Thursday, January 3, 2008

When Your Car Doesn’t Feel Right

Okay, something’s wrong with your car. You know it. It just doesn’t “feel” right.

That may sound lame when you’re talking to your mechanic, but believe me, it’s not something you want to ignore.

Maybe you feel like the car is difficult to handle. Maybe the ride just seems less smooth and stable. Perhaps there’s a vibration that wasn’t there before.

These symptoms almost always indicate a problem.

Is it harder to steer your vehicle? Do you have difficulty steering in a straight line? This might mean your front wheels are misaligned or you have worn steering parts.

Does your car feel like it wants to steer or pull to the right or left? You’ll need to get this checked out. It may only be that your tires aren’t properly inflated. But it could also mean that your front end is misaligned or damaged in some way. That’s nothing to play around with!

Maybe your car feels like it’s vibrating. Your tires may need balancing in this case.

It’s a good idea to check your shock absorbers and struts, too. They might need replacing if the car rides “strangely”.

If you put on your brakes, and your car pulls to one side – that means you need to take in it for repair.

If the brake pedal sinks to the floor when pressure is maintained – same thing. Take it in.

If you hear or feel scraping or grinding when you apply the brake, this indicates a problem that needs to be checked out.

And of course, the no brainer – You need to get your car to a repair shop if the "brake" light on the instrument panel is lit.

Engine trouble is on the menu if you find that your car is hard to start. Other indicators include the check engine light coming on, your car using more than one quart of oil between changes, the car engine running after you remove the key, if the car stalls or idles roughly, and if there’s poor acceleration. Also, getting fewer miles to the gallon is nothing to pooh-pooh. That could mean an engine problem, too.

Say the word “transmission problems” and your wallet being drained of all that’s in it comes to mind. You might have a problem of this nature if there’s a delayed response when shifting from neutral to drive or reverse, if your car doesn’t shift during regular acceleration, or if the engine speeds up, but the car doesn’t respond. If shifting is hard – there could be a problem with transmission, too.

Just for your peace of mind, make sure the mechanic checks to see if it’s just a disconnected hose problem or if maybe the filter is plugged. These repairs are much simpler and cheaper than having your transmission replaced.

When it comes right down to it, you know your car and how it’s supposed to feel when all is well. If something doesn’t quite feel right, get it checked out. You may end up saving money and someone’s life!



About the Author

Contributed by TheCarSites.com. Visit http://www.TheCarSites.com for auto articles and news pertaining to the auto industry.

Written by: TheCarSites.com Staff

Which Car Should You Own To Keep Your Insurance Rates Most Affordable?

Do you consider the cost of insurance before you buy your dream car? You should. The Highway Loss Data Institute analyzes the cost to insurance companies from theft, collision, and injury claims as they relate to cars. They look at the color of the cars, how many doors they have, and even break them down type.

The Highway Loss Data Institute is a nonprofit public service organization. It is closely associated with and funded through the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, which is wholly supported by auto insurers. HLDI gathers, processes, and publishes data on the ways losses vary among different kinds of vehicles. http://www.iihs.org/vehicle_ratings/ictl/ictl.htm

4- Door cars have a 93% less chance of having a claim related to theft than their sibling 2-Door cars. Buy a Buick LeSabre and have relatively no chance of a theft loss. Compare that to the convertible Chevrolet Corvette that has over 5 times the average theft rate. You may have known that. However, did you know that the Toyota Celica has a 67% higher chance of theft than the Toyota Camry?

In addition, even though the 2002 Lexus IS 300 gets a "best pick" rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for its performance on crash tests, previous years' models of the same car are some of the most costly in terms of collision claims. "One of the factors that come into play there is the cost of repairing an expensive vehicle," says Russ Rader, with the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

What about safety? You may be surprised at some of the results. For example, the Porsche 911 has a 67% less chance for injury claims than the norm. Go figure. The Mitsubishi Lancer has almost double the injury claim rate over the norm.

Where does you car fit for injury theft and collision? What about your dream car? Take a look at this run down based on 2000-2002 HLDI data:

Models that are among the most expensive for theft claims include:
Cadillac Escalade four-wheel drive
Chevrolet Corvette Convertible
Lincoln Navigator four-wheel drive
Jeep Cherokee four-door
BMW 3 series Convertible

Models that are among the least expensive for theft claims include:
Buick LeSabre
Buick Park Avenue
Volvo V70 Station Wagon
Mercury Grand Marquis four-door

Models that are among the most expensive for injury claims include:
Suzuki Esteem four-door
Kia Rio four-door
Mitsubishi Mirage two-door
Kia Sepectra four-door

Models that are among the least expensive for injury claims include:
GMC Sierra 2500 two-wheel drive
Chevrolet Silverado 2500
GMC Yukon XL 1500 four-wheel drive
GMC Sierra 2500 four-wheel drive
Chevrolet Tahoe two-wheel drive

Models that are among the most expensive for collision claims include:
Subaru Impreza WRX four-wheel drive four-door
Lexus IS 300 4 door
Hyundai Tiburon two-door
Porsche 911 Coupe
Acura RSX

Models that are among the least expensive for collision claims include:
Ford Excursion two-wheel drive
GMC Safari four-wheel drive
GMC Sierra 2500
GMC Yukon XL 1500 four-wheel drive

Source: The Highway Loss Data Institute

Visit http://www.carinsurance.com For Affordable Car Insurance


About the Author

Jon Register is a representative of CarInsurance.com. You can visit CarInsurance.com at http://www.carinsurance.com or contact them at 1-877-327-8728.

CarInsurance.com offers the ability to shop for car insurance online. Consumers can receive quotes from many insurance companies, in some states you are able to purchase your insurance instantly, online. You don't have to drive your car to buy car insurance. Buy online...anytime!

Written by: Jon Register

Why Buy A Hybrid Car?

For anyone interested in saving money at the gas pump and helping the environment, the new hybrid cars are an excellent choice. Small and fuel-efficient, hybrids are now being made by more manufacturers than ever.

Although hybrids cost more, and can be hard to find due to high demand, it still pays to choose a hybrid. Consider the following reasons to buy a hybrid next time you are in the market for a new car.

Smaller, More Efficient Engines

The hybrid's fuel efficiency is increased by its small size and the use of lightweight materials. Periodic engine shut-off is another fuel saving feature of the hybrid. When it is stopped in traffic, the hybrid's engine temporarily shuts off. The engine restarts automatically when the car is put back in gear.

Hybrids are powered by the combination of an efficient gasoline engine backed by an electric motor for acceleration. The electric motor is powered by batteries that are recharged automatically by recapturing the kinetic energy usually lost during braking, known as regenerative braking. When the car is slowing down, the electric motor runs backwards, acting as a generator to charge the battery.

With this collection of advanced fuel efficiency features, hybrids can outperform conventional cars in several arenas.

Environmental Friendliness

Another reason hybrids are more environmentally friendly than conventional gas engines is that they idle less and use fuel more efficiently. The hybrid not only gets better gas mileage, it produces less pollution than other, non-hybrid cars. Some hybrids are getting 10 to 20 miles per gallon more than a regular gas engine. They are also capable of reducing harmful emissions by 90%.

Many hybrids use aerodynamic design to reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency. Low rolling tires made of special resistant rubber reduce friction on the road. The high capacity, nickel-metal-hydride battery pack is reliable and available to power the hybrid when needed. Hybrids also use the latest in power-train technology, for integrated power management that contributes to fuel efficiency.

Popularity Enhances Styles And Choices

More makes and models are now being offered as the popularity of hybrid cars continues to escalate. Buyers can now purchase the Honda Civic and Accord, Ford Escape, and Toyota Camry in hybrids. GMC and Chevrolet are currently making 2 hybrid pick-up trucks. In the near future, Saturn, Lexus, Honda, and Chevrolet will make hybrid SUVs available to the public. Chevrolet has plans to offer its Malibu in hybrid form in 2007.

You can get a hybrid that looks like a conventional car, such as the Ford Escape. Or you can choose a hybrid that looks completely different from anything else on the road, such as the Toyota Prius. With so many hybrid cars on the market, there is a style to suit almost everyone.

Tax Incentives Available

People who buy hybrids can get significant tax breaks from the US Federal government through 2007. The amount of your tax break is determined by your tax bracket and when you file. Some states are also starting to offer hybrid car tax breaks as well. Tax breaks backed up over the long run by lower fuel costs make hybrid cars a good buy.

Fuel Efficiency Becomes A Reality

Although most people have been aware of hybrids only in recent years, the technology has actually been around for a long time. Ferdinand Porsche built the first successful hybrid car in 1899. But hybrids first began to catch on in the 1990s when Honda introduced the Insight and Toyota introduced the Prius.

It's been a long wait, but fuel-efficient transportation is finally becoming a reality with the hybrid. As more of these cars take to the road, our air will become cleaner, and our country will be less dependent on foreign sources of oil.



About the author:

Visit Hybrid Cars to learn more. Ron King is a full-time researcher, writer, and web developer, visit his website at Website

Copyright 2005 Ron King. This article may be reprinted if the resource box is left intact and the links live.

Written by: Ron King

Affordable High Risk Car Insurance in Arizona

Affordable High Risk Car Insurance in Arizona

If you're serious about getting affordable high risk car insurance in Arizona then there are two simple things you're going to have to do.

First you need to buy the absolutely least expensive, most affordable insurance you possibly can. In Arizona the least expensive insurance you are allowed to buy and still drive 100% legally everywhere in Arizona is what is known as a 15/30/10 basic liability policy.

This is a policy that pays a maximum of $15,000 to any one individual who is injured in an accident with your vehicle. It also pays a maximum of $30,000 toward medical costs if there is more than one person in the other car. Finally it pays a maximum of $10,000 in property damage claims. Property damage typically refers to damage done to the other person's vehicle, but may include additional property.

This type of insurance, while the most affordable insurance you can buy, does have its risks. The main risk is that the low maximum payouts will not be enough to cover the actual costs of all of the medical bills or property damage that can be caused by even a moderate accident.

If there should be unpaid bills left after your basic liability policy has paid out its maximum payments, you could be held personally responsible for paying the balance due. That means you could lose your life savings and you could even be forced into selling your home.

Also keep in mind that a basic liability policy will pay NOTHING toward the repair of your vehicle and it pays NOTHING toward your medical bills or the medical bills of anyone in your vehicle.

The second thing you have to do if you are truly serious about finding the best price for your auto insurance is to buy your policy online. This is a must. Online insurance sellers don't have the same overhead as a brick and mortar insurance company and so they can pass the savings on to you.

In order to save the most money you can, it is important for you to see comparison prices from the largest number of different insurance companies that you can, and the way to do that is for you to make your price comparisons on at least 3 different sites.

But as soon as you've done that then your job is done. Simply choose the lowest price you've found and rest easy knowing that you've found the most affordable high risk car insurance in Arizona that you possibly could.

My Recommended Sites:
My Top Recommendation For Affordable High Risk Car Insurance in Arizona
Affordable Auto/Car Insurance Policy


By Alexis Jensen

Why does a car engine overheat?

There are many different reasons that can cause an engine overheat, but they all have in common three aspects. The three aspects which all engine overheat factors have in common are that they cause that the heating system can not get rid of heat, they cause a loss of coolant or they directly cause too much heat in the engine.

One first problem which might be the cause of an engine overheat is a problem with the radiator cap and the pressure it holds. If the radiator cap does not hold pressure correctly then coolant could boil and therefore the engine would overheat. Another reason might be caused by thermostat failures; it is recommendable that you check it.

The car engine might also overheat due to coolant leaks such as those from the radiator, the hoses, the water pump, the freeze plugs or any others. Also, problems in the water pump could be the cause and therefore you should check it and replace it in case it is needed.

Some other reasons by which the car engine could overheat are problems in the exhaust system which you can discover by checking vacuum readings, pipes and converter. Besides, you should also make sure that the radiator hose has not collapsed and the ignition timing is working properly.

You should also check the electric cooling fan by making sure that the fan motor, the relay and temperature are correct or otherwise it could cause the engine to overheat. Besides this, you should also check the radiator in case there are any debris in it as well as you should check its hose in case it has collapsed.

It is also recommendable that you check the antifreeze concentration which should be 50/50 in order to be correct, otherwise it could cause the car engine to overheat. If you do not find why your engine does overheat, you should ask a mechanic or an expert for advice. You should not try to fix this if you do not have the proper tools and general car knowledge necessary for it.


About the Author

Jakob Jelling is the founder of http://www.autorized.com. Please visit his website to learn about auto maintenance, auto insurance, auto safety and much more!

Written by: Jakob Jelling

Why you can't do without a car audio crossover

I've heard the question asked many times before, 'Do I really need a crossover?' Without wasting any time I quickly answer, 'Yes you do'. Whether it's a passive crossover or an active crossover, your car audio system will never sound good without a crossover. I want to make myself very clear here, so before you get confused let's talk about what a car audio crossover is and why you need one.

A crossover is a filtering device which limits the frequencies that reach a speaker. It splits a music signal into separate frequency ranges and sends them to speakers that are designed to best reproduce each frequency range. For instance, only high frequencies would be sent to your tweeters, midrange to your mid range speakers, and lows to your subwoofer.

The passive crossover is very common. It's basically a capacitor or coil installed on the speaker leads between amplifier and speaker that stops certain frequencies from reaching a speaker. It's relatively inexpensive and easy to install.

But for your car stereo system to perform better and be efficient, you need an active crossover, also referred to as an electronic crossover. It is installed between your head unit or equalizer and your amplifiers. Your electronic crossover sends the proper frequency ranges to each amplifier. Some people run three separate amps: one for bass, one for mids and the other for highs.

Active crossovers are almost infinitely adjustable. You can vary the crossover points and adjust the level of separate speakers to achieve the best overall sound in your vehicle.

If you're serious about sound you must have a car audio crossover. Otherwise your system will sound terrible. Oh what a mess it will be when your subwoofer and mid-range speakers duplicate many of the same frequencies! How about when your mid-range speaker attempts to put out high notes that your tweeters are supposed to handle. Can you bear such grief? I can't.

And this is just the beginning of your sorrow and pain. Since low frequencies are being sent to your tweeters there will be distortion. As a result of this distortion your tweeters will be destroyed. Loud bass will eventually destroy your mid-range speakers as well. Now you've got to start from scratch and buy a new set of speakers, all because you started on the wrong footing.
About the Author

Mantius Cazaubon is a successful author and publisher of Car Stereos Guide.com. A resource for information and tips on buying car stereo and audio products online.

Written by: Mantius Cazaubon

Car Insurance Rate - Get Best Rates By Following These Tips

Before deciding on the provider and the policy, get the car insurance rate from several providers. You will have to pay the premium every year from your own pocket, thus it's wise to spend some time on research and calculations to get cheap car insurance rate with maximum benefits.

Factors On Which The Rates Depend

The rates depends on several factors; let's discuss some of them in detail:

Types of insurance: The third party coverage is the cheapest; the comprehensive coverage is the most expensive one as it gives maximum protection. There are many policies in between which combine few features of both these types. Depending on your usage of the vehicle, your driving style and other requirement, decide on the kind of policy you require. Providers like classic car insurance have all kinds of policies, which can be tailor-made according to your requirement.

Type Of Car: A family car with a sturdy body and safety features will attract lesser premium rate. A sports car with flashy wheels is considered to be high risk, thus will attract more premium. Brake lock, handle lock, tough window screens, registration number on the windows etc., are safety features which help in reducing the premium rate.

Area Of Operation: The primary area where your vehicle is being driven is a very important factor. For example, in a big city where accident risk is high, theft, vandalism is common; the provider will quote a higher premium. You must ensure that you park your vehicle safely at night in a garage or in a covered paid parking area; this will help in reducing the premium rate.

Driver's Record: If you have a bad record as a driver, have got tickets or been involved in accidents due to your driving, you will be quoted a higher rate. Some companies give lesser rate to women drivers, some offer more expensive insurance to young, inexperienced drivers.

Online Insurance For Cars

In today's world, which is driven and powered by the internet, you can easily find online insurance for vehicles. It is the fastest and most convenient way to buy. You can get quotes from different companies, compare and select the one that best suits your requirements. This way you save time, the provider saves on its overhead cost and thus you get lower rates.

Car insurance rates depend on many factors, you can't control all of them but you can try to get the best rates for yourself by being cautious. Drive with care, take good care of your vehicle, install safety features on your car and shop around for good deals. Always remember, insurance is for your safety and security, choose well. Consider the company's reputation and experience along with the insurance premium rates.

Try to get the cheap car insurance rate by following some tips. The car insurance rate depend on many factors; few can be controlled and can be beneficial for you. Choose the online car insurance company which gives good deals and great service. You can save time and avoid hassles by buying the online car insurance policies.

By Anupriya Jain