By Y. Tilden

Classic car restoration refers to the process of repairing a car in order to return it to its original condition. This type of restoration includes the interior, exterior, engine and other mechanical parts and related accessories. An individual or company restoring a classic car may, depending on the type of restoration, use only original parts and pieces, or fabricate materials to bring the classic back to life.

Car restoration can be a long, arduous process that spans years until completion. Many find their projects never completed at all. The process can be very frustrating, for just when you find something fixed, another part of the car goes wrong. The entire process of car restoration is big -- often bigger than expected. Recruiting friends and family may be a good idea, as the process is often labor-intensive, involving the removing of rust, priming, and painting. The procedure can also be more complex involving a complete disassembling of a car, including cleaning, repairing and retesting, as well as stripping and reupholstering the interior. The engine may also have to be rebuilt. The exterior is usually repaired and refinished last, as only a car in working condition would deserve a new coat of paint.

Classic car restoration is a complicated series of projects that not only takes several years to complete, but may end up costing thousands of dollars. There are also varying levels of quality in car parts and overall look when you deal with car restoration. The highest level is usually not available for amateur restorers and is near perfect in its reproduction process, consisting of original, authentic parts and overall finish. The lowest level of restoration involves building a running car with some authentic parts, but assembled with less particular regard to original parts and appearance.

Though the process may be long and hard, completing a car restoration project is very rewarding for car enthusiasts.

By Derrick Walker

Placing your car or truck for sale in an auto classifieds website is a great way to reach tons of potential buyers. But constructing a great ad is not child's play. To generate a lot of interest in your vehicle, you must know how to create the perfect online listing. The necessary steps are outlined in five articles titled "Sell Your Car Online."

The first step in placing a great ad is taking pictures of the car or truck that is for sale. You don't just want to take any picture and post it on the internet. You want to post the best picture you possibly can. After all, the potential buyers that view your online listing want to see a picture that tells them something more than just the color of the vehicle. A good picture can convey the overall condition of the body, paint, interior, and more. A good, or near professional-quality, picture can seal the deal in the buyer's mind.

Hypothetical situation: A potential car buyer is looking for a particular car. The buyer has found two nearly identical cars, one belongs to you and one belongs to someone in a nearby state. These two cars have the same body style, the same engine and transmission, the same color, the same options, and very close to the same price. The only deciding factor is the pictures. The competing car has one low quality picture. It is half blocked by a neighboring vehicle. The sun is in the background causing a glare that obscures the color and overall appearance of the car. Your car, on the other hand, has multiple pictures from different angles. There is no sun to cause a glare and no rain to make the picture look dreary. The true color of the car shows and there is nothing blocking the view. Which car do you think the buyer would choose? Pictures of competing cars can, without a doubt, influence the potential buyer to purchase one car over another.

There are things you must consider before you take the first picture. What type of camera should I use? How many pictures should I take? What exactly should I take pictures of? Should I take the pictures in direct sunlight? Unless you are a professional photographer, or at least an experienced one, you may not know the correct answer to these questions.

What type of camera should I use? Since the pictures you upload to the internet must be in digital format, a digital camera is the best type of camera to use. If you use a non-digital camera, you first have to pay to get the film developed. Then use a scanner to digitize it. You must spend valuable time and money to do this. Using a digital camera is the most cost efficient and time conserving way to take and upload photos of your vehicle. In most cases, all you have to do is connect your camera to your computer to download the photos to the hard drive. Then you're ready to post your ad.

What size mega pixel (MP) camera do I need? This depends on what you will be doing with the pictures. If you need large, high quality pictures, like 8X10 prints or a large display photo in the newspaper, you may need to purchase a 5 MP camera or better. If you will be printing the pictures for personal use or posting small photos in print ads in the local newspaper, you probably need a 3 MP camera or better. If all you need is camera to take pictures to be uploaded to the internet, a 2 MP camera should do the trick.

Remember this! If the picture you are taking will only be used on the internet, use the lowest quality setting that your camera has. Some cameras even have a setting for internet quality photos.

How many pictures should I take? There is no correct answer for this question. Just take as many as you need. A good photographer will take pictures from multiple angles as well as take duplicate pictures from each angle. If you have 20 pictures to choose from, you can easily find at least 5 high quality photos to post with your listing that show lots of detail about your vehicle. Then you can delete the unused photos so you're not wasting space on your hard drive.

What exactly should I take pictures of? You need pictures from opposite angles that show the exterior of the vehicle. Pictures should be taken of the engine compartment with the hood raised. More pictures should be taken of the interior. If your vehicle has expensive aftermarket accessories, take pictures of them. For example, take close ups of expensive mag wheels, custom artwork or painting, or a high-tech audio system. In essence, you want to convey the overall condition of the vehicle and any special features the vehicle may have with the pictures you take.

Where should I take the pictures? You need to take pictures of the vehicle in a place that has as little background detail as possible. For example, you don't want another car, a highly trafficked street, or a person in the picture at all. The best place to take the pictures would be near a plain brick wall, or in front of an empty field. You don't want any object, whether in the foreground or background, to distract the buyer from seeing the details of your vehicle.

Should I take the pictures in direct sunlight? In order to take a great picture with a mid- to low-quality digital camera, you need plenty of light. But too much direct sunlight can cause bright glares and dark shadows, neither of which is good. The absolute best time to take pictures of your vehicle is on a partly cloudy day when the sun is behind the clouds. This eliminates the harsh, dark shadows even though there is still plenty of light to draw out the true color(s) of the vehicle. If you must take the pictures in direct sunlight, always make sure that the sun is behind you (so it will be shining on the side of the vehicle that is facing you). Try not to take a picture of a vehicle when the side facing you is in the shadow.

If you normally take terrible pictures, remember this! It is much better to take a picture with a wider view that has all the details in it than to try to get a close up and cut part of the important details out. So zoom out to make sure you get a great picture.

Follow these steps and you will have high quality photos of your automobile for display in the car classifieds site of your choice. Look for the next installment titled "Sell Your Car Online: Step 2, Using Pictures of Your Automobile Correctly." Happy selling.

By Aurel Radulescu

Whether you are planning to sell your car in the near future, have purchased it for investment purposes or simply want to protect your investment, increasing the resale value of your car is never a bad idea. Many people are not aware, but there are several ways to maintain your car in such a way that it will prove to be more valuable than it's peers.

Keep it clean. Everyone likes a clean car and will consider this factor heavily when deciding to purchase a new ride. Even if you don't intend to sell it in the near future, you should keep the car clean for yourself and your passengers. Regular vacuuming, upholstery cleaning and shampooing of the floor are the best ways to maintain your car's interior.

Maintain your car according to the manufacturer's guidelines and schedule. This means regular inspections, oil changes and keeping up with any other repairs that need to be done. Keeping your car operating properly will make you feel safe while operating it and will also protect your investment in the years to come.

If it's broke, fix it. As with most cars, repairs are inevitable and no matter how hard you try, there will come a day that something needs fixed. It's best to avoid putting off any repairs and just go ahead and have them done immediately. Anything left uncorrected can lead to a much larger, and more expensive, problem in the future.

Annual Check-ups! A yearly visit to the doctor isn't just for individuals, but for cars too. Ok, so maybe a repair shop isn't the same thing as a doctor's office, but you get the idea. Annual inspections of your car's performance is crucial to it's overall health. Most states require that an individual have their car inspected annually, so do it for safety and because it's the law.

Walking. Believe it or not, walking is good for your car. When you walk, that is. When you drive to the grocery store, take a quick visual scan of the parking lot. Where are most of the cars located? Near the entrance, right? If you park in the less crowded area and are willing to walk a little farther to get inside the store, you may save your car from being dented and dinged by runaway shopping carts, car doors and other mishaps that often occur in crowded parking areas.

Save your receipts. If you have paperwork relating to the car or parts warranty, keep it in a safe place. In addition, any recall information and/or repair work that you have had done will be beneficial to future buyers and will also reassure them of your complete honesty if you are willing to go the extra mile and provide the paperwork.

In addition to the aforementioned ways of increasing your car's value, you should also repair any rust spots or paint chips, interior defects, loose knobs or other cosmetic problems that may affect the car's value. If you do all of these things, your car should be a major contender when it comes time to sell. Until then, you will have the pleasure of enjoying a well-maintained automobile.

By Max Bellamy

Winter driving need not be as uncomfortable if you have the right kind of heated car seats. By keeping your back warm and helping regulate your car's interior temperature, heated car seats can help you go for miles and miles of truly leisurely driving.

If you live in places where winter is painfully cold, then you need heated car seats. Heated car seats can do a lot for your health and safety - it warms your body directly, for one thing, which means you can stay alert for the long haul.

With a heated car seat, you don't have to turn up your car's heating system just to be warm, so your interior temperature is always regulated and at its optimum. Because heated car-seat technology is now perfected, you never have to worry about overheating. Gone are the first-generation heated car seats that were always too warm - now you can enjoy just the right toasty feeling even when you drive for long hours.

If you intend to buy a new car, go for the ones that have built-in heated car seats. If you intend to keep your car and just replace the seats, you can easily buy heated car seats as separate accessories and have them professionally installed (some heated car-seat vendors provide expert installation free of charge). The catch? They can be expensive.

Most high-end cars come with heated car seats, but for people not ready to spend a good amount of money, there are other alternatives. A heated blanket is one such substitute. Heated blankets designed for cars can be plugged very easily into the cigarette-lighter socket - it gives the same effect as a heated seat, but is a lot cheaper (they typically go for less than $100). If you're not ready to splurge on heated car seats, then this is definitely a sensible option.

By Aurel Radulescu

Just as people enjoy being pampered from time to time, cars are no different. They work hard every day, are on call 24/7 and they also deserve a little R&R. The best way to replenish your car and leave it feeling rejuvenated is to start with a complete wash, by hand of course, followed by a rinse and dry. Think of this process as an exfoliation to remove all of nature's unwanted dirt and grime from your car's surface.

Next, polish your car in order to smooth the paint's surface and eliminate certain contaminants, such as road salt, pollen or bird droppings. This will provide your car with the massage that it needs to relieve the stress of everyday life and leave it's surface all shiny and bright.

The next step to pampering your car involves waxing. This is an essential step in keeping your car protected from the damaging effects of UV rays and acid rain. And not to mention, waxing leaves your car with an unbelievable showroom quality shine. It's important to get your automobile professionally waxed if it's within your budget. Many people think that rain will clean their car but, in actuality, nothing could be further from the truth. Acid rain, which is common throughout North America, can actually cause erosion.

Once your car is looking great on the outside, it's time to begin working on the interior. A thorough vacuuming of the carpet and interior seating can be done with a small handheld vacuum. In addition, window washing and shampooing will finish up the next phase of pampering your car.

The ideas in this article are ideal if you want to pamper your car for the day. If you want to pamper it for a lifetime, always be sure to follow the maintenance guidelines and schedule as recommended by the manufacturer. This information can generally be found in the owner's manual, which should be located in the glove box. In addition to being the best way to keep your car operating at it's peek performance, properly maintaining your car will also ensure that it remains covered under the manufacturer's warranty should the need arise for it's service.

Rounding out your car's luxury treatment is a professional scrubbing of the wheels and the engine. It's also a good idea to have the oil and other important areas of the car checked by a professional just to make sure that your car is in premium operating condition.

By Terry Brown

So you have decided to sell your car already. You may choose to market it to a private party or to a car dealer, however, there are still some things that you would have to do to ensure that you are going to get your money for what your car is worth.

According to Charlie Vogelheim, the editor of Kelly Blue Book, "The most important thing is to clean the car inside out. If the car is older, a good wash and wax on the exterior and vacuum of the interior is probably enough. The extent of the detail will vary depending on the age of the car." However, Vogelheim also adds that if your car is still on the newer side, it would be best to have a professional do the cleaning of the interior, exterior, and engine. This would make the car look really good. After all, a car that looks shiny and clean gets more attention of buyers compared to those that look dirty and dull.

Any broken items or equipment should be replaced. These could include lenses, headlights, and mirrors. Of course, this would give your car an edge over other vehicles. A car that looks well-maintained would be sold quicker compared to others. On the other hand, if your car has dents, you have these removed by professionals. You can also offer them a deal of having all the dents removed at one time only for a much cheaper cost compared to having the dents removed one at a time.

The appearance of the vehicle is not the only thing that interested buyers may look for and be interested in when it comes to purchasing your car. It would be advisable to have all your records complete and in handy. It would also help a lot if they are arranged and organized neatly. By doing such, you are actually exuding a perception that you did take good care of your car.

By Dwayne Wright

You've just purchased your dream car. After many months (or even years) of saving, you are now driving home from the car dealership and you suddenly realize, "How am I going to protect my new investment". If you don't have the luxury of keeping your car inside of a garage, a car cover will help protect your automobile, both the exterior and interior of your vehicle. Even if you do keep your car in a garage, but don't drive it very often, a car cover is still quite beneficial. It will keep dust particles from sticking to you vehicle and potentially damaging your car's paint job. A car cover protects your car from the elements in all four seasons. It will prevent the snow from damaging your vehicle in the winter months and keep the sun's damaging UV rays away from your car's finish in the smoldering summer months.

When shopping for a car cover, it is important to look for products that are water repellent not waterproof. The difference between the two types is breathability. Occasionally water will get trapped underneath the car cover. If the car cover is not breathable, condensation will form causing the car cover to rot and possibly ruin the vehicle's paint job. Waterproof covers are generally cheaper than their water repellent counterparts, leading consumers to believe that they are a better deal. To truly protect your car from factors both inside and outside of the car cover, stay away from the cheaper waterproof car covers and limit your selection to water repellent car covers only.

For the best protection possible, a custom car cover for your vehicle is highly recommended. While a custom cover is generally more expensive, it provides the best fit for your car. It not only offers you the best convenience in terms of ease of use (putting the cover on and taking the cover off), it also offers you the best protection against the elements.

No matter what type of car cover you decide to purchase, the price of the cover mainly depends on the type of vehicle you have. Larger covers for trucks and SUVs are typically more expensive than covers for sedans and coupes. A high-quality car cover can run from as little as $75 to as high as several hundred dollars. A custom car cover will cost you a little more than a ready-fit cover. If you're looking for an inexpensive way to protect your new investment, a car cover is the way to go. Whether you choose a custom car cover made specifically for your vehicle or a ready-fit cover, you'll be happy 5 years down the road when your car still looks brand new.

By Steve P Russo

There are many tangible benefits that can be derived from tinting your car windows. This is one accessory whose cost and versatility means it can be applied to any car. That said, before you tint your car windows, you must be conversant with what the traffic laws are in your jurisdiction just to be sure you do not run afoul of the authorities. The tint is applied to the inside of the car windows and helps control the amount of light getting into the car. Automotive tint film rejects the unsafe ultra violet rays from the sun. The degree of the tint varies from very light tint film to ultra dark tint sometimes referred to as limo tint.

Window tinting has many benefits, read on for some of its more important features.

* Privacy and Security - If you want privacy when in your car, car window tinting can help you achieve that. Little wonder that many VIPs including heads of state, prominent business persons and celebrities almost always ride in cars with tinted car windows. With tint, you can rest easy away from the prying eyes of curious passers by as well as anonymity that shields you from persons with malicious intent.
* Because it is difficult for someone to see what is inside your car, the tint protects any valuable items you might leave in the car such as laptops. The most common type of tint for privacy and security are dark charcoal colored films which make it easy for the person inside the car to see outside but make it almost impossible from someone outside to see the inside of the car.
* Protection from the sun- Windows that are tinted provide protection from the sun's ultraviolet rays. When strong UV rays penetrate the car's windows, they damage the car's interior by speeding up upholstery wear and fade to leather seats or cracking of the dashboard. More importantly, car window tinting protects the skin and eyes of the car's occupants from the effects of UV and the glare of direct sunlight respectively.
* Reduces overheating - This is more so during the warmer days of the year such as during summer. Car window tinting makes the car's interior cooler by up to 60% when compared to a car whose windows are not tinted.
* Safety for the driver- Drivers of cars with tinted windows are better protected from shattered glass in the event of an accident than drivers of cars without tint. The tint film holds the shattered glass in position and prevents flying glass from injuring the car's occupants.
* Style - Cars with tinted windows have a sleek appearance that gives the car a classy, sophisticated look

By Matthew Ethan

The Ford F150 is a truck made in the USA that is being sold throughout the world along with other Ford vehicles. Since it is the most selling truck all over globe, many companies are concentrating more on producing the spare parts of F150. These are heavy duty trucks and no matter what use you put them to everyday, they are sure to offer you high quality performance and various companies are manufacturing accessories that can stand the same challenges successfully as the original Ford150.

In order to provide your truck with a classy look, various accessories are available which offer a very smooth finishing touch. Various parts and frills such as several types of seat covers, floor mats, exhausts, deflector's, etc. offer your truck with unique features and an exclusive look. A large range of parts and accessories available for an F150 truck are discussed below:

1. F-150 parts for better performance
You can upgrade your car in order to achieve better performance with a large range of upgrades such as power programmers, NOS kits, and performance chips. Such upgradation crafts your car for an improved performance and makes it actually fly with speed.

2. F-150 Wheels
Special types of wheel replacement packages are also available in the market. Chrome wheels, aluminum rims, and custom wheels give a stupendous appearance that fits as a perfect match for your car.

3. F-150 Headlights
A large variety of F-150 headlights are offered by many companies. These include fog lights, halogen lights, black housing headlights, custom headlights, project headlights, aftermarket headlights, and many more. All these help distinguish your truck from all the others in its class.

4. F-150 Body Kits
A diverse range of kits such as F-150 front bumper add-ons, body kit panels, exterior frills, body kit accessories, custom body ground effect kits, and other such extra added features make your truck look different and unique.

5. F-150 Floor Mats
F-150 floor mats help in protecting your carpet against unnecessary waste and dust. OEM floor mats, custom floor mats, and other types of well-designed floor mats assist in maintaining the interiors of your truck neat and clean.

By David J. O.

A BMW speaks out elegance and class. Everybody knows that having a BMW will make you stand out from the rest. You can in fact enjoy even more admiration from your colleagues when you have the right combination of BMW accessories which can really enhance the look of your vehicle.

BMW accessories are essential parts of your car not only because of style and appearance but more importantly for safety and caution. They are designed in a flexible manner to suit your every BMW needs according to your taste and preference. These are some classifications of BMW's accessories like interior, exterior, aisle accessories and lighting system. While they may have different usage all of them are used for the purpose of modification and enhancement. BMW lighting system improves illumination while driving and this include tail lights, head lights and indicator lights which are very needed when driving at night time. BMW body kits detail on the outside modification of your car targeting specifically on bumpers and side guards both rear and front.

If you want to change or modify the headlights of your BMW there are many options to choose like BMW Angel Halo Lights as they greatly improved you night time road vision because of halogen bulbs. These bulbs come in many colors like blue, white and yellow but it is best to secure permission from traffic authorities which color are acceptable in your area before buying one.

As BMW upgraded its appearance over the passage of time, more and more efficient BMW accessories have emerged in the after market now. These accessories are geared towards the advancement of a more daring and adventurous life of a BMW owner.

By Adriana N.

Every year millions of people purchase used cars. At one time, people were taking their chances when they purchased a used car, but now, there are a number of companies and organizations that evaluate used cars in order to assign an appropriate price to the car. The goal is to provide consumers with an honest assessment of a used car so they are well informed before they make a purchase.

The history of the vehicle is one factor that is considered when evaluating and pricing a used car. The details of the report provide such information as if the car was a fleet car, rental car, and how many owners it had. It also will tell you if the particular make, model, and year of the car has a history of mechanical issues such as engine or transmission problems. The reliability of the used car is also evaluated and if the car has a clean Title history and will pass a smog and safety inspection. As well, the amount of mileage the car has will affect the price.

Used cars are also evaluated according to their condition. The following areas are assessed:

1. The exterior of the car is evaluated. Things to look for include rust, poor paint job, dents, scratches, and leaks coming from underneath the car. As well, one assessing the car will look for any missing or broken items such as damaged or missing windshield wipers. All of the doors, panels, and bumpers should be secure and in the correct position. A used car in excellent condition will not have any defects. The condition of the tires are also evaluated which includes the condition of the treads and if they are all the same size.

2. The suspension is another area that is evaluated. The corners of the vehicle should only bounce once or twice when the car is stopped. When the car is parked, it should sit in a position. There should not be any unusual sounds when the care stops such as a creaking sound.

4. The engine and the compartment and the transmission are evaluated. There should not be any fluid leaks or unusual odors when the engine is hot. As well, there should not be any loose components or unusual when the car is running such as hissing or clanking. There should not be any missing components such as caps. The engine is also evaluated according to how well it starts and how it runs, and if there is anything unusual such as lights coming on, if the engine idles smoothly or stalls. The transmission is evaluates according to how well it shifts and if it jerks, grinds, or accelerates too quickly. The mileage of the car is also taken into consideration when pricing the vehicle.

5. The exhaust system is evaluated. There should not be any rust, loose fittings, or black smoke coming out of the muffler. Well, blue or white coming from the exhaust may indicate an engine problem. Underneath the car is assessed for rust and loose and hanging parts. There should also not be any dents or scrapes.

6. The interior of the car is evaluated which includes the upholstery, door locks, windows (how well they open and close,) seat belts, airbags, carpet, dashboard, interior lights, and accessories such as the stereo, cup holders, and ashtrays.

The amount of inspection that goes into evaluating a used car is essential to protecting consumers from buying a "lemon." Fortunately, consumers have a number of options to assessing a used car such as checking the Kelly Blue Book Value of the car and acquiring a Carfax vehicle history report.

By Stephanie Andrew

Choosing the car that best fits your needs and budget can seem like a daunting task. One chose a car for its design, others its badge and still others based on the image it portrays. Any car says a little about its owner and it's possible that this is related to their lifestyle which that car would have to cater for. If you take the time to do some research and put down on paper exactly what you are looking for in a new car; you will have a better understanding of the type of vehicle that will best fit your needs.

Size and Space Needed

One of the first things that you need to consider is what your current or future circumstances are as far as people in your immediate family. The people who will be driving or being transported in the new vehicle you choose. For example, are you single, married, have children or expecting a child in the near future. Your answers to the above questions will help determine the size of car you should be looking for.

Luckily, today there is large selection of compact and fuel efficient cars that are geared towards families. The cars are made to be more compact but still give you interior space for you and your passengers. Things to take into consideration include; if the family pet travels with you often or how convenient the car will be to get a car seat in and out. Your age may play an important role here! Pensioners may well like the sliding doors on models such as the Peugeot 106 while the Station Wagon or Estate cars and 4WD's have excellent room in the back for owners of big dogs and families who vacation a lot will need either a bigger car or a more powerful engine to tow a caravan for example! A 1.2 Nissan Micra or Mini First which has a 1.4 liter engine would certainly not be the car for you if that was the case. You also have to consider what type of cargo space you will want or need. Here is a little tip for the fisherman; the Toyota Estima is a great vehicle for fitting you fishing rods into and a comfy retreat when it all gets a bit much when the weather is bad as you have the space to move around and wait it out.

A Huge Variety Of Body Types To Pick From

There are a variety of types of cars to choose from and there is a type for everyone's lifestyle. A supermini is usually easy to drive and has smaller engine sizes. These are ideal cars for a small family, new drivers or someone on a tight budget. They usually have good fuel economy and the tax is lower. However, the size and performance levels are also lower.

The hatchback is one of the most popular types of cars on the road today. They have two rows of seats and cargo space behind the rear seats. These are reliable and make good family cars. In most of the models the rear seats fold down to give you even more boot space.

The MPV, which stands for Multi-purpose Vehicle, is a good choice for a large family or if you often have a lot of passengers. These types of vehicles have plenty of seats and a large boot area. They are a bigger size car and are less fuel efficient than a compact car.

A sports car is a high performance machine that usually only has two seats and most are rear wheel drive. They are not an inexpensive vehicle and are more costly to run and insure. The fuel economy usually is on the low side but they do offer power and maneuverability.

An estate car is a passenger car that has a longer body style than most hatchbacks and less room than an MPV. If you are looking for a luxury family car or an executive vehicle this might be the choice for you.

A SUV, which stands for Sports Utility Vehicle, can be used as an off road vehicle and has good towing capabilities. Nissan produce some great 4WD vehicles while the ever popular Hummer and Land Rover are still the firm favorites for larger families. They are usually equipped with strong engines and have about the same interior space as an estate. These are reliable vehicles but fuel efficiently is usually very low.

Engine and Performance

How well a vehicle will perform is a major factor to consider when choosing a car. If you use the motorways often you will want to check out the acceleration time from 0 to 60. You also want to make sure you have enough horse power for your needs. The size of the engine is also something to consider. One thing to keep in mind is the higher the performance the higher your insurance cost may be.

Cost

Once you have narrowed down your choices and have a specific model you're interested in; now it is time to do some research. The internet is a great place to find detailed specifications and information on not only the cost of the vehicle but the actual selling price of the car you are leaning towards buying. Only then are you truly more informed when you are at a car dealership. Other products such as gap insurance, comprehensive car insurance, car warranty information and car depreciation levels and car finance calculators are extremely well documented on the internet and not only indicate the true running costs of your chosen vehicle, but together with the cost of any aftermarket accessories you may want to add to your new car provide you with a global overview of the true price you will be paying. Many of these aftermarket products are also sold direct to you online again saving car buyers from paying out any extra when the dealers offers them the same products at higher prices. A small amount of research could easily save a car buyer hundreds of pounds on insurance and car tax, not to mention thousands on maintenance and new car depreciation.

Fuel Economy and Environmental Concerns

As far as fuel is concerned the most common fuel types are petrol and diesel. Petrol fuel runs well, is currently cheaper at the pumps in the UK that is but is managed by a less efficient fueling system, meaning more fuel is wasted on a trip. On the other hand, diesel has lower CO2 emissions, tends to get more miles per dollar or pound and is used more efficiently. You should keep in mind that the higher the CO2 emissions the higher the car tax will be. You want to make sure that you look closely at how many miles per gallon the car you're considering buying averages. There are other eco-friendly options available which include, electric and hybrid vehicles. There are also some vehicles being manufactured today that run on bio ethanol which is eco-friendly. Governments around the world are incentivizing car makers to produce more efficient vehicles and manufacturers realize that very soon emission restrictions will be so strict that consumers will be insisting on ultra efficient vehicles and duel fuel cars are one very buoyant market in trying time s we live in. As an ever growing environmentally conscious society consumers no longer accept second rate offers from the automotive industry and this spells a brighter future for our children!

Safety

To most people the vehicles safety is the single most important factor when choosing a new car. This is especially important if you have a young family, 3 or more kids or you simply have a lot of passengers that are relying on you to keep them safe on the road. When looking at vehicles always look at the safety features for example ask your dealer how many airbags it has, what the Euro NCAP rating for that particular model is, does Bluetooth come as an option with the radio and how many miles you should expect to get from a set of tires. Not so strange a question when you realize that every car has different rates at which they wear down their tires! An example would be the lovely Fiat Stilo which won't do more than 8 months of town driving on a set of new tires due to the way the front suspension works and the ASR setting affects the inside tire wear! But most of all please don't forget to ask about the Euro NCAP's star ratings for the car before you buy.

Purchasing a new vehicle is something that you want to take your time doing and shop around to decide which car will best fit your needs. A new car is a major investment and you want something that will be reliable and last a long time. If you consider your options wisely you will find a vehicle that will fit you and your lifestyle.

By Paul Staunton

After market car parts is a fast growing business in the USA. Many car enthusiasts love to make their car unique and stand out from the crowd by making modifications to the original. Though due to the limited options given by car manufacturers some look elsewhere. That is where aftermarket car parts come in.

When purchasing a new car from an auto dealer, there is something commonly known as "stock" which are the standard options provided by the dealer. These standard stock options include the essential components such as engine, transmission, wheels and also performance part. The stock can also include interior car parts such as lighting. Though many dealer do provide upgrades to a certain extent these are still limited for many car enthusiast, some extras can include alloy wheels, satellite navigation and other extras. Thus many people look elsewhere to truly modify there vehicles.

Some people may purchase aftermarket car parts for safety reasons such as xenon headlight upgrades which provide brighter and whiter light and therefore greater visibility. Other people may just want their cars to look good and have that exclusivity and would purchase styling parts and accessories like body kits and alloy wheels to make their cars stand out from the crowd. For many car enthusiasts purchasing aftermarket parts and modifying their cars is a real pastime and may spend thousands on performance upgrades, interior & exterior styling as well as other cosmetics.

Many car modifications (or mods, as it is often referred) made to a vehicle are made using aftermarket car parts. So what are aftermarket parts? Simply put, aftermarket parts are those which have been made by a company other than the original manufacturer of your car. Manufacturers parts are commonly known as Original Equipment Manufacturer. So why buy parts from someone other than that of your car manufacturer? It's like in any market if a company are making only certain kind of products they may have more knowledge than the original manufacturers therefore they have the ability to provide better and larger range of products such as a company specializing in performance car parts may provide better parts. Aftermarket car parts contain wide range of product types such as light bulbs to air filters and turbo kits and chrome wheels. Some aftermarket parts can be installed by the car's owner with minimal or no knowledge about cars while other parts may require you to seek a professional to install the part. You should seek advice from a knowledgeable person before purchasing an aftermarket car part.

There are certain criteria which one must be aware of before going out to buy aftermarket car parts. Firstly you need to be aware that installing an aftermarket car part may null your vehicles warranty, if there is any. Therefore, be sure to check your warranty documents before proceeding to install a car part. Secondly ensure you know your car make, model and year as these are the common criteria used to check whether a part is compatible with your car. Finally be sure to check your local laws as installing a certain type of part may be deemed illegal in your area of residence.

By Thomas Jones

Exterior

As a sports utility vehicle, the vehicle is about middle-sized and is still of a large build, giving it plenty of room to move around and relax. This particular exterior looks different from others as the power train in this particular vehicle.

The grille of the Highlander has been revamped now, and the fascia itself has intake vents that are bigger and go along with the fog lamps. These are all in place to help the hybrid remain cooler and to keep this capacity as long as possible, which is certainly a benefit. There is an LED tail light now that replaces the aspirated Highlander of the conventional variety. These lights are much better for the vehicle, increasing the visibility as well as helping encourage the safety features, as well as having an aesthetic value. The actual wheels are 17-inch and alloy, as well as being mounted on stylish tires in order to gain much better traction than could be.

As for the wheelbase and stance of the car, the base is long and the actual stance seems to be very squat and stout. The actual style of the body looks much better than even anything the Lexus line has created, especially the RX 400h, Lexus's new luxury hybrid. The roofline is much more squared off, and overall, the fender arches are pretty well-proportioned. The overall style of the exterior is much more impressive, even though the silhouette of this vehicle would probably be described as relatively squished.

The Toyota Highlander is a rugged and smart-looking vehicle, and physically, this SUV is a head-turner, uniquely representing these features. Sleek with smoother outlines, the appearance also has a unified and seamless profile. For families, the vehicle even looks like a rugged outdoors vehicle that would easily be used on a weekend trip. The flow of the vehicle looks pretty awesome from top to bottom, and the exterior is a beauty.

The other amazing feature about the exterior is that the Highlander Hybrid is available in several colors, and all of them have interesting names like oasis green pearl, Sonora gold pearl, millennium silver metallic, and ash leather. The color schemes are quite interesting, and make the freedom of choice a joy.

Interior

Because of the wide and long exterior that the Highlander has, the interior is incredibly spacious and roomy, which automatically makes it extremely comfortable. Just by looking at the exterior, there is enough to tell that the multi-purpose interior is spacious and that the front and backseat areas both have enough leg room, as well as shoulder room. Inside of the vehicle, the style is cozy but smart, and has a well-refined taste to it. Already mentioned, the vehicle is comfortable, and also has plenty of characteristics that make it convenient, as well as plenty of accessories and features to make this car a blast to drive.

The bench seat is split at a forty/twenty/forty in the second of the Highlander's rows. As a result, passengers can remove the center portion of the seat if they need to, and even the entire bench can just be removed, then stored so that there is an open aisle in the center, giving more space and freedom of movement. The second row also has the capability of using two captain's chairs, and that does give the Highlander the feel close to a minivan. As for the third door, it is entirely optional, but the bench can always fold and lay flat down to the floor.

Considering there is plenty of seating and a lot of space, it isn't surprising that the Highlander could easily hold up to seven people. There is a concern, though, to note that because the third row is much more narrow than others, adults might have a harder time sitting in the third row. From the second row's back on, though, the Highlander contains at least 42 cubic feet of space.

In looking at the cargo storage abilities, the Highlander can easily carry 94 cubic feet of cargo, which makes it ideal for weekend trips or getaways. In this particular case, the vehicle is able to give enough room for cargo, as well as luggage of passengers, perhaps.

The Highlander has both base and limited trim levels in the fuel-efficient vehicles. The actual base models have five passenger seats, a phenomenal audio system, tilting and telescopic steering wheels, as well as wood-grain polished trims and an air conditioning system. Like many of Toyota's vehicles, the back-up camera is viewable through the center screen, which also gives vehicle information. In the limited models, the third row bench is added and allows the vehicle to then take on a total of seven people. The limited models have the same features as the base model, but also have a power driver's seat as well as a six-disc CD changer with a six-disc capacity in the system, located in the dashboard. In fact, it's also possible to have the rear contain a DVD system.

As for the actual cockpit, the drive is much more modernized, especially when compared with the conventional Highlander. Instead of a tachometer, the Highlander has a power meter that specifically measures the output from both engines, giving you the combined number. With this dashboard, there is a video screen that is central and in color, detailing the fuel economy as well as power flow. As well as telling diagnostic information, this screen can also display the GPS system if you wish to have one installed.

By Michelle Crimson

We all know the properties of oil and grease. They can really stick on anything and could become quite a mess. They are very slick and oily. Aside from these, they could prove to be quite a challenge to remove.

Much as you keep your car's interior immaculate and clean, accidents do happen. You could step on oil or grease that may have leaked from other vehicles. And when you do, you could bring it in your car's cabin without you knowing it. Well, only until you notice that oil or grease stain on your carpet - or even on the fabrics in your car. Too bad.

One of the easiest ways of removing these grease or oil stains from your car's interior is by replacing the oiled-up or greased-up parts with new parts for Jaguar XJ6. But that could prove to be quite expensive on your end when you can simply remove the stain yourself by simply using some muscles and working up a little sweat.

If you got grease or oil in the fabrics of your car, you should first blot away any excess oil or grease, especially if these elements are still fresh on the fabrics. After blotting these out and there are still more, you can try scraping them away. On the same spot, put a cloth that is very absorbent and leave it there. Let the cloth absorb any more oil or grease. Come back after a few hours and this time, apply a laundry stain remover product to the area. This would remove the stain. And when you have successfully done so, sponge the stain remover away with warm water.

Remember that should be done only in fabrics. If you get oil or grease on your leather seats or any leather part of your cabin, do not attempt to clean it up or you just might only mess up the stain more. It is recommended that you bring it to a professional leather cleaner instead.

By Patrick N Milligan

Today there are some pretty cool gadgets and accessories that everyone should have in their car or truck that can make your life easier and also safer! There are two products in particular that I think everyone should have in their vehicle!

The first thing that I think everyone should have in their car is the life hammer, which is a tool that you can use to prevent yourself from becoming trapped inside your car if you accidentally drive off the road into a river or a canal and the weight of the water prevents your car door from opening! It is designed to shatter car windows and has a blade that you can use to cut through seat belts! The blade on the Life Hammer is very sharp and is able to slice through seat belts with ease! The Life Hammer has a mounting bracket, that you can attach to the center console of your car, so that you will have easy access to it!

The Life Hammer also comes in a key chain version, which is called the resQme, so that you can always have the benefit of having the life hammer with you, without having to carry around the full sized version in your pocket! Some times you may be traveling with a friend in their car and want to feel secure that if something goes wrong, you will still be able to have the Life Hammer with you in a smaller version that you can attach to your keyring! It has a blade to cut the seat belts and a center punch to shatter glass and is just as effective as the larger version of the Life Hammer itself!

This second gadget will make your life easier, which is a Portable Battery Starter! This is good to have if you accidentally leave your light on in your car overnight and you find out the next morning that you are unable to start your car, because the battery is dead! If you travel a lot and stay overnight at hotels, the last thing that you want is to come out the next morning and find that you are unable to start your car, because you left your interior light on all night and it drained your battery! Having a Portable Battery Starter will eliminate the need to run around trying to find some one who has jumper cables to give you a jump start! I personally do not like to ask for strangers help, even though there are some nice folks out there that would be willing to help, I would rather just have this device in my car and jump start the battery myself! It would also be a good idea to get the Portable Jump Starters, that have a built in air compressor, which you may need sometime if you have a flat tire! The air compressor that is built into the Portable Jump Starter, are usually able to pump up a tire in less than ten minutes! This will enable you to get to a service center to get the tire repaired or replaced, without having to jack your car up and put on the spare!

By Levi Quinn

Everyone has their own memory of the first time they were legally allowed to drive a car. It is a very momentous occasion that gives one an empowered feeling of freedom. There are several great ways to reward and congratulate the new driver that you know. Everyone needs something for their first car regardless of how new or old it is. From incredibly inexpensive to higher end, there is no shortage to the things you can give as a gift to a new driver.

A decorative license plate frame makes a nice gift and it is reasonably low in price. For twenty dollars or less you can get a really nice license plate frame. From Disney characters to fancy chrome trim, license plate frames comes in a variety of styles. You can even get some with letters that allows you to create your own custom phrase. You can take this gift to another level by having a custom license plate made for them with a word or saying of their choice.

Every new driver should have a roadside emergency kit in their vehicle at all times. Stock it with a flashlight, booster cables and flares. Other great safety items include such things as First Aid kits, blankets or candles. There is no end to safety items that you can give a new driver to increase their peace of mind. Cover all of the bases so that they can head off safely with little worries, especially new drivers that are teenagers.

A back up camera might make a nice gift and it encourages safe driving. It can be installed on the rear of the car near the license plate so that the driver can see if anything is behind the car. It's perfect for those little things that you may not be able to see with your mirrors alone.

An iPod or cell phone holder gives drivers a place to store their electronics so that they do not get tossed around inside the car. It also prevents new drivers from making the mistake of digging around in pockets to look for the item. If you choose a gift like this, make sure it allows for as much hands free action as possible.

Though it may come as a surprise to some, there are mini refrigerators available for vehicles. They are quite small and often plug into the power outlet in the car. They can often hold up to six cans of sodas and also make a great place to store lunches. It's certainly a unique idea for a gift. As far as convenience goes, a remote car starter is also a gift that tends to be well received by most people. It is a luxury that is appreciated the first time it's used.

Seat covers are something that everyone needs to have in their car. When it comes to cleanliness and maintaining your interior, it's an essential item. Seat covers come in many fun patterns and colours. They are also available in a waterproof form. This can be especially good when it comes to spills or a day at the beach. Car accessories for new drivers are numerous. There is no end to the selection.

By Jennifer Lassiter

Looking for aftermarket parts and accessories for your 300zx, and want to be sure you are getting the latest and greatest? Here are my suggestions...

Vertical Doors: Aka Lambo Doors, Suicide Doors, and more. These doors are hot, hot, hot. Although they have been on the market for a while, vertical doors are fast becoming a must have for anyone who submits their 300zx to a car show or just wants to be the talk of their neighborhood. Not only are "regular" people installing the vertical doors...super stars like Shaquille O'Neil and Ice T have them on some of their vehicles. With vertical doors, you will be the super star in your neighborhood.

Dash Trim Kits: Dash Trim Kits are an essential upgrade to the interior of any car. With a wide variety of styles (wood, aluminum, vinyl, carbon fiber) you can make your 300zx have any look you want it to have. The best part about Dash Trim Kits is the ease of installation. Most are applied with a double-sided adhesive that makes application an easy, one-person job.

Body Kits: Body Kits are a perfect way to give a car a unique look. Many body kits are designed with certain aspects in mind. For example, Extreme Dimensions manufactures a body kit that is for the "drifter". The design of these body kits is based on the drift cars in Japan, and is optimized for those who choose to drift. Questions about drifting the 300zx? Please read this article: Drifting the 300zx.

Of course, there are tons of aftermarket parts and accessories that you can add to your 300zx that will make you stand out, give you better performance or spark up an out-dated look.

Check out Modified 300zx [http://www.modified300zx.com/] for all of your aftermarket parts and/or accessories.

By Terry Brown

It is important that you inspect a used car before you actually purchase it. You see, when you do like a car because of the facts and information given while it was advertised may not be actually true. Some people who sell their vehicles would often create information about the vehicle even if they are not even actually found on the vehicle itself. So it important that you go through the vehicle and check it out first.

Look at the car's exterior first. If you notice that the paint is still new, ask when the car was painted. You see, some people when they sell cars actually paint up their vehicles so as to cover up other details like rust beneath. It is also important that you check the bumpers and the wheel wells. When you do that, look for signs of rust, dents, or body fillers. Look for rest most especially the underside. If you see exterior rust, there may be more where you cannot see them.

You should also go through both sides of the car. Check also the front, the rear, and the bottom of the vehicle and be on the alert for any signs of major body repair as well as any inconsistencies. The interior should not be simply taken for granted. Look at the interior and check if there are any damages. The upholstery should be checked for any kind of tear or stain as well as sun damage. Check the overall look of the interior.

Lift up the hood and look at the engine and see if it is clean. Look for rust on the exhaust manifold and oil leaks as well. You should also check the oil on the dipstick. Rub it against your thumb. Now, if you feel small particles in the oil, it probably means that the engine may be already worn or may be experiencing some other problems.

Start the engine and take it for a test drive. Be aware of the performance and the handling of the vehicle. Also make sure that the other features are working like the brakes as well as the vehicle's lights.

By Lance Winslow

If you are in the professional car care business you may be looking to expand your business, for that no one can blame you. But which add on service makes the most sense? You will have to make an honest assessment of your current clientele and decide that for your self. If you own a fixed site detail shop, a car wash or a mobile automotive appearance business there are many options to look at. Maybe you do not wish to add services right now? You will want to add services later, simply out of customer demand. Here are just some of the things you may wish to add as profit centers, these are fairly straight-forward and considered industry standards:
Gold Plating
Dent Repair
Windshield Repair
Pin Stripping and Graphics
Wood grain and Interior Paneling
Vinyl and Leather Repair
Paint Touch-Up
Engine Steam Cleaning
Accessories
Rust Proofing
Odor Elimination

Appearance Plus has a web site which contains information on how to get into all of these types of add-on service modules. There web site address is [http://www.appearance-plus.com], they are based in Florida. You may also wish to visit http://www.sema.org, which, contains several hundred pages of information. There are several gold plating companies to choose from and it is recommended that you shop around and not just for price. Good web sites are http://www.goldplating.com or http://www.americangoldplating.com.

For interior paneling we recommend Nuteriors call for prices and a catalog 1-800-780-3274. For Odor control you may want to check out Diamond Lustre at http://www.diamondlustre.com, they carry several types of Ozone machines. For Vinyl Repair try Dr. Vinyl at http://www.drvinyl.com they have a great system. You may also want to take a look at Refinish & Redye Co. out of Pennsylvania. You can also buy products from Fitzgerald’s, their website is http://www.fitzgeraldsrestoration.com. For Dent Repair there are quite a few and you may wish to check out the following: The Paint Bull out of Michigan at http://www.paintbull.com, The Dent Doctor out of Arkansas, Dent Pro out of California at http://www.dentpro.com. For Paint Touch up there are also several such as Aero Colours, and Colors on Parade at [http://www.colors.net]. For graphics try a cool website for Auto Accessories Warehouse at http://www.aawi.com. I realize that there are so many choices that it is hard to choose. Biz Op, Franchise, Independent, co-brand, mix and match, decide not to decide which is also a decision?

You might even look to your right at the side bar and click on one of those listings as, these are extremely motivated sellers who buy Google AdWords and they want your business.

If you do not look into these additional opportunities are you missing the boat? Are you looking to make more money? Most of us are. The big question is what do you add first, what do you skip and what does your customer want to buy? Think on this and study your options well.

By Glenn Nutsey

One of the best things about my job is that I occasionally get to drive some new car demos and this week I had the chance to get behind the wheel of the infamous Renault Clio.

Since its launch in 1991, the Renault Clio has become one of the most popular superminis on the market, breaking numerous sales records and winning a host of awards including European Car of the Year. The latest Clio is now its third generation, boasting a fresh new style and more space than ever before.

Exterior Style:

The new Renault Clio has a striking exterior design with sleek lines and the familiar 'Renault face' as seen on the Megane, Scenic and Laguna. The latest model is larger than its predecessor, boasting more boot space and rear passenger leg room than ever before. It is available as a 3 or 5-door model, both identical in dimension. My model was the entry-level Extreme model in Mercury silver which came equipped with 15'' alloy wheels, manual air conditioning, front fog lights, CD/MP3 player with fingertip controls.

On first appearance, I was quite impressed with the design of the Renault Clio. Granted, it isn't the sportiest supermini on the market but it isn't the ugliest either. Back in the day, the Clio used to be a predominantly 'female' car but I think the new exterior design has changed that. The striking Volcano red and Extreme Blue paint colours give the car a distinctively masculine appeal and more men are choosing to invest in a Clio than ever before.

Interior Design:

Inside the Clio Extreme, the interior was pretty basic with the dashboard, gear lever and door trims all in plain black. The seats were kitted out in 'Papeete' cloth upholstery in black and grey and the carpet floor was in plain back with fixings for tailored car mats should you wish to invest in a set. The stereo was the standard CD/MP3 which is fitted in the entry model but was easy to navigate and gave reasonable sound quality. The stereo can be controlled via the steering wheel mounted controls, located just behind the indicator. The seats were comfortable and easy to adjust.

Overall, I found the interior of the Clio comfortable and practical. Most of the driver features are within fingertip reach including the handy trip computer which displayed the fuel consumption, fuel tank figures and service information. I was a little disappointed that in today's age, Renault haven't fitted a MP3/Aux input as standard on the vehicle - why not? Other than this, the Clio gave a comfortable ride for both driver and passengers.

Power & Performance:

Behind the wheel, the Clio offers a smooth and comfortable ride with impressive fuel economy. The steering was light and responsive and the handling was sharp. The 1.2 16V petrol engine I was driving offers 75 bhp and CO2 emissions of 139 g/km. Fuel consumption is at a reasonable 47.9mph.

I found the Renault Clio a nice car to drive. It was quick to pull off at traffic lights and was more than suitable for city driving. I will admit that I found the engine a little noisy when reaching higher speeds (i.e. on the motorway) but I'm assuming that a bigger engine would help resolve this issue.

Overall the Renault Clio is a nippy, compact car ideal for city living. On the road prices for the entry-level model start from £11,040.

By Greg Mitchell

Car covers are protective gears for your car. It is a thin piece of fabric that gives protection to your car in many different ways. It also protects your newly paint job from detrimental elements such as dust and rust.Your car and its contents is ensured to be safe from theft.

A theft who tries to steal cars would usually enter the car quietly and quickly. Once they got inside the car, they would start the engine and get on the road. Their actions are very fast so they won't get caught and in just a matter of seconds, your car is gone. Which is why car covers are good in preventing theft. If the theft tries to pull it off and then throw it on the ground without hesitance, this would be suspicious to other people.

Car covers can be customized as well depending on the preferences. Being customized may protect both the exterior surface and interior parts of the car. A thief cannot view the internal parts of your car such as the type of stereo equipment and other valuable things inside. In this way, thief will not be tempted seeing things that can be stolen from your car.

Customized car covers can be added with cable accessories and locks so it would be difficult for thief to do the stealing. The ornaments will not only be a good prevention of theft but will also secure your vehicle. The name of the owner can be also be written or marked on the covers.

The added cable accessories are usually covered with vinyl. It is also designed with features that will not harm the paint or other parts. All types come with solidly tie down loops and reinforced grommets. The grommets are located midway lengthwise on the and about two inches from the bottom. To install the cable and lock, move the cable through one of the grommets, beneath the car, and then through another grommet. After this, you can now close the lock for the security.

Cars are major investment. Car covers are not only great for saving theft but it is also a great protection for elements that are harmful to the external surface of the car such as birds, rain, and dirt. With the additional ornaments of cable accessories and lock system, your car will surely be protected from prying eyes of thieves.

By Victor Davidson

Driving a smart and smooth vehicle is a matter of pride. Individuals love it when they find great admirers for their transports. It feels really awkward when the most amazing unit is moving on road but with a creepy brake sound. This not only embarrasses the driver but also irritates other people around. Occurrence of such a situation implies that its time to look for an auto part store. The person is left with two possible measures either to go to a retail store or to browse an online outlet which can provide with all kinds of parts.

The online approach to buy all kinds of auto parts is the best. It has numerous advantages over others which make this method truly beneficial. The warehouses for such stores have not to be located at various real estate places. It can be easily accessible to regions which are highly populated. So, while looking for such outlets and their warehouses, not much consideration has to be taken by individuals. Moreover, there are various franchise outlets of these entities which provide finest units to customers within a short time span. This convenience is offered by online stores only.

There are diverse kinds of online outlets which provide various assortments of auto parts to their clients. Generally, these entities can be classified into two distinct categories. The most common among all is the company which keeps stocks of all kinds of units crafted by various brands. In such a company, a consumer can look for varied brands for a single type of part. This provides ample number of options to the client. The reason for which one brand displays units of other also is price mark up strategy. They target the audience by making their own creations obtainable at comparatively low cost.

There are other outlets that provide all kinds of car parts of their own creation. Numerous types of units are crafted by experts of the company. In this case, there is no mark up price and the store has to create its own mark up value for a unit. In such situation, the brand sells its products at much lower rates in order to earn huge gains. They specialize in products which have diverse applicability. This implies that one part can be fixed in several vehicles. Car accessories like brakes, struts, hub bearings, struts assemblies, and other similar devices are presented by them.

Online entities deal with all kinds of car parts. In addition to this, consumers can also find various sorts of interior and exterior accessories for vehicles. People can find exquisite floor mats, seat covers, steering wheel covers to accessorize their automobile. While exterior accessories like car bars, bug deflectors, grille guards, license plate and others can also be obtained. These are the finest in quality offering great utility. All of them have been crafted with cutting edge style that can make cars look a real masterpiece. The best fact about them is that they offer all such units and services at rates that can fall within everyone's means.

By Christine Calingo

If you own a vehicle and you would like to make it more beautiful, then spice it up with automobile accessories. These days, every vehicle owner does just that. It's also a way for you to add that personal touch onto your vehicle especially if you are first time owner.

Filling it with accessories would make it a stand out from all the rest. It can also carry your personality that way.

So how can you use accessories for your vehicle?

Well one way to do this is to change the exterior part of your car or just modify it a bit. You can choose is colors, add some car stickers, and even attach some additional and new chrome bulbs to make it sleeker than it already is. There are also side lenses which you can attach on your side mirrors. You can add a few neon lights and even provide some texture on your car's interior. Just make sure you plan these things ahead of time so that if you are to outsource the work, the professional will know exactly what to do with your vehicle. The same goes for internal modifications. Aside from giving your car a physical face lift, you can also enhance its internal features.

Some of the ways in which people enhance the internal part of their car is by means of adding some cushions or changing the seats entirely. Some also add embellishments on the seats. There are also those who are willing to splurge and add some gadgets inside the automobile.

By Luara Simpson

Buying a new a car is an exciting process, though one needs to do a lot of homework, and carry out extensive research to get the best deal, and not get cheated in any manner. The process consists of few simple steps. If these are carried out properly, one can buy the car one desires, at the suitable price, or alternatively even avail a deal consisting of a price that is even lower than expected.

Step 1
To purchase a new car begin by narrowing down the list of cars one wants to purchase. Finalize on two or three of the makes and models one likes. For doing this, visit trusted sites and check out the safety rating of the particular model.

Step 2
Make a final list of the probable options one is likely to consider seriously i.e. sedan (4 doors), coupe (2 doors), wagon etc. This should be decided on the bases of the actual price of the model.

Step 3
Visit the dealers website and choose the option of "design my own vehicle". Search for your favorite interior as well as exterior colors, and also choose the features which one desires in the car. After this, find the dealers cost of the car by taking the help of directions available on the website. This information is very useful and important so it is recommended you take the necessary prints outs, or paste it in a word processor or similar software by taking a snapshot and pasting it in for future reference. Further one can also add the desired accessories, and follow the same process to determine the cars cost. By doing this for every car, one would actually realize weather one still wants the particular car one had in mind, or go in for some other model.

Step 4
Take a test drive of each model having the required features one is interested in. For example if one wishes to drive a four door, make sure that the dealer does not let one drive a two door model. Ride the exact model you are interested in. Cars with the same make but different year of manufacture can differ to a great extent in their designs. Also find out from the dealer the lowest prices available for ones "must have' preferences. This can also be found out from the sticker on the cars window.

It is recommended to be polite but firm while negotiating with the sales person regarding the price and the features associated with the desired car. Buying a new car is a big investment, and hence one should take all the time one wants before reaching to any decision. Clarify the deadline of the purchase to the salesman, and also that the purchase will only be done where the best price is available. An individual should not get pressurized to buy the car the same day, one can always postpone the purchase. Avail a quote of all the best prices offered by the sales person for the individuals preferred options. If the quote is not available, make the necessary notes for the purpose of comparing the prices.

Step 5
Search and avail an internet quote by surfing different websites. Search for all the cheap new cars for sale. Generally these sites give the quote of the basic models without the accessories or added features. This is the time when one must use the earlier research carried out. Save these online quotes and call up these online dealers to avail the prices of ones preferred accessories. Note all this down.

Step 6
By now one has finalized on the car one wants. One should go to the nearest dealer with all the related paperwork. Show the sales person the lowest available quote one has got online, and ask for a better offer. If not, then at least a quote equal to the existing one. If the sales person agrees, and is ready to add some freebies which one prefers as a compensation for the price difference, be ready to buy the car! If the sales representative does not agree, then go to the dealer who has offered the best quote on internet. This can save you a considerable amount of money.

By Reshma Rangaswamy

Everyone will have a liking towards something in life like rock stars, movies, gadgets, etc. There will also be a group of people who has a liking for cars. If you have someone special, who loves cars then your woes about what to buy them for a gift is almost solved.

There are so many things that you can buy them during the shopping season or for his birthday or anniversary. Car lovers, mostly men as it's a man thing, can be gifted so many accessories for their cars and anything you buy for their loved cars will definitely bring the smile on their face. If you are looking for some car gifts for men, here are some of the most common ideas that you can choose from.

One of the most common gifts for car-lovers is cleaning kits for the car. They will be ready to do anything to keep the car shining and neat. These car polishes and cleaners will never go waste and will definitely be used. These kits include items that will keep the interiors and the exterior of the car in perfect condition. Leather wipes, anti dust sprays, body cleaning wax are some of the products that can be included in the list of such gifts.

Another most commonly used accessory that you can gift for car lovers is a GPS. It is a modern technology device that makes driving to new and unknown terrain a lot easier. Just give them a GPS and I am sure they will ask you to pack your bag for a long drive. You can get them in all prices ranging from $100 onwards. So the more money you can afford the more will be the features on the gadget.

Music accessories in the car are another most sought after car gifts for men. You can gift your loved ones an iPod docking station, iPod stands or a wireless connector for any mp3 player as such. You can also look for cell phone connectors, chargers, holders etc.

Driving a car and talking on phone is dangerous as well as against the law. So if your loved one has a habit of talking on phone while driving, you must consider the car Bluetooth kit. This will help him to talk without having to hold the phone in hand. You can find a good and cheap one if you search on the net.

By Jason Helferich

In the automotive aftermarket, one of the most upgraded items in any car is the stereo. Car owners of all ages often choose to upgrade their stereo first. The first step in upgrading the stereo is changing out the head unit or deck. The head unit is the control center for the entire stereo system and is the piece of the equipment the driver uses to control the system. There are many options and add-on accessories you can add to any head unit and it is good to consider which of these you may be interested in prior to purchasing the head unit.

Depending on your car, you may have a few options on the size of radio you choose. "DIN" is the terminology used to describe the physical size of the radio, a single din unit is 2x7 in size and a double-din is 4x7. Most cars come with one of three size factory radios a single "DIN", a double "DIN" and a "DIN and a half." Many late model cars come with a double din sized stereo or the ability to add one. Some cars come equipped with a "DIN and a half" radio or even a single "DIN", but have the ability to add a double din unit without major modifications, other cars do not. If you take a tape measure and measure the face of your factory radio you can determine what size radio you are going to need. Doing some research online can also help you determine if you are able to install a double din radio in your car.

Once you have decided what size head unit you would like to purchase, you will have to make choices on a wide variety of other options. Some of these include:

Video Features

One of the first decisions to make when purchasing a head unit is to decide whether you want a head unit that will play video or not. This decision will help narrow down your choice for a head unit. If you do decide to purchase a head unit that will play video, there are three varieties you can choose from: the flip-out single din, the double din, or the single din with a tv built in. The flip out style features a 6.5" or 7" tv with either touch screen controls or buttons on the side or bottom. The radio will motor out from the dash and then flip up for the driver to see the screen. A double din also features a 6.5" or 7" screen, touchscreen controls, or a row of buttons either on the side or bottom or a mixture of the two, having a touch screen plus other buttons on the bottom or side, but is flush in the dash board. A single din with a built in tv is a standard size din radio, typically with a 2.5"-4" tv built into the face.

Navigation

If you have selected to use a head unit that will play video, you may have the option of adding on-screen navigation to that head unit. You may also have the option of purchasing a video deck that also has built-in navigation. Installing navigation generally requires a disk or hard drive and an antenna you must mount on the outside of the car to track your position. If you plan on adding navigation, it is generally more expensive to add a video head unit that will allow on-screen navigation than to purchase a hand-held navigation. However, the looks and ease of use with having it built in to your radio is well worth the extra cost.

RCA Pre-Outs

A RCA pre-out is a jack on the back of a head unit that allows you to connect signal cables or RCA cables to, to transfer the sound from the head unit to the amplifier. The number of RCA pre-outs your new radio will have is an important feature to look for. Many high end radios will have 3 pre-outs: one for a front stage amplifier, one for rear stage amplifier and one specified for a subwoofer amplifier. If you plan on building an extensive stereo and using a 4 channel amplifier for your mid-range and high sound, 3 pre-outs is the only way to go. It will allow more adjustability and make tuning the amplifiers a breeze.

Subwoofer level control

Having the ability to adjust the level of the subwoofer amplifier through the radio is a feature many desire. This allows you to slightly change the gain of the amp through the radio, preventing you from having to get in the trunk or where your amplifier is located to adjust it. If you desire this feature, select a radio that has a subwoofer level control, which can be signified by a seperate RCA pre-out labeled subwoofer, or SW.

Wattage of Radio

The wattage of the radio is the amount of power the head unit supplies to the speakers. Most radios will be labeled "45x4" or "50x4"; this simply means 45 watts for each of 4 speakers, or channels. What you have to understand is the 45 or 50 watts is what is supplied to your speakers at peak moments in a given song, not throughout the entire song. The rating that is more important is the RMS rating. RMS simply refers to the nominal power, which is the amount of power your speakers are supplied with at all times, which on most head units is between 15-18 watts.

Ipod/MP3 Player

In today's music world, everything revolves around one thing: the Ipod or MP3 player. Many consumers in the market for a new radio are simply looking for one that will allow you to play an Ipod or MP3 player through, as they may not have the option of adding it to their OEM radio. There are a couple different ways this is accomplished on an aftermarket radio. You can purchase a radio with a dedicated Ipod connection on the back or one with an auxiliary headphone jack on the front or the rear. The advantage of the direct connection is that it allows you to pull up your playlists, songs, and artists through the radio; it does not require you to have the Ipod or MP3 player in your hand to select a song. The other option is the auxiliary jack, which can be cheaper to connect. All that is needed is a headphone-to-headphone cable, but it requires you to select songs on your Ipod, adding another step and another distraction to a driver. A direct connection to your radio is the only way to go. The add on wireless modulators you might see in the store offer terrible sound quality and will annoy you with their problems rather quickly. These can range from interference issues, to bad sound quality, to possibly no sound at all. They use a wireless signal to transfer sound to your radio and in the process will pick up the noise from any and all electronic devices in your car. You may be required to purchase an add-on module or cable to allow you to connect your Ipod or MP3 player.

USB

Another option for listening to your MP3's or portable music on your car stereo is a USB connection. Some radios will have a plug on the back while some will have a jack on the front of the radio. You can load a lot of music on a small zip drive and then just plug it in and go.

Bluetooth

As more and more states require a hands-free kit to talk on your cell phone while you drive, this may be something you can't skimp on. It is far easier, and usually cheaper, to select a head unit that will allow you to run all your accessories through. In this case, you purchase an add-on bluetooth interface and the radio itself will act as the hand-free kit and automatically interrupt music when your phone rings. You will need to mount an antenna in the car's interior which will pick up your voice during a phone call, and you will hear the person you are talking to through your car stereo.

CD Changer

If you use a CD changer or plan to, you may be able to directly connect it to your radio and select your songs on the changer through your radio. This prevents you from having to have a separate lcd screen and controller to choose your songs. Purchasing a separate CD changer would be required.

HD Radio

An HD tuner allows your radio to pick up high definition versions of local radio channels. The programming is generally the same, you just get a higher quality signal. A separate tuner is required to pick up these stations.

Sirius/XM, Satellite Radio

Many drivers today use satellite radio as their primary source of listening pleasure. These subscription services feature commercial free music channels and censor free talk radio.

These services offer up to 200 channels and have very good programming. Truck drivers and folks who travel a lot especially like satellite radios as it allows them to pick up the same radio stations no matter where they are. A radio that is set up for satellite radio allows you to play the music directly through the radio and control all your options through the radio. This prevents you from having a separate tuner for your satellite radio and makes using it that much easier. An add-on tuner and a paid subscription are required to tune in to these channels.

Once you have decided on the features you are looking for in your radio, happy shopping. Many of the name brands in car audio, including Alpine, Kenwood, Pioneer, JVC, Sony, Jensen and many others will offer head units that offer some or possibly all of these features. Picking the proper head unit that will allow for the easiest integrations of your current or future accessories, including Ipod, satellite radio, bluetooth, etc., is essential. By making the right choice first, you can set it up where you can control all of this through the radio and not have a separate Ipod adapter, satellite radio tuner, etc. This will allow you to have a much more streamlined system and allow for a good, clean finished look in your car.