Archive for June, 2009
Do I Need Rental Car Insurance?
If you’re traveling on vacation, for business or really anywhere by plane, you’re going to need to rent a car. Every time you rent a car you’re asked the question “do you want rental car insurance?” and every time I bet you don’t know whether you need it or not. If you do go ahead and get the insurance, it will add an extra couple hundred dollars to the bill. Do you really need it or does your regular car insurance cover you when you drive a rental car?
The best way to know for sure what your insurance policy covers is to call up your insurance agent and ask. Or better yet, dig out your policy and read the fine print. Some insurance policies only cover a rental car if your car is in for repairs and that rental car is a substitute car. Other insurance policies may cover the rental car under an ‘other cars covered’ section of the policy.
There is confusion even among agents as to whether a rental is covered under a regular insurance policy. I contacted one agent that said insurance will not cover a driver in every vehicle unless you have a non owner’s policy. I contacted another insurance that said insurance only covers the car, not the driver and the insurance will extend to the rental car only if you have comprehensive and collision coverage. But if you only carry liability insurance then the coverage will not extend and you need to get additional coverage from the rental agency.
A third insurance agent told me that you should always get insurance from the rental agency unless you know without a doubt that your car insurance policy has a loss of use clause. This means that if you do wreck the rental and it cannot be rented while it is being repaired, the rental company will charge you for those days. However, if you buy their insurance they won’t charge you. Few car insurance companies offer the loss of use coverage though.
A final answer from a fourth insurance agent says that car insurance will follow the driver if there is no other insurance on the car and it’s technically called ‘excess’. Your current car insurance will cover the parts that the car’s insurance doesn’t cover up to your policy limits. You have to have collision and comprehensive coverage to have comp/coll on the rental. Your deductible will apply if you get in a wreck.
Helpful Information About Treadmill Motors
Treadmills are not all the same, and one of the ways they differ is in their motors. This does not mean the treadmill motor is the only thing you should consider when making a purchase, but it is a factor you will want to look into.
Continuous Duty Treadmill Motors
If you’ve been looking into treadmills, you’ve probably learned that it’s important to buy a model with a continuous duty motor. What exactly does that mean? Well, a continuous duty motor is aptly named, because it can run continuously without being damaged. An intermittent motor must stop to cool down and most can only run between five and sixty minutes. You wouldn’t want to stop after only a few minutes, which is why a continuous duty motor is the most suitable for powering a treadmill.
Horsepower in Treadmill Motors
Typically, motors on treadmills generate somewhere between two and four horsepower. The horsepower you need will depend on how you will use your treadmill. If you’ll only be walking, then a two horsepower motor will be sufficient. If you like to run hard, however, you’ll need three to four horsepower. 3.0 horsepower motors will provide plenty of power for a strong runner. Any amount above 3.0 horsepower is a bonus.
Warranties for Treadmill Motors
I don’t usually pay a lot of attention to warranties because I don’t plan on the things I buy breaking down, requiring me to then ship them back to the manufacturer. However, one way to determine the quality of the motor on a treadmill is by reading its warranty. Different types of warranties often apply to different parts of a treadmill. The optimal motor warranty for treadmills is a lifetime warranty. While you might not ever need to replace the motor, the mere fact that a manufacturer is willing to provide a lifetime warranty is a good sign the company’s treadmill motors are high quality.
AC versus DC Treadmill Motors
Direct current (DC) motors run quieter than their alternating current (AC) counterparts. Treadmill motors can be loud, but the pounding of feet can be loud as well. This means you might want to choose a treadmill with one of the quieter DC motors if your treadmill will be located where others might hear it. A quieter treadmill is also a benefit if you watch TV and/or listen to music while exercising.
Most of the treadmills you can buy for use in the home utilize AC treadmill motors. I realize that carefully examining treadmill specifications won’t be much fun because you’ll need to learn some unfamiliar concepts and terminology, but it can be time very well spent before you make your purchase. It only takes a few minutes to read about the characteristics of quality treadmill motors, and even more importantly, to determine the type of motor that will be best for your needs.
Restoring a Car Engine? Use an Ultrasonic Cleaner
There’s something magnificent about a beautifully restored antique classic automobile. One look under the hood of a 1930 Model 734 Packard Rumble Seat Roadster or something like Amelia Earharts’ 1931 Reo and you have to think, “They sure don’t build them like that anymore!”
While many of us can’t afford the classic cars of the 1920s or 30s there are those who like to work on old engines, coaxing new life into a recalcitrant block of 4, 6 or 8 cylinders as part of our own auto restoration project. Since it has to run to have worth, an automobile engine is usually first to be tackled. An ultrasonic cleaner is the best friend a restoration fanatic can have for a project like this.
Ultrasonic cleaners are widely used to clean engines of most any size and shape. They replace the old-fashioned solvent degreasers used in neighborhood garages of yesteryear. Perhaps you recall seeing mechanics holding engine parts under a faucet and manually scrubbing away grit, grease and grime as the solvent is re-circulated through a filter-equipped holding tank.
Now mechanics place disassembled engine parts in an ultrasonic bath. Yes, we’re talking carburetors, fuel pumps, oil pumps, pistons, connecting rods, crankshafts, camshafts, bearings, all the various gears, chains and components that together comprise an internal combustion engine and for that matter, transmissions and differentials too. The magic of cavitation does the work faster, much more efficiently and safely than any amount of hand scrubbing in a volatile solvent.
Why an Ultrasonic Cleaner Cleans so Clean
Like the old solvent cleaning system an ultrasonic cleaning system consists of a tank that holds the ultrasonic cleaning solution. Biodegradable and safe, the solutions usually come in concentrated form and are diluted to manufacturers’ specifications. Along with the tank an ultrasonic cleaner consists of an ultrasonic generator and ultrasonic transducers that are firmly attached to the bottom or sides of the tank.
When the unit is turned on the ultrasonic transducers create billions of microscopic bubbles in the cleaning solution. Engine parts are placed in a mesh basket, on a rack, or otherwise suspended in the solution and the cleaning cycle begins as the bubbles implode with tremendous force upon contacting the parts. Dirt, grime, grease, carbon deposits – all contaminants are stripped off of the parts without damaging them.
So tiny are the cavitation bubbles that they penetrate cracks, crevices and blind holes – areas impossible to reach by manual scrubbing.
At the end of the cleaning cycle parts are removed, rinsed and dried. A rust inhibitor is applied and the parts are ready for reassembly.
Operating Tips
Because it contains air, fresh ultrasonic cleaning solution should be degassed by letting the cleaner operate in a degas mode for at least 10 minutes before immersing the parts into the solution. This is because air bubbles interfere with cavitation action and slow the cleaning process.
Oils and residues that rise to the surface should be skimmed off and safely recycled. Filters can trap other contaminants and should likewise be safely disposed of. Used biodegradable solutions can be disposed of in sanitary drains. The tank itself should be periodically cleaned according to manufacturers’ recommendations.
Most Frequent Car Repairs
With any machine as complicated as an automobile, you are bound to run into problems now and then. Fortunately, the majority of car repairs involve the same common issues, so it is relatively easy to find mechanics able to repair them.
Prevention is the best medicine, as they say, and that goes for cars, too. If you know what the most common auto repairs are, you can make sure that you are vigilant of these areas and keep them well-maintained. Often, it`s worth getting repairs done before the part is completely ruined, such as with brakes. When something vital goes wrong, it could cause serious problems and even an accident, so you will want to check these frequently.
Brakes
Since we use our brakes continuously, it makes sense that they tend to wear down before many other parts on the vehicle. However, the brakes are also a very important part of the safety system in a car, so you really don`t want to wait until they fail.
The best way to ensure that you never have real problems with your braking system is to simply have it fixed as soon as you notice anything different. If you hear squealing every time you slow down or the brakes seem mushy and need to really be stomped on to stop, it`s time to head to the garage and get things checked out. It`s just not worth the risk of having the brakes give out when you need them most.
Tires
Another part of vehicles that tends to need attention more frequently is the tires. The last thing you want is a blowout on the highway, so keeping your tires in good condition and making sure to replace them with new or used tires when needed, will help keep your vehicle safe.
Things to watch for include bulging of the tires, wobbling or the wearing down of the tire tread. Have a professional check if you aren`t sure about something and keep your tires inflated the proper amount to make sure they last as long as possible.
Dashboard Lights
Believe it or not, the little ‘Check Engine’ and ‘Check Oil’ lights tend to break down sooner than many other vehicle parts. While it may be tempting to just ignore the fact that your overheating warning is on all the time, these are guides to help you stay on top of potential problems with the car and should be repaired.
Oil
One of the more frequent auto repairs required involves the motor oil. If your vehicle goes through too much, you will want to have a mechanic take a look and see if there isn`t a leak in the system that can be repaired. Without oil, your vehicle won`t function, so be vigilant of the levels and be sure to top up when required.
Lights
Taillights in particular tend to burn out and it`s easy to miss the fact that you don`t have a turn signal until the police pull you over. Electrical system failures can also cause problems. Lights are important as they are how we signal our intentions to other drivers. Incorrect use (blinking turn signals when your signal is off, etc.) can cause accidents and misunderstandings that may end up being quite serious. Check your lights, front and back, for proper functioning on a regular basis and have them repaired as soon as you notice they aren`t working.
What Makes Custom Truck Accessories Custom?
Dash covers are a popular accessory in the sunbelt states to combat the damaging effects of the sun, reduce dangerous sun glare and enhance a vehicle’s interior. A proper fitting custom dash cover will soften the plastic look of a vehicle’s interior and provide protection to the driver and vehicle dashboard.
College Logo products
Among other custom truck accessories that let you express your spirit are cool “college stuff” like hood shields, hitch covers, license plates, window graphics and seat covers. Proudly display your school’s name and logo out in front… on your bug shield. In the middle with some custom seat covers or behind with a hitch cover (doubles as a bottle opener) If your state allows it… there are also some custom collegiate license plates with 3d etching that’s the bomb.
Show your team spirit with a rear window graphic that is made of perforated vinyl and allows an unobstructed view from the inside while showing only the graphic design on the outside. Easily applied to the rear window of most trucks, vans and SUV’s. They measure 66″ x 23″ and provide full window coverage.
Custom Monogrammed Floor Mats
Custom cut for your vehicle with better coverage than most original equipment these floor mats are made from durable nylon pile carpet and vinyl ribbed backing. What makes these mats “custom” is the that they can be ordered with or without logo and/or custom embroidery. You can give your vehicle that unique look by boasting your favorite College/University or Military logos on your floor mats. Other categories include Automotive, Flags, Garfield, and more. Beautifully embroidered in full color by the same equipment used for hats and shirts.
Sooo… are there any negatives of getting a custom truck accessory? No… not if you’re going to keep your truck forever, but if you sell it to someone else and you have a dash cover or a floor mat with your name on it… the new owner might ask you to just keep it. Same goes if you have a Texas Tech bug shield or a hitch cover and you sell your truck to an Aggie.
Leather Motorcycle Vests – A Style and Size For Everyone
The latest and greatest fashion trend to hit the automotive industry is the leather motorcycle vest, which is available in a number of different styles, just about any style you can think of in fact. Some of the more popular styles include the denim style, plain laced, and cargo style leather vests.
Have you been thinking about buying a vest for yourself but are not sure which one will suit you best? There are a number of factors that you need to consider before making your purchase.
One factor that you need to consider is the level of functionality that you require in your leather motorcycle vest with regard to the number of pockets that it has. If you plan on carrying any number of items with you while you’re out on a ride, then you’ll want to consider getting a vest that has multiple pockets.
The cargo leather motorcycle vest would be great for you in this situation because it has large pockets in which you can fit a number of items with room to spare. With this vest, you won’t have to worry about where to put your wallet, or your camera, or whatever it is that you want to bring along with you.
If you’re looking for a more classy look with the leather motorcycle vest that you purchase, then you may want to take a look at the denim style version, which has the look of a denim shirt, but in leather. This vest typically comes with dual chest pockets and a collar. It basically looks like someone made a leather shirt, denim style, and the removed the sleeves.
Other styles include the plain leather vest which comes without pockets, the laced vests which come with, you guessed it, laces, and of course lets not forget the taller sizes. All of these types of vests are typically available in tall sizes for those with longer arms and torsos.
You can almost guarantee that there is a leather motorcycle vest out there for you, it’s just a matter of deciding which one you really want, and how much money you are willing to spend. You can typically expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $90 on average.
Wholesale Car Parts – Making Money Out of Selling Car Parts!
Owning a car is becoming a trend now for people longing for an easy way of transportation. To have one means they can go to places beyond their reach and can drive up to 30 miles away to workplace. This becomes a necessity of everyone in today’s world however sometimes it can be expensive, especially when it comes to maintaining the car parts.
From time to time, owners could not avoid having a problem with their cars and a large fraction of the expense of taking care of it is buying the right parts. Sometimes when the car breaks down, the price of the spare part is way far beyond what can be so affordable from the junkyard however dealers may not always have what is need. The good news is they can now purchase the car parts they need and at the same time can spend less bucks from the wholesale car parts.
Basically, purchasing wholesale car or auto parts is paying the same price as the auto parts stores themselves. The manufacturers or wholesalers sell the parts to the retailers at a lower price than what retailers would pay in the store. Thus, the retailers can increase the price for his customers in order to make a profit. When purchasing the parts directly from a wholesaler, it automatically is a savings on the car parts the retailer gets. Again, the savings is going to vary depending on every wholesaler in the car industry by searching them online.
As a retailer, using a search service online that would allow connecting to a network of potential suppliers who offers parts for various model at affordable prices will greatly increase the chances of finding what are needed by the clients. However, there is a lot of available online information about wholesale deals which are sometimes questionable by means of its legibility. In order to locate the legal and authentic wholesale suppliers, one must do thorough research and investigation of credible suppliers.
Once the retailer has established his connection with the wholesaler, advertisement with these products on eBay or making an online shop about this product can widen the distribution of information to a global market.
As a whole, this business is a kind of venture you don’t want to miss. It could lead to an enjoyable money making activity where you act as a parts-ordering middleman for local or international car part consumers.
Choosing the Best Car Audio System
Choosing the best car audio is not a difficult thing; with bit knowledge of these electronics one can easily install a good audio system in the car. The basic components of that can be installed in a car is a CD player that can play an mp3 cd and a radio receiver that can receive the radio transmissions. An amplifier and a woofer is an optional thing to be installed but now a days it is becoming a necessity.
No system is better than the system in your own home. You do have an upgraded system in your car but with the noise of the engine and other vehicles on the road it is a bit difficult to enjoy some music on the road and besides your car system in not as big as your home one because it depends on the size of your car. It is a general instruction that checks shop around it is a possibility that car audio components are often discounted so check mail-order houses and the Internet for the best buys.
While choosing the best car audio system you may need some advice of any professional. It may be good if you find someone and he is willing to help you in this matter. While purchasing new car the things already installed in it are a cd player and a radio receiver. People may like to add something new they usually add some good quality speakers, and woofers and amplifiers. Obviously it depends on the size of your car that you may like to put some amplifiers and woofers in it. Woofers are a heavy thing to put in your small car. Most auto-sound packages benefit from amplifiers that strengthen bass and high-treble tones.
Amplifiers are bulky and heavy and they must be installed under a seat or in the trunk. Speakers must be compatible with amplifiers. Unless your tuner has a bypass circuit allowing you to plug into the preamplifier, your costly amplifier will only boost the indistinct output of the built-in amplifier. Their power capacity should be slightly higher than amplifier. Unless you are highly skilled electronics, it is essential for you to install the auto-sound system professionally. It will cost you around $150 to $200 for installation, and get a satisfaction guaranteed agreement.
Fram Air Filters – Your Cars Badly Need These
The main purpose of air filters that have been designed for automobiles is that they filter the air. The air filtration from the cars results in various advantages. Fram air filters have been especially designed for all types of cars and vehicles. These can be installed in all models and sizes of cars. However, they are especially advantageous for family cars. Available in cost effective prices, these filters help you have a properly ventilated car with no excessive heat, dust and poor ventilation. During the summer time, cars are full of humidity and suffocating odors; you can finally come out of those troubles and be comfortable in your cars.
Advantages of Air Filtration in the Cars
These filters clean the air by making the air inside the car ventilated and fresh. The air inside the car is ventilated through the air, which enters into the ventilation system of the vehicles. Increased driving comfort and pleasurable ride for the whole family is guaranteed through this air ventilation system that the filters keep going with. One of the main advantages is its good effect on the health. Many people suffer from allergies against pollen and dust, which is why most of the times they avoid going out. This can be prevented through the use of these filters. The filters bring in the fresh air by filtering the pollens and dust particles. Therefore, it is healthy to have them installed in your cars and other vehicles.
It is proven that the filters help killing 98% of dust and other harmful particles from entering into your car. Not only this, but it also assures a refreshing smell throughout its use, in your car. The fragrance fills up the air in the car and does not go out, in fact the bad smell from outside is pushed out and is not let to enter the car. Make sure that you replace a new air filter after every 12000 miles of use; this will guarantee full efficiency of the product as well as its great performance. You and your car need it badly – - for breathing in a much better environment!
Car Graphic Advertising
Although it seems like there are a million of them out there, car graphic are mainly of two types: there are the advertising car graphics that most businessmen love and then there are the race car graphics that encompass everything else. Car Decals are rarely original equipment although some car manufacturers use them especially on pickup trucks.
Advertising car graphics cover everything from small magnet signs to the whole car being wrapped in vinyl. Part of the reason for the popularity is that businessmen and women want to get a good return on any investment they make and that is fairly easy to do with car graphics. The United States small business administration has said that signs- which also includes car graphics are the cheapest and most effective form of advertising there is. The main reason this is so is that unlike other forms of advertising once it is paid for then you are done shelling out any additional money. With radio or print media you have to keep buying space over and over again. Once a car graphic is installed it can last up till ten years with premium vinyl and even intermediate vinyl will last six years. During this time your ad will be seen by literally thousands of people.
There are many levels of car advertising with car magnets being the one extreme and wraps being the other. If a businessperson is on a budget then they can spend less than a hundred dollars to at least get the company name on the door. It is usually cheaper to have it done in vinyl rather than magnets and will probably last longer and look better. At the other end of the spectrum are car wraps. If your vehicle is seen by a lot of drivers it may be worth investing $3000 into a car graphic that commands attention. These vehicles are literally wrapped in vinyl with almost every square foot of surface area covered in vinyl. There are not a lot of these vehicles out there and so when one sees them they have an almost exclusive aura to them. $3000 is a lot of money to spend on one vehicle but if there are big dividends then it can be a worthy investment. The key to having an effective car wrap or any other graphic for that matter is to have a good design. If the lines are right and the colors are harmonious the ad can be a work of art in its own right.