job that pays dividends on a vehicle of any age. In fact it offers a means of curbing automobile metal rust that may have gained considerable headway on any used car or vehicle.
If you decide to undercoat your car, do so before washing and polishing since some spillage may occur.
First: Remove the Rust. Whether the car is new or old, all rust must be removed and the metal cleaned off before the undercoating goes in. Rust left under the coating would go right ahead with its damaging work. Work on the metal until it shines.
Cleaning comes first. Getting the grime off can be the most difficult part of the procedure.
Steam cleaning is probably the best way to prepare the car. If you can have this done. It will save you much effort and heartache. If not TSP (Tri Sodium Phosphate) can be used to loosen up the grease. A wire brush can be utilized. TSP is an inexpensive crystalline salt available at most hardware stores such as Home Depot or Rona. Mix the TSP degreaser with hot water and daub it on grease areas with a sponge or cloth.
In doing this job it is important to know what to coat and what not to coat. Keep the material off moving parts, oil pan, brake lines, muffler, tail pipe, drive shaft etc etc. Apply it liberally, however under the fender and sills of the frame and under the floor. Under the fenders work it right out to the edge.
To get under the fenders you will have to remove the wheels. Unless the support is very stable, remove only one wheel at a time. It never hurts to play it safe.
Some undercoaters are inflammable, while wet. So work with good ventilation - and avoid smoking and open flames of course.
Remember an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, or many tons of salt in this case.
You save the cost of having it done, and leave the body from rusting away.
Undercoating is an extra dollar that an auto dealership often tries to load onto you when you buy a new car. But you need not dig into your pocket for this extra. You can do the job yourself at a total cost that is a portion of what an auto repair shop will charge you.
Undercoating has two advantages. First and foremost, it will protect a card by preventing the rust that eats through a fender and through a car body. Secondly, sprayed or brushed into metal to metal cracks and crevices the black asphalt material will forestall many a squeak and rattle.
Most people think of undercoating in connection with strictly a new car. However it is usually a job that pays dividends on a vehicle of any age. In fact it offers a means of curbing automobile metal rust that may have gained considerable headway on any used car or vehicle.
If you decide to undercoat your car, do so before washing and polishing since some spillage may occur.
First: Remove the Rust. Whether the car is new or old, all rust must be removed and the metal cleaned off before the undercoating goes in. Rust left under the coating would go right ahead with its damaging work. Work on the metal until it shines.
Cleaning comes first. Getting the grime off can be the most difficult part of the procedure.
Steam cleaning is probably the best way to prepare the car. If you can have this done. It will save you much effort and heartache. If not TSP (Tri Sodium Phosphate) can be used to loosen up the grease. A wire brush can be utilized. TSP is an inexpensive crystalline salt available at most hardware stores such as Home Depot or Rona. Mix the TSP degreaser with hot water and daub it on grease areas with a sponge or cloth.
In doing this job it is important to know what to coat and what not to coat. Keep the material off moving parts, oil pan, brake lines, muffler, tail pipe, drive shaft etc etc. Apply it liberally, however under the fender and sills of the frame and under the floor. Under the fenders work it right out to the edge.
To get under the fenders you will have to remove the wheels. Unless the support is very stable, remove only one wheel at a time. It never hurts to play it safe.
Some undercoaters are inflammable, while wet. So work with good ventilation - and avoid smoking and open flames of course.
Remember an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, or many tons of salt in this case.
Saving Gas Can Cost Time – But It Doesn't Have To
Gas prices yesterday, April 4, 2007, spiked to $4.00 per gallon in some parts of the United States. And the worsening, and seemingly untenable situation in the oil-rich Middle-East has some prognosticators heralding prices of $6.00 per gallon by year's end. Americans are, quite justifiably anxious, alarmed, and seeking more fuel efficient (cheaper) means of transportation. This has led to more and more people buying and driving smaller vehicles that deliver more miles per gallon.
The first choice of Americans seeking more fuel efficient transportation seems to be the smaller, lighter somewhat traditional cars and trucks with more fuel efficient engines. Then come the hybrids, with their advanced systems of propulsion sharing. And finally, the scooters.
Many scooters comfortably surpass the 50-miles per gallon mark on the charts, some by quite a lot. And they are available in a growing number of styles, sizes and configurations. With sales of scooters having more than doubled since 2000, companies like Yamaha and Honda are offering some truly luxurious and efficient selections to choose from. The Yamaha Morphous, Yamaha Majesty, Honda Silver Wing (and Silver Wing ABS), and Honda Big Ruckus attest to the range and luxury that is becoming available in scooters.
Before we get to the point of this article, let's take a look at the fuel cost savings for a range of vehicles that includes scooter miles per gallon. The following annual fuel cost chart assumes that the driver goes 10,000 miles per year and that fuel costs remain constant at $3.00 per gallon.
Miles Per Gallon Annual Cost
10 $3,000.00
15 $2,000.00
20 $1,500.00
30 $1,000.00
40 $750.00
50 $600.00
60 $500.00
70 $428.57
80 $375.00
The above chart leaves little doubt about the potential savings in fuel, when a driver opts to ride a 50-MPG scooter instead of driving a 15-MPG vehicle. But new scooter riders, as well as those buying smaller cars and trucks, are quickly discovering a problem that motorcyclists have had to cope with since the early 1960's.
The vast majority of traffic signals are controlled by what are called "inductive loops." These are coils of wire buried beneath the road's surface at intersections. A small current is run through the wire, thus creating an electromagnet. When enough iron is present inside these loops, they send a signal to the light's controller that starts its cycle. In brief, the inductive loops trigger green lights – including green left turn arrows.
When there is inadequate iron present inside the inductive loop, the green light does not trigger because the controller doesn't detect a need for the signal light to change. Motorcycles, scooters, small cars, small trucks and many 4x4 vehicles just don't have enough iron to trigger the green light. In the case of the 4x4s, there is likely enough iron, but it is too high above the road's surface for these weak electromagnets to detect.
If a vehicle is traveling on a busy road, then there is likely to be no problem getting a green light to trigger. This is due to the presence of so many vehicles in each of the inductive loops at intersections during busy and peak traffic times. The problem of getting a green light to trigger occurs when the scooter, motorcycle or small vehicle is somewhat alone on the road – such as early in the morning or late at night. Riders and drivers can sit for quite some time waiting for another vehicle to come along and trigger the green light.
But take heart – there's an easy solution: Signal Sorcerer® traffic light changer. This is a simple, one-piece unit that installs under the vehicle – be it a motorcycle, scooter, small car or truck. Everything needed for the installation comes complete with each unit. No tools or wiring are required, and installation takes about 3-minutes. The G4² traffic light changer unit sells for $19.95, and once installed, ensures that the parent vehicle will get detected by inductive loops and trigger a green light – thus ending the problem of sitting and waiting at traffic signal lights that fail to change – and the wasteful burning of that precious (and expensive) fuel.
To learn a whole lot more about inductive loops and how to better trigger green lights (with or without a traffic light changer), visit http://www.signalsorcerer.com/. There's even a short video showing riders how to approach a traffic signal light on their motorcycles, mopeds, and scooters. How you pass over an inductive loop, apparently, affects your probability to trigger a green light.
So, if you've made the leap to more fuel efficient vehicles, get all the benefits by installing a Signal Sorcerer® traffic light changer. There's no point sitting at those red traffic lights burning fuel – and wasting time – when there's a cheap, 3-minute fix.
The Signal Sorcerer® G4² is available at 500 dealers throughout the United States and Canada, or at the following link: http://www.signalsorcerer.com/. Ned Kalbfleish is the author of Terror in America – You Are Not Safe! Available at http://www.terrorinamerica.com/. (Book preview videos are available on the site.)
The first choice of Americans seeking more fuel efficient transportation seems to be the smaller, lighter somewhat traditional cars and trucks with more fuel efficient engines. Then come the hybrids, with their advanced systems of propulsion sharing. And finally, the scooters.
Many scooters comfortably surpass the 50-miles per gallon mark on the charts, some by quite a lot. And they are available in a growing number of styles, sizes and configurations. With sales of scooters having more than doubled since 2000, companies like Yamaha and Honda are offering some truly luxurious and efficient selections to choose from. The Yamaha Morphous, Yamaha Majesty, Honda Silver Wing (and Silver Wing ABS), and Honda Big Ruckus attest to the range and luxury that is becoming available in scooters.
Before we get to the point of this article, let's take a look at the fuel cost savings for a range of vehicles that includes scooter miles per gallon. The following annual fuel cost chart assumes that the driver goes 10,000 miles per year and that fuel costs remain constant at $3.00 per gallon.
Miles Per Gallon Annual Cost
10 $3,000.00
15 $2,000.00
20 $1,500.00
30 $1,000.00
40 $750.00
50 $600.00
60 $500.00
70 $428.57
80 $375.00
The above chart leaves little doubt about the potential savings in fuel, when a driver opts to ride a 50-MPG scooter instead of driving a 15-MPG vehicle. But new scooter riders, as well as those buying smaller cars and trucks, are quickly discovering a problem that motorcyclists have had to cope with since the early 1960's.
The vast majority of traffic signals are controlled by what are called "inductive loops." These are coils of wire buried beneath the road's surface at intersections. A small current is run through the wire, thus creating an electromagnet. When enough iron is present inside these loops, they send a signal to the light's controller that starts its cycle. In brief, the inductive loops trigger green lights – including green left turn arrows.
When there is inadequate iron present inside the inductive loop, the green light does not trigger because the controller doesn't detect a need for the signal light to change. Motorcycles, scooters, small cars, small trucks and many 4x4 vehicles just don't have enough iron to trigger the green light. In the case of the 4x4s, there is likely enough iron, but it is too high above the road's surface for these weak electromagnets to detect.
If a vehicle is traveling on a busy road, then there is likely to be no problem getting a green light to trigger. This is due to the presence of so many vehicles in each of the inductive loops at intersections during busy and peak traffic times. The problem of getting a green light to trigger occurs when the scooter, motorcycle or small vehicle is somewhat alone on the road – such as early in the morning or late at night. Riders and drivers can sit for quite some time waiting for another vehicle to come along and trigger the green light.
But take heart – there's an easy solution: Signal Sorcerer® traffic light changer. This is a simple, one-piece unit that installs under the vehicle – be it a motorcycle, scooter, small car or truck. Everything needed for the installation comes complete with each unit. No tools or wiring are required, and installation takes about 3-minutes. The G4² traffic light changer unit sells for $19.95, and once installed, ensures that the parent vehicle will get detected by inductive loops and trigger a green light – thus ending the problem of sitting and waiting at traffic signal lights that fail to change – and the wasteful burning of that precious (and expensive) fuel.
To learn a whole lot more about inductive loops and how to better trigger green lights (with or without a traffic light changer), visit http://www.signalsorcerer.com/. There's even a short video showing riders how to approach a traffic signal light on their motorcycles, mopeds, and scooters. How you pass over an inductive loop, apparently, affects your probability to trigger a green light.
So, if you've made the leap to more fuel efficient vehicles, get all the benefits by installing a Signal Sorcerer® traffic light changer. There's no point sitting at those red traffic lights burning fuel – and wasting time – when there's a cheap, 3-minute fix.
The Signal Sorcerer® G4² is available at 500 dealers throughout the United States and Canada, or at the following link: http://www.signalsorcerer.com/. Ned Kalbfleish is the author of Terror in America – You Are Not Safe! Available at http://www.terrorinamerica.com/. (Book preview videos are available on the site.)
Saving Money On The Costs Of Running A Car
We all know that running a car is expensive but how often do we workout exactly what we are spending? There are ways to reduce costs on your current vehicle and factors to consider when buying a new car.
Firstly how much is your finance deal costing each month? Car dealers will of course try to sell you their finance package but this may not be the best deal for you. It is well worth taking the time to do some research to check out other options available. Internet comparison sites and loan calculators are useful tools to assist in this process and looking for cheap loans before looking for the car will normally work in your favour financially. The main advice here is to do all of this research well in advance. Car salespeople are well trained in their art and will almost certainly put the pressure on to accept their finance arrangements once you are in the dealership. The reason for this is the profits they can make by selling a finance deal as well as a vehicle. In fact often the finance package makes them more moeny that the car itself.
Insurance premiums have risen significantly in recent years. This is because of the increase in personal injury claims and the number of uninsured drivers. The insurance quote will vary according to the type of car, your postcode and the age of the driver. The key to saving money is once again to shop around. Just because one provider was the best value last year does not mean that is still the case when it comes to renewing your policy. Millions of people still regularly renew with their existing provider without shopping around and waste money needlessly.
If you intend to keep your car for an extended period then depreciation will not be a major issue. However, if you change your car regularly but are trying to keep costs down, then consider paying a little extra for a car with a higher resale value. Family cars tend to lose their value most quickly and may only be worth 1/3 of their purchase price after 3 years. However, more prestigious brands can still be worth 70% of the new price after 3 years. Also consider buying nearly new rather than new. That way you will not be fundung the high initial depreciation that vehicles suffer from.
Rising fuel prices obviously have a major impact on running costs. Why not choose a smaller more fuel efficient car or perhaps try a diesel model? Whenever possible fill your tank at supermarkets which usually offer lower fuel prices.
Servicing costs will vary according to the age of the car. If your vehicle is less than 3 years old you are likely to pay more. If at all possible avoid using a main dealer for servicing and repairs. Independent garages usually charge considerably less for labour.
Firstly how much is your finance deal costing each month? Car dealers will of course try to sell you their finance package but this may not be the best deal for you. It is well worth taking the time to do some research to check out other options available. Internet comparison sites and loan calculators are useful tools to assist in this process and looking for cheap loans before looking for the car will normally work in your favour financially. The main advice here is to do all of this research well in advance. Car salespeople are well trained in their art and will almost certainly put the pressure on to accept their finance arrangements once you are in the dealership. The reason for this is the profits they can make by selling a finance deal as well as a vehicle. In fact often the finance package makes them more moeny that the car itself.
Insurance premiums have risen significantly in recent years. This is because of the increase in personal injury claims and the number of uninsured drivers. The insurance quote will vary according to the type of car, your postcode and the age of the driver. The key to saving money is once again to shop around. Just because one provider was the best value last year does not mean that is still the case when it comes to renewing your policy. Millions of people still regularly renew with their existing provider without shopping around and waste money needlessly.
If you intend to keep your car for an extended period then depreciation will not be a major issue. However, if you change your car regularly but are trying to keep costs down, then consider paying a little extra for a car with a higher resale value. Family cars tend to lose their value most quickly and may only be worth 1/3 of their purchase price after 3 years. However, more prestigious brands can still be worth 70% of the new price after 3 years. Also consider buying nearly new rather than new. That way you will not be fundung the high initial depreciation that vehicles suffer from.
Rising fuel prices obviously have a major impact on running costs. Why not choose a smaller more fuel efficient car or perhaps try a diesel model? Whenever possible fill your tank at supermarkets which usually offer lower fuel prices.
Servicing costs will vary according to the age of the car. If your vehicle is less than 3 years old you are likely to pay more. If at all possible avoid using a main dealer for servicing and repairs. Independent garages usually charge considerably less for labour.
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