Tires info

Is Your Car Tires Safe?

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 21:21:01 +0000

Is Your Car Tires Safe?

by: Joseph Kenny

Do you know most of the car accidents are caused because of one or the other fault in the car tires? Most of the car accident reimbursement that the car owners have to pay to the accident victims or the loss they have to incur in terms of insurance money they get is all due to fault in car tires. So, when you go out to buy a car then with all the factors like performance, brand, price, appearance, comfort, and maybe even safety, do consider the performance and integrity of the car tires as well. Even if you own a pre-owned car do make sure that your car tires are in good condition and match your car type, the kind of use it is put to and the geographical demand of the area where you live.

Reliable Tires

Remember different kinds of vehicle require different kinds of tires. So, you must do some research on your car type and its matching tire type. Do not trust the previous owner if you are buying a used car. Make sure it has compatible car tires. Tires are good for varying conditions, last for varying lengths of time, and cost varying amounts to replace. You must know what type of car tires would work the best in your area. Conditions such as extreme heat, frequent rain or snow, or heavy winter weather are some to consider when you are looking to purchase tires, or to purchase a vehicle with its unique tire needs.

Savings

Buying the appropriate tires for your car ensures lowered risk of mishap thus, lower insurance premium. Again for special usage cars such as racecars you can get a good insurance premium value if you make sure you use tires specifically made for such cars. High performance tires may cost more than the normal tires but using them saves a lot of money. Driving on tires with worn-out tread can be extremely dangerous, especially in severe weather conditions. If any accident is caused in such conditions you will not only loose money in insurance but also have pay from your pocket to reimburse for the damage caused by your car and to your car. Different vehicles need different tires and also come with different insurance rates charged by different companies that insure you and your vehicle under different amounts. Thus, make sure your car tires are safe so that you are saved from insurance hassles later on.

About The Author

Joseph Kenny is the webmaster of the insurance site http://www.insure121.com/ where you will find information, news and links to the leading providers of car insurance http://www.insure121.com/uk-car-insurance.htm in the UK.

Check That Used Car

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 10:08:33 +0000

Check That Used Car

by: Gregory Ashton

A new car may not be worth all that money you are planning on spending!

If you are on a really tight budget, and don?t care too much about the prestige of having a brand new car, purchasing a used car might be the best option for you. Why do we say that might be the better option?

All you have to do is pick up a used car listing to see that brand new cars lose anywhere from 30 to 40 percent of their original price in as little as two years. That?s a pretty steep number. Here?s another number, 65 percent ? this is the amount you save if you buy a used car that is five years old instead of a brand new one.

Theoretically speaking cars of this age, as long as they have been well cared for will perform just as well and are just as reliable as their brand new counterparts. In fact, they may even be better customized for daily use since it has already been broken in and properly set up.

Of course, you cannot discount the possibility that the used car you are looking at is not in the best of conditions. Therefore when surveying used cars to purchase consult the following tips.

1. Check the Exterior

The first thing to look at is the overall condition of the car?s body and finish. Look out for paint blotches and poor body fit. Also look for body filler. You may want to use a simple magnet to help you pinpoint suspicious spots. Finding any of these is evidence of a previous car collision.

Also look out if the car is newly painted. You may want to inquire why this is so. It may mean a major overhaul due to some extensive damage. Rust is a bad sign of body damage, so is dampness in the trunk.

2. Check Suspension

Go to each corner of the car and push down on them. If the car bounces more than once, you may need to have shocks installed.

Try nudging or pulling the wheels from beside the car. If the wheels can be nudged, or if they move in or out, there could be serious damage to the CV joints or the bearings.

If tire wear is uneven, this is indicative of bad suspension. If the car you are checking has new tires, you will have to exercise more caution and test the suspension thoroughly.

3. Check the Insides of the Car

Make sure the upholstery, odor, and condition of the car?s interior are acceptable and in line with the age of the car.

4. Take It for a Spin

Have a friend observe you while you take the car for test drive. The car should be stable and should not show signs of shifting from side to side. If so, there could be a major problem with the frame or suspension. If you can, have a mechanic look at it too.

The internet has changed the way everyone does business. Businesses have begun to explore how the internet can facilitate better, faster and more convenient operations. This has resulted in businesses that offer anything online - from selling clothes and shoes, to ordering pizza online and even searching for available realty. Believe it or not, you can even search for used cars online too.

About The Author

Gregory Ashton, your resident automobile enthusiast, bringing to you over 20 years of vehicular passion, and expertise; presents for your approval his insider secrets on selecting, buying, and maintianing the car that is ideal for you. http://www.best-car-buying-tips.com.

The Heavenly Vehicle

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 08:20:21 +0000

The Heavenly Vehicle

by: Mark Clarkson

The Toyota Celica?s name is actually a Spanish word that means ?heavenly? or ?celestial?. This vehicle was originally crafted and designed for those people who were young at heart and also for those people who desired and longed for simple transportation. Planning for this vehicle started in 1967. This vehicle lived a ripe age up until 2004. During the time of its planning and design, the Toyota Celica sported a style that was considered to be revolutionary for that time. It also became quite an influential vehicle as per the establishment of the sporty subcompact market segment.

Originally, this vehicle was equipped with a 1.6 liter four-cylinder engine. It was made available in only one trim level which was the ST form. This vehicle was a sport coupe that held two doors. It was rather an image car, not a high-volume car. It sold well during that time.

Through the years, the Toyota Celica underwent many changes in its lifetime. One of the first changes came in 1976 when the whole line of the vehicle welcomed a new model. The addition was a liftback model. This offered a sportier handling, and a higher-grade trim. It was marketed and sold as a sport-touring type of vehicle that offers greater comfort and luggage capacity than the original model that was sold.

After two years, the second generation Toyota Celica rolled off the manufacturing plants. This time, it was made available in ST and GT trim levels. It offered more safety, power, and economy than the previous models. In 1982, the third generation of Toyota Celicas came into view. And after a year, another model was added to the Toyota Celica line up ? this time it held a sportier image and it was named the Toyota Celica GT-S model. This vehicle held larger wheels, larger tires, fender flares, sports suspension, and a sportier interior that featured special seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a gearshift knob. The following years, the Toyota Celica continued to receive a variety of changes that included new engines, upgrades on its wheels, tires, and power, new luxury items added in, sound systems and entertainment systems added up, and headlights changed.

As per the last set of changes for the last batch of Toyota Celicas to be produced, this last line was made available in only two trims which were the GT and the GTS. This generation sported an aggressively styled front and rear bumpers, rocker panels, and rear spoilers. It offered a manual or automatic transmission. It also featured air conditioning, tilt steering, disc/drum brakes, 140 hp engine, six-speed manual transmission, 16 inch alloy wheels, four-wheel disc brakes, power windows, power locks, cruise control, high intensity discharge headlamps, power tilt/slide moonroof, and side impact airbags.

http://www.tpartswarehouse.com offers Toyota Celica parts and equipment needs with top of the line Toyota parts. The online store guarantees a reliable, dependable and top performance product line.

About The Author

Mark Clarkson is a 35 year old marketing consultant for a leading auto parts store. This native of Denver is also an offroad enthusiast.

Toyota Parts Online http://www.tpartswarehouse.com/toyota-parts.html

Mark@tpartswarehouse.com

Which Brand Of ATV Tires Is The Best

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 01:55:11 +0000

Which Brand Of ATV Tires Is The Best

by: Doug Mahopac

There are numerous brands of tires available on the market specifically designed for all terrain vehicles (ATVs). Quite often, when it comes time to purchase new tires for your ATV, the options are overwhelming. Although it is a great debate raging regarding which specific brand of ATV tire is the best, the question should be which brand ATV tire is the best for your needs?

There are several popular brands of ATV tires on currently on the market, ranging from the economical to the budget-busting. Tire pioneers Firestone, Goodyear, Pirelli, Dunlop, and Bridgestone produce ATV tires. These brands are most familiar with most tire consumers, as they produce automobile tires. Goodyear produces a wide variety of tires, including the popular choice for those interested in riding their ATV in muddy environments, the Tracker Mud Runner. Since the Polaris Sportsman 700 Twin was named 2005 ATV of the Year, Goodyear has become even more popular with ATV owners, since their Rawhide Grip tires are a feature of the 700 Twin.

For ATV owners wanting something out of the ordinary and are looking to after market tires to beef up their all terrain vehicle. Whether you want a tire that will out perform the typical treads available on ATVs straight out of the showroom or a tire that has a certain look that appeals to you, these after market tires are becoming more and more popular. Look to the High Lifter?s Outlaw tire if you want to lift the entire ATV for additional clearing space underneath the vehicle. If you choose this option, be sure to also purchase a lift kit so that your new tires will fit. Keep in mind that any lifting of an ATV can reduce the stability of the vehicle, so do these modifications with the utmost of care. Furthermore, brands like GBC produce fantastic tires that are designed to travel in sandy environments, specifically the Sand Shark brand of tire.

If you are interested in racing your ATV, look no further than the Maxxis brand of tires. Their popular model, the Maxxis iRazr is a great model for anyone wanting a top performance ATV tire. Also by Maxxis is the Razr, Razr 2, and Razr MX. Also for racing are tires produced by Carlisle, especially the Carlisle S-Trac Radial and the Badlands models. These models are perfect for individuals who want control without compromising their top speeds. Keep in mind that racing tires should only be used for racing and are inappropriate and dangerous for any other use. These tires have flat, knobby treads that allow the ATV to travel at maximum speed, but in turn, have decreased stability and control, especially on muddy, sandy, or uneven surfaces.

About The Author

Doug Mahopac works with ATVs http://www.1-atv-tires.com.

For Better Gas Mileage, Have a Better Car

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 18:57:08 +0000

For Better Gas Mileage, Have a Better Car

by: Ken Reno

In today's world of contemporary society, we have many cartels and monopolies, but the one, which stands out for being the most profitable, most effective, and most powerful is the one involving oil.

This is the main reason why oil prices continues to escalate in the market area. On a global basis, this high-pricing of oil is considered as a worldwide dilemma.

Hence, in order to cut down extra cost in gas or fuel consumption and have a better gas mileage, it is a must for every driver to understand and employ the different ways on how to maximize their fuel consumption with a lower cost so as to achieve a better gas mileage. Here's how:

1. Check your filter.

One of the most important factors that affects your chance of getting a better gas mileage is your car's air filter. In order to have a better gas mileage, it is important to know and maintain you car's performance by checking on its air filters. Clean air filters gives the machine's performance a considerable boost enabling it to travel farther with a lesser fuel consumption and a better gas mileage.

2. Inspect your tires regularly.

Tires in good condition can also contribute to a better gas mileage. The tires condition directly affects your car's gas mileage when the tire is "under-inflated". It tends to make your car run relatively slower than its usual pace but increases your probability of getting a better gas mileage.

3. Remove excess weight.

Based on the common belief of many, light cars do travel faster. And so, in order to have a better gas mileage, be sure to always check on things in your compartment that are no longer needed.

4. Change oil regularly.

It is very important to have a regular oil change. Usually, a car has to exert more effort if it has to wrestle with a dirty oil, thus, it consumes more gas. So, a regular oil change will enable you car to run smoothly and, therefore, acquire a better gas mileage.

5. Check your carburetor.

Carburetors can also affect your car's fuel consumption simply because car's exert more effort when grappling with a dirty carburetor. In this instance, your car is consuming more gas than you can imagine. And so, it's better to have a cleaner carburetor in order to have a better gas mileage.

6. Cut air conditioner usage.

Air conditioners can also increase fuel consumption and lessen the possibility of getting a better gas mileage because it uses extra strength to power up the compressor that boost the air conditioner's performance. If this is the case, then it will be impossible for you to have a better gas mileage. So, in order to cut down additional fuel consumption, do not use air conditioner especially when you are driving in a highway. After all, natural air is still the best for your health.

7. Slow down.

Do you believe in the old saying, "Slowly but surely?" It is highly applicable to driving. Normally, when you drive faster, you tend to put more stress on the gas pedals, right? And because you increase your speed by hitting hard on your gas pedals, you are also increasing your car's consumption on fuel. In doing so, you will have a difficulty in achieving a better gas mileage.

All of these conservation tips boils down to one common point, the better car you have and the slower you drive your car, the better gas mileage you have.

About The Author

Ken Reno is the owner of http://www.CheapGasIsGone.com

the309er@yahoo.com

How To Dispose Of Your Old ATV Tires

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 13:42:23 +0000

How To Dispose Of Your Old ATV Tires

by: Bill B. Carmel

When it comes time to replace your old and worn ATV tires, many riders are eager to purchase new tires, but many are unaware what to do with the old ones. Regardless where you live, throwing old tires in a body or water or natural environment is improper?and in many cases illegal?since the tires can corrupt nature. When disposing of your old ATV tires, be sure to do so in a proper and legal manner that will not negatively impact the environment for future generations.

More and more often, tires are being recycled and formed into all sorts of new products. From park benches to carpets, recycled rubber is a durable and economical product. When you are faced with the decision what to do with your old ATV tires, look to your local recycling company to see if rubber is accepted. Although you may not be able to place your tires to the curb if you community is involved with curbside recycling, the recycling plant may be able to take the tires off your hands. Look to the phonebook or internet to find a recycling facility near you and make a quick visit or telephone call to see if your tires are able to be recycled.

Most tire stores that provide you with new tires for your ATV will be able to take your old ones. Before you make the change, be sure to ask the tire center what they do with old tires if you are concerned about the environmental impact unused rubber causes. Also, there may be a slight fee involved with properly disposing of your old tires, so know this amount upfront in order to prevent any surprises at the cash register. The state in which you live may have certain regulations or fees involving tire disposal, and this is often incorporated into your bill and is listed separately from the cost of the new tires or the labor to install the tires on your ATV.

If your old tires still have life in them, consider giving them to a friend or family member with an ATV. Keep in mind that old tires should only be used if they still have ample tread and are able to ensure the vehicle can be driven safely. Also, consider selling your old ATV tires so that you can use the profits to buy a new set. Look to your local newspaper and list a classified advertisement or turn to the internet with sites like Ebay or Craigslist to sell your tires. These are great resources and you may even find a new set of ATV tires listed at a more economical price than offered at your local tire store.

About The Author

Bill Carmel works with ATVs http://www.u-atv-tires.com.

What To Look For When Purchasing An ATV Tire

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 06:57:28 +0000

What To Look For When Purchasing An ATV Tire

by: Mike Barus

If you are in the market for purchasing tires for your all terrain vehicle (ATV), there are several factors for consideration. There are a great variety of tires on the market and it is quite easy to become overwhelmed at the sheer number of choices available from different brands. In order to find the best tires for your specific ATV that meets your needs, consider these three points:

1.) Tread:

When it comes to tires, the most important attribute is the tread. Different tires have different types of tread that make the ATV appropriate for navigating different types of terrain. If using the improper tires, accidents are more prone to occur, so ensure you seriously contemplate the uses of your ATV in order to find the appropriate tire tread.

For individuals planning on spending time in the mud, it is strongly recommended that you purchase mud tires. These tires have a unique tread that is angled from the inside to the outside. The tread itself is quite large, usually measuring about one inch high, and allows the ATV to better grip muddy ground, so the vehicle is less likely to become stuck. Mud tires also work well on different types of terrain, but the tread is more prone to become worn quicker if driven on hard surfaces, including concrete, asphalt, or hard packed dirt. Furthermore, due to the tire tread, the ride is not nearly as smooth as with other tires.

Generally speaking, most ATV owners choose trail or all terrain tires. These tires are most likely to handle all types of terrain while allowing the rider a stable and smooth ride. However, these tires are not designed for one specific type of terrain and are not used for muddy environments due to their tread. However, these tires offer the most stability, so they are the safest and should be chosen if the ATV rider will mainly stay on hard trails.

If you plan to spend exorbitant amounts of time in the sand, choose a sand tread for your ATV tire. These tires have a unique tread that uses a scoop to funnel the sand beneath the tires so that the ATV does not become stuck. Keep in mind that sand tires cannot be used for any other purpose except sand, as they have minimal stability on other terrains and will rapidly wear on hard surfaces.

The final option for tire tread is the knobby racing tires designed to take high speeds on flat, hard surfaces. These tires should only be used for racing, as they are inappropriate for any other type of riding due to their lack of stability and flat top tread.

2.) Size

Tire size is measured three ways: width, height, and height of the sidewall. All of these sizes should be taken into account depending on your wants for a ride. Tires with too small or too great a diameter should be avoided, as the ATV is under the most pressure, so there is a greater potential for damaging the vehicle. Furthermore, narrow tires tend to sink in mud, but may provide you more stability on hard packed ground. Finally, the height of the sidewall should depend on the type of terrain over which you plan to ride, as short sidewall tires have a greater ground clearance, but are less flexible.

3.) Shape

It may seem strange to look at the shape of the tire, but there are two options: round or flat. Generally, sport ATVs come with flat tires, while utility ATVs come with round tires. The difference is the stability and the speed. Usually, ATV owners choose round tires, since the ride tends to be softer and the shape tends to perform better in muddy terrain.

About The Author

Mike Barus specializes in ATV's http://www.atv-tires-i.com.

Snow and Your Car

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 02:37:06 +0000

Snow and Your Car

by: Matthew C. Keegan

Welcome to Winter! Snow, ice, and cold can be especially challenging to the body and mind, as well as to important items in your life, including your car. Is your vehicle ready for winter? If not, there are some things you can do to help ensure that your car will start on cold mornings and survive even the nastiest winter weather.

Check under the hood. Make sure that your battery and all of its connections are clean and fastened; hoses and belts securely in place; your oil and oil filter changes up to date; your air filter clean; the radiator flushed and refilled; and your engine well tuned. One of the biggest contributors to a car not starting is the battery. If it is old and needs to be replaced, do it now before you take that long trip.

Look at the windshield. Besides obvious cracks in your windshield which you can have replaced, make certain that the wiper bay is free of debris. Ice and snow can freeze your wipers in place making them completely ineffective. Never pour hot water on a windshield to remove ice. You will remove ice all right?and crack the glass in the process!

Observe the tires. Properly inflated all season tires are usually all that you need for winter driving. In some areas, however, chains may be required. Keep a set in your trunk for emergency purposes.

Carry an emergency kit. It doesn?t take much to get stranded during winter. Even the best maintained vehicle can get caught in a snow bank or stuck in a ditch. Carrying a fully charged cell phone for emergency purposes is essential when driving anywhere uninhabited. The following items should be a part of an emergency kit you have stored in your vehicle at all times:

* Flash light with spare batteries

* Jumper cables

* Tire chains

* Ice scraper/brush

* Sand or kitty litter for traction

* Auto tools

* Wire coat hanger

* Flares

* Candles, matches

* Distress sign

* Medical kit

* Gas line antifreeze; ice lock antifreeze spray

If you frequently travel back roads and find yourself in remote areas, carrying an extra set of hats, gloves, and coats as well as several blankets is wise. Some people carry chocolate with them at all times which can be a great [and delicious!] energy booster as well as fresh water [don?t leave it in the car as it will get frozen].

If you find yourself stuck in snow, make sure that the exhaust pipe is free of all snow if you run your car while idled. Keep a window cracked open to allow for air to circulate; turn the engine off every ten minutes for a half hour or more to prevent carbon monoxide build up inside of the car.

You can survive the hazards of winter by taking a little extra care and caution. Properly equip your car today to ensure that your next trip is a safe one regardless of the prevailing road and weather conditions.

About The Author

Matthew C. Keegan

Copyright 2006 -- Matt Keegan is a contributing writer for the Auto Parts Warehouse {APW}. At APW, we encourage drivers to properly prepare their cars for winter by keeping your http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/grill~pop.html: grille free of snow and ice; ensuring that your http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/fog_lights~pop.html: car fog lights are working; and your

http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/cargo_liner~pop.html: cargo liner hasn?t been cracked by ice.

Car Care Tips ? How to Keep Your Car in Immaculate Condition

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 01:32:04 +0000

Car Care Tips ? How to Keep Your Car in Immaculate Condition

by: Paul MacIver

There are several things you must do to keep your car in immaculate condition and retain its value. Apart from regular mechanical servicing and maintenance, your car must also be groomed regularly to keep it looking like new. This means more than simply putting it through the carwash each week. Although it takes a bit longer, you?ll find that hand grooming your car achieves a far better result. There?s no need to spend a lot of money on car care products, however you will need to buy a few. These are some tips I use every time I clean my car.

Exterior

Rinse your car down to get rid of excess dirt, and then wash it with a sponge and soapy water. Once you?ve washed the whole car, rinse it off and then dry it with a soft cloth. If you don?t dry your car afterwards, water droplets gather dust, and when they dry out, you?re left with many spots all over the body of the car. This is especially noticeable with dark colored cars.

Every month or so you should use a bug and tar removal product on the body of your car. There are many of these types of products available at most car care stores. A great product to go for is one which removes bugs, tar and other spots, while polishing the car?s surface at the same time.

Polishing and waxing your car regularly maintains the ?shiny look? and also protects the paint from being damaged by the sun.

Always clean the wheels and shine the tires. If your car has alloy wheels, dirt shows up more easily and makes them look dull. You can buy wheel cleaning products which remove the build up of brake dust, but if you clean them each time you wash your car, you should only need to use water and a cloth. When shining the tires, I always use a spray-on tire shine which is quick and easy to use. This not only keeps them looking like new, but protects them from the sun and makes the whole car look magnificent.

For other external areas, use a surface protecting product which is designed to protect rubber, vinyl and plastic from the sun?s UV rays. This can be used on bumpers, rubber seals around doors and windows, and for the interior as well.

Interior

Purchase some car seat covers to protect your seats from getting worn out. They can easily be taken off and washed once in a while. I vacuum the seats and carpet every time I clean my car. Dirt and grit which falls deep into the carpet causes it to wear out quickly, so regular vacuuming is the best way to prevent this. Buying a set of floor mats will keep the majority of dirt from getting into your carpet.

Clean the inside of your car?s windows with a glass cleaning product and a soft cloth. I use a normal household glass cleaning spray for this and it seems to do the job. When cleaning the dashboard and other interior surfaces, be careful you don?t use a product that will damage them. Some vinyl and plastic surfaces can be ruined simply by using the wrong product when cleaning. Once cleaned, you can use a surface protecting spray on these areas also.

When you aren?t using your car, park it in the garage. This not only keeps it out of the weather, but also prevents it from getting dirty. If you don?t have access to a garage, consider buying a car cover. Protecting your car from the weather as much as possible will ensure it remains immaculate.

Go to http://seatcovers-online.info for information on car seat covers, car detailing products and vehicle covers.

About The Author

Paul MacIver is a car enthusiast, and writes about various vehicle-related topics for http://www.vehicle-covers.info. You are welcome to reprint this article only if this resource box is included, and links are intact.

Save Money On Gas

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 00:09:54 +0000

Save Money On Gas

by: Charlie Bulow

You can easily pay 25 to 50 cents less per gallon of fuel, reduce your maintenance costs, have an impact on the environment, and help reduce our dependency on oil producing countries.

1. PRE - TRIP.

When approaching your vehicle you can spot numerous things just by looking.

Any drips on the ground? How about the tires? Any large cracks in the rubber, is the tread separating from the sidewall of the tire?

Every 2 or 3 weeks check your air pressure. Low pressure can decrease mileage and life of the tire by as much as 15%, not to mention throwing alignment off. This should be done before driving, when tires are still cool and it's best to go by the car manufacturers recommendation listed on the end of the door. Look for even tread wear, uneven wear usually is over or underinflation or out of alignment. Stick a penny between the grooves - if the tread doesn't reach Lincolns head go and buy tires.

2. GENERAL MAINTENANCE

Do you lack knowledge of how to twist your belts around looking for cracks on the inside, how to check your air filter, or even oil? I could show you how easy it is in less than five minutes so don't be afraid to ask someone you know, it really isn't a big deal - just beyond the scope of this article. If no one can show you, visit my site and contact me. An air filter that needs replacing can cut mileage by 10%; clogged fuel injectors or bad plugs can be over twice that much.

3. FUELING

Resist the urge to 'top it off', finish fueling when the pump shuts off automatically, gas will slosh out. Do replace the filler cap if it's loose as gas does evaporate. Your local gas stations pumps measure the flow by volume so the best time to fill up is early in the morning when fuel will be the coolest. When you fill up simply add the product shown on my website, it?s dirt cheap,dramatically reduces emmisions and cleans out your fuel system while giving you an increase in fuel mileage of up to 35%.

4. DRIVING HABITS

You're driving habits can save so much fuel that most medium to large size trucking companies give a fuel mileage bonus. Practice defensive driving, stay aware of the road situation waay up ahead as well as right next to you, and behind you. Anticipate changes in traffic; entering, exiting, turning traffic, etc. Leave a comfortable gap between you and others allowing you to smoothly change lanes without touching the brakes. Staying aware of the big picture helps a lot, and will keep your stress level down. In town try to go with the flow of the timed lights.

Stopping and starting also has quite an effect on mileage. Instead of pushing you?re foot down, apply pressure. Let off the gas before the brake is necessary, you should be able to come to a stop applying a consistent pressure, not having to stomp down right before a stop sign.

Avoid idling when possible and remember, toady?s cars don?t need to ?warm up?.

5. AIR CONDITIONING AND HEATERS.

Your air conditioner needs horsepower from the engine to operate, using more fuel. In hot weather a good foldable windshield protector is a worthwhile investment. Also look for shady parking spaces. When returning to a hot car roll down the windows to allow the heated air to escape, then turn on the ac, running at medium instead of full blast. The air will be cooler and your engine won?t have to work as hard. The same principle applies in the winter, it doesn?t help to run the heat at full blast. Some cars defrost runs off the ac motor so use only the heater if defrosting isn?t necessary.

About The Author

Charlie Bulow began driving professionally at the age of 17 and has recently retired from driving big trucks(now 50ish). Charlie strongly believes we can reduce our dependency on oil and has begun working with a new company called BioPerformance which helps achieve that goal.

His website is: http://www.gasprofits.com/savesfuel/