Buying a Camper is such a great idea and you do not even have to spend thousands of dollars over a new one. It is maybe a useful car to own but a new one can be more expensive. So save your money over buying a slightly used camper. This is actually done by many to cut that huge expenditure on buying stuff for the cars. So, buying a second hand camper is just another practical move you can do. But how are you going to choose the used camper?
You have to check for the right source of the used camper you are going to purchase. Make sure that the site or the store where you are going to get your camper is a reputable shop to avoid fraud.
Now, visit the store and see it for yourself. Choose the used camper for your car. Then check whether the camper is water damaged. Usually, there are stores that sell water damaged campers and they are tagged as used. You can easily identify a water damaged camper if the ceiling is sagging and the paneling walls are soft.
Let a professional mechanic check the camper before purchasing it. Your mechanic is the best person to talk to in terms of these matters. You can also bring a friend or a family member with reliable knowledge on choosing the right kind of camper.
Make sure that all parts of the camper works well. Fixtures must be working properly so you won't just waste your money buying crap. Flush the toilet, run the water in the sink and check the electricity to see if the camper is functioning well.
You must also look at the all the appliances included with the camper like the generators, air conditioners, water system and furnace. You should also ask the seller problems he encountered with the camper especially with the features included in it.
Check the interior and the exterior of the camper. If you notice a little sound on the camper, inspect the tires and the roof of the vehicles. Drop the item if you are not sure the camper really works well.
Make sure to ask the copy of receipt from the previous owner of the camper. This will make sure that the camper is legal. And frequent mechanical problems is an indication that the camper is not a good buy.
“As the weather cools off and the leaves begin to fall, take some steps to prepare your vehicle for the cold months ahead. A little preventative maintenance can go a long way,” says Mark Salem, the talk show host of Under the Hood, a car-care show on KTAR 92.3 FM in Phoenix in an article published at TheAutoChannel.com. Mark is an ASE Certified Master Technician and the owner of Salem Boys Auto, an auto-repair facility in Tempe, Arizona as well!
People adjust in various environments. If we’re not ready enough to adapt to the changing conditions around us, we’ll end up immobilized and sick! Just like our vehicles, they also need the right adjustments when seasons change or else they’ll stay worthless in the garage. That’s why before fall and winter shadows our town, make sure that your car has been maintained well to guarantee an efficient performance during the cold season. No matter how hot your Nissan 200sx radiator is, you are still required to check all the vital components of your vehicle to ensure a smooth-sailing ride on a windy and snowy highway!
“Don’t wait for signs of car trouble to alert you to a problem with your vehicle, especially as cooler weather begins to set in. Instead, be proactive when it comes to preventative maintenance and increase the engine life of your vehicle. You may also save yourself some potential hassles in the process,” added Salem.
Here are bits of useful stuff that you can apply on your car for a cold-free winter driving experience courtesy of Mark Salem and www.theautochannel.com:
1. Engine Tune Up - Dig up engine problems such as hard starts, stalling and hesitations and correct them ASAP. Cooler weather makes present problems bad. Waiting to address an issue will often charge you more.
2. Cooling System - Allow your cooling system flushed and filled according to the suggestion found in your owner’s manual. The level, condition, and concentration of the coolant should be verified from time to time.
3. Oil - Consider switching to one like Mobil 1 0W-30 or Mobil 1 5W-30 if you’re not already using artificial oil. The thickness of oil will assist your car to function more efficiently, making it easier for your car to start in cooler temperatures.
4. Battery - Check the vehicle’s battery power. Clean all surfaces of the battery and make sure all the connections are tight. Dirty cables and loose battery connections can cause electrical system problems.
5. Brakes - Keeping your brake system in good shape is a major priority because the brakes are one of the most important safety features in your vehicle.
6. Tires - Examine your tires’ tread, checking for excessive wearing and side wall damage. Replace worn tires on time and regularly rotate the tires on your car.
7. Heater and Defroster - Don’t stop checking the heater and defroster to make sure they are working right before the cold weather arrives.
As of 11AM Eastern time this Monday, the United Auto Workers (UAW) are picketing and has decided to strike General Motors. This came after talks between the union and the automaker seemed to have stalled. Edmunds' AutoObserver.com recently reported that the reason for the UAW strike is because General Motors is treating the talks between them as a one-way street.
According to UAW president Ron Gettelfinger, the automaker expects the union to comply with their requests. But at the same time, it is expecting that it will not give anything in return. This apparently has angered the union. Gettelfinger added that as of last Thursday, they were under the impression that the automaker does not care if the union strike against them.
The United Auto Workers is calling for better job security especially for those who are working at assembly facilities in Fairfax, Kansas; Spring Hill, Tennessee; and Lordstown, Ohio. These auto assembly facilities have no future production planned yet. If these plants are closed down by the automaker, a lot of workers will be out of jobs. In an email sent by Gettelfinger to local UAW leaders, he said that: "We thought we would be able to accomplish this no later than this weekend, but our efforts have been to no avail. While we have made progress in many areas, GM has failed to address major concerns."
Meanwhile, the automaker released a statement saying that they are disappointed with the call for a national strike. "We are disappointed in the UAW's decision to call a national strike. The bargaining involves complex, difficult issues that affect the job security of our U.S. workforce and the long-term viability of the company. We are fully committed to working with the UAW to develop solutions together to address the competitive challenges facing General Motors. We will continue focusing our efforts on reaching an agreement as soon as possible," the automaker's statement reads.
This development is surely something that the industry does not need. It will only harm the automaker, the union, the workers, and in the end, the economy of Michigan. As Edmunds' AutoObserver.com Senior Editor Michelle Krebs put it: "A strike is good for no one: not for GM, the UAW, the Detroit area and other GM towns, nor the global economy. But, the economy and car market are relatively soft, and GM has a reasonable stockpile of inventory - companywide, the average is 87 days’ worth, above the industry norm of 60-65 days."
If you want to be the owner of the first 2008 Dodge Challenger, you should get ready to shell out some big bucks since you will have to outbid a lot of people like you who all also want to own the first 2008 Dodge Challenger. Chrysler recently announced that the first two units of the all-new 2008 Dodge Challengers will be put on the auction block. Proceeds of the bidding will go to charity.
The 2008 Dodge Challenger is said to be the epitome of the modern American muscle car. Although environmentalists will be aiming to discourage people from buying such a gas-guzzling vehicle, it should be noted that modern vehicles such as the 2008 Dodge Challenger need not burn a lot of fuel to produce a lot of horsepower. The production version of the said vehicle will make its debut at the Chicago Auto Show on February 6 next year.
"Dodge is thrilled to build on the excitement of the countdown to the return of the Challenger by giving consumers the chance to get one of the first all-new 2008 Dodge Challenger vehicles produced," said Mike Accavitti, Director - Dodge Brand and SRT Marketing according to theautochannel.com. "The Dodge Challenger is an icon and the revival of this storied nameplate has enthusiasts chomping at the bit to get one. Consumers now have the opportunity to not only own the car of their dreams, but to help those in less fortunate circumstances as well," he continued.
All the Dodge Challengers that will be auctioned off will all be Street and racing Technology or SRT models. Performance enthusiasts are very familiar with this trim level. Aside from having a HEMI engine, the Dodge Challengers will also be equipped with a five-speed automatic transmission although I think a manual will be a better fit for performance enthusiasts. It may also come with a Dodge air filter recharge kit and other performance enhancing components.
Proceeds from the first Dodge Challenger will go to notMYkid, an organization geared towards understanding youth behavioral health issues such as suicide, drug abuse, eating disorders, and depression. It will be auctioned off at the 37th Barret-Jackson Collector Car Auction Event in Scottsdale, Arizona on January 12-20 next year.
The second Dodge Challenger will be auctioned in a private event for Dodge dealers. The auction will commence on the 26th of September. Proceeds from the second Dodge Challenger will benefit the United Way of Southeastern Michigan. A third Dodge Challenger will also be auctioned off on eBay.
One of the most essential safety equipments found in your car are seat belts. Almost all car makers make them as standard safety parts on cars they make. However, there is another belt that is of great importance in your car. And it may need constant attention because if not, you are going to be unsafe on the road. Every 60,000 miles requires constant change of your car belts. Now, you don’t even need to hire and pay a professional mechanic to do it because you can do it yourself. So save up and follow these simple guidelines.
Turn the engine off and pull up the hood by releasing the lever under its dashboard. Open the hood by squeezing the latch off and finally pull the hood up to reveal parts under it. Remember to lock the hood to avoid you from getting smashed by it.
The belt is found in the front of the engine. If your car is a front wheel drive, it is usually located beside the fender. On a rear-wheel-drive car, it is found adjacent to its radiator or the front bumper.
Belts can be two or more depending on your car. The belt is usually connected to its fan, air conditioners, power steering and smog pump - including water pump.
Check the normal state of your car’s belt on your manual. It is usually more than 1 inch on either direction.
Observe if the belt is functioning well. If you press the belt and a crack appears, there is a need for you to replace it.
So before you try to fix your car belts, make sure that your engine parts are cool. You may hurt yourself if you fix it while it's hot. If you are not sure you can perform the task well, always seek professional help.
If you are looking for quality belts, just like the Acura axle, online car parts shops are selling such.
Car batteries can be a potential hazard not only to the environment but for people around it as well. It can be dangerous since it contains poisonous chemicals such as lead, acid and plastic. It can be deadly if you do not know how to dispose of it properly. If you need a replacement battery and you need to purchase new batteries from a dealer, you are then in charge with the disposal of your old battery. You can actually safely dispose you batteries. Just follow the steps below.
AAA batteries can be recycled. This does not mean you have to put the AA batteries in the trash can with the green tab. There is a certain program called the Great Battery Roundup which is held yearly to help save the Earth. For you to know more about it, contact your nearest AAA official for more details.
Dispose the used and worn out car batteries in a repair store. This will cut the hassle of you disposing the batteries properly. The repair shop will also fill your car with oil and gas.
If you will purchase new car batteries, exchange the old ones with the new ones. There are many dealers in the US that allow the swapping of old and used batteries with a new one. You can visit Exide’s website for you to know more about the lead-acid laws. This will lead you to the shop where you can change your worn out batteries.
For easier disposal, you can call a local Department of Sanitation to handle the disposal of your old car batteries. There are also several Special Waste Drop-Off Sites. If your area does not have these following waste disposal services, you can contact the company that disposes household waste and include your car batteries to the trash they collect. There are companies that allot special dates to pick up these batteries for you for proper disposal.
Even now that Michelin has withdrawn from Formula One, it is still showing that it is one of, if not, the best manufacturer of tires. In J.D. Power and Associates' 2007 Original Equipment Tire Customer Satisfaction Study, the tiremaker swept numerous awards which only shows that their tires are as durable as Subaru strut mounts.
Tom Chubb, the vice president of marketing for Michelin Automotive Industry Division, said: "Receiving awards is never boring and we never rest on our laurels. We strive every single day to earn this endorsement from drivers and achieving our 10th sweep is extremely gratifying."
The latest sweep gave Michelin a total of 52 awards in the United States. But the tiremaker is not only dominating in North American soil. It has also garnered 79 J.D. Power and Associates Awards all over the world.
Some of these are in Canada:
- 2001 Best Replacement Tire for Passenger Vehicles (tie)
- 2001 Best Replacement Tire for Light Truck Vehicles
In Germany:
- 2001 Best Overall Original Equipment Tire
- 2002 Best Overall Original Equipment Tire
- 2003 Best Overall Original Equipment Tire
In the United Kingdom:
- 1998 Best Overall Original Equipment Tire (first year the award was given in the UK)
- 1998 Best Overall Replacement Tire
- 1999 Best Overall Original Equipment Tire
- 2000 Best Overall Original Equipment Tire
- 2001 Best Overall Original Equipment Tire
- 2002 Best Overall Original Equipment Tire
- 2003 Best Overall Original Equipment Tire
In Japan:
- 2002 Best Overall Original Equipment Tire (first year the award was given in Japan)
- 2003 Best Overall Original Equipment Tire
- 2004 Best Overall Original Equipment Tire (after 2004, category was split)
- 2004 Best Winter Tire
- 2005 Best Original Equipment Tire for Passenger Vehicles
- 2005 Best Winter Tire
- 2006 Best Winter Tire
In China:
- 2001 Best Overall Original Equipment Tire
- 2002 Best Overall Original Equipment Tire
In Taiwan:
- 2003 Best Overall Original Equipment Tire
- 2004 Best Overall Original Equipment Tire
And in Thailand:
- 2001 Best Overall Original Equipment Tire
- 2002 Best Overall Original Equipment Tire
Chubb added: "We are delighted that drivers continue to voice their appreciation and support for the technology, quality, performance and value of our Michelin product lines. Our record in consumer satisfaction studies validates our commitment to innovation and our position as the technology partner of choice for many of the world's premier vehicle manufacturers."
Congratulations to Michelin!
Watching the tribute ceremonies for the victims of 9/11 tragedies made me shed some tears last night… It was an emotional day for all the loved ones left by the victims… I can still feel the terror that shadowed over the place where the tragedy happen. It happened six years ago but it seems like the people haven’t moved on yet and the memories are still fresh on their minds… The campaign against terrorism has vastly been given priority by the government ever since the attacks took place.
Anyway, let’s talk about something that could help us move on and find some ways on how we give our support to the U.S. Troops like what Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. has done to be provide ways on how to support the U.S. Troops.
According to news from www.theautochannel.com, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. stated its plans to unite with America Supports You program - a Department of Defense program that acknowledges people that supports members of the U.S. Armed Services together with their families. Toyota's 2007 grassroots marketing programs will show support for the troops!
"We are really pleased that Toyota is using their very successful grassroots programs to connect Americans to the hundreds of ways they can support our troops and their families," says Allison Barber, the Deputy Assistant Director of Defense for Public Affairs and also the founder of America Supports You. "We also recognize and thank Toyota for their ongoing support of our military through programs like 'Hire-a-Hero,' which provides employment opportunities for returning National Guardsmen and Reservists. And we're thrilled Toyota is joining our America Supports You team to do even more for our service members."
"We have a civic duty to keep our troops top of mind as they defend our freedoms," relates Esmond, a recipient of the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross and Purple Heart. "Toyota is happy to help bring the America Supports You message to the public through these key, grassroots partnerships," adds Don Esmond, Toyota's Senior Vice President and former Marine Corps helicopter pilot.
Toyota is known to be an enduring backer of U.S. military-support programs. It is an established program linking its sponsorship and partner union programs with America Supports You endeavors. Programs incorporating America Supports You initiatives include B.A.S.S. (Bass Anglers Sportsman's Society), a property of ESPN Outdoors; Bass Pro Shops retail locations; country music stars Brooks & Dunn tour stops; and the Toyota-United Pro Cycling Team!
"We've always been big supporters of our military men and women. Kix [Brooks] and Ronnie [Dunn] routinely include a salute to the troops in their concert tour. When Toyota mentioned its plans, we were automatically on board with the idea," says Clarence Spalding, the President of Spalding Entertainment and manager for Brooks & Dunn.
CNN.Money.com released the top ten cars with bad reputations on their official website. I was actually looking for the best clutch master cylinder Canada in town but I was able to read these cars on the list of the top ten bad reputed cars on the market. I have the list and description of these cars. Here take a shot:
Tagged: Nerdy
AMC Pacer
Life span: 1975-80
Tagged: Unreliable
Yugo
Life span: 1986-1990
Tagged: Dangerous
Ford Pinto
Life span: 1971-1980
Tagged: Ugly
Pontiac Aztek
Life span: 2001-05
Tagged: Unreliable
Chevrolet Vega
Life span: 1971-77
Tagged: Nerdy
AMC Gremlin
Life span: 1970-78
Tagged: Dangerous
Corvair
Life span: 1960-69
Tagged: Boring
AMC Matador
Life span: 1971-78
Tagged: Ugly
Edsel
Life span: 1958-60
Tagged: Pathetic
Chevrolet Chevette
Life span: 1979-87
What happened to the European car brands? I mean most of the cars on the list are made in the Europe. But also there are some cars from the US.
Take a look at the list. The Pontiac Aztek and the Edsel are tagged as Ugly cars. If I was tagged with this reputation I'd rather be kept away in a room with the key somewhere in the bottom of an unknown river. I will never go out of the house. Imagine the word Ugly is closer to disgrace. Anyway, there is nothing scarier than the dangerous Corvair and Ford Pinto. The Chevrolet Chevette was the only tagged pathetic among the ten cars. While the AMC Gremlin and AMC Pacer are being reputed as nerdy cars. The Yugo as well as the Chevrolet Vega are known to be unreliable. Now, who will buy unreliable cars? Not me.
The masculine AMC Matador was the most boring among all the cars on the top ten list.
It was a little disappointing that the Chervette was included on the top ten list of cars with bad reputations. My father used to have that car and I see nothing wrong with it. Or maybe I was young then and I am not able to distinguish a quality car from those which are not.
I suppose that when you hear Audi, you think of fast cars easily navigating twisting roads. You are so right there. But would a charity bicycle tour cross your mind? I didn't think so too. But if you are aware that Audi has partnered as a major sponsor of Best Buddies International charity event, you would have known that the four-wheeled vehicle maker is sponsoring an event where two-wheeled vehicles take center stage.
First off, Best Buddies International is a non-profit organization which aims to encourage social integration of our brothers and sisters who are intellectually disabled. The organization was founded by Anthony Kennedy Shriver, the brother of Maria Shriver who is the wife of California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Not that the 'Governator' has anything to do with Audi.
Audi will sponsor a 100-kilometer charity bicycle tour which will start at Chateau Julien and will finish in the Hearst Ranch. The tour will be attended by many celebrities, but for me, the star of the stars at the event will be the Audi RS4 Friendship pace car which Rob Lowe, the star of Brothers and Sisters will be driving for the first 20 miles of the tour.
Lowe has this to say about his involvement in the tour: "I believe strongly in Best Buddies' cause, so the opportunity to drive a high-performance Audi through Northern California and lead so many people that I admire both personally and professionally was one I couldn't pass up."
Meanwhile, Johan de Nysschen, the executive vice president of Audi of America has this to say: "Since our partnership with Best Buddies began in June, the Audi Best Buddies Challenge: Hearst Castle is the first major event we've had the opportunity to help lead." Mr. de Nysschen pointed out that the partnership is a perfect fit for both organizations saying: "Just as Best Buddies is leading its field through innovation and a pioneering spirit, Audi's constant dedication to engineering the best cars in the world makes our organizations a perfect fit. Nowhere is Audi's commitment to social responsibility better showcased than in extraordinary events such as this, which join luminaries across many industries to a tremendous charitable cause."
Celebrities who will be gracing the event includes Clint Eastwood, Lacey Chabert, Andy Baldwin, Tessa Horst, Kim Lyons, Gunter Schlierkamp, Marla Maples, Greg German, and Adrian Pasdar.
Best Buddies founder Anthony Kennedy Shriver concluded: "Audi's commitment to social responsibility is unparalleled, and Best Buddies is incredibly grateful for the dedication the entire company has shown to our mission of friendship and inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities. With its incredible fleet of automobiles and stable of celebrity supporters, the Audi Best Buddies Challenge: Hearst Castle promises to be one of the most important charity events of the year."
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