Wednesday, December 27, 2006

How Are Car Insurance Rates Determined?

Raymond Prince

Many factors help determine your auto insurance rate. Car insurance premiums are based on controllable and non-controllable conditions. According to statistics, a college student with a flashy car is far more likely to run into an accident than a middle-aged lawyer cruising his station wagon in a deserted area. Factors that affect your car insurance rates that cannot be change include your age, marital status, and your sex:

∙ Age - Individuals on the opposite ends of the aging spectrum are more likely to be involved in accidents, and they include young teenagers and elderly persons.

∙ Marital Status - Although it may seem questionable, statistics have proven single drivers are involved in more auto accidents than married drivers.

∙ Sex - According to statistics, women are safer drivers than men. Their lack of devotion towards sporty 240 mph topping cars may be one reason.

Criteria that affect insurance rates include your geographical location, past driving history, type of vehicle, accident claims, credit score, and occupation. Geographical location is important when it comes to calculating your auto insurance rates. Car drivers in Indiana and Wisconsin stand a lesser chance of colliding with another car than city slickers. Even a move to another town nearby can affect your auto insurance rate. In addition, driving violations will throw a dagger in your rates. Avoid speeding tickets, traffic violations, and drunk driving offenses - which are all factors in deciding how much of a risk you pose to the insurance carrier.

Auto insurance premiums will always be higher for extravagant sports and luxury cars like Ferraris and Rolls Royce's. Auto insurance companies take everything from the value, size, weight, and age of your vehicle into consideration. Even the cost of replacement parts is carefully scrutinized! As a general rule, lighter cars pose less of a risk than larger, heavier vehicles. Plus, accident claims like fender benders you've placed previously will come to haunt you. Sharpen your credit rating with money management and a budget because auto insurance companies look at those with a poor credit rating as a higher risk. Occupation and risk also go hand in hand: a contractor in Los Angeles and a 21-year-old messenger in New York City are a higher risk than a middle-aged teacher in West Lafayette, Indiana.

Other factors that impact your auto insurance premiums include: driving experience, use of the vehicle (business, personal), theft protection device availability, miles driven yearly, distance to work, current auto insurance, and multiple drivers using the same car (can be eligible for discounts)

Ray Prince is the author and founder of Insurapedia.com, a site that provides regularly updated, comprehensive coverage on all types of insurance. Browse its pages and have free access to a collection of information designed to inform the Insurance novices. Its entertaining articles cover everything from "How to Take Accident Scene Photos for Insurance Claims" to "Insuring that Husband with a Sketchy Driving Record" A News Feed is also handy for the latest insurance updates.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Raymond_Prince

Friday, September 15, 2006

Change Your Gears with Cheap Car Finance

By Eva Baldwyn

A car gets you conveyance at your convenience…this means you don’t have to stand in long queues waiting for bus to reach your destination. You can start your own car and drive away when ever and wherever you want. This ensures traveling freedom. A car these days has become a necessity rather than a utility. Cheap car finance give you funds for diminishing the gap between this necessities i.e. a car and the reality.

Cheap car finance is available in form of car loans. These loans are secured by the car itself and easily get approved. Cheap car finance as the name suggest offers you lower interest rates and better repayment terms. It’s better to plan your car purchase before going into any deal regarding the loan. For that you need to go through certain steps, this includes:

•Determining the car which you want to buy.

•Find out the best car dealers in the market.

•You can also buy car through brokers or online dealers.

•Try to negotiate them for discounts and free accessories.

•Check out for free insurance which most of the car dealers provide these days.

•Calculate your requirement of funds.

•How much you are able to invest from your side and how much you want as loan amount?

This is all about buying new car but this is not the only thing for which you can use cheap car finance. This includes engine repairs, car paint, buying accessories such as music systems, power windows, new tires and other modifications. You can also buy a second hand or used car with the money.

As cheap car finance is a secured form of loans, people with bad credit score, defaulters, CCJ’s and IVA’s, arrears, bankrupts etc can also apply for such loans easily. Also this gives them a chance to overcome from their bad credit score.

Research is very essential before going for any loan deal in cheap car finance. As most of the time it happens that you go for a loan deal and after wars you got to know about a deal which suits you better with a lower interest rate. So to avoid that, you can log on to several cheap car financing websites. There are free loan quotes available on these websites which you can compare with the help of online comparison tools. Also there are tools available such as debt and repayment calculators, budget planners, repayment tables giving you a better understanding of your circumstances and the loan packages. Finally, you can apply through online application form to get benefited from the cheap car finance.

Eva Baldwyn aims to inform common men and women of the several issues involved in personal loans and mortgages through her articles. An MSc in Economics & Finance from the Warwick Business School is proof enough of the knowledge that she possesses in the field of finance. To find Cheap car finance, new car loan, used car loan, bad credit car loan, cheap car loan in UK visit http://www.carloaninuk.co.uk

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eva_Baldwyn

Tuesday, September 12, 2006

Give More Miles to Your Car

By Jay Stevens

For most people, tightening their belts is the best way to go when it comes to stretching that hard-earned dollar. There are many things which people could do less without. However, for those things that have become indispensable, the trick would be to make the most of what you have. This goes true for vehicles. And it means getting your vehicle to run more miles with lesser costs.

If you are still in the process of purchasing or acquiring your own vehicle, try to do some research first and see if your vehicle of choice has that certain capacity and capability to run more miles without having to undergo expensive repairs and maintenance. You can do your research by reading through vehicle magazines or even by searching through the Internet.

To keep your vehicle in good running condition and extend this state, do your car maintenance regularly. Like at the beginning of each month, you can have the engine oil level checked. Make sure that the oil level is at the full level mark on the dipstick. Make sure that you also use the type of oil and a fluid that is recommended by your owner’s manual.

Every three months or so, or as specified by your owner’s manual, check your vehicle’s tire pressure. Do also check the other fluids like the transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, radiator coolant, and windshield washer fluid. By doing such, you are guaranteed that your vehicle’s moving parts are lubricated enough so as to reduce any kind of friction, heat, or wear.

Other parts should also be checked and replaced if there is a need to do so. Wear and tear also brings down the condition of your car so make sure that everything in your car is working smoothly. You may have to spend a couple of bucks along the way in maintaining your vehicle, however, this keeps you off the hot spot of paying greater amounts of dollars because of complications and great damage because of improper car maintenance.

Ford Parts Discount, one of the leading dealers of Ford Excursion parts, recommends that you replace oxygen sensors when the catalytic converter is replaced.

Jay Stevens works as a consultant for an established auto parts store in the country. He has expertise in automotive technology and has extensive knowledge on the auto parts industry.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jay_Stevens

Saturday, September 09, 2006

How To Install Your Car Stereo

By Sebastian Schneider

What you will need:

1. A Phillips screw driver
2. Panel tools
3. Pick tools
4. Drop light
5. Wire ties
6. Electrical tape
7. Wire cutters
8. Crimpers
9. Drop cloths

Note: Remove the old stereo before you begin!

More Notes:

You will need to disconnect your battery because you do not want to lose power when you are installing the speakers. It can also prevent injury in the process.
Take out all the hardware that came in the box.
You will need to disassemble your factory speakers. Instructions for dissembling your factory speakers should come in the manual that came with your car. If you do not find this manual, I would suggest calling the manufacturing.

Steps:

o To start, you will need the flat head screwdriver. With this tool you can unscrew your old screws that are holding up your old factory speakers.
o You will need to pull the wires from the cigarette lighter. It will help you install the other speakers. o Connect the wire to the cigarette lighter.
o You will need to turn on the ignition and then select the wire that is underneath the dash.
o Stick the light tester into the ignition source. Light should turn on.
o Now you will need to look for the electrical lead that is coming from the stereo. This lead powers one of the stereos. You will then wrap the lead with a black electric tape so that it does not touch the metal surface.

© 2006 by Sebastian Schneider. If you want to know more about anything related to car audio, visit Car Sound Systems.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sebastian_Schneider

Saturday, September 02, 2006

Car Maintenance

By Elizabeth Morgan

We all avoid maintenance on one pretext or the other but forget its core advantages, like low recurring expenses and optimum product utilization, especially in the case of Car Maintenance. By doing regular maintenance on our car, not only we can save money on car repair, but also enjoy more pleasant drives.

Car Maintenance is not a big technical job, and a novice with minimal car-related knowledge can also do it easily. You can initially start with tires. Tires are among the most expensive, regularly replaceable and neglected items on the car.

One must follow some basic rules for tire maintenance. The first and the foremost are checking tire tread for abnormal wear patterns. On finding any symptoms of abnormal wear in specific areas, tire alignment needs to be done to prevent further deterioration. Along with it, you must check tire pressures once a week, for longer tire life. Tire experts also suggest rotating tires and wheel balancing on every car’s regular service.

The other important aspect is oil, filter change and chassis lubrication. Car experts always advice car owners to change them after every 4,000-5,000 miles or every 3-4 months, to ensure longer engine life and optimum performance.

It is also important that lights are in working condition. One must check and replace all fuse bulbs every month, to ensure your journeys at nights are smooth and trouble-free. Besides this, we also advise you to check for any fuel leaks by looking for fuel drops below the car every morning, before you start your car. Washing the car and checking the battery once a week will also help you keep your car in perfect condition. By following these small instructions, you can easily say, “Let’s go for a long drive, honey!”

Maintenance provides detailed information about maintenance, aircraft maintenance, car maintenance, equipment maintenance and more. Maintenance is the sister site of Pontoon Boat Lifts.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Elizabeth_Morgan

Sunday, August 13, 2006

Why Won't My Car Start?

By Randy Harkins

Have you ever had your car just "die" on you, you try to start it and it just will not start. You end up calling a tow truck and paying those big tow bills, then to make matters worse the technician at the shop tells you that it will cost hundreds of dollars to make it run again,is that true? Maybe maybe not.

I own and work as a diagnostics Tech here at Ace Automotive in Lakewood Wa and I can tell you from experience if some people knew just a little more about their cars workings they could save a whole lotta money. Say for instance you are driving at night wipers and heater ,lights and radio on you notice that the headlights keep getting dimmer and dimmer soon the vehicle "dies" and now won't start the most likely cause is the alternator has failed, not the battery because if the battery failed the alternator would still keep power to the vehicle until you turned it off then it would not restart.

You are driving for a while and the car just "shuts off" all the instrument lights come on but when you try to start it it just turns over but will not start. First it depends what kind of car this happend to if it was an import like say Honda, acura, toyota, subaru, nissan, mitubishi, the engine timing belt may have broken (if it's been more that 60,000 miles since you changed it last time) you should be able to tell if when you try to start the engine it sounds different like its just "freewheeling" faster than normal, this is bad cause most of the import cars mentioned will do expensive damage to the engine when the timing belt breaks.

If your vehicle is a domestic one chevy ford ect, be patient wait a little bit maybe 30-45 min and try to start it if it starts hurray! But it will "die" again once it's hot enough again, be sure to tell your local tech this valuable information and ask for all parts they replace to repair your vehicle to let them know you know something about the car too.

Randy Harkins Owner / Technician Ace Automotive

http://www.aceautomotive1.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Randy_Harkins

Wednesday, August 09, 2006

Budget Performance-Car Value - Honda CRX

By David Bellm

Looking for sports-car kicks, but with the abundance of speed parts and vast modification potential of a Civic? Look no further than Honda's feisty little CRX.

These pocket-size coupes made their debut for 1984. Essentially a two-seat version of the redesigned Civic also introduced that year, the CRX was initially aimed at people who sought frugal commuting (base 1.3-liter versions had EPA fuel economy ratings of 51 mpg city, 67 highway).

But the real news for enthusiasts came the following year when Honda gave the CRX its sporty Si version, which included upgraded suspension, performance-oriented tires, and a hotter 91-hp version of its 1.5-liter engine -- good for sub-nine-second 0-60 mph times in the featherweight car.

For 1988, an all-new CRX bowed, based again on a new Civic platform. CRX's wheelbase increased, and this second-generation design was somewhat heavier and bigger overall. Fortunately, performance remained in the same league, with the Si's horsepower rating increasing to 105, then 108 the following year. For 1990, CRX got four-wheel-disc brakes.
As sweet of a car as it was, this generation of CRX was destined to be the last -- Honda discontinued the line after 1991, replacing it with the similar but open-roofed Del Sol several years later.

Today, used CRXs are pretty easy to find, but it can sometimes be hard to gauge their true value -- completely stock ones are showing up less and less since these cars became immensely popular with sport-compact fans. The price of a particular CRX can often depend on the various upgrades it's received.

Popular mods include body kits, custom paint, aftermarket wheels, and hotter VTEC engine swaps. As with any modified car, look closely at how well upgrades are executed. In most cases, the work will have been done by the car's owner, whose talent, budget, and experience are unknowns.

Most CRXs now sell for less than $5000, with many of them below $3000. Those sub-$3k CRXs tend to be unmodified. And unmodified CRXs also tend to be unrestored.

That can be an important point, because all CRXs are at least 14 years old -- a lot them are pretty tired. You aren't likely to find a CRX with less than 100,000 miles at this point. Therefore buyers who want a completely stock example to start with will need to carefully consider how much money and patience they're willing to devote to basic mechanical repairs.

First-generation CRXs are getting kind of scarce, but if you have your heart set on their lighter weight and trimmer dimensions, those cars can be found with a little patience. And one plus is that they tend to show up in the lower end of the price range.

Regardless of what generation or level of modification, Honda's little CRXs can offer big-time fun. They're good performers to start with, there's plenty of aftermarket stuff available, and prices are about as low as performance cars go. Check 'em out.

For more on affordable performance cars, along with drive-test articles on today’s hottest sports cars, sport compacts, and muscle cars, go to http://www.autiv.com/.

David Bellm is a seasoned test driver and automotive writer. His work has been featured in a wide variety of online and print publications.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Bellm

Monday, August 07, 2006

Porsche Turbo, From 1975 Until Now

By Kenny King

In 1975 Porsche introduced the first Turbo. The engineers experienced this new engine and Chairman Ernst Fuhrman decided that they could use a turbo on a production car. The first prototype was displayed at several European shows in 1973. In 1974, “911 Turbo” went on sale and at the time it had a 3.0 liter 260 bhp engine.

The new Porsche was full of luxury. The standard Turbo had air-conditioning, electric windows, tinted glass, headlamp washers, a leather interior and Bilstein shocks. Originally, it was supposed to be a limited edition, with only 500 models to be sold. However, the demand was so high that more than 1000 cars were sold. It was now clear that Turbo would have a secure future.

What attracted so many customers was its huge rear wing, widened wheel and big tires. This great look combined with the powerful engine made the Turbo look faster than any other 911.

In 1978, the model was improved by the increase of the engine capacity to 3.3 liter and some other modifications. Now the engine produced 40 bhp more. The rear wing was also revised: the two separate grilles were replaced by one larger smooth surface, placed a little higher in order to make room for an intercooler.

In 1979 though, the Turbo was withdrawn from US and Japan, as a response to the second energy crunch.

In 1986, Turbo became again available in the US. This was the first year Porsche used flares that were created in the stamping – process of the fenders. In 1992 Porsche showed the Turbo S at Geneva's Motorshow. It’s engine delivered 381 bhp. The car weighted 120 kg less then the standard Turbo and this helped making Turbo S really fast. There were built only 80 Turbo S.

In 1993, the engine capacity was increased again, now reaching 3.6 liter. It was easily recognized by the Turbo 3.6 badge. Also, there was a 93 Turbo 3.6 based 911 Turbo S built.

In 1996 Porsche launched yet another Turbo, based on the 993 series. Its engine produced 408 bhp, featuring a six-speed gearbox and four-wheel drive. It looked more elegant thanks to the less evocative rear-wing. The wheels are 18 inch in diameter. It saves 20% of the weight because the five spokes are hollow. The front wing has air-ducts that lead extra cooling air to the brakes, making them more powerful than before. They can stop the Turbo from 100 hm/h in 2.6 seconds and from 200km/h in just 5 seconds, increasing car’s safety.

Porsche has recently introduced the 996 Turbo. The styling is different from the previous Turbo models. Its aerodynamics are improved, making it much faster than the 993 Turbo. It gets to 100 km/h in only 4.2 seconds and has a top speed of 305 km/h. The new Turbo has a few details that make it easy to recognize: bi-xenon headlights, air intakes behind the doors and a movable rear-spoiler.

If you love luxury cars like the Porsche and BMW, visit my network of blogs here: The New Porsche Blog and the BMW USA Blog

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kenny_King

Saturday, August 05, 2006

The Remarkable Sports Car

By Margaret Adams

Mazda provided the automotive world with an affordable true sports car with its Mazda Miata. This vehicle was developed and designed in the California studio of Mazda and the complete manufacturing and production was really and entirely done in the company’s factory in Japan. This vehicle has certainly garnered such a quite large interest in the automobile industry. And throughout the world, this vehicle has gained much popularity.

The Mazda Miata comes in a small sized car with clean lines, a simple drivetrain, an outstanding handling, and a very unpretentious character and appeal. Since its introduction, this vehicle has always maintained its world-class appeal, and at present continues to be the phenomenon that it is. This vehicle has been continuously credited for reviving the passion for roadsters, and at the same time it has achieved other vehicle manufacturers to pursue ideas like the Mazda Miata. It could be accounted for the creation of other vehicles like the Dodge Viper, the Volkswagen New Beetle, the new Ford Thunderbird, the Chrysler PT Cruiser, and the Chevrolet SSR. After its introduction, the Mazda Miata entered countless of Top 10 lists for vehicles.

It was first introduced in 1989 as a 1990 model. The Mazda Miata resembled the early 1960s Lotus Elan. Even if it was not quite quick, this Mazda Miata became a sensation. It was a relatively small and light vehicle with just an 89.2 inch wheelbase and 155.2 inches overall. Everything it held had a light touch making this quite a remarkable car. It had an optional power steering feature, and given as a standard feature was the manual rack-and-pinion set up that reacted on impulse to steering inputs. It reacted with subtle details about what was going on with its tires. The first of its kind was powered by a 1.6 liter dual-overhead cam that was capable of powering up to 116 horsepower.

As the years went on, the Mazda Miata, a sports car that could take in two passengers, went through different changes. Added as options were antilock brakes, and a four-speed automatic transmission. Also, its paint had changed in color and hue, plus an addition of leather seating, a rear suspension cross brace, a roof liner and defroster for its hardtop, a sensory sound system, passenger-side airbags, power steering, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, power windows, power mirrors, aluminum alloy wheels, cruise control, power door locks, remote keyless entry, Bilstein shock absorbers, and BBS wheels. The corporate logo was also mounted on its nose.

A new Mazda Miata is soon bound to roll its way to the streets and highways this 2006 or 2007. It is built on a modified version of Mazda’s RX8 sports car platform. This time, it has a 2.0 liter twincam 4-cylinder engine. It will sport a more rounded and serious look with its flared wheel arches, fuller body sides, and more aggressive looking nose. It will offer a little bit more space and room. Also, torso side airbags will be added in.

Mazda Parts and Mazda Auto Parts
Mazda Miata parts

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Margaret Adams is the present manager of the largest auto manufacturing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This 35 year old maiden is a certified car enthusiast.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Margaret_Adams

Wednesday, August 02, 2006

The Top 5 Ways To Add Extra Ponies To Your Nissan 300ZX Twin-Turbo

By Taylor Bamber

The Nissan 300ZX Twin-Turbo has one of the most powerful engines created for the best Nissans.The VG30DETT has huge amounts of potential. This engine is putting out 300hp and almost 290 foot Lbs. of torque stock! The twin turbocharged and inter-cooled engine lacks very little. Read on to find the 5 most cost effective modifications to give you the most horsepower for your hard earned dollar!

#5Throttle body modification:The throttle body modification isn’t going to be the biggest gain in hp in the world, but the best part is, it’s FREE! In case you missed that, yes, its completely free! All you need for this modification is a metal file or a 10mm wrench (depending on what year 300zx). All you have to do is simply remove a nut or a bump of molded aluminum that is sitting right by your throttle cable. This bump or nut is preventing your throttle from being able to open completely. By allowing it to open completely you’ve increased your air flow which increases your horse power.

#4Upgraded air filter:An upgraded air filter is the most basic of all modifications. Adding a higher flow filter is going to allow your Nissan cars engine to consume a much larger amount of oxygen then the stock air box. Imagine attempting to run a mile while using a straw to breath. It’s not a lot different for your car if you modify the car and not the air filter.

#3Upgraged exhaust system:An upgraded exhaust system is the same concept as upgrading your air filter. All the air that is being consumed by the engine needs to be evacuated. The problem that many people run into is they go about doing this the completely wrong way. BIGGER IS NOT BETTER! Having an exhaust that is to large for your car is actually going to hurt your 300zx’s performance. You should have no more than a 3 inch system unless you plan on running somewhere around 1000hp! This problem is somewhat obvious, but one that very few people think of; the bigger exhaust drops exhaust temperatures considerably. Having a lower temperature means the air traveling through the exhaust system is going to be much heavier and thus harder to move, which hurts your engines performance. Installing the correct exhaust size is going to give you the correct temperature of exhaust and will evacuate the air effectively. Contrary to what many think, a car doesn’t actually lose horse power because it has a large exhaust because of a loss of back pressure. It looses horsepower with a large exhaust because of turbulence and the cold dense air.

#2Upgraded computer chip:An upgraded computer chip is one of the easiest modifications. Upgrading the chip will enrich the fuel curve. This gives your car a bit more fuel to support the added power. Some also say it will help cool the pistons. In addition to the added fuel, the JWT chip maximizes the engine's ignition timing and also tunes the cam timing. Most of the chips out there will have a couple additional features like raising the rev-limiter 200 rpm, and eliminating the top speed governor. Having an aftermarket ECU is nice because of the ease of calibration for future modifications like higher boost levels.

#1Boost controller or boost jets:Boost controllers and boost jets are the recommended way to increasing your boost pressure. Adding a boost controller essentially tricks your waste gates, waste gates vent boost allowing the car to just run at 8 psi. The boost controller or boost jets trick the waste gates into thinking that there is less boost than there really is meaning you will have a quicker spool up time and a large increase in total boost pressure. Boost pressure equals power. Running higher boost pressure is only capable after an ECU upgrade. Investing in a turbo timer is also a good idea when running higher than stock boost, as a turbo timer will help cool your turbos when its time to shut down.

There are many other upgrades to the 300zx but this will get you down the road with the least pain to your pocket!

Taylor Bamber is a proud owner of a 300zx turbo and belongs to many 300zx clubs in Northern Colorado. Being waist deep in the import world, he knows where to find all the best online JDM deals. He has scoured the web and has found the best sites for your import car needs. Check out his site at http://www.jdm-4u.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Taylor_Bamber

Saturday, July 29, 2006

Five Ways to Judge Your Car Stereo Speakers

By David Chandler

Car stereo speakers are very vital for an efficient car audio system. Car speakers are unique in that they are designed for reproducing sound frequencies. You can evaluate your car stereo speakers on the following criteria:

· Frequency response of the speakers should be higher and wider for better sound capturing and reproducing

· Efficiency of the speakers determines the distance sound will travel and is measured in terms of decibels, the higher the better.

· For playing your system continuously, the factor to be considered is the maximum power RMS, i.e., the maximum powers speakers can produce continuously.

· A component speaker set will give a full range and quality of sound in your car and it will be a thrilling experience.

· The car stereo speakers should be power efficient so that it does not eat up the riding power of your car.

A car audio system is comprised of different components. Speakers for your car have unique characteristics to ensure quality audio sound in your car. They are much different from speakers you would buy for your home, office, or computer.

When shopping for speakers, be sure to listen to a variety. Each speaker will have its own sound. Therefore, with the above knowledge gear up your car with better car stereo speakers, which will enhance your musical experience and rock your car.

For more information, visit these sites: http://www.CarAudioInfoCenter.com or http://www.CarAccessoriesInfoCenter.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Chandler