Archive for June, 2010

Spark Plugs Offer ‘Xtreme’ Benefits

Wednesday, June 30th, 2010

The average motorist often underestimates the power and importance of a spark plug.

Spark plugs must deliver a high voltage spark within milli-seconds in order to ignite the air and fuel mixture inside a vehicle’s engine. This process provides the power a vehicle needs to operate.

Old or worn spark plugs can disrupt this process and diminish the amount of power that is generated. According to AAA, old or dirty spark plugs can reduce fuel economy by up to 30 percent.

To keep vehicles running their best, motorists should replace spark plugs according to the intervals outlined in their vehicle’s owner manual. This will not only help drivers see a difference in vehicle performance, but also could save them money at the gas pump.

For years, savvy do-it-yourselfers have relied on this quick and easy maintenance procedure to restore lost power and improve vehicle performance. Now, the average motorist can experience these benefits, too, with a new offering from Autolite.
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Are You Looking for a Luxury Car? Consider the Cadillac CTS

Monday, June 28th, 2010

Sometimes it seems that a car is far more than just a car. Talk to someone with a Land Rover and they’re sure to tell you that their vehicle is much more than just a Jeep, while Jeep drivers will tell you that their vehicles are a way of life.

Turn on the TV and you’re likely to hear that when you’re looking for a long-lasting vehicle, you should turn to a Honda, and if you’re looking for quality, you should consider buying a Toyota.

Similarly, many will tell you that if you are looking for a luxury ride, if you’re looking for vehicle that’s high on both class and style there’s only one option: you’ll have to get yourself a Cadillac.

There are going to be some who see the name Cadillac and initially dismiss it as a brand that their parents or grandparents might drive. But those who understand a need for speed, luxury styling and a manual transmission will tell you that the Cadillac CTS has everything the savvy shopper and driver may want to find in a vehicle.

First, there’s the Cadillac CTS engine – a 2.8-liter dual overhead engine with an output well over 200-horsepower – that will get you started in a hurry as soon as the light turns green or when the freeway traffic eases up.

Then there’s the interior. Proving once again that the Cadillac CTS is far from a traditional Caddy with a more youthful feel, the CTS has comfortable leather seats, an easy to navigate dash and an absence of the wood trim that many younger drivers feel is out-of-place in an automobile.

Instead, the Cadillac CTS focuses on all of the features that younger drivers are looking for – quality, luxury, responsive power, and best of all, speed. Drivers and passengers of the Cadillac CTS will find that there’s plenty of space in the front and rear seats. They’ll find that climate control is a breeze in the CTS – with all of the controls easy to access and use.

Most importantly, they’ll find that they have easy control over a high-quality stereo system – a system that is iPod friendly, making it easy to keep the stereo playing your favorite tracks whether you are driving across town or across the country on a road trip with friends.
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Auto Loans In 7 Steps

Sunday, June 27th, 2010

Is it possible to own a new car, even if you don’t have $20,000 to spend? Absolutely. Auto loans make car ownership an affordable reality, and virtually anyone can arrange for financing. If you have sufficient income and a good credit rating, you will be able to choose from a selection of auto loans.

Step 1
Choose your wheels before arranging your loan. The bank or finance company will want to know what you’re buying, and how much you’ll need to borrow. Shop around by checking automotive websites and visiting local car dealers. Once you know exactly what you want to buy, you can negotiate a price with the seller. With price in hand, you’ll find it easier and faster to secure your financing.

Step 2
Shop around for the best interest rates. There are online websites like http://www.Bankrate.com that publish surveys and polls of loan rates across the United States. The rates of auto loans will fluctuate with the market, and they definitely differ from lender to lender. Shop around to find the lowest rate and best lending terms. Checking with local banks, credit unions and even car dealers can save you money.

Step 3
Purchasing a new car is a costly, and sometimes risky business. Auto loans involve a lot of money, and you need to prevent any possibility of getting ripped off. Check with used car values to see how much your current vehicle is worth. Knowing your car’s value will help you to get the most money for your trade-in. Consult a black book or research online to find the current market value of your vehicle.

Step 4
Determine how much you’re able to spend as your down payment. Providing cash up front can help you to secure an auto loan, as it proves to the lender that you’re responsible and willing to repay. It also decreases the amount of principle and interest you’ll pay throughout the term of your loan. Some lenders require a down payment of twenty percent of the vehicle price. Remember that the value of your current vehicle may be applied toward your down payment.
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Smart Motorists Don’t Trade, They Upgrade

Saturday, June 26th, 2010

Although car trouble and maintenance costs may tempt you to get rid of your vehicle in favor of a new car, repowering your current set of wheels may make much more sense in the long run, according to the Engine Repower Council and the Car Care Council.

“When a car or truck suffers major engine damage, often the first reaction of most consumers is to buy a new or used vehicle,” said Rick Miller, ERC chairman. “In some cases that might make sense, but often it’s simply not necessary. And it’s a very expensive proposition compared to repowering your car or truck’s worn-out engine with a rebuilt/remanufactured engine.”

A rebuilt engine has been remanufactured to prescribed specifications by highly skilled machinists using state-of-the-art equipment and components. During this process, many new components are installed that meet or exceed original equipment performance standards. Frequently, rebuilt engines are better than the engines installed in a new vehicle because better parts are used, or design changes are made to correct problems with the original engine.
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