Driving an automobile is a luxury that most of us take for granted. Automobiles are the primary means of transportation in United States, with ninety percent of American adults owning or previously owning a car or truck. What we don’t realize is that operating a car or truck is a responsibility that can bring serious consequences. Every year in the United States alone, more than ten thousand vehicular accidents occur. An average of four hundred Americans die each year as the result of automotive accidents. It’s a tragic figure, especially when you consider that many of these accidents could be prevented with proper maintenance and routine check-ups. Keeping your car well-maintained means reducing the risk of mishap or even death, and protecting your loved ones and fellow drivers.

Before hitting the road, be sure to conduct these checkups regularly:

Tires Most Americans use all-season tires. These tires should carry you safely from season to season, but it is imperative that you check the tires regularly for wear or damage. Ideally, tires should be checked on a weekly basis.

Brakes The brake system serves one main purposes: to slow down or stop the car when it is needed. If you step on the brake pedal and it goes all the way to the floor, you’ve got trouble. Late-model automobiles are equipped with a brake warning light. This dashboard indicator will light up if something is wrong with your brake system. If your brake warning light indicates trouble, it is imperative that you check the brake system immediately. Consult your owner’s manual for maintenance advice, and call an experienced mechanic for repairs. Brake repairs or replacements are no job for a weekend or hobby mechanic.

Headlights In 2005, over 2,300 pedestrians died because drivers suffered eye problems or had faulty headlights in the automobiles. Properly maintained vehicle headlights help you drive safely, and see more clearly. Replace your headlight bulbs at least once per year.

Wipers Many people don’t think of changing their wiper blades until it is too late. This is one of the easiest and most inexpensive parts of the car to maintain. Change your wiper blades twice a year, in the spring and just before winter.

There are 10 common reasons why automobile owners visit the mechanic:

1. Electronic/Ignition control 2. Suspension/steering 3. Electrical problem 4. Brake system 5. Oil change/filters/lube 6. Exhaust system 7. Radiator repairs 8. Fuel system/carburetor 9. Clutch/transmission 10. Air conditioning system

Routine check ups and proper maintenance of a car be expensive, and budget restrictions are often the leading factors in keeping car owners from living up to their responsibilities. This does not need to be a problem. The key is in knowing how to save on car maintenance and repairs. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) confirmed that $20 billion has been wasted on unnecessary auto repairs due to fraud and incompetence.

If your car is not performing to its full potential, remember the following tips to help you save money on repairs:

Preventive Maintenance Be your car’s best friend, and you can save a bundle. By conducting regular preventative maintenance, such as regular oil changes and radiator flushes, you prevent unnecessary damage to the car and save a lot of money in the long run. Regular checkups by a qualified repairperson will keep your car running better, longer.

Conserve Even automobiles need to take a break now and then. If you drive your car everyday the miles will add up quickly, and damage can occur prematurely. To avoid this, consider carpooling with friends and coworkers. Ask around to form your own carpool group. You’ll all save on maintenance, and you’ll be able to pool your fuel and parking expenses.

Estimate Before choosing a mechanic to repair your car, be sure to get a written estimate. If the mechanic wants more than your budget can afford, shop around. Compare estimates to find the best deal. Just be sure that you are paying for quality service.

Do It Yourself You’ll be surprised at how much you can accomplish after doing a little research. Read over your owner’s manual from time to time. Learn as much as you can about your car. Understand potential problems and how to solve them. For example, that mysterious clunking noise might be bothersome, but could be as simple to fix as tightening a bolt. Regular maintenance tasks like oil changes and radiator flushes are fairly easy to do if you understand your vehicle and take the time to do the job properly.

As an automobile owner, you have a responsibility to keep your car properly maintained at all times. Consider it an investment in your car’s future, and remember that it could save a life.

The BMW 3 Series coupe and cabriolet was firstly introduced at the end of the year 1999 to 2000. The present model has the vehicle body code E46. It uses the same hood structure and the front body as the previous model. The most difference from the previous model is the front headlight and front bumper which can be divided into 3 models, sedan and station wagon models, coupe and cabriolet models and the compact models.

>From the information above, you can see that the minor change for the BMW 3 Series is mostly independent from the fact that there are many models for it. They don’t need to minor change all 3 groups at the same time. The first minor change is for the sedan and station wagon since the end of the year 2001 and come along with the minor change for coupe and cabriolet in the end of 2002 but the actual release date was around March in 2003.

The minor change for coupe and cabriolet models can be easily seen by the front head lights. It includes all high, low beam and turn signal in the same frame and changes the color of the turn signal from yellow to transparent white. The turn signal on the side of the cars moved upward and change to blurry white instead of yellow.

The front hood keeps the same style but the size of the grill was increased 300 millimeters from the previous version, which gives the uniqueness for the 3 Series.

Other than the above, there are other optional accessories such as the Bi-xenon headlights with the angle control system. The headlights will turn as you turn the steering wheel to increase the safety while you driving at night.

The tail lights still use the same style but change the turn signal from yellow to white and the parking light from a big long row was reduce to a smaller size and the break light was changed to LED which is brighter and better compare to the older one.

Rear bumper bas remade by removing the long hole in it and added a black stripe to connect both lights on the bumper.

The dimension for the cabriolet is 4488 millimeters wide 1757 millimeters long 1369 millimeters tall and 2725 millimeters for the wheel base length. The coupe model has the same dimension as the cabriolet except from the 1372 millimeters tall

The interior inside keeps the same common features such as big gauge, RPM needle, speed, gasoline level and temperature arrange the same way as they did in the first 3 Series which we know under the code E21.

Defensive driving gives you the essentials on road safety measurements. All the drivers must know this simple driving fact that you can control your action(s) on most of the on-road occasions, but you cannot control or can’t even know what is happening with other drivers on the road. So, defensive driving provides ample information and knowledge to all those people who are looking for comprehensive and lifetime solutions against accidents and other on-road mishaps.

Defensive driving is also known as advanced driving. This is one sophisticated and next level type of training that automobile driver can undertake and learn to master the basic mechanics of driving. They can indeed master all the rules of roads. The aim of the training is to minimize the risk of driving by proactively and spontaneously avoiding dangerous situations despite incorrect actions or adverse conditions on the road. All these and much more can be accomplished via commitment to specific rules as the constant practice of particular driving techniques.

Well, considering the true essence and aspect of defensive driving, you would find out that it is a style of driving wherein you need to take every possible precaution to prevent any mishap from happening. Defensive driving is a brilliant way of keeping you and your family safe while driving.

So, let us take a look at some of the rules relating to defensive driving.

The first and the foremost aspect, is to become fully prepared before taking on your vehicle on the road. You need to check and ensure certain important aspects like water levels, gas, and oil and tire pressures of your vehicle. You also need to check seats, mirrors and ensure important documentations like insurance before hitting the roads.

The second aspect related to defensive driving is that you should never react to road rage and neither display it. This ensures that you don’t break traffic rules recklessly and arrive to any condition which causes harm to you or others.

It is advisable that you purchase bright colored cars. Car colors like yellow, orange or red can make your car easily visible and prominent on the roads. On an average basis, bright colored cars are less likely to be involved in an accident rather than light colored cars.

Usage of headlights is an important aspect related to defensive driving. It ensures that others can see you coming and you can also see clearly during night driving. While you drive, you need to ensure that you apply the three second rule. This rule states that you should at least maintain a driving time of 3 seconds behind the vehicle in front of you. You should maintain this driving time all of the times. However, if the car condition or environmental conditions are bad, you should increase this driving time to 5 seconds.

While driving you should avoid the cars that reflect signs of being damaged down or are broken down. Researches and studies have shown that these cars are prominently driven by bad drivers.

Follow defensive driving and have a happy and safe driving!

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.

The 3m clear bra is a fantastic invention for any car-lover who treats his prized possession like a true friend. A man’s best friend in this day and age is not always the family dog. Sometimes a car can replace a great pet and nothing hurts more than noticing that first scratch or dent on your favorite automobile. However, traditional protective bras are not the most appealing option for car owners who feverishly want to guard their investments at all costs.

The trouble with the traditional protective covering is simply due to the fact that it literally covers the magnificent machine. No real car lover wants to hide his prized automobile under an ugly rubbery surface. It doesn’t make sense to spend a lot of money on the perfect finish only to cover it up with a protective layer. Unfortunately, many car owners had no other choice, either carelessly letting the car suffer with chips and scrapes or grumpily hiding the beautiful finish.

No more such dilemma. A car lover can now choose a 3m clear bra that protects the car by creating a transparent barrier between the car’s finish and the natural destructive elements. The 3m clear bra is simply a protective film that is literally painted over the car’s exterior. This product is commonly used on trucks, cars and vans of vehicle owners who cringe at the thought of a pebble getting near their priceless object.

Some may wonder if the product really works as well as the traditional protective cover. The 3m clear bra will protect the vehicle from chipping. The material was originally designed by the aviation industry to protect aircraft propellers from chipping. Certainly the material will be equally effective at preventing chipping on vehicles as well.

The 3m clear bra is perfect for protecting headlights as well. The protective layer is commonly applied to the front of the vehicle and on the lenses of the headlights. The winning point of this material is that it is virtually undetectable while working wonders. The original design of the vehicle is not altered in any way. The owner has the peace of mind that comes with knowing that the car is protected while having the luxury of enjoying his vehicle in its original state.

Another concern is the clarity degree of the 3m clear bra. How clear is it, really? The manufacturer of the product boasts that the material is virtually undetectable unless the vehicle is very white in color. The clear coat is slightly visible on a stark white car when very closely examined but it is not detectable from a normal distance. You will see a faint line where the 3m clear bra stops but that is definitely better than an ugly bug shield or paint chips.

A carryover from the previous year, 2005, the 2006 Toyota Corolla is a four-door, 5-passenger family sedan, or sports sedan. It is made available in four trims, which ranges from the CE to the XRS.

When this vehicle was introduced, the CE has been equipped with a standard 1.8 liter, I4, 126-horsepower engine that has the capability to achieve 32-mpg when in the city, and 41-mpg if driving on the highway. Standard for the line is a 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive, however, a 4-speed automatic transmission with drive is optional.

For the XRS, this trim has been equipped with a standard 1.8 liter, I4, 164-horsepower engine that is able to attain 26-mpg during city driving and 34-mpg while on the highway. Standard for this trim is the 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive.

The newest Toyota Corolla comes in one body style. This is a four-door sedan. The Toyota Corolla comes with the standard of 15-inch steel wheels, however, it still could make do with larger wheels and tires that would fill out the wheels well more than what it has now. Options for LE models are the aluminum 15-inch wheels. This sedan has a high trunk to be able to keep up with the vehicle’s high belt line.

According to Jim Lentz, Toyota Division group vice president and general manager, “Corolla has become the world’s favorite compact car by exceeding customers’ expectations for value, quality, and performance in this segment. With the XRS model introduced last year, Corolla is expanding its appeal to younger, performance-oriented buyers.”

The Toyota Corolla has taillights that perfectly match the shape of its headlights. Getting in and out of the automobile has been made easier with its door openings made reasonably wide. The Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) is available. An additional plus for this model is it has a sunroof.

Within its interior, a passenger would have the feeling that not of a small vehicle. The interior also does not feel cheap unlike many compacts. Large and/or tall people might find the accommodations somewhat cramped up, however shorter people would find the Toyota Corolla’s interior and space fitting them perfectly. For average-sized adults, there is plenty of front legroom and headroom, and a decent amount of space in the back. [PRWEB]

tagTRAX: toyota corolla | wheels and tires | corolla | toyota | horsepower

(NC)-The success of your road trip depends as much on your tires as your family’s enthusiasm. After all, they’re the only things between your precious cargo and the open road. Follow these important tire tips to keep your family safe and to enjoy road trip fun all summer long:

Check-up: “You take your kids to the doctor for regular check-ups, so why not your tires- and the rest of your vehicle?” says Celine Messiha, Marketing Manager at Uniroyal. “Before my family sets off for a road trip. I make sure to do a service check with my local dealer. It’s always best to be prepared.”

Especially before a road trip, do a complete tire check at your local Uniroyal dealer including tire pressure and tread wear on your spare. Make sure that fluids are filled up and that wipers and headlights are in good shape. Then go ahead, kick the tires and hit the road.

Peer Pressure: Be sure to regularly check air pressure in the early morning when tires are cold and haven’t been driven for at least one hour. For proper air pressure for your particular tires, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations printed in the car manual or on the placard posted inside the driver’s doorjamb or glove compartment. You’ll enjoy better fuel economy, a smoother ride and longer life for your tires.

SOS: Bring along a road trip emergency kit just in case-a blanket that can also double as a picnic blanket, flashlight, batteries, reflective warning signs, extra windshield-wiper fluid, booster cables, tire jack, a nylon tow rope, gloves and wet wipes. Carry emergency numbers, i.e., for road assistance, insurance or your family doctor.

Safety First! Worst case scenario of a flat tire? Get to the side of the road as far from traffic as possible. Find a level stretch of ground to jack up your car. Turn off the engine, turn on the hazard flashers, and place three reflective warning signs or flares behind your car-the first, 10 feet out from the back fender (even in the traffic lane if necessary); the second, 200 feet back from the centre of the trunk; and the third, 300 feet behind your vehicle at the curb to lead traffic out and away from your car. Make sure to get the kids away from the car to a place where they can wait it out at a safe distance.

For more information visit www.uniroyal.ca.

- News Canada

Finding the right Honda car parts is easier and faster. Honda is synonymous to innovative technology and social responsibility and so is Parts train, which has served its clients for more than 25 years with impeccable record of accomplishment. You simply can’t go wrong with the safe and reliable Honda car parts from Parts Train. Parts Train has a wide array of Honda car parts from headlights, filters, hoses, belts, condensers, catalytic converters, transmissions, engine parts, Honda Altezza lights, radiators, suspension, chassis parts, interior parts & accessories, and just about everything you might need for your Honda vehicle. [PRWEB May 4, 2005]

The FJ Cruiser is distinguished by a wide grille with “Toyota” logo badging, round headlights, and offset combination lamps, its upright windshield and white cap roof and the wrapping rear corner windows retained from the original FJ40. Enhanced stability and a powerful stance sums up the compact package of the fresh from assembly line FJ Cruiser. [PRWEB Mar 12, 2005]