AUTO XTREME CAR

Drivers face many perils associated with heat and direct sunlight but the effect they have on your car can be the most worrisome. From your paint job on the outside to car's interior you're in a constant battle against the invisible yet powerful energy of the sun. These days, online retailers offer a number of advanced products specifically designed for car care and one of these is the car sun shade.

How can a basic car sun shade prevent your dashboard from getting unsightly cracks and crevices? It's really simple actually - a car sun shade will just sit and look pretty all day long. Once you put a sunshade in your windshield it stays put and although it has no mechanical parts and cannot move it works hard. It does one big push-up on your windshield which is worth an entire day of protection from harmful ultra violet rays.

One of the most important things you can do for your car is to use a sun shade because it spans the entire width of your car so your dashboard gets the maximum protection. Direct sunlight does not only contain Vitamin D it also consists of harmful UV rays. The moment that UV rays touch any surface it accelerates an object's aging process.

There are several products on the market that condition your dashboard after it has been lying out in the sun, but when that is like putting on a Band-Aid after you get a cut or scrape. The fading process has begun and the aging process has started and there is no amount of surface cream with a high enough SPF value to completely reverse those effects. However, if you keep leaving your dashboard at the mercy of the sun's heat even daily doses of conditioning cream won't be enough to patch up the damage the sun would have caused over time.

The reason that people use a car sun shade, especially the type made from UV-treated material is to ensure that the quality of their dashboard remains untouched. What if there was a way to stop cracks before they happen? Well, that is precisely what a car sun shield proposes.

There is a variety of interior cleaners that are used in car care to restore the luster of interior surfaces but none can take the place of the windshield shade. Many drivers see greater results by using a car sun shade in addition to using cleaning products and protectants for general maintenance.

Now that you know how to keep your car cool this summer, here is a great resource on the car sunshades that everyone is talking about.

View the original source here

Most people see their car as their pride and joy. It is often a place that you can upgrade to what you want. One way that you can upgrade your car's interior is through seat covers. There are many different types of seat covers out there and reasons for why you will want to have these. If you are going to get these covers then it is important that you know how to properly install them.

Why would you want car seat covers?

The first thing you may be wondering is why you would want to get car seat covers. There are many reasons for why people get covers instead of simply changing their seats. One reason is that covers can be changed easily if you ever get tired of the colour. Maybe you want to upgrade the drab interior of your car to something a bit more to your liking. Maybe you have noticed that your car seats are not looking that good and want to cover them up. These are just a few of the reasons why people look into buying car seat covers.

What seat covers should you get?

Once you have decided to get seat covers you may be faced with a problem. There are a large number of types to choose from. There are some things you need to remember when you browse the selections. The most important is what will fit your car. Most covers will tell you which cars they will fit so check that before you buy anything. You also need to think about the colour and material you want the covers to be. The materials range from synthetic materials to sheepskin.

How to properly install car seat covers

Once you have your car seat covers it is important that you install them correctly. Incorrectly installed covers can cause problems when you sit on them, and they can be damaged which mean you have to spend more money.

• The first step to installing covers is to remove the headrest of your seat. In order to do this you need to pull the headrest all the way up and when it stops pull again to get it completely off.
• Now you will need to tilt the seat forward so that you can reach the back. Certain seats will need to be tilted further forward than others.
• You will now be able to position the cover over the seat. Once in position you can pull the cover down. It is best to note that this may be hard at times because of the tight fit of the cover over the seat.
• Once the cover is over the top of the seat you need to pull it over the bottom. This may require you to stretch the cover a bit.
• Your cover will probably come with hooks which should be used at this point to secure the cover to the seat.
• You may have to cut to small slits on the top of the seat cover so that the headrest can be fitted back. Some covers do come with these holes already made.

If you do not properly install car seat covers they will not give your car interior the look you are going for. Loose covers will cause wrinkles in the cover that do not look good at all.

This article was submitted by Simona Rusnakova, SEO consultant of 3R, on behalf of EasyBuyCarParts.ie who sell Car Accessories and other car accessories online in Ireland.

View the original source here

Here are some common faults and various signs of these faults that you can look and listen out for when buying a car.

1. Rust

Rust is often a problem with older cars and unfortunately some sellers may try to cover up a serious rust problem with filler and paint. Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with fixing surface rust by sanding down the rust, spraying anti-rust spray then finishing off with a good paint job. But if the rust has gotten into the frame or other vital parts then the whole rust problem needs to be fixed, not just a surface patch job to hide the main problem.

So when you're looking at a car, try to look for uneven paint patches. Have a look underneath and as much of the internal frame as you can see. Basically spend some time trying to find if the vehicle has a serious rust problem.

2. Check the Oil

Having a good look at the engine oil can give an insight to the health of the engine. If it's a clear golden brown then that is a good sign. But if it is a dirty dark color then it might be a sign of a dirty engine or worse. This is not a hard and fast rule but it's worth checking.

3. Get a Vehicle History Report

Use one of the many companies that offer this to provide a report on the history of the vehicle. This can often show if the car was involved in an accident and other problems. The reports aren't free but I believe the cost is worthwhile considering the amount of money you generally have to pay for a car.

4. Let the Car Rest on Your Test Drive

When you take the car out for a test drive, park it somewhere safe and leave it for approximately fifteen minutes. After this have a look under the car for any leaks. Look on the ground for any puddles. If you find a puddle, make a note where it's coming from and you should be able to find out what is leaking and therefore what is the problem with the car.

5. Use your Ears and Nose

Also when you're test driving the car, listen to any odd sounds or a strange smell. Turn on the air conditioning and heater. Does it produce any strange smells?

6. Check all the Lights, Signals and Horn

Spend some time check every single light, indicator signals, break lights and the horn. Just give the horn a quick beep though while parked to avoid upsetting other drivers.

Some automobile dealers also offer various safe guards such as a certificate showing the Odometer is accurate as well as showing a report from an independent mechanic that can potentially show various issues with the vehicle. I suggest you check out AutoCo who do include appraisals by the AA, plus Odometer certificates. They are based in Auckland in New Zealand.

Whether you buy your car from the dealer or via a private sale, I always recommend you should get an independent report of the vehicle's history and general mechanical health.

View the original source here

One of the vehicle models that Ford Motor Company has displayed at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show was the 2013 Ford Taurus. The latest version of the Taurus was displaced along with the other vehicles presented by Ford and most of the car experts and enthusiasts became interested with the full-size sedan. These individuals were probably amazed with current appearance of the Taurus since Ford has subjected this sedan to a series of revisions and the outcome of what the company did was somehow exhilarating.

The 2013 Ford Taurus was not an all-new model at all. In fact, the current model was a reinvigorated version of the 2010 Ford Taurus. However, the vehicle's previous design was totally concealed by the changes that the company has implemented. This was probably one of the reasons why a lot of individuals who were able to take a quick glance at the 2013 Ford Taurus thought that Ford has created an all-new vehicle to carry the Taurus' iconic label.

Many car experts have noted that the exterior and interior appearance of the said vehicle are more attractive compared to its predecessors and this impression was quite true. This is because Ford's engineers and other personnel involved in revising the Taurus sedan revised all of the features of the previous model. The hood that was used on the previous Taurus was removed and this was replaced with a recently built version. Due to this, the Taurus looks muscular when viewed in front. This new image was further enhanced by the larger wheels and tires, the raised quarter panels on the rear, and the new LED taillights.

Ford has also conducted a few changes on the vehicle's interiors. The appearance of the sedan's cabin was enhanced by using upscale materials instead of the cheaper types and hard plastics. The interior space of the Taurus was also stretched and this means that the sedan will comfortably accommodate a maximum of 5 passengers.

Aside from that, Ford has also changed the type of engines used by this model. In fact, the Taurus will be the first car included on the company's North American lineup for this year that will be powered by the advanced 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine. This engine could possibly deliver a maximum power output of up to 237 horsepower and 250 lb.-ft. of torque. This engine is expected to deliver the best highway fuel economy in its class which is around 31 miles per gallon.

The sedan will also be offered with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine which is also used in the previous models. However, Ford has improved the engine's mechanism and this has increased its overall performance.  The 3.5-liter V-6 engine is capable of producing up to 290 horsepower and 255 lb.-ft. of torque. This engine as well as the EcoBoost is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The 2013 Ford Taurus is also available with a standard front-wheel drive system and the all-wheel drive as optional.

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 Ford Taurus Review.

View the original source here

Hands down, one of the most frustrating things that could happen to any individual is to lose his or her car keys. So picture this scenario; you are on your way to work or to a dinner date and when it is time to hit the road, you realise that your car keys are nowhere to be found. A car is one of the most important possessions a man could have and losing his keys will surely lead to great compromise. While losing your keys at home is still pretty much a salvageable situation, losing it in any other place especially outside is pretty much a lost cause. If you are confronted by this unfortunate situation, you have to relax and recollect yourself because freaking out will not do you any favours. You will be happy to know that lost car keys can be replaced. Read on and you will know more about a replacement car key.

So what are the things that you can do when you lose your car keys? Well, one of the most basic solutions would be to check if some of your doors are not locked, it is an unlikely effective solution but it is worth trying before attempting a more advanced measure. Another step that you can try is to check whether your vehicle supports the keyless entry function. If not, then you can move on to another step. At this point, you have the option of getting in touch with your car dealer as they can easily provide a replacement car key for you.

Unfortunately, there is a catch in this particular solution. Car dealers will most likely charge you with exorbitant prices for the replacement and that is not even counting the programming which depends on what type of vehicle you have. Obviously, if money is not a problem, then this solution is highly recommended. But if you believe that calling your car dealer is not a good option, then perhaps you can get in touch with a professional locksmith.

Yes, you will find services that will enable you to unlock your vehicle for a modest fee. A locksmith's service is considerably more affordable as compared to your local car dealer but there are few things to keep in mind. First concern is the matter of security. Not all locksmiths are reliable and trustworthy especially those that offer amateur or stop-gap services. It is a fact that there are locksmiths that moonlight as crooks, so there is simply no way to be sure. In addition to that, not all locksmiths are capable of creating a replacement car key since it can be a highly complicated process. For this matter, you are better off hiring a locksmith from a reputable agency.

The author writes for http://replacementcarkey.com.au/ which provides information regarding replacement car key.

View the original source here

To most people, a transit bus service may seem like a cash intensive enterprise where overheads and investments are huge. However, according to experts in the field, a transit bus service need not be highly cost intensive. In fact, a large number of transit bus owners launch their services with very little startup investment. With a growing number of passengers relying on shuttle buses instead of gas-thirsty cars, the demand for transit buses is high. So, even when this business requires cash inputs, it pays back handsomely - as many entrepreneurs are finding out.

The most important requirements for starting a transit bus service include a transit bus, insurance and a good driving record. In some locations, it may be necessary to get the required licensing agreements too. Before you do all that however, it is important to identify the business opportunity.

There are different kinds of transit bus services. While some services ply between places of work, others take passengers to the airport. A thriving business may even be made out of shuttling passengers to and from event venues. With the increased interest in tourism, some services aim only at addressing tourists who need to be taken to sight-seeing and shopping attractions. Some bus services only cater to schools and private institutions like churches and so on. Whichever model you choose to adopt, it is necessary to conduct a study of the area, the kind of service, the current demand, expansion necessities and the type of vehicle required. The key to success is to find out the most under-serviced niche in your area and market your own services aggressively.

The next step is to buy the vehicles that will take your services forward, literally. A startup business may want to focus on buying a single vehicle and reaping a profit from the business before investing more on vehicles. However, sometimes it may be possible to convert an existing vehicle into an asset. In such cases, it may be possible to kick off the business on minimal investment while owning more than one vehicle. Buying used buses is also an intelligent route to starting a robust service without putting in humongous amounts of money.

Buying a transit bus requires some thought and preparation. Transit buses may be of different sizes. They may be big or small depending on the passenger capacity needed. A bigger bus can bring in more revenue only if its full capacity is utilized regularly. Otherwise, a behemoth could simply be a drain on your resources. If you are looking for used buses, it is important to know more about used buses before you buy. For instance, some models quickly go out of vogue and investing in such models could be disastrous, particularly when you need spare parts which are no longer available in the market. When buying a used bus, you need to have the vehicle inspected by a reliable and skilled mechanic. This ensures that you do not end up with a vehicle that drinks money on repair and maintenance. Finally, always make your purchase from a reliable, trusted and established source. This ensures high quality of service and good value for money.

By following the above tips, it is possible for anyone to start a transit bus service and make huge profits from the same.

View the original source here

Maruti Cervo finally looks all set to become a reality. If sources are to be believed then the company is planning to replace the iconic Maruti 800 and the Maruti Alto. The new Cervo will make its way to the market by the end of Diwali this 2012 and is likely to be equipped with a 660 cc engine.

According to a report by a leading newspaper Economic Times, the Cervo will soon see the light of the day during this Diwali with a price range of 2-2.5 lakh. Adding further fuel to the speculations, a senior official from Maruti Suzuki added that "the work on the car is going on and the company is planning to launch it before Diwali". However one need not be excited as of now because, there is no guarantee that the Indian variant of the Maruti Cervo will come with same genetics of the one doing rounds in markets like Japan, Malaysia and China where it has already been launched.

From the pictures it is clearly visible that the Maruti Cervo shares its looks from its elder cousin Swift. It has the rectangular air vents in the centre and the circular ones on the sides. While the global variants come with power windows and airbags, the same cannot be said for the Indian market due its entry level positioning.

There are also rumours about the company talking with vendors for the components of the Cervo. If launched, the car will surely revolutionize the auto market in the entry level segment. However the company must ensure that they do not repeat the same mistakes of the Tata Nano.

The Tata Nano was also launched with much fanfare and was tagged as the cheapest car in the whole world but it did nothing to appeal to the people. The Cervo will have to be a quality car and people won't mind spending the few extra bucks if the car is really worth it.

Safety must not be comprised at any cost and this probably sealed the fate of the Tata Nano. A few fiery issues and that was enough to make the Tata Nano weep. The Cervo will have to be safe at all costs without any issues and not take the people for granted.

The Nano in spite of its huge disappointments is managing to notch up some decent sales. This shows that, clearly there is enough demand for the entry level segment cars. The Cervo is expected to take over from the Alto and the Maruti 800 and will be priced between the two.

Meanwhile on the other hand the Bajaj RE60 has already revealed itself. The car is expected to deliver a whopping mileage of 35kpl with a 200cc engine. The RE60 produces a maximum power of 20 bhp and will seat up to four people. It is also quite practical with a massive boot space of 44 ltr and hits the top speed of 70km. The car will have overall dimension of 2.75metres length and 1.3m width with 3.5m turning circle radius.

If launched, the Maruti Cervo will surely revolutionize the auto market in the entry level segment. However the company must ensure that they do not repeat the same mistakes of the Tata Nano.

View the original source here

View the original source here

Choosing and buying a second hand vehicle is considered to be a difficult task when compared to purchasing a brand new vehicle. To make sure you buy a used vehicle that is in good condition there are a number of factors that you should consider.

The first steps to take when considering purchasing a used vehicle are to select of the right model that would suit the budget, the lifestyle and the driving habits of the individual. After deciding on the model the next step would be to gather as much information as possible and to note the reviews on different websites regarding the performance of the vehicle.

Once detailed research has been undertaken in respect of the model of the used vehicle, the next step is to find out where you can buy the used car. The best way to find a well thought of dealer who sells used cars or vehicles would be to search the internet for reviews of the dealers in your area.

After deciding on the model and the dealer, one of the most important tasks is to check all the documents involved before making the purchase. Among the documentation check, it is essential to see the distance that the vehicle has been driven. An individual should not consider buying a petrol car that has been driven a distance of 12000 or more kilometers per year and in respect of a diesel car that target figure is less than 15000 kilometers per year.

The age of the car is also an important factor in deciding whether you should purchase a second hand vehicle or not. If the vehicle is three or more years old and you require credit to purchase the car, then you should definitely consider avoiding the purchase since it is difficult to secure finance on any vehicle older than three years. Another important factor to be considered is the ownership of the vehicle. It is preferably good to purchase a used vehicle owned by one individual prior to sale. When it comes to multiple ownership it is more difficult to ensure that the vehicle has enjoyed a consistent quality of care.

Checking the insurance papers and the registration certificate of the car is also an important action to take before making the purchase. These papers will help to identify the number of times the vehicle has been in an accident or any technical issue related to the vehicle. It is imperative to check the original copies of the maintenance and the warranty certificates of the vehicle from the dealer before purchasing a second hand vehicle.

It is also important to check the engine, and analyze the quality of the brake pedal, steering wheel, condition of the bonnet and the dashboard as well. Finally, it is advisable to go for a test drive in order to check the efficiency of the accelerator and the ignition system to judge whether the vehicle is able to start on the very first attempt made.

Whether you are looking for a second hand car for the school run or whether you are looking to purchase used military vehicles for off road adventures then you need to know what to look out for when buying used cars if you are going to make a sound purchase. It is very easy to get caught up on getting a bargain without taking into account other important factors such as the safety and reliability of the vehicle that you are looking to buy. If you follow these simple rules set out here and use your common sense then you are likely to make a successful purchase and enjoy your vehicle for many years to come.

View the original source here

With every new invention in technology, our lifestyle has been simplified in many ways. Similarly, the intelligent keys are such a device that helps in easing our driving experience with a wide array of unbeatable features. Moreover, these keys are an excellent tool for offering advanced security to our car from any sort of theft or damage.

The regular advancement in technology is continuously offering us with more and more advanced modes of living for setting a similar pace with today's fast and modern lifestyle. There are many such examples from the past, among which the intelligent keys are specially meant for offering a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience to the car owners. Apart from this, these keys are an excellent mode of providing advanced safety to your car from any type of theft or damage to it. Facilitated with a plethora of intelligent and smart features, these keys are referred to as the Intelligent Keys or Smart Keys.

Being a stylish and easy to carry device, these intelligent keys are developed using cutting edge technology. Based on the process of communication between the two apparatus, namely the small microchip and the radio transmitter, enables these keys to function. The radio transmitter is installed behind the steering wheel of the car and the chip is embedded inside the remote. Now whenever you press any button on the remote, the chip sends a lower radio wave to connect with the device in the car. Generally, the frequency of these radio waves vary from country to country and the type of car you are driving. Now, when the transmitter inside the car accepts the code sent through the keys, it performs the specific function, which is being instructed. But the best part is that the code embedded in these keys is very unique and cannot be duplicated in any way. So any attempt of using a remote of another car would not be successful in performing any function. Hence, these keys prove to be an amazing mode of reducing the increasing number of car thefts.

Talking about the smart features, these intelligent keys are offered with a plethora of functions to perform from nearly about 5m to 20m distance from the vehicle. The most important feature of the intelligent keys is the alarm. It's which alerts you with a distinct noise of a beep sound and a flash of lights, whenever anybody tries to break into your car or tries to touch it or damage it in any way. Besides, some of the other qualitative features include unlocking of the doors to opening and closing of the fuel pump cap and switching on/off the ignition to opening and closing of a particular door, window, roof or trunk of your car. All these features offer a more comfortable and enjoyable driving style.

So if you also want to facilitate your car with excellent security and improvise your driving style for more comfort, then you can look for a wide variety of these intelligent keys on numerous online stores. For this you can search various websites of the different manufacturers, who offer a wide range of these keyless car remotes and other locksmith tool. While searching you can even compare the offered range of keys in terms of their quality, features, size, color and even the price. So start searching to opt for an intelligent key that suits your requirement perfectly.

The author of this article is associated with Transponder Island, which offers wholesale transponder keys at affordable prices.

View the original source here

Chevrolet has recently released some of the most significant information about the modest makeover that they have implemented on the 2013 Chevrolet Traverse. Aside from the detailed information about the changes on the Traverse, the brand has also released a number of photos of the newly redesigned vehicle and all of these revelations were publicized just a few days before its public debut at the 2012 New York Auto Show.

According to the statement provided by Chevrolet, the 2013 Chevrolet Traverse will be offered with the size and mechanical specifications similar to that of the outgoing model. This simply means that the modest makeover was only confined on the vehicle's exterior and interior features. Among the most significant changes that were made on the 2013 Chevrolet Traverse are the following.

1. Exterior Design

The 2013 Chevrolet Traverse has obtained a few changes in its exterior design. The upcoming model has received a new power dome hood which is quite identical to what the Chevy Malibu and the Camaro have. Chevrolet has removed the split mesh on the vehicle's front and replaced this with a two-bar lower and a three-bar upper grille design.

Aside from the changes that were mentioned earlier, the 2013 Chevrolet Traverse has also received a new set of headlights and chrome accents. A new set of headlights were also installed on the vehicle along with well-sculpted front corners that are quite similar to what the Chevy Malibu sedan have. In addition to this, the vehicle was also equipped with redesigned taillights and the new license-plate provides the traverse with a cleaner look on the rear.

2. Interior Design

In terms of interior design, the 2013 Chevrolet Traverse's seats obtained the so-called contrast stitching and the blue light accents that flow seamlessly all throughout the vehicle's cabin. Chevrolet has also used more soft-touch materials on the Traverse's interiors and these are mostly found on the instrument panel and on the front-door uppers.

The new center stack features the Chevy MyLink system which is equipped with a 6.5-inch touch-screen display. This allows the driver or the other car occupants to integrate their smart-phones into the MyLink System and perform a number of functions such as hands-free dialing or other audio capabilities. In addition to this, Chevrolet has also added larger controls on the control panel to provide the vehicle's interior with a more upscale feel.

3. Safety Features

The 2013 Chevrolet Traverse has also inherited all of the standard safety features of the previous year's model. This simply means that the vehicle is still equipped with the anti-lock disc brakes, traction control and stability control. Other safety features such as the side curtain airbags and the front-seat side impact airbags are also found on the latest version of the Traverse. To further improve the Traverse's safety features, Chevrolet has decided to use the new front-center airbag on the 2013 model.

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 Chevrolet Traverse Review.

View the original source here

For years, Smittybilt has been known for its high-quality winches and other products. Now, the company is offering 4 wheel drive vehicle owners the trail tools that they need when trouble pops up. These tools and accessories are made from high-quality materials that ensure that they will be long-lasting and dependable for years to come.

Let's face it, things happen on the trails and backroads that many 4 wheel drive vehicle owners travel on a routine basis. The last thing anyone wants is to be stuck out in the middle of no where because they do not have the equipment that they need to get "unstuck". Now, those worries can be alleviated. With Smittybilt trail tools, vehicle owners can save time and avoid having to pay expensive towing fees by recovering their own vehicles. Smittybilt trail tools include all of the essential trail tools you need to take action when you need to do so. Don't get stuck out in the cold! Get the tools you need and ride with confidence.

Smittybilt Winch Accessory Value Pack:

This affordable Smittybilt Winch Accessory Value Pack has the essential winch accessories that you will need. It includes a winch hook pull strap, which is vital in protecting your fingers from getting snagged in the winch hook. A 30 foot by 2 inch tow strap that you can use to rig your vehicle for just about any recovery situation, and a 600 Denier, soft-sided, Smittybilt Logo accessory bag that can be used to safely store all your vehicle recovery gear.

The Standard Smittybilt Winch Accessory Kit:

This is a great option for those who need added protection as well as for those who travel in groups which may require helping someone else out of a tight spot. As with all Smittybilt products, this kits contains items that are made from high-quality materials. The kit is a "universal application" kit meaning it works with just about any vehicle. It includes heavy-duty gloves, a recovery chain, tow straps, D-ring and a snatch block.

The Smittybilt ATV Winch Accessory Kit:

This is the all new ATV Winch Accessory Kit from Smittybilt. The kit contains all the needed trail tools ATV owners may need when they find themselves in a jam. This affordable and reliable kit can also be used to assist other riders who may be in trouble. The kit includes a pair of 1/2" shackles, 2.0 ton weight rating, a pair of 1" x 8' 10,000lb tow straps, snatch block with a 8,000 lb rating, and a soft side bag for storing the items safely. This is an excellent option for all ATV vehicles.

To learn more about these Smittybilt trail tools or to learn more about Smittybilt winches and air compressors, simply visit the 4Wheel Drive Hardware (4WD) website. The company is one of the leading mail order and Internet distributors of Jeep parts and accessories and carries a full line of Smittybilt products. While there, check out their free shipping options as well as the price guarantee.

Visit this site to learn more about the new Smittybilt trail tools for 4 WD and ATVs.

View the original source here