Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

Buying a New Car? Use Feng Shui to Select Your Success C...

With September’s arrival comes the annual car buying season. But while selecting the type of car comes easily to most people, making a decision on the color of a car can be a stumbling block. Some people simply go with their favorite color, while others mull over color choices by considering factors such as climate, type of vehicle use, or the most practical choice, going with what is least l. . .

Putting The Brakes On Road Rage

Research project drives anger to the curb(NC)—Has the driver in front of you ever slammed on the breaks for no apparent reason? Why do slowpokes always land in the fast lane? Is signaling to change lanes a thing of the past?It is easy to predict what can make people angry behind the wheel. The real value is in figuring out what calms people back down."Understanding the anger cycle is going to b. . .

Why Highways Are So Important

(NC)—Transportation is fundamental to the prosperity and quality of life of all Canadians. Much of Canada's domestic and international freight is hauled on Canada's 24,400-kilometre National Highway System, the backbone of Canadian trade. In fact, the Canadian transportation system carries more than $1 trillion worth of goods every year.If our transportation system isn't running smoothly, it af. . .

Traffic Zoology

There is a secret zoo that runs encaged along the roads.They are liquid, semi-visible goliaths that rage through the streams and chunks of ordinary traffic, with the effervescent tendrils of mile-long tales whipping behind them like Chinese dragons. Though composed of hundreds of pounds of steel, glass and plastic, they are able to pass through solid objects. They are bound by the laws of the. . .

Six Crucial Insurance Claim Possibilities

There are DOZENS of insurance claim possibilities which will increase the dollars awarded you in the settlement of your personal injury insurance claim. Some of them rarely see the light of day but some do. The six I’ve listed below are crucial for you to be aware of as you prepare to go to war with Adjuster Henry Hard-Nose regarding the value of your loss. They are:(1) EMOTIONAL REACTIONS TO Y. . .

Avoid Getting Stranded This Winter

(NC)—You can never take winter driving conditions for granted. Take for example the Minnesota man who, in January 2001, drove a few kilometres to the grocery store and ended up getting stranded in a winter storm for 36 hours!While you should always try to avoid driving in winter storm conditions, it is sometimes unavoidable. Since the weather is often unpredictable, Michelin advises drivers to . . .

Did You Mount Your Cold Weather Tires Yet?

(NC)—Every year there is this dilemma: should you mount winter tires or should you stay with your all season tires? We always question is it going to snow a lot or is it just going to be cold and will our all- season tires be good enough. Well here is some news for you, winter tires are not only designed to work better in snow, slush and ice but also when it simply gets cold.Bruce Bridgman, Nat. . .

Getting An Edge On Wet Roads

(NC)—There's probably no worse feeling. You're driving on a wet stretch of road and all of a sudden it feels as though your vehicle has a mind of its own. Of course, your vehicle isn't possessed; it has "caught a wave." You're hydroplaning – your tires are no longer in direct contact with the road as they are riding on top of the water that has pooled on the road.Hydroplaning can occur when a c. . .

See And Be Seen

Tips for parents on how to keep kids safe on the street(NC)—Hopping on the bus, walking home with friends, or even riding a bike to school for the first time – there are so many milestones that children experience throughout their first few years of school, and many of these experiences involve learning how to use neighbourhood streets.This fall, Alliance Tire Professionals and the Canada Safet. . .

Prepare Young Drivers For Safe Winter Travel

(NC)—Many young drivers will venture onto the roads this winter season, some for the first time. In fact, there are almost 3 million drivers in Canada between the ages of 16 and 24.2 That's why it's important for parents to prepare teenagers and young drivers for the difficult winter months, by making sure their vehicles are properly maintained and they've been given helpful instructions and we. . .

Synthetics Best For Winter Stress

(NC)—You're sound asleep. Absolutely dead to the world. Suddenly, a huge person bursts in, drags you out of bed, throws you out the window into a snow bank and screams at you to start doing push-ups. Right now, faster, faster, faster! So how do you feel. A bit stressed, maybe.Well, that's how your car engine feels every time you turn the key. Because starting your engine from cold is just like . . .

Putting Your Palace To Bed

(NC) —If you're a sailor, there are few things as precious as your boat. Power or sail, whatever the size, your boat is your escape, your refuge, your palace. Below are a few tips on protecting that refuge from old man winter.Boat In the Water Fill fuel tanks, add stabilizer. Change engine oil and filters, always using brand name products from known marine specialists, like Castrol. Winterize h. . .

Winter Tire Myths Revealed

(NC) —True or false – your vehicle is only as good as the tires it sits on? While you may have your own opinion on this, Michelin believes that tires are an essential part of your vehicle's safety, handling and performance.Tire manufacturers like Michelin, as well as associations like Transport Canada and the Rubber Association of Canada, are working to increase awareness of the importance of t. . .

From Mower To Thrower

(NC)—The days are getting shorter. The nights cooler. And finally, your grass has stopped growing. Looks like it's time to store your lawn tractor or mower for the winter. And get that trusty snow thrower ready for use.The key thing to know about outdoor power equipment is that their number one enemy is dirt. And their number two enemy is condensation. So start off by cleaning that lawn tractor. . .

What's With Those Noisy Lights?

(NC)—Not too long ago, you hopped in your car and turned the key. A couple of lights flashed for a second, the motor started and you were ready to go. Not true anymore. A modern car or truck has bells and whistles and flashing lights galore – most of which briefly light up or sound off, as you settle in and start the engine. So what do they all mean, and how much attention should you pay to the. . .

In the Nick of Time: Your Car’s Serpentine Belt

Recently, my friend called me from a roadside Dairy Queen in frenzy. His dad had been driving his Ford car down the highway and heard and awful noise. First, there was a squeal and then what sounded like a whip smacking the underneath of his hood. They weren’t sure what was happening, but after investigating, found that a black rubber belt was half-eaten off its pulleys. “Is the belt still on t. . .

Hybrid Hype and a Small Price Hike

Drive by any car lot in the United States and ask to see the latest hybrid car models. Don’t be stupefied if eight out of ten tell you that they can’t seem to keep them on the lot—that they’re just selling too fast! There is reasoning behind the hype: consumers believe in one (or all) of three things, that they’re going to be getting a better deal once gas prices hit $2.50 a gallon, that they’r. . .

Is A Classic Car Right For You?

There are several things to consider when thinking about the purchase of a classic car. Can you afford this purchase? Then think about repairs, if you can't do them yourself it will be expensive as will the parts needed to fix the car. Speaking of parts, they are often hard to find so your car may be out of commission for long periods of time. Do you have the patience to deal with these delay. . .

Finding Your Dream Car

Thinking about buying a used car? How do you know which car is right for you? It’s all in asking the right questions. First, ask yourself what you really need in a car. Who will be driving it most of the time? Where will you be driving in? Over what sort of terrain? Do you need a lot of storage space and lots of seating? Are you going to be traveling back and forth over long distances?Wh. . .

Gas Pump Money Saving Tips

Gas prices are zooming sky high with no ceiling in sight. Do you remember when a gallon of unleaded cost $1.25? These days, it’s more important than ever to stretch your dollars at the gas pump. Here are ten gasoline buying tips to help you do that. 1. Shop Around Prices vary among stations that sell the same brand. Find a station that sells your favorite brand cheaper. Prices between brands ca. . .

What To Do When a Hot Engine Is Hard To Start

Although usually engines exposed to cold weather is the most known problem related to car starting difficulties, hot engines might bring obstacles as well. Many people realize that the car do not start as easily as it should when the engine is hot and do not know what to do about it. In order to be able to overcome this problem, it is important to start by learning why it happens.Most of the re. . .

What To Do When a Cold Engine Is Hard To Start

Starting a car with a cold engine can be very difficult sometimes and it can become a real obstacle for those who live surrounded by extremely cold weathers. This way, for all those who might experience this problem it is not only important to learn how to overcome it but also why it happens in order to be able to prevent it as much as possible as well. Cold engines might experience problems at. . .

Toyota Announces Partner Robots

An overview of the project to develop partner robots designed to function as personal assistants for humans is being carried out by Toyota for its corporate activities based on the spirit of “contributing to society through making things and making automobiles.” Toyota is promoting the development of human-assisting partner robots using the collective experience cultivated by the Toyota Group i. . .

Popular Toyota Prius Now Runs on Goodyear Tires

North America's largest tire maker was selected to provide its Goodyear Integrity tires for the 2005 Prius. The tires are designed to offer a smooth ride -- essential to the fuel efficiency targets of the vehicle.The Prius, which qualifies as a "hybrid" vehicle, powered by both an electric motor and a gasoline engine, has an EPA-estimated combined city/highway average rating of 55 miles per ga. . .

Understanding How Your Credit History May Affect Your Car...

Many personal auto insurance companies consider your credit information when determining how much premium to charge for your insurance. So if you are calling around for new insurance, keep in mind that many insurers are looking at your credit history. I hope that we will be able to let you know why and how they do this. The reason that some insurance companies use credit information is because . . .

Winter Bike Riding -- The Safe Way

Are you one of those motorcycle riders that live in northern climates where winters can be harsh and still choose to continue riding when the bitter winter sets in? Well, everybody would say you’re dreadful to even consider riding out in the snow. Contemporaries who are more protective of their bikes might even say that you’re a brutal slave-driver of your beloved bike.Winter is really a terri. . .

Winter Season Come: Basic Steps to Winterize Your Bike

We know that motorcycle enthusiasts out there are knowledgeable enough in how to care for their bikes. Having a motorcycle and considering it as a prized possession is indeed tedious work. And here, we would like to share bits of information about several things that you may find really important, especially if you’re a motorcyclist from northern climates. Northern climates motorcyclists experi. . .

Ford Moves Aggressively For Mainstream Navigation System

Ford now looks at the latest trend for auto manufacturers of putting navigation system on mainstream cars even as an option.Among the six Ford 2006 Ford Motor vehicles to offer navigation systems are the 2006 Lincoln Zephyr and Mercury Mountaineer while the other four nameplates are said to be the Ford Explorer and Explorer Sport Trac SUVs, Five Hundred sedan and Freestyle sport wagon.The idea . . .

The Best Choices in Buying your Dream Motorcycle

For motorcycle enthusiasts, it could really be heaven’s gift if motorcycles come from packages delivered by the storks… This is the kind of fantasy for those wishing hard for a baby. And indeed, once you have your dream motorcycle, we doubt if anything would prevent you from considering it as your baby. But the point of this is that, you have to go over the tough decision of buying your dream m. . .

Tips in Preventing Motorcycle Injuries

Safety in riding motorcycles in order to prevent injuries is a very critical issue especially during the peak of motorcycle season. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons are very much concerned about this issue since there are almost always a lot of motorcycle accidents happening at least one every few days. Most injuries noted from the people brought in the Level One Trauma Units range . . .

Should I Buy Rental Car Insurance?

Rental car agencies have a menu of insurance policies they would like to sell you. While each policy could be of some benefit under the right circumstances, you should review each plan (its provisions, limitations, and exclusions) before making a purchase. It is a good idea to request the detailed information from an agent at the rental office, as most companies only provide a summary on their . . .

Is Your Car a Lemon?

There are very few things more satisfying than buying a new car. There is great pride of ownership and a feeling of accomplishment and pride as you drive around town in your new vehicle. For most of us, that new car excitement lasts until we must make our first payment or until we get our first parking lot ding. For an unlucky few, they wish these were the only negatives that they had to worry . . .

Motorcycle Riding in Style: Check Out These Bike Gears!

There are so many choices in purchasing a motorcycle. Often what you’d consider and compare with others are in terms of handling, speed, luggage, space and its overall appearance. Of course, these factors, among many others, would generally be based on your choice between the type of bike you that’s most preferable for your lifestyle and personality: touring, sport-touring, sport, standard, cru. . .

Car Insurance Discounts

Trying to save money wherever you can is important to us all. Insurance should be no different. Do not assume that your agent knows everything about you and your vehicle. CarInsurance.com goes out of their way to find all the possible discounts that are available to each customer. Drivers should take advantage of all discounts that many providers offer, that can significantly reduce the cost of. . .

Listing a Car For Sale in the Classifieds

Opposed to trading-in, selling a vehicle can provide a significant financial gain. Dealerships have moderate overhead that forces them to offer reduced trade-in values. In addition, they attempt to maintain a profit margin, as any business should. These expenses are passed on to buyers who take advantage of trading-in their current vehicle for the purchase of a new or pre-owned automobile. By a. . .

Why Does a Car Engine Overheat?

There are many different reasons that can cause an engine overheat, but they all have in common three aspects. The three aspects which all engine overheat factors have in common are that they cause that the heating system can not get rid of heat, they cause a loss of coolant or they directly cause too much heat in the engine.One first problem which might be the cause of an engine overheat is a . . .

Formula One Cars - Unsurpassed Technology at Its Finest

Formula One Racing is, quite simply, the paramount of karting. It is the professional form of the sport in its entirety. Formula One is an international phenomenon, a media conglomerate that rakes in millions and millions of dollars a year from advertising, sponsorship, and broadcast revenues. Professional drivers with millionaire bank accounts race these majestic kart marvels that are unpreced. . .

The New Truck From Honda: Ridgeline

The Honda Ridgeline is Honda’s new pickup truck on the market. It uses Honda's unibody large vehicle platform, shared with the Acura MDX and Honda Odyssey. It is powered by an all aluminum 255 hp 3.5 L V6 coupled to a 5-speed automatic transmission with all wheel drive capable of towing 5000 lbs. The Ridgeline will be the first pickup truck with a fully-independent suspension.Some of the more i. . .

How To Change a Tire Without Help

Learning how to change a tire can be one of the most useful things you could learn regarding your car. Having a flat tire in the middle of a route or on your way to an appointment can be a big problem if you do not know how to change it and have to wait for help, and therefore, it would be great if you can do it without having to wait for someone else.In order to change a tire you should make s. . .

Understanding the “4 Square”

Car Buying TipsA “4 square” is simply a sales tool used by many car dealers. We will discuss how this works a little later. For now, it is important to understand that buying a car isn't one negotiation, it's many: the price, trade-in value, monthly payments, down payment requirements, and the financing. It is important to understand that just because a dealer is making a profit, there are s. . .

OEM Supply Arrangement for Mini-Vehicles between Nissan a...

Mini-vehicles are fast becoming popular especially among the youthful sectors. Not only is it aesthetically pleasing, it is also practical and a great space-saver. In this light, two of the world's top auto manufacturers have beefed up their production and supply agreement of Mini vehicles.Nissan and Mitsubishi have agreed to expand their OEM supply arrangement for Mini-Vehicles. Under this new. . .

Mazda Launches First Hydrogen Filling Stations In Japan

Mazda has always been a leader in innovation. It has pioneered some of the revolutionary technologies such as the rotary engine. Now that environmental conservation has become a more important issue than ever before, Mazda faces up to the challenge by fully supporting the development of eco-friendly automobiles. Hydrogen-fuel is one of the cleanest and most environmentally friendly sources of e. . .

Shanghai Orders 87 Midi-Buses From Volvo

Volvo makes an important move by launching the first midi-bus in China. Shanghai, one of the fastest growing financial centers in Asia has placed an order for 87 city buses from Volvo Buses. More than half of these will be the first midi-buses in China. City bus operator ShenXin Bus of Shanghai, a joint venture company owned by ComfortDelgro Group of Singapore and Dazhong Group of China, ordere. . .

Synthetic Lubricants Mean Less Dependence on Foreign Oil ...

As big oil companies continue to grow bigger, foreigners are the ones who get most of the money. If you own a lot of oil stock you may be happy, but the rest of us can only grumble when we see prices jump higher at the pump. The gas station is the easiest way to see how the rising cost of oil affects us, but there are many hidden costs, too. Much of the world’s oil now comes from the middle. . .

How to Summer-ize Your Car

We go to great lengths to make sure our vehicles are ready for winter. Who wants to get stuck in sub-zero degree weather with a stalled car?But what about during the summer? Believe it or not, the heat takes its toll on your car, too, so it’s important to keep your car serviced.Periodic maintenance on your car will save you tremendous hassle in the long run. Your vehicle should last longer a. . .

Best Negotiating Tips When Buying An Used Car

Being a good negotiator doesn't have to be difficult. Sooner or later everyone has to negotiate with someone if they want to get a good deal on a purchase. When you are trying to negotiate with a car dealer, you should know that they are very practiced in the art already. You will need to know how to get through their car speak in order to be successful. Since you now know how to calculate your. . .

Car Rental Guidelines

Rates for the same-size car can vary widely from company to company with extra costs nearly doubling the basic rental rate. Ask the reservation clerk to calculate the total cost of the rental, including such extras as mileage, insurance, taxes (including airport taxes if the pick-up point is at the airport) and any other charges. Get everything in writing and make sure you have a confirmation n. . .

What’s the new Honda Civic Coupe have to offer?

The 2005 Honda Civic sets the benchmark for reliability and resale value. Everyone seems to know this, but what’s new and what can you expect out of the new Civic Coupe? The Honda Civic Coupe models range from the DX – Value Package, the HX – Lean burn machine, to the LX and the top of the line EX model. The DX model is the base Civic Coupe. It has the 115 hp engine and limited creature comf. . .

Factors That Affect Your Car Insurance Premium

Many factors affect the premium you will pay for auto insurance. Each is a statistically based risk for a specific population. The higher the risk associated with a person, the more he or she is likely to pay for coverage. We have elaborated on some of the risk factors below, but there are numerous others, including driver's gender, miles driven per year, purpose for using the vehicle (commutin. . .

Is Your Auto Insurance Company Rated?

Several national rating institutions rate insurance companies. Do coverages, rates, and service vary from company to company? Why can you pay less with one company than another can for the same coverages? Choosing the best insurance company for you is a crucial financial decision. Does your insurance company have the financial strength to safeguard you and your family? If the company cannot pay. . .