Entries from January 2008 ↓

I am 21 and come from Germany. Now I have to do an internship in the U.S. for 6 months that takes place in San Diego. I love this city! Everything is so different from my home in Germany and everyone knows that different things are better things. And to be honest this saying is true in my case. I love the beaches here, the weather and of course the people. They are so friendly and open minded. We have had the best parties here during my first days after my arrival. But one thing is definitely better in Germany; the condition of the streets. We spend so much money on the improvement of the roads and highways that it is nearly ridiculous, but I didn’t fully understand the advantages of this policy until I came to the USA. In Germany, there are no damages to the car and no sudden scares due to road holes during drives. It is awesome. But here in the USA it is quite the contrast. There are road holes everywhere and you must take care to avoid all the threats of these. This is why I asked a few guys what to do with my car. I have a Cadillac Escalade and I am not willing to destroy it within the first two months. So, one of my American friends gave me some advice. He said that suspension lift kits are able to lift my car so that it can not touch the ground when driving over a pothole. Beside this great benefit, it also makes my car look great. So I found two benefits from just one piece of advice. Is this not the American dream? Maybe not yet, but you just have to imagine two hot girls sitting in the car and watching a fat flat screen and playing PlayStation during the drive; I think then your dream came true.

But I want to tell you more details about the TrailMaster lift kit because I think my friend is right about the benefits of it. Each Trailmaster Suspension Lift Kit comes complete with all the components you need to raise your rig from 2” to 6” and I think it is very important to have this attribute. Beside that I want to mention that only hard-wearing materials, like ductile iron and high-grade steel, are used to build Trailmaster Lift Kits. Another benefit for me, since I’m not such a car freak, is the fact that you can install it by yourself in 1 day with basic tools and moderate mechanical skill. I think these advantages are enough argument to buy these products. And I think I will buy it as soon as possible and possibly I take it with me to Germany. Of course I do not need it in order to avoid the difficulties with the road holes, as I mentioned, but it looks so great. And looking great is a benefit in each country!

I am 21 and come from Germany. Now I have to do an internship in the U.S. for 6 months that takes place in San Diego. I love this city! Everything is so different from my home in Germany and everyone knows that different things are better things. And to be honest this saying is true in my case. I love the beaches here, the weather and of course the people. They are so friendly and open minded. We have had the best parties here during my first days after my arrival. But one thing is definitely better in Germany; the condition of the streets. We spend so much money on the improvement of the roads and highways that it is nearly ridiculous, but I didn’t fully understand the advantages of this policy until I came to the USA. In Germany, there are no damages to the car and no sudden scares due to road holes during drives. It is awesome. But here in the USA it is quite the contrast. There are road holes everywhere and you must take care to avoid all the threats of these. This is why I asked a few guys what to do with my car. I have a Cadillac Escalade and I am not willing to destroy it within the first two months. So, one of my American friends gave me some advice. He said that suspension lift kits are able to lift my car so that it can not touch the ground when driving over a pothole. Beside this great benefit, it also makes my car look great. So I found two benefits from just one piece of advice. Is this not the American dream? Maybe not yet, but you just have to imagine two hot girls sitting in the car and watching a fat flat screen and playing PlayStation during the drive; I think then your dream came true.

But I want to tell you more details about the suspension lift kit, because I think my friend is right concerning the benefits of it. There are some that include custom body spacers, steering extensions, bumper brackets and more. And that is not all, they account for relocating stock parts, such as front and rear bumpers, for a lift that looks great and functions well. Another benefit for me, since I’m not such a car freak, is the fact that you can install it by yourself in 1 day with basic tools and moderate mechanical skill. I think these attributes are enough arguments to buy this stuff. And I think I will buy it as soon as possible and possibly I take it with me to Germany. Of course I do not need it in order to avoid the difficulties with the road holes, as I mentioned, but it looks so great. And looking great is a benefit in each country!

You have probably heard quite a bit about hybrid and electric cars that have entered the market in recent years. If fuel consumption is important to you then you should research these alternative fuel vehicles. As fuel efficiency has become more imperative to car buyers, auto makers are now producing cars that are more efficient. Hybrid cars are one example.

Hybrid cars have been manufactured to use both conventional fuel and electric energy. You might have seen these before. Hybrid cars are more environmentally friendly because of their lower fuel consumption.

Hybrids actually have two engines. They have both a gas and an electric engine. This generally leads one to question, “How much better can it be, if it still uses a gasoline based engine?”

In this type of vehicle, gas is only used to start and stop the car. Once you reach a certain velocity, the electrical engine starts to run the car. While driving the vehicle, the electric engine is utilized. The electric engine battery is charged by the gasoline engine. The gasoline engine and the electric engine work together, but never simultaneously.

There was a common worry about driving long trips with hybrid cars, until the parallels became available. This form of hybrid uses both gas and electric engines when starting and stopping. However, when the hybrid needs an additional boost of power, it utilizes its electric engine. This certain type of hybrid has been designed for people who travel extensive distances.

Due to the materials used to build the car, hybrids are considerably lightweight. Therefore, they require less energy for the vehicle to move, which saves on fuel. To help with fuel efficiency, the tires on hybrid vehicles have a higher pressure.

How much gasoline does a hybrid consume? Hybrids consume 50-60% less than the gasoline that regular cars burn. Hybrids may be costly, depending on where you purchase them, but the price is always coming down. More and more consumers are finding them to be within their price range.

Trust your own judgment when figuring out what type of hybrid would be the best fit for you. Be sure to take a test drive of the various types of hybrid to help determine which one suits your needs and personal taste. You need to take the same precautions when buying a used hybrid as when buying any other used car. Initially, it is very important to get a history report of the hybrid from the person who is selling it.

By securing the vehicle history, you can verify the prior ownership record. Be cautious if a car has had many owners in a short amount of time. You may have a friend who is a hybrid owner. Ask them about their experience with their hybrid.

They can tell you the advantages and disadvantages of owning a hybrid. The opinion of a hybrid owner carries more weight than that of someone else. The owner knows how it works as he drives it everyday. Since they learn about their vehicle as they drive it, they become experts about their vehicle’s strengths and weaknesses.

Many celebrities are opting to have it. A recreational vehicle or RV is more than a luxurious form of transportation. Nowadays, the functionality of an RV is getting more and more practical. Many people are choosing to sell their current homes just so they could finance an effort to acquire an RV.

What makes owning a recreational vehicle worth it? Basically, an RV is an enclosed form of large vehicle that is apparently and practically converted into an improvised home. You may probably seen an episode of MTV Cribs or any other Hollywood celebrity shows wherein an icon’s RV is being featured. You surely have an idea of how the interior looks like.

The Recreational Vehicle

Usually, a recreational vehicle has an interior that is no different from a small condominium. There are stylish windows, the floor is carpeted and the whole place is fully furnished. There are also rooms where the owner could relax and take some sleep. There is a bathroom and a restroom, as well as kitchen and a living room. Basically, an RV is a simple home.

Aside from celebrities who are always on locations for filming and other job-related trips, many retirees are opting to give up their homes to acquire a recreational vehicle. Other homeowners are thrilled by the thought of having different locations for the home. Many people are excited about sleeping in Los Angeles and waking up at San Francisco without leaving home. That is possible if you are living in a recreational vehicle.

Top 4 Must-Know RV Tips

If you are aiming to invest in an RV, it would be helpful if you would initially consider the following guidelines. Take note that a recreational vehicle acquisition is not a usual purchase transaction because RVs usually cost about $100,000 to $1,500,000. That would be a significant investment and would cost as much as a regular home.

1. If you are considering giving up your home in favor of an RV, do not act impulsively. It would be wise if you would first give it a try. You can get the feel by renting an RV for a holiday getaway. This way, you could experience how it is to live in an RV without necessarily making the significant investment. Thus, you can easily abandon the plan if you realize you are not really into it.

2. Recreational vehicle purchases are usually costly. Often, an RV costs as much as regular conventional home. Thus, before taking the transaction, plan ahead. If you can produce the full amount for the purchase, pay in full. Car financing schemes and loans would further inflate the RV’s tag price.

3. If you choose to take a financing scheme, strive to make a 20% down payment. Usually, car financers and customers agree to a 10% minimum down payment scheme. If you pay 20% of the total amount ahead, the remaining cost to be paid in installment would be lessened. You could also keep up with the current valuation of the RV. Usually, such vehicles’ valuation depreciates two years after the purchase.

4. If you realized that recreational vehicle ownership is not for you, dispose the vehicle by selling at prices that would not spell losses for your investment. You can choose to buy another home after the initiative or return to your old house. With the current high gasoline prices, RVs are truly not advisable to own.

A recreational vehicle is more than a luxury. It could be a necessity as more people nowadays choose to own one over owning a conventional home. The best tip anyone could offer for prospective RV buyers is to find the best deals in the market. There are cheaper RVs available, which are more advisable if you are not aiming to make living in the vehicle a life-long decision.

The recreational vehicle (RV) industry has experienced a record boom since the turn of the 21st Century as increased numbers of “baby boomers” have entered the “leisure time” industry. Most of these new 35-54 year old first-time RV enthusiasts can visit their local RV dealer and, in a matter of minutes, drive away with a motorhome or camper that will probably take care of their camping and travel needs quite adequately. But the chances of giving your family an enjoyable trip are greatly increased if you cover these five things to know for a successful RV rental. (There are certainly other suggestions and details, but the following five seem to be on the list for just about every experienced RV’er.)

Don’t plan your next RV excursion or make a new RV purchase without a review of the following 5 simple considerations:

1. Consider the interests and needs of all family and friends - This will help eliminate many of the issues that can come up during the trip. Just about every experienced RV traveler (and most rental companies) urge the first-time renter to have a planning meeting with family and friends before attempting to rent an RV. Just an hour or two some evening or on a weekend well before going to the rental company or RV dealer will be time well spent. Encourage family members, including children, to write down what they would like to have in an RV that will be their vacation home. Make a list from these suggestions and ideas and take the list with you when you talk with the RV company.

2. Ask a lot of questions - This is great advice in every purchasing situation. The bottom line is this: a lot of information is better than too little information when it comes to spending money. When you are selecting a travel vehicle that will be your home for a week or two, you need to clear up any doubts about up-front costs, hidden costs, features of the RV, how to perform the basic set up and so on. Most experienced RV travelers will emphasize that reputable RV dealers and rental companies will be happy to answer any and all questions you have. Your contact with the company should allow all the time necessary to make sure you are comfortable with your rental before you drive away.

3. Know where you’re heading and how long you will stay - This is important for several reasons. The most basic of these: you must make sure that the campgrounds and RV parks you plan to use have the facilities you need for your vehicle and for the members of your group. It may be best not to rely just on the brochures and Web sites for the parks and campgrounds. A phone call to ask two or three basic questions about facilities and activities may uncover some hidden problem or some lack of amenities that can change your plans. Tip: Confirm your reservations!!!

4. Understand the differences in recreational vehicles - Have a working knowledge of the basics of RV rentals. There are several different types of RV, including, campers that pull behind your car or truck or, if you decide to take your own vehicle, a towed camping trailer or “pop-up” camper. Your vehicle must be suitable for pulling a camper and you will need a safe, strong hitch (in addition to a stable wiring harness). There are three basic classes of RV: A, B, and C. These types are differentiated by size, the amount of interior room in each, and the different amenities offered. A few minutes of study should point you toward the type of RV that will best fit your family’s travel vacation needs.

5. Include alternative transportation in your vacation/RV plans - Unless you are pulling a smaller camping trailer that you can disconnect from your car you may need to plan for another way of getting around when you finally arrive at your destination. While it may be possible to get along without another vehicle when you are driving a larger motorhome, experienced RV travelers routinely tow a small car, bring along a small motorized scooter or two, or even pack a couple of good bicycles. Enjoyment of your vacation can truly depend on how you handle the transportation needs that arise once you arrive at a final campground or RV park.

According to the RV Industry Association (RVIA) one out of every three first-time RV renters eventually decide to purchase an RV in the future. Remember, no matter which RV you decide to rent or own, some planning and brainstorming will make the experience go more smoothly. Making note of the five considerations above will go a long way in ensuring your first RV rental experience is the most satisfying it can be. And most importantly, your family will thank you!

The Cadillac XLR has all the elegance and class that people have come to expect from the Cadillac name. The XLR is loaded with new state of the art technological features and is one of the quickest and high performance automobiles that Cadillac has ever produced.

The XLR is modeled after the design of stealth aircraft fighters and this can be seen with the aerodynamic look and sleek design style. The XLR features bumper-to-bumper curves with a strong Cadillac grill and vertical headlights. Both of the bumpers on the XLR are the color of the body and the paint is clear coat monotone.

The convertible power roof on the XLR features a glass rear window and a rollover power roof. The retractable top on the car allows for maximum convenience for the driver since it can be opened and closed with a single button. The XLR can change from a coupe to a roadster in less than 30 seconds. The top retractable panel on the XLR is constructed from a composite of magnesium and aluminum. The XLR features a heated glass backlight as well as rear quarter glass windows.

The interior cabin of the XLR is pure luxury as Cadillac has been at the forefront in luxury interior in its past models. Some of the new features on the XLR are a head-up display, heated and cooled leather seats, keyless action with push button starting capabilities, and a DVD navigation and entertainment system. The XLR features unique eucalyptus wood that comes in a choice of light or dark tones and have aluminum accents. The Italian luxury brand Bvlgari specially designed the gages on the XLR. The stereo in the XLR gives concert sound with the 9 Bose speakers spread throughout the cabin playing a premium XM AM/FM/Satellite with clock and seek-scan capabilities. For convenience the stereo controls on the XLR are placed on the steering wheel. One of the state of the art features is the DVD entertainment system that comes with Internet capabilities.

The XLR has superior handling capabilities as the car has Stabilitrack electronic stability, adaptive suspension, and double wishbone rear suspension. The braking system on the XLR feature 4-wheel disc brakes that are vented in the front wheels. This allows for the XLR to have excellent braking abilities even when traveling at accelerated speeds. The XLR handles wonderfully around corners as it has rack and pinion steering as well as rear air shocks and ABS & driveline and Magnetic Ride control that give the car maximum traction.

The XLR features a powerful 4.4L V8 engine that has 443 horsepower and hits a top speed of 155 mph and accelerates from 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds.

Cadillac designed a magnificent car with the XLR with all the advanced features and the sense of class, which is a Cadillac trademark. Besides being at the forefront of luxury automobiles the XLR has the power and drivability that is typically reserved for sportscars. The convertible top and curvaceous features give the XLR a look of elegance and speed, and add to it Cadillac’s trademark luxury, the XLR is an automobile that has no peers.

The classic Zagato line from Aston Villa had an addition with the 2003 DB7. The DB7 was first unveiled at the Pebble Beach Concourse and immediately was a hit with the car world as the DB7 carries on with the classic Zagato tradition with its exsquisite look, sleek design style, and ultimate performance. The DB7 Zagato is one of the premier automobiles that Aston Villa has ever produced.

The interior of the DB7 Zagato is ultimate class as it features a special, just for the DB7 model, aniline leather trim and door trim that was modified so that it would match the high waistline. The seats in the cabin are pure luxury and are also finished in aniline leather and to give the DB7 a distinct signature there is an embossed “Z” on the back of the seats. The DB7 Zagato is a 2 seater but there is a luggage shelf in the rear of the cabin. The stereo in the DB7 Zagato gives superior sound in the 6 speakers throughout the cabin featuring an AM/FM Becker 6-disc auto-changer.

The exterior design of the DB7 Zagato is all style as it has a very low to the ground build and is curvaceous from bumper to bumper. The body is constructed from aluminum that is hand beaten and the DB7 Zagato has Aston Martin’s signature bubble roof and large signature grill. The DB7 Zagato has large 18″ wheels that have a revised offset to create a wider track. The DB7 Zagato is a very sleek and aerodynamic car that has maximum performance and a distinct aesthetic look that is both sexy and classy.

The DB7 Zagato features a 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission with a short shift gear lever. The car has superior braking capabilities with four vented disc brakes and Antilock Braking System on all four wheels. This allows for the car to stop on a dime even at high speeds. The DB7 Zagato is a car that has excellent handling abilities as well featuring an upgraded DB7 Vantage sports suspension in both the front and rear, which were designed especially by Aston Martin for the DB7 Zagato. This gives the car maximum handling abilities on the road evne at high speeds and when taking tight turns. The DB7 Zagato also features the Electronic Traction Control gives the car superior traction as it grips the road superbly.

The Zagato DB7 features a 48-valve 5.9-liter V12 engine that produces 420 horsepower and accelerates to a maximum speed of 186 mph, going from 0-60 in an impressive 4.9 seconds. This engine is exactly the same that was used in Aston Martin’s DB7 Vantage Volante but because of the Zagato twin exhaust system, as well as the fact of the shorter body, the Zagato DB7 is 133 pounds lighter, which gives the car more power and quickness.

The Aston Martin DB7 Zagato is an aerodynamic and exquisite car that has excellent performance. The handling, traction, and braking capabilities are second to none and the interior is pure class and functionality. This classic supercar has a distinct look all its own and is in a class of its own.

The seminar was attended by more than 70 accident reconstructionists including police officers and engineers. Mr. Scott discussed numerous topics such as analyzing damage, bicycle dynamics, and bicycle laws. Bicycle acceleration and deceleration testing was also performed using a variety of cycling skills and bicycle types. Upon completion of the seminar, accident reconstruction professionals were well informed of accident investigation tactics when bicycles are involved.
JDA Senior Accident Reconstruction Specialist John C. Scott has great creditability to provide this seminar. John has over 14 years experience in the field of accident reconstruction. He is considered an expert in accident reconstruction after gathering evidence, investigating, and analyzing data of hundreds of vehicle reconstructions.
John Desch Associates Inc is an engineering consulting firm servicing the accident reconstruction and traffic flow management needs of attorneys, insurance firms, fleet management organizations and developers. The accreditation that JDA and their 16 certified experts provide to your case is undisputed. JDA is well known throughout the Northeast United States for their close work with law firms, insurance companies, organizations with large fleets of vehicles, municipalities, counties, state and federal agencies.
JDA is pleased to announce the recent certifications of three Senior Reconstructionists for the Vetronix/Bosch Crash Data Retrieval System. Steven N. Emolo, John G. Karpovich and John C. Scott have the most current certification to download crash data using the Vetronix/Bosch system on supported vehicles that may contain information about a collision event. Mr. Scott is also fully certified on the latest vehicle event data recorder technology as a Crash Data Retrieval Analyst, which assists JDA in understanding vehicle collisions. The reception of the certifications that these three JDA associates have received is of great honor. JDA is considered an elite Accident Reconstruction firm that serves as professional testimony to a given case. The completion of these courses to receive such high certifications brings even greater honor to John Desch and Associates. These certifications represent even more reason why JDA is the firm to lean to when an automobile crisis arises.

Begin by looking at your trailer. Is there sufficient length for the Classic Car plus enough space to operate the ratchet assemblies at the fore and aft of the bodywork? Do you have ‘D’ rings located towards the corners of the trailer? Is the ‘D’ ring rated for a total of 3 times the weight of the car? Once these items have been addressed, It is time to load the car and tie it down.

Once you have loaded it onto the trailer, the next step is to connect the straps. You can buy a complete tie down kit from Mac’s custom tie downs. Start by connecting the twisted snap hook on the fixed end (the short end) to each of the ‘D’ rings. Choose a set of locations to tie down to.

Typically, on a Classic Car those locations would be through the wheel, over an axle or substantial suspension member, or possibly around a frame horn.

Some general guidelines to keep in mind are: choose a location with enough strength to hold the Classic Car in the event of an accident, one that is free of cutting hazards, and with enough space around it to lace the axle strap.

DO NOT run a strap where it might migrate and crush a brake line. Also consider the effect of the movement of the Classic Car while it is traveling down the road, since what may seem like a clear space now, could become tie down strap guillotine later, if the trailer hits a hard bump.

After choosing a location, you should now run your axle strap around it. Check the length if the standard 24” isn’t enough, don’t worry Mac’s can make the strap in any length needed in a short timeframe.
After determining that the length is correct, align the two delta rings at the end of the axle strap together and click in the running end (long end) of the ratchet strap. Before ratcheting the strap tight, pull the tail end of the strap through until the strap looks straight. Now you can ratchet the strap, making sure to have two full wraps around the mandrel to ensure a positive mechanical lock. Repeat this process at all four corners of the Classic Car.

Should you cross the straps? Possibly. Understand that the strap will have its maximum strength in the line it is pulling. It is always a good idea to have the straps at the rear of the Classic Car pulling mostly straight back. Most vehicles will out corner a trailer, so the Classic Car is more likely to come loose when an accident occurs than wander around when properly tied down. Be sure to take a look at the setup in your trailer and make sure that it is sensible this is the best test for tie downs.