Long Squeal at Stops

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Do people stare at you when you approach a stop sign? Perhaps it’s that long squeal coming from your brakes. That sound could mean several things. Some of the most common problems that cause squealing brakes include the following:

• Worn brake pads or brake shoes
• Dirt on your brakes pads, shoes, drums, or rotors
• Pads that have become overheated and then formed a glaze when they cooled
• Brake pads that are making contact with the rotor
• Disc brake calipers that are not properly aligned

Moaning Under the Hood

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A couple of problems could cause “something” under the hood to moan when you make a turn. More than likely, your car has low steering fluid. You can often fix this problem quickly by pouring a bit more power steering fluid into the appropriate reservoir. It could, however, mean that you have a leak in the power steering fluid reservoir or some other part of the steering system. If you have a leak, then you might need to take it to a mechanic you trust to identify the problem and find a solution.

You shouldn’t find it difficult to get a power steering problem solved inexpensively. Unfortunately, this moaning (some people describe it as a whining sound) could also come from your cam shaft drive belt. If you hear this sound when driving straight as well as turning, take your car to a mechanic immediately. This problem will likely cost a little more money to fix. If you need to find some extra room in your budget, then:

• Visit 21st.com to learn about low-priced insurance policies
• Change your driving habits to consume less fuel
• Consider whether it makes more sense to buy a new car than pay for repairs

Tick, Tick, Tick!

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A ticking sound under the hood could indicate a variety of problems, such as:

• Stuck engine valves (you might need an oil change)
• Collapsed engine valve lifters
• Warped valves
• Engine sludge that prevents your oil from circulating well

Your car is trying to tell you something with those noises. If you hear any of the above complaints coming from your car, you may be able to use this list to identify the source of the problem. Getting these problems resolved early will give you peace of mind and save you more trouble down the road.

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If your teen is ready to get a license, you are probably thinking about what kind of car he or she can drive. Buying a car for a teen can be a stressful time. Cost is a variable for most families when it comes to picking out a teenager’s car. You also want your child to be safe and comfortable. Check out a few of these popular picks for teenage automobiles.

One car that may be a good fit for your teen is a Hyundai Elantra. This car is stylish and has many safety features. It can also typically be purchased new for around $15,000. You will love the traction control, anti-lock breaks and six airbags. Your teen will love the fresh, new look of the car and iPod jack.

If your teen is insisting on an SUV, there are options available besides expensive gas guzzlers like the Cadillac Escalade or the Lincoln Navigator. The Toyota Rav4 can make a great SUV for a young driver. This SUV has a price point in the low $20,000 range and gets between 22 and 28 miles per gallon. The Rav4 is loaded with safety features including an advanced airbag system and side impact door beams.

The funky and fresh looking Kia Soul can be a great fit for a family on a budget. The price point of this vehicle is around $13,000. Your teen will enjoy the futuristic look of this car and some of the unique colors that it comes in such as alien green and ignition orange. The car comes standard with both front and side airbags for optimal safety.

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If you are looking to save on gas money and do some good for the environment you may have thought about purchasing a hybrid car. Like many people, you may have many questions about hybrid cars that you want answered before making a decision to purchase one.

It is important to remember that hybrids can use both gas and electric. If your electric charge runs out, your car can switch to gas mode so there is no reason to fear stopping in the middle of a highway. Each hybrid car has mechanisms inside that can determine when it is more efficient to use gas and when it is more efficient to use electric power. Most hybrid cars currently recharge when the car is not in use. There are some new models coming onto the market where hybrid car can be plugged in to recharge faster, but these models are still new and are not the norm.

There are some rumors that get passed around about hybrid cars being dangerous to operate in really cold or really hot weather. Hybrid cars have to undergo the same safety inspection measures as any other car before they can be sold. So there is no need to fear driving a hybrid on a day where the temperature is as high as 102 degrees Fahrenheit or as cold as -2 degrees Fahrenheit.

You may also fear that your hybrid battery will need replacing. Popular car makers put the battery under warranty for up to 150,000 miles just as they do with most other parts of the car.

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As technology advances, many car companies try to put out futuristic looking cars to attract tech lovers and young consumers. Sometimes along the way, car designers make a few mistakes and instead of a car being funky and fresh, they wind up with a product that a lot of consumers may consider a road eyesore.

The Honda Element was introduced for the year 2003 and was one of the first boxy looking cars in a long time. This vehicle caught the eye of many drivers. Lots of teens and college students quickly nicknamed this car the lunchbox and the toaster. Although the car has been featured in many video games, sales showed that the car was not a big seller and Honda decided to stop making them in 2010.

The Pontiac Aztek was first sold in 2001. The origional model had a very pointy front and bright colored paint on the top and a gray coating on the bottom. The public and the media did not take to well to this car and many immediately started mocking the design. In 2007, Time magazine called the vehicle one of the worst cars of all time. Although the company tried to revamp the car a few times, it was an epic fail. The car stopped being produced in 2005.

The Mazda 3 used to be an affordable, stylish and appealing car. In 2010 however, the company decided to redesign the car to feature a large smile like grill in the front. The odd looking front turned off many consumers. Rumor has it that Mazda will be coming up with a replacemet design for future models.

There are many kinds of applied autos provided here, beginning from your incredibly inexpensive one particular until finally one of the most pricey a single. One from the utilized autos you are able to come across right here would be the Hyundai Tucson. Even though this Hyundai is a applied automobile, but nonetheless the auto is inside a very good problem nevertheless, starting up through the style in the auto that is definitely nonetheless unique, as well as the motor that nevertheless can function incredibly properly. Apart from, there will probably be Utilized 2010 Jeep Liberty in Chicago Illinois also that you simply can discover in this particular site. Interested?

But, how do you know if you have enough, and if you have the best? What exactly should it cover? Should it cover only specific types of vehicles? Should the coverage extend to accidents caused by equipment that failed before recalls were issued?

These are just a few questions that you may have about personal injury protection. You can find the answers to these and others by contacting personal injury lawyers in Los Angeles firms, and asking to speak with an attorney.

The attorney can help you evaluate your current personal injury protection and determine if it is adequate. If you do not have this coverage, he can help you decide what type and how much you should get. He can use such information as your car model, its primary use, its safety record, and other factors.

Getting personal injury protection is a good idea. However, even with the best coverage, the time may come when you need the services of personal injury lawyers to help you respond to a lawsuit or other legal action regarding your vehicle.

The attorney can give you advice on the laws regarding car recalls and other car safety alerts, as well as representation if needed. A quick phone call or visit to the offices is all it takes to find out about personal injury protection.

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Have you ever taken your car to the shop for your normal routine maintenance appointment and received the dreaded news that your car is in need of multiple repairs? Most people enjoy having their own form of transportation, but car repairs can be very expensive, especially if you don’t have the money to pay for them. One of the options you can select to pay for this unexpected expense is a cash loan.

Cash loans are available nationwide and are financed through financial companies. When applying for a cash loan, you should make sure you select a well-known company such as Plain Green loans. By using a well-known company, you will be able to have your questions answered by the loan representatives, and your cash loan will be processed as quickly as possible.

Before you agree to allow a mechanic to repair your vehicle, talk with the mechanic and have him or her explain exactly what needs to be done to repair your car. If you are not familiar with auto terminology, you should bring a relative or friend with you who has some knowledge about cars to help explain or ask questions if needed.

If you feel that the cost of the repair is too high, you should try to obtain an estimate from another repair shop in your area. In order to gain more business, some car repair shops are willing to negotiate their prices to beat their competition. By shopping around, you may be able to save money and use some of your cash loan for other important matters.

Here’s a look at the types of crash testing each SUV is put through to determine what safety rating the vehicle is given.

Side Impact Testing

This test determines how the SUV will act should it be involved in a side impact collision. The SUV is hit by a moving wall that is moving at an approximate speed of 40 miles per hour. This test has crash test dummies in the car and assesses the injuries that might be received should a person be sitting in either the front or back seats of the SUV during the collision.

Full-Width Frontal Impact Testing

This test determines how the SUV will act should it be involved in a front-end collision. Test dummies are placed in the front cars the and the vehicle is driven into a stationary wall at a speed of 35 miles per hour. The crash test dummies all have sensors on them that allow researchers to determine what injuries could happen to the legs, chest or head of a person riding in the SUV and in that type of situation.

Crash testing is the most effective way for SUV consumers to determine whether or not the SUV they are looking to purchase is safe  themselves and their family.

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You probably hear the phrase, “Safety comes first,” quite often, but it seems like people don’t really stop to think about their safety, especially in vehicles. When you’re driving, it is very important to keep your attention on the road rather than fiddling with your phone, the radio or your cup of coffee.

Before even starting to drive, you should have insurance on your vehicle. You may believe that you’re a careful driver and that you’ll never be in a car wreck, but you can’t always rely on your own driving. Consider others who are on the road. Along with your primary car, you should have insurance on other vehicles, including your motor home. Talk with an insurance company to receive RV insurance quotes.

Being concerned about your safety in your vehicle is perfectly normal. The chance of actually getting in a car wreck may be slim, but injury and fatality rates are still quite high. Take precaution when you drive and focus your attention on your driving rather than other activities. If you’re a passenger in a car, encourage the driver to focus on the road, as well.

Some of the largest distractions and impairments to attention and reaction time include drunk driving and the use of cell phones in cars. If you have been drinking, try to find someone else to drive you home. Avoid texting and driving. A recent study has shown that your reaction time decreases three times more than the reaction time of an intoxicated driver if you are texting and driving. Focusing your attention only on driving will help you stay safer.

There are over a dozen different types of crash test dummies. Here’s a look at two of the most commonly used crash test dummies.

BioRID Dummy 

 

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The BioRID crash test dummy is used to assess how well a car’s seat belts or head restraint work should the car be in a collision. The type of collision that is simulated for this test dummy is a rear-end collision.

This test dummy is equipped with sensors in the head and neck region which allow the testers to determine what damage could happen if the car were in a collision.

CARBI Dummy

The CARBI dummy or the child restraint air bag interaction dummy is the crash test dummy that is used to assess what would happen to children if they were in a collision and the airbags deployed. The dummy depicts a 12-month-old child and has sensors to determine what impact the child would receive if they were in a front or rear facing child seat.

Crash test dummies are created to determine the impact a collision will have on the passengers in the car. The BioRID and CARBI dummy are just two of over a dozen crash test dummies used today.

There are several types of crash test dummies that are used for crash tests. The type of crash test dummy that is used it based off of which type of crash test is being performed. Here’s a look at the different types of crash test dummies.

The Hybrid Dummy 

 

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The hybrid dummy is the traditional type of crash test dummy. It’s created to simulate a given type of passenger such as a male, female, child or teen. It is placed in the car and the impact of the crash is assessed based off of how the dummy reacts to the situation. Hybrid dummies are typically used for front-end collision crashes but can be used for any crash test.

Side Impact Dummy

The side impact dummy is one that is used for assessing side impact crash results. The dummy is modeled after a middle-aged female and has various sensors placed on the side which allows the scientists to assess the impact of a side collision. The information that is obtained from a side impact dummy allows automotive experts to see what could happen to the rib cage and internal organs should a car be hit from the side.

The hybrid and side impact dummy are just two of a dozen crash test dummies used by crash test experts.

When you shop around for furniture, you like to do a little research and see who has the best deal. So why not do the same for your car, which is going to cost significantly more than furniture? Using Canada 411 is truly the best way to go car shopping. It doesn’t matter if you’re on the hunt for a Chevy, Lexus, or Volkswagen, you should shop around. With Canada, 411 you’re able to find out the name, address, and location of dealerships. If you’re unfamiliar with the area, that’s OK. Internet map services can help get you there.

If you’re looking for something that’s fuel efficient, here are the top five cars to look into buying. So far in 2011, the Chevy Volt is currently the most fuel-efficient car on the market. It can go 40 miles on just the power of the battery. So, if your work commute is less than 40 miles, you won’t need any gas to get to work. With gas prices skyrocketing, this is a great thing.

There are four other great fuel-efficient cars to be on the lookout for. These include the Honda Civic Hybrid, The Smart Fortwo, The Toyota Prius, and the Volkswagen Jetta TDI. Not only will a fuel-efficient car be great for the environment, but also for your wallet.

The three have their own sets of advantages and disadvantages. Subcompacts are usually affordable but they do have the comfort, space and versatility of the diesel and hybrid cars. The buyers of hybrids and diesels have to shell out more money than their conventional counterpart models. The hybrids and diesels cars are diverse ones and can attain high overall fuel economy. The new Honda CR-Z hybrid two-seater is one such car. The large, turbo diesel Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen TDI is a highly recommended one as it has high road-test score and average predicted reliability.

There are two versions of the European designed Ford Fiesta: one with manual transmission having SES hatchback at the top and the other is the automatic version SE sedan with trim in the medium level. The basic infrastructure of Mazda2 is similar to that of Fiesta. However the transmission technology, amenities and refinement of the Fiesta are absent in the Mazda2, but its backseat is more spacious. There are the Mazda2 Touring having an automatic transmission and a Sport version having a manual transmission.

The Honda CR-Z is a stylish, two-seater hybrid car and has four doors. The manual version of the Jetta SportWagen is big, contains enough space, is versatile and features a lot of top of the line amenities making it a choicest fuel-efficient car. The only negative point of the car is the price tag which can be said to be considerably more than the others.

With so many choices of hybrid and diesel fuel-efficient cars around, a buyer just need to chalk out his requirements and buy the one that suits him the best.

Many of the features are offered with several models keeping the price tags buyer friendly. The range of cars are designed with the basic body and basic features intact and offering the set of features varying with the different models falling in for the same car. In fact in today’s competitive market, the brands are even offering an assemblage of features according to the buyer’s wish list preparing a car to be their dream roadster!

An important fact to keep in mind is the non availability of all the desired features in a single package at the offered costing. There could be an extra feature which you wish to eliminate or an extra one you desire to add! Put on the thinking cap to ponder whether the looks matter for you more or the security is your target. The cars out for long run are designed keeping their usage in mind to offer utmost comfort ability levels with the best fuel efficiency they can put up.

For instance, despite the fact that payday loans are supposed to be used only for emergency situations in which you are facing down dire financial need, making sure that your car works (and getting it repaired when it does not) is a reasonable use for a payday loan.

Of course, finances can be a slippery slope. If some other unexpected, seriously important bill should happen to come up, it may overwhelm your budget. You may need to use your payday loan to make a car payment. After all, part of keeping your vehicle in gear is making sure that the repo folks do not come to seize it. And, falling behind on your car payments is a pretty good way of bringing that scenario to life.

Heading to paydayone.com is not the only way that you can keep your car if something really bad comes up.If your car’s terms are a little on the oppressive side of things, you could always try working with your original lender and possibly renegotiate the interest rate on it. While it may not always work, it does often enough that it is definitely worth a try. You could also try refinancing your car’s loan so that you can get a new payment schedule and possibly a lower rate. If your credit has gotten better over time, that might be the best solution available to you.

Be sure to have enough time for the processing as it is time consuming to be decisive about the buy and then picking on the right financial source and further to comply with the requirements and complete the documentations to finally bring home your proud venture!

Everyone’s Going Green

The fastest-growing segment of the auto market has been green, and this year is no exception. Ford’s popular compact car, the Focus, has been transformed into this company’s first completely-electric passenger car. As an affordable, zero-emission vehicle, this model will be competing with the Chevy Volt and the Nissan Leaf. Based on past sales, the Ford Focus is expected to be the better seller.

The Respectable Family Vehicle

The experts are saying Ford has another winner with the new C-Max. Already popular in Europe, car shoppers can expect to see American versions on the lots later this year. For under $30,000, the buyer will get two sliding doors, tons of space, and a hatch-door that opens with the wave of a foot—a great option for the overloaded shopper. The C-Max comes in both a five- and seven-seat configuration as well as two different hybrid models.

The Luxury Sedan

The luxury category at this year’s auto show was dominated by imports. Think Porsche, Bentley, Mercedes, and Ferrari for 2011. Yes, that’s right—Porsche even has a 4-door car. The Bentley has to get the vote as best seller; their new model has completely sold-out, to the point where they didn’t have a model to bring to the show!

Hot Little Sports Cars

Can you believe sports cars have gone hybrid? Porsche has done the unthinkable with the 918 RSR hybrid race cars! Anyone who thinks a hybrid isn’t capable of speed hasn’t seen the 767 horsepower monster under this hood! How did Porsche accomplish this feat of green engineering? With two special electric motors and an even more special flywheel speed booster.

The Versatile SUV

While it was a tough decision between the Dodge Durango, the Ford Explorer, and the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Ford did it again! The 2011 Explorer was awarded the 2011 North American Truck of the Year. While sales have been slack with this American original, it appears that 2011 may be a record-breaking year for the Ford Motor Company.

Rugged Pickup Trucks

Of course, as any pickup truck fan knows, an SUV doesn’t really qualify as a true truck. For them, only a real pickup will do. Ford—who would have guessed it—stole the show in this category at the auto show, too! The F-150 is already the world’s most popular pickup truck, but Ford had to go another step. Although you’ll have to read the details for yourself, the torture test demo the new EcoBoost V-6 engine should be enough to convince any shopper to buy a new F-150 this year.

With these choices, the new car shopper will really have to work at narrowing down his choices- sites like Edmunds can help you find a car that suites your needs. Regardless of your choice, 2011 appears to be off to a good start for the automakers.

The best practice is to do the homework beforehand so as to be informative in front of the services deliverance executives. The cares to be taken while buying the vehicle includes availing the test drives for the vehicle under consideration. The test drive plays an essential role in knowing your will be future asset apart from the details inscribed on papers, worksheets and catalogues. The test drive is the best time to get an in depth understanding about the vehicle being driven as the vehicle has neither run too much nor less and is the perfect prototype of the new car when it would have run a few hundred kilometers.

If you are not catered well once you experience a tiff after the purchase and not being served in accordance with the signed terms, then the consumer laws give you the opportunity to fight for your rights.

The cars can be accessorized in a way to administer a masculine or a feminine appearance as is desired by the rider. The color effects could be the minimum one can do to stimulate the feel of driving an asset. The adding varieties of tinkles’ and jingles could easily accessorize a car in the feminine way. Males focus more on the exteriors making their drive sportier and adrenaline influenced!

The addition of accessories and add-ons offer a new look thus, saving the owner from the boredom of watching and driving the same car all the time. This little effort offers a pleasant driving experience and also shoots up the resale value to an extent.

Trading your vehicle in to a dealership is a popular option. Dealerships are easily able to determine an approximate value for your vehicle, and will subtract that value from the cost of buying another auto at their lot. This is a simple route to travel, as financing questions and mechanical analysis are left in the hands of professionals. However, you might not get the best value, as the dealership’s interest is in maximizing their profit. Selling your car as a private owner may get you more money in hand, but in that case, you risk that the buyer has a problem and comes back to bother you about it. Whether this actually falls into the category of buyer beware or not, hassles could come your way if a buyer is later displeased and doesn’t know how the system works.

Donations have become a viable auto disposal method. Outfits such as Kars for Kids allow you to turn in your car, hassle free, and receive a tax deduction which is often substantial. Particularly if your vehicle’s value is nebulous, this route can be favorable. By subtracting the value of your car from your income, you’ll receive a decent tax refund while helping out a charitable organization such as Kars for Kids.

Choosing an appropriate insurance plan is a long term decision with similar efforts being put up for the selection and financing of the car. Believing the facts, the high premium ask out insurance companies offer the most restrictive policies having limited coverage which is actually revealed once you get into a demanding situation. Thus, it is better to do the correct beforehand only! Querying about the hypothetical scenarios and asking the pitfalls in clear terms from the insurance providers is always important to get hold of the best policies. The consideration of the insurance is mandatory but should not be left as the deciding factor because even quality costs for what it is! The customer services, market rapport, availability at the emergency terms, quality claim handling, well skilled staff and reduced processing time are some of the features taken care of while choosing the safeguard for your roadster!

The latest up gradations have greatly enhanced the resale opportunities for the aspirants. The online forums and resources prove to be very useful in getting the tips for selling as well as buying the cars. In this process, you are the one who now swaps the position with the dealer from whom you once bought your car. So be prepared to face the similar concerns and kinds of queries which might prove to be a bit hassling but actually aren’t. Primarily, search for the estimated price of your vehicle depending on its model, purchased tenure, technology used in the car, the added accessories, the benefits of finance/ insurance (if being offered) on the internet, people linked with such transactions, general consultation amongst family and friends. Be decisive to opt for selling your car by you or do you wish to have a mediator (professional second hand car sellers) wherein you will be paying certain amount to them.

If you want to grab a higher sum for your previous investment, then labor to give a tidy, clean and glossy look to the car because it is the presentation that matters the most. The servicing and maintenance before the sale display is always a good idea to rid off the unnecessary junks. Keep the required documents intact for ready reference. Along with these facts, patience and good attitude will definitely get you the exemplary deal for your old car right in your pocket!!

Car loan payments are regular monthly payments that must be made to avoid negative consequences. If you do not make the payment, or pay late, a wide range of things can happen. The first thing to happen will be that your credit score and history will be damaged. Late payments can affect a credit score drastically. Another major consequence of not paying that car loan could be the risk of having it repossessed. Car loan companies have the legal right to repossess a car after just one missed payment.

With all these consequences a car owner faces for missing a car payment it is important that they make sure the car payment is made on time, every month. So what happens if you are unable to make the car payment because you mismanaged your budget or an unexpected emergency comes up? There are a few options available to you that allow you to borrow the money quickly.

The first option that can help you get money for your car payment is the ability to seek out friends and family members who might be willing to loan you money. Many people like this option because the interest on the loan is fairly low and friends and family members rarely require background checks as they take you for your word that you will pay it back.

If seeking out friends and family members to loan you money doesn’t work, there are other options available. Financial services like GreatPlainsLending offer short term loans as well as payday advances. This is a great way to get the money quickly and not have to risk missing that car payment.

The brands like Volvo, Mahindra, Tata, Hyundai, Hino, Fiat, Daewoo, Leyland, Volkswagen are involved in manufacturing the heavy commercial vehicles. Similar to the small car venture, the investment on heavy vehicles also involves the finance, insurance, services concerns. The appropriate researching of the specific markets is the need of hour to capture the best deals and offers. There is usually not much range bands to decide upon as the buy here is influenced by the need of the businesses.

The trucks are available in basically three forms as regular, extended and crew cabs. The trucks have been performing poorly in the crash tests thus the consumers need to be aware of this fact and be careful while running on roads. The diesel engine provides better efficiency of fuel with higher mileage which is must to drive the heavy entity in bulk. The swift and easy availability of engines & vehicle parts and accessibility of workstations nearby are some of the features a buyer would give consideration to before investing in the vehicle for commercial purposes.

Not only the large vehicles/ wagons but also the small pacing cars on roads face the victimization of accidents. The inbuilt safety features in a car should be opted with consideration as they will offer you the hard rock protection at driving times. The headlights, signals, mirrors, breaks, steering, seatbelts and the suspension systems constitute the basic safety facets of a vehicle. With advancement in technology, the automotive companies and brands keep on offer the advanced safety features like backup cameras, antilock braking system, automated parking system, several stability and traction controls, alarms and sensors for improved safety run on the risk tracks!

The crash tests are a measure to study the ability of a vehicle to bear the crash impacts at various degrees. The body shielding provides the first thing which bears the attack impact and needs to be strong enough to bear the intensities. These tests are performed under set conditions by the manufacturers of vehicles to give their customers the best of safety. Analyzing the resultants of these tests should be considered when buying a car.

A driver bears the responsibilities of caring for their co – passengers, the other people walking/ driving on tracks, and all the entities while on the driving path. A virtue to follow the road safety rules and complying with them will surely reduce the risk factors turning your journey into a safe drive!

Choose an SUV
SUVs are a great option for families that are looking for more space but don’t want to drive a minivan. Here are a few of the most popular SUVs.

• Honda CR-V. This 4-door, 5-passenger SUV earns rave reviews from owners. This SUV comes with either a manual or an automatic transmission, the option to get 4-wheel drive, and an option to get a navigation system. The 180-horsepower engine gets about 21mpg in the city and about 28mpg on the highway.
• Ford Flex. One of the newer kids on the SUV block, it has four doors and can hold up to seven passengers. There are front wheel drive and all wheel drive options on this SUV. Both of these models have a V6, 3.5-liter 262-horsepower engine. This SUV gets about 17mpg for city driving and about 24mpg on the highway.
• Kia Sportage. It’s an affordable 4-door SUV with room for five passengers. This SUV comes in a front wheel drive model and an all wheel drive model, both of which have a 2.4-liter 176-horsepower engine. Both models also get about 21mpg with city driving and 28mpg driving on the highway.

Compare Insurance Quotes

Because it is important to insure your new SUV, it’s best to compare insurance prices before signing on with an insurance company. Experts recommend comparing insurance quotes from at least three companies to find the best option for your family’s needs.

After setting a budget target, the next step is to start looking for the brands and the car segment falling in your pocket capacity eliminating the ones lying out of the range. The dealers set out to offer you the dream car will at an instant ask you for the credit history which if not found suitable could restrict you from the buy. So prior to such a situation pops up, be prepared and do the rightful only! Choosing the right dealer is also a major step in getting your new asset at the best possible deals with added complementary offers. Conduct some research to aware you with the average cost of the roadster as the price tag varies from place to place and also from one location to the other in the same city. The internet, mouth talks are the sources which will tell you the base price quotes of a car so that you don’t fall in the hands of a thug! for ever and a day remember that there is no “fixed price” strategy when out to buy a car, so never lose a chance to try out your best to procure the bestest deals!!

It’s amazing the stir that can be caused by a little internet video. It goes to show everyone that there is no such thing as small on the Internet. Mark Jacobs, the founder of Ecko Unlimited, an urban clothing company, caused a stir recently online. It appears that the self-made millionaire was caught taking his Nissan in to be customized.

For most celebrities the idea of customization is a welcome idea, but when you are a major fashion designer it’s front page news. What’s the reason? In 2006 Mark Ecko teamed up with the foreign car company, Nissan, and designed their 2006 Pathfinder. The result was both financial success at a critical time for Nissan. It made the two companies very proud of their union and it made the growing fan base of Ecko scream for more.

Well, if there are those out there who can believe it, the wait is over. It appears that Nissan and Mark Ecko have joined forces again on not one, but two, different cars. It appears they have been working on designs for both the Pathfinder, and the Armada. These cars have been two of Nissan’s hottest sellers and they have been two of Nissan’s most stylish automobiles.

Nissan looks to have been taken by Ecko’s forward thinking, and his rather urban vision. The hope is that this marriage brings Nissan closer to the kind of car that fits the street life. Its urban appeal on the base level is unquestioned, but the company is hoping that his creativity will move the vehicle forward into the next decade.

It’s not certain that the two will be in business for years, but only that they will be in business to design two more cars. After that it’s anyone’s guess. Ecko is a busy man and wants to keep building forward, but if those cars sell well then he’ll be back designing. Money talks.

The demographics for the road accident tolls, vehicle burglaries, conspiracies and the legal liabilities have risen to high extents which render it crucial at all instances to know the reason for which the first buyer is going for the resale of his asset. Considering the positive side, the tech geeks globally are interested in owning the new technology & design whenever they are encountered with one. In such cases, the resale is genuine ad can be picked without much consideration. Thus, do get the chronicles of the second hand buy you are interested in with the owner’s details to know more about any sorts of mechanical/ technical problems which are persisting/ persisted in the car. If you are vending through a mediator in such a case, then do not sidetrack to contact the previous owner (it is mandatory!).

In addition to procuring the best price deals with a high probability of getting hold of a relatively new car, the above factors should be carefully monitored as the buy can then prove to be a boon or a mind boggling account if not taken care precisely.

The prime criterion to decide upon is the average run of the vehicle annually. Statistics show that if the annual run of your vehicle is near to 13,000 km or less than that, then you should simply go for the petrol version without any second thought whereas if the whisk is more than 13,000 km then only a diesel version will prove to be cost effective in intelligent sense. The diesel costing does not appear coarse monetarily as compared to the petrol fuel. Whereas, the diesel models of the cars are also slightly higher in terms of costing but lower in terms of maintenance. Due to low calorific value, output of diesel engines is more than those of petrol but is fruitful only in the long term when the run is on everyday expenses covering long distances. The usual trend is that the diesel version of the same models are tagged slightly more in price but this is placidly compensated with the better resale values of these types compared to the petrol ones. Some experiences also states that the diesel models are slightly coarse on run (but can be taken on the verge of cost & fuel effectiveness!) Think considering the practical factors and choose it judge fully!! Merry driving!!

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The mission geared up to purchase a vehicle for you has never been at the drop of a hat. Getting a feel of “This is it” when you are on search for a new car is what a buyer wanders for. A personally owned vehicle is an asset for anyone as soon as they are eligible to get a legal license to drive the four – wheeler carriage! Sometimes the “hit” is such a perfect thingy that in no time we decide and pick our dream “buggy” but in the majority of instances the finalization of the pick can extend to even several months time. It is undoubtedly a ponderous job whether you are on the first time purchase or other for that sake. Acquainting one with the certain terminologies and the details associated with them i.e. the terms like “down payment”, “insurance”, “APR” for the buy deals and terminologies like “ABS”, latest engine designs and more are good to know before landing in front of your local dealer so when fired with these jargons in store, the things would not appear alien for you.

The next step is to consider ample number of factors like the mileage (fuel efficiency), looks, capacity and other related facets about the purchase of a car. In today’s competition perpetuating globally, the features have been broadened and the choices have been amplified highly. Everyday a new or an existing brand comes up with advanced technologies leaving the buyers (prospective and in search currently) craving for the novel techs. The increasing diversity of brands and automotive related services offered by various entities has opened an entirely new world of luxurious travel! The decision on buying a new roadster is also dependent on the fact for which the vehicle will be used whether the usage would be on daily basis or randomly and do not forget to consider the majority of driving to be on highlands or concrete or will you be hitting the highways!

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Although during recession the prices dropped but since the recession period is over, there has been a trend of inflation in the economy of the whole world. Prices of all the things whether they are basic commodities, food items, vehicles etc have gone up. The prices of petrol and diesel seem to be fueling and are on the peek. The rising prices of food, petrol and gas have engorged the inflation further.

As a result of inflation, people are suffering a lot and seem to be struggling in order to pay their mortgages, car loans, bills etc. Although prices of many commodities have increased but the interest rate in loans refinancing is decreased and that is why we can see many people getting their homes and car loans refinanced at discount home and auto refinance rates.

Though the recession is officially over but unemployment and low paid jobs are still the major problem for many as the income of most of us is not enough that we could manage our expenses. Increased Gas and diesel prices are another culprit in evaporating our hard earned money. The prices of Gas have almost doubled than a year ago while the increase in salaries is negligible.

Of course, due to rising prices of gasoline people cannot stop keeping their vehicles but there are many positive approaches that one can adopt to reduce the fuel consumption and to save some money on gasoline. Like, you can get your car serviced on regular basis. By taking good care of your car, you can be rest assured that it will cover more miles using less fuel. You can also reduce fuel consumption and hence the burden on your pocket by traveling less often. That is rather than going to grocery stores or super markets every other day, you can go once a week and buy all the items that you might need during the rest of the week.

It is understood that we cannot stop the inflation in the prices of gasoline and other commodities but we can definitely think wisely to keep a balance between our earnings and expenditures.

Many people simply listen to the grand speeches and advices about these and sometimes may even make some themselves but when it comes to protecting one’s self and their family; they turn a deaf ear and go on about as they did before.

Your vehicle is the first place where safety starts. Try to equip it with the latest technologies and measures to make it a safe machine and also to keep yourself and your loved ones safe. Always remember that safety starts and ends with the person driving the car.

The cars and trucks found today have high range of safety accessories inbuilt in them to protect their passengers. Before it used to be just seatbelts, but now more features have been included which are more advanced and efficient than seatbelts.

Warning alerts and alarms are other security systems incorporated in the cars and trucks to alert you about various factors like exceeding speed limit or smoke alarms. These are designed to make the passengers aware of crossing the limitations which is important most of the time and in most cases.

There are companies which produce safety and security devices as well. These companies may specialize in accessories which are additionally fitted external to the already inbuilt security and safety features. If your car or truck does not have the required security features then you can add accessories in it to keep it secure.

Safety is important not only to the people traveling with you but also to those who are on the road at the same time as you. Bear that in mind and then drive.

The first feature which is given a lot of importance and thought is the model of the car. It has changed from common metal mold to highly advanced and latest metals with plenty of glossy and polished look. The sophisticated look is in and everybody wants their car to look the best.

The next feature which has undergone changes during the year is the safety features. It has evolved from next to nothing to the more advanced and highly secure technologies seen today. All sorts of alarms, alerts and safety bags are incorporated into the cars to make it a safe thing to operate and be in.

Yet another feature noticeably evolved during the years is the internal working of the car. While a few yeas back it used to take a few minutes to drive to a place one kilometer away, is now done at the blink of an eye. Power engines and steering are built into the car so that the car works smoothly without any interruption or problems for the people using it.

Extra accessories are being found all the time to keep the cars entertaining. It used to be impossible to imagine a television or a computer in the cars a few years ago. Now you may cars which may have parties if given the space and chance.
Powerful music instruments and stereos have contributed to this factor. In short cars have become quite an important machine of power and status.

Though each car or truck have their own inbuilt safety mechanism, it would still help a lot if you too are careful of the way you behave yourself on the road. This can be done by keeping vigilant and looking out for problems or mistakes while on the road.

One of the common problems faced and safety issues ignored is that of the cell phone. It seems people simply can’t keep their hands off the cell phone for a short period of time. It is more harmful than you can ever imagine. Apart from loosing your concentration it would also make you loose your grip and control of the vehicle. It should be strictly avoided.

Another problem is the issue of seatbelt. Though not seen commonly, there are people who simply find it impossible to wear the seatbelt they go out. It should be noted most of the people who die in the accidents are not due to the impact of the collision but due the impact of the steering hitting the chest and puncturing the lungs when seatbelts are not worn.

Drinks are another major cause for accidents on the road. Why bother driving when you know you can’t take a single step further? It would not only destroy your life but also that of someone who is just an innocent passerby who happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time. Your safety is in your hands so keep vigilant and avoid mistakes while on the road.

The first automobiles were invented in the 1600s by Ferdinand Verbiest who built what can be called as a start or an idea of what a car seen today is. It was a steam powered vehicle and there aren’t many details about it.

During the 19th century, automobiles could be afforded only by the rich among the rich. It was something luxurious and out of reach for most of the people. This is because at that time the manufacturing of these machines required a lot of finance and it could be paid for only by those who have enough money to spend on such luxuries.

It was after the World War I that the automobile industry actually started to flourish and it became affordable by common people. It was no longer thought of as a novelty; rather it was accepted as a part of life which could make transportation easier.

From then onwards came the designing and improving of the look, style and model of the cars which were given out to the public for possession. Some of the top names were Henry Ford, Charles Kettering, and others. The cars made back then are now considered as collectibles.

After it became a success and people started accepting as a part of life, car makers turned their focus on building up the engine and quality of the vehicles. The engines were made more powerful and easy to handle. More accessories were added to make the cars more comfortable and the models varied from those carrying two people to those which can carry twenty to twenty five people.

There are luxury cars like the Cadillac and Jaguar which are a hit among the people, while those like SUVs are used for comfort. Larger cars are used for accommodating a group of people like the party bus which can be considered as a cross between a car and a bus.

When you say the term luxury car, it means a car which gives more features than an average car which can be more expensive as well. These extra features may be better performance, better construction and comfort, innovative technology and much more.

The luxury cars would have superior design, engineering and are expensive. These qualities are shared by all the luxury cars.
It is generally targeted at the wealthy and powerful. A common person might find it difficult to purchase it.

Now a luxury car is a very expansive term. The definition of a luxury depends on your opinion and idea. A car which you may find luxurious may not be seen as such by others. It can include sedans, hatchback, back wagons and many other which normally comes under the tag of luxury.

When you consider the class of people who can buy these cars, it can be complicated. A few years back it was only the very wealthy and rich who could afford the luxury cars. Now you may find most of the people can buy these cars without any financial constraints.

Those who can’t afford luxury cars in their possession can hire luxury limousines or taxi to take to exotic places or occasions which are important to them.

First things you should know are the auto body parts. These may consist of these may include the body spares or the exterior parts like the bumper or the bonnet. Also the parts like the grille, crown screen, hard trim also come under this category.
Other parts include those that come with the windows and the doors.

The auto interior parts may include the materials inside that of the car like the car seats, armrest, headrest and many others. The floor materials also come under this. The auto engine parts consist of the engine parts like the auto air duct, turbocharger, tappet, crankshaft and many others. Others may be the coolant hose, water tank, water pump, cooling fan, air blower, radiator and.

The auto electric and electronics parts are related to the electrical parts of the car. This may also include the parts like the battery charge regulator or the voltage regulator, the ignition parts and the lighting and signaling components. The odometer, tachometer, ammeter, fuel gauge, speedometer, engine sensor and all the other sensors and indicators are a sub-category of this electrical and electronics parts.

The other systems are the brake systems, fuel supply systems, transmission system, and wheel and tier parts. All these deal with their own sub-systems like the brake backing pad, fuel filter, clutch assembly, exhaustion parts and many others.

Now you know the parts of the car. These are just the basic parts you may see. There are many enhancement accessories like the music player, stereos, and others designed for more comfort and entertainment.

There are many factors which contribute towards the resale value of the car. One thing is how quickly the components of the car can degrade. Some cars like the BMW or Honda have components that would take a lot of years to degrade. They can last for a long time and function efficiently without any difficulty. These cars have high resale values and are also constantly in demand.

The interior of the car and how it can hold also determines the resale value of the car. The cars with a well designed interior would hold up much longer than those which are made from plastic or lesser quality materials. The cars like Mercedes, Lincoln and others have a well designed and beautiful interior which is the reason to classify them as popular cars.

Some cars come with both easily degradable parts and low quality interiors. This makes these cars the least popular and it is apparent that you won’t get any resale value for these. The quality of the car is what determines the resale value and popularity of the car.

Another key factor is the popularity of the car. Some cars are simply built to be popular throughout eternity. For example, the Mustang is still popular because it is becoming rare these days to get one and also because most people have sentimental values attached to the car. It might have been their first car model. Hybrid cars also have high resale value.

The Ford Focus is definitely a women’s car. It has many features which indicate so. It is cheap, easy to run and also has plenty of space allowing women to accommodate their large families if they have so. It can give a great experience of driving that is possible through the functionality and practicality of the car. The high-up and upright positions make it easy to view the road clearly.

Peugeot 207 CC is another model which is popular among women. It is a convertible and can give you a great driving experience especially if it is through the countryside. The car has many attractive features like the door mirrors which are folding heated, six speaker stereo, and comfy sports-style memory seats. It has a lot of safety features but can be a bit expensive.

These two are just two examples from a wide variety of choices. Women like cars which can provide higher seats so that they can view the road in front of them more easily and correctly. The cars should be elegant and pretty with a feminine touch. It should also be easy to drive and easy to handle to avoid problems with it while driving.

What you should take care is to make sure that the car you would be getting for yourself is fully insured and that all the papers are in order. Be careful and read the documents carefully before committing yourself to the deal. Online dealers are available who can give you good advices on which car to choose.

These cars are luxuries and will cost you a fortune to have them in your possession. One of the most popular sports cars of all time is the Ferrari 250 GTO which was designed in the 1960s by Giotto Bizzarrini and his team. There were about some thirty six units of these cars produced at a two year production period.

The AC Cobra is the speediest car which was designed by Caroll Shelly. It can accelerate to 100km/hr within a period of 4.2 seconds. It is made from borrowed parts of Jaguar, Ford and VW Beetle. Porsche Carrera GT is another car which is very aggressive and can accelerate to a speed of 100km/hr in a period of 3.6seconds. It took a decade to plan and design.

The Bugatti Veyron is a car from Bugatti which was designed by the Volkswagen designer, Jozef Kaban with sixteen cylinder engines and a speed capacity which can reach up to 987hp. It can accelerate to 100km/hr within a time period of 2.4 seconds which is one of the fastest acceleration for a sports car.

The Dodge Viper GTS has a muscular look with a speed of up to 306km/hr and can accelerate within a period of four seconds. It was inspired by Shelby Cobra and was an instant hit after its launch. These are the different types of sports cars available.
They have made their marks in history with their performance and style which is incomparable to any other cars.

The reason for over speeding is of course the thrill you feel. There is something quite unfathomable and exciting to feel the wind blow through your air, almost like flying. What you don’t realize is the chance for a hard landing. Mostly, it is the young ones who over speed on the road and cause accidents. They speed when they think nobody is on the road and go straight into someone who was thinking the same.

Another reason for over speeding is because the driver might be drunk. Now this is a case which occurs more often than you would like to think. When you have had one glass too many on drinks, it would be wise for you and those around you to let you stay overnight or prevent you from driving in the condition which is bound to cause trouble.

There may be over speeding from people due to the failure of brakes or some such auto part faults which is a rare happening.
You can hardly expect your brakes to fail and things to go wrong when you drive from your house. The possibility of that happening is one to thousand.

Whatever the reason people would have for over speeding, it should be taken as an offense, except when it has to do with auto part faults. When you speed down the road you not only endanger your lives but also of those with you and others who are on the road. It would pay to be more careful and vigilant when on the road.

There are a lot of options for you to choose top quality truck box covers. You can find truck covers of all kinds specially designed for specific truck brands in the market. There are the conventional types of truck covers. Moreover, you can also find choices of tri fold tonneau truck covers. Folding tonneau covers are an innovation of the truck box covers and are not selling like hot-cakes. They range from soft tri fold tonneau covers to hard folding tonneau covers. The hard ones offer lockable security and easy pick-up bed access. There is no installation required for the soft tonneau truck covers and they can be removed from the truck box in a matter of seconds. The soft covers are affordable and also make your truck look more fashionable.

Another latest innovation is the truxedo deuce which is the fantastic combination of roll-up bed cover with the hinged tonneau cover. It can be installed in minutes with clamps. There is an automatic tension control device present in the cover. It ensures that the tonneau remains tight in any condition and any temperature. It is a highly recommended product because of it’s the security it provides to the stuffs stored on the truck.

The more the green eco cars in the market, the more the need to hire people who can develop and the produce the special machineries needed to run the cars. The automotive industry is making a structural shift as every company is looking forward to green and electrify their fleet. Hiring of engineers who can assist in the production of lithium-ion batteries to run the green, eco cars is also increasing. Due to the high expectations of the green cars, the auto manufacturing and auto parts manufacturing companies intend to hire more people. The big companies are of the opinion that the consumer’s high demand for manufacturing of solar energy parts and fuel efficient cars have prompted them to hire more technologically driven people.

It will take sometime to feel the employment boost from the demand in green technologies. The green impact will not be an instantaneous one, it will seep in gradually. The new auto standard being announced by the government will help in increasing fuel efficiency and reduction of greenhouse emissions. These new standards sets along with the boost in the employment in the auto industry will eventually lead to the replacement of your old car with the green eco cars. With the recession hitting the market, the recent past has seen a lot of pink slip being handed over to the employees of the auto companies. With the demand for the fuel efficient and electric cars, the scenario is likely to change which can be witnessed in the next 5 years.

Nissan Leaf: Nissan Leaf is a great car. Buyers are eagerly looking out for it. Whenever it does come to the market, dealers can be sure to get a lot of customers.

Chevrolet Volt: The Chevrolet Volt has a gas-powered generator on board. It has been designed keeping in mind the problem consumers face of going little by battery without a charging station near sight.

Ford Focus Electric: It is loaded with a 23 kilo watt battery pack and does not contain gasoline. It has more or less similar range of driving as the Nissan Leaf.

Ford Transit Connect: The Ford Transit Connect is a minivan with 80 mile range. It is spacious and is a good option for commercial customers.

Mitsubishi I-MiEV: This is wider version of the Mitsubishi mini cars. It is going to be one of the most affordable battery electric car models in the market next year.

Honda Fit EV: It will have a hundred mile range with 3 modes of driving that facilitate driving or acceleration range. The Honda Fit EV goes up to 90 mph at its top speed.

Fisker Karma: The battery packed car is backed up with gas fueled generator to save consumers when they run out of battery.

Think: This longtime battery carmaker from Norway is selling its latest version of electric car in 2011. It is a four-seat City electric car which has customers in Norway, Austria and the Netherlands.

Business car is the car which is owned by a person or company but it is entirely used for the business purpose. It can be a small car, a van or even a truck. Business cars are those which can be used for the rental purpose. If you are interested to get in to the business of car rental services, you have to own these business cars as they will earn you lot of profit.

If your corporation gets the car, it can totally cut the expenses of the car subject to dollar limits on reduction, against its business income. If you are individually going to own a business car, your operating expense are deductible as different itemized deduction.

Once you have decided to get into the business of cars. You must decide which business car you must own. This depends on the type of service you are going to offer to your customers. Small business cars are for the families who hire these cars to go on a long journey. Some business cars like vans and trucks are hired by other companies for the purpose of taking goods from one place to another.

Getting cars is not the final step. You must have enough money to get cars in good condition and then maintain them in that state. It is not a big problem if you have started earning adequate profit from these business cars. If you invest into this business with proper plan, you will definitely earn more than what you have spent on that.

The most important thing to keep in mind while dealing with business cars is car insurance. This will provide you with extra security because every day your cars will be in hand of a new driver. You will need these insurance policies lot more than you need them for your personal car.

In 2011 the Nissan Leaf is hitting the market. After decades of waiting, Nissan has finally come out with its version of a battery car which looks like any other normal, regular car. It is the first modern mass produced fully capable electric car that shuns the concept of fuel cars, thus giving you a viable option for green Eco cars.

With a price tag of $35,430, the Nissan Leaf can be said to be priced at the expensive range. However, it is also enjoying a federal tax credit of $7,500. Moreover, Nissan is offering a $350 a month lease which will allow mainstream drivers to easily access the car.

Nissan Leaf like most other Eco friendly cars has limited driving range and lacks the range of gas powered cars. Yet for regular and everyday day it is a suitable vehicle. The driving range can be stretched to 80 miles in places with less traffic with a temperature of around 55-65. According to Nissan, driving 15 mph traffic at a temperature of 14 degree will produce a range of 62 miles, while cruising through 38 mph in 68 degree temperature will produce 138 miles. Hence the range of 62 mph in worst case scenarios is still reasonable for a round trip.

The Nissan Leaf offers space for five occupants which enhance its suitability for everyday usage. A driver life is made a lot easier by the car’s feature which continuously informs about the battery condition, the anticipated remaining driving range and the required time to charge the battery.

The internal battery pack of the car results in the “road-hugging weight” of the car. It leads to an excellent ride which is mostly absent in small cars. The upholstery and the interiors of the car are made of recycled materials which add to the fine features of the car.

There were 23 categories for which awards were conferred. Toyota took away nearly a quarter of the awards. Toyota Prius won the Hybrid Car class whereas Lexus took away the Hybrid SUV class by its RX Hybrid. Toyota Land Cruiser and FJ Cruiser, Sequoia  though not considered as green as the earlier ones, also won awards.

Nissan Versa and Hyundai Elantra won in the compact and subcompact car categories. Hyundai Genesis turned out to be a big surprise by winning the top midsized value car award by surpassing giants like BMW, Lexus and Infiniti. Chrysler and General Motors showed disappointing results with the former not even managing a single award. As for General Motors, the only award was won by Chevrolet Corvette in the top luxury value car category. Ford Taurus won the family sedan class and the Ford F – 150 won the “Best Full-Size Truck for the Money.”

Best Car for the Money honors cars, trucks and SUVs which combines various good features into one rather than being good in only one thing. The award winners here showcase a blend of features which sets them apart and appeals to the majority of the buyers. It is not given from the fashion point of view, by from the concept of day-to-day use and value when compared to other cars of the same segment.

Low Ownership Costs: A good combination of standard equipment and value should also be checked before buying a car. The fuel economy should also be taken into consideration.

Low Insurance and Repair Costs: These are two very important features which are important for any family having teenage drivers. Insurance should be at the low end of the scale for all vehicles and repair costs for such vehicles should be minimum.

Moderate Speed: Teenagers tend to drive rashly and at a high speed. Hence it would be wise to buy a car which will let any teenager to drive at a moderate speed which can save them from accidents.

Coolness: It is something which a teenager will definitely look. A funky cool design with enough space to stash stuffs like camping gears and dorm room supplies will be loved by the teenagers.

Safety and security should rank first while choosing a car for your teenager, followed by the amenities one can enjoy while inside the car. With new technological inventions and innovations occurring regularly, choosing a car having all the above mentioned features have become quite easy. The market has now a lot of good and safe cars in stock which will be perfect for the teen member of your family.

Hybrids

Toyota Prius became the world’s first hybrid car which went on sale in 1997. With the need for traveling greater distance with increased seating capacity being increased, the sale of Prius has also shot up to a huge extent. Capitalizing on the need of the time, the sale of Prius has surpassed the 2 million mark in 2010.

Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)

The first use of antilock braking system can be credited to the airplane which was then used by motorcycles. It was the joint venture of Bosch and Mercedes-Benz due to which ABS was first applied to a mass market vehicle in the year 1978. It was first experimented on the S-Class sedan. In recent times, most ABS systems work effortlessly with additional technologies which allow your vehicle to halt properly in almost all driving weather and conditions.

Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS)

SRS is commonly referred as airbags which has become an integral part of the vehicles. Nowadays, airbags are strategically placed in almost all areas of concern in an accident, from the steering wheel to the rear seat. It was mandated in 1995 and its importance has gradually increased with people realizing the need of the soft airbags in case of an accident.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

It monitors the steering wheel angle and compares it to the desired direction thus determining the intended direction of the driver.

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2004 Competition

• March 24, 2004: Secretary Abraham Hosts SUVs of the Future

2003 Competition

• November 2003: 2003 FutureTruck Competition (msn.autos)
• October 2003: 2003 Start Your Motors! (Spectrum Online)
• September 2003: FutureTruck 2003 (World of Wheels Magazine Online)
• June 22, 2003: Wild SUVs (EV World)
• June 17, 2003 University of Tennessee Wins FutureTruck 2003 Virtual Instrumentation Award (National Instruments)
• June 13, 2003: Cornell University Wins The MathWorks Modeling Award at FutureTruck 2003 (MathWorks)
• June 13, 2003: Cornell University Wins The MathWorks Modeling Award At FutureTruck 2003 (autochannel.com)
• May 20, 2003: Building the Next Generation of Fuel-Efficient Vehicles – Government of Canada Supports University of Alberta Team, (Natural Resources Canada)
• February 26, 2003: The MathWorks Joins Ford Motor Company and Department of Energy in Continued Support for FutureTruck Competition (Mathworks)
• February 9, 2003: Competition Looks to Create Fuel-Efficient SUVs (theworkcircuit.com)
• January 2003: Green Means Go: FutureTruck Competition Brings Fuel Efficiency to Trucks/SUVs (analogZone)
• January 2003: 2003 FutureTruck Summit in Austin, Texas (National Instruments)
• January 9, 2003: Ford, U.S. Department of Energy, National Instruments Highlight Latest Technology for Designing Next-Generation SUVs (yahoo.com)
• January 9, 2003: Ford, U.S. Department of Energy, National Instruments Highlight Latest Technology for Designing Next-Generation SUVs (automatintechies.com)
• January 9, 2003: Students Compete in FutureTruck 2003, January 9, 2003, Supercomputing Online (Supercomputing Online)
• October 2002: USDOE and Ford Kick Off FutureTruck 2003, October 2002 (TransTech)

2002 Competition

• September 3, 2002: Hybrid SUVs Are No Mirage at FutureTruck 2002 (EV World)
• August 1, 2002: Future Truck: A Sneak Peek at Tomorrow’s SUVs (MotorAge)
• July/August 2002: Students Re-Engineer Ford Explorer to Burn Less Gas (Sierra Club)
• July 3, 2002: FutureTruck teams push technolgy to edge (The Flagship)
• June 29, 2002: Hooray for history! Man makes subject fun (The Daily Mining Gazette)
• June 28, 2002: Penn State’s ‘Wattmuncher’ wins fifth place in hybrid electric vehicle competition (Penn State)
• June 26, 2002: Students Win “FutureTruck” Competition with Biodiese (National Biodiesel Board)
• June 25, 2002: University of Wisconsin students win FutureTruck Competition, (CanadianDriver)
• June 24, 2002: UW Students Win FutureTruck Competition (University of Wisconsin, Madison)
• June 24, 2002: Cornell HEV Team Earns 4th Place at 2002 FutureTruck Competition (Cornell University)
• June 24, 2002: Virtual Instrumentation Enables FutureTruck 2002 Engineering Teams to Create Low Emission, Fuel Efficient SUVs (National Instruments)
• June 21, 2002: ArvinMeritor Awards Pennsylvania State University The Integrated Airflow and Emissions Technology Award (Morningstar.com)
• June 2002: FutureTruck 2002 Results: University of Wisconsin Students Win Competition to Improve SUV Fuel Economy and Lower Emissions (Transtech)

Miscellaneous Information

• Quick Facts and Background Information
• Seen and Heard Throughout Ford Motor Company, April – May 2003
• National FutureTruck tour stops in Motor City, March 2003

Media Contact
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