Students Of Success

In the army, we called it preventive maintenance. After I retired from the Army I spent some time as a truck driver and truck driving instructor for one of the largest trucking companies in the United States. They were big on preventive maintenance as well. Later I owned my own truck, and took what I had learned and made it a part of the way I ran my business. It’s paid me back many times in NOT being broken down by the side of the road, NOT having to pay for major repairs, and NOT having to wonder if my vehicle was going to do something nasty on a long trip or a run to the grocery store.

I think it’s fair to say that most of us realize that preventive maintenance, rotating tires, changing oil, checking the battery and the cooling system, is the most important aspect of car ownership that prolongs the life of the vehicle and cuts maintenance costs.

However, of all the preventive things we can and should do to keep our car running efficiently and perhaps improve the retail value, there is one act which is consistantly recommended by car care specialists. Regular oil changes.

Long engine life depends on regular oil changes, and the engine itself is one of the most expensive components to replace or repair. The oil within the engine does not simply lubricate moving parts thereby saving direct wear and tear by friction. The oil within the engine, at its most efficient, helps provide a cooling function. This is very important for long engine life, as heat is the great destroyer of most machines, including the engine in your car.

Oil breaks down over time. Simply put, it loses its ability to lubricate the moving parts within the engine. This allows wear and tear through friction and breakdown of seals and other components through heat. In addition to the normal breakdown of the oil, it also becomes contaminated by things such as dirt or antifreeze. Even the additives in oil, which are there to improve its performance, gradually begin to breakdown themselves.

As the oil and the contaminants begin to lose their original ability to lubricate and cool the engine and its parts, they begin to form sludge that begins its own wearing process as it also impairs the efficiency of the engine.

Severe types of driving take their toll as well. You don’t do any driving under severe conditions? Here’s a surprise. If you do a lot of stop and go, short trips to the store or mall, or drive in cold weather, you are driving your car under severe conditions. Even a car parked for a long period of time is subject to oil contamination due to moisture accumulation.

The usual recommendation once was to change your engine oil every 3 months or 3,000 miles, whichever comes first. This is still a reasonable rule of thumb, but if you do drive under severe conditions, you may want to consider changing oil a little more often, and always change the oil filter as well. You should check your owner’s manual to determine what the manufacturer of your car recommends.

Make sure that you are using the correct oil for your vehicle. The type of oil required should be listed in your owner’s manual. If you don’t have an owner’s manual, a call or visit to a local automotive parts store or garage should turn up the correct information. While many prefer certain brands of oil, the brand or price is less important than the frequency of the oil changes. The idea is to change the oil before there is a chance for breakdown of the oil. If you think you might go too long between oil changes, you might want to use a synthetic motor oil, as these tend to retain their lubrication affect longer and more evenly than standard petroleum based motor oil.

While this article is fairly specific in nature and deals with mainly one item in a vast range of maintenance points, you can learn more about oil changes and other maintenance issues by visiting such sites as http://www.aoca.org/, the web site of the Automotive Oil Change Association.

Regular oil changes, and this includes changing oil filters as well, are probably the most effective means of prolonging the life of your car, and its value as well.

The author is retired from the Army after 21 years of service, has worked as an accountant, optical lab manager, restaurant manager, over-the-road longhaul truck driver and truck driving instructor. He has been a member of Mensa for several years, and has written and published poetry, essays, and articles on various subjects for the last 40 years. His experiences as a longhaul truck driver who owned his own truck led him to follow-up on various methods of saving money on operating costs while prolonging the life of his equipment. You may learn more on this subject at http://lube2005.com

A friend recently made the comment: “You never really look at a pickup truck and say, ‘Wow! That’s a good-looking vehicle.’ “

I’d never thought about it his terms, but his words rang true. His comments also made me laugh because we were discussing the Honda Ridgeline, the new compact pickup truck.

When I first noticed the truck, I immediately thought, “Well, that’s the first Honda I don’t like.”

Introduced last year at car shows and first made available nationwide earlier this year as a 2006 model, the Ridgeline could be categorized as the anti-pickup truck. But I didn’t know that until my weekly test drive.

The Ridgeline just doesn’t look like a Honda, and it looks more futuristic than functional. But just like the Element, which didn’t fit the sports utility mold when it was introduced, Honda’s new pickup up distinguishes itself quickly and on many levels.

My weekly test vehicle was RTL version, the top-of the-line of five options. Like the lower-priced RT and RTS models, the RTL features a 3.5-liter, 255-horsepower V6 with a 5-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive. It’s the only powertrain available.

The four-door Ridgeline also features a five-foot-long cargo bed. It includes independent rear suspension and a unibody construction. The cargo box is made from dent-free plastic with a steel-enforced floor and locking trunk bin.

Standard throughout the line are 17-inch wheels, bucket seats, a 60/40 split rear bench seat, anti-lock, four-wheel disc brakes and a rear window with a power-sliding center section. The RTL edition also includes a navigation system, leather upholstery, heated front seats, heated power mirrors and universal garage door opener.

The standard features inventory is long and varied, and includes: AM/FM/6-CD changer, MP3 player, satellite radio, automatic air-conditioning, alloy wheels, map and cargo box lights and steering wheel radio controls, among numerous other equipment gadgets and technology.

Driving the Ridgeline, however, is even more impressive. In short, it drives like a car. And while Consumer Guide describes the ride as “exemplary for a pickup,” the qualification isn’t necessary.

With its upright, firm seats, fine steering and handling, expansive leg and head room, smooth and sturdy steering and handling and quiet ride, the Ridgeline simply shines.

A few unique offerings, including deep, plentiful and perfectly located storage compartments and trays, and a cavernous, sliding console between the front seats further add to the Ridgeline’s fine use of space.

The front backs seat rubber floormats are secured with easy-to-use toggles. When not needed, the mats remove easily, revealing stylish carpet.

Honda uses the marketing motto: “We put everything we know into the Ridgeline. What will you put into it?”

That seems like the perfect question. It also quickly defuses any disparaging initial comments made about the vehicle — whether from the public or from an unknowing car review who’s now been enlightened.

The Weekly Driver: 2006 Honda Ridgeline

Safety features – Dual front airbags (standard); front and side curtain airbags.

Fuel Mileage (estimates) — 16 mpg (city), 21 mpg (highway).

Warranty – Bumper to bumper, 3 years/36,000 miles; Powertrain, 6 years/60,000 miles, Corrosion, 5 years/unlimited miles.

Base price range — $27,700-$34,640.

When a business owner decides to invest thousands of dollars in a compressed air system, he is going to be looking for quality, dependability, and a manufacturer he can trust over the long haul. While Ingersoll Rand has had its ups and downs as a company, it has been in the compressed air system business for over a century, and it pretty much has the market cornered on portable air compressors. For the past few decades, it has dominated portable air compressor sales by 40 and 50 percent. The three other largest sellers of portable air compressors–Atlas Copco, Sullair and Sullivanmake up only around thirty percent of sales combined. Ingersoll Rand air compressors have made their way into markets as diverse as automotive, electronics, food and beverages, iron and steel, pharmaceuticals, pulp and paper, and textiles. Ingersoll Rand not only manufactures air compressors, however, but also all the tools and technology used with them, and they provide a mind-boggling selection of compressed air system services ranging from installation to efficiency evaluations.

Even the United States government buys air compressors from Ingersoll Rand. The United States Army, for example, decided to pay almost $700,000 to have their old portable air compressors rebuilt in addition to buying air tools and padlocks from Ingersoll Rand. Over 1000 portable air compressor units manufactured by the corporation have been in use by the army around the world since the mid 1980s. The army, however, isn’t the only government agency that buys Ingersoll Rand air compressors. The United States Air Force recently signed two contracts for portable air compressors that could equal as much as $16.5 million for the corporation over the next five years. They already bought close to a hundred portable air compressors and may end up buying as many as 1500. In addition to air compressors, the corporation will also sell the air force spare parts. The Air Force said in a statement made by Ingersoll Rand that they chose the corporation because of their reputation for quality and because of their commitment to service.

The United States government isn’t the only government that buys Ingersoll Rand products in large quantities. The corporation is also supplying a variety of products for the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China. Currently, over 50 portable air compressors are being used on construction projects for subways and roads in the capitol city. The Beijing Tunneling Construction Company and the Beijing Road Construction Company bought the compressors for around $1.5 million after hearing about Ingersoll Rand at an information session for construction companies working on projects for the Olympics.

http://aircompressorsweb.com
How to decide between the variety of Air Compressors available

Shopping for new wheels can either be a frustrating experience or it can be rewarding one. If you follow these suggestions, it will be fun, rewarding and you’ll save a lot of leg-work and money.

Are you looking to spice up your ride with a set of new rims? When you have a vehicle that you’re proud of, its only natural that you want it to look the best it can look.

And there’s no better way to jazz up your vehicle than by giving it new rims.

There’s a few things that you should know before you go out looking for new rims. And you’ll want to keep a couple of things in mind.

Where Do I Go Shopping For New Rims?

You have many options:

• you can go down to your local auto dealer
• you can look in on a specialty auto after market store
• you can stop in at a tire/wheel retailer

You’ll be able to find some rims….you may even be lucky enough to have a fairly good selection to choose from.

But if you’re looking for a really great selection of unique rims to choose from, then you need to look online. Shopping online offers you a whole new world of choices.

When you shop online, you aren’t limited to just what the retailers in your area have to offer you. Now you can shop for rims in every store, in every town, in every state, in every country. As long as they have a website.

Why Is A Wide Selection Important?

It’s important to have a wide range of choices when you’re buying new wheels because you want your vehicle to look unique and you want rims that fit your particular vehicle.

Online you’ll see a huge selection of styles and brands in chrome and alloy.

However, if you’re one of those people looking for something really special, you’ll find colored wheels, rims with colored lug nuts, rims with lights in them and even wheels with “diamonds” on them.

What Do I Need To Know When I Buy Online?

Look for a site that offers reviews. Many online merchants will provide customer feedback so that you can see how people feel about their decision to order from the site.

Shipping cost can be a concern for some people shopping online. However, some online stores offer free shipping direct to your door. We know of one that will ship to your installer if you prefer.

But be careful. Some online merchants require that you buy tires from them as well in order to get free shipping.

As with anything that you buy online, be sure to only shop on a website that is secure. You’ll have to give your credit card info, or us an online payment system such as PayPal, so make sure that the site provides a secure shopping cart before giving your personal information.

What Else Do I Need To Know?

Obviously, you’ll need to know what size you need. This information will be in your vehicle user manual. If you don’t have the manual just go to a tire store or car dealer and ask for their help. You’ll find them more than accommodating.

Why Should I Buy New Rims?

Some people buy new rims to jazz up the appearance and make their vehicle look sexy. Others buy after market wheels to improve the performance of their vehicle. When you get a mix of appearance and performance in your rims you can actually improve gas mileage as well as the handling of your vehicle.

Alloy wheels may actually reduce wear and tear on your brakes. Alloy rims reduce the heat that results during braking.

And lastly, unique and sexy wheels will definitely add value when it comes time to sell.

So, remember, buying new wheels can be fun and you can save a lot of money by shopping online.

Bob Martin says “Don’t buy any new rims before you look at this today.”

This article is a copyrighted work and does not come with reprint or resale rights and may not be altered or changed in any way including the resource box. The site owner acknowledges that by using this article they accept this condition. The only exception being to bold the appropriate copy i.e. headlines and subhead text.

I am sure everyone at one time or the other has left the head lights or some other electrical device on and drained your car battery. You may not need to run out and purchase a new battery. A car battery charger can save the day. They are relatively simple to use and operate. Just follow these simple steps and soon your car will back to normal.

1) First, remove the battery cables from the terminal posts. Remember to remove the (-) negative cable first. (This cable is usually black) and then the (+) positive cable. Don’t forget that all your stereo settings will probably be lost when the power is cut off.

2) Now you are ready to hook up the car battery charger to your car. But first, read the owner’s manual and insure that the model charger you are using is suitable for your car. Now, hook the (+) positive cable (red) to the positive terminal and then the (-) negative cable (black) to the negative terminal.

3) Now plug in your car battery charger and switch it on. Al light or some other indicator should turn on. (Consult your owner’s manual)

4) Wait for another indicator to come on to show that the charge is complete. Remove the cables starting with the (-) negative cable (black) first and reconnect your battery.

If your car still fails to crank up, you may have to purchase a new battery or there may be a more serious problem.

Jason is the webmaster for Red Hill Supply - Online Air Tools

Find a Car Battery Charger Here - Red Hill Supply

Mazda is continuously upgrading and sprucing up its line up of vehicles. This automobile manufacturer is also making sure that not only their vehicles are upgraded but they make sure that their services for their customers world-wide are also given excellent deals and superb services.

Recently in Japan, Mazda is putting its Spiano Micro-Minis on sale. These are model cars from the automobile company. And this act has been done so as to be able to give two new Spiano models space when they come straight to the company’s vehicle line up. These two Spiano models comprise of the XF model and the SS model.

The Mazda Spiano XF model has a more fashionable exterior compared to the SS model. It is actually based on the previous Spiano X model. On the other hand, the Spiano SS model has a stronger engine compared to the previous model as well as compared to the XF model. It has been based on the Turbo model of the same make.

The Mazda Spiano Micro-Minis bear a tag that is quite affordable, especially for those who are interested in the Mazda brand of vehicles. The manufacturers recommended retail price for these vehicles range from 997,500 yen to 1,386,000 yen which when converted to US dollars is $8450 to $1,750.

Aside from getting its vehicle line up ready for new vehicles to come, Mazda in Japan has also come up with another brilliant idea to further customer care satisfaction. Over the internet, their built-to-order website, which is named Web Tune Factory, has been tuned up. The ability that the Web Tune Factory has at present is the chance to give their customers the ability to create their own customized Mazda car. In fact, customers are given a wide range of choices as per customization of any Mazda vehicle. There are around 8,500 optional equipment combinations that a person has to choose from. And the site also has 22 Mazda vehicle models available in Japan for customers to choose from.

Mazda continually makes sure that their customers around the globe are satisfied with their products. Mazda parts and Mazda 323 Parts just does the same. This online auto parts dealer Mazda Parts and Mazda Auto Parts make sure that each and every part that they make, like their Mazda 808 parts, are given durability and functionally so as to not disappoint their customers worldwide.

Mazda Parts and Mazda Auto Parts,
Mazda 323 Parts,
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Margaret Adams is the present manager of the largest auto manufacturing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This 35 year old maiden is a certified car enthusiast.

If you do not want to spend a lot of money building a garage protecting your Truck or RV then you should consider a Truck Canopy.

Canopies are a low cost way of protecting anything from cars to boats and even tractors. These lightweight structures are made of a very light but durable material which can withstand any weather conditions. The great advantage of a canopy is that they come in all sizes. If you have a small pickup or even an 18 wheeler you will be able to find a canopy that will fit your needs. The most popular is the All Purpose 10′ X 20′ 8 leg canopy which creates a lot of opportunities for outdoor protection. The shelter includes a white, full-valanced cover and foot plates for stakes. Slip-fit connections make assembly painless. The durable frame is structured from 1 3/8-inch diameter, powder-coated steel tubing.

If you had a slightly longer truck then you may consider the 12 x 26′ Tandem Commercial Grade Canopy. This commercial-grade canopy provides you extra space for your shelter needs! At 12′ wide, there is plenty of room for walking around a vehicle, and at 26′ long, you could protect an extra-long Truck, RV, boat or position several tables for a family reunion in the shade. The 10-leg frame is constructed of 2-inch diameter, powder-coated steel tubing and features slip and connections for durability and easy assembly. The white cover is UV-stabilized, waterproof polyethylene. The price for a canopy of this size can range from $450 to $650. Good quality and size doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. The great thing about this canopy is that although its versatile to use for any occasion you could also rent it out to others wanting to use it for an outdoor wedding or party.

There are accessories that come with these canopies. You can either have the configuration in such a way that you just have the roof with the side legs showing. If you want a more enclosed look then you can opt for the side walls which will totally enclose your truck in instances where you need more protection from the weather, or just want to keep your vehicle out of site.

The price of canopies varies and this is usually in line with its size and the accessories that you may want. For a simple canopy like the one mentioned above you can expect to pay in the region of $150 to $350 but these can range up to as high as $1000 and over. There is usually no compromise on quality in the price range as all canopies are made to a very high standard.

The most important and convenient aspect of buying a canopy is that you can do it online. You can browser online stores and have your canopy delivered to your door for as little as $10. In most cases you will find that delivery is free depending on the size of your order.

Grant Marwick is a freelance writer and owner of http://www.canopy-center.com where you will find advice and more articles on Truck Canopies

Volvo Cars is the brand under which the Volvo S40 is running under. The Volvo S40 is a sedan and it is a compact car. This vehicle actually filled the spot and niche that the Volvo 440 left behind when its production was halted. Going back to its history, automobile aficionados could definitely say that there has already been two distinct and different models for this vehicle line. The first generation was actually launched back in the year 1995. As per the second generation, they have been launched just recently, in the year 2004. At present, this second generation of Volvo S40s are still being continuously manufactured, marketed, and sold to the general public. It has been said that its main and primary competition in the market are the Acura TSX, the Audi A3, the BMW 2 series, as well as the Infiniti G20.

If you do have some $24,040 for a vehicle, then you can most certainly own the Volvo S40. Volvo markets this vehicle as an attainable sports sedan which not only delivers power and has a good handling, but it also provides its drivers and passengers fun every time it is driven. As per the color of the exterior of the Volvo S40, the choices are Black, Ice White, Passion Red, Silver Metallic, Flint Gray Metallic, Barents Blue Metallic, Brilliant Blue Metallic, and Electric Silver Metallic.

The Volvo S40 parts has been made available with various features so as to provide not only a superb driving and riding experience but also to give its passengers a comfortable and entertaining one as well. The list of features that this vehicle hold include the Stability and Traction Control system, daytime running lights with projector type low beams, rear fog lights with auto off, headlight washers, bi-xenon headlamps, a collapsible steering column, energy absorbing interior, driver and front passenger supplemental restraint system, inflatable side curtains, an overhead-mounted seat belt reminder lights, padded head restraints, a security system, a safe approach and home safe lighting system, an emergency trunk release, a cruise control system, a trip computer, and an outside temperature gauge among many others.

Volvo has also made sure that Volvo S40 owners and interested parties could have choices with regards to sprucing up the vehicle and this is the very why the company has created a line of Volvo S40 accessories to not only provide customization and personalization but also add to its functionality and also its aesthetic features.

Volvo Parts and Used Volvo Parts

Volvo S40 parts

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As a former news correspondents for an auto-related websites, Kevin has gathered extensive knowledge and experience in the automotive industry. This 34 year old father of three from Pennsylvania is a genuine car lover.

Automobile insurance is an increasing expense for almost all
Americans. We can’t afford to have it, and we certainly can’t
afford to not have it. When researching insurance companies and
comparing policies, it is a good idea to follow these easy
guidelines to get the most coverage for your insurance dollars.

Get auto insurance quotes from as many carriers as you can.
Insurance rates may vary drastically depending on the year and
model of your car, the and the type of coverage you need.
Consider as high a deductible as you can reasonably afford,
since higher deductibles translate into lower automobile
insurance premiums. And review quotes and policies carefully to
make sure you are only paying for coverage you really need.

After you have gotten quotes from different carriers, it is a
good idea to create a spreadsheet to help you avoid comparing
apples to oranges. Set up a scenario with car repairs and
medical expense to best compare the coverage differences under
real-life situations.

Once you have chosen the two least expensive insurance policies
for the coverage you need, contact a reputable body shop in your
area for a referral. Automobile body shops deal with insurance
companies every day, and you want to make sure the company you
send your premiums to each month will be responsive and fair if
you have to make an insurance claim.

There are many insurance carriers that I deal with in my body
shop on a daily basis and a few of them I absolutely hate to
deal with. These companies nickel and dime the body repair
estimate to death, and they drag their feet at making payment on
the claim. What does this mean to you? Slower repair time and
possibly diminished repair quality due to over penny pinching. A
few dollars difference in annual premium to get a higher quality
carrier may save you a world of hassle in the event of an
automobile accident.

Learn about Car
Repair

According to some people, the proper knowledge of chemistry and its effects on gas and fuel could assist you greatly in stretching your dollar. This is because experts in chemistry explain that gas actually becomes denser in cooler temperatures. Now, gas pumps measure the volume of the fuel and not the density, you would be getting a better and greater amount of gas for your money if you purchase this commodity during cold weather. That is the very reason why people offer a piece of advice when buying gas: buy in the early morning or at night. This is when the temperature is cooler compared to the temperature during noon time.

However, this is only a small part of keeping your costs when it comes to driving lower. Automobile experts have come up with tips on how to further reduce your driving costs.

One of the tricks up these experts sleeve is to use the vehicle when only necessary. People have become very dependent on their vehicles so much so that the simple and short trip to the mall would require them to still use the vehicle. This is despite the very fact that one could simply take a short walk to the mall to get there. Or, short trips could also be done by riding a bicycle.

Two percent is reduced from your fuel mileage if your car has under inflated tires. So it would be best to check your car’s tire pressure regularly. Experts recommend that you check your tires monthly. If your tires are under inflated, it also means that it is very much prone to wear and damage which is another added cost to driving.

By keeping your speed within the limit, you are actually saving up to 20 percent of fuel. So, be sure that you obey those speed limits. Also, do not accelerate or brake suddenly if not required. These use up a great amount of gas that, when combined, costs you a great deal of money.

Air conditioning also uses up fuel economy from a low of ten percent to a high of twenty percent. It also uses up your battery and drains it. Use the wind during sunny days. It would be more fun to drive with the wind in your hair. Also, excess weight on your vehicle tends to gobble up your fuel. Reduce the amount of cargo or luggage that you have.

Damaged parts also equate to losing gas. This is primarily because the whole car system has to work double time to keep the vehicle running well despite the fact that some parts are not running well. Automobile experts recommend that you replace these parts immediately rather than spend more on gas. Auto Parts Discount is one auto parts store that offers quality parts at low prices. They are well-known for their topnotch Audi parts and accessories.

Auto Parts Discount,
Audi parts,
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Joe Thompson is the owner of a successful auto body shop in Ferndale, California. This 38 year old is also a prolific writer, contributing automotive related articles to various publications.