Nitrogen in Tires - When Is It Worthwhile?

Since the invention of the automobile, tires have been filled with plain old air. In recent years, however, nitrogen has moved in as the tire filler of choice for many motorists as it has supposed benefits over air. Some people believe that the benefit of nitrogen in tires outweighs the one drawback, price, and others think filling tires with nitrogen is a waste of money. So is nitrogen really better than air? In some circumstances, yes it probably is; and in others, no it probably is just a waste of money.

More Expensive

It has become pretty easy to find tire dealers that offer nitrogen filling service. But where you would pay 25 cents (or nothing) to use an air compressor to fill all four tires, you can expect to pay up to ten dollars per tire to have them filled with nitrogen. It may seem like a great expense, but if nitrogen really does all that it is supposed to, it may be worth it.

Nitrogen is supposed to prolong the life of tires and increase gas mileage. Tires normally lose small amounts of air through minuscule holes in the surface of the tire. Over time, this leads to a small decrease in tire pressure, usually no more than a couple of psi. While most drivers will not notice this small drop in tire pressure, it will affect gas mileage and cause you to use more fuel.

The Costs Of Losing Pressure

Losing pressure also causes the tires to wear faster as more of the surface comes in contact with the road. This increase in surface area on the road also creates friction which will make the engine work harder. All these changes are normal and occur with air filled tires, and while it doesn't make much difference in the short term, over time it will have an impact on gas mileage as well as tire and engine wear.

Nitrogen Prevents Leakage

Tires filled with nitrogen can avoid the long term leakage of air as nitrogen does not react with rubber like air does and will not leak out. Nitrogen filled tires will stay inflated, unless there is a puncture, which will reduce tire and engine wear when compared to air filled tires. Gas mileage will also remain at optimal levels as tires suffer no loss of psi. Of course, if a tire is already riddled with microscopic holes caused from air leakage, nitrogen will still have a chance to escape.

Nitrogen is used in many high dollar tires that are used with race cars, aircraft, and military vehicles. These tires are very expensive and the cost of replacing them makes the cost of nitrogen in tires worth it. It is more economical to pay for nitrogen and preserve the life of the tires.

When Is It A Good Idea?

Since car tires are considerably less expensive than space shuttle tires, it is not necessarily a good idea to use nitrogen. If you have just invested in a brand new set of high quality tires and you want to preserve them, using nitrogen from the start will probably be an economical choice. If you have older tires that have already been filled with air, switching to nitrogen is probably not worth it.

Discount Tire Stores - Online vs Brick And Mortar

If you want to get brand-name tires, you may have to pay hundreds of dollars, depending on the type of vehicle you own. This is why you should consider using discount tire stores. Through them you can get brand-name tires at drastically reduced prices. You may even be able to save more money if you decide to get used tires through them.

The only issue involved with discount tire stores is deciding which type you're going to use: online enterprises or brick and mortar stores. If you need help making this determination, read on as this article will provide 4 factors you need to consider when thinking about using brick & mortar or online discount tire stores.

1. Tire Installation

Many brick & mortar discount tire stores will offer tire installation at an additional cost, though sometimes promotional offers may include it in the overall price. Either way, it's very convenient being able to pick out your tires and then a couple hours later having them installed without having to go to a separate auto mechanic. Yet, when you order tires from an online discount tire store, you will have to do just that unless you decide to install the tires yourself.

2. Additional Discounts

It is not uncommon to find additional price cuts through online discount tire stores. Sometimes they will offer free shipping, other times they will simply slash the price to something that is significantly below retail. Regardless, some of the deals available through online discount tire stores won't be found through their brick and mortar counterparts. This is mainly because many online discount tire stores know they must maintain a competitive edge over brick and mortar shops which tend to be more popular among consumers.

3. Shopping from Home

Being able to purchase tires from the comfort of one's own home is the greatest advantage associated with online discount tire stores. When you buy your tires online, you don't have to worry about battling the weather, getting stuck in traffic or waiting in long lines. You also don't have to worry about closing times, since Internet buying can be done at any hour of the day.

4. Human Advice

If you need advice on which tires you should get, you can get immediate input from clerks working at a brick and mortar discount tire store. On the other hand, if you order online, you may not get immediate input. Of course, some online stores will allow people to communicate with customer service personnel through a chat room. If you find an online discount tire store that has such a feature, you will have just as much convenience as you would if you had gone to a brick and mortar store. Otherwise, you will have to email customer support and wait a few days to get your question answered.

In conclusion, there are several things to take into consideration before you can decide whether or not you'll buy from a brick and mortar store versus an online one. All in all brick and mortar discount tire stores are best if you need to have the tire installed right after you purchase it; otherwise, online enterprises offer the most convenience since you can order any time you want.

How to Pay For Your Car Repair

Your insurance company will shoulder most of the bills for car repairs and you save a fair amount on your other coverage. Life usually comes to a standstill when you are running short of cash in between paydays as urgent payments can not be made. Some people use their home equity to borrow. Loans are taken to meet a sudden and unexpected expense. However, you can save on your repair bills and still keep your vehicle well maintained. Auto repairs are a necessary, but often high priced expense. Almost all automotive repair questions can now be answered online, right at your fingertips.

Money is available for the emergent needs that occur in life and personal financing can be obtained for new appliances, automobile repairs and home improvements. Personal loans are a great option if you need money to consolidate debt, pay for automotive repair, repair the home, go on a vacation, or even go to school. The automotive insurance company usually sends a check for the funds directly to you to help you get the automotive repaired or to replace the vehicle. Of course, you then need to pay recovery charges to get your automobile home or to a garage and then get the automotive repaired. Auto expenses includes everything from car washes, insurance, automobile repairs, tires, interior detailing, and even air fresheners and oil jobs. With the help of this mortgage, borrower can easily meet various personal needs like paying, automotive repair bills, credit card dues, home repair and so on. On the job training not only improves your skills, it also gets you working in the automobile repair industry sooner.

When handled correctly, receiving an online payday loan is an advantageous economical alternative to costly overdraft fees, bounced check charges, taxes or possibly losing your job if you do not have money on hand for a needed automobile repair. There may be a time where you are hit with an unexpected cash emergency, such as a bank overdraft, an unforeseen auto repair or unexpectedly high utility payment. You may get paid to take survey about automobile repair or insurance, baby products if you are a new parent, travel plans for business and pleasure, or any number of topics that someone is willing to pay for information. If managed correctly, a loan of this type would be a smart alternative to paying costly dishonor bank fees, late rent fees or possibly losing your job if you are unable to afford a much needed car repair. Actually there are many people who are afraid of that day when they will have to get their auto repaired.

The hassles of insurance, car [http://www.ebooks-mall.org/car/] repairs, and treating possible injuries can alter your daily or weekly routine for quite a while. These days, there is nothing daunting for car repair shops as a weathered convertible top. Although SMART repair services are quite comprehensive, if you lurch forward in slow moving traffic and smash into cars in front causing considerable damage, SMART vehicle repair technicians may not be able to fix it. Make use of SMART vehicle repair services, which also include a auto diagnostics service to ensure the problem does not escalate. Techniques that SMART vehicle repair undertake include painless dent removal, seat and trim repair, plastic welding and bumper repair, air conditioning repair, and alloy wheel repair. In addition, many SMART vehicle repair jobs can be done on your premises, saving you the petrol used to travel there, as well as time and inconvenience.

Auto Repair and Motoring Nowadays, when taking care of the environment has become a priority, it has been realized that enough small changes made by many people can make a difference. Visit your favorite repair shop mechanic and auto dealer The vehicle enhancement options available are vast. As long as you have quick payday loans, then you will be able to get what you need, pay those unexpected bills and have some money left for repairs or family emergencies. The reason repair is set up for negotiation is because your mechanic or service manager knows that he can give you a discount but he certainly is not going to offer it. When people are looking for products and services such as restaurants, repair shops and florists, they tend to spend their money in an area near where they live, work or play. If a repair shop does not offer any type of guarantee on their work, consider shopping around for another tire shop. Even though you may have worked on your own cars as a teenager or still consider yourself to be an amateur repair specialist I recommend that you leave the work to a qualified mechanic who has been trained to do the job properly.

Cheap Moving Truck Rentals

Moving truck rentals are generally most expensive during the summer. In the winter one can get the cheaper moving truck rentals. However, the cost usually depends mostly on the company and its location, as well as the quality of its service.

If you are moving within the town then it is advisable to hire a truck during a weekday rather than a weekend. This could make a significant difference in terms of rentals. Hiring a moving truck is more expensive during the weekends.

If you know your plan for moving well in advance, it is best to reserve a truck as early as possible. This booking can be done online, over the telephone or by making a personal visit. Generally, one gets a better price on bookings in advance. If you are a regular customer of the truck rental service then you might get a frequent-customer discount.

However, certain truck rental services charge hidden costs which wipe out any savings from the cheaper rentals. Check out these charges before making a final decision, even if the initial costs are quite low.

Cheap truck rentals are also offered on one-way trips nowadays. This is due to growing competition in the market. There are a number of companies which are able to reap economies of scale due to their large-scale operation. So they are often in a position to offer cheap moving truck rentals. Several online and offline resources provide lists of cheap moving truck rentals. You can compare them and then take a final decision.

Discount Tire Company

Discount Tire Companies have come to represent an option that is affordable and can cater to various automobile requirements at economical rates. Discount Tire Companies can be just as reliable as full price tire companies.

Discount Tire Companies are present not just in the United States, but also Canada and some of the European Union countries. In order to understand why these companies are so popular with buyers, let's look at the way these companies operate.

Most Discount Tire Companies know the exact requirements of the customer, which is low-cost tires which are durable and do not compromise on safety. These companies have managed to streamline their operations, cut unnecessary costs and pass on the ensuing discount to the customer. Further, they are quite adaptable and change quickly to market demands. With a range that caters to everything from motorcycle tires to ATVs, it is no surprise that these companies have managed to corner a big segment of the market. Depending on the company, the constitution of these tires also varies. While rubber is the most common constituent, there are many other ingredients used in various proportions to enhance the strength and durability of the tire.

Thus, research and development activities are also undertaken by most Discount Tire Companies. The feedback received from the customers is often considered while adding or modifying a feature of the tire. Discount Tire Companies have enhanced the range of options available to customers. It has also led to the mushrooming of many Discount Tire stores throughout the country.

Auto Air Conditioning Repair

Auto air conditioning repair is often compared to a detective's job. Problems may occur in any part of the air conditioner and at times it is not possible to identify the exact nature of the problem, hence it becomes necessary to contact a mechanic who is well versed in the repair of an air conditioning system.

Auto air conditioning may be damaged by leakage in systems, low level of refrigerants, clogging in condensers, and failure of compressors. Some of the problems are simple and can be handled on your own. Some others need technicians to perform the task. To facilitate this, a number of auto repair shops are available. Along with basic auto mechanic tools, some specialty tools are also needed, this depends on the type and area where repairing services are needed. Air conditioning repair manuals serve as ideal companions when repairs are needed.

There are certain facts one must know about auto air conditioning repair. A/Cs are designed to keep the vehicles cool. The repairers must be familiar with five important components, such as compressor, refrigerant, condenser, expansion valve, and dryer or evaporator. In some vehicles, accumulator and orifice tubes are used instead of expansion valves and dryers. One must have a detailed knowledge of the whole mechanism involved in air conditioning systems.

A proper mechanic can check out leakages without pulling the machine parts apart. In addition to basic components, other accessories including switches, fuses, wires, and fan belts are checked as part of auto air conditioning repair.

Auto air conditioning repair is quite expensive. Most of the auto part stores sell air conditioning parts at a high cost. Hence, expenditure is high even if repairs are carried out by vehicle owners themselves.

How to Choose the Best Flea Control Medicine For Your Dog

No matter where you live, if you have a dog at some point your dog will have fleas. Flea medicines for dogs have provided more comfort for canines perhaps than any other drug in the veterinary field.

A scratching dog can be a nuisance for the owner but for the dog, it's a miserable state of affairs. Fleas crawl about on the skin of the animal, taking little bites here and there and the dog can do nothing to get rid of the pests.

Your pet's only recourse is to scratch what itches and that often means scratching anywhere he can reach. Dogs will rub on furniture, wear bare spots in their backs rubbing against a fence and chew their paws until they bleed.

Scratching leads to hair loss and skin infections for many dogs. An allergy to the saliva of fleas is not uncommon and produces a condition known as flea allergy dermatitis. Dogs with this allergic reaction can develop serious skin problems that are difficult to treat and extremely uncomfortable for the animal. Dogs will chew their skin until there are raw patches in an attempt to stop the itching caused by flea bites.

Fortunately your dog doesn't have to turn himself into a pretzel trying to get rid of nasty fleas. For dogs with flea allergy dermatitis, the best products are flea drops which are placed on the skin at the top of the neck once a month. For larger dogs, it is recommended that you divide the application between the neck and lower on the back at the base of the tail. Three of the best known products are Advantage, Frontline Plus and K9 Advantix. These flea solutions kill adult fleas and continue to kill hatching fleas for up to 30 days.

Revolution provides the same type of spot on application and offers an all-in-one solution that prevents heartworm and kills fleas. Because they quickly kill adult fleas, the spot products are the recommended choice for dogs with flea allergies.

Program and Sentinel are flea products administered in pill form. They contain insect growth regulators. They contain parasitic insecticides that kill fleas when they hatch but do not kill adult fleas on your dog. They can be used in combination with Advantage or Frontline Plus to kill adult fleas with the drops and then prevent new infestations of hatching fleas. Sentinel also is a heartworm preventive medication and kills tapeworm, hookworms, round worms and whip worms in the canine.

The topical drops are the most popular choice of flea control for pet owners. The products are widely available online without prescription but should be purchased from a reputable veterinarian's site as there are low cost fake products designed to look like these top selling brands that will not kill fleas and could harm your pet.

The oral products will keep your dog flea free once the adult fleas have been destroyed but some breeds display allergic reactions and rashes when using the pill forms.

Advantage is a reasonably priced topic flea medication for dogs that is applied once per month and is widely available. Frontline is slightly more expensive but also prevents ticks. Fleas multiply quickly and they adapt to protect themselves from topical flea medicines for dogs. The medication you used last year may seem less effective in preventing fleas this year. If you choose topical treatments, it's best to rotate brands yearly as the fleas in your area will adapt.

Capstar is a new addition in the field of oral flea medicine for canines. This product is meant to be used for special circumstances as a one time application. A dog with no flea infestation may be fine in his flea controlled home environment but risks picking up fleas at a dog show, when boarded at a kennel or when visiting the dog park. Capstar quickly kills any fleas your pet may have picked up in his travels.

If your dog has flea problem - you have a flea problem. Chances are there are fleas in your carpet, your dog's bed and on your furniture. When you treat your dog for fleas plan to wash the dogs bedding and use a safe insect spray designed to kill fleas on his bedding and throughout your home. Most of the sprays have a residual effect that continues to kill fleas for 30-90 days. For carpets, a dust can be sprinkled on the floor, left for a few minutes and vacuumed up with the dead fleas that were hiding in the floor covering.

Eliminating a problem with fleas is a multi-pronged attack. Once most of the fleas in your home have been killed, regular treatment of your dog is usually sufficient to prevent flea activity in the house.

There are states where fleas are a problem only in the warm summer months. In those climates, flea medications for dogs may be needed only from mid-spring to late fall. In coastal states, states with moderate climates and any location near water or marshland, flea prevention should be a year round routine for your dog.

What You Need to Know About Choosing Puppy Food

As a proud owner of a new puppy, it's very likely that choosing the right puppy food is high up in your priority list of things to do and you're right. Puppies in fact need to be fed more than adult dogs because they grow 20 times faster than their adult versions.

With the range of puppy food with confusing labels and ingredients already in the market it can be confusing on your part to select the right product for your little pooch. Add to that the dog food recall scare that happened a few years back.

A puppy is not picky on food, what you feed is what he gets therefore in choosing what to feed little Jack you should ensure that his food has the right amount of calories he needs for his good health. What you feed him should be able to nurture his growing body, maintain his wonderful coat, and give him the energy that he needs to be able to play with you everyday.

Since puppies and dogs differ in their dietary intake, here is a list of general food types to help you find the perfect food for your puppy.

Wet or Dry Food? Dry food is more popular because it is easier to store, smells better, and stays good longer than wet pet food. So which is which?

If Jack is teething and is having difficulty chewing on dry food, give him wet food however vets will lean towards dry food because the wet ones don't give his jaws the much needed exercise. But for some dog owners mixing both is best so that your pup gets the best of both worlds.

Breed Specific. Feed your puppy according to his breed. This shouldn't be hard because there are many products out there that are formulated for specific breeds of dogs such as Labradors, Huskies, Bulldogs etc.

If you are not too keen on again buying commercially prepared puppy food, you can use this information as you go shopping for alternatives.

Premium. Many non premium brands contain fillers therefore your puppy will need to eat more to get the same nutrients that he can get from premium brands. They are expensive however dietary content and nutritional value are primarily the reasons why many vets recommend premium brands.

Homemade food is perfect if you want to save money on what you feed your puppy and a way for you to be sure that your puppy is getting proper nutrition. Truthfully some commercially prepared food for puppies contain artificial ingredients, fillers, and additives that may not be good for your puppy's health.

If you are concerned that homemade food is difficult to prepare just search the Internet and you will find tons of free, nutritious, and easy to prepare puppy food recipes.

Organic food is an all-natural alternative to commercially prepared food for pets. This should be the choice for pet owners who are concerned with health problems such as allergies and digestive disorders, maintaining healthy weight, and building a strong immune system on your puppy.

Choosing the right puppy food should not be financially draining on your part, work with what you can afford or what's easier to do because feeding your pet should be a fun moment between you two.

Tips on Do-It-Yourself Window Tint Removal

For security reasons, tinted car windows are not allowed in some states. It is also necessary to remove car window films after some time since they deteriorate with age. You can have a professional remove the tint for you, but with the right information, you can do it yourself. Window tint removal is easy and doing it yourself will save you money. However, you should make sure you have the right information on how to go about it to avoid damage to the windows, to avoid time and energy wastage, and to prevent a shoddy job. Use the sun and ammonia tint removal method. This method is cheap since ammonia is readily available and it is not labor intensive. To use this method, cover the window with black garbage bags cut in the shape of the window and spray soapy water. Smooth the bags and spray the windows with undiluted ammonia. Note that ammonia has a strong smell and the fumes are harmful, so you will need a face mask. After some hours in the sun, the bags absorb the heat and come up with all layers of the tint. When peeling off the film, you should try to remove it in one entire piece. However, this method requires a sunny day, meaning you cannot use it on cloudy days or during winter months.

Use soaking and scraping tint removal method. This method is a cheap alternative to the sun and ammonia method which is ideal during cold days. However, it is time consuming. The first step is to make a small cut on the film to create a tab which can be pulled. Next, peel the tint, but note it will not come out smoothly. Spray the adhesive with soapy water to loosen it and scrape it off with a sharp object, taking precautions not to cut the defroster lines on the windows. Note that there is a risk of scratches on the window with this method. Use the duct-tape tint removal method. This method can be used after removing the first layer with other methods. The duct tape should have a strong adhesive. Apply the duct tape in rows and make sure that that there is overlapping. Leave the tape in the sun for about an hour and remove the tape on a small area as a test. If the film is not removed, leave the tape for a little longer.

Remove the window tint with a steamer. Steamers such as the Jiffy steamer can be used to remove the tint. This is a cheap method if you already own a steamer and it is a quick way to remove the tint. After applying steam to a small area for a few minutes, use a sharp object to peel an area large enough to hold. Peel slowly and apply steam on the area ahead of where you are peeling until the whole window is done. To protect the defroster or antenna lines, you should use duct tape to lift the film instead of scrapping. If this does not remove the sticky residue, use an old towel soaked on ammonia or Windex to remove it.

Discount Futon Covers

With a wide range of futon covers available on the market, one always has the choice to look for affordable yet quality-made futon covers.

Flea markets are always the sanctuary of inexpensive finds. And when we say inexpensive, we don't mean cheaply made. Flea markets usually have good buys. And when it comes to discount futon covers, flea markets are the best. Discount futon covers sold at flea markets are still in good condition. Most of the time, these discount futon covers are sold only because the former owner might have changed his mind about the design at some point or maybe he bought a new futon which, in turn, required a new futon cover. That's why their old, usable, and stylish futon covers find themselves in flea markets.

Garage sales are also perfect places to look for discount futon covers. Whether it is from your friendly neighbor's backyard sale or from some other people the next neighborhood over, garage sales are an option to explore if you are searching for discount futon covers. The good side about finding items at a garage sale is you can always return these goods even after a few days if you find them to be defective.

Online shopping is the in thing nowadays. You don't have to tire yourself scouting for the perfect discount futon slip cover that you want. "Let your fingers do the walking" as people put it. Online shops offer the widest range of futon slip covers you could ever imagine. Pictures allow you to view the items you are considering buying. You can also have your ordered discount futon covers delivered straight to your home. Online discount futon shopping are the best for couch potatoes who would not want to leave the sanctuaries of their home to look for covers for their much-beloved couches.

Futon covers need not be expensive to be beautiful. They only have to be quality-made, and, of course, they should suit a futon-owner's taste and needs.

Tips For Safe Road Biking

Accidents happen. Statistics show that although the government have strictly enforced laws on biking and traffic, these are not enough to prevent or lessen accidents on the road. You may have the most expensive bike or a discount road bike that you bought online but the make and its price cannot guarantee that you can still live to see the next day when you meet an accident.

So to avoid these untoward instances, follow these tips:

1. Get a headlight. This is especially so if you are riding at night. Reflectors are at times not enough to get you visible on the road. Choose LED lights that blink so that motorists will notice you more. If you are riding bikes that minimizes accessories for speed, discount road bikes or otherwise, opt for LED lights that are lightweight and not too bulky. There are a lot of discount road bikes online that come customized with their own headlights for the rider's safety.

2. Honk or Yell. If you feel embarrassed honking with your bike, yell "Hey!" whenever you see a car approaching (or waiting) on the right. A lot of countries require bikes to have bells but the US does not. Still, it's better to be embarrassed than to get hit.

3. Slow Down. People who ride bikes tend to go really fast especially those who have racing or road bikes. Other people test-drive their road bikes by pulling up too much speed when they go for their first ride. Doing so would eliminate the possibility of you making eye contact with other motorists on the road thus, resulting to accidents. Especially during night biking, you have to keep your speed to a minimum so you can immediately stop when you need to.

4. Ride further left. Most roads have bicycle lanes on the right. Most people bike further right to avoid being hit from behind. If you are near a curb and you are riding on the right, chances are the driver of the car (or other vehicle) on the curb is looking at the middle of the lane for other cars and not on the bike lane. Stay on the left to get visible.

You may want to consider those tips the next time you ride your two wheels. If you haven't bought one, you can always scout online as there are a lot of online retailers that offer discount road bikes.

Discount Tire Coupons - Save Money on Your Next Auto Purchase

Between the cost of gas, oil changes, car washes and other regular maintenance, it can seem overwhelmingly expensive to own a vehicle. Then you add on the cost of insurance, the annual license plate renewal, and new tires. Suddenly, you start to feel that public transportation might be a more viable option! Unfortunately, not everyone lives in an area where public transportation is available. Even those who do may choose not to use it for one reason or another. Let us assume you would like to keep your car, but you would also like to save money. There are ways to do both! You can track gas prices, obtain a discount tire coupon and call around for better rates on insurance. There are even ways you can save on car washes and oil changes. Unfortunately, there is no way around the registration and renewal fees that your state demands!

Many websites allow you to sign up for texts or emails on gas price tracking. The way it works is when a gas station in your area drops prices, the website alerts you electronically so that you can fill up when prices are low. You can also watch the pricing patterns in your area. Some claims state that there may be a particular day, such as directly before or after the weekend, when a gas station will lower its price per gallon. Additionally, gas stations will often give you a reduced priced (or free) car wash, free oil change or discount tire coupon with the purchase of so many gallons of gas. Servicing stations, such as those that change oil, rotate tires and top off fluids, will often give out the same types of deals. For example, they may offer a free car wash with every oil change, a discount tire coupon with every three rotations or a reduced price detail job with every ten paid car washes. The deals that you find will vary from station to station.

As far as car insurance goes, there are many reputable companies that would love to have you as a customer. Call around or fill out a quote request online to see if you can get better rates! Insurance is a competitive business. Rates change almost daily and customers follow the prices. You do not need to feel loyal to your insurance company. If they are significantly higher priced than another company, it is time to switch. Some companies will offer incentives to get you to switch to them. These incentives could include any of the items listed above, such as the discount tire coupon or free car wash. The offer of an incentive could even be something of more value, such as a coupon toward car rentals that you can use on your next trip. If you were thinking about switching anyhow, go for it! You can always use the discount tire coupon toward a new set of wheels, and any amount that you save will help. The state fees are probably here to stay, but hopefully the money you save in other areas will help make up for them.

Car Valuation - Increase the Value

A quick ten minutes at the local car wash and a couple of quid in the vacuum cleaner may be all that is needed to make a sale. But to get the very best value from your car you will need to put in a little more effort and in return make quite a bit more cash, a free valuation is not a bad place to start so that you know how much money and time you may want to invest.

Correct preparation for selling a vehicle is straightforward but does require some common sense and intuition. It's all about trying to take a few years and a few thousand miles of this highly desirable vehicle as well as bringing the minor faults into line with a less well traveled car that in turn will give you the best car valuation.

It is just as important to make your vehicle look its best if you are selling it privately or are looking to trade the car in or sell it to a scrupulous dealer. By methodically dealing with minor dents to the bodywork, scratched bumpers and seen better day's paintwork, you can bring out the best in your vehicles appearance.

Untidy, dull and dirty interiors can also lower the value of the car; you can even by sprays that will add that elusive new car smell to your interior. Small bodywork repairs may seem inconvenient not to mention they also cost money, but your free car valuation should have told you that this bump and that scratch are going to reduce your sale value by X number of pounds. If you repair the bodywork, problems you will not only get back the X number of pounds you would have lost you will also add value to the vehicle. Because what you were saying was I couldn't be bothered fixing the bodywork so, you fix it Mr. Buyer and I will give you a discount that is ore than the cost of the repairs, which is what it means when you sell the vehicle for less than its possible full car valuation price.

It need not be very expensive to make many of the exterior and interior repairs and cleanups; most of it just requires a little patience, a small amount of easily learned skill and a big helping of elbow grease.

Getting a free car valuation will give you the indicators you need to know what is dragging down the value of your vehicle and point you in the right direction for adding easy value to the vehicle.

Online Tires - How They Could Be Cheaper

Online tires bypass several of the problems inherent in tire purchasing. Buying tires from online stores allows you to save in several ways. Some of which may not be readily apparent. Here are some of the advantages of buying tires online that may benefit you and your pocket book.

Comparison Shopping Bonanza

Online shopping for tires lets you quickly look at far more tire choices than you could ever hope to see in a local outlet. The whole shopping comparison experience gets done at lightening fast time. Plus you can compare all kinds of test data and get all kinds of recommendations at the touch of a button.

Another plus to the internet tire information includes all the tire owner reviews available at your fingertips. All those reviews can help no matter where you buy the tires.

Minimum Hassle

Eliminate the hassle of driving around looking at tires. Avoid listening to sales people who are trying to sell what they have. Avoid the hassle of making a major purchase with too little information. Get all that behind you with the use of the online tire buying resources.

Cheaper For A Reason

No store locations means less overhead for the online dealers. It also means they don't get all the related auto business that tire dealers usually enjoy. Online sellers don't install mufflers, install shocks, do front-end alignment or all the other similar service work.

By just concentrating on tires, wheels and a few related items, the online dealers make money by selling at lower prices and in higher volume. The truth is the online dealers really don't directly compete with your local tire store. Here's why...

The Tire Installation Trick

See, tires bought from an online source still must be installed. Guess who the installer is? Why it's a local tire store.

All the online tire sellers have relationships with local dealers. Will that cause a problem for you? Not likely...

The local installer not only gets paid for installing tires you buy somewhere else, which is a good deal for them. They just got another customer in the door and that opens all kinds of opportunities for the local dealer. If they treat you right, they open up chances to do your service work. Why you may even buy the next set of tires from them.

See, the local installers win even if you buy tires from an online source.

Local Online Too

What's more, many local dealers now have websites too. That way you can shop all over the Internet and then come right back to a your local dealer site armed with all kinds of information about price, models, quality and whatever information you need. Then just order the tires you want online and arrange for installation when the tires arrive at your local dealer.

Shopping online for tires means more than just skipping local dealers. The information available online makes it far easier to comparison shop and get the best tire for the least money. This also benefits your local dealer as well as the online sellers. It's a win for everybody.

Discount Rims That Fit Your Budget

Some people are unsure about purchasing discount rims for their vehicle. They may think that because the price is slashed, that they are no good. That is far from the truth. There are some good deals out there; you just have to find them. You can find a dealer that will offer you a good price even if it's a name brand or custom made.

If you're looking for a deal on some of the more popular packages, that might be a difficult task. When they first come out to the public, people get those first. After that, it may be slim pickings. However, a dealer may be able to work out something with you if you do find one of the popular packages.

Searching

The fastest way to look for what you want is to conduct an online search. The only thing about this is you won't be able to see the merchandise in person. Other than that, you can find some good deals at some of the online stores. There are some online dealers who will kick in shipping costs at no charge to the customer. You can't beat getting free shipping.

Regardless of what kind of vehicle it's for, you will have a wide selection to choose from. It may take you a while to find what you want. Take your time and see what best fits your vehicle and your budget.

If you need assistance, you can call or e-mail store representatives who will be happy to help you with your purchase. They are very knowledgeable when it comes to purchasing this type of product. Don't be in a hurry and end up getting the wrong thing. Take your time to look through the selections. There is a style for every budget.

Check Out Overstocks

Another thing about getting a deal is you can check out merchandise that is overstocked. Many times when a store wants to get rid of their excess inventory, they will offer the old stock for a lower price. This way, they can get rid of them faster. They want to make room for the new shipments.

In addition to the excess merchandise, you can also get rims that are slightly damaged. Stores are more than eager to get rid of those which no one else wants. They'll mark it down as much as they can to get them out the door.

Discount Specialists

There are some places such as Tire Rack and JC Whitney that sell discount rims. These stores are among the online retailers that can offer good bargains because their businesses generate a lot of sales. They won't be hurting for selling merchandise at slashed prices. In addition to those online stores mentioned above, some others include American Racing, Konig and Eagle. These online retailers can also offer bargain or reduced prices.

When checking the prices, make sure it is a price you can manage. There's nothing worse than purchasing something that's out of your financial reach. There may be some custom made or name brands that you like. If they're out of your price range, you'll have to settle for lesser known brands.

The secret to finding good discount rims is the time and work you exert into looking for the best deals.

Discount Truck Tires

Truck Tires have to operate amongst the most strenuous of all environments, when one looks at the automobile sector. Since purchase of regular tires can be a costly affair, truck owners often opt for a cheaper alternative.

There are many necessary details which have to be kept in mind when one goes in for purchasing Discount Tires for Trucks. These tires must ensure smooth operability while catering to different loads across roads, and provide traction irrespective of weather. Tires for trucks come in a range of sizes and are designed to perform well in a wide range of temperatures.

Different techniques are followed before and after manufacture to ensure longevity of traction. The tire pressure is a very important parameter, and tire pressure should be kept at ideal levels in all the tires within a vehicle. If there is low air pressure in one tire, it puts undue strain on another, and thus the wear-and-tear rate is enhanced.

Regular servicing after every 35,000 miles ensures that the tires remain roadworthy for a long time. Depending on the usage requirements, some tire companies also reinforce load capacity. Speed ratings are also available. This can be used to augment the load-carrying capacity of the vehicle.

Trucks come in various sizes, and there is often some degree of variance between trucks used for ferrying passengers and those used to transport goods. The lighter trucks are often employed under tough operating conditions, like off-road travel and overloading. This puts added strain on the tires, which must be able to respond to varying quantities of load and road condition. Thus, the tires for light trucks often have an extra layer and\or a larger bead, with enhanced sidewall rubber to provide additional strength.

Tire Stores and the Cost of Wheel Alignment

A low cost of wheel alignment is yet another great service that tire stores should offer, so you get out the door with more value. The cost of a wheel alignment could be much less than the cost of other repairs that could result from not performing this simple regular maintenance on your vehicle, such as helping your tires last longer, so replacement is not needed as often. You can also maximize your suspension system.

How do you know if you need a wheel alignment?

If your vehicle pulls to the right or the left when the steering wheel is in straight ahead position, a wheel alignment adjustment may be necessary. Another indicator for needing an alignment check is if uneven tire wear is identified or you've hit that dreaded pothole on the road.

Every vehicle should have an alignment done every 12 months, or every 12,000 miles as a rule. Your vehicle's suspension is made of a number of sophisticated components and systems that all need to be working together and in perfect alignment. Normal tire wear from driving can and bad roads can throw your suspension out of alignment over time could cause excessive tire wear and other problems. One way to make sure your suspension stays in good working order is to make sure your tires are aligned correctly.

Wheel alignments and rotation services are critical to the extended wear of your tires and fuel savings. To get the most out of your tires, the two most important things you can do are keep them properly inflated and get your alignment checked at least twice a year. To put it in perspective tires that are under-inflated by 20% can reduce your fuel economy by as much as 10% and reduce tread life by up to 15%. If your vehicle isn't properly aligned, your fuel economy could be reduced by up to an additional 5%. And this all adds up... up to 15% less mileage out of each gallon of gas you put in your car, and the cost to replace tires that wear out long before they should.

How Tire Stores Can Help.

ASE certified technicians can perform a state-of-the-art computerized alignment using state of the art alignment equipment. The car is set in place and all four wheels are set parallel and your steering wheel is centered. Sensors are attached to each wheel and data is fed into a computer that notifies the technician of the adjustments that need to be made. Four wheel alignments help increase the life of your steering system, suspension and tires. Once your tires are aligned properly, you'll also get better handling and improved gas mileage.

If you are concerned with the cost of wheel alignment by a professional, many tire stores offer free alignment checks that will tell you if you're in need of an alignment. After any pothole mishap or every twelve months or 12,000 miles, you may be in need of an alignment. You'll not only maximize your tire performance/fuel economy and suspension system, you'll also save money down the road because you won't have to replace your tires as often. ASE Certified Technicians at most discount tire stores have the training, tools and state-of-the-art computerized equipment to keep your cost of wheel alignment affordable.

A Guide To Finding Cheap Flights To Spain

There are a few options for cheap flights Spain. There has been an increase in discount airlines in recent years. These airlines are flying to more airports in the country than in the past. You will have to give up some conveniences in exchange for the lower fare.

Finding Cheap Flights Spain

Discount airlines often stop in the United Kingdom when travelling from North America. Some of the discount carriers that offer flights to different areas of Spain include Easy Jet, Kyanair, German Wings, BMI Baby, Virgin Express, Jet 2, Monarch and Spanair. You may get direct flights from some European cities, but not from North America.

Discount airlines offer good fares to many destinations in Spain. Some of the airports with the best rates include Madrid, Barcelona, Alicante, Valencia, Murcia, Menorca, Mallorca, Malaga, Seville and Palma. There is a greater choice of destinations from major airports in Europe than flying directly from the United States.

If you must have a direct flight from the United States, you will pay more for your ticket. Direct flights are only offered through large carriers at certain airports. You can find direct flights leaving from New York, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Miami, Houston and Newark. You may get lucky and find a bargain rate, but the fare won't be as low as with discount carriers.

The cheapest flights will require at least one change of plane. From the United States, this will often be either in London or Dublin. The next stop will generally be Madrid, Barcelona or Alicante. These are the airports that have the cheapest fares.

Compare fares on the internet to find the best deal for your vacation. Check with different airlines to find the best rate. Some of the discount carriers are not listed on the major travel sites. You will need to contact these carriers directly.

Try different days of the week to find the cheapest flight. Often flights in the middle of the week are less expensive than on the weekends. Also, consider the time of day you are flying. Off peak hours, such as early morning or late at night are less expensive. This may seem like an inconvenience, but you will save money.

What You Sacrifice with Cheap Flights Spain

Cheap travel comes at a price. You will have to sacrifice some conveniences for your flight. Most of the discount airlines don't offer food or even snacks on the plane. You may have to pay for something to drink on the airplane. Bring along a snack to eat on the plane. New regulations limit the liquids allowed on planes, so you are better off paying for a beverage on board.

Ask about the baggage allowances for cheap flights. These are sometimes more restrictive than with larger carriers. Most limit you to only two pieces of luggage at check in. Some charge a substantial amount for additional baggage. Ask about these limits at the time you book the flight and plan accordingly.

You will probably have to take care of your own baggage between flights. Most discount carriers don't check your baggage through to your final destination. After each flight, you will need to claim your luggage. You will need to check it in for the next flight. This can be time consuming, so allow enough time between flights to take care of this.

The time between flights may not be ideal with cheaper carriers. You may end up waiting several hours in the airport for your next flight. This can be inconvenient, but again you will save money. Bring along a book or browse the shops in the airport between flights. Since food isn't served, this is a good time to get something to eat.

My Steering Wheel Shakes at High Speeds - Why?

You are cruising around town and your car is running fine. You jump on a highway and speed up to the flow of traffic. Suddenly, the steering wheel gets a vibration and starts to shake a bit. Why is this?

Your car is an amazing vehicle. Talk to an enthusiast, mechanic or sales person and they can spend hours telling you about all the intricate technology and gadgets incorporated into the vehicle. This is true for even the cheapest cars available these days. All of the technological advances, however, can't hide one key thing - the most important area of the car is where the tires meet the road.

Depending upon your vehicle and tires, the total area contacting the road may be as little 4 by 4 by 1 inch if you count all four tires. That small contact area will support a car weighing a thousand pounds or more. The key to getting a smooth ride is to making sure the car balances correctly on those four contact areas.

When the balance goes out of whack, the ride becomes rough. When it is the front tires that have a problem, your steering wheel will vibrate and shimmy. There are two common causes of this. Either the tire is out of balance or you've bent a rim. Let's take a closer look.

Your tire is made of rubber. How's that for an obvious statement? Regardless, it means the tire is not perfectly round or will go out of round slightly for a host of reasons. The issues can be as simple as low air pressure to a shape change from whacking a pot hole/curb/small tree. When this occurs, the balance of the tire goes bad and it will wobble slightly at higher speeds. You will feel this wobble in the steering wheel as a shaking. To correct it, get the tire balanced at a local tire store.

The second cause of steering wheel shakes at high speed is the bent rim. This is much more common than most people would expect. How do you bend rims? It is pretty easy. You could hit a pot hole. You could hit a sudden upwards elevation change on a street that is being worked on. Hit it fast enough and you can bend a rim going over steel plates...railroad tracks...the list is nearly endless.

The bad news is there is no quick and easy fix for a bent rim. Well, actually there is - buy a new rim. The problem is a new rim costs good money, particularly if the dealer has an exclusive deal on the rims. You could try getting the rim re-finished, but it rarely works and can actually weaken the rim in some cases. In short, it is best to just pony up and pay for a new rim if the shaking bothers you enough.

If your steering wheel shakes at high speeds, the good news is your car is not falling apart. It might be as cheap and simple a fix as getting a wheel rebalanced. On the other hand, you might have to pony up for a new rim, but that's a lot less costly than fixing a steering system or suspension.

Compare Driving Lessons - National, Local Or Independent Driving School?

So you've decided that you finally want driving lessons! With the current financial climate out there every penny has counted more than ever before. So to help you out I have taken the liberty to compare driving lesson prices in my local area. Now just because prices vary doesn't always mean that the most expensive is going to be the best, and it also doesn't mean that the cheapest is going to be the worst. Just think about where you would do your supermarket shopping. Why is it that Waitrose is one of the most expensive yet is still in business? ASDA is cheap compared but yet can still supply quality food.

Driving schools fall in the three categories that I am going to compare prices for. These are major driving schools (RED, The AA and BSM), local driving schools (area based schools that operate 5 or more cars) and independent instructors (operate as a lone tradesperson).

Compare driving lesson prices (correct as of 26/4/2010)

First up are the major driving schools. The AA who pride themselves as the only national driving school with fully qualified instructors (Approved Driving Instructors) have a national average price of £24 per hour. This compares to BSM's price of from £21 per hour. The BSM price is matched by RED who also lessons from £21. Its important to know that the driving lesson prices compared are all "from" the mentioned amount. These tend to be the lowest price and can vary vastly with RED charging up to £25 depending on area and The AA a massive £27 in some areas. Like all driving schools these three have a variety of offers to make you want driving lessons with them. Note these offers are for a limited period of time and vary on a regular basis. Its very important that from day on you compare prices for what you will be paying once this discount period has expired! It is also worth being aware that RED and BSM operate with some trainee driving instructors, if this is something that would concern you then request an ADI.

In my area I have chosen to price compare two driving schools. These are Dave Miller School of Motoring and 1st Time School of Motoring. The first driving school to be compared is Dave Miller. Throughout Easter they have offered the first 5 lessons for £82 but only to complete beginners. Their hourly rate then increases up to £20, considerably less that the national schools. 1st Time offer their first 4 lessons for just £60 before increase prices to £18.95 until 6pm with lessons then increase to £20.95 after 6pm and at weekends.

To give you further comparison of lesson prices I researched some independent instructors in the SE postcode. The first school is called Corsa U Can and their lessons come in at £21 per hour. Another independent titled Aspen also turns in with the lesson price of £21 per hour. In the area researched lessons compared averages out around the £20 mark.

Many companies offer discounts for block bookings or intensive driving lessons.

What is a compressed air valve 2.3?

Recently I published an article on this site entitled: What is an air valve 2.2? Here in the next episode of this series, information on air valve complex, the 2.3-style.

The first issue of the air valve 2.3, which concerns three, the number of "working" air ports, which are located in the valve body. That is, the number of ports that supply air to the valve and the air channel, what is doing the valve.

Most 3.2The valves are numbers or letters carved, cast or painted near each of the three "air ports work. If there are numbers near the ports, the No. 1 link to a compressed air valve would bring.

Port Number 2 would be the door of the working class, accessible from the air flow would be what activities you wanted to make the valve.

The third port in a valve-2.3 is a "port of discharge, and if numbered would be a 3 or 5. If all the doors in a 3.2Valve are letters, then port "A" projects would be the supply port and 'B' the working class to its port, with the third port is usually an 'E'.

As in-2.2 valve can be connected to one or two additional ports in the ends of the valve 2.3 to a line of signal or air lines to enable. If this is the case, this is 2.3-valve is flown single, double or air.

The two are in a valve-2.3, the number of positions, the internal valve mechanism. In this case two. If thisValve installed or operated, it is open or closed and the air or be used depending on the flow, or would be prevented from flowing.

Most of NC is 3.2 compressed air valves are closed or normal. If the valve is not operated, it's normal state is closed and compressed air can not pass.

If your application requires the air through the valve when not operating, flow, air must flow through the circuit of this valve whenOtherwise it would be NO or a normal open valve configuration selected.

2.3 All valves are controlled by actuators that operate or 'Shift' is the air valve. An external switch or button, or perhaps a floppy drive would be visible. Inside, it is probably an internal actor - one source - that the valve in the OFF position when the external drive is not in use will be moved.

If the external drive is "shielded", then when the valve is actuated, it will remain inlast selected item turns into an operator. Serrated means stay where you put! This is useful when the operator needs to operate the valve manually and then perform a further operation, while the air vent fuels demand.

Otherwise, it is less complex valve 2.2 cousin, 02:03 valve is used when a compressed air supply to use an application or device, compressed air for power But has in itself no path integral in the air ' atmosphere is required. Therefore, ifThe device has the function is executed, and it's time to deflate "or rent the air again, the third valve port is in-2.3 in the game.

When the air is turned off inside the valve closed, a way back into the atmosphere through the valve will be opened to release compressed air can. The air supply can be closed, the flow of compressed air to the valve will not flow through them, and the compressed air that was previously in the device orThe application is now ready to bleed along the exhaust air through the valve.

So, what kind of devices are these?

They are usually single-type actuators. One is immediately taken into account, "Air Springs.

Both Firestone and Goodyear (among others) manufacture "air spring". These are devices that look like tires, but as an opening in the center of the ring, where the wheel goes, both sides are closed with steel plates. In one hand is aAir port to which an air line can be connected by a valve-2.3. This "air springs are mounted on one side, picture a flat tire after you received your car, and can generate enormous forces activities. The pressure equals force times area, and the" size within a piston spring air can be huge. The use of mirrors, air springs of typical air cylinders, but offer high capacity at a fraction of the cost of an air-cylinder is a necessary, produce the same forceas the spring air.

Another application for single-action air cylinder valves is 02:03. Whether to extend the early spring or retired, a supply of air required to operate the SA cylinder. 2.3-A valve is designed to do just that.

Few more points, 3 / 2 valves, the mouth is blocked, and voila, you have a 2.2-valve.

If the cost of the valve is the same, you can use a 03/02 air valve anywhere you can use a 2.2-valve. Page 2.2 valves must always have thePort of work ultimately explored in the atmosphere that it provides an outlet valve in-2.3 no obstacle to its use.

If you have a double acting air cylinder, and you do not have 2.4 or 2.5 (more about these valves next article) is available, you two valves per cylinder 3.2, which requires two power sources to operate and expand to withdraw.

In over-air-compressors.com my e-book titled All About Air Valves - Volume One is now available. If youAre you interested in more information on air valves, visit the Web site and download a copy. This first e-book is an introduction to the shock, and focuses on iteration 2.2. Future volumes will focus to 2.3 valves, and then configuring 2.4 and 2.5.

And as always, if you have questions, please send me a message from the contact list screen on my site.

Road Bikes For Sale - 3 Factors to Consider When Purchasing Road Bikes at Discount Prices

For the beginner, purchasing a road bike can be overwhelming task as there are many different types to choose from and numerous factors to consider. Brand new bikes can easily cost upwards of thousands of dollars depending on the brand name and the quality but fortunately, great discounts can be had by shopping online or purchasing used. Here are 3 factors to consider when purchasing road bikes for sale.

1. Check the condition of the bike

Always be sure to check the condition of the bike and that there are no significant cracks or areas that are rusted as this can damage its integrity. When shopping online, be sure to request as much detail as possible about the bike and that you deal with a reputable seller. The last thing you want is your bike braking on you when riding through a mountain trail.

2. Be sure the bike has been properly maintained

Ensure that the bike has been properly maintained with the previous owner and has had its tires and chains replaced when needed. The bike should also have been kept clean so as to prevent buildup of grim and dirt. Again, if you are purchasing online this will be difficult to determine so be sure to get as much information about the bike as you can before committing to the purchase.

3. Research the bike ahead of time

Once you narrow down your choices into specific brand names and models, be sure to check the manufacturer's website to find out whether that bike has been recalled. There are numerous reasons why a bike can be recalled but typically items such as bars, stems and seat posts may cause injury due to defects. If your bike has been recalled for any reason, make sure that the seller has taken care of the issue.

Finding great deals online is a great way to saving a significant amount of money. Always check the condition of the bike and that it has been well maintained. Be sure to keep these factors in mind as your safety is extremely important.

Hitachi Magic Wand Massager Review

The Hitachi Magic Wand Massager is the best thing I've ever spent my money on my whole life. It's a massager and a vibrator- 2-in-1, and it satisfies me either way. Do you hate it when you buy massagers that are so expensive, but don't really hit the right spots to give you that relaxing and pleasurable feeling? Are you looking for a massager you can use to pleasure yourself to climax in a matter of seconds?

If so, then the Magic Wand will perform wonders for you. This wand is 12 inches in length and has a 2-diameter spongy head. The perfect size, if you ask me. The wand's neck is also firm yet flexible, so you can massage those hard to reach places.

What's more, you can go fast (6000rpm) or slow (5000rpm), for your ultimate satisfaction. Also, the electric DC operation the device is equipped with allows for constant and long-lasting power in the device. This wand will never leave you hanging.

I didn't read any reviews prior to purchasing the Hitachi Massager. I was suffering from lower back pains and I just bought it to try it out. Of course, it worked like a charm and my back pains disappeared within minutes. Then, I checked out the reviews on Amazon, and they got me curious.

So, I tried it out that same night, and gosh that was the best I ever had. If you haven't tried the Magic wand yet, you're missing out, so get yourself the Hitachi Magic Wand Massager now!

Students Car Insurance You Can Afford

Paying for students car insurance can be more expensive than buying a car. The options available to a savvy insurance buyer are innumerable. With a little investment of time, there are savings to be found.

The local insurance agent is probably the best way to begin a search for any type of policy. Although today, many people are turning to the World Wide Web, not only to search but to insure as well. There are many new insurance companies springing up online. And there are also many comparison sites as well.

No matter where you look for students car insurance, ask about discounts. Some of the most typical available to students include:

1. Good student discounts. Many companies today offer discounts to students with good grades. The responsibility that comes with making the grades statistically says the driver will be more cautious.

2. Driver's Ed or other driver courses discount. Even adults can benefit from the classes (whether they get a discount or not). These courses teach defensive driving skills that can save lives on the road, and prevent accidents as well.

3. No accident discount. All companies have started giving discounts for no accidents. It pays to look around after some time has lapsed behind the wheel.

4. Multi-policy discount. Ultimately, the place where mom and dad are insured will probably be the best place to get students car insurance. The discounts given for having several policies is only bolstered by the fact that the parents should already have a relationship with the insurance agents.

On of the best ways to reduce the cost of students car insurance (besides not letting them get the driver's license in the first place) is to buy an older model vehicle. It is especially important to stay away from any model that could be deemed a sports car. The newer, faster cars will only serve to drive up the premium beyond the cost of the car itself.

Finding students car insurance does not have to cost an arm and a leg. With a small investment of time, you can find a policy with a discount that will make letting your student drive almost tolerable.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Noises - Whining, Humming, Roaring

Jeep Grand Cherokees are prone to having several common mechanical problems. The problem that we cover today is with noisy differentials (rear ends). While it is acceptable for Jeep differentials to make some noise, it's not good to ignore noises that are more than moderate or if the noise is noticeably getting louder. Usually rear end whining noises from Jeeps are rated on a scale from 1-10, anything under a 5 is acceptable and would not merit a repair. If a roaring noise is heard this is another matter, roaring noises should be looked into right away. I've rebuilt hundreds of rear ends and out of those, approximately 80% of them have been in Jeeps. Also the Jeeps I've worked on were not driven off road or abused in any way that I could see. They were mainly driven as a regular family car would be, so this leads me to conclude that this is just a common problem due to design.

Roaring noises, are one of the most common sounds a Jeep Grand Cherokee makes from the rear end. As I mentioned before, if roaring noises are heard this should be addressed as soon as possible. Typically around 45 MPH is when sounds will start coming from the rear end. If roaring is heard at all speeds or at parking lot speeds, the problem has progressed. Roaring noises are from worn and pitted bearings. Carrier bearings (which are the side bearings) are the most common bearings to fail. Next are the pinion bearings, especially if a pinion seal has been replaced at some point and the bearing preload was excessive. This means the pinion nut was tightened too much. Over-tightening the pinion nut can cause an excessive load on the pinion bearings and can wear the bearings in a short period of time. If the bearing replacement is postponed too long, metal can travel through the differential oil and damage other moving parts in the differential. This can cause accelerated wear of the ring and pinion gears. So if they are caught early enough, the bearings can be replaced without replacing the ring and pinion gears.

Ring and Pinion gears that are worn excessively make a whining or humming noise, sometimes on acceleration and sometimes on deceleration. And they are more expensive to replace than just the bearings. The ring and pinion gears can make a whining noise without a roaring noise being present from the bearings. But when replacing the ring and pinion gears the other bearings, including two pinion bearings and carrier bearings are recommended to be replaced also. The axle bearings should be inspected but they are the farthest away from the differential gears and bearings, so they most likely will be OK especially on lower mileage vehicles.

Used rear ends in my opinion should be avoided for Jeeps. The reason is because this is such a common problem, that the chances of getting a good one from a salvage yard is slim.

Noises in the parking lot only could just be a limited slip clutch (posi-traction) noise. In this case try putting an additive designed for the clutches. Ask for limited slip friction modifier or posi additive. Driving the vehicle some will allow the modifier to soak into the clutches and hopefully prevent them from grabbing.

How To Choose The Best Discount Tires For Your Money

If you need new tires and you have to go buy new tires there are a couple of options that you have to under stand know about. One of the simplest ways to buy new tires for your car is that you buy the exact same ones you had on your car when you bought it from the dealership, but you might want to upgrade to newer better tires depending on where you live and what you drive in everyday, such as weather conditions. There are so many reasons to up grade to new tires and wheels.

When you go and pick out new discounted tires you should think about the way you drive and handle your car, do you go fast and peel out, do you go off in the woods a lot, or do you drive like most other people? This is what you need to base your new tires and wheels off of. When you go buy tires you want to find a tire store that helps with you with what you're looking for and not tries to make you buy there most expensive tire.

The tread life on a tire depends on how long your tire will ride and last with your automobile. The tread on your tire depends on the way you drive and what kind of driving conditions you drive in everyday. There test that the tire manufacturer does in the process of making the tire before it goes out on the shelf that is based off of very strict government guide lines.

There is a tire that is specific for climates where it rains a lot. This type of tire is called wet weather tires or you can put four season tires on your car. If you live where it snows in the winter time you might want to have another set of winter tires that you can put on when it starts to snow a lot that is so that you don't drive in a unsafe automobile in the snow.

How fast you go is another factor you might want to look at when you're going to buy new tires. Most speed limits in the U.S. don't go over 75 mph. but in South America as well as Europe there some roads that can excel to 100 mph or more but most people don't even think of going that fast. There are little icons on your tire that let you know how fast you can go without damaging the tire and how slow you can go with out damaging or wearing out the tire.

Now another option you going to have to pick from is whether not you want a High profile tile or a Low profile tire. Low Profile tires are very nice looking but do not do well in today's road conditions cause of all the poorly maintained roads we have now days. High profile tiles aren't as good looking but they are more durable and stand up better in today's road. They have a better and smother ride.

Driving Long Distances

Driving long distances is something that most people with a driver's license will have to face at some point in their driving career. For some people, they actually make their living from driving across the country in order to make ends meet. My uncle, for example, is a truck driver and has chosen to make a career out of driving long distances.

For most people, driving a long distance usually comes up during the holiday season. For instance, during the thanksgiving season that is currently going on, millions of Americans crowd the roadways in order to drive out to see loved ones, friends and family. If you are planning on making your first long distance road trip, there are a few things that you should consider before you jump into the car. For starters, make sure that all of your vehicle maintenance is up to date. The main things that you need to be concerned with in this area are things such as oil changes, tune ups and tire pressure, rotation and balance.

Most importantly, make sure that you pack your vehicle with an emergency kit. In your emergency "kit," you should include things such as a first aid kit, a flashlight with extra back up batteries, jumper cables, flares, a blanket, a paper road map of the United States, a swiss army knife, bottled water, some other non-perishable food items and at least one full set of clothes to include an extra pair of socks and a winter jacket. Now, while some of these items may just seem like you are being paranoid, you never know what kind of a situation you are going to come across.

A few years ago, North Carolina got hit with an awful ice storm that wound up freezing the roads over in a fine sheet of ice. The sheet of ice was more dangerous than any snow that could have hit the area, and before people knew it, they were sliding all over the roadways, off the roadways and into each other. I, myself, was caught in the middle of the ice storm mayhem. On my way back from classes, it should have only taken me approximately thirty minutes to get back to my apartment. However, due to all of the bad weather, it wound up taking me almost nine hours to get back! In nine hours, I could have easily driven home to New York!

While driving for that long (and obviously not being prepared to spend nine hours in traffic), I began to get hungry. That's when I remembered that I had some non-perishable snacks in the back of my car in my emergency kit along with some water. So, when we were stopped in the middle of traffic for a while, I crawled into the back seat of my car and retrieved a small bag of granola and a bottle of water. I was also thankful that I had chosen to fill up my car prior to leaving for class earlier in the day. There were actually people around me who had run out of gas and were abandoned on the side of the road, waiting for help to arrive (which was going to be a while). This is why it pay to always be prepared, because you never know what situation you're going to be faced with!

Online Tire Stores - Buying Steps

Online tire stores offer several advantages over buying locally. By eliminating the overhead of a real physical store, the online stores can sell for less and still make money. Plus it's easy enough to compare costs of buying locally versus buying online. Here are the steps you can follow to buy online.

Compare Online Stores

Ease of comparison is where the internet shines. It's easy to search for online suppliers and often you can read the feedback from customers to see what experiences others have had. Of course you have to wonder whether the bad stories get on the websites, but sometimes they do. Then compare the information available on the different sources and see which site is easier to use and more helpful.

Choose Some Tire Models That Work For Your Vehicle

You can search by brands, by vehicle, by size and maybe a few other ways. Quickly you can compare several tire models and get all kinds of review information and sometimes even dealer test results. This is all far easier to do than trying to get comparable information from local dealers. The information available online makes comparing much easier.

Find The Delivered Price For The Tires You Want

After selecting a tire or several tires, it's easy to get the final delivered total cost including shipping. You can then find out installation cost and you're then armed with what you need to comparison shop with local stores.

Contact Local Dealers To Compare Prices

Armed with all you research results from online, you can then call or visit several local dealers and see how the prices compare. That online price information quickly lets you see how the local stores stand compared to the online stores. You may find the price difference is close enough that you wouldn't consider the online route or it may be the savings warrant continuing to look online.

Order The Tires Online

If the deal looks attractive, it's a simple online transaction to get the tires headed to you. Choose delivery at your place or at the installer you choose. Having tires delivered to the installer makes the whole transaction much like just buying tires locally.

Get Installation

All the online tire dealers have established relationships with local tire stores. Will it be a hassle getting tires installed locally when you bought them online? Not likely. Here's why...

The local dealer not only gets the fee for installation, the dealer gets a new customer at no cost to them. It just so happens that local tire stores do much more than sell and install tires. It may very well be that you might be in the market for something else they do or sell in the future. That means the dealer wants your business and will not in any way resent that you bought the tires somewhere else. They better not, anyway.

Buying from online tire stores lets you get all the information you need to make an informed decision. Even if your shopping results in you buying locally, visiting a tire website arms you with the facts to get the best tire purchase deal.

The Soup Diet

The Diet

Lose weight and get rid of that "excess baggage" can be very difficult. More often than not, when you start a diet, you want quick results and that is exactly what you get with the diet of cabbage soup for 7 days.

The quick results provided by this diet of soup, no doubt, will motivate even the most daunting. The recipe diet cabbage soup is part of a diet low calorie, low fat and high in fiber you will eat for 7 days.

Some people have tried this method claimed to have lost 4.5 pounds of weight within a week. Below are the basic steps you need to follow the diet of soup.

Plan soup diet 7 days

First Day - Any fruit except bananas, take the soup. To take drink teas, juices or water.

Day 2 - Day of vegetables. Eat any vegetable you like. Baked potato with butter for dinner, take the soup. However try not to eat beans, corn or peas (despite being released). Do not eat fruit.

Day 3 - Combine Day 1 and 2, without potato; take the soup

Day 4 - Up to six bananas, whole milk you want, take the soup. The objective of this day is to reduce your cravings for sweet things.

Day 5 - 300 to 500 grams of meat, and no more than 6 tomatoes. Drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water to flush uric acid from your body, take the soup. The meat can be chicken but without skin.

Day 6 - All the meat and vegetables you want, take the soup

Day 7 - Integral rice (also known as brown rice), fruit juices without sugar or sweetener and vegetables. Take the soup.

Note: do not eat bread, drink alcohol and or any other beverage, not even soda, only water.

Pros and Cons of Diet Cabbage Soup 7 Days

Pros: You will lose weight fast, and can ingest the amount you want of the foods listed in the program.

Although diet is only for seven days (and should not be extended any longer), it provides a great "kick" to a more moderate diet.

Cons: Some people find the soup "boring".

Some people have reported feeling dizzy, weak, and suffered loss of concentration (although some people affected felt it was worth it because it was only for a week they managed to lose considerable weight).

6 Steps to Success

1 - Follow the diet religiously;.
2 - Drink at least 4 glasses of water a day;
3 - Keep in mind that it is only for seven days;
4 - If in doubt, print the information on this site so you can refer to it daily;
5 - Eat plenty of soup - how many times you want! Do not try to go hungry or you will probably cheat and break the diet;
6 - Try different spices to liven up the soup and add variety.

That is it. Using the diet of cabbage soup for 7 days you will be able to lose weight very quickly, without starving all week.

Top 10 Gifts For the Man Who Has Everything

With the holidays fast approaching, it is time to think about what to give the man on your gift list. For those with a handy man or woman on their list, here are some great holiday gift ideas.

1. Emergency tire repair kit: Kits include all of the items you need to patch a tire. With one of these handy kits, there is no need to call for help. You can fix your own tire on the spot. Price range: $20 - $50.

2. Car care kits: Whether your gift recipient owns a collection of classic cars or just wants to keep his everyday ride shiny and clean, a car care kit is just the thing. They can be purchased in a variety of combinations for different types of washing, waxing and buffing. Price range: $20 - $300.

3. Auto accessories: For the guy or gal who really loves their car, consider purchasing custom plates or license plate holders, window deflectors, a trunk organizer, steering wheel covers, floor mats and more. Prices vary.

4. Roof racks (ski, bicycle, luggage): There are dozens of roof rack storage items on the market including the familiar ski, bicycle and luggage racks as well as roof storage, kayak racks and surfboard carriers. Prices vary.

5. Garage storage: In terms of garage storage, the possibilities are endless. Storage options include everything from hanging tool storage and portable tool boxes to storage racks, shelves and cabinets. The sky's the limit and, of course, so are the prices so shop accordingly.

6. Specialty tools: Who doesn't love a new toy? Check your favorite retailer or online store for a wide variety of specialty tools like a funnel system, digital torque wrench, electronic heat gun or socket set. There's something to please everyone. Prices vary.

7. Global positioning system (GPS): They say that men don't stop to ask directions. With a GPS, he doesn't have to. A good GPS system will help him find his way no matter where he is. Portable, lightweight and handy. Prices: $200 to $800. Garmin is one of the more well-known brands.

8. Vehicle service packages (car wash, detailing, etc.): Give your guy the gift of time by purchasing him a package of car wash & waxes from your local car wash, or treat him to a full detail at his favorite body shop. Prices vary.

9. Vehicle battery tester: Test your own car or truck battery with a battery & system tester. Price: about $100 (Griot's Garage)

10. Curb ramps: If your favorite guy or gal has roll-over curbs (you know the kind where your vehicle scrapes the driveway when you enter or exit?), give him a set of curb ramps to ease the transition from street to driveway and vice versa. Ideal for cars, trucks, vans, RVs, boats, golf carts and more. Price: about $300.

Many of these can be purchased at local automotive retailers (AutoZone, Napa, Schuck's) large discount retailers (Wal-Mart, Target, Costco), and local detail and body shops. If you are hoping to save time and money, many of the above products can also be ordered online and shipped to you or directly to your recipient for gift-giving. Act quickly though. Each business will have its own holiday delivery cut-off dates. Happy Holidays and enjoy your creative gifts!

How to Purchase New Car With Bad Credit

Most of all of us have been there one time or another. We want to purchase a new car and our credit stinks. Maybe not to high heaven but about as bad as trunk full of mackerel left in the sun for a day or three.

It can happen to any one. However, there are some alternatives to be applied to this situation. It may not come without some costs, so be prepared.

There are some dealerships willing to carry your credit  themselves. That is, they will finance you themselves. If you are one the nearly half of all Americans with bad credit this may be an option for you and help you to rebuild your credit at the same time. It is sort of like buying your good credit rating.

If there are that many Americans suffering from credit problems, it is a given a good share of them are in need of a car if not needing, at least wanting a new car. There is good reason for "Buy Here - Pay Here" dealerships springing up around the countryside.

There is little else a body can do when their credit stinks like sun ripened mackerel, right? There are other options available but the purpose of this article is to get you into new car you are coveting.

How does in-house financing help the dealership? And what does it do for them?

These dealerships are in the money business. Not the car business and not the people business, but the money business. First off, doing the in house financing allows for a sale that would otherwise not have been made. Second off, they can charge a higher rate of interest than they are paying the bank on the same car and for much more money. It is a win-win deal for the car dealer.

And with in-house financing you may be able to purchase a new car and drive away with it that very afternoon. They seldom have some long drawn out process like outside financiers that like to put a damper on things.

So here is the deal. You probably can purchase a new car, but you will pay for it because you were either careless about your credit or you had a turn of bad luck. But this is one way to get your credit back on track and buy that new car you want, if you don't mess it up.

Otherwise the repo-man will be looking for your address and your new car. Good luck with your new car purchasing efforts.

Auto Club Membership Rewarding and Life Saving

Winters get harder as one travels upwards. Winters in Canada can be especially difficult. Even the more northerly states of the U. S. Experience severe cold weather and horrible road conditions during this merry season of snowscapes and snowflakes. Having an auto club membership can save drivers a great deal of hassle but also give that extra security against the worst case scenario.

There are many benefits to having a membership in a popular auto club. Some auto clubs are all about providing necessary services to drivers and car lovers. Others seem to be an off-shoot of popular brand names such as gasoline or car dealerships or popular car repair shops. Choosing one only means going over the list of benefits, and is something that shouldn't be left until one's car breaks down.

Typical benefits of a car club involve things such as towing and winching or extrication services. There are any number of reasons for a tow to be necessary. If a car breaks down and can't be moved of its own accord, having a number to call for a free local towing company is very helpful. In other cases, mud, sand at the beach or a poorly cared for road can all disable a car's tires. This may mean it needs to be towed or winched and pulled out of that area.

Another popular use for membership in an auto club is that of battery boosting. Canadian winters are especially harsh on batteries for cars. In many parts of the country, people still aren't aware of the benefits of plugging a vehicle in at night. Some don't realize it can be a necessity. In the morning, some batteries are sluggish and just need a boost from a working car to get going. This happens on the worst and coldest nights.

Some cars will start at home but once out on the road, the battery just gets too cold. Many car clubs have roadside service as one of their benefits. This means that they will send a tow truck out to test a battery. If it can be boosted, they'll do so and the club member can continue on their way. If the battery won't start, usually the club membership will offer a new battery for a good price, anything to get the driver going again.

It is important to plan for situations in advance. When it comes to young or elderly drivers, or any family member really, it's good to have a membership in a popular auto club. If a young driver needs roadside help, it's nicer to think of them having a reputable towing company come to their aid. And family members would appreciate knowing that they're taken care of if anything goes wrong, that someone will come and help them get home to their loved ones.

Many of the things that drivers take for granted are offered by a membership in an auto club. Having a tire go flat or running out of gas are rare occurrences for people. These things simply don't happen all the time. However, in the rare case that one does, it's nice to know that a tow truck will bring a spare tire or come and give a broken down car a lift to a car mechanic. Some memberships also include a rental car. Tow trucks will also often delivery gas if someone has run out and can't easily get to it. This is especially important in the winter months when people can and do die from exposure to the cold and not knowing how to survive a bad situation.

Even in Canada, many people hop into their cars without jackets or proper winter clothing. There is a belief by many that they'll be in and out of their vehicles so quickly that they won't need to prepare for the worst case scenario. Having an auto club membership is a part of that ever important preparation, just like having blankets, food and flares in the trunk at all times. Winter is a harsh season.

How to Plug a Tire

When it comes to your Toyota car, you are going to want to make sure that you are never left without a spare tire. However, not everyone has a spare tire when it comes to an emergency. The good news is that they make tire plugs for cars. These are little kits that you can use to plug up holes in all of the popular Toyota brands, including the Corolla, Highlander, Supra, and many more.

The first thing that you have to do is buy one of these tire plug kits to keep in your car at all times. A lot of people like keeping these in the car anyway, because they are much smaller than a spare tire. Not only that, but they are a lot easier to use; meaning that just about anyone can use them. Something else that you may want to have is a can of compressed air. A lot of times, there are cans that you can buy that have compressed air in them with a solution that goes in the tire. Although this kind of can would not fix a big hole in a tire like a plug would, it would help a plug out. Not only that, but if you have a hole in your tire, you are not going to be able to drive on it after you patch it up, because there would be no air pressure left. These cans can put air pressure back into your tire to make it drivable again.

Steps to Using a Tire Plug

The first step is to find the foreign object that got stuck in your tire. It is a good idea to pull this object out with a pair of pliers. Make sure you do this in the same direction as the tire's tread goes. Next, you may want to use something to mark the spot of the hole so that you do not lose it. Next, you will need to jack the car up and remove the tire if the puncture is in a spot that is hard to locate. Also, you may want to do this so that you can move the tire to a safe location away from the side of the road.

At this point, you will want to take the rasp that is included in your kit, quickly insert it, and remove it from the hole. See, this is going to make the hole rough. You will want to do this so that the cement that comes with the patch kit can easily bond to the tire. Now you need to locate the plug that comes with the kit you have. You may also want to pull out the cement at this time. Put on the cement, and use the insertion tool to stick the plug into the hole. Be sure to leave about ½ inch of the plug still outside of the tire. After that, you will have to pull the insertion tool out very straight and very quickly. When you pull it out be sure to leave the plug inside.

After all of that, you will want to cut the plug so that it becomes flush with the tire and the surrounding tire tread. If you have removed the tire from the Toyota, then it would now be time to put it back on. After replacing the tire, you will want to read the directions on the back of the compressed air to fill back up the tire.

A Quick Note about Plug Kits

Please note that after patching up your tire you are going to want to get a new one just as soon as possible. Although plug kits work really well, they are not a permitted fix by any means to a blown out tire. Driving on them for long time spans is not safe. Be sure to read in your plug kit directions about how long you can drive on these plugs. Some of them only last long enough to get you to the store to get a new tire. There is no reason why you would want to take a chance at blowing out the plug while driving around for too long.

Oil Changes That Suck - Fluid Evacuators

Many European cars, jet skis and boats are designed to have their oil changed with a fluid evacuator, also called an extractor. When using a fluid evacuator, engine oil is drawn through the dipstick tube into the fluid extractor's container. Keep in mind that the larger the dipstick tube is, the faster the oil can be removed from the engine. That's why European cars which typically have large dipstick tubes, are usually the best candidates for this type of oil change. Boats and jet skis with 4 cycle engines have oil pans close to the bottom of the hull, which typically is too close for a drain pan to be placed under the engine for catching used oil. With this in mind you can imagine that doing an oil change in a boat can be a messy proposition. Some jet skis don't even have a drain plug, so the only way to change the oil in them is with a fluid extractor.

Fluid evacuators work by having vacuum created in the reservoir. Vacuum is either created with an air compressor or with a hand pump that is built into the extractor. Once vacuum is created in the reservoir, the extraction tube (like a big straw) from the unit is placed down the engine's dipstick tube. A valve on the evacuator is then opened and the oil is drawn or sucked into the reservoir. The extracted oil can then be measured and poured into a container for recycling. There is no need to access the bottom of the engine to remove a drain plug, which on European cars may require the removal of a splash shield for access. Most European cars like Mercedes and BMW have a canister type oil filter located on the top of the engine for easy access.

Changing your own oil can obviously save money, you didn't need me to tell you that. Even auto technicians that have full access to vehicle lifts are finding that oil changes can be done much faster with a fluid evacuator. Also auto technicians use extractors for more than just oil changes, they work great for removing coolant and bleeding brakes as well. Many car and boat owners are discovering that these units pay for themselves quickly and are easy to use. Women that may not normally do their own maintenance, find this method of changing oil is appealing because they don't have to work underneath the car.

Possibilities are seemingly endless when it comes to the many uses of a fluid evacuator; we even have one customer that maintains fish aquariums in a Las Vegas hotel with a MIT7201 Elgae. He has a different one to change the oil in his car!      

Tractor Tires for Sale - Finding the Best

One of the best ways to find the best kind of tractor tires for sale is to visit your nearest tire company. Trained tire professionals are available at these establishments to help you locate the tire or tires that will suit your needs. They may even be able to find used tires that will be exactly the kind and type you are looking for.

Different Tire Types

In order to help these people help you, be prepared to tell them what you are planning to use your tractor for. Since tractor tires can vary so much in price, it may help to save you some hard-earned money if it is known exactly what your tractor will be doing on your farm. You may want deep lug tires, regular agricultural tires, or diamond tread tires. All of these are suited for different uses.

Your rear tires do most of the tractor's work, and therefore it is extremely important that you get the right kind. The larger the rear tires, the less of a chance you have of getting stuck in the mud the first time you proudly take your tractor out for a spin.

Or, perhaps you have a more modern tractor whose tires are all the same size. Whatever sort of tractor tires you are looking for, the main thing is to find a tire suited to your tractor at a price you can afford.

Should You Buy Used Tires?

Some retail tire establishments also offer used tires. Look over carefully any used tire offered to you. Pay close attention to the tread, and check the sidewalls of the tires for any sort of damage like a cut or a bubbled area. As you know, truck tires are expensive, and buying used may well save you some money.

You also have the option of buying tractor tires online from various vendors. This is not necessarily more expensive than buying them at a local tire establishment and may in fact be much cheaper. How does this work?

Buying Online

You order the size and kind of tire that you need via the web, and usually can pay for them with your credit card. Most of the time, if the tire or tires you are looking for are not in stock, the vendor will be able to find them for you through a network of other stores that sell tires. Normally, you do not have to pay sales tax on the tires that you buy online, and this in itself is a huge savings.

Once your tires are chosen and paid for, they can either be picked up personally by you if you should happen to live close enough, or they can be shipped to a local installer in your area. The installer will then contact you when your tires have arrived, and you can take your tractor to their place of business to have them installed.

Finding tractor tires for sale need not be a burden if you take the time to establish exactly the type and size of tire you are looking for, and decide how much you want to spend.