AUTO XTREME CAR

General Motors has recently confirmed that 2013 Cadillac XTS and ATS have obtained the company's "Driver Assistance System" and this particular safety improvement that was implemented on the two vehicle models were intended to further improve their overall safety features. This move is also considered by many car experts as one of the company's way of promoting these models since most of their competitors have long been using the safety devices that are included in this system and this has established the notion that Cadillac was already been left behind.

Due to the availability of the driver assistance system on the 2013 Cadillac XTS and the Cadillac ATS, both of these vehicles will be equipped with cameras facing on the vehicle's front and rear, radar transmitters, and ultrasonic sensors. All of these technologies are very helpful in raising the driver's awareness when driving thereby increasing the chances of avoiding collisions with other vehicles or stationary objects when parking.

Aside from the technologies mentioned previously, the new system will also include other high tech devices that would further turn the XTS and the ATS into safer vehicles. This includes the forward-collision alert which is equipped with a red light mounted on the vehicle's dash that flashes when it senses that a possible crash is about to happen.

In addition to this, the rear-cross traffic system that provides an audible alert when it senses an approaching vehicle from the one of the two sides when backing and the automatic braking that functions at low speeds that could prevent a possible collision due to the driver's lack of full attention on the road while driving will also be available on the driver assistance systems found on the 2013 Cadillac XTS and ATS.

Since having all of these technologies on the XTS and the ATS in one bundle would surely boost both of the model's prices up, General Motors have decided to split these into two options. The first option will be introduced as the Cadillac Awareness package which includes the lane departure warning, rear-cross traffic detection, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision alert. This package will be launched on the 2013 Cadillac XTS this spring and this might soon be offered on the 2013 Cadillac ATS.

The second option would be the Driver Assist package that includes some of the latest active features from General Motors such as the adaptive cruise control, auto collision preparation, and the automatic braking system that functions when the vehicle is running at a lower speed. This package will be introduced on the XTS then on the ATS this fall.

Both of the packages will also include the so-called "Cadillac Safety Alert Seat" that activates the same type of warning lights and sounds off the same audible warning when it detects a possible collision or a crash.

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 Cadillac Invoice Prices through our network of certified dealerships.

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Ford Motor Company has recently unveiled the 2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 convertible at the 2012 Chicago auto show and this has captured a lot of attention from the event's audience since this model promises to provide almost all of the features found on the Mustang coupe.

The 2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT 500 convertible is powered by a supercharged 5.8-liter V-8 engine. This engine which is capable of producing up 650 horsepower is also the same engine used on the Shelby GT500 coupe. Due to this, the Shelby GT500 coupe and convertible currently holds the crown as the most powerful Mustangs that were produced by Ford.

Most of the car experts that were present at the Chicago auto show when the 2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 convertible was unveiled were quite amazed by the maximum power output that the vehicle is capable of producing. These car experts were expecting that the convertible will only be producing a limited amount of horsepower since it is equipped with a droptop. Most of them are thinking that excessive power might ruin the vehicle's capability to launch and detach its roof while running but their assumptions were spoiled with what they have seen on the new GT500 Shelby convertible.

The remarkable features that were seen on the topless Shelby GT500 simply proves that Ford engineers and vehicle developers were able to find a way to allow the convertible to handle the possible challenges that the supercharged V-8 engine could  pose against its roof's mechanism. Obviously, Ford has used a lot of modern components to deal with this condition and the results were evidently impressive.

But aside from the improvements implemented on the vehicle's roof, Ford has also did a great job in improving the overall performance of the supercharged V-8 that was used on the 2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 convertible. The company successfully bored out an additional 0.4-liter on the 5.4-liter supercharged V-8 engine that was used on the previous version of the GT500 and this allowed the 2013 model to produce more horsepower than its predecessor.  In addition to this, the latest version's engine is using the updated cylinder heads, new piston squirters, and the newest TVS supercharger.

Finally, the 2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 convertible's external appearance has also impressed all almost all of the observers that were able to take a closer look at the vehicle. Its blunt nose, newly-installed LED tail lights, and brand-new set of headlights made the GT500 convertible look more trendy and sporty.

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 Mustang Review.

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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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