Prepare Your Car

Tire Chains
Make sure that you have tire chains that fit your car. The tire chains will need to be the same size as the tires. Make sure that you know how to put them on. If you are teaching a child to drive or allowing a child to drive by themselves for the first time, make sure they know how to put them on too.

Ice Scraper
The second thing that you will need is a good ice scraper. To a large extent, the best ice scraper is the one that you like best. Many experts, however, recommend a seven to ten inch scraper that clips to the sun visor so that it is easily accessible.

Jumper Cables

The third thing that you will need is jumper cables. Now is a great time to check and make sure that the jumpers are in good shape. Consider buying jumper cables that plug into your cigarette lighter if you live in a rural area. That way, you can jump start the car without using another vehicle.

Road Flares
The last thing you need is road flares. These flares allow other drivers to see you more easily if you become stranded in the snow. They also make it easier for emergency vehicles to spot you should the need arise.

Prepare Yourself
Just like your car needs preparation in the winter, you also need to include personal items. These items will allow you to stay safe in the vehicle during a storm until help comes. Make sure and check the supplies before you leave.

Blankets or Sleeping Bag
Keep a warm blanket or sleeping bag in the car. It will be important to avoid hyperthermia. Running the car engine can lead to poisoning, when the snow blocks the exhaust pipe.

Flashlight
You need to keep a flashlight with spare batteries in the car. Do not use the interior lights any more than necessary. Doing so will run down the car’s battery.

Water
You NEED water. Carry the water in small bottles. They will be easier to fit inside the car than bigger bottles. Keeping water in the trunk is not a good idea, as it will likely freeze.

Warm Clothes
Lastly, you will also need warm clothes. Make sure to carry gloves and boots. These will keep you warm. They will also keep you dry, should you need to walk. Unless you can see lights in a building, stay with the vehicle. If you have clothes in your car and kids, make sure they still fit.

Jennifer New likes to write about family adventures, frugal living, and how to improve her credit score.

Bluetooth

As mobile phones get smarter and the penalties for using one while driving becoming harsher, Bluetooth is a big advantage. In a nutshell, Bluetooth technology lets electronic devices of all types talk to each other wirelessly. Smart phones have in-built Bluetooth, as do the latest notebook computers and portable music players, while there are car stereos that also boast this feature. You need Bluetooth integrated in your vehicle to take advantage of this technology, which utilises your car’s stereo and speakers. More modern vehicles come with Bluetooth already built-in, but you can buy kits that will enable you to use all of your gadgets and devices.

Satellite navigation

Sat navs, or GPS, systems are undoubtedly the most popular car accessory on the market today. In-car navigation systems use satellites and in-built maps to pinpoint your location with a fair degree of accuracy. You can plan routes with most models offering voice commands so you don’t have to take your eyes off the road. While they can tell you where you are and where you are going, they can also warn of speed cameras and point out items of interest, among many other things. For example, some would even find the nearest mechanic if you wanted to get a car service in Sydney or a car service in Melbourne.

In-car entertainment system

These are a fantastic boredom buster if you have kids and are going on a long journey. They come in a variety of configurations, consisting of a compact DVD player and either one or two screens – sometimes even more. They can hang on the back of the front seats so those behind can see, or a screen can be installed from the roof and dropped down for everyone to watch. Some even have auxiliary ports so gaming systems or portable media players can be connected. Car makers are increasingly including in-built entertainment systems in luxury models, but with a little shopping around you can pick up some good quality units at a fair price that can be easily installed yourself. Just remember that portable units such as these can be easy targets for thieves, so make sure they are included in policies when getting car insurance quotes.

Window tinting

While not a high-tech gadget, window tinting is an investment that brings many benefits. It keeps out harsh UV rays, in the process keeping the cabin cooler and reducing the harm sunlight can do to surfaces inside the vehicle. A cooler car means the air-conditioning does not need to be used as often, cutting down on running costs. Quality window tinting also has a strong safety focus as it prevents the glass from showering the car’s occupants if shattered. Just remember to check the legal requirements for window tinting in your State – get something that’s too dark and the police will slap a fine on you.

Tow bar

Investing in a towing package is one of the best ways you can improve the adaptability of your vehicle. Being able to tow will ultimately pay for itself – for example, if you buy some whitegoods, there’s no need to pay for delivery when you can pick it up using your own trailer. Or if you are doing some work in the garden, you can pick up soils and mulches in convenient loads – many suppliers will also loan you a trailer for free. Depending on the size of your car, you can also tow a caravan, camper or boat on holidays. Always check the manufacturer’s handbook beforehand for the towing limits of your vehicle.

How to buy a car phone kit

Now is the time to start getting fussy about your car phone kit. You really should be able to get a top of the line kit for a very decent price. You can also avoid the traps pretty easily.

These are the basics:

Don’t just get any old thing- Literally, this means don’t buy Brand X or older kits. Brand X phone kits are truly terrible, without exception. The older car phone kits are really primitive compared to the new ones. Avoid these fossils like the plague, because they sometimes can’t even do the job with new phones.

Don’t buy from “mixed” sellers- You’re much better off buying from car kit specialists, because they’re real experts and can always help if you’re having difficulties with a kit. They also give much better warranties and can deliver when they say they can service your kit if it needs it.

The big issue- Quality!

You put a bit of effort into getting a good phone. So put equal effort into finding the right car kit. The top brands are a bit more expensive, but they’re also tailor made for your phone, reliable and can save you endless hassles when you’re on the road. A good car phone kit is all about quality, and for a few extra bucks you can get a kit that will do anything you want it to do.

Important- Find the right suppliers!

Following on from the advice to deal with specialist car phone kit providers, a bit of shopping around will find the really efficient online suppliers. These guys are a league or several above the retailers in terms of knowledge and service. The simple fact is that they have the technical expertise onsite, where the retailers often don’t, and tend to mutter about manufacturers and sending the kit off for servicing. That’s expensive in terms of time as well as money. Even if it does cost a bit of money, the specialist car phone kit suppliers can speed up the turnaround time if there are any problems. They can also help with tech support whenever you need it.

Renting a car?

If you’re renting a car for business or holidays and want a car phone installed, the top suppliers can put a no-holes car kit in to your car with no problems at all. You won’t breach the terms of the car lease, and you’ll find when you compare car hire that the top car hire people are on the ball and understand the need for a car phone.

Getting the right car phone kit is easy- Get the best, and nothing else!

Short-term storage

If it is just two to four weeks then there isn’t anything too complicated that needs to be done. Finding a clean, dry storage area, such as your garage at home, is the first step – it should be secure and enclosed. Don’t store the car wet, especially if you choose to wash it beforehand – let it dry thoroughly outside. Make sure the vehicle is clean inside as well, because any rubbish or those annoying food scraps that fall down beside the seat is really going to be on the nose when you return.

Make sure the fuel tank is full to prevent condensation and pump the tyres up above the normal pressure so that if they do lose air, there will be enough pressure remaining to drive the car safely when you first need it. Consider the battery as well. If it is old it could be worth removing it from the vehicle, but in most cases this won’t be necessary if the storage period is 4 weeks or less. A car cover is a good idea as well to keep the dust off – there are all types available at a range of prices. They are a good investment so consider purchasing one if you are going away – if you haven’t got the cash at hand, consider cash loans or something similar.

Long-term storage

The longer you leave your car idle, the greater the chance of corrosion, seizing and deterioration. So if it is going to be several months before you use the vehicle again, be prepared for the chance of some repair bills. Before storing the car long-term, make sure it is serviced and all the oils, fluids, lubricants and coolants are changed. The fuel tank should be filled to prevent condensation and the battery removed. The car should be clean inside and out and preferably placed under a car cover. For really long periods, it’s worth considering plugging up openings such as the exhaust with rags and placing the vehicle on stands.

It goes without saying that the storage area should be clean, dry and most importantly, secure. If you can, have someone check on the vehicle occasionally – they may be able to spot potential problems before you next need the vehicle. Returning the vehicle to the road regardless of the length of time it has been sitting idle is basically a reversal of the storage procedure. Check the battery, tyre pressure and fluid levels and ensure nothing has corroded, rusted or seized. For very long-term storage, a minor service may be necessary to check everything is still in working order.

If you are like most families today, your paychecks are spent on bills, mortgages and other necessities the minute they hit your bank account. Many families look for expenses to cut such as eliminating their morning stop at the cafe, clipping coupons, etc, because the cost of living seems to keep rising yet the paychecks aren’t. Funny how that works!   Budgeting does not have to be a chore, and instant cash title loans are perhaps an option, but consider how you can save money when buying your car insurance.  I have a few insurance tips that I have found from experience that could lower your premium substantially.

1. Determine Your Needed Coverage – When you start shopping around, you should know that most agents will quote you coverage that you may not need. If you have a lien or lease, there are standards that apply however, if you have a vehicle that is paid for, you don’t necessarily need so much coverage on it.

2. Know Your Driving Record – While most people know their credit score and everything on their credit record, few people know what their driving record looks like. This will play a key role in your premium.

3. Be Familiar With Your Vehicle – When you start calling around for auto insurance quotes, you want to be able to tell the person on the other line absolutely everything about your vehicle that could qualify you for a discount. If your car comes in a two and four door model and you happen to have a four door, this is valuable information because they are cheaper to insure than a two door. You will want to know if your car has passkey or any safety features such as anti-lock brakes or airbags. While these features are standard on new models, if your vehicle is a littler older you may not get credit for these options unless you present the information.

4. Drive and Storage – If you are only driving your vehicle three miles to work, be sure your agent knows that or if it is a secondary or weekend only means of transportation, this is important to reveal too. Additionally, if your car is parked in a garage at your residence you will traditionally get a cheaper rate as well.

5. Compare Apples to Apples – When you get your quotes from different companies, make sure that they all have the same coverage and deductible and that the agent has been provided with the same amount of information.

I know that you’re busy and the last thing that you want to do is spend an afternoon reviewing your policy and getting quotes but it’s worth it. A little extra savings every month can go toward other bills, date night without the kids or you could put it away to save up for a vacation!

About the Author

Melissa Cameron, age 33 is a wife and mother who enjoys writing, scrap-booing and finding great deals on the Internet. Melissa and her husband have recently freed up a significant amount of money by switching car insurance companies which is helpful when you’re raising two kids! She has written many articles on finance and cash advance payday loans and how families can make their budgets work to their advantage.

It is common for someone to be in shock after any kind of accident, especially for the person on the motorcycle. The motorcyclist may be experiencing internal or external injuries and some of those injuries will not be visible to eyewitnesses at the scene. With that in mind, it is important to make sure someone calls for medical assistance and do not offer any information about ‘how you feel’. You may feel okay at first, but in most incidents, you are not!

It is understandable that staying cool and trying to remember what to do in such a disastrous situation can be extremely hard, but accomplishing just a few of the key steps highlighted below could increase your chances of being compensated for your injuries.

• Call 911: Or have someone at the accident call 911 if you are seriously injured.
• Assess Your Situation: Do you see bones or joints out of place? Are you feeling sharp pains? If so, you need to lie still until an ambulance shows up, try to have someone else collect accident scene information for you.
• Collect Names: If you are able to move or can find someone to help, collect the name and phone number of each witness at the accident scene.
• Work with the Authorities: Make sure to be polite, no matter how upset or not-at-fault you were. Offer any information you can remember about moments before the accident occurred for the official accident report.
• Do not offer feedback on your physical condition: Adrenaline causes the body to endure severe pain without feeling it during a moment of shock. If you plan to pursue a lawsuit, let the paramedics or ER doctor document injuries after a professional evaluation.
• Take a Few Pictures: With many different cell phones equipped with cameras, someone may be able to capture a few pictures of the accident scene for you. Collecting names will allow you to track those pictures down later.
• Take Care of Yourself: Call a lawyer as soon as you can. Many personal injury lawyers offer no-cost representation unless a settlement is reached. They will explain the importance of keeping records, documents to avoid signing, and much more. There is a statute of limitations and the sooner you act the better.

Keep these steps in mind and share them with your loved ones and friends that enjoy the excitement of motorcycle riding. As a Florida resident with many family members that ride; I make sure to check twice.

Save a life, check twice!

Jeff Orloff writes on insurance topics like this one for the motorcycle insurance blog and other sites for the Consumer Media Network.

The Defender’s history goes back to 1948 and since then Land Rovers have won the reputation as the most versatile off-road vehicles in the world. Starting from the current model’s introduction in 2007, the Defender has maintained the level of sold units at the annual 25,000 worldwide. People buying Defenders recruit from different groups: retail and utility customers, NGOs and even armed forces. All of them admit that these models combine the durability, off-road ability and towing capacities, being ahead of the competition. That explains why the Defender has received such a great extent of customer loyalty.

The 2012 Defender’s engine produces 122PS@3,500rpm and torque 360Nm@2,000 rpm and reaches the top speed of 90mph. Its new, fully acoustic cover reduces the radiated engine noise and improves driving refinement. Let us not forget that this very engine delivers lower levels of NOX, Co and HC, meeting EU5 regulations. The GFT MT 82 six-speed gearbox has been retained for 2012 with its great ratio spread, improved low-speed crawl capability and high top gear for cruising. The lower first gear enables low crawl speed, making the towing on and off-road considerably easier.

New models of 2012 Defender are going to be available from £20,995 on the road and will be on sale from November 2011 across the UK.

Written by the team of Mascus.com. If you would like to see some models of Land Rover, please visit our site.

Yes.

An air conditioner in your car can affect your gas mileage because the AC’s compressor is run by a drive belt on your car’s engine. Turn on your AC and the compressor will add resistance to your engine. More resistance equals more fuel being burned to maintain your car’s speed.

If you air conditioner is weak or faulty, it takes more energy to keep you cool. Which means your car’s engine will have to work harder, resulting in poorer gas mileage.

So it’s very wise to keep your car’s air conditioning system in good shape. Below are some tips on how to keep it running well so that you — and your car’s engine — can keep cool:

Many auto AC repairs will need to be performed by your trusted mechanic, so it’s wise to have the AC checked and maintained regularly, per the recommendations in your car’s owner’s manual

For example, newer model cars come with filters in the duct portion of your vehicle’s AC. These trap the dust and pollen before they come into the air in your car. While these are terrific for people who suffer from allergies, if you live in a highly smoggy or high pollution area, these can become full quickly and reduce the airflow, which can then impede the flow of the AC’s refrigerant, making it too weak to properly cool the inside of your car. You may be able to change this filter yourself; check your car’s owner’s manual.

Cars without this special filter also can see impediments to your car’s refrigerant flow due to the dirt, pollen and moisture that might turn into mold. If you detect a musty smell coming from your car’s AC, this could mean you have mold blocking the system’s evaporator. The airflow may still feel cool, but it probably will be too weak to cool the entire car. Your mechanic will have to fix this problem

About the Author: Dan Bodrero is the owner of Seat Covers Unlimited in Mesa, Arizona. He produces custom seat covers for cars and trucks that can fit every make and model. He offers genuine sheepskin seat covers, neoprene seatcovers and faux leather covers.

Spend Less Time on the Road

It’s common sense but it bears repeating. The less time you spend on the road means less money spent on gasoline. If you can talk your boss into letting you telecommute; definitely do it. Modern high speed internet access allows you to work from anywhere. You can do video conferencing from home and connect with all your work colleagues to work on team assignments. Telecommuting can work for going to school too and it’s easier than telecommuting to work because with online school you can take classes when you want too.

DRIVE LIKE YOUR GRANDPA, NOT LIKE YOU STOLE IT

Part of the trick is—as you may have guessed—driving a little like your Grandpa Earl. But that’s just part of the equation. A big fuel wasting habit which a lot of folks have is roaring up to the stop sign and slamming on the brakes at the last possible moment. If you ease your foot off the gas and coast all the way to the stop sign you may annoy the drivers behind you but the big pay-off comes when you see the miles per gallon go from 35 to 99. Maintaining the highest readout possible can be kind of addicting as a personal challenge in addition to being annoying to your passengers.

GET TO KNOW YOUR CAR’S SWEET SPOTS

When you start paying attention to your fuel consumption in real-time you gradually begin to change the way that you drive. And the best part is that you don’t take any longer to get where you’re going than you did before. Another huge part of being in the hyper-mileage club, is knowing where your car’s sweet spot is. At 58 miles per hour my car is only getting 26 miles per gallon. If I ratchet it up to 65 miles per hour I get between 32 and 35 miles per gallon. After a while you get a good grasp of where your car will run the most efficiently.

INFLATE YOUR TIRES NOT YOUR EGO

People probably get tired of hearing it but keeping a close watch on your tire pressures makes a big difference. My tires are rated for a maximum of 44 pounds per square inch and I check them once a week. It’s not uncommon to lose a few psi per week and before you know it you have more tire surface area coming into contact with the road which, in turn, causes more drag which costs money in increased gas consumption. Changing the ingrained gas guzzling driving habits that have accumulated through decades of driving can take time. Once you start though, it can be fun as well as financially rewarding. Don’t take my word for it. Track your miles per gallon and total fuel expense for a month, driving with your normal driving habits. Then try these gas-saving techniques and compare the numbers. You just may like driving like your Grandpa Earl.

Other renowned car manufacturers like Ford, Volkswagen, Renault or Toyota will also have to follow the suit if they want to keep their position on the market. As a result at least 18 battery-powered models are going to appear on the market, according to experts’ speculation. And the tendency continues as some big carmakers plan to start a new line of electric cars under new sub-brands from 2013. The other companies, like Daimler, have decided to produce battery-powered vehicles under a new brand in China, together with BYD, the local carmaker. In addition, Daimler also plans to introduce small electric car under its own brands.

The analysts foresee that the implementation of electric cars on the market will put a stop to a hegemony of combustion engine in automotive industry. Many in the industry agree that together with the advent of the battery-powered vehicles, the core automotive technology can be put aside in years to come.

Although it is the European and American car manufacturers who compete to play the first fiddle in the new automotive niche, it seems that Chinese carmakers can beat them in this field. They know the technology, have the manufacturing capacity and a large market. The shift to the electric can change the way cars are designed, manufactured, driven and advertised. It can actually create a brand new group of clients who will have to be addressed in a new, original way. Even now, all the visitors to the website for the Leaf, Nissan’s new electric car are welcome by the message: “Get ready-you are about to make automotive history”.

This is a guest post written by the team of Mascus. Visit us if you would like to view some trucks for sale