The Automotive Knowledge Gap

ByMark Bodwell

According to the National Automobile Dealers Association, there are over 17,000 new car dealers in the U.S. and Canada. There is no data available on this next point, but dealers I've worked for currently average some 1,700 calls per year to the service department related to electronics issues. If the average holds across the industry, it means that new car dealer service departments handle nearly 30 million calls a year related to electronics issues. Thirty million!

This phenomenon is the result of an ever-increasing density of advanced systems in vehicles. Navigation systems, traction and stability control, Bluetooth systems and message screens. Next up, WiFi and smart phone-like applications! Seriously, who's going to do the driving? Computer crashes are soon to take on a whole new meaning.

Ford was recently taken to task because its systems were too complicated, and while the company has worked to simplify MyFord Touch, it has also announced a greater emphasis on driver education. Following the spate of bad news regarding fires in the Volt following accidents, Chevrolet noted, among other things, that the company needs to "educate the public" to disconnect battery. And VW has also increased its driver education programs to make its vehicles more accessible.

The auto industry has been beating its collective head against the wall for decades over the issue of driver education. "If only drivers would learn..." All the while it is building the equivalent of the VCR with a clock only a select few know how to set. The difference is that a VCR will only leave you stranded in the middle of a movie or TV show if it fails - not in the middle of nowhere.

If the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result, then the auto industry is wearing a collective straight jacket. The gap between the auto industry and the knowledge they wish drivers possessed continues to widen. It has 30 million reasons to find approaches other than "driver education" to user issues.

Instead, it is headed in the opposite direction, building in additional functions, view screens and app capabilities to the already overburdened driver.

The National Transportation Safety Board made headlines recently when it recommended banning the use of cell phones while driving due to the distraction it offered the driver. While I happen to think they are barking up the wrong tree in regards to cell phone calls and conversational distraction in general, driver distraction is an issue that has only begun to surface as a safety concern. And vehicle manufacturers will find themselves front and center when it does.

Automotive News recently quoted Gary Evert, a Division Director at Acura R&D as saying, "Technology is only as good as the driver. The vehicle almost always has more capability than the driver can handle. Anything outside the customer's understanding is waste." He may be looking to avoid technological "waste", but Mr. Evert at least has a more realistic view of the driver. The industry as a whole however is unlikely to slow its headlong pursuit of the latest toys.

Drivers need help and at DashboardSymbols.com, we are developing tools to do just that. The first tool is a Smartphone app that includes some 100 image and text tell-tales and their descriptions to help drivers translate what they are seeing into useful information. The App is available for iOS, Android and Blackberry platform. We ultimately intend to help change the way vehicles communicate with drivers. In the meantime, if you are confused by the symbols that show up on your instrument panel, go to http://www.dashboardsymbols.com. There, you will find the most comprehensive list of automotive symbols available anywhere, and access to our tools.

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Effective Tips for Driving in Wet Weather

Safe Driving Practices

Whenever it rains, drivers should slow down and increase their following distance. If every driver followed this simple recommendation, countless accidents could be avoided every year. When on multi-lane roads, drivers should choose the inside lanes to avoid the pools of water that often collect on the sides of the roads.

Drivers should avoid following large trucks and buses because they often splash water onto the windshield of nearby cars, causing visibility and safety problems. Be prepared for surprises near those vehicles, especially when passing.

When driving on wet roads, drivers should minimize the use of brakes. Tires don't grip the road well when wet, so any sudden braking can lead to hydroplaning and control problems, especially when tires are well-worn.

Some safety tips are laws in many states. For example, drivers should always burn their headlights and run their windshield wipers in the rain. The lights make cars more visible in the rain and the wipers improve drivers' visibility.

Flooding presents special hazards to drivers. If during the day the roadway is not visible through standing water, drivers should turn around rather than put themselves and their car in jeopardy. Floods that show no visible sign of water currents can easily carry a car off the road, so drivers should be very careful before entering a flooded part of the road.

Drivers should exercise extreme caution during thunderstorms. Rain can become so heavy that they can't see far enough ahead to drive safely. Whenever possible, drivers should pull off the road or highway and wait for the rain to stop.

There are no laws about being nice, but it doesn't hurt to exercise some consideration when passing pedestrians in the rain. Driving through puddles at speeds over 10 mph can splash water a great distance. Drivers can show some common courtesy to pedestrians by slowing down. However, courtesy does not mean that a motorist should pick up any strangers stuck in the rain; they should exercise common sense.

Prepare for Wet Weather

Before taking a vehicle out in the rain, drivers should make sure all lights are working and that the wipers work and have functional and effective wiper blades. Drivers who need help checking or replacing these items can stop by their local auto parts store.

Drivers often prolong the use of worn tires to save money, but this practice puts their lives in peril when it rains. Because worn tires lack deep treads, they have no way to channel water from between the tire and the road. This leads to hydroplaning and skidding that can result in a serious accident.

Stay Home

Just as many drivers choose to stay home during a snow storm whenever possible, drivers should avoid going out in rainy conditions. There's no better way to avoid an accident than by being off the road when conditions are at their worst.

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Reason to Get a Motorbike Sat Nav

ByRuben Hurlbutt

Reasons to get a Sat Nav Touch Screen: As opposed to many of the Sat Nav devices in the past, the majority now have touch screens that is incredibly beneficial. Why? For one, you won't need to worry about mechanical failure on the part of the buttons, and with that being the situation you won't have to discover workarounds when programming a route.

Lane Assistance: One of the greatest difficulties on the road is the inability to decide on a lane. Certainly when you know an area you would possibly have the ability to navigate just fine, but what exactly is the point of having a bike if you are not planning to explore? Lane assistance will make certain that you select the correct lane every single time.

Road Identification: This might appear like a rather trivial feature, but when you come upon a road with no street sign, you're going to have a problem. Using a decent motorcycle sat nav GPS system this problem is efficiently eliminated which means you may drive effortlessly, listening to the step by step instructions provided to you by the GPS.

Glove Friendly: One of the most significant problems with touch screen equipment today is the fact that they tend to depend on the electrical current in the human body. This functions in a standard vehicle GPS navigational device but it becomes a severe hindrance on a motorcycle on which you are wearing gloves 90% of the time. Most motorbike sat nav devices will be glove friendly which takes a number of problems off your shoulders in one fell swoop.

Maps: Any first rate sat nav system will include a number of maps that may be upgraded for road construction or other alterations that may take place. In quite a few cases map updates are free, but you will find others that require a monthly subscription. Either way it can be well worth the expense!

On the Market: There are many GPS products available, specifically in the motorbike sat nav area. The Garmin Zumo 660 is an upgrade to the 550 model which offers each of the aforementioned features. In addition to that we also have the TomTom Rider V2 which features a simplified menu for riders along with advanced lane assistance. With these options available, riding has become considerably easier and getting from Point A to Point B will no longer be considered a serious concern! If you are a biker then you certainly will discover that a motorbike sat nav system is certainly critical if you wish to have an enjoyable experience on a long road trip. Purchase one right now and make your everyday life ten times easier!

Look for the best Motorcycle Sat Nav today and enjoy the open road.

Motorcycle Sat Nav

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How To Make Your Car Masculine

ByEllen Langevitz

If your car looks a little on the girly side, there are a lot of modifications you can do to give it a more masculine touch. Making your car more masculine will make you confident when you pick up your date, and will make you enjoy it much more when you're riding in it alone. Below are some ideas on how to make your car a male.

Change the Rims: Adding custom rims to your wheels will definitely give your car a manly personality. They not only make your car look really cool, but they also help your car's traction and steering. Take a car with custom rims for a ride and you'll definitely feel the difference. Most rims come in standard colors of silver, grey, chrome or black. But you can also get custom colors like white, gold or blue. If you really want to attract attention, get spinner wheels that rotate even after the car has stopped moving.
Get Custom Car Seat Covers: This is another great way to add the masculine personality to your car that you're looking for. You can get solid colors like black, brown or tan in cloth fabric, or you can get nice leather covers if you can splurge a little more. You can also have your car seat covers customized by adding your initials or a design embroidered somewhere on the side of the cover. They also come in dual colors, like tan and black or red and black. An added bonus of having car seat covers is that they protect your seats from dirt, and other debris, making your car easier to clean. Since they keep food and drinks from getting trapped inside the cushions of your seats, seat covers keep your car smelling fresher longer. They also make an excellent gift for any male in your family or office.
Get a Steering Wheel Cover: A thick black or brown leather cover on your steering wheel will definitely add some masculinity to your automobile. There are many options when it comes to steering wheel covers. You can get them in leather, suede, polyester, or a soft fabric like sheepskin. The most popular colors amongst men are black and brown, but they also make custom steering wheel covers with different logos on them. You can get a cover with a logo of your favorite sports team on it. And you don't have to stop there. You can also get floor mats to match. There is no way your car would be considered girly with all these accessories.

Keep your car protected from extreme weather and other environmental factors by using a car cover. Go to thecarcover.com for car covers and other car accessories.

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The Importance Of Selecting Season-Appropriate Car Tyres

ByPaul Croft

Huge numbers of people decide to add winter tyres to their vehicles when the cold weather starts. It's really important to make sure that you fit them before the cold snap sets in to ensure that you're not left in the lurch and unable to use your vehicle. A lot of people rely on their vehicles for a wide variety of things including going to work and visiting family - not being able to use their vehicles would make life very difficult!

It's advised that you fit winter tyres to your cars when the weather drops below 7 degrees Celsius. This temperature is when the roads can become difficult to drive on and your vehicle's performance is comprised. Fitting your car with winter tyres improves your cars handling and breaking distance dramatically. It's really surprising how much of a difference fitting more appropriate tyres can make.

If you're really looking to improve your vehicles performance during the winter months, it's advised to fit both winter tyres and winter wheels - this combination will ensure your car is well prepared for the harsh weather conditions. Don't be fooled into thinking that your tyres do not make much difference to your vehicles performance - they can make your car considerably safer during winter.

People often make the mistake of leaving their summer tyres on through winter and ruining them. It's important to bear in mind that with summer tyres, your braking distance will not be as short as it would with tyres that are suitable for the weather conditions. This would mean that with incorrect tyres, you're more likely to have an accident. If you're concerned about your safety throughout winter then purchasing tyres suitable for that time of year is very much advised.

It's important to ensure that you store your summer tyres away correctly so that they're in a good condition to be refitted to your vehicle once the warmer weather comes along. You need to ensure that when storing them, they will not be coming into contact with anything that can damage the rubber including sharp nails, chemicals or petroleum products. You should always stack them flat on top of each other or hang them. It's important to ensure that when you put them into storage, you have previously cleaned your tyres fully with water (and make sure they're dry when you put them away!). It's important that you don't use winter tyres in the summer as they will not aid for the best performance.

If you're keen to find out more about winter tyres, you should research winter tyres on the internet!

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Enhance the Security System of Your Car With a Remote Keyless Entry System

ByStacey Kumar

Remote keyless entry system performs a number of functions like locking or unlocking the car door, arming or disarming the car alarm from a significant distance. This system has enhanced the security and made the car owning experience more wonderful. Many online dealers provide remote keyless entry system and are the best options to get it, at reasonable prices.

Have you ever imagined of operating your car without a conventional key? If no, then there is good news for you. There is a high tech car key that can perform all the necessary functions of your car without physically operating it. Such a high tech car key is called remote keyless entry. This high tech entry controls the engine, the trunk, car alarm, the door and transforms your ordinary car into a magic car.

The high tech car key or remote keyless entry consists of a remote key and a supporting device that is fitted inside the car. The remote key has a microchip that coordinates with the device through radio waves. The remote keyless entry has many features and can perform all the functions without making any physical contact with the car.

It can lock the car doors from a distance. This comes handy when you are in a hurry. It can lock the car doors from inside a building and also activates the alarm. It can also replace different car keys for you.

The security segment is greatly enhanced with the use of these high tech keys. Now a thief can't break into the car and drive it off by using a master key and a wire. This has become possible due to the application of radio waves in the closing and opening of doors by the high tech car key. Another safety feature of using the keyless remote is that, a car can never get hot-wired.

This system also adds new functions from time to time. Opening the trunk without using manual key, turning on the AC before entering the car are some of the features that has been added to the newer versions of this system.

Nowadays, all models of the cars have keyless remotes. These gadgets can also be purchased from an online dealer. The online dealers have remote keyless entry system for almost all kinds of car models. The keyless remote comes with an instruction manual for installing the system in your car. The key can be programmed within few minutes. There are several companies that can replace your old or lost remote key and program it with the device installed in your car.

If you want to drive your car with the excitement of having a multi-functional remote keyless entry, then you can start an online search for it. There are several companies that provide keyless entry keypad, replacement car keys, key fobs and keyless entry remote accessories for different models of cars at reasonable prices.

The author of this article is associated with fobkeyless.com, an online automated key store that offers keyless entry remotes for almost all brands and models of car at reasonable prices.

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Locksmith Tools For You

ByStacey Kumar

If you want to pursue your career as an automotive locksmith, you need to equip yourself with sophisticated tools to decode and change modern remote keyless entry system. The tool kit must contain equipment like fobs, program software, decoding and key cutting device.

If you are interested in becoming an automotive locksmith, you need to get technologically advanced tools and equipment to replace or make the new locks for vehicles. The availability of these tools not only enhance the efficiency of your process but also increase goodwill of your firm. Nowadays, almost all models of vehicles are fitted with advanced remote keyless systems, so a locksmith must have all tools that are needed for replacing and decoding the transponder keys.

A car is often an owner's prized possession and is as dear to him as his nearest ones. While buying a car may be a defining moment in one's life, it is merely the beginning of a journey and maintaining a car properly is as important as purchasing one. An alarming rise in the number of car thefts can be a cause for concern for every car owner and hence proper security measures must be put in place to prevent any untoward incident with your car. The security of cars can be enhanced using modern technology and most new age cars are built with these measures to keep your car safe.

Car locks in new cars are designed using technology, which uses radio waves. Keyless remotes and transponder keys made for cars are based on this technology. Transmission of signals through radio waves is the method used in these gadgets. Specific frequencies are used for transmission and a fob located in the keyless remote acts as a central controlling mechanism. Car remotes can thus be used to lock doors of cars from even several feet away and is generally accompanied with a flashing of lamps and a beeping sound to indicate that the signal has been received. Encryption is used to convey signals through radio waves to make sure that the signals are not hacked into by meddlers. Transponder keys use a similar mechanism and help in unlocking the doors based on a transmission sent from the key. Only signals sent from a key programmed to the car will open the door.

Losing or misplacing a car key can result in being denied access to your own car. Traditional locksmith tools like a pin or wedge do not come in handy to deal with the locks that are made using modern technology. Decoders can help in unlocking high security locks, using a key reading mechanism. These are specific to each car and depend on the model and make of your car. Videos explaining the process of programming these decoders to unlock cars are available and can be watched to learn how to open your cars even if you lose the controlling remote or keys. Thus you will no longer need to run to a locksmith for your key woe and you can become your own locksmith.

This article is written by an author associated with Transponder Island, a trusted organization involved in providing technologically advanced transponder key and locksmith tools.

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What People Are Saying About Booking for Parking

ByAggrey Mullwani

There has been a drastic increase in the number of vehicles within the streets of Nairobi. This is the reason why the City of Nairobi is always facing heavy traffic jams, making people reach the office late in the morning. In addition to this, some of the motorists have to move from one parking lot to another, looking for space. Some of them have to wake up really early so that they can get a parking space.

What if you could book for parking space beforehand?

The following survey was done at one of the parking lots in the city: (Total number of respondents: 40)

Q How sure are you that you will get space in this parking lot when you arrive
37% said they were very sure
63% were not sure at all

Q Approximately how long do you park your vehicle?
4% (1-3 hours)
26% (3-5 hours)
70% (6-8 hours -full day)

Q What would you prefer?
36% preferred to Book for space beforehand
64% preferred to Pay-as-you-park

Q If you prefer to book for parking beforehand, what are your thoughts on an online car parking booking system?
68% think it's a Good idea
24% believe it's Worth trying
8% said it's Not a Good idea

From the above, as much as people still prefer the conventional way of getting parking i.e. pay-as-you-park, there is a certain group of people who are willing to book for parking beforehand. It is for such people that I recommend the Nairobi Online Parking System. This system enables motorists to book for parking online.

So why would you want to book for space beforehand instead of pay-as-you-park? Here are some reasons:

You get to save on fuel. Instead of moving from one parking lot to another trying your luck in getting parking, you can book once and for all and forget about wasting fuel driving around. This leads to the next point which is it saves time.

You get to save time. This in addition to the point above. Once you are assured of parking, you no longer have to waste time driving around the city.

You get convenient parking. You get to choose the parking lot that is most convenient to you depending on where you are going. For example, there is no need for parking your vehicle around GPO and you have a meeting somewhere around Kencom Bus Station and there is a parking lot there.

Read more on Nairobi Online Parking Systems

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Auto Transport Services Vs Self-Transport

Most people agree that moving is a back-breaking, stressful experience, involving all sorts of intricacies and logistical complications. This is true whether you're moving down the street or two cities over. That said, when people move long distances, they're forced to deal with extra problems, not the least of which centers on moving their trucks, motorcycles and cars. If you're trying to figure out the best way to get your vehicle to its new home in the safest, most efficient manner; learn the benefits of professional auto transport and the risks associated with self-transport.

Balancing the costs

At first glance, professional transport may appear too expensive, especially for people who are on a strict budget. In reality, the cost of professional transport is often comparable to the price tag that comes along with self-transport. If you choose to move your vehicle yourself, you will have to cope with the high price of gasoline, expensive hotel stays and restaurant tabs. Ultimately, when you factor in the cumulative expenses of self-transport, you may only end up saving a negligible amount of money.

Depreciation

If you've ever tried to trade your vehicle in at a car dealership, you know just how much mileage affects resale value. That said, in the real world, we have no choice but to drive our vehicles to and from work and on important errands. Although you really can't escape the wear and tear associated with the necessity of driving; you shouldn't hasten the depreciation process by piling unnecessary mileage onto your car's odometer. When you choose to drive your vehicle across country to its new destination, you're doing just that. Factor in the cost of replacing worn parts and the potential acceleration of your warranty expiration, and you're moving bill will really start to add up. In the end, a transport service starts to look a lot less expensive when you factor in all the hidden expenses that come with self-transport.

The benefits of professional transport

When you choose an auto transport service, you're not just paying for convenience; you're paying for safety. Driving in bumper-to-bumper traffic isn't just frustrating and tiring; it's downright dangerous. Every second your car is on the road, it's exposed to fender-benders, door-dings and catastrophic accidents. The risk of these incidents ascends with every mile you drive; and it just doesn't make sense to put yourself and your vehicle at risk when you don't have to.

Selma Lockaby is a content writer who specializes in travel and relocation topics, such as motorcycle transport and the benefits of car shipping.

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Comparison Between Road Deaths and New Car Sales Decline in Ireland

The total number of road deaths for 2011 was 186. This is a 14% decrease on the 2010 figures which were 212. This is a reduction of 50% in the total number of fatalities since 2007.

The boxes below show the breakdown and were released by the RSA.

These are the figures of 2011 Compared to 2010
There were 45 pedestrians killed in 2011 and 44 in 2010.
There were 82 Drivers killed in 2011 and 91 in 2010
There were 33 Passengers killed in 2011 and 55 in 2010
There were 17 Motorcyclists killed in 2011 and 17 in 2010
There were 9 Cyclists killed in 2011 and 5 in 2010
The Total for 2011 was 186 and in 2010 it was 212.

This is great news for the families of all those people who were saved this year. Hopefully with extra vigilance this trend will continue.

While the main reason given for the decrease in the number of road deaths has been the introduction of speed cameras, a penalty points system, reduced alcohol tolerances, on the spot breath checks a new learner driver training system, an extensive TV advertising campaign highlighting the dangers of speed and dangerous driving, driving road shows and better education. Strangely little has been mentioned about the recession and the resulting decrease in the amount of driving individuals are doing compared to 2006/2007.

If one looks at the decrease in the number of new cars sales in 2011 compared to 2007, there were 186,540 cars sold in 2007 while 89,900 new cars were registered last year in Ireland. This shows a decrease of just over 50% which is almost the same as the drop in the number of road fatalities over the same period 2007-2011. Has this comparison been explored to see is there a link which at first glance seems to be very similar?

While no one wishes to discredit any of the road safety work which has been carried out over the last few years to help reduce the number of road deaths in Ireland. Is it not food for thought knowing the similarities in the reduction in the amount of new cars sold in 2011 and the number of fatalities in 2011. The drop in car sales over the last four years is markedly close to the drop in the number of road deaths over the same period. As I have only researched this drop in figures in Ireland I do not know if this comparison can be made in any other countries, but I would like both the time and the money to do so.

These figures have played on my mind for some time and as yet I have not seen any research to either confirm or discredit my theory. It would be interesting if this was done. It should be kept in mind that with the increase in fuel costs and car insurance it stands to reason that drivers are more careful in how often they use their cars. Parents are not insuring their children on their car insurance policies as often. Drivers are looking for alternative methods of travel, so it makes sense to believe that even though there are as many cars on the road they are not being driven on the road as much. This could be another reason for the reduction in these road fatalities since 2007, the same year the recession began!

In 2009 http://www.ldrivers.ie became one of Ireland's largest websites for driving tips. Its aim is to inform drivers of new laws and how to eco drive. http://www.femaledrivinginstructors.ie was launched to attract female drivers with the same goals in mind.

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Top Car Alarm Brands

ByJune Owensboro

If you own a car, then you probably understand the importance of having one. However, imagine the following scenario. You are out shopping and think that you car is in a crowded parking lot so it must be safe. When you get back to your car though, it is gone. Well maybe you just forgot where you parked. After a while you will finally realize that you are not mistaken about where your car should be, and this is when you are finally able to admit that it has been stolen. It is estimated that over 1 million cars get stole every year. As scary as this statistic can be, there are things that you can do to protect yourself. First of all, it is important to have auto insurance that will assist you in the event that this scenario should happen to you. Second, it is important to know the latest technology that is available to you in order to protect your car. This article will take a look at the leading auto alarm companies. It will also explain what they each have to offer you in terms of protection.

Ever walk by a car at night and see a blinking blue light? It is kind of annoying for those of us that do not know, however that blue light means that the car in question is protected by the best. The blinking blue light belongs to Viper and Viper is the number one dealer in LCD car alarm sales. Viper sells the consumer anything for your car from car alarms to window tenting. Currently the Viper offers customers a smart start option for their smart phones. With this program you can start and control your car, locate it, and lock it from virtually everywhere.

Staying with the snake theme, Python is another car alarm manufacturer. They are actually connected to Viper LCD but operate separately. Depending on the system that you want you can record an intruder's voice, track your car on a GPS, and look at things on your smart phone just like the Viper allows you to do.

Directed Electronics, INC. makes a lot of money in the car alarm world. Not only do they develop Viper LCD and Python LCD products, but they also offer the consumers Clifford LCD. Their Clifford alarm has been around for over 20 years and continues to adapt to the growing technology around it. The Clifford car alarm operates with the Responder SST, which means that the signal between your car and remote is uninterrupted.

If you have caught the trend coming from these companies, then you are not surprised that the final manufacturer of car alarms n this list is also overseen by DEI. This alarm is also one of the best out there for your can and can also offer you remote start, keyless entry, and security.

When protecting your car it is important to have a proper car insurance company to cover you and a great car alarm. Life is unpredictable and you never know what can happen.

June Owensboro
Auto Insurance
Insurance Savings Tips

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Understanding the Critical Points of a Car Lease

While there are a number of benefits associated with leasing a car, there are also some critical points to keep in mind before ever signing one's name on the dotted line of a lease contract. A few elements of the technical jargon the owners of the vehicle may spew out at lessees may be so confusing that the customer walks away without a car or gets more than he or she bargained for. In times like this, it is critical that the person entering the lease understands the most critical points of a car lease and what each particular section means.

Statement of Disclosure
It is a Federal law that all vehicle leases have some sort of a statement of disclosure. There are also a variety of sub-categories that are required to be covered in the lease agreement. This way, the lessee knows exactly what he or she is dealing with, and from there can decide whether or not a particular lease agreement is a good deal or not. The statement of disclosure is the one part of the car lease that outlines elements such as how much the monthly payments will be, how much money is due upon signing, a statement about the penalties of early termination, an explanation about penalties related to wear and tear, and many other factors that essentially outline payments and other information about the vehicle.

Insurance Requirements
The next element of a car lease is the section devoted to insurance requirements. In a typical lease contract, one will see that there is a specific amount of coverage the lessee must carry in order to lease that particular vehicle. In most cases, companies would like to see those who enter into a vehicle lease carry $100,000 for death or liability insurance, $300,000 per occurrence, a property damage policy of $50,000 and no more than $500 for comprehensive and collision insurance.

Penalties for Damages
If the leased vehicle incurs too much wear and tear or is excessively damaged, there are often significant monetary penalties that the lessee must pay. This is because car dealerships expect the vehicle to be returned to them at the end of the leasing period with no more than an estimated amount of normal wear and tear. Anything considered to be above normal may be subject to inspection and immediate requirement of payment from the lessee. If the car is stolen, there is a fee for that as well, unless the lessee has gap coverage on the vehicle.

Penalties for Too Much Mileage
If the person leasing the vehicle drives it too often and puts an excessive amount of miles on the vehicle, he or she will be required to pay a significant monetary penalty to compensate for the mileage placed on the car.

Early Termination
Lessees who break the car lease agreement before the lease period is up may also be subject to a certain amount of monetary penalties including fines and fees for backing out of the contract early. This is generally the most damaging factor in a car lease.

MyReviewsNow offers information regarding a car lease. To learn more about a car lease, visit our website at MyReviewsNow.net

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Best Used Luxury Cars For Your Money

The best used luxury cars have become an extremely popular choice amongst car enthusiasts. It used to be that people bought used cars because of their budgets. Now days, more and more people are buying used cars because it is a wise thing to do.

Many people who have good incomes and money to spare have learned that it's a smart decision to purchase slightly used vehicles over brand-new. This is because of the steep savings you will gain by not having to pay the large depreciation costs that new cars are saddled with.

If you are someone that likes the smooth, comfortable ride that comes with a luxury vehicle, this list is going to cover the best used luxury cars you can buy.

The first on the list is the BMW 3-Series. This car gels perfect road performance with excellent comfort. You can spend hours on end winding and curving through any country side enjoying the sights in a BMW 3-Series, any of the models. Whether it is the sedan, coupe or hybrid this car oozes performance and quality.

The Audi A4 ranks up there when it comes to used luxury cars. With its beautiful, splendid cabin and smooth handling, any road trip becomes appealing. Drivers will relish in this beauty as the find the performance top notch and the comfort over the top. The Audi A4 comes in a convertible, sedan or wagon style to offer drivers plenty of choice.

The next suggestion would be the BMW 5-Series. This mid-sized sport sedan connects luxury, interior beauty and performance to a T. Most BMW 5 series come with a 6 cylinder engines that carry you through the curves with ease. The safety features include first and second row tube headline airbags. If you are looking for Luxury a BMW 5 Series will deliver.

Now we have the Audi A6 ranked up there for the best used luxury cars. This car comes with a wide range of drivetrain options. The A6 has a wide array of luxury in the interior as well as the exterior. Whether the all-wheel drive six cylinders or the all-wheel drive V8 model this car is jam packed with options that will tease you.

Infiniti G35 Coupe is fast and furious. You will find extremely fast acceleration paired with performance in this coupe. The sleek looking exterior holds a luxurious and comfortable interior that screams fashionable. Its unique exhaust system purrs like a kitten and its style is sure to turn heads wherever you drive the Infiniti G35.

Now that you are suited with the list of best used luxury cars, I wish you happy car shopping.

Do you want to learn more about the Art and Zen on how to save money on your next vehicle and get the best terms?

If so, I suggest you check this out: This Boise Used Car Dealer Caught The Competition Napping.

Or maybe you don't believe there is a better way to purchasing a car and you truly believe that all used car dealers are the same!

If so, then check this out: The Big Question?

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Extended Warranties For Cars Can Be A Life Saver

Extended warranties for cars can be a real comfort for drivers if something breaks down. Most new cars come with warranties but because the brand new car has very few issues, most often it is not even used before it expires.

This brings the need for extended warranties which can be a life-saver for used car owners. Because older cars tend to break down more often a warranty can save you big bucks.

The difficult part is that extended warranties for cars can be extremely confusing. The small print on the contract can be overwhelming.

Because of this, most people simply take the advice of the car salesman and purchase the warranty that is put in front of them. This may end up costing you in the long run.

So, let's make things a little easier for you.

Here are some things you should look for when purchasing an extended warranty for a car.

Some are offered at 0 percent and obviously this is the most attractive warranty there is. Remember that even if the warranty is offered at 3 percent, this can add up quickly with more expensive repairs. Finding the lowest percentage is most cost effective.

Next, be sure that the warranty includes road-size service as well as towing. It is not often that a car breaks down in the parking lot of a mechanic's shop so it is a smart thing to have these helpful services included in your extended warranty. Towing your vehicle can be quite expensive.

Another helpful feature is lock-out assistance. This provides service in case you lock your keys in the vehicle and have no other way to get in.

As well, some extended warranties offer car rental free for its carriers. If your repairs put your car in the shop for 4 or 5 days, renting a car out of your own pocket will cost you plenty of green.

Something else that is important to check on is their claims system. Paying for an extended warranty should leave you with peace of mind. Having to fork out the money for repairs until the claim is paid out can be a real pain in the neck.

Be sure that the warranty doesn't limit you to only one or two repair shops. There are warranties that expect you to use a mechanic that they have partnered with and this can become a real inconvenience. Find a company that can be used no matter where ever you are.

Ask if you can transfer the warranty should you sell this car and get a new one. If they will not transfer it, ask if they will give you a rebate should you sell the car.

For the repairs that the warranty covers, discover if they pay for it in full or only a percentage. Some warranties make it sound like the repairs will be covered but in actuality, you end up paying the higher percentage.

Extended warranties for cars can be confusing so be sure that you understand what you are signing up for.

Do you want to learn more about the Art and Zen on how to save money on your next vehicle and get the best terms?

If so, I suggest you check this out: This Boise Used Car Dealer Caught The Competition Napping.

Or maybe you don't believe there is a better way to purchasing a car and you truly believe that all used car dealers are the same!

If so, then check this out: The Big Question?

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Auto Repair - Getting Necessary Fixes

ByAloysius Aucoin

The dreaded auto repair bill almost always arrives in the form of an unexpected expense and at an inopportune moment for a driver. Rarely is the cost for the repair equal to mere pocket change, and more often than not it involves an issue caused by normal wear and tear, rather than something that will be covered by warranty. This situation can cause great financial strain to an already stressed-out household. But the reality is, car maintenance is a necessity and if it goes unattended to it will lead to more costly repairs down the road. There is also the safety factor for the occupants of a vehicle that is in need of repair or new parts in order for it to operate at optimal performance.

There are innumerable auto repair shops, franchises, and outlets ready and able to perform the necessary procedures to a customer's vehicle. All of the technicians who are employed by these facilities have received extensive training and should be certified, bonded, and insured before they are entrusted to work on customer's cars, trucks, or SUVs.

When a potential customer enters an auto repair facility, the staff should greet them in a welcoming manner and an employee should be available to answer any questions they may have concerning their vehicle, the length of time the repair will take, and any applicable expenses for the work done. A menu of services offered by the business should be in clear view and all prices for both parts and labor should be stated alongside the service, including any policies regarding warranties and guarantees honored by this establishment. Many businesses have chosen to create an area where future clients can read surveys or testimonials submitted by previous customers expressing their satisfaction with the service provided by the business.

A technician will perform a series of diagnostic tests, as well as test drive the vehicle, in order to evaluate the problem the customer has been experiencing, then they will write up an estimate of any necessary repair work that will need to be done. This estimate will allow the technician to walk the customer through each step required to complete all of the repairs and an explanation will be given for each of the costs associated with the individual part and its corresponding labor charge.

While auto repair can be expensive and the cause of stress for many driver's, there is peace of mind to be felt with the knowledge the vehicle is now operating as it should be and that any safety issues have been addressed, handled and will no longer pose a risk to loved ones who rely upon the vehicle for transportation.

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Can The 2012 Dodge Charger Leave Everyone In The Dust?

ByJim Maxwell

The Dodge Charger charges ahead of the pack yet again for 2012, leaving its competitors wondering what the Dodge design and engineering team will release next. The unique and bold grille is the very face of a design that blends rugged tradition with subtle originality, and it houses an interior and power train that is more than worthy of the proven Charger name.

Power is what the Charger is about, and the exterior design is indeed one that properly conveys and pays respect to the power that is under its hood. That power is available in the form of a 3.6-liter, 292 horsepower V-6, that can be combined with a new and exclusive eight-speed automatic transmission for great response at any speed and in any conditions. The R/T trim package includes a thrillingly powerful 5.7 liter HEMI V-8 that produces 370 horsepower of pure power, and for those who want the absolute pinnacle of power, the top-of-the-line 475 horsepower, 6.4 liter HEMI V-8 with its lightning-rapid acceleration times cannot possibly disappoint.

Quick and nimble steering that is enhanced to the utmost of maneuverability in the more advanced trim packages is another hallmark of the Dodge Charger experience for 2012. The adaptive suspension combines with an improved steering column and mechanism so that the Charger can quickly handle any necessary change in position or direction quickly and comfortably, whether it is just passing a slow-moving vehicle on the freeway or turning away from danger on the open road.

The Charger is a rugged vehicle, and rugged comfort is the best way to describe its seating, interior and road feel. Charger drivers want to feel the road, even though they want to be shielded from the discomfort caused by its worst imperfections. The thick seating does just that; drivers and passengers feel the power of the car, but in a solid way that protects them from the bumps of even the most poorly maintained and seldom-traveled country road.

A car like this must be designed for safety, and indeed the 2012 Dodge Charger has earned itself the distinction of being chosen as a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety. A rear view camera and blind-spot monitors are optional additions to the full complement of air bags and other safety features such as anti-lock brakes and traction control.

Power and finesse, inside and outside, are the themes that make the 2012 Dodge Charger a leader on the road and give it a unique niche among American-made automobiles. It is the real 21st century version of the powerful cars of the 70s and 80s, redesigned so well that it can even do family duty as an everyday and commuter sedan. However, it is at its best as a weekend sports car that turns even mundane family outings, like a trip a few exits along a highway to a fashion and electronics outlet mall, into a motoring adventure where drivers and passengers alike have a chance to appreciate the power of the Charger.

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What to Consider While Buying a Used Car

ByMicko Stojanovic

The decision of getting a car from used cars lots on its own is an intelligent one. If you continue to be smart, you can have your hands on just about a brand new car for a lessened cost. Cars that are merely a year old are low-priced by 20 to 30% than the brand-new cars.

There are still more reasons to buy a used car. You are able to keep aside cash on insurance by getting a used car. You are able to make bigger negotiations. A used car can be definitely more trustworthy because the erstwhile owner has tried and tested it. The record of a used car can be found out comfortably from vehicle identification number. When you buy a used car from a used car dealers, the bargain is less problematic.

Hence once you think to purchase a used car you should have knowledge about what precaution must be observed at the time of purchasing one.

It is recommended to fix on which car to buy but it is better to analyze matters with yourself for example will that car suit your funds. Also decide if the car will fulfill your existing requirements. It is advised to give a thought to three separate cars. Sometimes if you watch keenly you will understand that 3 or more different brands of cars are manufactured for a similar category of clients still they feature unalike characteristics and often cheaper than the other.

The price of a car from used cars lots is dependent upon its status, dependability, capability, popularity and performance. Your inclination must be at dependability and functionality. You can also consider how much cost difference exists in functional and famous cars and well-known but not-so-esteemed ones. You can come across a discrepancy of even 3000 dollars or more.

You need to even look at some legal as well as technological things. Every licensed car is met with an examination. You can demand the papers to watch what was mended. The papers will be better to hold even to utilize for forthcoming troubles. Further you may request for servicing records. You can tell them to blacken the name of the owner. If you are able to obtain a stretched test drive, often till next day, it will be nice. Impart the broker an assurance on paper that you will give the car back to him with full tank and you have insurance.

Prior to that you take the car on test drive perform some visual inspection of the car. Ensure that there are no bends in the door frames which indicate that the car has faced a breakage. Also uneven spaces between the doors and also along hood are undesirable. You can also inspect underneath if there is some fluid leak. There are some specific symbols such as coolant outflow is of greenish shade, while that of oil is black, transmission fluid seepage depicts pink coloration while gasoline's seepage can be identified without problem from the odor.

At the time when you detect the most perfect car that goes with your every need and is in the finest status, the next fundamental step is payment. Look into the alternatives of payment. When it comes to financing one method is to get the funding from a credit union or a bank which is well suggested. Another option is through the trader. This works as per your credit scores. You can also have an experience that if you pre-arrange the finance from a third party, the used car dealers may present funding with decreased interest rates.

Hence you may get a car from the used cars lots at a very beneficial transaction. All you must do is to go through the details of many cars and be prepared with a complete homework. It will assist you to take a much well-informed decision while buying a used car.

There are a lot of used cars lots and even more used car dealers, so take some time to investigate them to find thrust-wordy ones.

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Understanding Shear Stability

ByTudor M Ratiu

For any lubricant to be useful it must remain stable while in use. For example, if equipment requires a specific viscosity for effective operation, the ability of a lubricant to retain its designed viscosity is one measure of stability. One of the elements that can break this stability is the natural stress or shear that occurs within a fluid during use. Lubricants must retain shear stability to remain effective at lubricating and protecting equipment.

Shear stability refers to a lubricant's ability to resist shear. Generally, shear occurs when one layer of a fluid begins to move in a direction different from another layer of that same fluid. For example, where two components are separated by a lubricant, such as a piston and cylinder, some of the lubricant film would naturally move in the direction of the piston. The lubricant layer in contact with the cylinder would begin to shear away from the lubricant layer in contact with the piston. This is known as the shear point. This resulting shear can reduce lubricant viscosity; loss of fluid viscosity can occur from conditions known as temporary or permanent shear.

Temporary shear occurs when long viscosity index improver molecules align themselves in the direction of the stress or flow. This alignment generates less resistance and allows a reduction in fluid viscosity. Yet, when the stress is removed, the molecules return to their random arrangement and the temporary loss in viscosity is recovered.

Permanent shear occurs when shear stress ruptures long molecules and converts them into shorter, lower-weight molecules. The shortened, lighter molecules offer less resistance to flow, which minimizes their ability to maintain viscosity.

Mechanical activity within an engine creates shearing forces that can negatively affect a lubricant's protective viscosity. Even base stocks that provide consistent viscosity through a wide temperature range (high natural viscosity index) are susceptible to shearing forces that reduce viscosity and load-carrying ability. Engines operating at high RPM and those that share a common oil sump with the transmission, like many motorcycles, experience high shear rates.

Viscosity Index improvers used in multi-viscosity oils can shear back when subjected to the combination of high operating temperatures and shearing actions found in modern engines. Permanent shearing of VI improvers can result in piston ring sticking (due to deposit formation), increased oil consumption and accelerated equipment wear. Some VI improvers are significantly more shear stable than others. Although the type of base stock used and the intended application determines the need for VI improvers, many synthetic stocks may not require them at all as they are naturally multi-grade.

Because VI improvers can be subject to shear conditions, formulating an oil using little or no VI improvers can be advantageous. In addition to the problems caused by shear stability, VI improvers' quality varies dramatically and cannot always be easily determined.

When comparing oils, small differences in shear stability indicate a significant drop in performance (all other things being equal).

The High Temperature/High Shear Test simulates shearing conditions at elevated temperatures. The viscosity of the oil is measured at 150

Driven to Dream: Preston Tucker, A Dreamer

ByBethann Gonzalez

Passion is a powerful and compelling force that has inspired the greatest innovators of our time. Within the last century we have had an explosion of innovation that has impacted our everyday lives. For example, Steve Jobs an inventor widely recognized as a charismatic pioneer of the personal computer revolution. Thomas Edison invented many devices such as the electric light bulb that greatly influenced life around the world. Henry Ford Model T automobile revolutionized transportation and American industry. But there is one particular innovator that inspires me and who revolutionized automobiles and profoundly impacted the industry for years to come, Preston Tucker.

TUCKER'S INNOVATIONS AT WORK: SAFEST CARS IN 1948

Cyclops center light, turn ahead of your steeringDisc breaksPadded dashboardCruise control at 100 mphAluminum engineLower center of gravity4 wheel independent suspension

Preston Tucker was a dreamer, an innovator, and a man ahead of his time. His excitement for cars began at a young age and it shaped his life. He held on to his dream of designing and manufacturing cars and after WWII, Tucker saw his opportunity to develop his "car of tomorrow". However Tucker Corporation was squashed even before it began.

TUCKER CORPORATION

In 1949, with the influence of the Big Three Detroit automakers, the SEC accused Tucker Corporation of not producing the type of automobiles he promised, therefore committing fraud. Tucker prevailed at the trial and was found not guilty, but the Tucker Corporation was no more. Tucker was only able to produce 50 cars. Tucker's innovations of aerodynamic styling, padded dash, and pop out windows, seat belts, fuel injection and disc brakes took several decades later to be integrated into automobiles by other manufacturers.

A MAN AND HIS DREAM

Tucker's passion was the powerful and compelling force in achieving his dream. Tucker understood the principle that is not about the number of cars he produced; it is about the idea, the dream, "What the hell is the difference if we made 50 cars or 50 million, is only machinery. It is the idea that counts and the dream". He was able to bring his car and dream to life. Tucker's passion allowed him to press forward and not be distracted by the disappointments or the unfairness that was constantly inflicted on him. He refused to live defeated and was able to see his dream come true.

Tuckers passion is inspiring and has made me realize if you are driven to dream that there are no bounds. That it is to say not industry, money, or people can limit me from achieving my dreams. It is not outside factors that will handicap you but the handicaps that we place on ourselves. Tucker's passion propelled him above obstacles and above all his own limitations.

A RARE LOOK AT TUCKER CARS

Is there an innovator of the 20th century that inspires you?What is your greatest passion in life? Does it motive you to want to achieve your dream?Have you ever driven or ridden in a Tucker car? Share your story.Express your wishes and dreams!

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2012 Honda Insight

ByJacob Mario

Honda is one of the largest vehicle manufacturers in the world with dealerships and plants in several countries. Honda is based in Japan but the cars are made in a number of different places including in the United States. Honda is known for fuel efficiency, reliability, affordable vehicles and their line of hybrid vehicles. They have a range of vehicles including compact cars, full size vehicles, SUV's, crossovers and more.

Honda is set to release an updated version of the popular Honda Insight with a number of improvements from previous models. First the new Insight is going to get 44 mpg on the freeway, which is a mile more than the last model. The style and look have been upgraded as well with a new grill and a more aerodynamic frame. The interior has been changed as well, with higher quality materials and a more sophisticated look.

Where the Insight came from Honda first introduced the Insight in 2005 and the goal was to compete with the popular Prius Hybrid. Originally they wanted to sell 70,000 cars, but they actually only sold 20,000, a big disappointment at the time. While there is debate as to the reasons, despite the Insight being significantly less expensive than the Prius, the Prius got 53 mpg while the 2005 Insight got 41 mpg.

Instead of giving up on the Insight Honda remodeled and re-released their hybrid in 2009. They decided to focus on giving their hybrid more speed, better handling and to make it feel less like a hybrid and more like other non-hybrids in their line of vehicles.

The newer Insight was on par with the Prius, surpassing it in all but mpg many critics agreed, plus the Insight was significantly less expensive. To make sure Prius wasn't muscled out of the market they began a price war. Prius lowered their price to only $1,500 more than the Insight. Insight soon lowered their price again to only $18,200 which was $4,600 less than the Prius.

The 2012 model will have even more improvements, a better interior, more miles per gallon, a more powerful and faster engine, an updated sleek look, and the 2012 will only cost $18,350, only $150 more than the previous model.

What is in store for the Honda Insight? The new Insight is expected to be very successful. Honda is committed to making sure each new generation of vehicle surpasses the last while ensuring prices stay down. If the does as well as expected it is likely you will see more Insights in the future.

Benefits of the Honda Insight It is one of the few truly reliable and affordable hybrids on the market. Along with great gas mileage it offers drivers an exciting driving experience and has all of the reliability of a Honda.

Honda City is your local Honda dealer long island in Levittown NY. We have been serving the Long Island area for years. We offer amazing deals on all of the amazing new and used Hondas you love. Come to us for service and maintenance as well.

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1999 Pagani Zonda C12: Childhood Ecstasy

I wish I would have grown up in the late 90s or early 2000s, because if I had, I would have had the chance to hang a poster over my bed of the Pagani Zonda. In my opinion, the Zonda is the Testarossa of the 80s and the Countach of the 70s. It's a car that captures the childish fervor inside every car enthusiast, who really just wants the scariest looking car to be their favorite.

The Zonda's car design had been worked through in the past by former Formula One driver, Juan Manual Fangio, but unfortunately, it never came to fruition due to his death in 1995. Four years later; however, due to the resilience of Pagani owner, Horacio Pagani, the first Pagani Zonda debuted at the 1999 Geneva Motor Show as the first Pagani production vehicle: the Pagani Zonda C12. The Zonda C12 would continue to see enhanced versions and variants over next decade, such as the Zonda C12 S, Zonda C12 S 7.3, Zonda F (C12 F), Roadster F, and the Zonda R. Although Pagani is often poked at for releasing an additional dozen or so variants, they are also commonly called out for releasing several "final" versions of the original Zonda C12. One thing is certain though, the Zonda will hold children in awe for many years as Zonda posters hang on bedroom walls but the final final final Zonda was finally succeeded in January of 2011 as Pagani officially debuted the Pagani Huayra.

Pagani has fascinated car enthusiasts around the world just like Koenigsegg has done with the CC and Agera. Pagani and Koenigsegg sprung out of nowhere in the late 90s into the same class as the Bugatti Veyron and Italian hypercars like the Lamborghini Reventon and Ferrari Enzo. Pagani has managed to captivate and fascinate car enthusiasts because of the fact that the Zonda C12 is a purely raw, manly machine that requires so much courage to drive that not even Batman would take one as his next Batmobile.

Back in 1999, when the original Zonda C12 debuted, it was mated to a tuned 6.0 liter Mercedes-Benz M120 V12 engine that produced 389 horsepower at 5,200 RPM and 420 lb-ft of torque at 3,800 RPM. By today's standards, those numbers are not overly impressive, considering that the 2011 BMW M3 produces 414 horsepower from a 4.0 liter V8. However, the numbers must be considered in the context of 1999. First, consider the Ferrari 360 Modena that also came into production in 1999, it has a 3.6 liter V8 that produces 400 horsepower, while the 360's V12 counterpart of the time, the Ferrari 456 produced 436 horsepower from all 5.5 liters. But this is Ferrari we're talking about, with over 2,700 employees and dozens of engineers building custom engines. Pagani, which started in 1992, has about 50 employees and some friends at Daimler's AMG subsidiary, so why not use their R&D dollars for your engine?

Pagani's first engine, the 6.0 liter M120 V12 can also be found in the Mercedes Benz SL600 from 1992-2002 but by building this relationship with AMG, Pagani was later able to refine the engine components and needs to build better, larger, more powerful engines in the future versions, namely, the Zonda S and Zonda S 7.3. Despite the fact that it came from an SL600, the AMG engine pushed the Pagani Zonda from 0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds, nearly a full second faster than the SL600 and on to a top speed of 211 mph. The difference can be attributed to the 1,700 lbs (771 kg) difference in weight. The 1999 Pagani Zonda C12 weighed in at 2,756 lbs (1,250 kg) which was 220 lbs (100 kg) lighter than the Ferrari 360, and 970 lbs (440 kg) lighter than Ferrari's V12 456. I find that to be an interesting difference considering that the Ferraris have more power, yet lag in weight reduction. In my mind, that essentially puts Pagani back in the playground with Ferrari. The Pagani was specifically built as a carbon fibre monocoque, allowing for critical chassis integration to both form and function, and for optimizing performance to the paired 6.0 V12, hence the drastic weight difference and performance figures.

Mated to a 5-speed manual and an interior that'll make you feel like you're about to dogfight in a P-51 Mustang is exactly what should and would get anyone excited about this car. At the end of the day, the Pagani Zonda isn't just the brainchild vision of Horacio Pagani, it's the car experience that we all dream about.

However, with only 5 original Zonda C12 models built, very few people on this planet will ever get to experience the original C12. One Zonda was used for a crash test and another was used as a show car, that leaves only three C12 Zondas that were delivered to customers for a competitive price of $320,000 USD. It's unfortunate though that since 1999 and as of 2012, that the US safety regulation body, the NHTSA, has prohibited the sale of Pagani vehicles in the US. Yes, that includes the Huayra. Nonetheless, we can continue to dream on in our childhood dreams of the Pagani experience. Who knows, maybe one day we'll see Pagani in the US. Dreams, after all, were meant to come true. Until then, keep dreaming and I'm sure you can see why I would still hang a ferocious Pagani Zonda C12 on my imaginary childhood wall, a Mercedes Benz is comfortable, a Ferrari is fast, but a Pagani is why life insurance was invented.

Carnecks' Mission is to be an online car review source which strives to provide quality car reviews, entertaining videos, and reliable information. CarNecks Vision is to be the best entertaining car information service provider. Visit http://www.carnecks.com for more articles with videos and pictures

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A Helpful Checklist For Winterizing Tires

If you live in the Midwest, the season of winter lingers as fall comes to a close in November. I rely on my car way too much. In the winter, the roads are horrible, especially if there is black ice. Think about what determines how well your car handles the road's condition. If your tires aren't up to date, you are taking a risk of spinning out of control during the winter months. Be prepared and have your tires checked before winter is in full bloom. Given that it's already January, I would definitely get them checked if you haven't already. There are a variety of options to test that your tires are properly balanced. The next time you are talking with your mechanic consider receiving the following measurements to make sure that your car doesn't wobble, and your steering is aligned.

A general test is tire uniformity, which measures force variation and run out, which if improper, your tire and overall ride quality will be dramatically affected. Dynamic balance measures your tires according to upper and lower plane imbalance, in addition, measures your tires according to static couple. These imbalances can cause your vehicle to possibly bounce or steer improperly. In the winter months, your tire's tread is increasingly important. Be sure your tread is not being compromised, which can also compromise the overall ride quality of your car. Considering there are two options of tire geometry measurement that gives an analysis of tire sidewall and tread, fulfilling at least one examination will satisfy your mind. By completing this treatment, you are insuring your tires don't have any defects, bulges or depressions in the sidewall of your tires.

Honestly, taking care of your car is as important as taking care of a family pet. You rely on your car to take you to work, out to dinner, and other various errands; it only makes sense that you take care of it. If you don't take proper care of your car, you can't expect to run well. With that, look beyond your oil checks. Tire testing can get expensive, but you only have to do it once a year. Chances are that wintertime will come faster than you realize, but it's necessary. Perhaps, look into getting seasonal tires. These tires can help mid-sized cars get better traction in the winter weather conditions. Final finish tire checking provides you with the certainty that your vehicle can survive the weather's unpredictability.

I recommend visiting http://www.micropoise.com/ to learn more about tire testing.

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Just an Oil Change?

How is it that in many consumers' minds, the most performed and most important service on your vehicle became "just an oil change"? Whether you have this performed at the intervals the old quickie lube shops made up of 3,000 miles, or most manufacturers recommended 7,500 miles, it is still completed more often than any other service on your vehicle. This is your vehicles routine check-up and should be of higher importance.

A long lasting engine has proper lubrication. This means not only replacing the engine oil on time, but making sure the oil level is always where it needs to be, and the oil is the right type for your application. As you drive further and further, your engine oil breaks down. This destroys the lubricating abilities of the oil. Engines that don't have proper lubrication work harder, get hotter, and wear faster. Last time I checked, your motor was the most important part of your vehicle.

In addition to being concerned with your engine, the oil change is the time to verify the rest of the vehicle is in good shape. Here are some routine services and checks that you need to make sure your mechanic is doing, every time your car is in for service.

Tire Maintenance - A tire rotation and air pressure check should be performed every oil change. It is also recommended to have your tire balance and wheel alignment checked at the very least. All shops will check your air pressure for free and in California it is required by law. Most automotive shops offer a free tire rotation and free balance and alignment checks with their oil change service. This is a good way to extend the life of your tires and ensure your vehicles safety.

Brakes - Verify that the mechanic or auto technician checked your brakes during your oil change. The wheels will come off during the tire rotation so it's only a matter of them observing the brakes condition. Once again, most shops perform this as a free service to you while having your oil changed. Checking the brakes is necessary in determining how safe your vehicle is.

Fluids - As the oil is essential to the engines performance, so are the other fluids under the hood. All shops should verify the fluid levels and any irregularities with them. Most shops will even offer free fluid top-off. It's always good to double-check with the mechanic that this service was performed.

General Inspection - Give your auto service technician a chance to fully inspect your vehicle for any potential concerns. A lot of auto repair shops will do a multi-point inspection just as a doctor does on you at your check-ups. Generally this is also a free service offered by the auto repair center upon request. The mechanics should be looking for leaking, cracked, worn, torn or broken parts during this written inspection.

So rather than bringing your car in for "just an oil change", have it thoroughly inspected and maintained. It will take longer than a 10 minute oil change, but your safety and your vehicles overall well-being relies on it. Most shops will even perform theses much needed services and checks for free. Your most important service is the key to your car's long life.

Justin Frohnhoefer has spent the last ten years in the automotive service and repair industry in sales, training, and management, including 5 years at automotive service companies such as Goodyear Tire and Service shops. He is very knowledgeable and passionate about cars, trucks, and motorcycles.

Justin started Auto Service Security with the mission of educating people about the automotive service and repair industry so they can get the best deal on auto repair. Auto Service Security is a third-party shield that protects and personalizes an individual's automotive needs. Our goal is to save you time, money, and concern when your vehicle is at your local auto service shop. We educate, research, and reassure you that you are getting the deal that you deserve. Auto Service Security will make sure that the quote you are getting from your local automotive repair shop is indeed a good deal and suits your automotive service needs.

For more information visit http://www.autoservicesecurity.com or email us at news

Your 12-Monthly Scooter Upkeep Assessments

ByGerry Shido

It's that time of year again, when many of us motor heads are looking forward to getting out our old scooters or mopeds and giving them the first ride of the season. I know several people who rides a scooters during the winter, braving subzero temperatures and icy roads.

I've had some particularly bad experiences doing that myself, it's not something I would like to experience again. A couple of years ago I was riding a scooter locally to work on what was probably the first frosty day of the year, and ended up sliding 40 feet down a busy main road being followed close behind by an articulated lorry. His brakes were not that clever either. I nearly ended up as road puree.

These days, my scooter comes out perhaps March, a few weeks before that there are a few things that need to be done. I timed the MOT and servicing of my scooter for February each year. So sometime late in January get it out, dust it off and make sure it is presentable. This will often involved turning over and letting a run for 20 minutes or so to blow away the cobwebs.

All then book her in for her annual MOT. Yes, my scooter is she, isn't everyone's?

The tax disc also needs updating on 1 March each year. The UK law regarding taxes on scooters is pretty strict, and the tax disc being a different colour every year, it's easy to spot one that is out of date. Don't take the risk. You can have your bike taken off you and destroyed if you're riding on the road without valid tax. Remember if your tax is not valid, neither is your insurance, and driving without insurance is a criminal offence.

Although I do object to paying about

How To Get Great Gas Mileage Without An Electric Vehicle

ByTom Clay

With gas prices on the rise you may consider buying a new electric or hybrid vehicle. You can still save money and conserve energy using your old car if you follow some simple tricks to get the best gas mileage out of your car.

As electric vehicles are just making its way into the United States' markets, with only few states being offered an opportunity to invest in an electric car, other means of conserving energy needs to be revealed. Listed below are the top three tips on great gas mileage without an electric vehicle:

1) Be a responsible and smart driver. Don't drive aggressively by speeding and getting into aggressive behaviors with other drivers. Follow the designated speed limits. The speed limits are not only designed for your safety, but can also aid you in conserving fuel energy by driving at lower speeds. The lower the speed driven, the less fuel is used, thus increasing the amount of miles a driver can reach per gallon.

Being an aggressive driver by pressing on the gas pedal quickly and with great force causes a surge of gas to be released to power the vehicle forward. Slowly engaging the vehicle forward by pressing on the gas pedal at a steady pace from any complete stop, uses less fuel energy.

Opting to use a vehicle's cruise control option also is a way to deter excessive pressing on the gas pedal or driving above the set speed limits. Using the cruise control option is great for long drives at a steady pace, such as on long highway trips. This helps maintain the vehicle at a constant speed with no surges of fuel.

2) Don't let a car idle for longer than 30 seconds. Many drivers have this habit of letting a car idle for long periods as they wait in bank lines, fast-food drive through lines, or wait for a passenger they are picking up. It is best to turn off the vehicle to save fuel energy. Many drivers believe that idling a car, rather than shutting a car off and restarting it again saves energy, but that is not true. If a wait will be longer than 30 seconds, it is always better to turn off the vehicle. If it's a hot day and as you wait you want to remain cool with running the car's air conditioning, think twice. It's better to roll down the windows and breathe some fresh air.

3) Follow a regular vehicle maintenance plan. Vehicles usually come with a maintenance guide from the dealership. This guide shows when vehicles should receive services, either by mileage or by a specific time period. Another option is to switch to energy saving motor oil, which has been shown to give a vehicle better performance. With regular maintenance, a vehicle runs smoothly and gets better gas mileage. Maintenance includes keeping the vehicle's tires well-inflated to the manufacturer's recommendations.

These tips can save a vehicle owner from unnecessary fuel expenses. Just taking some simple steps to maintain your vehicle and drive smartly can make any car more fuel efficient.

Tom Clay has been living and working in Pasadena, TX since 1977. He is an experienced and knowledgeable insurance agent, with a great staff of friendly, helpful people who pride themselves on getting you the best deal on insurance, Pasadena! We are available online at www.TomClay.net

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How to Break in Your New Car

ByCassandra Picard

So you have spent time scouring the internet trying to find the best car loan rates and your dream car. Have you ever thought about what you will do with your car once you obtain your car loan and go drive the car off the lot? Many people are often scared to drive their new car around because they want to maintain the just off the lot look and smells that it is supplied with. However, it is inevitable, you will have to drive your new car around and it will probably get some wear and tear. Believe it or not there are a few proper ways to break in your new car. This article will take a look at some of those techniques to make sure that you keep your car running in the best way possible.

Think that stop and go traffic can be bad for your new engine? Think again. The lack of constant speed is actually good for a new engine. Why? It actually helps the piston rings to burnish the cylinder walls properly. You only need to worry about this for the first few thousand miles and then you can go back to the cruise control life.

Following with the previous statement, you also do not want to drive your new car around like a NASCAR driver racing for their life either. You want to keep your bearings working properly so it is recommended that for at least the first one thousand miles you drive like a normal person. You can always race something else if you really have the need for speed.

We all know that it is important to change the oil every three thousand miles, but have you heard that you should change the oil within the first 20 miles of you driving off the lot? Sounds crazy right? Well, not really. It is suggested that you change the oil fairly quickly so that you can rid your car from any debris that might have fallen off the new engine. Also during the process, there is no reason to use the synthetic oil. Just use the regular oil and get your car cleaned out and then you can start your routine oil changes with the synthetic oil.

Brakes can be a very sensitive attribute to your car, yet there is not a set way to break in your brakes. This is kind of a obvious decision maker. You of course do not want to slam your breaks very hard consistently if you can avoid it. By focusing on regular breaking techniques, your car should be fine.

There are plenty of other proper break in techniques, but these can get you started. Now that you know how to properly break in a car you can get back to researching the best car loan rates. It is important before you head to a dealership to know what you are talking about and have a general understanding of what to expect. This way you can be sure that you will not get taken advantage of and you can find the best, informed deal.

Cassandra Picard

Car Loan Information

Things to Get with a Car Loan

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Leather Chaps Are a Must For All Motorcycle Enthusiasts

It is a beautiful spring day. You just left the motorcycle dealer with your new bike. Of course you picked out your helmet, and you still have that old leather jacket in the closet from years past. But I am curious if you picked out a good pair of chaps? The truth of the matter is, if you didn't, you will be wishing you had about the time the sun sets. A pair of chaps usually seems to be the last form of protective gear purchased. In many cases the chaps are purchased on the fly, in the midst of bad weather or cool temperatures due to one not realizing the importance and level of comfort that they provide. You see, chaps don't just look cool, but they serve a very important purpose to a motorcycle rider. Lets talk about how a good pair of leather chaps will improve our riding pleasure.

1) Chaps provide comfort. The chaps will allow you to ride comfortably in temperatures that otherwise might be undesirable. The chaps will prevent the wind from penetrating to your skin. In many cases we will start our rides early, or end them late. Temperatures could vary as much as thirty or forty degrees throughout our ride. Sixty degrees in the sunshine and sixty degrees in the dark of night are two completely different conditions. The leather chaps will help to improve the comfort of the rider in cold weather conditions. Chaps come with or without liners, but I do recommend the chaps with lining.

2) Along with warmth, chaps will provide a barrier from moisture. Your chaps should be treated with the waterproofing product of your choice to prevent the penetration of moisture. I prefer beeswax, but there are many like products that will protect your leather chaps, boots and leather jacket from saturation. It is important to own a pair of chaps, it is equally important to treat them with the necessary products to obtain maximum advantage from them.

3) There are always unforeseen instances. Nobody expects to touch their leg on a hot exhaust pipe, but the chaps will protect from that. Nobody plans for an object to be kicked up from the road that can potentially strike their leg, but the chaps will add protection from that as well. In the event of a slide or fall, the chaps will offer an added layer of protection to the rider.

Chaps might not be the first thing you think of when you are purchasing your motorcycle protective gear, but they are just as important as the items that seem to come to mind first. Helmets, leather jackets, and leather boots all add to the overall comfort and protection of a motorcycle enthusiast. Don't overlook the added value of a good pair of leather chaps as well. Don't let that cool morning keep you on the couch until noon, and don't cut your ride short because the sun is getting ready to set. Reach in your saddlebag, pull out those chaps, saddle up and keep enjoying the beauty of our land on two wheels.

Jeffrey A Criley is the owner of MotorcycleCloset. At MotorcycleCloset.com it is our top priority to provide our customers with quality products at affordable prices. In addition to leather jackets, chaps, and helmets, we offer a broad selection of motorcycle accessories. Additional items include, but are not limited to, LED lights and leather boots. Customer service and quality products are our main focus at MotorcycleCloset. Visit http://www.motorcyclecloset.com for all your motorcycle accessory needs.

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Things That Go Splat On Your Motorcycle Ride

Riding motorcycles means to get hit by bugs and other stuff thrown up by traffic. It's a fact of life. You clean bugs off the windshield of your car and you clean them off the windshield or fairing of your bike, off your visor, off your jacket. It doesn't mean you decide you're not going to ride because you don't want to be hit by stuff in the air, it just means you're going to be spending time on a regular basis making that Suzuki GSX1250FA that you bought shine as nice as when it was new.

Usually it is only bugs. And every now and then a small rock. When one of those things hits you square in the visor you know you made a good choice wearing that helmet. I was going through a construction zone once where they were doing a chip-seal and the truck in front of me tossed a quarter-sized stone right at my face. It glanced harmlessly off my helmet and that was that.

I've seen a lot of other stuff, too, though, and read about some of the things other riders have encountered. My friend Bill has hit a couple birds over the years. One flew in front of him, banged off his mirror, and struck him in the chest before it went its not-so-merry way. The other time, he saw it swoop low in front of his bike and then it just disappeared. Vanished. When we stopped next for gas he took a look and there it was, embedded in the frame of his bike just where the hinge swings out to deploy his kick stand. Suicide by motorcycle, bird style.

Every rider has his own tales of what he has dodged. More than one guy I know tells of riding behind pick-up trucks loaded with stuff, often the household possessions of people who are moving. They may have tied things down but since this is not something they do every day they often misjudge just how much force the wind can apply. You're riding along and all of a sudden a couch cushion or chair or even a mattress is coming your way. If you've been thinking about safety there's a good chance you have expected something like this and already dropped back or moved over. Otherwise it's time for evasive maneuvers, NOW!

Other times you'll come around a blind corner only to find something strange. Maybe, if you're in a national park, it's a bunch of tourist cars stopped in the middle of the road to look at a moose off on the side of the road. Maybe it's a semi that has rolled and spread its cargo all over the highway. Maybe it's a herd of cattle being moved to a new pasture. You never know.

And then there are the times that are totally unpredictable. Once we were riding along on a four-lane highway, me in the lead, and we came up on a semi. Just as I was preparing to pull left to go around him, one of his tires exploded, throwing bits of rubber ranging from tiny bits up to chunks of tread everywhere. They were all around us but fortunately no one got hit by anything big.

Of course, every bit of this kind of thing can happen when you're in a car, too. It's just that on a motorcycle you feel-and you are-a lot more vulnerable. I don't know that car drivers sit around and swap tales of things they've encountered on the road, at least as a regular topic of discussion, but bikers do. It's just a little more personal with us.

For a New York Motorcycle, visit Island Powersports at http://www.IslandPowersports.com or call 516-795-4400. We have rock bottom pricing, outstanding customer service, and knowledgeable staff to satisfy your thirst for fun. Schedule an appointment today to get out and ride!

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Motorcycle Riders In The Rain

Do you ride your motorcycle in the rain? Probably the better question is, do you really get out and ride your motorcycle? Because if you do, you inevitably ride in the rain, at least at times, and at least for the amount of time it takes for you to find shelter.

It doesn't matter that you started off on a clear, sunny morning. You headed out on your Royal Star Tour Deluxe thinking what a beautiful day for a ride it is, but now it's not looking so good. Those low-hanging clouds are heading your way and the closer they get the darker and uglier they become. It's a good thing you've got your rain suit with you.

You do, don't you? You don't ever take off without it, do you? It ought to live in one of your bags and be with you all the time when you're out on the road.

Having a rain suit - and carrying it with you - is one of the things that separates newbie riders from experienced riders. I should know. I am the latter but at one time I was the former. When my buddies and I first got our bikes and took off riding them we were totally unprepared. Just about the only type of gear we had were helmets and we didn't even wear them very often. You figure out very quickly, however, that a helmet is essential in the rain because otherwise those little rain drops feel like hundreds of sharp little pins turning your face into a pin cushion.

It can be a little harder figuring it out with the rain suit. If you're like us, you look at the expensive suits at the local motorcycle dealer's and you have a hard time laying out more than $100 for a proper rain suit. So you go to the discount store and buy a $3 little plastic thing and figure that will suffice.

Bill did that early on. The first time he needed to put it on we were coming down a canyon into town and he was in the lead. John and I started seeing these colorful little pieces of something flying past us, and it took a couple pieces going past before we realized they were the same color as that rain suit Bill was wearing. In fact, they were the rain suit Bill was wearing. Flapping vigorously in the breeze as he rode along, the suit was disintegrating and tearing off in pieces. Back to the drawing board.

John took the middle route. He still didn't want to pay up for the real thing, so he dropped about $40 on something that he figured would be adequate. It didn't fall to pieces the way's Bill's el cheapo had done, and it even did OK in the occasional cloud burst, but the first time we rode in some serious rain, he noticed a peculiar feeling. His crotch was getting wet. It turned out that water was soaking through the seams and as water ran off down the suit and off his gas tank it was all collecting right there at his crotch. And coming right through.

All this time, I had been getting by wearing a crummy old generic rain suit that a former roommate had left behind. There were a lot of things about it that could have been better, but it kept me reasonably dry. But it was starting to wear out. So I finally bit the bullet and bought a real honest-to-goodness motorcycle-specific rain suit. Yes, it cost me $150 but it is worth it. And Bill and John soon did the same. Now when it rains we just suit up and keep on riding. Sometimes it just doesn't pay to go the cheap route. This is one of those times.

For a New York Motorcycle, visit Island Powersports at http://www.IslandPowersports.com or call 516-795-4400. We have rock bottom pricing, outstanding customer service, and knowledgeable staff to satisfy your thirst for fun. Schedule an appointment today to get out and ride!

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Setting Speed Records in a Motorcycle

It is the rare soul, at least here in the USA, who does not associate the Bonneville Salt Flats, in Utah, with speed. It's common knowledge that this is where the fastest cars and motorcycles go to set world land-speed records.

What many people probably don't realize, however, is just how many possible records there are, with many of them still waiting to be set. Sure there are the ultimate goals: The fastest speed of any vehicle of any kind, i.e., the ultimate land-speed record of them all. Or, getting a little more specialized, the fastest car or truck or motorcycle. But there are in fact classes for all different sizes of machines, whether or not they are stock, and a lot of other variables.

Well, once you start creating classes of vehicles there's no end of it. A friend of mine, Jerry, who personally has set three world land-speed records, and currently still holds two of them, takes the easy way. He looks over his stable of mostly vintage bikes and looks at the list of unclaimed records to see what matches. All he has to do then is go and make two successful runs and he becomes the first ever record holder in that particular class. In 2010 he set a world record in the class for 650cc pre-1956 stock motorcycles. The average of the two runs is what becomes the record, and his record was a scant 52.202 mph.

That sort of thing is easiest with old bikes. If there is no existing record in an under-150cc class for bikes that were built before 1940, for example, and you have such a bike, you're not going to have a lot of competition. On the other hand, if you want to take your 2011 Kawasaki ZX10 Ninja and set a record in its class you have some serious work ahead of you. You can assume there is an existing record in that class and you better expect that it's going to be a very big number. Bring lots of cash. The people who set those kinds of records have a lot more money than most of us and this is one way they enjoy spending it.

You don't have to spend a lot of money to have fun, though. Jerry has a lot of great stories about the trials and tribulations, the glories, and the heartbreaks of just going out to set a record with a top speed well under 100 mph. You go through the same prep as all the big boys. You get up way too early in the morning to be out on the salt before temperatures get too high. You invest time and money in this fantasy only to have gremlins attack your bike minutes before you're set to run, threatening to-and sometimes succeeding in-dashing all your hopes at the very last minute.

And sometimes, after all you've done you go home with a world record.

Now, you may not hold onto it for long. Jerry earned that record in 2010 but by 2011 someone else had broken it, so he took the same bike back to reclaim it. His first record was low because the engine wasn't fully broken in and he didn't want to push it. He just needed to finish at any speed to claim the record. Well, the new record was more reflective of what that size bike can actually do, so he was going to really have to run this time. Of course, the engine was by then well broken in, but there were other issues that cropped up once he got to Bonneville. Bottom line: he was unsuccessful. Oh well, there's always next year. And he will be back next year.

For a New York Motorcycle, visit Island Powersports at http://www.IslandPowersports.com or call 516-795-4400. We have rock bottom pricing, outstanding customer service, and knowledgeable staff to satisfy your thirst for fun. Schedule an appointment today to get out and ride!

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Refreshment On The Road With Your Motorcycle

When my buddies and I first started going off on week-long motorcycle trips we were ignorant and unprepared. We didn't have proper gear: nothing to keep us dry in the rain, nothing to protect us in case we went down on the bike.

And we had no idea of dehydration. The only fluids we carried with us was about a pint of water in an Army-surplus canteen I wore on my belt. We'd stop out in the middle of the desert in Utah with the sun blazing and temperatures in the 90s and we would each take a couple sips from the canteen. That was it.

Of course, we were on small, old bikes at that time, too. Nothing like the big touring bikes of today, the Suzuki Boulevard C109RT or Kawasaki's Vulcan 1700 Voyager ABS. Ours were just little 750cc bikes we had picked up used, and lacking luggage, we just strapped things on with bungee cords.

Trust me, this has all changed now. One by one we all bought bigger, new bikes with bags for storage. One by one we all got good leather or textile riding jackets, rain suits that will actually keep us dry, and a lot more. We also figured out we needed more than just an occasional sip of water.

The first step in this evolution came when I decided to try strapping a small soft cooler on my rear rack along with my tent and sleeping bag. This thing had a soft plastic cover and thin foam lining, with a zipper that went around the top. It was big enough for a six-pack, or, in our case, three cans of pop and some ice.

Funny thing, though. It was worth about what I had paid for it, which was nothing. The insulation was thin, so the ice melted quickly, and it leaked all over my sleeping bag or whatever else was underneath it. That cooler never went with us again.

The following year, Bill showed up with his own take on the matter. My approach hadn't worked but he liked the idea of having more liquid, and having it be cold, so he actually spent some money and got a larger cooler that he strapped on the back of his bike. This one also had soft sides but inside was a rigid bucket sort of thing that-most importantly-did not leak. The ice still melted, but because it was bigger he could put more ice in, which would at least last longer. Of course, the bungee cords he used to strap it on progressively bent the sides of the bucket down over time, so after a few years it was looking pretty sad, but for a while at least it served us pretty well.

It was Bill again then who made the next step forward. By this time he had bought a new bike that was bigger and had a good, solid passenger backrest, or sissy bar as they are sometimes called. He bought a bag that had a pouch on the side designed to slip over the sissy bar. This allowed the bag to hang off the back unsupported and it unzipped at the top. The bag itself was not waterproof, but he found a thick plastic bladder somewhere that fit very nicely and with that inside, he could pack in a lot of ice, about a dozen cans or bottles of a variety of liquid refreshment, and it worked well enough to stay cold all day.

What a difference that made. Now it became the norm, when we would pull off somewhere, to cluster around the rear of Bill's bike and pull out whatever you were inclined to use to quench your thirst. Plastic, resealable bottles work best: you don't have to drink it all and you don't have to worry about it spilling. Yeah, we've come a long way, baby.

For a New York Motorcycle, visit Island Powersports at http://www.IslandPowersports.com or call 516-795-4400. We have rock bottom pricing, outstanding customer service, and knowledgeable staff to satisfy your thirst for fun. Schedule an appointment today to get out and ride!

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