Archive for the “Automotive” Category


by Michael Baker

With the ever increasing cost of gas, we can all use a few tips to save gas. Here are a few things you can start doing right now to help out.

Could you imaging decreasing your gas costs by 20%? Well, if you take an active role in managing you fuel consumption, this is possible.

Or, the other way to look at it, would be that you can increase your gas mileage by 20%. Sounds far fetched? Not really. It is more possible than ever these days.

First, slow down. You do not need to drive so fast, or to accelerate faster than everyone else from the stop signs and the stop lights. Not only will this help on gas mileage, but it will also help with the maintenance of the car.

Before you get in your car today, go tighten the gas cap. A loose gas cap allows too much oxygen in the system, which will leave some extra gas behind after the combustion takes place to run the engine. This is wasted gas.

An area many people neglect their cars is the air pressure in the tires. This is a real simple tip you can do. Just stop by a local service station, and fill up your tires to the pressure rating listed on the side of the tires. Not only does this save gas, but it als makes the car handle much better.

The most uninformed habit out there by millions is buying super unleaded fuel. There is no need in this. I really don’t care what the car manuals tell you, your car runs just as efficiently on regular unleaded as it does super unleaded. This change alone will save you 5-6% in gas.

There are so many tips to save gas out there, and these are only a few of them. With the economics and the market prices of gas currently, I would suggest we all do our part and put in place as many tips to save gas as we can.

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by Chris Channing

The motorbike industry is hard to get into when one doesn’t know which company to buy from. Many motorbike companies are simply resellers or second rate manufacturers- so it’s good to go with a well known company as compared to the “smaller guys.” Honda is a great example of the type of company consumers should invest in for motorbike needs.

Speed and functionality attract most new riders who want to become more adept in riding Honda motorbikes. For such riders, the Honda sports bike is recommended. Sports bikes are a “middle of the road” option that allows for speed and the durability to do tricks. Taking them out on an off-road area might not be possible, but they cater to the adrenaline junkies in society quite nicely.

If a more mellow ride is desired, going for the “cruise” or “standard” motorbike is a better selection. These types of Honda motorbikes closely resemble the Harley line of bikes, which are known for high torque and an easy ride. They are even less durable in some terrains than sport bikes are, so it’s best to keep these models on the road. The Shadow, Rebel, and VTX series are all great choices.

A Honda off-road motorbike is another option that should be considered- especially for nature lovers who like to be outdoors as opposed to the streets. Off-road Honda motorbikes are built to last, since they will be crawling over jagged and questionable terrain. Just keep in mind they won’t be the best in performance while racing a sports bike, but they’ll be able to go where a sports bike never could.

It is a human trait to be competitive. We see this in sports of all types- and Motocross is no different. Motocross requires a special type of Honda bike that can climb all types of terrain, yet still provide for high acceleration and top speeds. This mixture of requirements is tricky to balance, but Honda Motocross bikes have bridged the gap with ease.

And of course we shouldn’t forget the touring line of Honda bikes, that allow for travel instead of adrenaline or off road adventures. Touring motorbikes have much more storage space, allow for multiple passengers, and can carry more weight than the average Honda motorbike. They may be more expensive, but they are perfect for travelers of all types.

In Conclusion

Few other manufacturers can stand up to the Honda line of motorbikes. Honda has become the industry leader in competitions such as Motocross, and appeals to riders of all types: from the casual rider to the adrenaline seeker. For more information. contact Honda or a wholesaler for details on pricing information.

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by Mariano Lupe

If you are like one of thousands around the country, you will have to admit that you are addicted. addicted to classic cars. Check out this 5 point list of things that will clearly label you as a a “classic car junkie!”

Visit Classic Cars site!

1. If you pine for 3 or more car shows in one weekend

Car shows are my life. In fact, I am like a bomb sniffing dog when it comes to tracking down the local car shows every weekend. I like to take my classic out to every one of them and pine over the ones I don’t have.

2. If the roar of a 289 Mustang motor makes you salivate like Paslov’s dog

You might be a “Classic car junkie!” Hey, I am one of you guys. I love those old Ford Mustang motors, and much like the famous dogs that Paslov tested, I, myself, do have a bit of problem salivating when I hear the roar of a classic car motor.

3. If your idea of a vacation is chasing down cars in barns in remote areas Can’t resist the temptation to go all over the countryside to view the rotting old classic car muscle just wasting a way in barns? You got it bad, eh? I do too, and to be able to find one of those nuggets in countryside of America only proves I am a junkie, literally!

4. If your Home Has More Miles On It Than Your Classic Car

Hey nothing against mobile homes, but it is funny when you see a dude with $100K plus classics hanging around a garage and then look to find he is living in a trailer or an RV like cousin Eddie on the movie “Christmas Vacation.”

5. If Fewer Than Half Your Cars Actually Run.. and a Majority are Older than Dirt

Hey, I am like you. I sometime bite off more than I really can chew. If your back yard (or even front yard if you are really red neck), looks like a classic car junkyard, then you may want to consider the fact that you are addicted to classic cars. You mean to restore them all, but your grass is telling you another story!

Think long and hard about your “addiction.” It might not be as bad as it seems. You can always “get on the horn” and show up with your friends at the local BBQ for a fine meal and create memories that will last.

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by Aidan Busbee

The flagship of Acura’s impressive line-up is available today at Acura of Tempe! The Acura RL with all of it luxury characteristics proves again and again why this sedan truly is the flagship of the Acura line up! It packs some of the most advanced technology as well as some of the most advanced safety features into a roomy and comfortable vehicle that really pleases the eyes!

Somewhat of an oddity among other luxury sedans, the Acura RL is actually considered a midsize car. But even with this classification, the RL still provides drivers and passengers with a comfortable and spacious ride! Additionally, the RL provides buyers with a nice surprise as it is reasonably affordable!

While the Acura RL does not offer the V8 option popular amongst other luxury sedans, it DOES offer 290 hp. And it offers 290 hp with a lighter V6 that increases the fuel economy of the vehicle on the road!

This particular aspect of the Acura RL’s design is popular as gas prices continue to cause pain at the pump. The RL’s V6 makes the vehicle as fuel efficient as possible. It’s actually one of the most fuel efficient luxury sedans available with up to 24 mpg.

And while the RL was not designed to be a “luxo-barge,” the RL is equipped very nicely with some of the most advance technological accessories available such as; Bluetooth, Bose sound system, XM radio, noise cancellation, dual zone climate control, multi-information display, trip computer, leather, cruise, steering wheel mounted controls and more.

The RL like every vehicle in Acura’s line finds itself bursting with advanced technology and features, but even with these features the RL remains user-friendly! Learn more about the RL’s features at Acura of Tempe online at www.AcuraDealerTempe.com.

In addition to being well equipped with accessories, the Acura RL is well equipped with some of the most advanced safety features available. Acura meets and exceeds all safety requirements to provide piece of mind for all those who occupy it. Whether it is an individual or a family, all who use the RL can feel confident in its protection. Among the RL safety features you’ll find vehicle stability assist, anti-lock brake system and electronic brake distribution, advanced compatibility engineering and more.

Acura also chose the RL to introduce the Super Handling-All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). The RL is the first from Acura to offer the feature. With SH-AWD you get the capability to continuously distribute varying levels of power to the 4 wheels of the vehicle enhancing handling and lowering the probability of problems in wet weather due to providing better traction.

Acura’s RL started off by establishing itself in the forefront of the Acura line up. It moved on to establishing itself as a fore runner in the luxury sedan category. The next step is establishing itself as the best car on the road by exceeding expectations across “class” lines! Find out more about the Acura RL online at wee.AcuraDealerTempe.com.

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by Brad Seabourne

A network of orbiting geosynchronous satellites enable a GPS tracking system to pinpoint the location of a range of objects and people, with accuracy to within a few feet. As with many technological developments, GPS tracking was first used by the military to find targets and to navigate. Recently, the cost of GPS systems has decreased significantly, and the military has suspended degradations to the signals, thereby making GPS tracking systems available for civilians to utilize.

GPS systems are an asset to any company that makes deliveries. You can monitor your fleet, give drivers directions, and give the consumer an accurate ETA. They can even find that fastest delivery routes for drivers. For a lot of delivery companies, it is hard to imagine how they succeeded without GPS systems in the past.

A potential down-side to increasing use of these devices is the invasion of privacy some see these devices as presenting. Already, commercial drivers have their daily trips catalogued and analyzed. Similarly GPS tracking device technology has already been shown to be effective at allowing the tracking of individuals as these devices have been implemented in espionage for years.

GPS has also made significant inroads into the consumer market, allowing individuals to use GPS to lay out waypoints for hikes, set locations for camping or fishing, and allow individuals to navigate in unfamiliar territory. A new form of recreation called “geocaching” has also developed, involving a hide-and-seek game involving a container and a set of latitude and longitude coordinates.

GPS tracking systems have also allowed the development of a new automotive add-on, the in dash GPS receiver allowing consumers to request a location and have the device display or speak directions to the driver, making the paper map obsolete. These devices are already increasing in complexity and adding new features including hotel and restaurant information.

The use of GPS for various purposes will likely increase as the cost of devices continues to decrease. GPS technology is very flexible and can serve as a replacement for current technologies such as paper maps, and may play a role in future advances. Perhaps in the future GPS tracking will allow us to know the location of all of our possessions at all time, making theft and loss a thing of the past.

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by Rebecca Worthlin

Honda Cars of Mesa has done its job in the Valley. They’ve called the Valley home for over 30 years. Car buyers have come and gone and come again to deal with the great product paired with great service that Honda Cars of Mesa became known for.

You could say that Honda Cars of Mesa grew up with the Valley and just as the Valley has expanded its boundaries Honda Cars of Mesa has expanded to service a larger area of the Valley’s consumers.

The expansion means a new location and a new name. Honda Cars of Mesa became San Tan Honda Superstore of Chandler.

They are now located in the San Tan portion of the Loop 202 and Gilbert Road in Chandler.

The new dealership is a shocking 14 acres with loads of new bonuses to offer their customers: an inspirational showroom in a 105,000 square foot building, 44 service bays and a separate express service area to expedite service when necessary, on site courtesy shuttle service and rental car availability, and extended hours of operation. When Honda Cars of Mesa makes a change they don’t mess around.

Some might see the changes as Honda Cars of Mesa ditching the community upon which its success was built, but they aren’t in any way leaving their old service areas out in the cold. The company’s service centers located in Mesa and Gilbert (as well as a Collision Center located in Mesa) will all continue servicing their areas.

They’ve been given new names to indicate the positive change: San Tan Import Service of Mesa, San Tan Import Service of Gilbert and San Tan Collision Center of Mesa. These three will benefit from their relationship to the new dealership in Chandler as they continue to service the Mesa and Gilbert areas.

Employees are excited about the change mentioning the showroom as “a great way to show potential car buyers what Hondas have to offer” and “the massive amount of cars [making] it easy to find a car for anyone who comes by the dealership.” San Tan Honda Superstore of Chandler is making everyone happy it seems: the dealership management, the employees, and the customers.

Not to mention that the new dealership is now officially the largest Honda dealership in the state of Arizona. As the largest Honda dealership in Arizona, San Tan Honda Superstore of Chandler is definitely the most effective way to purchase a new Honda. There’s no argument there. And with its history of quality service throughout the 31 years spent as Honda Cars of Mesa…you really can’t say they don’t have all the bases covered.

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by Susan Tanner

In California, keeping your car licensed and on the road can hurt your wallet, but you can reduce some of that pain by saving money on your car’s insurance. The key to reducing your insurance costs is to secure a less expensive quote from an insurance supplier, of course. Here are some tips that could help you learn How to get cheap car insurance.

While it may seem a bit simplistic, the easiest and most important way to ensure that one is getting best deal possible on car insurance is to comparison shop before making the policy purchase. Some people simply renew their insurance every six months without shopping around to see if a better deal is possible. Some simply call the first insurer for which they see an advertisement. Careful research of the available options really can help to find a cheaper car insurance quote.

Once you get the cheapest rate, you should also make sure it’s from a legitimate source, too. If you can’t get reliable references from friends, family members or co-workers, check the Internet for reviews and experiences, and contact your local business bureau to ensure that you’re dealing with a reputable outfit.

Be organized. Write down your information (the make, model, and year of your car; your address; a brief summary of the accidents or tickets you’ve had in the past 10 years; and any special safety features that your car has on it) in an easy-to-read format, and have it with you while researching policies or speaking with insurance agents. Doing this right from the start will help you to make sure that you don’t forget anything.

While it’s certainly true that you’ll know some of this information (such as your address) off the top of your head, it’s still a good idea to have it all written down and in front of you when speaking with a variety of insurance agents, so that you don’t forget anything; the information can act as a checklist of things to be sure to mention when on the phone or meeting with an agent. Giving the same information to each agent will help to ensure that you get truly comparable quotes.

Also, insurers sometimes offer special deals to drivers who make certain allowances. For example, you may be able to reduce your policy cost substantially, by only driving on weekdays, since the majority of accidents happen on the weekends. It’s important to remember to ask each agent with whom you speak if such deals are available.

If you have a towing service available to you from another source, such as an auto club or an incentive program from your car’s dealership, remember to tell the agent to delete tow coverage as well. This can also reduce your cost of coverage by quite a lot. Ditto for glass, or collision. If you don’t have to have it, eliminate it - and get rid of the excess price!

While telephone research is fine at the initial stage, it is vital to obtain, from each agent with whom you’re considering doing business, a written quote. You don’t want to select an insurer based on their cheap car insurance quote, only to find, when it comes time to pay the bill, that the price has unexpectedly skyrocketed. Also, each quote’s fine print should be read through carefully - terms that, before you bought the policy, didn’t seem important, may turn out to be crucial when you have an accident.

These tips will assist you in obtaining a better and more cost-effective car insurance quote. During this rough economic period, saving on your car insurance can help substantially when it comes to being able to afford the essentials of life. And, if you save enough on your auto insurance policy, you might even be able to afford the gasoline to actually drive your car!

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by Ricardo d Argence

Do you need to purchase an air intake? As there are many types and styles available, you should learn how they function so that you can choose the best system for your application. Among the most popular styles of air intake charge kits are the Short Ram, Long Ram Cold, and the Ram. If you want to know more about how these systems work, then keep reading.

Short Ram Systems are similar to the long ram counterparts, but with much shorter tubing than cold air intake systems. Typically, they are not equal in efficiency if compared to the long ram cold air intake system since they pull in less dense and warmer air which is closer to the engine. Significantly though, they still out-perform most types of stock air intake systems.

Long Ram Cold Systems produce greater gas mileage and horsepower by increasing volumetric efficiency in a vehicle’s cylinders. Efficiency is increased by removing stock air boxes that are confined by replacing them with a smoother flowing mandrel bent tubing. The greater the speed of the air flow to the engine also determines the amount of air available.

The engine air that goes into the air becomes cooler and denser with this kind of intake. The factor causing it is the air which is far from the engine and is not over heated but still is pulled into the intake. Intake is also increased by the efficiency to the filters of allowing more air.

Ram Systems uses outside air then forces induction into your vehicle’s engine. A vehicle with a “scoop” in its hood is often evidence of the presence of a ram air intake. The air gushes into the intake all the way through the tubing connected in the scoop. The speed of air that comes from the intake grows as the speed of the vehicle increases.

Horsepower is created when this system boosts during high speed and creats good, dense, cold and high velocity air for your engine. By forcing the induction, the long ram systems are able to capitalize the market. In order to reach the high speed air that comes through the car’s front bumper, you will need to put the air filter low.

Here are two recommendations to differentiate between the numerous brands as well as designs in addition to further information about the highest quality air intake system:

1. When determining which air intake system to buy consider the dyno proven results. Next, you will be presented with an example of its proper use with your vehicle.

2. Many believe the common misconception that bigger is always better when dealing with air intake systems, but do not play the fool and fall for this. Circumstances determine the truth of this.

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by Brad Seabourne

When it comes to all the various auto options you can add to your vehicle, there aren’t many that offer the ease and advantages of car keyless entry systems, car alarms and remote car starters. They are not merely simple devices to use, they also provide a significant degree of protection too.

Auto security alarm systems may make the difference between a stolen car and a scared thief. A thief may think twice if he sees any sign of an alarm system. If the thief does end up attempting to break into your car, a blaring alarm will usually do the trick to scare the thief away.

Insurance policies generally cover theft of a car, but if it can be avoided, certainly one would want to take advantage. Using an alarm system in your car can provide you with some peace of mind, less headaches, and possibly some extra money in your pocket from not having to pay a deductible.

Insurers frequently take a fixed amount from one of the well-known value books and then apply that to your automobile regardless of its condition. But when you’ve used your vehicle for many years, it depreciates. If someone steals it, you might not be able to purchase a car that’s as desirable as the one you lost.

Auto security alarm systems may save your money even if your car never gets stolen, because of the way car insurance companies set their prices for coverage. Certain factors, such as air bags and other auto safety features, mean you pay lower insurance premiums. The same is true with auto security alarm systems. Since you are at less risk of having your car stolen, you will not pay as much for your insurance.

Safety features vary depending on the type of auto security system that one has in their car. And while a remote car starter may not offer all that other auto security systems provide, a remote car starter offers features for the user that others do not, including convenience. Forget about freezing your buns off waiting for the car to heat up, do it from inside the house.

Convenience is certainly something that car keyless entry systems offers to those that have them on their car, but they also allow a car owner a greater sense of safety that their car can and will be protected while leaving behind worries about possibly forgetting the keys in the car.

Adding a few upgrades to your car is easy with all the available options today that make your life simpler, safer, and less expensive. Save yourself a headache or two in addition to the lower cost insurance with auto security alarm systems, and make your life more convenient with keyless entry systems or a remote car starter.

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by Michelle Riley

Though you may already have passed the written test and racked up a few hours of behind-the-wheel experience, the last hurdle still remains: your road exam. It’s said that half of all drivers taking the test for the first time fail - but why leave it to chance? Keep reading for the time-tested advice and tricks that will bolster your odds of leaving the DMV with a shiny new drivers license and a big smile on test day.

These are the ingredients for success:

- Practice

- A working knowledge of your state’s traffic laws

- Knowing you can do it!

Confidence comes with practice, so give yourself time to get the hang of driving. Once you’re comfortable in the drivers seat and things like turning, parking, and yielding have become second nature to you, you’re mostly there.

In the days leading up to your test, check the signals and lights of the car you plan to drive to ensure everything is in proper working order - so they’ll let you even take the examination. If it’s not the same vehicle you did most of your practice in, take it out for a few spins until you’re absolutely comfortable driving it, since each car maneuvers a little differently.

If you have picked up any “special” habits over the course of your driving experience, lose them! Beware of lazy or sharp turns, one-handed driving, not stopping completely for stop signs/red lights, etc. Of course safety comes first on the road, but especially so on exam day. Your examiner will be watching you, so drive carefully and keep these guidelines in mind:

- Drive slightly under the speed limit (gives you more time to react to instructions)

- Accelerate and brake slowly

- Watch for and always obey all signs

- Signal all turns & lane changes at the right time

- Check your side and rear view mirrors regularly (much more than normal, even if you feel silly)

- When changing lanes, always turn and check your blind spot (very important!)

- Follow at a safe distance

- Never answer your cell phone while driving!

These are the main things that your examiner will be watching for, so take your road test with the objective of showing him/her what a safe, vigilant driver you are. Even if you make a small mistake or two - which you probably will, and most everyone does - don’t let it faze you.

Here’s another trick: it might help to pretend that the examiner is a (strict, overly demanding.. middle-aged? balding?) friend who’s giving you directions to a party. Whatever works! If, despite everything, you find you’re second-guessing yourself on test day and wish you’d practiced more, just trust yourself and know that your skills will stand up against the nerves. Good luck - freedom awaits!

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