In a perfect world, all roads would be dry and untrafficked. But in the real world, drivers face a wide variety of weather conditions, and when snow is added to the mix, the potential for automotive disaster can increase exponentially.
Whether you venture to the ski slopes once in a blue moon or spend six months of every year in snowy climes, we’ve assembled a few crucial points to remember while braving snow-covered roads. Follow these tips, and you might even look forward to cold weather driving!
Slow, Turn, Go!
Fabulous Freddys
Auto technicians say the key to keeping vehicles running well-today and down the road-is routine maintenance. Yet many drivers tend to stall when it comes to keeping up with some everyday auto-basics.
A recent survey by the Car Care Council found:
The inspections include volunteers checking fluid levels, tires, lights and other system components. After the inspections are complete, volunteers and motorists review any problems that may have been found and motorists receive information about proper vehicle maintenance and repair.
The inspections are usually held in parking lots at shopping malls, schools and businesses and they’re generally sponsored by area repair facilities and auto-shops, as well as other businesses, civic groups and radio stations.
Fabulous Freddys
Worn out tires and windshield wiper blades are symptoms of neglected vehicle maintenance that put drivers and passengers at serious risk during the typically rainy months of spring.
Thin tire treads create hazardous driving conditions when water builds up on the roadway, according to the Car Care Council. Deep tread accommodates accumulated water; thin tread does not. Thin tread causes the tire to hydroplane – ride up on a film of water, losing contact with the pavement, similar to driving on ice.
The simplest way to check tire tread depth is with a penny. Insert the penny into the grooves of the tread. If you are able to see all of Lincoln’s head, the tire needs replacement.
Fabulous Freddys
Results of vehicle inspections held at community car care events across the country during Car Care Months in April and October 2011 reveal that 84 percent of vehicles need service or parts, the highest percentage in five years, according to the Car Care Council. The unsatisfactory condition of vehicles reflects the current economic climate and reinforces the continued need for consumer education about the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair.
“During an uncertain economy, some motorists think they will save money by putting off needed vehicle maintenance,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “What they don’t realize is that neglecting routine maintenance can end up costing a lot more in the long run. These results demonstrate the importance of consumer education as the lack of proper vehicle maintenance can greatly impact highway safety, air quality, cost operation, and vehicle performance and dependability.”
An analysis of vehicle inspection forms, submitted by volunteers who conducted a record number of car care events in 2011, found the top problem areas to be engine oil and fluids, air filters, battery cables, lights, belts and hoses. Nearly one out of 10 vehicles had the check engine light on and new air filters were needed in 19 percent of the vehicles. At least one belt was reported as unsatisfactory in 20 percent of the vehicles inspected, and 15 percent required at least one new hose. Battery cables, clamps and terminals needed maintenance in 17 percent of the vehicles inspected, while 10 percent of the batteries were not properly held down.
Fabulous Freddys
National Car Care Month in April is the time of year to give your car some extra attention. Basic car care is the key to a long-lasting vehicle, improving its safety and dependability, says the Car Care Council.
“Neglected vehicle care almost always means much higher costs down the line in the form of more extensive repairs or lost resale value,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “Following a routine maintenance program makes financial sense, extending useful vehicle life and helping avoid costly repairs down the road.”
The Car Care Council recommends 10 basic maintenance procedures to keep your car operating at its best for the long haul:
Fabulous Freddys
The Car Care Council suggests five easy ways to turn your car into a mean, green driving machine – for your wallet and the environment.
“Driving technique and proper vehicle maintenance can go a long way toward protecting the environment and conserving fuel. These five simple steps will help minimize the amount of pollutants from your vehicle and keep more ‘green’ in your wallet through better fuel economy,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “Vehicle owners who do their own maintenance should remember to recycle or properly dispose of fluids and other vehicle components, including used motor oil, tires and batteries.”
More information about environmental awareness is included in the popular digital Car Care Guide that can be easily accessed through the council’s newly-updated website at www.carcare.org.
Fabulous Freddys
Keeping your car clean will significantly help preserve its overall value, according to the Car Care Council.
“Simply cleaning your vehicle not only fosters a sense of pride and accomplishment, but it also protects your valuable vehicle investment,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “It’s a task that takes very little money or effort, but has huge returns.”
Polishing your vehicle once every six months and washing it once a week prevents the buildup of damaging chemicals and dirt that may harm the vehicle’s finish. In addition to regular care, it is important to look for any dents, dings, scratches or cracked glass. These problems, when left unattended, can lead to more expensive repairs down the line. Frequent washing and polishing is also the best way to protect your car’s finish from the damaging effects of harsh ultraviolet rays and acid rain.
Fabulous Freddys
When it’s hot outside, one of the last places you want to be is sitting in traffic without a properly functioning air conditioning (A/C) system. To help avoid this uncomfortable situation, the Car Care Council recommends having your A/C system checked annually to make sure it is functioning at its peak performance level when the temperatures are soaring.
“Making sure your A/C system is working properly will give you the peace of mind knowing that your vehicle will keep you cool and safe when you hit the road this summer,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “Not only are high temperatures harmful to the body with prolonged exposure, but they can provide unnecessary wear and tear on a vehicle.”
A vehicle’s heating, ventilating and air conditioning system (HVAC) keeps the interior cabin comfortable in any season by providing the right temperature and humidity level. Typical A/C service consists of the following steps:
Fabulous Freddys
This summer, many motorists will pack their cars and head out on a driving trip. But before even pulling out of the driveway, the Car Care Council recommends that motorists start their journey at its website, www.carcare.org.
“The Car Care Council’s website contains a wealth of car care information to help motorists address any needed maintenance or repairs before hitting the road so there are no surprises or unexpected expenses while traveling,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “Staying on top of a vehicle’s service needs will not only save money at the pump, but will also help avoid the costly repairs and inconvenience of breaking down at the side of the road.”
Fabulous Freddys
Summer’s extreme temperatures can destroy a vehicle’s battery. The Car Care Council advises vehicle owners to have their cars’ batteries tested periodically and replaced, if necessary, to avoid being stranded.
Excessive heat and overcharging shortens the life of a battery. Heat causes battery fluid to evaporate, which then damages the internal structure of the battery. A malfunctioning component in the charging system, usually the voltage regulator, allows too high a charging rate, which will eventually destroy a battery.
“When most motorists think of dead batteries that cause starting failure, they think of severe winter weather, but summer heat is the real culprit,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “Many battery problems start long before the temperatures drop. A few simple steps now can help you avoid the cost and inconvenience of a breakdown later.”
Fabulous Freddys
Spokesman who assaulted leftwing politicians evades arrest as protesters pour on to streets to denounce fascism
Fabulous Freddys
Scenes of burned-out houses and charred human remains in village where up to 78 people were reportedly killed in cold blood
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Freedom slowly returns to capital after Amisom troops beat back Islamist fighters
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President calls the suggestion that leaks originated from his staff 'offensive', while John McCain and others cry foul
Fabulous Freddys
Family members questioned circumstances of Li Wangyang's reported suicide in hospital, reports human rights group
Fabulous Freddys
Prosecutors, academics and regional parliaments begin to uncover rampant corruption at Spain's savings banks or cajas
Fabulous Freddys
A poll reveals that public confidence in the ability of the court to judge on the merits of the law in this and other cases is low
Fabulous Freddys
An alleged outline of fees apparently charged by Televisa for raising Peña Nieto's profile when governor of the state of Mexico
Fabulous Freddys
The following document contains alleged payment arrangements suggesting the office of former president Vicente Fox tried to conceal heavy spending on media promotion
Fabulous Freddys
This PowerPoint presentation (in Spanish) allegedly shows a television and media plot to discredit and distract attention from López Obrador's campaign
Fabulous Freddys
I must admit that I thought that all Black Bears were actually black – what a concept! Obviously I was wrong as proven by this cinnamon colored “black” bear. I was coming arou...
Fabulous Freddys
This good looking gentleman (males have the larger horns) was sitting on a hillside just above the road in the Lamar Valley of Northeast Yellowstone. I caught a glimpse of him as I was driving by...
Fabulous Freddys
THE world's tiniest homage to the Olympic Games was unveiled British scientists - a five-ringed molecule 100,000 times smaller than the width of a human hair.
Read more on news.com.au.
Computer malware described as "the most sophisticated cyberweapon yet unleashed" has been uncovered in computers in the Middle East and may have infected machines in Europe, according to reports from antivirus researchers and software makers in Russia, Hungary and Ireland.
Read more on The Wall Street Journal.
Sorry, but Chris is wrong, completely wrong: a Facebook phone is an appalling idea. The social network may be struggling to find its feet in mobile, and it may have money to burn, but that desperation doesn’t equal stupidity. Scale – being the place that all your friends and family are too – is its primary strength, and throwing that away on a naive grab in a new industry does nothing to capitalize on that.
Read more on SlashGear.
A veritable royal flush of Republicans will be in Las Vegas on Tuesday when presumptive presidential nominee Mitt Romney journeys to Nevada for a pair of private events, one at a local furniture manufacturer, the second at Donald Trump’s opulent International Hotel and Tower for a fundraiser where tickets will fetch $2,500 to $10,000. Gleeful journalists pined for news that Mr. Romney would distance himself from Mr. Trump after the real estate kingpin recently reignited the “birther” issue surrounding President Obama’s origins.
Read more on The Washington Times.
Voters in 32 states may be in for a rude awakening when they arrive at the polls on Election Day 2012, in the form of an ostensibly innocent question: "May I see your ID?" You've heard it before, of course, but the query could decide the next election.
Read more on HowStuffWorks.
EVERYONE knows it’s dangerous to ingest gasoline or to inhale its fumes. But I am starting to believe that merely thinking about the price of gasoline can damage cognitive processing. Thus I may be risking some of my precious few remaining brain cells by writing about that topic.
Read more on The New York Times.
Critics of any president -- whether the target is George W. Bush, Barack Obama or any of the 42 men who preceded them -- are quick to blame him for things that are totally beyond his control. (Of course, the president and his supporters are equally quick to take credit for things that are beyond his control, but that's another story.) The price of gasoline is a perfect example. When George W. Bush was in office, Democrats blamed him for allowing gas prices to rise from $1.45 a gallon on his inauguration day to $4.05 a gallon by June 2008 [source: Thaler]. And now that Barack Obama is in the hot seat, Republicans are blaming his economic and energy policies for a similar price increase at the pump.
Read more on HowStuffWorks.
The most important task of any auto detailing equipment is to clean the engine components of the vehicle, as the parts that power the engine are the most vital parts of the vehicle. A vehicle is no good if its engine does not function well. Dirt and dust present on the engine can hinder the performance of the vehicle.
Read more on Auto Detailing Equipment.
Across the country, planetary scientists and students are planning for an upcoming bake sale and car wash on June 9, 2012. The event is in response to the 21% proposed budget cuts to planetary exploration, and while the volunteer bakers and washers will take donations, the main idea is to get the word out to the general public about the proposed budget slashing, and to ask people to send letters to their representatives. “Take Social Action and Participate,” says the event website. “Help Protect the NASA Planetary Budget from Cuts!”
Read more on Universe Today.
Quality of the automotive products determines the standard of the automotive company. Automotive company can regulate their competition in the market only on the basis of the products, they supply. The company makes huge investment in the research and development, engineering standards and design capabilities. To create outstanding status in native market and to improve the international presence of the product, automotive manufacturers involve latest trends in their work route.
Long-term performance, dimensional accuracy, chemical and thermal resistance, exceptional textures are some of the features which describe the worth of the automotive products. The automotive industry are constantly involve in the effort of making flexible approach toward work and are also conscious toward the changing trends in the automotive industry. This industry oriented approach and the aptitude to innovate as per commercial trends has played keen role in determining the quality. Apart from all such inventive approach the automotive industry also deals with many comprehensive service programs and consulting.
Measures of international quality standard, severely contribute in supplying a flawless range of the automotive parts. Elements which are to be owed by automotive parts of high demands are as follows:
*High resistance from corrosion: Corrosion may break down the working capacity of the products. Accordingly, automotive products must be buildup of such materials which are highly resistance from the corrosion.
*Accurate dimension: Set the dimensions for the design of the automotive. Accurate dimension assist in the proper flow of performance of the automotive. Accuracy in the designing aspect contributes the automotive manufacturers in handling and managing the functions.
*Resistance from wear and tear: Automotive parts like M.S. bush, M.S. pin, U-bolts and Jack rods need to hold the quality of being resistive from wearing away. Lubricants remove the wear and tear in the automotive and hereafter eliminate the contract friction that ultimately upturns the machine\'s lifetime.
*Durable: Automotive products like M.S. bush, M.S. pin, U-bolts, Jack rods and many other threaded components need to attain the stability element. The strength and durability of the products results in maintaining and enhancing the working capacity.
*Convenient installation: The automotive manufacturer offers a complete and comprehensive line of product installation. Solutions for convenient fitting enrich the reliability of the company.
The automotive manufacturer needs to raise hard efforts toward customer oriented approach. Providing satisfaction to the customers by incorporating all the specification, helps to uphold the approach of customer oriented. The continuous introduction of innovative and upgrade technology while manufacturing M.S. bush, M.S. pin, U-bolts, Jack rods and other threaded components, have ascertained as a profitable investment for certifying class and performance of the automotive. The manufacturer needs to provide safe and on time delivery to the world wide clients.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/automotive-products-quality-which-drive-their-demand-4768347.html
About the AuthorAARKAY Automotives produce consistent effort for bringing flexibility in the working route. Automotive products like M.S. bush, M.S. pin, U-bolts and Jack rods are manufactured by this automotive industry keeping in consideration all the recent tendencies and requirements of the customers in the commercial market.
International vehicle transports service providers offer facilities for shipping you vehicle across to the new country. These vehicle transport companies have the legal authority, the right infrastructure and a wide network to carry out their operations. One can ship any kind of vehicle, such as cars, motorcycles, trailers, trucks, mobile homes, RV\'s, and even helicopters and aircraft. Sometimes they need to transport heavy equipments such as wheeled machinery and tractor/trailer rigs too. The vehicle shipping rates will of course vary with different companies and so will their reputation and experience.
The domestic vehicle shipping company works in partnership with reliable overseas shippers, offering the same professional care and services for the vehicle transportation to another country. These companies see to it that the most convenient shipping routes and efficient methods of transportation are used so as to ensure top quality of services at affordable costs. Therefore when looking for international vehicle transport, always look for a reliable and experience company that can ship your car to the new country safely and with minimum costs. Of course the vehicle shipping rates will depend on the distance to be covered, the kind of vehicle and any special handling required. These companies handle vehicle shipping in the most appropriate manner and it depends on the unique circumstances involved in each individual shipment.
The vehicle transport companies are well experienced in handling the documentation for export or inbound customs clearance. Before one ships the vehicle internationally, the customer ahs to provide the entire commercial invoices to the shipper and he must sign the export instructions. There are actually a network of partner companies working all over the world to look after the dispatch and delivery of the vehicles. Shipping the vehicles internationally can be a complex job as every country has a set of different laws imposed on this type of vehicle transportation.
Customers should bear n mind that cargo shipments are subject to duty in all countries. These laws can affect the various aspects of international vehicle shipping. As a customer, you should be prepared to pay the required duty accurately and offer all the receipts for any purchases made in foreign countries. The cargo owner bears all the importation and destination charges and they should have all the details from the government via the consulate from which they are receiving cargo or sending cargo to.
The international vehicle transport company always offers the best information possible to the customer. But the onus lies on the customer to seek a reliable and trustworthy company and see that all papers and documentation is in place. Compare the vehicle shipping rates from different companies and go for the one offering you best services at lower costs. If your car or vehicle is in the hands of a reliable vehicle transportation company, then you can rest assured that the vehicle shipping to the new country will take place without any hassles. There are plenty of international vehicle transport companies to pick from, so make your choices wisely.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/about-international-vehicle-transport-5939597.html
About the AuthorAt National Transport LLC, all of our customer support agents are highly trained professionals with a wealth of knowledge about the vehicle transport industry. You\'ll find when you contact us that using our vehicle transport services are as easy as 1-2-3 thanks to the good answers you\'ll receive. Click here to find out more…
Last October the Northeast saw a rare snow storm which left 3 million without power and 11 dead. Now, again in the late spring, the Northeast is hit with another snow storm a month after winter has officially ended leaving 75000 without power. Read more about it on MSNBC.
Spring nor’easter cuts power to 75,000, hits town with 10 inches of snow
Fabulous Freddy,
Do you think it's wise to promote the elderly driving longer? Since the average age
a human lives these days has increased to around 80 years old, this obviously is becoming one of the many questions we have to answer today. This is a great idea though I would prefer to see more forms of automated transportation and just take human judgement out of the equation all together. What do you think? I look forward to hearing your comments. In the meantime you can read more about this amazing technology on MSN. Follow the link below to read more.
New navigation system will help Granny stay in her lane
Fabulous Freddy,
Residents of luxury condo buildings in South Florida can now enjoy a first class alternative to a traditional car wash - ProWash Car Cleaning Services will clean cars with Freedom Waterless Car Wash products from midnight to 6 am. There are 4000 multi-million dollar condos that line the beach in South Florida and most of them do not have hosepipe access to clean their cars. Now ProWash, a new car cleaning service, will allow condo residents to have a clean car wash without leaving their parking stall.
Press release:
TO: South Florida Property Managers
Making Residents Happy:
Enjoy a Luxury Hand Car Wash in The Condo
Residents of luxury condo buildings in South Florida can now enjoy a first class alternative to a traditional car wash -
ProWash Car Cleaning Service.. This convenient eco-friendly hand car wash service enables condo residents to
keep their vehicles clean and shiny while protecting the environment and conserving water.
Condo residents can now eliminate the hassle of driving to the car wash, sitting in line, wasting gas, water, time and money. ProWash is economical, convenient and environmentally safe. Many residents claim our auto cleaning service to be among their most valuable 'quality of life' amenity.
Hand Car Wash and shine is an extremely valuable service for the residents. Who wants to drive around town in a dirty Bentley or Mercedes? That\'s not any fun. And the thin, dark layer of soot that a car gathers when sitting in the garage for a few days can be damaging to the cars expensive appearance. .
Conveniently located in the condo garage: Residents simply call ahead to schedule a wash and their car will be cleaned in their exact parking spot (no keys needed) between the hours of midnight and 6am. Our service is clean, quiet, and insured. We use almost no water and leave no mess in the garage. Our service is convenient for residents, makes them happy, and adds no expense or effort on the part of the Condo staff and management.
Highlights of the ProWash Service:
• First wash free for all residents.
• High performance products provide a beautiful wash and shine
• Environmentally safe and eco friendly. 99biodegradable.
• We provide our service from midnight until 6am. in the residents parking space.
• Exterior wash and tire shine, we don\'t need your keys.
• Simply call before midnight to schedule your wash
• Satisfaction guaranteed. Millions of cars washed.
• Free interior vacuum for all residents during the day
• ProWash is fully licensed and insured and professionally managed.
First wash is complimentary and free of charge; subsequent washes are reasonably priced at $16.00 for a spotless exterior wash, lustrous polish and glistening tire shine. During the day, we provide all residents with a free interior vacuum, ashtray cleaning and full menu of interior and exterior car cleaning services. No one cleans a car better than ProWash! It\'s convenient, economical and eco-friendly.
Professional, insured and well trained staff of ProWash will clean all cars with 'condo legal', high performance, bio degradable products, using less than one glass of water. ProWash poducts are provided exclusively by FreedomWaterless Car Wash, the world\'s largest eco-friendly car wash and detail product provider with 100\'s of centers in 100′s of countries, since 1999. Professional detailers using Freedom products have cleaned and polished millions of cars in every make and model, foreign and domestic, from Ford to Ferrari, Mercury to Maserati, without a single complaint.
To experience our high quality auto cleaning and detail service, let us wash your car: No charge!
For a complimentary demo in your condo, please contact:
Giancarlo Proietti, President at (786) 444 5379
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/business-ideas-articles/south-florida-luxury-hand-car-wash-operates-in-condos-4194932.html
About the AuthorFreedom Waterless Car Wash used to have a different name. After 9/11, we changed it to Freedom Waterless Car Wash for many reasons. This product is dedicated to the memory of the people who were lost in the attacks on America, September 11 2001. Freedom is also a tribute to the U.S. Armed Forces and those who protect our land and our interests abroad. These brave men and women stand guard protecting us every day and every night, so we can live free. Freedom is not FREE, it is priceless! The name Freedom is also a testament to the opportunities afforded to us in America. We are free to pursue virtually anything we want. Almost anything can be accomplished if you work hard and work smartly. Here\'s to the men and women who work hard to make our country what it is today, and for the future of our children lives. Thank you for all you do, god bless and have a great day.
The owners of the web site touchless.com, Westlake Touchless Car Wash, have announced they will be giving their web site a makeover. Read all about it on SFGate.com.
In New York, car wash kingpin is accused of cheating employees out of wages. Read more on New York Daily News
.Did you know that the first automatic car washes were in operation as long ago as the 1930s? Read more on Wikipedia.
Did you know that "Car Wash" was a single by Rose Royce for MCA Records? Read more on Wikipedia.
