Lifts are used to raise a vehicle on a stable platform, allowing automotive mechanics unrestricted access to inspect and repair the underbelly, transmission and wheels of the vehicle. Multiple vehicle lifts are standard equipment in most auto repair shops. In addition, some automobile enthusiasts install lifts in their homes for vehicle storage.

Prior to 1920, only service pits were available for repairing and doing preventive maintenance on the undersides of vehicles. The hydraulic auto lift was invented in the 1920’s to reduce the time and equipment needed to hoist vehicles off the ground. Depending on the design used, .today’s vehicle lifts can raise up to 50,000 pounds and can cost between $9,000 and $45,000. Installation not included.

In the beginning, there were no industry standards and vehicle lifts varied in design and construction. After World War II, there were only fifteen auto lift manufacturers in the United States. They recognized the need to develop standards to guide the industry. In 1947, the U.S. government issued its first set of standards. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration developed its own regulations in 1974.

Today, there are three major manufacturers of heavy lifts: Mohawk Resources Ltd. of Amsterdam, NY; Advantage Lift Systems based in San Diego, CA; and Rotary Lift in Madison, IN. Electric controls for lifts are standard, and lift features vary according to price and model. They vary depending on where they make contact with the vehicle, usually the axles, frame or wheels. They include single-, two-, four-post, and scissors lifts. The single- and two-post lifts are ideal for small trucks and cars. The four-post auto lift is used for most commercial and transit vehicles. The scissors lift saves space by having the posts in the middle of the lift, operating like an open pair of scissors.

Over the years, the structure of the automobile body has changed. Vehicles previously built onto underbody frames are now being constructed into frameless or unibody styles. Lifts have evolved to better handle the structure of newer vehicles. Rotary, for example, has developed the three stage lift. It has three telescoping sections, giving it a greater range of extension and retraction than other lifts. As a result, it can reach a broader range of vehicle pick-up points. It has become the preferred lift of many vehicle manufacturers, including Honda, Volkswagen and Audi.

Despite changes in the design of lifts over the years, many injuries and accidents occur annually. This is usually due to human error rather than any flaw in the lift design. The most simple things often lead to disaster. Auto mechanics sometimes fail to keep the lift area free of debris, grease/oil and obstructions. Not paying close attention when working around the lifts or allowing untrained individuals to use them are two more potential problems. Some forget to wear the right safety gear, including goggles, a hard hat, and steel toed boots.

Proper use and maintenance of the equipment is essential. Blocking or overriding the controls is dangerous. The manufacturer’s rated capacity is shown on the nameplate affixed to lift. Despite this, some mechanics use the lift to hoist vehicles that exceed the weight limit.

An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. Mistakes made before the vehicle is lifted are accidents waiting to happen. The lift arms must be properly positioned before the vehicle is raised. If the center of gravity of the car is not on the center of the lift, cars may tip off. With some vehicles, removing or installing items may cause a critical shift in the vehicle’s center of gravity and result in instability. Mechanics should always refer to the lift manufacturer’s recommendations. If there is not ample overhead clearance space, the vehicle may be crushed. Mistakes also occur when the transmission is not in neutral, doors are not securely closed or the ignition is not turned off. Some repairmen fail to lock the lift into place before going under it. Others raise the car while someone is inside the vehicle.

Numerous accidents occur during the lifting process. The vehicle should be loaded on a lift carefully. Mechanics should ensure that the lift supports are in contact with the manufacturer’s recommended lifting points. When a secure contact is made, the lift can be raised to the desired working height. If work will be done under the vehicle, the lift should be raised high enough for its locking device to be engaged.

Before lowering a lift, the mechanic should ensure that everything is removed from under the vehicle. Locking devices should be disengaged before the lift is lowered.

Racing has taken a number of different forms, including foot, dog, horse, airplane, boat, car, motorcycle and bicycle. The object in any form of racing is to win. Being the fastest is what makes a champion. Coming in second rarely counts.

We know from painted pottery that the foot race was a popular event with the ancient Greeks. Today there are both indoor and outdoor forms of foot racing. The most common forms of racing are sprints, hurdles and relays. Distances of the races vary. The first marathon race in modern times was organized in 1896. It was approximately 22 miles in distance. Today, the marathon is around 24 miles. The first Olympic marathon for women was held in 1928. Today, there are many different marathons, usually organized by a specific charity, such as breast cancer, within a city.

Horse racing has also been around for centuries. The ancient Romans and Egyptians had a fascination for chariot racing. It continues to this day, although it is referred to as horse and buggy racing. There is also thoroughbred racing, with a trained rider (jockey) on a saddle on the horse’s back. One of the most popular forms of horse racing in the United States is the Triple Crown, made up of three separate races in different locations: The Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont Stakes. There are also races in which the horse must jump over obstacles set up on a measured track.

Bicycle racing is an Olympic sport today. The first known race was held in Paris in 1865. There are many forms of bicycle racing today, including on and off road, mountain bike, track, BMX and cycle speedway. One of the best known races is the Tour de France. American cyclist Lance Armstrong has won this event seven times.

Automobile racing began in 1894 and has continued in various forms until the present. The races usually depend on the distance travelled in particular types of cars. There is stock car, drag, rally, off road, sports car racing, Formula One (NASCAR) and other forms of racing. While distance is a factor in racing, speed is usually still the most important factor. The fastest speed recorded at the Indianapolis 500 was achieved by Eddie Cheever in 1996 when his race car reached 236.103 miles per hour.

Motorcycle racing is an enormously popular sport, and, like automobile racing, it comes in a variety of forms, including drag, sidecar, and supercross. There is also motocross racing, an amateur level sport. WERA is the national organization for the advancement, operation and sanctioning of motorcycle road racing. WERA sponsors sprint and distance races.

The first aircraft race was held in 1909, six years after the Wright Brothers flew the first airplane. It was held in Reims, France, and covered the distance from France to England. A race from England to Australia was instituted later, with most of the entrants being commercial airliners. It was discontinued after the outbreak of World War Two. In the United States, the National and Cleveland Air Races were initiated in the 1920s. In 1929, the Women’s Air Derby was created as part of the National Air Races. Today the Red Bull Air Race World Series is held annually. It features 11 pilots who compete against time on two passes over the designated course.

Ships and boats have long been used as racing vehicles. There have been some unusual races as well. Even bathtubs have been used in racing events. Depending on the type of propulsion used, aquatic races vary in time and speed.

Buying or selling your car in an auction can give you a headache if you do not have any idea what you are getting yourself into. Let me give you some answers for the most frequently asked questions about auctions.

What is an Auction?

An auction is one of the first means of doing business and profitable exchanges. History books show that art, land, crops even people were being auctioned off in the past. Hey, even the Roman Empire was auctioned.

What about Automotive Auction?

An auto auction is the ideal environment for car dealers to remarket their cars. This is the perfect opportunity to make the big bucks and get that great sell that you have been waiting for. The true market value of the vehicle is also determined once a vehicle is put on an auction block.

Auto auctions exist to market cars. Its main objective is to make the deal fast and accurate. It serves as the impartial trading floor which offers security and integrity to the participants. It also varies in size depending on the number of employees, cars or how big the area they occupy.

Auto auctions may also offer different services like, repairs, reconditioning, financing, arbitration and a host of other services.

How do I participate in an auto auction?

As there are a number of auction houses available, choose a reputable auctioneer to buy or sell your car to. Keeping in mind the kind of car you want to sell or buy, the geographical convenience and the services the auction operators offer, these factors will determine the auction you will want to participate in.

Be also aware if the auction is an open or closed auction. Open auctions, as the term suggests, are open to any registered dealer. Most auctions are open but may be tailored to specific kinds of vehicles like car fleets, rentals, repossessed units or special dealer consignments. A closed auction is limited to specific participants.

It is also advised to check the websites of the auction houses you want to participate in. It is a good idea to request for an auction tour. This will give you the chance to inspect their facilities and operations. This is also the best time to ask and clarify details such as the biding process, services offered and other questions which comes to mind when you are inspecting the lot.

Once you have decided which auction house to participate in, get the necessary paper work done and be sure to have an identification card and a bidder’s badge. If you are buying, get a hold of the ‘run list’, which is a computerized list of vehicles being auctioned off on a specific date, the commercial consignor and similar information. It is also a good idea to get a sales lot parking plan. Vehicles are typically grouped and the parking lot plan will help you locate which lane to go to.

What is a ‘floor price’?

Also known as the ‘reserve’ or ‘low’, the floor price is the lowest price the seller is asking for. If the price is not met while on the block the seller can lower it to attempt a sale. If the floor price is still not met, the vehicle can be placed in the “if bid” where the bidder agrees to buy the vehicle if the seller agrees to his offer in a specific period of time.

How do I evaluate the vehicles?

There are usually pre-selling inspections where you can appraise the vehicles that are being auctioned off. Each vehicle has a windshield marking where information like the seller’s name, model of the vehicle, mileage, run number and lane assignments are posted.

For a fee, post sale inspections are also available in some auction houses, where auction mechanics are available to check the engine, air-conditioning, brakes, frame, transmission and the rear end.

It is also wise take advantage of the free arbitration services which protects the interests of both the buyers and sellers of the vehicles. You can also test-drive the sold car if you present a valid I.D. to the arbitration department. Most auction houses have test tracks, so make use of this service and be assured that you got your money’s worth.

What happens after I won the bidding?

After your purchases have been completed, go to the front office of the auction house and finalize your transactions by making the required payments. The title is then transferred to your name. A gate pass will be issued for your purchased vehicle.

What are Internet Auctions?

Auction houses are taking advantage of the present technology available to them. Cyberlots or cyber auctions allow sellers to post their vehicles on the net, including photographs and information about the specific car they want to sell. Most cyber auctions have limited time frames.

Admiral, founded in 1993, is a company that specializes in providing low cost car insurance to people living in cities, younger drivers, and those who own high performance cars, as well as a combination of all these. For such drivers, Admiral also offers an online quote that allows you to save about 10% on car insurance.

Admiral Products:

MultiCar Insurance – This product offers a new method of getting cheaper car insurance, by insuring two or more private cars which lets you qualify for discounted car insurance. The main features of the MultiCar Insurance includes –

• Up to 23% discount • You don’t have to wait for your second car to be covered before you get a discount • Each policyholder earns and keeps their own No Claims Bonus • Helps unite renewal dates on your cars, which may allow you to earn your No Claims Bonus • Monthly installments available

Information you need before you apply for the MultiCar Insurance:

• Details of the other cars in you family, including make and model, registration number • Details of the drivers that use the other cars, with information regarding claims and convictions • Renewal months’ for the cars in your house

Breakdown Cover Insurance – This package is exclusive to policy holders, and includes

• Caravan or trailer cover • Alternative transport • Emergency overnight accommodation • Roadside assistance and recovery • Lost or damaged key cover • Message assistance • Home assistance

After you’ve applied for the Breakdown Cover to your policy, you’ll receive the details along with a card that bears Admiral’s freephone breakdown assistance number. All you need to do when you receive the card is to your policy number and registration number on the back of the card, to be used when you call for assistance. You also have to note down the scheme code printed on the card, as well as the make, model and type of your car.

Van Insurance – Admiral has also teamed up with Gladiator to provide insurance for a commercial vehicle. The website links to an online quote engine for Goods vehicles, and in order to get an online quote, you need to enter

• Your personal details and any other drivers, along with driving date of birth, licence and job details • Details of any claims made in the last five years by all drivers • Details of any motoring convictions against all drivers • Details of the vehicle to be insured – make and model, manufacture year, security devices etc.

Once you clicked the Submit button, you be guided to a unique web reference, through which you can recollect details you have entered.

Besides car insurance, admiral also offers other products such as Travel insurance, Motorbike insurance, and Pet insurance.

Is your business expanding? Do you need additional transport in order to deliver your products to clients, or to carry equipment so that you can make site visits?

If you’re business is successful and you want to reach more people, then you need to think about getting a van or other commercial vehicle. The flexibility and service levels that you can offer when you are mobile means that you can develop your business into one that stands out from the competition which, in turn, can make your business even more successful.

If you’ve decided you need transport for your business, the next move is to work out how much you can afford to pay and what you can get for your money. You also need to think about why you want your van and what you’re going to be using it for. All these factors combine to determine what sort of vehicle you need.

Large or small?

Some businesses, such as florists, grocers or small caterers, just require a mini-van or a small car derivative van (CDV), whereas plumbers, electricians and other tradesmen may prefer a larger CDV or a panel van, which has more space for storing larger pieces of equipment. Builders, scaffolders, garden centres and other businesses that need easy loading and unloading access often choose a pick-up truck or high-sided van, whilst removal companies and those delivering larger items such as furniture or industrial equipment need much larger vans or trucks. The size of commercial vehicle you need is nearly always determined by what you will be carrying or delivering in it and you need to take this into account before you buy.

New or used?

It’s always nice to buy a new vehicle. With perhaps only a few miles on the clock and perfectly clean upholstery and interiors, new wheels and the latest features, a new van or truck is very tempting. A shiny new vehicle gives a good impression of your business and makes you feel good as well. Costs are high, however, and your new van could lose a lot of its value within a year or so.

Many businesses consider used vans for this reason. Substantially cheaper than their newer counterparts, they can be in excellent condition and come with some great deals such as warranties, safety checks and insurance. The commercial vehicle market is competitive and benefits come to used van buyers who get vehicles in excellent condition and with great features for a much smaller price.

Don’t spend your hard-earned money on a van unless you’ve sat down and worked out how much you can afford. Spending more money than you’ve got could get you and your business into financial difficulty, and your capital could be better spent on stock or additional employees.

How do I put a budget together?

Your budget for a commercial vehicle doesn’t have to be complicated. You don’t need an in-depth spreadsheet or help from an accountant. Instead, just write down the costs and expenses associated with owning a van. Once you’ve broken those costs down, you can see what the initial cost will be and how much the running costs are going to add up to over time.

• Price – The cost of your van, including taxes, is your single biggest outlay. Before you decide how much you need to spend, take a look at the types of vans on the market and how much they cost. You could find that you can buy a smaller, less expensive van than you thought, or that the fitted panel van you need will cost more than you have. A little bit of research enables you to put a realistic figure on this major expense.

• Insurance – you must be insured to drive your van or truck. Insurance costs will vary depending on the type of work you do, the type of vehicle you buy and the number of people who will be driving. To get an idea of cost, get some quotes online, using the type of van you think you might be buying. Don’t forget that this is an annual cost.

• Running costs – fuel is an ongoing running cost. Whether your van is petrol, diesel or powered by another fuel, there will be cost implications. Again, these are dependent on the type of vehicle you have and the number of miles you do: the more you travel, the more fuel you need. As prices continue to rise, this is an important financial consideration.

• Servicing – you will need to ensure that your van is running smoothly and that it’s not likely to breakdown when you least expect it. A 12 month service will have a fixed cost, but expect to pay extra for parts if anything goes wrong.

Take the time to get your budget right and you could be on the road with your new van and a healthy bank balance.

Buying a commercial vehicle for your business can be expensive, particularly if you run your own business, where costs are tight. Make the most of your money by taking the time to think about what you need from your van, what you can afford and how you’re going to find it.

What do I need?

Perhaps you’ll only be making occasional deliveries in your van, or perhaps you’ll be driving it on long distance visits every day. The number of miles you cover in your vehicle influences the sort of van you’ll buy. In addition, it’s important that you think about what you’ll be carrying in the back. Do you only need a small space so that you can transport cleaning equipment or flower bouquets, or do you have large, heavy or bulky equipment that is essential to your business? Making a list of what you need to transport and how often and where you need to transport it to will help you to narrow down the type of van that will be best for you.

What can I afford?

Your budget is hugely important. Not only does it have to cover the price of your vehicle, but also the insurance, the fitting, any sign-writing you need, fuel costs and service and maintenance charges. The overall cost is much more than you might think and you’ll need to set aside enough funds to make sure you can keep your van on the road, particularly if it’s going to play a big part in the growth of your business.

Where do I get a van from?

The traditional routes for buying a commercial vehicle have been specialist dealerships, who often advertise in trade journals and magazines and local papers. These dealers are still the main source of new and used commercial vehicles, but are now paying much more attention to the benefits of advertising and selling over the internet. The majority of people search online for something new – whether it’s a new coat or a new van, so as a dealer it pays to be seen. As a customer, it’s a great idea to look on the internet first so that you can compare and contrast prices without leaving your home.

Do you need to find a used van? There are lots of resources you can use.

Buying a new van is a big expense and you want to get it right. If you own or run a small business, then wasting money is the last thing you want to do, so it pays to take the time to research the range of vans and deals available.

• Online – most people begin their searches online. Whether you’re looking at dedicated internet sites for commercial van sales, or just visiting dealers’ websites to see what’s on offer, it’s the ideal tool for comparing prices and finding out more about the type of van that might be best for your business. It’s the biggest single information resource there is, and you should make the most of it before you decide what to buy.

• Newspapers – most local newspapers have an automotive section where dealers advertise their latest offers. Whether you’re looking for a new van or a used vehicle, you can often find what you’re looking for here. In addition, there may be people selling what you need privately, so take a look at the classified ads too.

• Trade magazines – there are journals and magazines that are dedicated to helping people find commercial vehicles. These publications often include reviews, road tests and news, so there’s plenty of opportunity to read about the vans available and to compare performance and capacity between models.

• Visiting – visit your local garage or dealership and have a look at the vehicles up close. A good dealer will spend some time with you, finding out what you need the van for, how much you have to spend and what features you need. Armed with this information, they can recommend vans for you to look at and can arrange a test drive so that you can see for yourself whether the van is right for you.

You can use one or all of these techniques to research the used van market before you decide to buy. The more you know, the better placed you are to make the right choice.

With gas prices increasing and growing environmental awareness, the need to consider alternate energy and fuel sources are becoming a necessity. One alternative is the use of Biodiesel fuel, which is becoming more and more popular today.

Because Biodiesel is a cleaner-burning diesel fuel, made from 100% natural, 100% renewable vegetable sources, its uses in today’s society may surprise you. Below are nine ways Biodiesel is being used. Some of which you may never have realized.

1) Biodiesel Car Rental - Yes that’s right. A Maui and Los Angeles car rental rents cars that run on Biodiesel. These cars get between 400 and 800 miles per tank! Not bad when consider the price of gas these days.

2) Home heating fuel - More people are taking a look at Biodiesel as an alternative for heating their home. Most oil-fired or boiler furnaces can use Biodiesel (B20), which is a fuel made of 80 percent traditional heating oil and 20 percent Biodiesel. Some people are getting their furnaces adapted to be able to burn B100, a fuel made entirely of vegetable oils, which burns much cleaner than traditional heating oil.

3) Electricity Generation - Diesel generators that produce electricity are now running on Biodiesel fuel. A superior alternative to the typical coal burning electricity generating plants currently being used in the United States. Running on Biodiesel is an inexpensive, clean and renewable way of creating electricity.

4) Trucking Industry - More and more truckers are switching from diesel fuel to Biodiesel fuel. The benefits are numerous not to mention the advantage of helping the environment and reducing our dependency on foreign oil, while saving money.

5) Agriculture - Not only a producer of Biodiesel, but also a consumer. Tractors, reapers, tillers, pickers, conveyors, generators, pumps, and irrigation systems which normally uses diesel fuel, now use Biodiesel to fuel their work, bringing agriculture full circle from producer to consumer.

6) Marine Vehicles - Commercial fleets such as ferries, recreational yachts, sailboats, and motor boats are all candidates for Biodiesel. For example Pacific Whale Foundation, located in Hawaii, use Biodiesel in their boats.

7) Tax Incentive - The IRS is offering tax incentives to anyone that produce and use Biodiesel fuel. The US Government is working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by giving producers of Biodiesel fuel government funds. The tax incentive works to help tax paying customers by lowering the cost of the fuel bill.

Lubrication Additive - Because Biodiesel is a better lubricant than current low-sulfur petroleum, fuel injectors and other types of fuel pumps can rely on Biodiesel fuel for lubrication. With the right additives, engine performance can also be enhanced, making engines last longer. Other numerous applications can also make use of it’s lubricate properties, such as concrete forms and asphalt trucks. Its solvent properties also make it a safe parts cleaner, reducing skin and eye irritation associated with other cleaners.

9) Cleaner Environment - Biodiesel reduces carbon dioxide exhaust emissions by up to 80%. Because of this, Biodiesel has the potential to reduce air toxics and cancer causing compounds. Something we all can live with! If spilled, it will quickly degrade into natural organic residues, without polluting the environment.

Dennis R. Cowhey, author of the popular book “What Does That Mean? The Personal Stories Behind Vanity License Plates” has announced February 28, 2006 as the deadline for entries into the second edition of the book.

Anyone who has an interesting story behind their Vanity Plate has a chance of being included in the new book. Simply go to www.vanity-plates.com and submit the story. It’s free. Not all plates that are submitted will be included, but according to the author, he will include as many as possible. The new book will be bigger and better than the original and it will include pictures of the “best” of the plates.

Cowhey, the self proclaimed “World’s greatest expert on Vanity Plate meanings” wrote the original book ten years ago. He reports that sales are still brisk and he regularly gets orders from Amazon.com and direct from consumers. The research for the original book was done by passing out postcards to people that he met on the street. Some postcards were placed on windshields of cars. Once, he almost got arrested in a mall parking lot while he was tucking a postcard under a windshield wiper. Now, he says, things are much easier because most of the new entries are coming from the website www.vanity-plates.com.

During a recent interview, Dennis said, “some of the stories are quite funny, like BTHEBAL that refers to the Chevy Chase character in “Caddyshack”, Ty Webb, was giving a golf lesson to a blindfolded student. He advised the student to “Be the Ball, or MEN LIE on a young woman’s license. It seems that at 17, she had already been misled by more than one cad.

But they range from the very serious like ETHICS, whose owner says that the plate speaks for itself. He states “Ethical conduct is more important than ever and I want people to ask me about it. I present Ethical Fitness Seminars and Moral Courage Seminars to a variety of organizations and groups.”; To the profane like BEYACH, which means B*TCH……but you drag it out like beeeeeeeeeyach, according to its owner.

The new book will have well over a thousand entries, but Cowhey declines to say how many. He said, “It all depends on how many get submitted and how good they are.”

There is also a growing commercial interest in Vanity Plates. There is a new website called www.greatplateexchange.com where you can list your registered Vanity License Plate for sale at auction. You can buy or sell registered license plates from their owner. This practice is already prevalent in Europe and the Far East where they command huge
prices. A Vanity Plate in Hong Kong recently sold for $910,000.00.

Whether you are interested in Vanity Plates because of their commercial value or just curious about their meanings, they definitely add some variety and fun to life according to Cowhey. [PRWEB Dec 29, 2005]

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