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.

According to a new survey by JD Power and Associates, approximately one third of consumers in the United States consider fuel economy to be a key factor when purchasing a new car. With fuel economy, dependence on foreign oil, pollution, and global warming weighing heavy on the minds of so many people recently, it may be a surprise to learn that in 1992, General Motors actually produced a vehicle that achieved 100 miles per gallon (MPG).

In order to get a better idea of what General Motors has been doing for the last 25 years, it is important to first learn about another amazing vehicle: The GM TPC. The TPC (which stands for “Two Person Commuter”) was able to obtain 75 miles-per-gallon. It weighed approximately 1000 pounds and resembled a Geo Metro. GM abandoned the project vehicle, which contained a frugal 3-cylinder engine, when they needed to add another 200 pounds of reinforcement. This unfortunate turn of events can be blamed on GM’s need to comply with America’s then lax safety laws.

While the existence of such a vehicle may be shocking to some, what is even more shocking is the existence of other prototypes made by General Motors that met the same demise. These vehicles included the GM Lean Machine (80 MPG) in 1982, along with a number of other fuel efficient vehicles like the GM Aero-X, the GM Aero 2000, and the finally the GM Ultralite (which had achieved 100 miles-per-gallon). While Honda was leading the world with the Civic VX in 1992 (achieving 50 miles-per-gallon) the USA- owned General Motors was producing 100 MPG vehicles behind the scenes, all the while selling 20 MPG vehicles to the public.

100 miles per gallon is not only obtainable, but it already has been obtained.

One obvious question must be asked. Why are these high gas mileage vehicles not available for sale? Why do companies like General Motors, Honda, Toyota, and Ford continue to sell 30 MPG vehicles when something so much better was made before? The answer to that question is, of course, a complex one. Market analyses, surveys, polls, government regulations, and other red tape held back efficiency.

The short answer to this question is simple: While the U.S. continues to sell its traditional vehicles, other vehicles are being bought and sold far from America, by the same companies.

Vehicles that can attain over 70 miles per gallon have been sold in Europe and Japan for many years. Recently, Volkswagen produced a vehicle called the “Lupo” that is a perfect example. This vehicle, which achieves 78 miles per gallon, likely will never be sold in the USA. For the 2007 model year, Honda has introduced the Fit to the US Market (known in other parts of the world as the “Jazz”). In Japan, the Jazz comes standard with a smaller engine and a few fresh ideas to help boost fuel economy. In the USA, the Fit doesn’t have the smaller engine and isn’t even an option.

Americans have always loved big cars, or at least that’s what they tell us. They, of course, are the auto manufacturers. This has nothing to do with conspiracy theories and everything to do with economics. When General Motors sells a giant truck or SUV, they make a lot of money. When they sell a small two-person commuter, they make next-to-nothing. As a consequence of this realization, all that was needed have been broadcasts of a few finely focused commercials to the citizens of the richest country in the world. Manufacturers have persuaded the citizenry that they absolutely need these “Tanks on Wheels”. Profits skyrocket. To remind Americans that there are no options, merely look at the fact that the options heave never been presented.

General Motors had the chance to be the world leader in fuel economy, which it turned down to be the world leader in SUVs. GM is not alone, as every other auto manufacturer has produced similar vehicles over the last 25 years and denied the U.S. access to them.

Americans should not only ask how they can get better gas mileage, but most importantly ask why they have never been given that option in the first place. In a world where wars are waged over oil, more options should be offered to a concerned public. Perhaps blowing the dust off of 25 year old blue prints is a good place to start.

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.

A man named Gottlieb Daimler built the first ever-motorized truck back in 1896. He was a German automotive pioneer who also invented the very first motorcycle, as well as the world’s first taxi. Daimler’s truck consisted of a four horsepower engine, a belt drive, one reverse speed and two speeds for going forward.

In early times, the intended use and purpose of a truck was for industrial reasons. They were used to haul things, and as new needs developed, so did new types of trucks. In early times of war, trucks were used to move ammunition and troops from one place to another, as well as to transport the injured and causalities among the soldiers.

Trucks were also invented that could be used for commercial purposes such as logging, farming, and later to mix and pour materials such as concrete. Later on, huge trucks were invented for the sole purpose of hauling other trucks and vehicles from their place of manufacture to sales centers all over the world.

Today, trucks are used for a myriad of reasons, and many different types of people own and drive them. Farmers everywhere use trucks to haul hay and small farm equipment, to move cattle as well as supplies. Those in the landscape and lawn maintenance industries also use trucks; wherein trailers are attached to the trucks in order to get lawn equipment from job to job.

Trucks are not only used for job related tasks, boating enthusiasts also utilize them. There are not many reliable cars that are going to be able to pull a large, recreational type boat, and where would you put the skis, ice chests and other necessities if the trucks’ spacious bed were not available?

Trucks are made by a number of vehicle manufacturers. There are the regular size passenger trucks that seat only two people, and the large extended cab trucks that can seat five people comfortably. There are the plain trucks that come with just the basics, and trucks that come fully loaded with every available option.

Some people enjoy the sport of four wheeling, and so they purchase trucks that allow them to drive over rough terrain and through bogs of mud! These trucks are equipped with 4-wheel drive, while other trucks not intended for this purpose would come standard with 2-wheel drive.

When in search of a truck, you will need to examine your needs, and also determine exactly what the truck will be used for. If you have a large family, then a truck would probably not make a good primary vehicle for you. However, if you need a solid piece of transportation that can be utilized to haul things around, and that you can attach a trailer to, a truck might just be a worthwhile investment.

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.

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.

Where does the Jeep Gladiator fit into the great history of the Jeep line of vehicles. Jeep from its lowly beginnings has risen to the level of a status vehicle for many in the market today.

The Jeep vehicle name started out in the bare bones military unit. Simply designed to meet the rigors of being in the field.

The original JEEP as it was known back in February of 1941 was so named because the vehicle actually did not have a name. In a test drive of the Willys-Overland scout car took a demonstration ride up the Capital steps. When the reporter asked the driver Irving “Red” Haussman the name of the vehicle he said “It’s a jeep”. The name was then published across the nation in the review article and a new automotive brand was borne.

Willys-Overland inc was awarded the name as it owned the manufacture rights of the first military vehicles. The Jeep went on to nobally serve in World War II. When the soldiers arrived back from the fronts they wanted the Jeeps they had driven during the war.

Willys-Overland was more than willing to produce this grand little car for the common market. The Jeep CJ-2 was the first commercially available vehicle and stayed in basic production through the Jeep CJ-7.

The Jeep CJ-7 was the last military variant of the great Jeep nomenclature. The final Jeep CJ-7 rolled off the production line in the United States in 1987. It was subplanted with the Jeep brand Wrangler or YJ. The YJ for many was designated as the Yuppie Jeep as it had a lower running height and more supple suspension. This Jeep remained in production for 10 years.

In 1997 the YJ was replaced by the current TJ production unit. This unit along with many small tweaks went back to the original Jeeps round headlights. In 2007 the Jeep YJ is slated to be replaced by the Jeep JK model vehicle.

The JK model of vehicles will include three separate variants. The first Jeep variant will be a short wheelbase two door model that will be the direct replacement to the Jeep YJ and hold true to the original form of this model line.

The second model will be a four door variant with a slightly increased wheelbase for those wanting more functionality out of the Jeep. This vehicle should also be better equipped for the less outdoor slanted owner.

The final version will be a pick-up variant Nicknamed the Gladiator. The Jeep Gladiator will feature a slightly extended cab. This will not feature a jump-seat for the kids but allow for storage of small items such as laptops, book-bags, overnight bags, and the like.

The bed of this truck will be 7 foot and perfectly square. This vehicle will be rugged and ready for the trails or a quick camping trip with the buds.

The Jeep has come a long way in the last 60 plus years. This great brand is planning on moving into the future with more memorable vehicles at its back.