October 17th, 2008 admin
Ways to Increase your Car Fuel Economy – Save on the High Cost of Gas
Gas prices have reached an all-time high this year. With rising fuel, food and living expenses, it is more important than ever to get as much bang from your buck as possible. Use the following tips to help preserve as much fuel as possible.
First, make sure that you are filling your tank with the recommended fuel octane rating. If you don’t know offhand, your vehicle owner’s manual will give you that information. A lot of people automatically fill their tank with the least expensive fuel possible. While on some vehicles that is fine, others require a higher octane rating. Putting the proper grade in your car can save money on car repairs in the future.
- Keep up with your car repair and maintenance. Small problems can, and more than likely will, lead to bigger problems. If your vehicle is overstressed in any area it will eventually show up at the gas station.
- Keep the appropriate air pressure in your tires. Check your vehicle owner’s manual for the correct pressure. Low tire pressure will unnecessarily increase the tire’s wear and will waste fuel.
- Make sure that you have your tires rotated and your wheels aligned and balanced on a regular schedule. Improper tire care will lead to higher fuel usage.
- Excessive use of the air conditioner will raise fuel costs. Only run it when necessary. However, when driving at highway speeds, leave the windows closed to reduce drag, and it will be more economical to use the air conditioner.
The manner in which you drive and handle your vehicle effects fuel usage. Being too hard on a car will raise your fuel costs.
- Drive at the recommended speed limit no matter where you are. The faster you drive the more fuel your car will require.
- Avoid jumping into traffic if at all possible. Ideally, you want to accelerate smoothly, slowly, and safely. Try to maintain a constant speed. Excessive speeding up and slowing down wastes fuel, and doesn’t really get you anywhere any faster.
- Always try to maintain the recommended distance between vehicles. Sudden stopping and braking not only wastes fuel, but is hard on your brakes and entire vehicle.
- If you drive a manual transmission, drive in the appropriate gear. If the road is level, you need to be in a high gear, and so forth.
- Unnecessarily engine idling is uneconomical on fuel usage. Try not to idle if it is not necessary.
Following these precautions, will not only save you fuel, but will also save you money on regular maintenance and car repair. Most of these basic rules of the road are common sense. But the next time you pull up to refuel, remember that you do have some control over fuel economy.
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October 17th, 2008 admin
Auto General Inside Car Maintenance Checklist
Just like everything else with moving parts, the inside of a car needs general maintenance on a regular basis. If you will set aside a few hours to go over the following checklist every couple of months or when you are cleaning the vehicle, your car performance can stay at its optimum level. As with any car repair or maintenance, practice safety and use common sense.
• Pedals-This includes the accelerator, brake and clutch (if applicable). Make sure that your floor mats are in their proper position. You don’t want them in the way of any pedal. Pump each pedal to assure that it is smooth, doesn’t catch, or require unnecessary effort.
• Brakes-Take the car for a spin around the neighborhood. Check that they do not pull to one side when you apply them. You don not have to be going very fast to check this.
• Gears-While driving, go through each gear. Check to see if the change of gears is a smooth transition. If you have been driving the vehicle for awhile, you know what feels right.
• Parking Brake-If possible, park the car on a hill or incline. Put it in Park. Notice any movement. Now, put on the emergency brake. You know that the car should be held securely with or without the regular brake applied.
• Seat Belts-Sit in every seat and put on the seat belt. Check that all parts are working properly. That includes the buckle, anchor, adjuster, and release button. Check the belt itself for any damage. Make sure the warning chimes are working when a seatbelt is not fastened.
• Seats-Sit in every seat and check the controls. These may include recliners and all other side adjustments. Insure that they operate smoothly. Check to see of all latches lock securely while in every position. Check head restraints to make sure they latch and hold securely in every position.
• Steering Wheel-Check to see if there are any changes in the steering conditions. Check for too much free play, not enough movement, and any noises.
• Windshield Defroster-Make sure that the air outlets are clear of any dust or debris. Check that the air blows properly, sufficiently, and in the right direction. Check the rear window defroster. Does it defrost evenly and in a reasonable amount of time?
• Windshield Wipers and Washer Fluid-Release some washer fluid to insure that it is releasing properly, in sufficient amounts, and in the right direction. Turn on the wipers and see if they are operating properly. Make sure they do not leave streaks.
• Warning Lights-Check the hazard lights, the dashboard lights, the overhead light, and door lights (if applicable).
Taking a couple of hours every two or three months to insure proper performance levels of the mechanisms on the inside of your car is not only a safety precaution, but can save you money on costly car repairs.
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October 12th, 2008 admin
The 1970 Plymouth Cuda Muscle Car
The 1970 Plymouth ‘Cuda with a 340 V8 pumping out about 300 horsepower.
The Plymouth Cuda is a 38-year-old car muscle car, that accelerates on a dime. The fun part of muscle cars is the speed. The Plymouth Cuda still holds up today 38 years later as a pure acceleration and adrenliane rush.
“These cars were made to go super-fast in a straight line. It will outrun all but the fastest modern-day sports cars,” says Girardin, who is at the wheel of one his family’s collection of Chrysler muscle cars. “But they are not great in the corners and the brakes aren’t what you’re used to in a modern car.”
The engine has an incredible sound, more like that of a powerboat with an inboard V8 than a car. Plus, the Cuda has some macho touches from the ’60s era — the 340 we are taking for a spin has a pistol grip shifter for the four-speed transmission.
Hemi V8 engines were a $900 option in the 1970 Cuda, almost 25% of the car’s original price. Few people bought them. That year, there were only 44 Hemi Cudas sold in Canada. Not many survive.
Muscle cars from the late 1960s and early 1970s are just about the most collectible and valuable American cars of the post-war era.
“They’ve gone up tremendously in the last five years as Baby Boomers buy the cars that remind them of their youth,”
A 1970 Hemi Cuda is worth at least $200,000, a mint one maybe double that, although the ongoing near-recession in the United States has meant a fall in prices for muscle cars.
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