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By Pete Lance
The road is a dangerous place. Any driver on the road has life-and-death power over his passengers and everyone he encounters on the road, including other drivers. Do not, ever, lose your focus when you are driving. Here are 5 quick tips to ensuring your safety on the road.
1. Drive safely, or don't drive. There are many things that can go wrong on the road. But there are also things that you can do to lessen the risk on the road. Two rules: Do not drive when you are drunk, sleepy, or not in full control of yourself. Do not drive when you are not in full control of the car.
2. Be cooperative. Driving is all about teamwork. You have to work as a team with the other drivers on the road so as to ensure nobody gets hurt. You can do anything that people will reasonably expect you to do. But don't ever surprise other drivers by doing unexpected things. This can cause big trouble, especially on the highway.
3. Think ahead. You need to give your fellow drivers time to react to anything you do. Don't do anything sudden. Signal before you change lanes or turn. Do things evenly, be it changing lanes, accelerating, slowing down, etc. Allow the other drivers to mentally compute where you are going to be.
4. Cool it. Don't let your emotions take control of you. Never get angry with other drivers, no matter how unreasonable they are. It is inevitable that drivers make mistakes, even grave or stupid ones. Some drivers will even weave in and out of traffic, just to get to the front, and in the process irritate everyone else. Don't get angry with them, and never get back at them in anyway, or you may become a hazard yourself. Always remember to stay “cool, calm and collected”.
5. Your area of vision is the most important. The rule of thumb is “if you can't see, don't go!” Perhaps your windshield is cracked. Perhaps your mirrors are not adjusted properly. Perhaps your windshield wipers are faulty. Don't drive if you cannot see, especially in wet weather. It's always better to be late than never.
Pete Lance is the founder of http://www.USGasTracker.org, a premier company which helps the consumer save money on gasoline. Thousands of gas stations across the nation are tracked daily to guarantee the lowest prices on gasoline anywhere in the United States.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/
Tips To
Maximizing Fuel Economy In Today's Climate Of High Gas
Prices
By Bill Bolton
High costs at the pump have you troubled? Find yourself at the
pump yet again dishing out another $50 - $100? Well, you're not
alone. The rising price of gas is on most of our minds and
pocketbooks these days leaving us wondering if and when there
will be a reprieve.
Until gas prices do normalize, there are some things that you
can do to stretch that next tank of gas. Here are 10 tips that
should save you a few extra bucks at the pump:
1. Instead of running multiple errands,
consolidate your trips into one thus eliminating significant and
unnecessary travel.
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3. Resist the temptation to drive alone. Carpool with your co-workers. Carpooling with three of your colleagues means you only drive every fourth week saving you a bundle in fuel costs over the course of a year.
4. In cold weather climates, have an engine block heater installed. This will reduce the amount of fuel needed to warm the car on those cold winter mornings.
5. Resist turning on the AC at the first sign of warm weather. Air conditioning burns up allot of fuel. If you're driving in the city, a better alternative is to roll down the windows and open all vents. Highway driving is a different story though. The drag from open windows can also result in your burning more fuel. If you have to, roll up the windows and place the AC on the lowest setting.
6. Remove roof racks and overhead carriers when not in use. The drag created by these will result in less fuel economy.
7. Remove any unnecessary weight from your vehicle that will cause the engine to work harder and use more fuel.
8. Ensure your vehicle is tuned up on a regular basis. A properly tuned vehicle operates more efficiently resulting in the consumption of less fuel.
9. Alter your driving style. Do you accelerate quickly from a starting position? Gradually accelerating until you've reached your optimum speed will result in a significant gas savings over the long haul.
10. Routinely have your brakes and tire pressure checked. Poorly working brakes can result in your vehicle working harder and using more fuel. The same for your tires, under or over inflated tires will result in the consumption of more fuel.
Following even just a few of these tips should save you some money.
William Bolton is an expert in the field of automobiles specializing in auto leasing. He owns an automotive website called Leasedwheels.com that specializes in the exiting and takeover of auto leases. If you're stuck in a lease you need out of or wish to take over an existing lease on a short-term basis with no money down, check out http://www.leasedwheels.com
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Dealing with an
Overheated Radiator
by: Terry Brown
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Overheating is one of the most common breakdowns that autos
encounter during the summer season. It happens when the
temperature of the coolant exceeds the normal operating
temperature range of the engine. Overheating has many causes.
Idling under hot weather for prolonged periods can wreak havoc
on the cars cooling system, because the water pump doesn't turn
fast enough. Thus the coolant is not circulated, as it should
be. Sometimes a leak may cause the coolant level to drop thus
causing the radiator to overheat.
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Here are a few pointers for dealing with an overheated radiator:
1. Turn off the A/C. If the car is not seriously overheating, this will reduce the engine's temperature. The AC evaporator is located in front of the radiator, and it adds heat to the air going to your engine. The hotter the incoming air is, the less efficient the radiator will be.
2. Turn on your heater (set on highest temperature setting, with blower on highest setting). This will be uncomfortable for you, but it will cool the engine by transferring the heat to the air. Roll down the windows, and remember how 'hot' you'll get if your engine needs replacement!
3. If you're stuck in traffic, pull over and stop. Unless you're moving, very little cool air reaches the radiator. Open the hood and let the engine cool off. This takes time, so be patient. Use the time to go get a jug of water or antifreeze.
4. Check the overflow tank coolant level. If it's empty, the radiator is probably low on coolant.
5. Check the pressure of the system by wrapping a cloth around the upper radiator hose and squeezing it. If it's still under pressure (hot) it will not squeeze easily. Wait until it does.
6. Place a large cloth over the radiator cap, and carefully release the pressure. Serious burns can result from the hot coolant. If in doubt, wait until the engine cools completely.
7. If the coolant is low, start the engine, and slowly add the water or coolant necessary to fill it up. The engine must be running. Adding coolant to a warm engine can crack the block. By running the engine, the coolant keeps moving and reduces the chances of this type of damage occurring.
Radiators are indispensable parts of any cooling system. They are designed to dissipate the heat, which the coolant has absorbed from the engine. However, like all auto parts, radiators are prone to damage and corrosion. As it is mostly made of metal and is in constant contact with liquids, radiators can break down over time due to corrosive forces. Defective radiators can spell doom for any engine. Irreparable damage can result if a malfunctioning radiator is not repaired or replaced immediately.
If your radiator needs to be replaced, you can find aftermarket radiators that are more affordable but are nonetheless excellent in quality. Replacement radiators are available from the best auto parts suppliers online such as Auto Parts Inner. You can find top quality aftermarket Chevrolet Radiators for your Chevrolet automobile at very low prices.
Not only that, they also have a wide array of Chevrolet Parts including Chevrolet A/C condensers, Chevrolet bumpers, Chevrolet catalytic converters, Chevrolet headlights, Chevrolet floor mats and other important Chevrolet parts. Auto Part Inner's array of top of the line Chevrolet parts are sourced from the most trusted auto parts makers in the country. All auto parts from Auto Parts Inner pass the stringent quality control standards that the company, a well-known resource of useful and relevant information, has set up.
About The Author Terry Brown is a 32 year old from Houston Texas, and an enthusiast for anything auto related. He is currently employed as a market analyst by one of the top car parts company in the area. His automotive articles provide valuable source of information for auto enthusiasts like him as well as to those in need of automotive research. www.innerauto.com
Driving
To Savings: Car Tips To Save You Money
By: Jeffrey Strain
Although the most interesting method to save
on car operating costs came from my chemistry teacher in high
school (Buy your gasoline in the early morning or at night when
it is cold outside. Gas becomes denser in cooler temperatures.
Since gas pumps only measure the volume of fuel - not the
density - you'll get better overall gas mileage for your money
by purchasing fuel when it's cool outside rather than in the
heat of the day), the moment that will determine the true amount
you can save on your car costs comes before you even buy a car.
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The simple fact is that the type of car you decide to purchase will have the largest impact on the expenses you incur during the lifetime of it.
Even if a large sports utility vehicle is your dream car, it's probably a lot more than you really need. Taking some time to make a list of the things you'll use the car for will help determine the difference between your true needs and your wants. It's important to remember that each additional want you add above what you really need will cost you not only at the time of purchase, but in most cases well down the road with an increase in maintenance and operating costs.
The size of the car you decide to purchase will have a direct effect on its operating costs. Purchasing the smallest car possible for your driving needs will save you a tremendous amount in gasoline charges. Small cars weigh about half as much as larger cars which results in about half as much fuel being used.
Once you have decided on the size of car, it's worthwhile taking the time to research the safety ratings of the different cars in that size range. Not only will this improve your chances of staying alive in an accident, it will likely reduce your car insurance costs. A quick call to your car insurance company will tell you the tale. Remember, if you keep your car for 7 years, a $25 a month difference in insurance costs adds up to over $2,100 over the lifetime of the car.
Once you have a car, taking some simple steps can reduce your operating costs by hundreds of dollars. For example, if you reduce your gas consumption by $20 a week, it will save you over $1,000 a year. Most people can easily save this amount (and often much more) by simply changing their driving habits and paying a little more attention to their cars.
By far the best way to reduce your car expenses is to use your car only when necessary. Cars are extremely convenient and this causes people to use them much more often than they really need to. By simply asking yourself, "Is this trip really necessary?" you can greatly decrease the amount you drive.
For short trips close to home, try walking or riding your bicycle. Not only will you save money on your car expenses,you'll also get some healthy exercise. When you go shopping or run errands, take a little time to plan and combine them all into one outing instead of several. Of course, car pooling and using mass transportation systems when possible are always excellent ways to reduce car expenses. If you can find a different way to commute to work rather than by your car, there is a good chance that this will result in a discount in your car insurance.
There are also a number of steps you can take to reduce your driving expenses while using you car. Here's a quick list of some actions you may want to consider while driving.
*** Take the time to check your car's tire
pressure each month. Under inflated tires reduce fuel efficiency
by 2% for every pound they are under inflated. Under inflation
also causes premature tire wear giving your tires a shorter use
life.
*** Drive at the speed limit. Cars use about 20% more fuel
driving at 70 miles per hour than they do at 55 miles per hour.
*** Avoid driving fast in low gears. Driving
at high speeds in the improper gear can reduce fuel efficiency
by up to 40%.
*** Avoid using air conditioning whenever possible. Air conditioning reduces fuel economy by 10% to 20%.
*** Don't open windows when traveling at high speeds. Open
windows on the highway can reduce fuel efficiency by 10%. It is
much better to use the ventilation system. Also remember to
remove car racks and other items which make your car less
aerodynamic when they're not being used. Use cruise control to
maintain a steady pace on the highway to increase fuel economy.
*** Avoid rough roads. Driving on roads made of dirt or gravel
can reduce fuel economy by up to 30%.
*** Don't let your car idle. Even on cold
mornings, there's no need to let your car idle for more than 30
seconds. Newer cars are designed to be driven almost immediately
and letting your car idle longer is a waste of gas. In addition,
it's more efficient to turn off your car and turn it on again
than to let it idle for more than 45 seconds while waiting.
*** Remove all excess weight from your car. Many people use
their car trunk as a storage space adding unneeded pounds to the
car's weight. This unnecessary weight reduces the car's fuel
efficiency.
*** Try to accelerate gently, brake gradually and avoid stops
when driving. Gunning engines, quickly accelerating, and abrupt
stops all waste fuel. Try to avoid driving during rush hour
periods when you know traffic will be stop and go. If you do
find yourself in stop and go traffic, try to maintain a crawl.
When approaching hills or steep slopes, accelerate before the
hill. Accelerating once on the slope will consume much more gas.
*** Service your car regularly while paying
special attention to oil and filters. Blocked air flow from
clogged air filters will increase fuel waste. Also check your
car's alignment since this can cause engine drag which will also
increase gas waste.
*** Periodically calculate your car's fuel efficiency.
A loss in fuel efficiency is an indication of possible
mechanical problems.
To really see how much you can save by using the above information, don't change your driving habits this week, but take note of the number of miles your drive and calculate your car's current fuel economy. The following week begin initiating any of the above ideas which you aren't currently utilizing. You are sure to be surprised by how much you can save over your regular driving habits, and you'll be able to enjoy some extra money jingling in your pockets.
Copyright (c) 2004, by Jeffrey Strain
About The Author
How to
Change Your Car's Motor Oil First, let's answer the question; Why should you change your own oil? Because you can save time and money. You don't have to wait in line at the service garage or quick oil change shop. For ten bucks you can get the best oil and a brand new oil filter. And, it's so easy to do that you could train a monkey to do it. Changing your cars motor oil is a very simple three-step process: 1. Drain the old oil. 2. Replace the oil filter. 3. Add the new oil. But before we go through the steps, lets answer a few basic questions. When should I change my oil? Look in your cars owners manual. Most auto manufacturers recommend changing the motor oil every 6,000 miles for normal service, or every 3,000 miles for severe service. I change my oil every 6,000 miles, and my engines run like new when I trade my vehicles in with well over 100,000 miles on them. One thing that I do is change a new cars oil after the first 300 mile break-in period. Then, after that, I change the oil every 6,000 miles. What kind of oil should I use? You are not going to save money by using an off-brand oil because your engine will wear out sooner. Use oil that meets the American Petroleum Institute (API) classification SL. I use Valvoline, Quaker State, Pennzoil, or Havoline brand oil. These quality oils contain additives that make them work better and longer. If you are changing your oil just before winter, use SAE 10W30 weight oil. This number means the oil will have a thin 10 weight viscosity when the engine is cold, helping the engine to start easier, and then the oil will thicken to 30 weight viscosity when the engine warms up, protecting the engine better. If you are changing oil just before summer, use SAE 10W40 weight oil. The extra 40 weight viscosity will protect your engine better when it's hot. What's the First Step? First let your engine cool off. Modern engines run at close to 300 degrees (F) and hot oil will definitely give you a severe burn. You shouldn't have to jack your car up unless you have some kind of ground hugging sports car or low rider. Almost all cars have enough space underneath to reach under and change the engine oil. Step 1: Drain the old oil. Locate the oil drain plug and place a pan under it to catch the oil. With a box wrench, remove the oil plug. Note for newbies: To remove the drain plug, turn it counter-clockwise. - If you have a GM dual-overhead-cam EcoTec engine you may have a difficult time locating the drain plug on all that aluminum. When the oil stops draining, reinstall the drain plug. Note for newbies: To replace the drain plug turn it clockwise. Start the plug with your fingers. If it seems even slightly hard to turn, back it out! You are crossing the threads. Step 2. Replace the oil filter. Move your oil catch pan under the oil filter. Using an oil filter wrench to get it started, remove the oil filter. (newbies: counter-clockwise, and you will get some oil on your hand.) - A strap type oil filter wrench is the best kind to use. A socket type oil filter tool is used with a ratchet just like a regular socket. The problem with the socket type is that it tends to get stuck on the filter. Use the socket type tool if you don't have enough clearance around the oil filter to use the strap type. With your finger put a thin coat of oil on the new filter's gasket to make it seal better. *! Now pay attention - here's were you can screw up royal! With your hand, install the new oil filter. If it seems even slightly hard to turn, back it out! You are crossing the threads. Most filters have an instruction printed on them to give the filter one more turn after the gasket has made contact. Here's what I recommend: screw the filter on until its "hand tight". Then use the oil filter wrench to snug it up another 1/8 to 1/4 turn. This is critical! When the vehicle is running, the oil pump puts the oil under pressure. If you don't install the oil filter tight enough, the oil will come gushing out. If that happens shut down the engine immediately! Without oil, an engine will lock up within seconds. The first time I changed my oil, I used the filter wrench to tighten the filter as tight as I could get it. Wrong! The next time I went to change my oil, I couldn't get the filter off. Luckily I had plenty of room around the filer, so I hammered a screw driver through the body of the filter and used the handle of the screw driver to turn the filter off. Warning! Don't over-tighten the filter. Follow the instructions above carefully! - The GM dual-overhead-cam EcoTec engine has an unusual oil filter located on top of the engine. Remove the engine air intake hose. That's the oil filter canister just to the right of, and below, the end of the open air intake tube. Use a proper size wrench to remove the canister lid. This engine uses a special filter cartridge. For an exact quote on your vehicle please Click hereStep 3. Add the new oil. Locate the oil filler cap on the valve cover. I've seen newbies pour motor oil in everything from the master brake cylinder to the radiator cap. Make sure you have located the oil filler cap. Remove the oil filler cap. When pouring the oil, you would be wise to use a funnel between the oil can and the valve cover oil filler hole. How much oil should you add? Look in your cars owner manual. Most engines have a capacity of four or five quarts. Don't overfill the crank case. When you run the engine the extra oil will be blown out through the PCV value, possibly stalling your engine. Tip: If you don't know the oil capacity of the engine, add four quarts, then check the oil level, if it's a quart low add another quart. Replace the oil filler cap. Step 4. Start the Engine. Yes, I know, I said there where only three steps. You're finished, this is not really a "step". Start the engine and make sure the oil warning light goes off. Look under the vehicle to make sure oil is not leaking out. Turn off the engine and let it set for a minute to let the oil drain down to the crank case. Then use the dip stick to check the oil level. How to check the oil level: Remove the dip stick, wipe it clean with a rag, reinstall the dip stick. Make sure the dip stick is in all the way or you will get a false reading. After a few seconds remove the dip stick and examine how far up the stick is covered with oil. Most dip sticks have a "full" mark printed on them. Note: I find the best way to dispose of the old oil is to use a funnel to pore it from the collection pan into the bottles from which the new oil came. When I get a big pile of used oil bottles I bring them to the oil recycling center. Be sure to mark the used oil bottles so you don't accidentally think they are new oil. Copyright(C)2004 Bucaro TecHelp.
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