AUTO XTREME CAR

Japanese automaker, Toyota, is famous for producing ultra reliable family sedans but every few years Toyota tries its hand on sports cars as well. As a result of which the world has witnessed and tested some of the most efficient, economical and reliable sports cars like Celica, Supra and MR2. Unfortunately, Toyota produced these models for shorter duration and in limited quantities as the company itself wants to focus more on mass produced family and every day use cars. Regardless of the profit that Toyota's sports cars bring, they do prove to the world that high performance, fun to drive cars don't have to break down every few hundred miles and they can be made reliable.

MR2 was one such masterpiece; it was launched with Ferrari and Porsche like styling, but with typical Toyota like reliability. MR2 was produced from 1984 till 2007, Toyota launched only three generations during this time frame. Each generation was massively different from the next, first and second generations seemed inspired from Ferrari 308 design whereas third generation looked like nimble Porsche Boxter. However throughout its production MR2 remained a rear wheel drive, two-seater. First generation MR2, W10, was built from 1984 till 1989. It was launched with 1.5, 1.6 litre basic petrol and 1.6 litre supercharged petrol engine. Toyota introduced options for five speed manual or 4 speed automatic transmission in first generation MR2.

Second generation MR2, W20, was produced from 1989 till 1999, it was launched with the T-top along with traditional coupe body style. Toyota increased engine sizes and launched 2.0, 2.2 litre basic petrol engines along with a 2.0 litre turbo charged one. Similar, to its preceding generation, four speed auto and five speed manual gearbox options were offered in this generation as well. Third generation MR2, W30, was produced from1999 till 2007 as a convertible with only one, 1.8 litre petrol engine option. Toyota however introduced options for five and six speed manual gearboxes along with a six speed sequential (manual) gearbox.

Some Famous Toyota MR2 Engines Used Are As Follows:

4AGE Engine; this 1.6 litre petrol, 16 valve, DOHC EFI engine was used from 1984 till 1989. Its supercharged imported version was also used in MR2 during same time frame.

3SFE Engine; this 2.0 litre petrol engine with 16 valves was produced from 1989 till 1994. It employed Injection based Single Cam technology. Toyota produced another variant of this engine with DOHC EFI technology from 1989 till 2000.

Kadrey Richard is an expert in Toyota MR2 Engine. If you are interested in learning more about quality Toyota MR2 Engines, please contact us by visiting our main Toyota site: Toyota Engine or by calling us at 442085960396

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To maintain the reliability of your wheel loader, it is vital to properly service its diesel engine. The engine gives the loader the power it needs to perform its tasks efficiently so it is important to keep it running in excellent condition. However, unexpected circumstances may occur when the engine does not perform as expected. In these situations, it will be helpful for you to know how to trouble-shoot the engine so you can safely resume operating the wheel loader. In this article, we discuss different situations where the engine is not working properly and provide guidelines on trouble-shooting the problem.

The engine is difficult to start

Difficulty in starting the engine has various possible causes. One cause may be that the engine fuel has become viscous and is not flowing smoothly. In this situation, check the fuel tank and filter. Remove water, dirt and other impurities that may be mixing with the fuel. Also check the diesel quality. Keep in mind to only use diesel fuel in diesel engines. Do not mix diesel fuel with other liquids.

Difficulty in starting the engine can also be due to air or water mixed in the fuel system. Air in the fuel filter or injection lines has a negative effect on the work of the fuel pump. To get an ideal pressure for the fuel injection, pay attention to loose fuel line connections and loose covers or nuts. Release the vent plug on the fuel filter and the vent screw in the fuel injection pump to drain all air from the fuel system.

Leaky valves and low compression can also cause difficulty in starting the engine. Make sure to lap in the corresponding valves. Inappropriate valve or excessive wear of rings, pistons and liners can cause low and insufficient pressure. If there is excessive wear and tear in these parts, replace them with new ones.

When you are unable to start the engine of your wheel loader, it is also possible that the battery is empty. In this situation, change the battery or make sure that the battery is always charged to full. During winter or in very cold weather, remove the battery from the wheel loader and keep it indoors. Install the battery only when you are about to use the loader.

The output of the engine is insufficient

When you notice that the engine is not functioning to its maximum output level, check your fuel supply. Insufficient fuel supply causes low engine output. Make sure that your diesel engine has fuel. Also check the fuel lines and fuel pump.

Insufficient output is also caused by overheating of moving parts. In this situation, check the lubrication oil system and the engine oil pressure. Also check if the lubricating oil filter is working properly. Poor lubrication can occur when the filter element is deposited with impurities. In this case, change the filter element.

A dirty air cleaner and wrong fuel injection timing can also cause insufficient output. Make sure to clean the air cleaner every 100 hours of operation and adjust injection timing exactly.

The engine suddenly stops

Insufficient fuel is a common cause when the engine suddenly stops. Check the fuel tank and refill the fuel if necessary. Also check the fuel system for air or leaks. A bad nozzle can also cause the engine to stop in the middle of operation. In this case, replace it with a new nozzle.

It is also important to keep proper lubrication of all moving parts to avoid overheating. Overheating can cause the engine to suddenly stop. Check the engine oil and the lubrication oil system. Also make sure to replace oil filter cartridge every two times of oil change.

When the engine has suddenly stopped, turn the engine lightly by pulling on the fan belt. If the engine turns easily, then the problem is usually just insufficient fuel or a bad nozzle.

Some final words

Instructions for trouble-shooting the engine of your wheel loader are usually detailed in the user manual so make sure to read it thoroughly. If you are experiencing persistent problems with the diesel engine, contact your wheel loader supplier to have it checked or serviced if necessary. Most suppliers will offer repair or replacement warranties for parts under specified terms and conditions.

To find the most appropriate wheel loader for your requirements, contact a trusted wheel loader manufacturer as they can give you the best advice on the type of wheel loader that will be a worthwhile investment for you.

This article was written by Tom Jerrat for Schaffer Loaders. Schaffer Loaders is the premier supplier of industrial quality German-built articulated, front end and wheel loaders in Australia. Visit schaffer-loaders.com.au for more information.

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Thousands of people are killed every year in the United States in automobile accidents. Vehicles are the one part in American's lives that are almost necessary. Since the invention of the automobile, it became simple to place businesses far away from homes, so now cars are usually required to get anywhere without walking for hours. Funnily enough, most people aren't scared of cars, but many are scared of air flight, even though there is a far greater chance of being killed in a car than on an airplane. Knowing the facts behind automobile crashes will surely change many people's minds on their likelihood of injury.

Motor vehicle crash data isn't available at the end of each year, as it takes time to compile all of the data. So each year, the most recent available data is from 2-3 years prior. This data does still give an idea of how many crashes, deaths, and injuries are occurring. For instance, between 1990 and 2009, motor vehicle accidents in America ranged from 10.2 million to 11.5 million. In 2009, there were 10.8 million motor vehicle accidents. This isn't the highest number on record, but it is the highest since 2004.

To fully understand the risk of death while driving as compared to other causes of death, it is important to look at the leading causes of death in America. Accidents are the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S. The number of accidental deaths is around 118,021, of which 34,485 of those are due to traffic accidents. This data comes from the Centers for Disease Control for 2009.

Luckily, not all vehicle crash statistics are gloomy. Though the number of car accidents is currently higher than in other years, the number of deaths attributed to car accidents is on a decline. In 1990, there were 44,600 people in a car wreck that died within a month due to the wreck. As of 2009, that number has dropped down to 33,800 deaths. A large contributor to this change in numbers is most likely the safety of modern day cars. Every year new safety features are added to motor vehicles, and thus, the number of deaths is on a steep decline and in 2009 was at its lowest since 2005.

Another promising number to consider is the number of deaths in relation to the number of people in an area, and in America as a whole. America's population has been rising, so many people may think this is the only reason car accidents have increased, but this is inaccurate. In 1990, there were 17.9 deaths per every 100,000 people in America. The population has increased, but in 2008, there were only 12.3 deaths per every 100,000 people. This shows that even with the increased number of people and drivers in America, the motor vehicle death rate has still declined.

Another interesting statistic to consider is the safest states to drive in. Broken down state by state, it is possible to see which states are raising the national average, and which are lowering it. In 2009, Massachusetts had the lowest number of fatalities when considered with how many 100 million miles were traveled by vehicles in the state, coming in at only 0.6 deaths. The state with the highest fatality rate was Montana, with a rate of 2 deaths per every 100 million miles driven.

A final important statistic to look at is what may cause accidents. About 6,000 people die yearly from accidents involving distracted driving. This includes texting while driving. Sending a single text takes most drivers' eyes off the road for the length of a football field. Refraining from texting and other distracting behaviors while driving can not only lower accident rates, but save lives. Hopefully, even if people continue to drive distracted, deaths will continue to drop.

Have you or someone you know been injured in a car accident? If so, contact the Maryland auto accident lawyers at Shapiro & Mack. It's important to find a Maryland personal injury attorney that can get you the compensation you deserve for your injury.

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Shortly after I began writing this post, an article popped up on my Google Alerts about another dealer group, accused of deceptive marketing by their state attorney general's office, having to pony up a six-figure settlement. Not surprising at all, I'm used to seeing these types of articles on a regular basis. Another day, another enforcement action against a car dealer.

In this case, the dealerships were accused of "having advertisements online and in print publications that misrepresented the actual prices of automobiles", "dealership employees asking consumers to sign incomplete documents with the understanding that they would be completed using the negotiated vehicle price, but later entering a higher price", and "allegedly charging consumers fees for unwanted or undisclosed warranties and services". According to the article, the auto group denied any wrongdoing but agreed to the settlement.

But I digress. The above story really isn't the point of this post, nor is it my intention to try to warn you of the legal dangers of non-compliance with the laws of the land. I, and my peers, write enough about that. Sure, I'm now a compliance consultant, but my ramblings here are based on the things I learned during my 20 plus years in automotive retail - and the realization that I probably had it all wrong.

This post is about Transparency. It's about the Big Picture. It's about opening your mind and stopping to think about the absurdity of old school tactics. Not from a legal or ethical mindset, but from a common-sense business perspective.

I realize that "Transparency" is the latest, and perhaps most over-used, buzzword in the car business. But please bear with me for a few moments while I pose a few questions. Hopefully, it will stimulate some "outside the box" thinking.

First, what is the upside of hiding information from your customers?

Sure, you have to do whatever it takes to stay ahead of the competition. Sure, that's what the legendary automotive sales trainers taught us. Sure, the chances of getting into a legal bind are pretty slim. Sure, everybody else is doing it. Sure, if you give customers too much information they'll just use it to shop you. Sure, there are ways to "manage" your online reputation, even if you have some unhappy customers. I get all that.

But - Big Picture Time - is the "anything it takes to make a deal" mentality really a sensible way to do business in today's world? Do you really think this will lead to customer satisfaction and retention? Do you really believe that customers will continue to put up with this type of behavior forever?

Here's how I look at it: Every time you...

Post a misleading ad, or

Charge a customer more than the advertised price, or

Lie to a customer about a vehicle being in stock, or

Present a foursquare with inaccurate numbers in order to confuse a customer, or

Present "packed" payments, or

Fail to truthfully disclose a vehicle's history, or

You're not completely honest and upfront with your customers

...there are some things you might want to consider:

You may be breaking the law - but it's only illegal if you get caught, right?What you're doing may be an unethical business practice - but customers have no loyalty and you're just trying to make a buck in a fiercely competitive marketplace, right?You may be pissing off customers (or potential customers) - but "ya gotta have haters, right"?You're gambling with your future - this is an unsustainable way of doing business in the modern world and your continued success is greatly at risk.

Now you may be perfectly comfortable rolling the dice on number 1 and not care a lick about numbers 2 or 3, but what's your answer for number 4?

I challenge you to think about it. Just think about it. Unfortunately, I didn't when I worked in dealerships - I was a faithful practitioner of the old school ways.

Now, I realize that you may feel that this post is just more nonsense from an ex-car-guy-turned-consultant who doesn't get it - and you may be right. Only time, and customer sentiment, will tell. But you may still want to ask yourself just how long are customers going to put up with business as usual?

Let's face it; consumers have access to much more information, and choices, than they ever did. You can hate the internet and all its information. You can hate the idea of "transparency". You can hate all the regulations that dealers have to contend with. You can hate the consumer advocates. You can hate the media and all of its anti-dealer sensationalism. But guess what? None of it is going away. The "But We've Always Done It This Way" mentality just doesn't hold water anymore.

Now, I'm not a believer that the internet is going to somehow take over car buying. I totally agree that dealerships are, and will continue to be, the primary way that customers will purchase vehicles for a long time to come. But remember this; while customers may always choose to do business with dealerships, they don't have to choose to do business with your dealership.

One final question: Are you a true professional who is ready, willing and able to succeed in the new world or are you hoping that things will never change?

In my book, transparency is not a dirty word, but complacency is.

Good luck and good selling.

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Customers look to purchase a Mercedes Benz because they appreciate the quality and luxury that the brand offers. They want heads to turn as they drive down the street. They want to know that they are driving a piece of equipment that is both dependable and stylish. Aside from the vehicle itself, the manufacturer offers an extensive warranty as well as roadside assistance. Whether you are on your way to work or headed out to vacation, with one phone call, you can get the help you need to get back on the road in no time.

Qualifications

If you want to take advantage of the Mercedes Benz roadside assistance, it is important to have all of your service done at an authorized dealer. This ensures that your records are on hand at all times and the dealership knows that your warranty is still intact. Establishing a relationship with a local dealer is a good idea for both new and used Mercedes Benz owners.

Having service at an authorized dealer also means that certified technicians are working on your vehicle using only certified parts from the manufacturer. Appointments can usually be set up in just one phone call or online. Be sure to read the owner's manual if you are unsure about when you need to bring your vehicle in for oil changes or tire rotations.

Make the Call

24 hours a day, 7 days a week, you can call for Mercedes Benz roadside assistance. It does not matter whether you have a flat tire or the engine fails. While you are within your warranty, you can make the call and have someone come out to your location. If the vehicle will not start, it will be towed to the closest dealership. If you have a problem like a flat tire or a dead battery, someone will meet you at the vehicle and get things back up and running.

As soon as you notice a problem, go ahead and make the call. Remember that it will take time to have someone dispatched out to your location. From there, it does take some time to either repair the vehicle or tow it into a local Mercedes Benz service department.

Free Towing

As of 2011, the manufacturer has included free towing for those customers that are outside of their warranty. Customers can still call for roadside assistance and no matter what the problem is, they will be towed to the closest dealership to have their car diagnosed and repaired. This means that even after the warranty runs out, customers are still able to benefit from the quality and luxury that comes from this car brand.

For more information about all models available from Mercedes Benz Reading drivers can visit a local dealership. To find a location, visit  http://www.masano.mercedesdealer.com/.

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An object acquired second-hand has numerous connotations to it. Although more affordable than brand-new, you must take some things with the lower price, like the common wear and tear. With automobiles, this becomes a sticking point as the numerous difficulties many second-hand automobiles have made their selling price seem more distressing. An Audi Certified Pre-owned car, though, often seems a lot better than an exciting new car from another manufacturer.

Symbol of superiority

Audi is a car manufacturer recognized for its attention to detail, quality of creation, and style. The carmaker, though, is not content to make certain that its brand-new merchandise are the only ones that hold this mark of superiority. The Audi Certified Pre-owned program is built to tell the person trying to own an Audi for less that, even though the car is very affordable (for an Audi), this doesn't mean the product quality is substantially less than brand brand new.

A pre-owned Audi needs to go through the 300+ Point Inspection process. The car has to pass the examination with significant marks so it will purchase the certification. If you see a second-hand Audi in an Audi dealership that has the certification mark, you can be sure that car stays a fantastic type of automobile engineering.

Audis with the certification are only able to do so if it has an accredited CARFAX report. It means that not only did that second-hand Audi complete the roughest quality assessment for a car outside of an assembly line. What's more, it implies that its track record, which is offered through CARFAX, will not have surprise difficulties for you.

Amazing features

Any car with the Audi Certified Pre-owned mark may come with warranties. If the second-hand Audi you bought still has warranty or mileage on it, you have access to all-day, all-week roadside assistance. If the car's no-charge scheduled maintenance still has a balance, you purchase that, too.

No matter the mileage, your Audi keeps its original 12-year Corrosion Perforation Limited Warranty and the 24-hour customer support. Audi will also give you four years from the original in-service date or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. Even with an expired warranty, you will purchase a limited warranty for two years or up to 50,000 miles, if the distance travelled is not above 100,000 miles.

Just about any Audi car with the certification also gets nice credit choices. You can purchase repayment choices from 12 to 28 months. You can find units that can be backed up for up to 72 months. The carmaker also presents cut-throat rates, application methods that are effortless, plus some of the most convenient payment options in the field.

What's better yet is that this is all for a second-hand car. Offers might vary depending on the Audi dealership, but you can rest assured that as long as that certification mark is on the Audi, it is going to remain true to its engineering, even better than other, new automobiles.

Hope Clark is looking for an Audi dealership after hearing of the benefits of Audi certified pre owned cars.

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The audience at the 2012 Chicago auto show witnessed Volkswagen's unveiling of the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle TDI. In addition to this, those who were able to drop by at the event have known the significant features found on the latest version of the Beetle after Volkswagen has subjected this to a major upgrade.

According to Volkswagen, the 2013 VW Beetle TDI has dropped a few things that its predecessor has previously offered. First off, the Beetle has dropped the word "New" in its name and this was considered by a lot of car experts as a move that does not only try to revive the model's former glory but also as the simplest way of saying that the latest version has a lot of impressive features to boast for.

Secondly, the launch of the Beetle at the Chicago auto show was also intended to showcase the changes that were implemented on the vehicle's external areas. The revisions made on the Beetle's exterior mainly focused on its styling and overall dimension. The height of the Beetle's roof has obviously grown by a few inches and this could mean a mild increase on the vehicle's interior space. Aside from that, its exterior design became more slippery and Volkswagen's engineers tweaked the curves on the vehicle's body were carefully upgraded.

Volkswagen has also revealed that they have changed the engine used by the Beetle. The 2013 version is currently using the company's corporate 2.0-iter turbodiesel 4-cylinder engine. This is capable of producing a maximum power output of 140 horsepower and 236 lb.-ft. of torque.  The engine used in the Beetle is also the same engine used on the VW Golf, Jetta, and Passat. Since they are using the same engine, the performance figures of the Beetle are almost similar to what the other 3 models are producing.

Volkswagen has also confirmed that the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle TDI will be offered in three trim levels. This includes the base, the TDI with Sunroof and the Sunroof, Sound, and Navigation-equipped top-dog TDI. The base model will also be equipped with a lot of standard features such as the leatherette seating surfaces, multifunction steering wheel wrapped with leather, and the keyless entry and start.

The TDI with Sunroof has all of the standard equipments found on the base model plus the touch-screen audio system, six-disc CD changer, and of course the panoramic sunroof. The top-dog TDI obtained the touch-screen head unit with navigation and the 400-watt Fender audio system with subwoofer.

Marty Bay is an Automotive Journalist providing helpful tips and advice which powers the Car Finder at the Car Finder Service website.

Visit our site to get a free price quote, and read our 2012 Volkswagen Beetle Review.

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If you are in the market for a new car (or a used car) there is a lot that you need to consider. One important thing to keep in mind is the kind of drivetrain that you want your vehicle to have. Each has advantages and disadvantages and it's important to understand each in order to make the right decision when purchasing a vehicle. The four different types of drivetrain are all wheel drive (AWD), front wheel drive (FWD), rear wheel drive (RWD), and 4WD (4 wheel drive).

Front wheel drive (FWD) means that the power coming from the engine is relayed to the front wheels of the car or truck. With FWD, the front wheels are pulling the car to create movement. The rear wheels are only following the front wheels and don't receive any power on their own. The pros to a FWD vehicle is that it typically gets better fuel economy and emits less carbon dioxide. Since the weight of the engine is located over the driving wheels, a FWD vehicle can maintain better traction in the snow. However, car enthusiasts claim that FWD vehicles are less fun to drive.

Rear wheel drive (RWD) means that the power coming from the engine is relayed to the rear wheels. The rear wheels are responsible for pushing the car forward, much like a bicycle. The front wheels do not have a power source and are able to move and turn because of the power coming from the rear wheels. Because the weight of the drivetrain on a RWD vehicle is spread more evenly than a FWD vehicle, it has better balance. This is why most sports cars are RWD and RWD cars are considered to be more exciting to drive. The cons of an RWD vehicle are that they do not perform well in poor weather conditions like rain or snow because it is more prone to loss of traction on slick roads.

There are two different kinds of four wheel drive (4WD) systems. A part-time 4WD system lets the driver select if the power from the engine is relayed to only two wheels or to all four wheels. The default setting is typically rear wheel drive. A full time 4WD system permanently engages all 4 wheels.

All wheel drive is essentially the same thing as a 4WD drivetrain, but there is no option to relay power to only two wheels. Power is relayed to all four wheels at all times. The term AWD can be used for vehicles with more than 4 wheels in which all of the wheels are powered. The biggest advantage of an AWD vehicle is that it provides the best traction in all kinds of conditions. The cons of an AWD vehicle are that it is much heavier which hurts acceleration and uses more fuel. AWD is also the most expensive drivetrain option.

Tom's Foreign Auto Parts of Waterbury, CT sells quality car replacement parts and accessories online. For more information please call visit http://www.tomsforeign.com/ or visit 800-255-6656.

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When you own a car there are so many difference parts that need to be checked and maintained over time. Often we have a maintenance schedule for the parts under the hood but the parts on the inside of your car, where you spend most of your time, get neglected. We put so little effort into maintaining the space where the kids fall asleep, where the dog relaxes and hangs out the window, where jokes and memories are shared. There are several areas that need to be kept clean like your floor mats, seat covers and your dashboard. With the purchase of a second-hand vehicle the dashboard can make or break the sale and afterwards maintenance becomes top priority because your new used car is not getting any younger.

Your dashboard contains your console, holds your radio, and without it you would not be able to tell how fast you were going or if you had enough gas to get where you're going. As the section that holds several gauges, navigation devices and even storage, your dashboard has great relevance to modern everyday living.

If you want to keep your dashboard clean here's a few tips:

1. Clean up spills as soon as they happen.

2. Use cleaning products with Scotchgard Protector.

3. Put up a car sun shade each time you leave your car parked in direct sunlight.

Drivers have a wide variety of dashboard cleaning products. With all the car cleaning products available these days it can be quite confusing for a newcomer or a veteran car owner. Reading through labels can be a time-consuming and frustrating process. If you find the terms "Interior detailer", "natural shine protectant", "supreme shine protectant" or "dash restorer" you should be able to find the right product you need to get your dashboard in tip top shape.

The supreme shine protectant does as its name suggests, giving a shiny or glossy finish while the natural shine offers a matt finish. The shiny finish cleans and protects while adding a new car feel to your vehicle. However, the natural shine cleans and protects, but it does not attract or dust to the surface of your dashboard and does not produce a glare.

It is important to note that while these products are used for overall maintenance of your vehicle drivers are still advised to always a car sun shade no matter what they drive. Although some car care products offer long-lasting UV protection for your dashboard the overall protection and prevention that a windshield shade offers for your entire interior cannot be ignored.

So now that you know how to take better care of your dashboard find out how to preserve your dashboard with car sun shades.

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The Chicago auto show that is held annually is definitely one of the most popular events that most car manufacturers wouldn't want to miss. This is because the auto show allows them to unveil and launch the latest and the upcoming vehicle models that they want to introduce into the market within a year as well as those that they intend to release in the near future.

The auto show also serves as one of the most effective options for car these car makers to present the latest car models into the buying public hoping that doing this would eventually increase the demand for the vehicles that they offer. Due to this fact, the 2012 Chicago auto show became a venue for the launching of the different vehicle line-ups that might hit the market this year.  Among the most popular car makers who participated in this year's Chicago auto show are the following.

1. Volkswagen

Volkswagen has presented the North American version of the VW Beetle at the Chicago auto show. This event has also marked the availability of the diesel engine-propelled Beetle in the United States and the rest of the North American market. The presentation revealed some of the significant changes that Volkswagen has implemented on its longest running model expecting that these would encourage more buyers to purchase the iconic Beetle.

2. Toyota

Toyota took the opportunity to unveil the mid-cycle refreshed Land Cruiser at the 2012 Chicago auto show. Toyota has upgraded the Land Cruiser's looks and other features to make this more attractive to buyers. The upgrades that Toyota has conducted are aimed to improve the vehicle's appeal to buyers since Toyota has somehow realized that the Land Cruiser is one of the company's rarely purchased models in the US despite of its impressive performance and features. Aside from the Land Cruiser, Toyota has also unveiled the more luxurious Lexus LX 570 during this event.

3. Nissan

Just like Toyota, Nissan has also featured two of its latest models at the Chicago auto show. The first model was the mid-cycle upgraded 370Z sports car. Nissan has upgraded the 370Z and this effort has provided the sports car with a new look and a number of added features. In addition to this, Nissan launched the 12-passenger version of the NV200 to cater to the needs of buyers who are in the market for vehicles with larger interior and cargo space.

4. Kia

The 2012 Chicago auto show also served as the venue for Kia's presentation of the Track'ster concept. The Track'ster was a two-door sport-oriented version of the Kia Soul and this is intended to capture the segment dominated by younger buyers who prefer to purchase cars with unique styling and features.

Marty Bay is an Automotive Journalist providing helpful tips and advice which powers the Car Finder at the Car Finder Service website.

Buying a Car? Get your auto price quote through our network of certified dealerships.

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If you are looking for the best way to transport your car across the country, the best method is undoubtedly using a professional auto shipping company. For those of you who have never used a service like this before, the whole idea of it may seem a bit daunting. But if you follow a few simple guidelines, the process can be simple, affordable and prevent a lot of hassle.

The first step that should be taken is to establish your needs for auto shipping. Companies offer different shipping services, options and prices depending on each individual's needs, wants and requests. For example, decide if you want your vehicle shipped via an open or closed shipping method. The enclosed method offers a little more security from the elements, but can cost up to 60% more than the open shipping method. Shipping companies also offer expedited car shipping for those people who need their vehicle transported in a hurry. This expedited shipping will substantially increase the price of the service, but it is a service worth researching if time is of the essence.

Once the auto shipping needs have been established, it is time to start searching for different auto shipping companies. The use of the Internet has made comparing prices and service options a breeze. Utilize free online auto shipping quotes to help you compare which options are best for your needs. Determine what the fees include, such as insurance, and what services may cost you extra. Using these pricing quotes as a guideline, be sure to select companies that are not only good economical options, but also companies that the Better Business Bureau finds in good standings or that have received good recommendations from friends, family and even online rating boards.

Upon selecting your auto shipping company, try to select a date with a little flexibility for your vehicle to be picked up by the transport company. Because many shipping companies need to travel to your pickup point, it may take some time for them to get there. If possible, try to select a date that is as close to your departure date as possible so you aren't stuck without your car for any extended period of time and so that you are at your final destination to receive the car from the shipping company.

Before your car is picked up, be sure to clean the inside. Remove trash, personal items and anything of value because companies are not responsible for shipping the personal items in your car. Also, it's just a good idea to clear any excess clutter before the car is moved so you don't have to deal with any extra work when it arrives at its new destination. Be sure to carefully inspect the condition of your car before it is picked up for transport in case anything is damaged during transport.

After your car is picked up for transport, remember to be patient when waiting for its arrival. Companies will offer you a window of time for delivery based on their travel and pick up schedules. If that time window is not satisfactory, it would be a good idea to request and pay for expedited delivery to ensure that delivery time.

Shipping your vehicle should be an easy, quick and pain free experience with the right auto shipping company by your side. Use these tips to help guide you in your auto shipping needs.

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Following recent winters in which winter weather seems to have caught many people "napping" when it comes to being prepared, it is important to take a number of points into consideration such as having the right equipment in the car, the way we drive and equally as important as being vigilant as to the way other people drive.

Be Prepared

Make sure your car has adequate levels of antifreeze, ideally get it checked in October, don't wait for it to get cold!

1) Have a blanket or warm clothing in the car just in case you are stranded, this is particularly important if you are planning to travel long distances, it is even recommended that you have some food and a warm drink in your vehicle just in case.

2) Even though not compulsory, however, a sensible suggestion is to carry a set of warning triangles like they do in the continent, if you happen to break down, it is always a good idea to warn people that your stranded vehicle may be posing a hazard ahead.

3) Tow rope, this is an important bit of kit if you happen to become stranded and you need to be assisted by a third party vehicle.

4) Other suggestions are to carry a fire extinguisher, first aid kit and a spare set of bulbs. Many of these items are compulsory whilst driving in the continent and when you stop to think about it, it makes a lot of sense, just because it is not law, it does not mean we can't use our own initiative.

5) Having a set of jump leads in the car makes a lot of sense too, in very cold temperatures and particularly older vehicles, batteries tend to struggle, a set of jump leads will help avoid expensive call outs or having to wait for a rescue vehicle to come.

Driving on snow

Driving on snow is not rocket science, it takes a little more thought and concentration, remember that you MUST increase your braking distance as well as the distance from any car ahead of you, stopping distance can be up to TEN times longer than on dry roads.

Try and keep momentum going, especially if you are driving up hill, as soon as you lose momentum, you will find it very hard to get started again.

Remember to exercise extreme caution first thing in the morning if it's been a very cold night, snow will more than likely have turned into ice, now ice is a totally different problem and is much trickier than driving on snow.

Rule 229 of the highway Code: Before you set off, make sure that your car is clear of all snow and ice and that you have full visibility out of all windows in your vehicle, this includes your mirrors too, also, make sure that your number place is legible and that you clear any snow on the roof of your car which may come off onto other road users.

Always remember to exercise extreme caution, under extreme weather, if your journey is not strictly necessary, stay home!

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