Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

How Much Car Insurance Should You Buy?

Car insurance is one of the most dreaded chunks in your budget. And depending on which state you live in, it could be a smaller or larger chunk of your budget than your neighbors across state lines. How much insurance should you buy? Any insurance agent worthy of their salt will tell you that you should buy as much as you can afford. While this is a good rule of thumb, it's about as useful as a. . .

Seven Steps to Filing Your Car Insurance Claim

Having even a teeny-tiny car accident can be one of life's least enjoyable moments. However, accidents happen, and sooner or later, we all have the experience of meeting one of our fellow road travelers up close and personal. Using the following seven steps to filing your claim will help you get over this speed bump as smoothly as possible. Step 1: Understand your policy Before a loss, sit down. . .

Which Car Should You Own To Keep Your Insurance Rates Mos...

Do you consider the cost of insurance before you buy your dream car? You should. The Highway Loss Data Institute analyzes the cost to insurance companies from theft, collision, and injury claims as they relate to cars. They look at the color of the cars, how many doors they have, and even break them down type. The Highway Loss Data Institute is a nonprofit public service organization. It is clo. . .

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 . . .

How To Jump Start a Dead Car Battery

Here are few tips and instructions on jump starting a dead battery. First things first, though. You need to inspect the dead battery. If you see any damage such as leaks or cracks. DO NOT go any further. Put away the jumper cables and call a wrecker. A damaged battery can explode and really hurt you. If the battery looks ok, then park the cars close enough to each other for the jumper cables to. . .

Should You Keep Your Old Car or Buy a New One?

Are you sure you need a new car? I'm sure you want the newest safety features and modern styling that a new car offers. Perhaps you need a larger vehicle to fit your growing family. You probably feel that your old car no longer fits your life. But how about cost?From an economic perspective, you're better off keeping your old car. It could save you thousands of dollars. Taking better care of yo. . .

Upgrading and Customizing the Honda Civic

The Honda Civic is one of the most popular and successful car models in the world. Many people regard the Civic as a good value for money, offering a combination of excellent performance, fuel economy, reliability and a good number of standard features. The Civic appeals to many people, from college students to elderly professionals because of its flexibility, dependability, and excellent perfo. . .

Make a Statement with Replacement Chevrolet Bumpers

Are you bored with the way your vehicle looks? Do you want a sportier aggressive look for your SUV? Do you think your Chevrolet sedan should be more sleek and elegant? You might be craving to change the way your Chevrolet looks and would want to make your vehicle stand out from the rest of the traffic. However, you might be intimidated and discouraged by the cost of refurbishing your car to cre. . .

How To Reduce Fuel Consumption Amidst Skyrocketing Gas Pr...

Gas prices keep skyrocketing. But there is a lot a motorist can do to reduce fuel consumption. There are quite a few easy and inexpensive maintenance steps that can be taken to add miles to every gallon and save money.Consumers waste millions of dollars everyday because of dirty oil, worn spark plugs, faulty thermostats, loose gas caps, underinflated tires, malfunctioning engine controls, poor . . .

Helping Your Car Run The Extra Mile

A little extra care here and there when it comes to your car, and you'll find yourself saving loads of money - not just on repairs, but on fuel as well!Keep your engine tuned up. A misfiring spark plug can reduce fuel efficiency as much as 30 percent. This means less money in your wallet. Follow the service schedules listed in your owner's manual. Replace filters and fluids as recommended.I kno. . .

Vehicular Diuretic – To Use or Not to Use

Diuretics, commonly known as "water pills," are designed to help eliminate water. In engines, water and fuel are inbred kissing cousins, that when left unsupervised, produce carbon baby abnormalities, e.g., power and performance demise, decreased mileage, increased toxic emissions, increased maintenance applications, and engine fatality. Who should use an engine diuretic?Machinery or vehicles d. . .

Automotive Air Conditioner Basic Troubleshooting Tips

If your automotive air conditioner isn’t working quite right, here are a few ideas to begin. First of all start with the control panel on your dashboard. Most automobiles have an A/C button that actually turns the compressor on and allows cold air to be circulated. You might have accidentally hit the recirculation button instead of the A/C button. (Don’t laugh, I had a friend that spent a week . . .

Getting A Great Deal On A New Car

Ah, the excitement of a brand new car! Driving to every friend’s house you ever had to show it off. Spit shining it ever chance you get.The only bad part about the deal is, well… the deal.Fortunately, there's a way get a great price on a new car and this insider info will save you both time and money.How many hours have you wasted talking about a new car deal, only to find out that the dealer h. . .

Gearing Your Pontiac up for Summer

Summer has finally come. Bright sunny days, warm weather, and clear blue skies: This is the perfect season to go for long leisurely drives to your vacation destination or travel along the countryside with your family. But, before you head off down that road, you should make sure that your car is geared up for summer. The dust, hot weather, traffic jams and bad road conditions can wreak havoc to. . .

A Guide to Getting the Best Vehicle Shipping Quote

Preparation.As with most things one of the key points to ensuring you are getting the best vehicle shipping quote you can is arming yourself with the appropriate knowledge. Research using the Internet and ask vehicle shipping companies any questions you may have, don’t be afraid to be foolish but do this before you ring for your vehicle shipping quote. Some pretty quick searching on the Interne. . .

Vehicle Transport

There are a great number of reasons why you might be considering vehicle transport instead of simply driving your car or riding your motorcycle. Perhaps you’re a vintage car collector or you have an antique motorcycle that’s worth a lot of money, or maybe you just want to transport your vehicle from one end of the country to the other and would rather not spend a week driving or riding. Regardl. . .

Security Release: Important Tips For Your Vehicle

You car is probably one of the most expensive items you have ever purchased. Therefore you must protect it well to help you keep your car and belongings from being stolen or vandalized.Here are some important tips for the security of your vehicle:Tip 1: Park in a Well Lit AreaPlaces which are well lit and have a lot of traffic are the best place to park your car. No sensible thief will steal a . . .

Quick and Simple Instructions On Using a Car Battery Charger

I am sure everyone at one time or the other has left the head lights or some other electrical device on and drained your car battery. You may not need to run out and purchase a new battery. A car battery charger can save the day. They are relatively simple to use and operate. Just follow these simple steps and soon your car will back to normal.1) First, remove the battery cables from the termin. . .

A Guide to International Car Shipping

International car shipping is the service you will undoubtedly require if you want to transport your car over a long distance. As the name suggests, it entails a company putting your car onto a ship at one destination and then ensuring it’s safe arrival at the other side. Depending on the company you choose to complete this service for you they may also be responsible for getting your car to an. . .

Oxy Acetylene Welding For Dummies

Oxy Acetylene Welding and Cutting Materials Oxy-acetylene welding is an autogenous welding process, in which two parts of the same or different metals are joined by causing the edges to melt and unite while molten without the aid of hammering or compression. When cool, the parts will form one whole piece of metal.The oxy-acetylene flame is made by mixing oxygen and acetylene gases in a special . . .

Some Useful Tips for Improving your Dodge's Fuel Economy

As global oil prices continue to rise meteorically to record levels, we have to find ways to improve our cars' fuel economy and save money. Especially now that drivers are doing a lot more traveling than ever, the importance of fuel economy cannot be over emphasized. The Environmental Protection Agency reports that vehicle miles traveled by the average American has increased by over 115%. This . . .

Motorcycle Shipping.

Is motorcycle shipping any different to car shipping?There are quite a few main differences between car shipping and motorcycle shipping. While a car has a reliable handbrake and four wheels for extra stability a motorcycle is quite different by design and has only two wheels with nothing to keep the bike stationery apart from the stand. You might think that motorcycle shipping would be cheaper. . .

Test Driving Your Car

Getting a new car thrills and excites. Sometimes it’s easy to get carried away in our initial response to a car. No matter how much you like a certain vehicle, take it for a long, serious test drive.You should first plan on spending as long as possible on your test drive. Fifteen minutes isn’t enough time. You want to thoroughly examine the car and definitely have a mechanic check it out.Take a. . .

Car Insurance

Driving without car insurance is illegal in most parts of the world!Car insurance is one of the most important types of insurance that you can get. If you are going to drive anywhere, then you are most likely required by law to have at least a minimal amount of car insurance. Once you are required to have that minimal amount, you might as well make sure that you get enough insurance to cover mo. . .

Not Getting Caught - Top 5 Things you need to know before...

A radar detector is a special device used in an automobile by drivers in determining if their speed is being monitored by local law enforcement officials. The term “radar detector” actually comes from earlier speed-detection technologies that used radio waves, which were bounced off moving vehicles with a device whereby police could determine if a person’s speed was what it should be. This old . . .

10 Ways To Lower Your Auto Insurance

Nowadays, auto insurance is really expensive. A typical insurance policy can cost a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars a year. And the insurance rates you pay are hugely dependent on the insurance company or agent, your age, your car type, your driving record, and even the area you reside in!You should never go without auto insurance though, despite the costs. Almost all the states r. . .

5 Auto Scams You Absolutely Must Avoid!

People hate car dealers. Of course, there are always nice guys, but many car dealers just have to cheat their way to profits. Here are the top 5 auto scams that you absolutely must avoid, or risk paying way too much for your car.Scam 1: The Yo-Yo Financing ScamThe dealer sells you a car and allows you to take it home immediately. You finance your car through the dealer, but a few days later, th. . .

Protect for your Car's Floor with Toyota Floor Mats

Whenever we think about car accessories, what comes to mind are the most common and obvious ones like bumpers, spoilers, step guards, halogen lights and others that are added externally. Likewise, the more common interior accessories may include seat covers, audio systems and others. However, most of us do not always notice one important car interior accessory outright. It is because it is righ. . .

Honda Environmental Technology Advances with Honda Accord...

Employing Variable Cylinder Management technology (VCM), Honda Accord Hybrid is the first hybrid vehicle to deactivate three of its engine's six cylinders in certain conditions like highway cruising for greater fuel efficiency without affecting its performance. The new 2005 V6 Accord Hybrid integrates the fuel economy of a four cylinder compact Civic and high-level performance.Combining VCM wit. . .

What’s the new C6 Corvette have over the last C5 model?

-Side impact air bags-DVD Navigation-OnStar-XM satellite radio-Friction contact on the road is larger-Drivetrain can withstand more horsepower-Brakes are heavier-Lighter engine-Lighter exterior-5” shorter But longer wheelbase-Open grill in front“A Corvette is not about transportation, it’s about inspiring and fulfilling dreams”The new Corvette was decided to boast a performance level of the cur. . .

Hubcaps and Wheels: Easy and Economical Ways to Customize...

Automobiles are essentially built to serve a purpose, to facilitate transport from one point to another. They are machines manufactured solely to perform their function. However, for most people, a car is more than just a machine but a work of art as well. Consider a BMW, with its solid engineering, sleek lines and exceptional quality and you will see a marriage of art and technology. A BMW com. . .

Buying A New Car

The cost of a new car nowadays equals about what my parents paid for their first home. It's not a purchase to be taken lightly. You want to do everything possible to ensure you get a great deal.Never rush your decision. If you are completely without transportation, rent a vehicle until you find the right car. When you rush a purchase, you usually end up on the losing end of the deal.Thanks to t. . .

73 Trans Am - Pontiac's Screaming Chicken and Its Shaker ...

The screaming chicken got its name from the bird that is on the hood of the Trans Ams. Each color of car had a special black bird with flames that matched: Cameo White cars had a bird with blue flames, Brewster Green had green flames and the Buccaneer Red cars had a red/orange flames.The weird thing about the "screaming chicken" is that it's not a chicken at all, but rather it's a "firebird!" I. . .

Deciding Between Aftermarket, OEM, and Genuine Auto Parts

Aftermarket, OEM, or genuine auto parts... you're confused about what to choose. If that's you, read the following.Cheaper doesn’t always mean inferior. Such is the case with aftermarket and OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) car parts. While they are often up to 70% cheaper than genuine parts, they can be far superior in quality.Like many car owners and car parts buyers out there, I must sa. . .

Is Your Insurance Company Rated?

Insurance is serious business. It not only costs you a pretty penny, you need to know the company you purchase the insurance from will honor a claim with no hassle should you have an accident. The first thing you need to do is find out if your insurance company is rated.Many of the national rating institutes rate insurance companies. They rate the variations in service and coverage from one . . .

Buying New vs. Used Cars

New vs used. Which car is right for you? Consider the following.Owning a brand new car is exciting. But financially speaking, it makes more sense to buy a used car. As soon as you drive a new car off the lot, it loses a great portion of its value. This is because your car is no longer “new”. New cars lose about 40% of their value within 3 years, then depreciation starts to slow down. Why not bu. . .

How To Determine The Correct Hubcap, Wheel Size

It's perplexing, you loose a hubcap. You start surfing the web for what seems like an easy task of replacing it. Your sure you know the right size because you measured it, but this website is saying your hubcap is a different size.One would think the simplest way to determine the size of an item would be to break out the old tape measure and measure it...right? Well...for most items this is tru. . .

Things To Look For When Buying A Car Stereo Head Unit

There are so may car stereo head units on the market. How do you know what to choose? Let's take a look at some of the things you should look for when buying a head unit.1. How user friendly is the head unit?Your head unit must be user friendly. This is the part of your car stereo you will interact with the most so you must feel comfortable using it. Before buying one be sure to play around wit. . .

Things To Know Before You Buy A Car

Sooner or later most people buy a new car. It doesn't matter if it's your third new car or your first, it almost always happens sometime.There is an art to buying a new car and if you know it, you're better prepared when that day arrives.Every car buyer knows that there are tricks to getting a car at a reasonable price. Dealerships and private sellers rarely mark the car at it's actual worth.In. . .

Personal Scooters Are Not Just For Fun

Personal scooters are a highly valuable mobility tool for those who, for health reasons, are unable to move around in public or in their own homes. They can ease the burden of having to carry things like heavy groceries or other personal effects. In this sense they can also help people who have back problems and strains. Progresses in technology have made scooters more energy efficient, faster,. . .

Things To Look For When Buying Car Stereo Speakers

There are so may car stereo speakers on the market. How do you know what to choose? Let's take a look at some of the things you should look for when buying a car speaker.1. How is the speaker's power measured?Pay close attention to the amount of power the speaker can handle. This is particularly important when dealing with woofers, since they require more power to play loudly. Look out for mode. . .

Understanding Your Auto Insurance

Reading auto insurance policies can be like trying to decipher advanced calculus. It's really not that difficult if you understand a few basic terms. Collision, Comprehensive, Bodily Injury Liability and Property Injury Liability are the main terms you need to fully understand.You'll appreciate Collision Coverage in the event you need repairs or replacements if your vehicle collides with anothe. . .

North American Mercedes-Benz vehicles for 2005 now sports...

Mercedes-Benz is globally recognized as a trendsetter and leader in innovation when it comes to advancing the luxury and comfort in its vehicles. Throughout the years it has introduced various features that not only have become endeared to the thousands of Benz owners but has also been emulated by other car companies. Recently another innovation that the car company ahs introduced was Ipod conn. . .

Parents of Teen Drivers

So, what does a parent think while sitting in the passenger seat and their teen is driving with a permit license? A “bump” in the parking lot with another car? Traffic tickets for moving violations? Insurance rates sky-rocketing?If you visit search engines you can find several resources to assist you on this subject. Try searching on the phrase “parents with teen drivers”. Alternatively we have. . .

DaimlerChrysler Unveils New Fuel Cell Vehicle in Geneva

The next generation of fuel cell technology was unveiled at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show by DaimlerChrysler, the pioneer of fuel cell drive. Sports tourers are now the new members of the family of fuel cell vehicles with the Mercedes Benz B-Class sporting the enw F-Cell. This F-Cell's unique sandwich concept developed by Mercedes Benz is perfect for this type of drive unit.The fuel cell's emissio. . .

Don't Be Afraid To Give Problem Customers The Boot

Q: In a recent column you made the point that the customer is always right, which I agree with. However, in the same column you also said that it is sometimes necessary give problem customers the boot. If the customer is always right, at what point do you think they become so problematic that you should stop doing business with them? -- Gary M.A: That column brought a number of emails simila. . .

Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL)

Drivers 16 years of age are at high risk for traffic accidents due to their immaturity and limited driving experience. A series of five research papers published in a September 2002 supplement of Injury Prevention addresses this risk among young drivers. The papers make a compelling case for graduated driver licensing (GDL), the system of laws and practices that gradually introduce young driver. . .

How To Keep Your Car Gleaming New Even Though It's 3 Year...

You know how it feels to buy a new car. The fresh smell of leather as you ease yourself into the plush leather seats. The whole car is gleaming. As you drive it out your driveway, you steal a glance at the reflection of your beautiful ride. Fast forward 12 months. How does your "new" car look now? If you take a picture of your car now and compare it to when you first bought it, would you notice. . .

2006 Chevrolet Corvette Z06

What’s new for the 2006 Corvette Z06?First, the 2006 Chevrolet Corvette has been redesigned for the 2006-year model. It has enhanced features, but in this article I want to tell you specifically about the Z06 features to this model.The Z06 is, of course, the fastest vette ever built. It will have a 500 horsepower 427 cubic inch engine with lightweight components. What does this mean in a 313. . .

Nissan Announces Pricing on All-New Second Generation 200...

Last Feb. 9, 2005, Nissan North America, Inc. announced pricing on the revolutionary 2005 Nissan Xterra SUV. The all-new 2005 Xterra offers improvements on virtually all functional and user attributes with more power, more roominess and more features, including enhanced off-road performance systems.The 2005 Xterra will be offered in three trim levels – S, Off-Road and SE. Each model comes wit. . .