Now that Thanksgiving is over, it is officially winter. For much of the United States winter started some time ago, but in many places it is just now getting cold. Is your car ready? Winter weather can cause any number of problems for you and your car and it pays to be ready for them in advance. So much can go wrong on the road in the winter and you don’t want to take any chances. Here are some things to help your vehicles.
These days it seems like fewer and fewer people know anything about basic car repair and maintenance. In the old days, like back in your grandfathers day, if your car broke down, the first thing you do it try to fix it yourself. Knowing how to work on a used car was just an everyday part of life. Now days it’s getting rarer and rarer as more people rely on services like AAA or they would just rather pay somebody straight up to fix it. I once stopped to make help a girl out who was stalled in the turn lane. She didn’t even know how to open the hood. I was shocked. However, knowing basic car repair is not only a good idea that can save you money, but also you never know when you might break down in the middle of nowhere. While you don’t need to be a mechanic, there are some very basic things you should know how to do. One is changing a tire.
"Wheeeeeeeeeee"
Whether you have heard of them or not, the Morgan Motor Company is the largest British owned car making company. Formed in 1910 by Anglican minister, the company still operates out of the red brick buildings they originated in. Now they reached back into their early roots to create a new 3 wheeler model, they like of which haven’t been seen in years.
Morgan knows all about three wheelers, as they began experimenting with them back in their early days. In fact, know for a light weight and strong grip, they did well in many early races. However, Morgan learned a painful lesson along the way. Mainly, that three wheeled vehicles with one wheel in the front tend to flip over on tight turns. So they got a little creative and put two wheels in front and one in the back. The result is a very good, road gripping, performance three wheeler the likes of which have not been made by Morgan since 1952.
Careful driving around in this thing though, there is no roof, a very small windshield and open sides. Goggles and helmet are recommended to keep the insects out of your face. Still it packs some punch, weighing just over 1,000 pounds it can reach 60 in about 4.5 seconds and maxes out at 115. It is listed at having around 35 mpg and is priced around $45,000, not bad all things considered. (While it’s no three wheeler, you will be sure to find a great used car with us.}
Unlike many European makes and model that are unable to come to the United States do to heavy regulations, this little gem will actually be here early next year. The three wheel design gives it a motorcycle classification and due to this it is exempt from the federal automotive emissions and safety standards. While we don’t know if this is good for the rest of us drivers, it is great for automotive enthusiast who wants drive one of these rarities.
The design is decidedly throw back, as in all the way back before World War 2. It has exposed, forward engine, with two slender, nineteen-inch wheels with cycle fenders. The rest is quite modern, sporting a two liter, V-twin engine that cranks out 120 hp, and the famous Mazda five-speed manual transmission.
So something this cool has to have a drawback, right? Yes, it is called noise, and there is a lot of it. Modern muffling technology does exist, but it would seem Morgan went out of their way to exclude it. This thing is loud, absurdly so, but then again, you do want everyone within 5 blocks to notice your new set of wheels right?
Still get ready for a ride because this thing lives up to its hype. Wind and miles rush by as you speed down the road in your make shift motorcycle. Everyone you pass will stare not only at how unique it is but how elegant and sleek it is. Morgan’s typical love for bumpy rides is not present at all in this baby as it boasts an independent front suspension that renders road bumps obsolete.
So just when you thought you had seen it all, or was just getting comfortable with the new trends in automobiles, Morgan comes and offer up this little quirk of reality. They should sell like hot cakes in the United States, after all, the first run of 500 are already sold out.
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Historic Route 66
The great American road trip was born and bred on the long roads and vast expanses of the United States open highways. While the United States is obviously not the only place one can undertake road trips, it is still largely a uniquely American experience.
For starters, unlike our European counterparts, we have land, vast expanses of it as a matter of fact. We have states bigger than many European countries. In Europe, cities and countries are not so far apart and can be reached fairly easily. In America, it can take a whole day of driving to go somewhere, thus creating a car traveling culture.
Unlike America, Europe has also invested heavily in mass transportation. With so little land to build on, and so many locations near each other, Europe realized early on that they were well situated for a good mass transit system. America is so spread out, the cost of building railways and subways everywhere would have been staggering. Although, in hindsight, America should have done much more in the past to promote mass transit in heavily congested areas.
Another factor is that the automobile is a uniquely American invention. Sure people in other places have them, but the automobile was created here and has come to represent the freedom and liberty to go anywhere at any given time. The idea that we can just take off and go explore the world without being tied to home all the time is one that is very America. We like our freedom and bought into the idea of the automobile almost as soon as it was invented.
Nearly everyone has gone on road trips. The time spent with friends and families in the car have produced many great times and memories for everyone. The excitement of reaching a location, the odd sites and tourist traps encountered along the way, the singing, the car games being played and (now) movies watched while travelling.
Maybe the best part is the late night driving. Most of the car passed out sleeping, the radio turned on to your favorite tunes, the dark roads, the moon and skies and peaceful night skies. Time ceases to exist during these nights.
Of course there are mandatory things to take with you. A camera for all the sights, your favorite music to travel to is also a necessity. Pillows and a blanket for the travelers to doze off on, and best of all, road trip food.
Truck stops and fast food offer the best of fair for weary travels. Heavily caffeinated drinks like coffee, energy drinks or sodas are consumed in high numbers. Junk food like, cookies, nuts, trail mix and pastries are mandatory. For dinner, hit the fast food joints for burgers, hot dogs, tacos or whatever is your pleasure. Don’t forget to stop get a milkshake or ice cream cone along the way. Dairy Queen is perennial favorite in the South and McDonalds is always available, but there are plenty of other places to satisfy your craving. Of course, there is always the one person who has to stop to go to the bathroom all the time.
Yes, road trip, we salute you and all the fond memories you bring. Now it’s time to stop and stretch our legs.
It’s late at night, you are driving down an isolated road, suddenly, bright eyes flash in your lights and a rabbit darts across the road. In horror you slam your breaks before you hit the thumper, or do you? Nobody wants to hit an animal (and if they do they need to be watched closely) but is it always wise to stop for one? Yeah, it’s your natural instinct to do so, but the consequences could be far worse than hitting the poor creature.
This isn’t just a back roads issue. In the city dogs, cats and squirrels and other oddities are on the roads all the time. Living in the city, I routinely see raccoons, rabbits, unicorns, possums, armadillos and even a coyote every now and then in our neighborhood. Once, when I was in college, squirrel ran right in front of my car, in panic I slammed my breaks without thinking about it. It nearly caused a major wreck. I heard a screeching of tires. Horror struck me as I realized the truck behind me had been tailgating me. It was barely able to stop in time. The driver was furious and sped in front of me, cut me off and slammed his breaks, forcing me to stop as well. I thought he was going to road rage me. For a great used car come check us out!
So I nearly totaled two cars, not to mention risking potential bodily injuries, over a squirrel. Here is another example. Take a guess as to what animal causes the most deaths in the U.S.? Not bears, or sharks. Not even bees. It’s deer.
For starters, a deer can total a car and injure or kill those inside. But something else often happens with deer and other animals, even small once like rabbits or dogs. The driver panics and swerves to avoid the animal, often getting into an accident. People die every year from swerving off the road, trying to avoid an animal, and smash into trees, ditches, light posts, oncoming traffic or whatever else may be in the way. If you live in the Baltimore area and need a new used vehicle come see our large selection you are sure to love!
When you are driving, you don’t always have time to look and see if anybody is right behind you or if it is safe to serve. You have to play it smart. Are you on a busy road? Will you hit the sidewalk? You simply don’t have time to process all of this. Yes, hitting an animal sucks for everyone involved, especially the animal. What is even worse is inuring yourself or those around. What is worst is not surviving the wreck, or maybe worst of all, you survive when other don’t. So next time fluffy runs across the road, it might be better to have one less fluffy in the world then one less you.
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In three days Chevy will have cause for celebration. It is turning 100 years old and while the company has been remarkably successful, the man who it was named after, was not. In fact, the two have had very little to do with each other. Chevrolet the man stands in stark contrast to the success of the company. In fact, Louis Chevrolet left the company in a fit of rage right about the time their first cars rolled of the assembly line. If only he had stayed a little longer he would have been rich beyond his wildest dreams.
Louis Chevrolet’s first and foremost love was racing. Born in Burgundy, France on Christmas Day in 1878, he displayed an early aptitude for engineering and design. In his teen years he would modify bicycle gears and enter in races. He had two brothers, Arthur and Gaston, who all shared an affinity for all things mechanical and the three of them made a name for themselves street racing and touring through America. Find a great used car in the Memphis area.
In 1905 he beat then famous racer Barney Oldfield’s world record for the one mile closed course speed, thus creating a legend. He then went on to set the world speed record of 119 mph. The established his reputation and allowed him to tour the professional race circuit.
Along the way he met Billy Durant, who he partnered with to build a new company that would use Chevrolet’s name. While the company bore his name, it also bore his temper. Louis was hard to get along with and had a notorious temper. In September of 1913, after several fights and arguments, he stormed out claiming he had quit. Many conspiracy theorists think that Durant kept intentionally provoking Louis hoping he would quit. He had mainly wanted Chevrolet for his name anyway. Come see our huge selection of used cars.
Chevrolet had been formed, and the man it was named after walked away. For the rest of most of his life he raced and worked for different start up car companies, and while he was famous, he was never economically successful.
In the 1930’s was a very bad time for Louis. He developed Diabetes, one of his sons died and a fire at his destroyed all of his memorabilia. Broke and sick, to add insult to injury, he took a job as a mechanic working at a Chevrolet factory in Detroit. He did not last long though as a series of strokes forced him to quit.
It is shame that while Durant made millions, Chevrolet languished in poverty and poor health. Eventually on June 6th 1942, at age 62, Louis Chevrolet died of complications after a leg amputation. He is buried in Indianapolis with his brothers.
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The right blend of good looks, latest technology and muscle makes the 2012 Audi A7 one of a kind among the many luxury cars. The materials used inside the Audi A7 are spectacular and lavish. An array of fine woods and soft leather are utilized to accent the door trims, console and the dashboard. Audi goes on to be competitive in the use of technology as evidenced by its cabin electronics.
America’s perception about status cars have changed in the past few years. Let’s take a look at what constitutes a status car.
If you are a Camaro aficionado then this is your lucky day. Few cars embody the heart of the American automobile industry like the famed Camaro. We have been hearing about the new Camaro ZL1 for some time now and finally we get a look at some of the spec. Details about Chevrolet’s new Camaro ZL1 have been hitting the internet thanks to a copy of the dealer’s guide that was uploaded by Camaro5.com. GM has confirmed that the details are legitimate.
For starters, the new Camaro will feature supercharged 6.2-liter V8 that boasts an impressive 580 HP and a 556 lb-ft torque. This makes it the most powerful Camaro to date and it should be able to take on any muscle car on the road. The transmission will come in standard manual or upgraded to an automatic. The automatic will be a Hydra-Matic six-speed while the standard is Tremec six-speed. Find your own great car in Los Angeles.
The new Camaro is both wider and longer then it’s current rival, the Shelby Mustang GT500 giving it more control on tight turns. The dimensions are similar to the Camaro SS but it weighs 250 pounds more. Given the power of the engine this should pose no problem what-so-ever.
As for colors it will have the option for nine different schemes that include, Black, Ashen Gray, Imperial Blue Metallic, Inferno Orange Metallic, Rally Yellow, Silver Ice Metallic, Summit White, Victory Red and the all new Crystal Red Tintcoat. Sorry, no neon or beige available. If you want a little more flare you can get stripes, a powered sun roof and a “Mohawk” carbon fiber hood insert.
The ZL1 will use the same Magnetic Ride Control that the Cadillac CTS-V and Corvette uses but it will also boast the Performance Track Management, a feature that allows five modes ranging from wet surfaces to a racing mode. To help keep from flying off the road it will have Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar G:2 tires that can mounted on your choice of two 20 –inch forged alloy wheels. One is a 10-spoke low-gloss finish or a 5-spoke option with a polished high-gloss clear coat. In Chicago and need a car? Try Enterprise used cars.
The interior is chop full of creature comforts. It features heated leather high-performance seats with suede microfiber insert that will make your Lazy Boy jealous. Each seat will have six-way power controls as well, so you should be able to settle in at any position. Other features are alloy covered pedal s, a leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, a rear camera display and an auxiliary gauge boost readout. Of course, you will want to rock out while driving this bad boy, so to help you a long it will come standard with a premium 9 speaker audio system. Find a great deal in Atlanta on a used car.
If you are wondering if you can afford it then start saving as it is expected to go in the low $50,000 range.
Did you know that someone who sends text messages while driving is just as impaired as a drunk driver if not more? Hard to believe but it is true.