Thursday, February 24, 2011

Off-Road Driving Tips for Snow, Hills and Water in Australia

Travelling off road in a 4WD can present multiple terrain challenges, especially in Australia where we have almost every extreme of terrain, all of which require different approaches to increase your enjoyment and safety and reduce the risk to you and your 4x4 off road vehicle. This off-road driving guide aims to give a brief summary of the best way to approach some different terrain types.

Before setting out on your 4x4 adventure, always make sure you and your passengers are wearing climate-suitable clothing and have the full complement of safety equipment including an emergency beacon, extra food and water, extra fuel, tow rope and shovel and plenty of water. The final safety precaution is always to tell someone where you are going and when you expect to get back.
**1 - Ploughing Through Snow in a 4WD**

As with mud and sand, an advanced four-wheel drive Terrain Response system can also be set for driving in the snow. Here are some additional tips for off road driving in snow.

Before you drive in snow, check which snow chains are recommended for your off road vehicle and whether they can be safely fitted to the tyres on your vehicle. After fitting, inspect them regularly to ensure the chains are taut and make sure you practice fitting snow chains before you actually need them, preferably on a sunny day.

Always use steady momentum to carry you through deep snow and do not select a gear that is too low in snow as it will spin tyres more easily, select the highest gear possible for the conditions. If the wheels start to spin, ease off the throttle and allow the tyres to slow down and regain traction. Make sure you follow the tyre and vehicle manufacturer's advice on tyre pressures.
**2 - Ascending and Descending Hills in a Four-Wheel Drive**

Wherever possible, investigate the area on foot. Always know what's on the other side of the hill. If your 4x4 has Hill Descent Control (HDC), engage it, if available, before going down.

Ascend a hill in the highest gear in which the vehicle will ‘pull' comfortably. If the gear selected is too low, the wheels will spin. If too high, you will not have enough power to climb the hill. Always approach the hill from a straight-ahead position, rather than diagonally, to avoid a roll-over and never attempt to turn the vehicle on a steep slope.

Be prepared for a failed climb. It happens to the best drivers. Work out an escape route and know where all the obstacles are.

If you are about to descend a hill, stop a vehicle's length before the descent, so you have time to make any corrections. At this point you can also get out of the vehicle and assess the land ahead. If your 4-wheel drive has Hill Descent Control, engage it. As a rule of thumb, use 1st gear low range or ‘1' on the automatic gearbox and use brakes sparingly.

If possible follow the natural fall line; the route water would take down the slope, and never roll or reverse downhill with the transmission in neutral or the clutch depressed.

Finally, never turn the vehicle on a steep slope. This could lead to sideways sliding, and if you do need to stop on the way down ask yourself one question: is it safe?
**3 - Crossing Water Safely in an Off-Road Vehicle**

Whenever possible, go across water at a ford. As long as it is safe to do so, walk a stream before you try it in a vehicle, using a stick to gauge depth and pinpoint underwater hollows.

In deep streams create a small bow wave about one metre in front of the bumper. To do this, accelerate as you enter the water until a bow wave has formed. Try to keep the wave about one metre in front of the bumper to keep water away from the fan electronics. Maintain a speed that keeps the bow wave flowing in front of the bumper and remember, the aim is to create a gentle wave, not a surfing wave!

Do not attempt to cross deep fast-flowing streams. Even shallow fast-flowing streams should be approached with extreme caution.

As you cross, do not slip the clutch as this reduces control of the vehicle. Ease off the accelerator as you approach the other side of the water and if there's a steep slope, take a look at the above guide on driving up and down slopes.

Finally, make sure you and your passengers enjoy your off road 4x4 adventures enough to hunger to do it again and always respect the environment you travel through.

source: http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/off-road-driving-tips-for-snow-hills-and-water-in-australia.html

Body kits offer a wide and flexible choice for selection

Customers pay as much attention at the time of acquiring accessories for their vehicles as they do while buying the vehicles. They select their vehicles as per their requirements and liking. Many others too would have preferred the same make and model of the vehicle and there would be very little to distinguish between such vehicles. On the other hand accessories particularly body kits offer a lot of flexibility. They are offered in a number of designs and styles which enable you to impart an individual touch to your vehicle.

Body kits are a set of items which include front and rear bumpers, side skirts, spoilers, and side guards. Each of these items is available in a number of designs and styles. One item in a particular style can be combined with other items in a different style provided they are compatible. This increases the choice on offer manifold and therefore body kits are better suited to give an exclusive touch to your vehicle. The customer will feel happy to see that his vehicle will not be lost amongst so many other vehicles.

For selecting them it is not necessary to make a round of automobile ancillary stores or refer to several catalogues. You can go online where several websites give all the relevant information about body kits. You can see there how will they look when installed on your vehicle, what material out of three or four used in making them has been used, what are the merits and demerits of these materials, and how much will they cost. This will be of great help in making a well informed choice.

When you devote so much time in selecting a vehicle and its body kits, it is equally important that you pay the same attention at the time of installing them. It will be advisable to engage a professional who knows the job Body kits meant for one make do not necessarily fit a vehicle of another make but sometimes the customers install body kits of a costlier make in their not so costly a vehicle to give it an upmarket look. You can see more about body kits at www.bodykits4me.com.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/body-kits-offer-a-wide-and-flexible-choice-for-selection.html

Why LED Lights are Better than Traditional Lights

LED or Light Emitting Diode lights may cost more than the traditional lights; but educated customers choose LED light over the other because it's long lasting, less energy consuming, more bright and less labor intensive to maintain which makes up for it's higher price. Many communities are now switching to LED lights when it comes to traffic lights, outdoor signs, headlights, taillights, front lights, flashlight, boat navigation light, home light, grow lights in the garden, TV, and many more. In the near future, LED light will replace every type of light, bulb, and lamp that is currently being used.
The operational life of a LED light is 100,000 hours which is 11 years of continuous operation. On average, it takes 8-12 years to replace a LED bulb compared to traditional bulbs which take 2-4 years. It eliminates the need for routine bulb replacement which is expensive. On the other hand, LED solar light requires only one-tenth of the power level consumed by traditional lights.
LED taillights ensure a car's safety especially on a long and dark road. They are smaller, trendier, and produce excellent exterior illumination especially in direct sunlight. This is very useful as a defense in highways to maintain safety as this gives a very direct field of light when aimed directly at a specific spot or object. It gives more visible signals to the car behind you; so driving, changing lanes, braking, turning could be safer and easier. Led lights have actually decreased the accidents from taillight deficiency over the past years.

Interior car light is important as it does not only accord to the look of the vehicle but it also illuminates properly on the outside. There is a wide range of colors to choose from like red, white and blue LED lights. Drivers can choose LED dome lights, festoon LEDS, wedge lights as their interior lights. One way to ensure satisfaction when using your LED lights is to make sure it is properly placed. LEDs are very bright and more directed so they lose a lot of oomph if not positioned properly. It is also designed according to different lighting needs e.g. to focus the beam, or as a three-dimensional light.

LED car bulb can produce the same brightness by utilizing only 80% of the total energy consumption. It produces less heat which helps to prevent explosion in case of crashes. LED light is also very light compared to traditional bulbs which produce high frequency vibration which can interfere with car performance. Make sure you aim the LEDS pointing towards the windshields of the cars behind you as engineers have created ultra shiny reflectors and lenses to make sure that every ounce of light coming out of the bulb ends up right in the right spot.

Generally, the standard LED is also less bright than the traditional bulb which explains its low energy consumption and long lasting performance. However, it can still give you're a brighter glow for a lesser energy consumption still. Simply put, if your goal is to save as much energy as possible is your goal, then LED bulb is for you. Not only LED is designed so people could spend less money on lights, but its main purpose is to enhance safety by providing better quality than usual bulbs.

source: http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/why-led-lights-are-better-than-traditional-lights.html

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Invest Less at Salvage Car Auctions

A small number of Americans will take up cars in Germany; though, for the American who at the moment lives in Germany, plans to live in Germany, or is extensively visiting Germany, the chance of purchasing a car in Germany rises. Germany can be proud of by its lengthy history of better-quality automobile built-up and its auto marketplace is as fundamental for its financial system as the car market is to the economy of the USA. Vehicles for sale in Germany are as abundant as they are in the United States. The production involves Germany's local brands such as BMW and Volkswagen as well as American and other brands. Additionally, the market includes new, used, and even salvage cars in Germany.

Some Americans could successfully use the online salvage car auctions or other online auto sales as one of the existing options. These Americans are often military personnel and their associates, governmental contractors. If in the market for a used vehicle, the individual purchaser can pass on to the Schwacke Liste which can be found in vehicle magazines or online which gives a cost guide for buying used vehicles. The process of purchase a car in Germany and in the USA is similar. Financing is available, trade-ins are established, and guaranty can be obtained. After the purchase, the car bargain hunter will call for verification of insurance as well as evidence of safety inspection, registration, and possession. The buyer will need to take these papers to the motor vehicle department in the German locale where the auto will be driven. After paying out the apt fees, he will be able to get the license plates for officially driving the vehicle in Germany.

You will surely agree with the fact that nearly everyone will necessitate a mode of moving for work, school or just running errands. Most of these persons cannot afford such spending at all due to the tight budget and can't buy a new, or even a used vehicle. One of the alternatives is to visit diverse salvage car auctions; either live auctions or they could be found online. In the Internet you can place your bids on a damaged vehicle, and keep up thousands of dollars, versus buying a new or a used car in good form. A salvaged auction vehicle is a car that has either been in an accident, or has some kind of engine trouble, and was sold for cash, instead of repairing. Vehicles that are purchased at a salvage auction yard will most likely necessitate some sort of repairs, either to the engine, or the body. This is why it's vital that the buyer should be aware of the damages, and be able to fix up the problems. The cause the vehicles are in salvage car auctions is because the cost of repair regularly overcomes the vehicle's cost. Very often it is the insurance company or the owner who decides to total the vehicle. Other reason for purchasing a car at a salvage yard is to restore a vehicle as a pastime. One is able to find many restorable project cars at an auto salvage auction. Also parts for vehicles are also available here at auctions. So if you are looking for a good deal car to fix for a cheap type of transportation or a restorable vehicle for a leisure pursuit, salvage car auctions might be your best preference.

Off-Road Driving Tips for Snow, Hills and Water in Australia

Travelling off road in a 4WD can present multiple terrain challenges, especially in Australia where we have almost every extreme of terrain, all of which require different approaches to increase your enjoyment and safety and reduce the risk to you and your 4x4 off road vehicle. This off-road driving guide aims to give a brief summary of the best way to approach some different terrain types.

Before setting out on your 4x4 adventure, always make sure you and your passengers are wearing climate-suitable clothing and have the full complement of safety equipment including an emergency beacon, extra food and water, extra fuel, tow rope and shovel and plenty of water. The final safety precaution is always to tell someone where you are going and when you expect to get back.
**1 - Ploughing Through Snow in a 4WD**

As with mud and sand, an advanced four-wheel drive Terrain Response system can also be set for driving in the snow. Here are some additional tips for off road driving in snow.

Before you drive in snow, check which snow chains are recommended for your off road vehicle and whether they can be safely fitted to the tyres on your vehicle. After fitting, inspect them regularly to ensure the chains are taut and make sure you practice fitting snow chains before you actually need them, preferably on a sunny day.

Always use steady momentum to carry you through deep snow and do not select a gear that is too low in snow as it will spin tyres more easily, select the highest gear possible for the conditions. If the wheels start to spin, ease off the throttle and allow the tyres to slow down and regain traction. Make sure you follow the tyre and vehicle manufacturer's advice on tyre pressures.
**2 - Ascending and Descending Hills in a Four-Wheel Drive**

Wherever possible, investigate the area on foot. Always know what's on the other side of the hill. If your 4x4 has Hill Descent Control (HDC), engage it, if available, before going down.

Ascend a hill in the highest gear in which the vehicle will ‘pull' comfortably. If the gear selected is too low, the wheels will spin. If too high, you will not have enough power to climb the hill. Always approach the hill from a straight-ahead position, rather than diagonally, to avoid a roll-over and never attempt to turn the vehicle on a steep slope.

Be prepared for a failed climb. It happens to the best drivers. Work out an escape route and know where all the obstacles are.

If you are about to descend a hill, stop a vehicle's length before the descent, so you have time to make any corrections. At this point you can also get out of the vehicle and assess the land ahead. If your 4-wheel drive has Hill Descent Control, engage it. As a rule of thumb, use 1st gear low range or ‘1' on the automatic gearbox and use brakes sparingly.

If possible follow the natural fall line; the route water would take down the slope, and never roll or reverse downhill with the transmission in neutral or the clutch depressed.

Finally, never turn the vehicle on a steep slope. This could lead to sideways sliding, and if you do need to stop on the way down ask yourself one question: is it safe?
**3 - Crossing Water Safely in an Off-Road Vehicle**

Whenever possible, go across water at a ford. As long as it is safe to do so, walk a stream before you try it in a vehicle, using a stick to gauge depth and pinpoint underwater hollows.

In deep streams create a small bow wave about one metre in front of the bumper. To do this, accelerate as you enter the water until a bow wave has formed. Try to keep the wave about one metre in front of the bumper to keep water away from the fan electronics. Maintain a speed that keeps the bow wave flowing in front of the bumper and remember, the aim is to create a gentle wave, not a surfing wave!

Do not attempt to cross deep fast-flowing streams. Even shallow fast-flowing streams should be approached with extreme caution.

As you cross, do not slip the clutch as this reduces control of the vehicle. Ease off the accelerator as you approach the other side of the water and if there's a steep slope, take a look at the above guide on driving up and down slopes.

Finally, make sure you and your passengers enjoy your off road 4x4 adventures enough to hunger to do it again and always respect the environment you travel through.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/off-road-driving-tips-for-snow-hills-and-water-in-australia.html

New parts on classic American cars- The dispute

There is no arguing in that the muscle cars are an important part of the automobile history in the USA and they have become an icon for the country. Many years have passed since they were firstly manufactured and although most of them have disappeared, we can still see some of the models restored and used as a primary car.

The beauty of such cars is that they look quite different from what a normal car looks nowadays. Each classic car has its own story. It may have been owned by more than ten people over the years and nobody knows how many times it has been repaired.

Some of the new owners are against replacing the old parts of the car or improving it in any way. This is actually a kind of utopia because a 40-year old car would only be a museum item if all the original parts were used. Most of them have been used constantly over the years and they got broken or the engine failed. There are other things you have to keep in mind too.

Roads are considerable more dangerous these days than back in the 70's. A city may have two or three million cars and the highways are often full of automobiles racing with more than 100 miles per hour on any type of weather. Considering this, you may want to upgrade some of the parts especially when specialized companies produce them in concordance with the original design of the car.

One simple but effective thing every muscle car owner car can do is to replace the taillights and front markers with the more effective LED taillights and front lights. These are rather inexpensive and perform much better as the intensity and response time is much better. The design of the car is even improved as these new taillights offer some amazing effects that can make a car stand out of the crowd like the Digitails taillights made by Spaghetti Engineering do.

If the technology existed back then I am sure each Camaro or Firebird would have had one of these exquisite taillights. The exterior and interior aspect remains unchanged and the performance of the car is enhanced.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/new-parts-on-classic-american-cars--the-dispute.html

A Car On Rent - Basic Requirement When You Are In LA

Los Angeles is a place where every one wants to go at least once in his lifetime. Los Angeles Region is one largest regions of the world under a name. The area is the perfect combination of various natural and man made places of tourist interest. Los Angeles, commonly known as LA, has beach, mountains, island and an urban city whatever natural beauty you expect from nature, you will find all in the city. All this makes the city and region one of the most preferred tourist destinations of the world. The area is always full of tourists round the year. The Los Angeles area is always full of people from all over the world, so it very necessary to plan your trip to the city otherwise you will have to face difficulty at the moment you enter the city. To avoid any such situation with you, plan your trip in advance so that you do not have to face difficulties while you are in the city.
Car renting is common, if you are in a vast region like Los Angeles that comprises of some splendid places to visit and have so much distance in between to cover. The whole Los Angeles region comprises of cities like Hollywood, Downtown, Santa Monica and Venice and all of these cities have many beautiful places to visit and these places are too far away from each other. The LA region is world famous for traffic congestion condition and to avoid these problems hinder your trip, book a car in advance for the time you are in the city. You can easily move around in the far flung areas of the region to visit various tourist spots, if you have your own personal means of transport. For this, you can rent a car in los angeles from any one of the car rental company out of several present in the city.

You can choose a car from the various options that are provided by the various car rental companies in los angeles region as per your interest and budget for your trip. You can either take a luxury car on rent or an exotic car on rent or SUV or a hybrid car. There are options of cars of various brands like Limousine, Bentley, Porsche, and many other big brands. The choice is yours only you have to search for the right car and the right car rental company in los angeles which can provide you the best car in the town at affordable prices. Check the facilities and services that are provided by the various rental companies of the region. Choose the best car rental which fulfills all your needs at the best affordable price. Rent a car in advance and enjoy the trip to its fullest which will give sweet memories which you can cherish life long.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/a-car-on-rent-basic-requirement-when-you-are-in-la.html

Monday, February 21, 2011

Luxury Transportation is Available With a Limo Philadelphia Service

Arrive on time to your destination with a premier limo service that is punctual, reliable, and affordable. A limousine Philadelphia service is available for your next trip or special occasion that requires transportation.

Transportation with a limo Philadelphia service will drive you wherever you want to go, worry free so you can relax and enjoy the ride. Door to door transport with a top ranked limo company is the ideal way to travel.

Suitable for many occasions such as corporate travel, sporting events, weddings, formal events, concerts, casinos, proms, bachelor/bachelorette parties, a night on the town, or any other required transportation so you can arrive in style and comfort.

A limo Philadelphia service is available to offer you many different and top-notch vehicles in their fleet. Each vehicle is licensed, regularly inspected, and insured for complete safety and customer satisfaction. You will enjoy spacious leather seating, plenty of head and leg room, and a courteous driver. Total customer satisfaction is what a Limousine Philadelphia service is offering to their clients.

Experienced and professional chauffeurs, are uniformed, reliable, have high safety ratings, and will make you feel safe during your drive. No need to worry about directions, tolls, or traffic because your professional driver will take you to your destination.

Reserving the right vehicle for transportation will depend on several factors. A limousine Philadelphia customer service agent will assist in determining the limo based on the size of the group, destination, and occasion. Limo service vehicles can include Sedans for up to three passengers to the airport for executive travel. Vans for up to ten people with plenty of room for luggage. There are also SUVs, luxury buses and mini-buses for larger groups. Overall there are a fleet of vehicles available for you to enjoy for any of your travel requirements.

Your wedding day is one of the most special occasions. Ride in style and lavish yourself with a limo Philadelphia service. The bride and groom along with their wedding party will have a clean, roomy, and all the amenities for an unforgettable "good time" getting to the reception. A first class limo is a designated driver so you can "party" and arrive like royalty in a stretch limo.

Whenever you need spacious seating, a trained driver, and a smoke free vehicle consider all your options with a limousine Philadelphia service. First class service for all your individual travel desires.

Buying and Selling Cars is Easier than Ever Before!

Finding the right automobile for your needs can be extremely difficult -even more difficult than finding parking in Town! Not only is it difficult to find something in your price range, but you must sell your current vehicle as well. Here lies the rub! What if your vehicle is a MOT failure? What if it's a non-runner? How do you offload that clunker in time to get something that can be used on the road? Well, you go online, of course!

There are online dealers who will buy your used vehicles—even if they don't run. Their network is so large and vast that they can sell a car for parts where you can't. These places will not only give you an online quote and same day cheque for that vehicle you're currently holding on to, but they'll also help you find a vehicle to meet your needs. Their online calculator usually asks for your registration, your mileage, its road worthiness—or if it's not. They will give you a fair price for your vehicle and save you the weeks and headaches that come with trying to sell it in the ads. Not only that but their system also inventories new and used cars that are available to you for purchase. When you go through an automobile broker the money will be in your bank account quicker than you could imagine, and you'll be back on the road before you know it!

Buying and selling a car doesn't have to be a headache. In fact, it shouldn't be. These online stores like Trade my Motor are quick, easy, and stress free. Before you know it you will have a cheque in hand and be behind the wheel of an affordable, reliable vehicle! So jump online and check them out.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

RV (Recreational Vehicles): Great For Travel

Traveling to various places can both be a pleasure and at the same time tiresome. It could get old when things aren't well planned and when you will find issues although on the trip. One particular way to achieve a happy, enjoyable and exciting trip is to make great plans. Plan ahead of time and discuss factors well with the rest of the corporation that way there will be no misunderstandings and no arguments.

Of course, an individual will constantly have got to be concerned about his safety, ease and comfort and protection all throughout the travel along with the vacation. If you need to travel without worrying significantly on exactly where you'll be able to discover inexpensive hotel room accommodations or where you are able to find restaurants that satisfy and meet your requirements, you are able to avail either pick to purchase your personal RV or recreational car or truck or perhaps rent one particular.
Recreational vehicles are great partners whilst out on a land trip. RV's are equipped with practically everything that you can locate at your own residence. It includes a room for you to sleep, comfort room with shower, it is possible to even have your personal refrigerator and kitchen set. This kind of auto positive fits those people who love the excellent outside at the identical time need to relax and feel the comfort of house although within the outside.

Famous artists and even the rich people have their unique RV's. This kind of vehicle is very suitable for performing artists who constantly travel around the world. Not merely are they able to rest, they may also benefit from the beautiful wonders that this globe has to offer you. When you wish to have a single, better start saving and sparing money correct now due to the fact the price tag is really pricey the similar as the price tag of the strongest stun gun ever created. You require not to be concerned about spending a lot simply because it is going to be 1 of your most treasured investments and you can use it anytime you like.

You can find some critical guidelines although in getting or renting recreational vehicles. You have to take into consideration the size of the RV that you want. Why? Substantial sized RV's are perfect for those families who are significant. If you've a little family, select the trailer that is just perfect for your family. It's going to save you funds. Make positive although that there's nonetheless sufficient space for you to move close to. Your comfort will matter.

Another crucial guideline would be to make positive that it has a good warranty. Make sure that the trailer is built with top quality and that it is going to last for a longer period of time. Remember that the trailer is employed for lengthy run or lengthy travels and it's finest that you just purchase the a single which is constructed with higher standards similar to buying high good quality stun guns for sale in the market for an individual's added protection. Same goes if you choose to rent a person. You need to take note on the distinct parts on the recreational car and see to it that it can nonetheless manage to take you for a few miles. Consult the owner with regards for the maintenance with the car or truck so you will not get trouble along the trip.

If traveling is your thing, then you may well would like to avail to the rewards RV's offer you. Not only will you've high quality time outside, you are able to also enjoy the comfort and ease and also the safety that they give.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/rv-recreational-vehicles-great-for-travel.html

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Dakar Rally - The Ultimate Driving Experience

Nasser Al-Attiyah became the first Arab driver to win the Dakar Rally after finishing the 2011 event in Argentina almost 50 minutes ahead of his closest rival. The win for Al-Attiyah in the Car class came on his sixth attempt at the title, so he's well placed to understanding how gruelling the Dakar rally experience can be.

Since it began in 1979, the Dakar Rally (formerly known as the Paris-Dakar Rally) has established itself as a major international event with three main competitive classes: Motorbikes, Cars and Trucks. Given that the race was the brainchild of Thierry Sabine, a motorbike rider who got lost in the Libyan desert during the 1977 Abidjan-Nice Rally and vowed to share his experience of the inhospitable landscape with others, it is hardly surprising that, even with its now altered route, the Dakar rally is still regarded as the most challenging off-road driving event on the planet.

The classic Paris-Dakar Rally, as its name suggests, started in Paris and finished in Dakar, Senegal. Numerous factors have caused the course, start point and destination to change on a near annual basis but the largest shakeup of the event came after the 2008 race was cancelled due to the high risk of terrorist attacks in Mauritania. As the political instability in northwest Africa continued, in 2009 the Dakar Rally jumped across the Atlantic to South America, with the course running to and from Buenos Aires via Valparaiso.

This year's event was staged in Argentina and Chile, starting and finishing in Buenos Aires via Arica. Consisting of 13 stages and covering over 9,500km, the rally took competitors through a land of contrasts, from the lowlands of Argentina, to the sand and dunes of the Atacama Desert and on to the high plateaux of the Andes Cordillera.

A total of 355 entries started the rally, including 186 in the Bike category, 39 in the Quads, 57 in the Cars category (teams of two) and 73 entries into the trucks class (teams of 2-3 drivers). As a mark of just how tough the challenge is, it's worth noting that the list of withdrawals from the rally is not much shorter than the list of initial entrants. 68 competitors in the Bikes class failed to complete all stages of the rally, as well as 16 from the Quad Bike riders, 16 Car teams and 22 Truck teams.
If you really want to know how it feels to drive a powerful off-road vehicle, you can do that in a ‘controlled environment', check out Silverstone UK's 4x4 driving experiences.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/dakar-rally-the-ultimate-driving-experience.html

Battle of the Brushes: Hand Car Wash versus a Professional Valet

Nobody likes to have a dirty car especially after the bad weather recently, but the best way of cleaning a car is often up for dispute. With prices varying widely between machines washes and different car valeting throughout the UK along with the DIY approach, it seems as though the best way to clean a car is as clear as my windscreen.

I have heard on various forums that machine car washes can actually damage or scratch your car. This has never happened to me personally and machines are obviously designed to avoid causing any damage. However, although these can be a very effective way of washing a car, and often quite cost effective and do not take much time, for me the risk of damage to my car is a slightly too bigger risk to take.

The other option is to take your car to a hand car wash or car valeting company, the prices for this do seem to vary quite a lot across the board and depends on region to region. The average is perhaps around £6, though you can find some for much less than this or get a full valet by paying not much more. The benefits of this are that it does not take long to complete at all and you are left with a very good finish. Some people have problems with hand car washes due to their bad reputation in the press (the BBC recently reported that around 80% of car washes do not operate in accordance with legal requirements) concerning money laundering and not complying with legal immigration requirements. However, despite the bad reputation in the press there are many car washes that do operate in accordance with the law and the service that they offer is certainly a good one.

Finally, you can take your bucket and sponge and opt to do it yourself. This is obviously the cheapest method, once you have initially shelled out the necessary equipment but these can of course last up to a lifetime and the results you achieve are entirely based on the effort that you decide to put in, if you can afford the energy and time to put in that effort of course!

Source: http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/battle-of-the-brushes-hand-car-wash-versus-a-professional-valet.html

Hand Car Wash versus a Professional Valet

Nobody likes to have a dirty car especially after the bad weather recently, but the best way of cleaning a car is often up for dispute. With prices varying widely between machines washes and different car valeting throughout the UK along with the DIY approach, it seems as though the best way to clean a car is as clear as my windscreen.

I have heard on various forums that machine car washes can actually damage or scratch your car. This has never happened to me personally and machines are obviously designed to avoid causing any damage. However, although these can be a very effective way of washing a car, and often quite cost effective and do not take much time, for me the risk of damage to my car is a slightly too bigger risk to take.

The other option is to take your car to a hand car wash or car-valeting-franchise the prices for this do seem to vary quite a lot across the board and depends on region to region. The average is perhaps around £6, though you can find some for much less than this or get a full valet by paying not much more. The benefits of this are that it does not take long to complete at all and you are left with a very good finish. Some people have problems with hand car washes due to their bad reputation in the press (the BBC recently reported that around 80% of car washes do not operate in accordance with legal requirements) concerning money laundering and not complying with legal immigration requirements. However, despite the bad reputation in the press there are many car washes that do operate in accordance with the law and the service that they offer is certainly a good one.

Finally, you can take your bucket and sponge and opt to do it yourself. This is obviously the cheapest method, once you have initially shelled out the necessary equipment but these can of course last up to a lifetime and the results you achieve are entirely based on the effort that you decide to put in, if you can afford the energy and time to put in that effort of course!

Source: http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/hand-car-wash-versus-a-professional-valet.html

Car Insurance and Winter Driving

Last winter's low temperatures and record snowfalls affected almost the whole country; it was the most widespread and prolonged spell of snow across the UK since December 1981 to January 1982. If last year is anything to go by, it's unlikely that you'll be spared this winter from the problem of ice on your windscreen.

There is something especially depressing about stepping out of the house in the morning to find that the air is still below freezing. This is only made worse by the realisation that you have to clear ice from your windscreen. If you've ever stood clutching a credit card and desperately scraping at a shower of frosty flakes whilst thinking, ‘there must be an easier way,' you're not alone. So here are some suggestions to make things a little easier:

You could put a sheet of cardboard under your windscreen wipers. In the morning you should be able to throw the stiff card in the boot and drive off with a clear view. Another option is to get a bucket of warm water and pour it over your windscreen. However, we wouldn't recommend this as if the water is boiling there may be some risk of the glass cracking.

If your windscreen does break, your car insurance may cover the cost. In some instances your insurance provider may even pay for any repair to the bodywork that has been damaged by broken glass from the windscreen or windows.

If you know there is going to be a frost, you could apply anti-freeze to your windscreen the night before. However it is worth bearing in mind that some anti-freezes can damage paintwork.

At the end of the day, a good old-fashioned scraper may be the best tool for the job, just be sure to clear the ice properly. In the early hours of the morning, some people drive around peering through a post box sized hole they've scratched out of the ice. The chances of having a road accident increase dramatically when vision is limited and it's also potentially an endorsable offence.

If you are involved in a road traffic accident, now or at any other time of year, reputable car insurance should be able to help with the costs. In any case, a clear windscreen should help to make driving safer. You could even find yourself enjoying the crisp, quiet mornings.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/car-insurance-and-winter-driving.html