AUTO XTREME CAR

Before going ahead and purchasing your cart, you must decide whether you prefer electric or fuel based. Electric carts require battery charging at least every 2 days and require a new battery every few years, however they are much easier to maintain and a lot less expensive to operate. Fuel based golf carts can run for longer without having to be plugged in each night and are suited for those who will be using the cart for 2 days or more without having access to a charger. With the ever rising petrol prices, gas powered carts have become quite expensive to maintain.

Electric golf carts are completely dependent on their battery in order to continue running. Choosing the right battery for your golf cart is extremely important. Choosing high powered battery may end up been a waste of time and money, however selecting a lower powered battery can be even worse and you may be left stranded on the green. Before purchasing your battery you should find out your price range, look into various brands and their specifications. Here are the 3 areas to look into.

1. Battery Brand

Firstly find out where you will be playing golf and the climate conditions, because certain batteries perform better in the cold and others in the heat. If you are looking purely for the lowest price then Exide is considered a very cheap brand. However if you are looking for a quality brand that will go the distance, then US Battery and Trojan are the most popular through buyers choice. These brands are of good quality, higher power and can discharge quickly when needed.

2. How much?

The price is dependent on 3 factors; how much you are willing to pay, how heavy your golf cart is and lastly the quality of the battery. Firstly you should determine your price range, because batteries range from as low as $70 for a cheap brand, up to $400 for a top quality battery. If you have a very light cart then you will not require as much power and a cheaper battery will run your cart just fine, however the life of the battery may be short lived. If you have a heavy golf cart you will require a lot more power and will be paying more. Even if your battery does not come with a warranty, it can be purchased separately to the battery; however a quality battery will long outlast its warranty.

3. Specifications

The specifications of a battery can be quite confusing; however you should be sure to do your research, rather then relying solely on the salesman. The last issue you want is buying a battery with the wrong dimensions, so measure the size of the battery so that it fits into your golf cart. Find out how far you will be driving, how long and how fast. Batteries come with a 'number of hours'; however this figure is not consistent with everyone, because if you like to drive fast then your battery will loose power faster.

The same applies for slow drivers; if you drive at a consistently slow speed then your battery will be discharging at a low rate and will last longer. Lastly the ampere load is also dependent on the speed you will be driving at, low ampere loads for slower driving and high loads for higher speeds.

Quality batteries tend to cost more, but will last longer and perform better in all kinds of golf carts. This article has examined 3 steps to finding a suitable battery for your golf cart. To find out more visit an online battery store.

At GO BATTERIES you'll find quality brands at exceptional prices. We specialise in deep cycle LMA, SMF, AGM and GEL batteries for all vehicle types.

So put the GO back into your electric vehicle with batteries from GO BATTERIES. We take pride in offering only quality products and very competitive prices.

We deliver Australia Wide to your door, including free delivery within certain capital cities and major towns and regional centres. Call or email us now with your battery needs and delivery address for a quote and to see if you're qualified for our free delivery bonus.

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Garmin and Suzuki have entered into an agreement which will equip most of the Japanese automaker's 2013 models with a fully integrated infotainment system by Garmin. The system will be available in most of the Suzuki models launched in the US, and select models in Australia, New Zealand, Europe and Russia. The system will be displayed at the 2012 New York Auto Show.

Previously, Garmin has supplied the navigation component of Chrysler's UConnect infotainment system. It has also sold portable navigation units to Suzuki and Nissan. However, this is the first time that the company would be installing a complete, in-dash infotainment system in car models.

The Key Features

The factory-installed infotainment system boasts a 6.1-inch in-dash touch screen and CD player with AM/FM radio. It provides car owners with several connectivity options such as internal flash memory and USB, auxiliary port and Bluetooth. Car owners can enjoy Bluetooth hands-free calling, audio playback and Bluetooth audio streaming. The SD card slot can be used to store digital audio files or map updates.

Some other key features of the system include back-up camera support, Pandora radio and advanced voice control. According to Matt Munn, Garmin's automotive OEM group managing director, "By leveraging our long-standing experience in developing navigation software, user interfaces and hardware design, we created an integrated system that is easy to use and makes driving more enjoyable."

In case a GPS is unavailable, such as when driving in a tunnel or an enclosed area, Garmin's navigation system can provide location information and details by accessing vehicle speed sensors. The system also offers full integration with smart phones. The Garmin Smartphone Link application can also sync with Android phones via Bluetooth and provide drivers with real-time traffic, weather and fuel price updates. The navigation system of Garmin has a voice command system, which allows drivers to enter full addresses and select an audio source to access other functions. Garmin's PhotoReal Junction View provides lane guidance and can also display information related to traffic and speed limit. The data menu screen is customizable and can display several options, such as direction of travel, estimated time of arrival and distance to destination, on the screen. Updated versions of maps are also available for downloads from the Garmin Web portal.

How much is it?

There has been no formal announcement about the possible pricing and exact availability of the system in Suzuki cars. It is expected that the Grand Vitara, which costs $19,499 onwards, will be the highest priced model featuring this infotainment system along with it's oem Suzuki rims (most people choose 17 inch rims), keyless starter and leather seats which are often fitted by car owners on the Grand Vitara.

Garmin, a global leader in satellite navigation, has recently opened new offices in China, Japan and Germany to be closer to the leading car manufacturers and automotive suppliers of the world. By providing dedicated support in sales, marketing, product development and engineering, Garmin would be further able to cement its position as the strongest player in satellite navigation.

This article was brought to you by Heather Harless at OriginalWheels.com. For more information on used Suzuki Wheels or any OE Rims please visit us at OriginalWheels.com.

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Ford Motor Company is an internationally renowned one that manufactures vehicles and their spare parts. Basically, it was established around the early part of the 1900's but its founder already had grand idea as an automaker in the late 1800's. It is not just focused on its brand but also has stakes in other automakers and brand names related to vehicles in some countries. The manufacturing process of the vehicles has been made more efficient by relegating production plants all over the world in strategic countries to serve the key continents. Assembly lines were first introduced in the manufacturing of automobiles in Ford plants. The kinds of transportation that this company produces range from compact cars to tractors and trucks.

Dealerships

Dealerships of the brand name are scattered in almost every country in the world. These are like franchises that order their automobiles from the manufacturing plants closest to them and then sell the automobiles to their customers. These franchises are often limited with the kind of cars that are available only in the region. Orders for imported vehicles available in other regions may take some time to procure and will be costlier because of the additional taxes and import duties that accompany them. In some cases, these are procured by independent car dealers not affiliated with Ford dealers. The dealers often do not honor the warrantee of these imported vehicles since they are not capable of repairing or maintaining some of the models that are not available locally.

The sale of automobiles under this brand name is not just their focus. Service and repair jobs are readily available through the dealers and their in house garages. Services include but are not limited to maintenance checks, collision repairs, replacement of spare parts and changing of lubrication for the various systems that need it. Technicians and mechanics who do the maintenance checks and repairs of the vehicles that are brought in the garage are trained exclusively by the company. It is important that these technicians and mechanics are trained for these jobs because they need to do the tasks quickly and efficiently. This is because no matter how similar an engine is, there are slight differences between brand name engines. The sale of after-market parts as well as upgrade parts is also commonly available through the exclusive dealerships. Usually these parts are also manufactured and produced by Ford through its many affiliates and other companies connected to it. There are some parts and accessories that they do endorse as a possible fit for their vehicles. These are usually accessories which fit the measurements of a specific model of the brand. Examples of these are car stereos, head lights, backing sensors, window tinting, carpeting, upholstery, repainting and many others.

These are some of the services available through a Ford Motor Company dealership franchise. Other also includes financing, lasing and trading of vehicles. Although not all dealers do these, many have these available through their in-house financing options. It is a good idea to check if the closest dealership has them or not.

Get the Ford Harrisburg drivers will be envious of on the road. Find out how at http://tommasanoford.dealerconnection.com/

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Most people are proud of the car they own, mainly due to the brand it belongs to and the enormous capacity of the car engine. However, a brawny engine and a sleek car body also need to be coupled with auto rims for a fantastic driving experience. For the uninitiated, a wheel rim or an auto rim is nothing but the metal wheel that is used to mount the tire in any car. These rims are intended for fitting the tire on your car for a smooth ride downhill as well as for enduring any kind of unexpected acceleration, turns and braking while driving. Of course, these functions are in addition to lending elegance and character to the car.

Now that we all know about the functionality that auto rims offer, we must exercise caution while selecting them for our car. We usually find auto rims for sale online or with the car dealers. Now the question arises- should you go for aftermarket rims or used car rims? Before coming to any conclusion, we must first get educated about both these options.

While aftermarket rims are intended for improving the car's operation and looks in general, we cannot deny the fact that these oversized rims simply don't serve as "eye-candy". These rims look like they have landed straight out of a superhero movie and moreover, they are known to reduce the vehicle's capability to take a turn, accelerate and primarily to apply brakes. Such car rims weigh much more than the regular ones and slow down the car suspension reaction and accuracy. A lightweight auto rim leads to comfortable rides and lets you install supple shock absorbers that are preferred by car racing professionals.

Regarding used car rims, we must consider the fact that these wheels have been already exploited while they were installed in some car earlier. Though they are low-cost and you might think that you bagged a good deal at the secondhand rim retailer, never forget that what you are paying for does not include any warranty. This also means that in case of any unfortunate incident, you will go through mental trauma with a hole in your pocket.

If you are looking for auto wheels and rims that are cost-effective and perform well at the same time, you can explore the option of re-manufactured rims. These rims are made using old rims and worked upon so that the car owner is satisfied with their functioning. Moreover, they do not cost as much as new auto rims and might come with a warranty too.

While going for new car rims, always consider recycling your old tires and rims. The car rims are made of metal and can be taken to any scrap metal recycling center for processing. So whatever kind of auto rims you opt for, try to do your bit for our environment at the same time.

The author is a freelance article writer with articles on varied subjects.

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It's summer and what better time for an off-road adventure in your jeep. The sun's rays are beaming down on you, and the blast of the air keeps you from overheating. As you move through rocky terrain, there's nothing to separate you from outside. But on the horizon, you see dark clouds coming up, getting closer and closer, absorbing the warmth of the sun and then rain comes pouring down, drenching you to your vehicle. Worst case scenario here is that you have important cargos inside. There is only one way to avoid these incident...and that's to invest into a jeep tops!

Weather is ever changing, which is a great reason why a Jeep Soft Top is well worth the investment. Jeep Tops can be put on and off within minutes and will keep cargo and other precious items safe. At 4WheelOnline.com you'll find the largest selection of styles and colors of Jeep Tops that will fit essentially fit every Jeep make or model. Below are some of the more popular Bestop Jeep Soft Tops.

Bestop Replace-A-Top: Bestop is one of the trusted brands when it comes to jeep tops. Bestop Replace-A-Top consists of fabric and windows. These Jeep Soft Top are held to factory standards to ensure quality, durability, and structural integrity. When you buy a Jeep Replace-A-Top, you can count on getting the best top on the market.

Bestop Replace-a-Top Sailcloth: If you want superior fabric material, the Bestop Replace-a-Top Sailcloth is perfect for you. It provides better insulation and temperature control, and it holds shape better over time. It also has the ability to reduces highway noise by up to 50%. This top is ideal in cold and hot areas for it will be able to keep temperature comfortable and will not shrink under the harsh weather conditions.

Bestop Supertop: The Bestop Supertop is another great choice because it comes with the windows, fabric, and the hardware that will need to be installed. Many other soft jeep tops don't come with the hardware because they assume you already have it from a previous top. It also comes with zip-out replaceable windows and a fabric that helps it retain its shape in all temperatures.

Sunrider: Jeeps are known for the experience behind the wheel; cruising the open roads while the wind is brushing up against your skin. The Sunrider is ideal for those people who like to feel the freedom in their hands. With this Jeep Top, drivers will be able to have the protection from the weather yet enjoy the breeze with the flip-back sunroof. The Sunrider is easy to install and will give meet all your expectations.

Tigertop: If you're really into vintage Jeeps, then the Tigertop is your ideal jeep top for you. It gives you the benefits of today's technological advances while maintaining a classic vintage style, making this jeep top the restorer's dream.

Pavement Ends: This kind of jeep top is inexpensive and is great for those who are looking for a great deal. The replacement top sticks to the basics structure and will provide great coverage. Some other benefits that this Jeep Soft Tops has is the ability to transform it into a sunroof.

Whats sets Bestop apart from other jeep tops is their durable, resilient materials. Bestop Jeep Tops is made from marine grade fabric; they just don't get any harder. As such, it's more resistant to discoloration and stretching, and is less vulnerable to the effects of the weather.

There's a jeep tops for everyone; whether your looking for the traditional look or just want something that will keep for years to come. Browse through our complete selection and find the Bestop Jeep Soft Top that will meet your every need. Each style also offer different benefits. Shop & save on on Bestop Jeep Tops at http://4wheelonline.com/jeep/Bestop.2447. We offer the largest selection at the Lowest Prices...Check us out Now!

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Automotive lead acid batteries used to start car engines, are one of the oldest design of rechargeable battery in existence. The lead acid battery was primarily used for the storage of DC power and used in early commercial vehicles due to the weight and size. These batteries have literally dominated the marketplace for many years ever since their invention back in the early 1800's and have continued to be an important automotive component to the point were there is one in every vehicle on the roads.

Today, automotive batteries used to start gasoline and diesel engines, are smaller, cheaper and more cost effective than their earlier cousins, supplying greater starting and surge currents than ever before at a fraction of their original price.

Not only does the lead acid battery provide the correct amount of electricity needed to start engines, but they also supply electricity for the ignition system, lights, indication, stereos and other such electronic features found on today's modern vehicles.

The energy produced by a lead acid battery occurs via an internal chemical process which involves lead (hence their name), lead oxide and a liquid acid solution called the electrolyte. Solid lead and lead oxide plates are submerged within an electrolytic solution that consists of a very small percentage of sulphuric acid (H2SO4) mixed with distilled water. When electrical power is drawn from the battery, a chemical reaction takes place between the plates and liquid electrolyte releasing electrons. These free electrons in the form of an electrical current flow through electrical conductors mounted on the battery and out via lead terminals providing the electricity required to start the car.

As the lead acid battery becomes discharged, the sulphuric acid forms deposits onto the lead plates, but when the lead acid battery is recharged again, the sulphuric acid breaks down and returns back into their separate lead and lead oxide components. Heat is generated by this constant charging and discharging of the battery evaporating the water inside.

This evaporation meant that older lead acid batteries needed to be "topped-up" with more distilled water on a monthly basis but the modern maintenance free lead acid battery is fully sealed against leakage in which the electrolyte in the form of a gel is contained in separate compartments are now used. The result is that these fully sealed batteries can be rotated upside down or positioned sideways in the event of an accident without any risk of an acid leakage. Also these modern batteries have safety valves fitted which allow the venting of fumes during the charging, the discharging and changes in atmospheric pressure when driving at altitude.

The lead acid battery is the only batteries suitable to be used in alternative energy systems but the continuous cycle of discharging a battery into a load (night time hours) and then recharging the battery (sunlight hours) many times over requires a different type of battery as not all lead acid batteries are the same. The most important requirement of a battery is whether it is a Deep Cycle Battery or a Shallow Cycle Battery.

Consider automotive starting batteries. These batteries are cheap to buy but are designed to provide high amperes of current for very short periods of time (less than 10 seconds) to operate the starter motor and turn over the engine. After the car has started, the battery is then trickle charged by the cars alternator. Even on cold frosty mornings the cars battery is only discharged to less than 10% of its rated capacity at startup so automotive batteries are designed for this very shallow cycle service, (100% to 90% state of charge).

As a car battery is designed to deliver high currents for very short periods of time it is therefore made of many thin lead plates giving a large surface area for the chemical reaction to occur. These thin lead plates do not have the necessary mechanical strength for repeated cycling over a period of many years and wear out very quickly after only 200 to 400 cycles. Therefore shallow cycle car batteries which although they work, are not designed for a long term solar power or wind power system which requires a much deeper cycling service.

Deep Cycle Batteries on the other hand are designed to be repeatedly charged and discharged by as much as 80% of their full capacity (100% to 20% state of charge) without sustaining any serious damage to the cells before recharging, making the deep cycle battery an ideal choice for solar photovoltaic and wind power systems, as well as marine applications, golf buggies, fork lift trucks and other such electric vehicles. Although the deep cycle battery uses the same chemical reactions to store and generate energy as their automotive battery cousins, deep cycle batteries are made very differently.

The physical size of a deep cycle battery is much larger than a regular car battery due to the construction and size of their lead plates (electrodes). These plates are made of solid lead usually doped with Antimony (Sb) and are many times thicker than the thinner plates of a car battery. This means that deep cycle batteries can be repeatedly discharged almost all the way down to a very low charge and it is not uncommon for deep cycle batteries to be emptied (discharged) to as much as 20% of their total capacity before energy ceases flowing from the battery.

So to summarise, the lead-acid battery is the perfect choice for automotive cars, vans and motorcyles as it is reliable, inexpensive, and delivers high starting currents but for alternative energy systems, the deep cycle battery is the way to go as it can be charged and discharged many times over to a much lower value.

To learn more about "Lead Acid Batteries" and how you can use them as part of a Home Solar system, or to explore the advantages and disadvantages of using Deep Cycle Batteries as an alternative to automotive batteries, visit http://www.alternative-energy-tutorials.com/ today and find lots more good quality and free alternative energy tutorials as well as information and articles about the many different types of alternative energy sources available for the home.

(c) Copyright - Alternative Energy Tutorials. All Rights Reserved.

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We are no longer strangers to car lift machines. These mechanical wonder has succeeded to make our life suitable and wished us, 'happy motoring' each time we started our engine. Saving parking space, ensuring safety of the cars and being friendly to the environment are the perks of using an automatic machine.

However, we must not forget that these devices are mechanical in nature, and can bring forth some scary hazardous situations in our life. Fortunately, we can avoid this calamity by taking cautious steps while using these machines. Now, let us talk about what experts suggest to take care of this kind of problems.

General care for your car lift

Taking care of your huge automated lifting machines everyday is important. At least check it for once every day to make sure that all of its parts are in order. These machines come with grease or oil from the manufacture. Use it to keep its performance in check.

Hydraulic models of these machines are a bit different from other automated machines. Always check the hydraulic gas tube for leakage before raising a car on it. If you hear a cranking sound while raising a car on it, then quickly get away from it and try to gently lower the car and call the mechanic after-wards.

Using a car lift properly

An automated lifting machine has complex machinery in it, thus it needs to be handled properly. The most common mistake one makes with these devices is 'loading the car incorrectly'. Uneven weight on the lifting platform can bring forth dangerous consequences. So, look out for uneven movements and disruption in hydraulic pressure tube.

These machines come with a sleek control box that helps us to use it safely and from a distance of course. It also comes with a manual on how to use other parts as well. You must go through the manual to learn the exact way to use it properly.

Stock car lift parts for emergency use

These machines tend to get some disruption in executing the work because of the everyday exhaustion of the frame legs or the car-locking liver. So, keep a pair of safety leg and a few multipurpose locks for emergency use. These two parts are easy to install and comes pretty cheap.

These safety tips are viable to maintain your machine with ensuring safety of you and your precious vehicle. So, follow these steps precisely and get the best performance out of your automotive car-lifting machine.

Subhas Ganguly has been evaluating various car elevators. He believes that only the authentic Car Lift Supplier would present them with the accurate machine. It would not only do its job, but its specific attribute would increase their efficiency.

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After its previous appearance in a Super Bowl spot with a Motley-Crue-inspired theme, the 2013 Kia Optima SX Limited made its official launch at the Chicago auto show as a range-topping model included on this year's mid-sized Optima line-up.

Upon its debut, a lot of car experts, automotive journalists, and observers at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show noticed that the 2013 Kia Optima SX Limited is not just an ordinary Optima. In fact, these individuals have suspected that the Limited is fully loaded with a lot of features not found on its siblings. As time goes by, these suspicions were eventually proven to be true.

Compared to the other Kia Optima trims, the Limited flaunts a unique look and more intimidating stance. These characteristics were highlighted by the Limited's new fascias in front and rear. In addition to this, the LED running lights located on top of its fog lamps, the lower door sills, and the rear spoiler tipped with chrome further suggest that the Optima SX Limited is very much different from its siblings.

Under the hood, the Limited is powered by a 2.0-liter Turbocharged 4-cylinder engine sourced from the Kia Optima SX. This engine is capable of producing 274 horses and 269 lb.-ft. of torque. The transmission as well as the sport-tuned suspension used on the Limited was also sourced from the SX. Due to this, the Limited's fuel economy ratings of 22 miles per gallon in the city and 34 miles per gallon on the highway are similar to that of the Optima SX.

When viewed inside, the 2013 Kia Optima SX Limited looks more upscale compared to the other Optima models included on the line-up. The Limited's cabin provides a more elegant and prestigious feel. Its door trim, shift knob, and steering wheel are adorned by genuine would trim and this layout further improves the overall appearance of the Optima SX Limited. In addition to this, the door panels, center console and seats were embellished by Nappa leather.

On top of these, the 2013 Kia Optima SX Limited is offered with the standard equipments such as the paddle shifters on the steering wheel, panoramic sunroof, heated rear seats, and heated and cooled front seats. Aside from those, the SX Limited is also equipped with metal pedals, Infinity audio system with speakers, and a navigation system with a built-in back-up camera.

Due to the abundance of standard features included on the vehicle, the 2013 Kia Optima SX Limited became one of the most admired vehicles that were presented at the 2012 Chicago auto show. In addition to this, a lot of individuals that were able to take a closer look at the vehicle agree that this was probably the best vehicle that Kia has produced.

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 Kia Optima Review.

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In today's day and age where prices of everything is going up and the income is constant many people are opting for buying used car as opposed to buying a new car. The main point you should keep in mind while getting it is that you need to spend some good amount of time on it and check the car properly. There are many such dealers available who are in the business of selling used cars and it is always better for you to go for a dealer which is well reputed in the market and is having good years of experience behind them in this field. Below mentioned are some of the tips which will help you to buy a used car for yourself which will worth the price you will pay for it:

• First of all you need to browse through the internet and make a list of such dealers in your locality. Then prepare a list of cars in which you are interested in and check whether the dealers whom you selected deals in these cars. You can get in touch with the dealers and ask them about the range of cars which they have for sale. It will help you in further negotiations.

• Now when you are ready to negotiate the deal, you should go to these dealers and have a look at the cars which they have. You should inspect the cars which interested you and take a test drive. It's always better if you take a trustworthy mechanic with you to do the inspection as they have experience in this field. While inspecting the car, you should make sure that everything is in good condition. Check the condition of the tires and the body of the car for the signs of rust and ripples as ripples indicates that some repairing has been done.

• While visiting the dealers, beforehand only you should prepare a list of questions which you are going to ask. Get information about from where the dealer has got the car and the amount of maintenance done on it. In case the car has run for more than 10,000 miles then ask if the timing belt or chain has been changed. Taking these steps are essential before sealing the deal.

• It is very important that you check all the documents of the car and make sure that they are in intact and up-to-date. Ask the dealers for the registration papers as these documents are necessary while transferring the car ownership. Always confirm that the seller is the first owner of the car. Check other documents like insurance certificate, pollution certificate, BMC or municipal certificate, road tax and other documents. Only after being assured that all the documents are in proper position you can go forward and seal the door.

Only after going through the above mentioned tips, you should consider buying a used car. Also since there are many such dealers available in the market, do some amount of research and go for the one which suits your needs and budget aptly.

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It's safe to say that a car manufacturer probably doesn't want to land on a list of the least dependable car brands. J.D. Power and Associates, an organization targeting car consumers, recently compiled a list of the least dependable car brands for 2012. The rankings are based on a survey conducted in the fall of 2011 of more than 31,000 owners of 2009-model cars and trucks to document their concerns regarding vehicle quality. Here are ten vehicles that have the dubious distinction of being the least dependable car brands for 2012.

1. Chrysler/Dodge

Chrysler, once known for quality, actually ranks just behind Dodge when actual scores are compared. Both vehicles share the same transmissions, engines and platforms. It's only the skins that differ. To be fair, these are the 2009 models produced during the height of possible bankruptcy issues. This may have had a negative impact on quality that could have been corrected - or at least improved upon - in later models. In fact, a recent Wall Street Journal report suggests that the car maker is working to boost quality for its 2013 models, starting with the Dodge Dart.

2. Jeep

While still not showing an impressive quality ranking, the Jeep brand has improved over its previous ranking. The company made some internal changes in 2009, including tweaking the engine and boosting fuel-economy. Otherwise, no new or redesigned models were introduced. Common quality issues on the 2009 models included poor electrics, leaky transfer cases and transmission issues. Surprisingly, Jeep owners seem willing to embrace these like quirks as part of the experience of being a Jeep owner. Yes, it's a Jeep thing.

3. Ram

In 2009, this was known as the Dodge Truck. Today, it exists under the Ram banner. The 2009 model was described has having a 'bolder styling" and a stronger Hemi V8. Leaf springs were replaced by a new coil suspension. Despite these improvements, the Dodge Truck continued to suffer from transmission issues and drive-line vibrations. The cargo version of the Grand Caravan also falls under the Ram brand, but doesn't do the brand any favors. Common issues include air conditioning and electrical issues. Price discounts are likely responsible for impressive sales figures.

4. Jaguar

This is one brand making a noticeable drop in quality from the previous ranking. Just a decade ago, the Jaguar led the industry in terms of quality. Since then, numerous electrical issues in previous generation models have quickly changed that status. Even just a few years prior to 2009, the Jaguar had maintained relatively high rankings. In 2009, the car maker retired the entry-level X-Type and the S-Type due to poor sales and replaced them with the XF sedan. Unfortunately, the expensive new brand has some of the classic faults of the Jaguar brand. This includes transmission issues and problems with some of the high-tech features on the vehicle.

5. Infiniti

Nissan's luxury brand didn't exactly have a stellar start in the '90s, but the 2003 G35 sedan fared much better. Infiniti actually earned a rep for performance with its VQ35DE V6 engine and other standout features. Infiniti customers haven't really voiced too many complaints, at least when compared to other brands online. So why the reason for the slip? It appears to issues with upgrades and other design touches that caused the brand to drop in quality ratings.

6. Volkswagen

The German automaker hasn't really earned a rep as far as dependability goes. It looks like that could be changing. While VW still ranks among the least dependable brands, it actually improves over previous rankings. German engineering may not be set to truly dominate anytime soon, but the car maker is making an effort. The 2009 Rabbit earned praise because of its 2.5 L inline five cylinder engine and the 2.0 L TDI turbo-diesel four. Unfortunately, the 200-hp 2.0 L turbo gasoline four is double-edged sword. It has features drivers tend to enjoy, but its glitches can be downright frustrating. Add to that low battery life and it's clear to see that there's still work to do.

7. Kia

Only one new model was introduced in 2009, otherwise the automaker rolled over its previous models. This may account for some low dependability scores for a brand that usually ranks pretty well. The problem here seems to be a lack of updates from the previous model year. Old designs aren't subjected to new assembly techniques. The result is a drop in performance by default. Word is that upgrades are planned for future models. This may kick Kia off this list eventually. Time will tell.

8. Suzuki

The Japanese brand has had a hard time earning major brand recognition and consumer loyalty. However, owners of Suzuki cars don't really have a lot of major complaints. In fact, Grand Vitara and SX4 compact owners are usually pretty happy with their vehicles. The automaker is working to expand its model range, which could take it off this list in the future as long as the quality holds up. It appears to be more of an image problem than actual mechanical or performance issues that placed this brand on the list.

9. Mazda

Mazda, on the other hand, doesn't have much of an image problem. Plenty of people have heard of Mazda. So what's the issue then? The B2000 truck and Mazda 323 continue to earn praise. Even the "zoom zoom" advertising slogan is a hit. Mazda owners have complained about issues with automatic transmissions, air conditioning and electrical issues. Premature rust is another common complaint. Poor suspension has been an on-going problem with the Mazda 5 mini-minivan. This leads to issues with the tires and shocks. The Japanese automaker only added one completely new model in 2009, the Mazda 6 sedan. On the plus side, it is this one new model that has earned praise for its style and reliability.

10. Mini Cooper

Styling and handling remain desirable traits of this brand. Owners love the retro interior and other design selections. Worn clutches, oil leaks, problems with air conditioning, electrical glitches, issues with timing belts and carbon build-up and other engine problems really take away from any positive points. Great styling can't mask performance issues. The motor has parts crafted by French automaker Peugeot and German automaker BMW. Maybe that's part of the problem.

The results are found in the 2012 Vehicle Dependability Study. The news, overall, is good for the car industry. When compared to results from the previous study, 25 of 32 car brands improved their scores, with only six slipping. A big issue spanning most brands on this list appears to be lack of updates from the previous model year. With many of these same brands planning major upgrades with future models, this list is likely to reflect that trend.

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Used vehicles are much better from the stand point of value for your money. A properly maintained pre-owned car should lead you to the same comfort as that of a new one. Keeping that in mind, once you choose to invest in a pre-owned vehicle, it is important to take certain points into account when it comes to vehicle maintenance.

A used vehicle requires more frequent checks for any defects, as well as frequent replacement of parts which can be costly when compared against the preventative maintenance a new vehicle requires. To begin with, the initial purchase cost of a used vehicle may be a little less than that of a new one, but, as years roll on, the maintenance costs continue to grow at a faster rate than you would encounter with a new vehicle.

Although there are routine maintenance checks and services that any vehicle will require, your pre-owned one will most likely call for more frequent service appointments and a more detailed level of care. With that being said, there are specific points that will help you maintain your used vehicle's condition and bring small issues to light before they turn into larger, more costly ones.

Don't Drive Excessive Miles at High Speeds
If you properly maintain your pre-owned vehicle with periodic checkups, there is a greater guarantee that your car will last longer. Try not to give in to the 'need for speed' as this will lead to excessive wear on the tires, clutch, and other parts. On the other hand, also avoid keeping your vehicle idle for long periods of time.

Get Regular Oil Changes
Vehicle makers advise to change the oil in your car once a year. Alternatively, you can even do so after you drive 7,500 miles. Still, for best results, it's recommended to change it after every 3,500 miles. Changing the oil is essential as it affects the performance of the engine. As you drive more miles, the blow-by increases. This, in turn, results in unburned fuel dumped into the crankcase which leads to dilution of the oil. Because of this, the oil breaks down and consequential wear and tear increases drastically. Over time this leads to the engine breaking down.

Check Your Fluid Levels
It's crucial to check fluid levels such as power steering fluid, coolant, and oil regularly. These liquids are essential to a properly running engine and a low level often signals bigger issues internally. If you're not sure how to check or what to be looking for, ask the mechanic during your next oil change. These are all items that should be checked during this service appointment anyway, so it's no inconvenience to ask.

Check Tire Conditions
It is important to check the condition of your tires and, after a certain period of time specified by the manufacturer, get them replaced. Be sure to inspect the air pressure in the tires including the spare once a week. Low pressure will lead to increased fuel consumption and low life of tires. Similarly, high pressure would lead to less stability and grip on the road. Also check the wear with tread wear indicators. These are located in the form of small ribs in the bottom of the main tread grooves. When the tread surface is visible at the same level as the ribs, the tires must be replaced.

Brake Maintenance
Brakes are the most significant parts in controlling the motion of your vehicle. As yours is a used vehicle, you should have checked the brake pads and rotors at purchase point. Depending on the level of wear from the previous driver, you may need to replace one or the other. If not, make sure to regularly inspect the pads to see what kind of wear your own driving habits have produced. A good point to remember is that the brake pads in the front wear more quickly than those in rear. Also, always replace them with original brake pads and rotors. This also gives more safety to you while driving.

Replace Windshield Wipers
While driving, good visibility is absolutely essential. For this, each windshield wiper should be of good quality and the proper size for your vehicle. Otherwise scratches may develop on the windshield or the wipers may not perform correctly, leaving rain or snow in your line of vision. At a minimum, get the windshield wipers replaced once a year.

Keep It Clean
You should feel as if you are at home when you're in your vehicle. Don't clutter up the console, compartments, or seats. Regularly vacuum and dust the interior and only keep hoses or tools of sorts in the truck area if absolutely necessary. You and your riders should have enough space to move freely within the car.

When it comes to servicing your pre-owned vehicle, it's advised to visit a reputable dealer, as he will employ experienced technicians to take care of your vehicle. Moreover, you'll have peace of mind knowing that the mechanic will replace any damaged parts with genuine, factory ones.

Keyes Cars is an auto dealership specializing in new and used cars, trucks, and sport-utility vehicles. If you have ever searched for used cars using keywords used cars Los Angeles or car dealerships Los Angeles, visit this dealer who has a strong and committed sales staff with many years of experience satisfying their customers' needs.

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