Pickup Truck Accessories
January 15, 2008
Pickup Truck Accessories
by: Jean Feingold
No matter what make of pickup truck you own, chances are you want to change it from the way the factory supplied it. Whether you use your vehicle for work, off-road play or some of both, you can find performance parts, accessories and customization products to make your pickup truck unique. When you want your pickup truck to look and perform better, accessories will help you customize it.
While it’s possible to get some accessories from the Chevy, GMC, Dodge, Ford, Jeep, Mazda, Nissan or Toyota dealer where you bought your truck, you will find a much bigger selection of items online. You may also get better bargains shopping this way. Some popular makers of pickup truck accessories include Lund, Westin, Dee Zee, Outland, Auto Ventshade, Warn, Saddleman, Thule, PIAA, Vector, Wolo, Deflecta Shield, Pilot, Hoppy, Grizzly and Protecta.
Exterior accessories
There are many types of exterior pickup truck accessories to enhance the appearance of the outside of your truck. They include air dams, bras and masks, bug shields, bumpers, fender flares, graphics and emblems, grille guards, hood ornaments, hoods and scoops, mirrors, racks and cargo accessories, roll pans, running boards, splash guards, tool boxes, truck steps, tire covers, visors, wings and spoilers and wiper cowls. Select items that will complement your truck’s basic lines and that will work well together instead of looking cluttered.
Ford Crown Victoria: The Classic American Car
January 14, 2008
Ford Crown Victoria: The Classic American Car
by: Jay Stevens
The Ford Motor Company is yet again behind one of the superb vehicles - the Ford Crown Victoria. This vehicle is a full-size car that had its history of production dating back to the 1950s, and relived again in the 1970s. It had quite a mediocre sale in the general public’s market, however, it gained much popularity among the ranks of those in uniform. This is a full-sized sedan, and is more often known as “Crown Vic”. It is more known to be a top-of-the-line sedan among the Ford’s creations. Its predecessor was the Ford LTD. And just like the Ford LTD, the Ford Crown Victoria is also usually used as a taxi cab, fleet vehicle, and police car.
The very first of the Crown Victorias had its humble makings starting in the year 1955. It made its way down the streets as a two-door six-seater hardtop coupe. It differed from the regular Victoria model through its having a stainless steel band that ‘crowned’ the roofline, passing right over the car, as an extension of the B-pillar line.
The “International” Car
January 13, 2008
The “International” Car
by: Jason Moore
This vehicle could actually be considered to be an automobile with a lot of international relations. And this is not because of its sales or performance in other countries, but because how this vehicle was formed took several automobile manufacturers from different countries working together. And this vehicle is the Ford Aspire.
The Ford Aspire is an entry-level compact car that was sold by the Ford Motor Company from the United States starting from 1994 and ending during the year 1997. The body of this vehicle was actually made by Kia Motors from South Korea. Note that the engine and components that are in this vehicle come from Japan’s Mazda. It was made available as a hatchback with an option of three doors or five doors.
This vehicle was actually sold under different names. In Asia, it was known as the Kia Avella. However, in Japan and in Australasia, the Ford Aspire was known as the Ford Festiva. When this vehicle was replaced in Kia’s line up by the Kia Rio, the relationship between Ford and Kia started to dwindle and break down. This vehicle essentially has an average fuel economy that has around thirty miles per gallon, although the manual transmission models of this car can get up to forty-five miles per gallon, yet this has not quite hindered the Ford Aspire to become a favorite among drivers for it is quite favored by drivers for parallel parking.
Catalytic Converters: Quality and Performance in One
January 12, 2008
Catalytic Converters: Quality and Performance in One
by: Stacey Wilson
Even before the Acura came into being, automobiles that were manufactured and crafted in Japan were primarily economical and were actually seen as reliable vehicles above all else. And when the Acura came into view, it was then that it started to change Japan vehicles’ identity and reputation. Acura is a Japanese brand that is used by Honda in the United States, in Canada, in Mexico, and in Hong Kong since March of 1986. It was primarily used to market luxury automobiles and near luxury vehicles.
Each and every part and detail of Acura vehicles are known for its strength and durability and, of course, quality. One of the most interesting parts that Acura has manufactured as part of their top-of-the-line luxury vehicles and automobiles is the Acura catalytic converter.
The Acura catalytic converter is a device that is used to actually reduce the emissions from an internal combustion engine. It is commonly used in an automobile’s exhaust system. Acura vehicles use this for their engines to have and provide an environment for a chemical reaction where unburned hydrocarbons are not completely combusted. Catalysts are a part of the whole system that we call the Acura catalytic converter. These catalysts are commonly platinum, or palladium and rhodium. It works quite well because no useful energy is extracted from the engine because it works with the combustion, or redox, process continues outside the engine’s combustion chamber.
Mazda 323: The Great Little Car
January 11, 2008
Mazda 323: The Great Little Car
by: Margaret Adams
A subcompact car that was produced by Mazda of Japan, the Mazda 323 is also called the Familia in its home country. It was manufactured from 1976 up until 2003. In the United States, it was originally known as the GLC, then the 323, and come 1990, it was then known as the Protégé. In another part of the globe, South Africa knows this vehicle as the Etude. These vehicles were built in Japan, and also they are assembled in other countries that include Taiwan, Malaysia, South Africa, Colombia and New Zealand.
It has become a perennial favorite among US car magazines mainly because the model is well regarded for its spirited handling. Also, it had made a place in the automotive industry by being the first small Japanese car to cross over to the EPA “compact” class in 1990, the same time that it started to be recognized and known as the Mazda Protégé. It also became the basis of other vehicles by manufacturers that included the Ford Laser and Meteor in Asia, Australia, and other markets (this is known as the Mercury Tracer in the United States), and the Ford Escort.
X-Type: Definitely a Jaguar
January 10, 2008
X-Type: Definitely a Jaguar
by: Michelle Crimson
The smallest of the current Jaguar saloon cars, the Jaguar X-Type had had its humble beginnings in 2001. It was purposefully built on the success of the S-Type and has taken its styling and design mostly from the Jaguar XJ series. It also has some Ford parts in it so much so that Jaguar, the vehicle manufacturer, states that only twenty per cent of the X-Type’s parts come are Ford parts and the rest are Jaguar parts.
Primarily, the Jaguar X-Type was designed to be a direct competitor to the BMW 3 series and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. And to be able to compete with these vehicles, it was structured and crafted with an all wheel drive system which was tuned to be able to send sixty per cent of its engine power to the rear wheels, and the remaining forty per cent sent to the front, thus giving this vehicle a sportier feel. It was initially crafted as a saloon, however come early 2004, the saloon was then joined by an estate model, thus making it the very first Jaguar estate car. Also, it was Jaguar’s vehicle to use a diesel engine.
Volvo 740: Style, Performance, and Luxury
January 10, 2008
Volvo 740: Style, Performance, and Luxury
by: Kevin Anderson
Volvo vehicles and automobiles are known to have style and power that surpasses every other vehicle found on the streets. Aside from that, Volvo has also been quite affiliated with safety and safety has certainly been part of the manufacturer’s mindset when it comes to crafting and producing new vehicles to introduce to the market. 1998 was the year when Volvo, an automobile manufacturer of commercial vehicles, trucks and buses, was acquired by the Ford Motor Company to become one with its Premier Automotive Group. Although this was so, the original company of Volvo was decades earlier, in 1927, in Sweden.
“Safety cage and crumple zones” concept was what had sparked Volvo’s reputation for safety and security, and all these had started back during the extravagant and colorful ‘60s. The “safety cages” would refer to the strong materials that were used where the vehicle’s passengers would also be seated. On the other hand, the “crumpled zones” then referred to that part which would absorb all of the impact that was brought along by collision and crashes. Safety innovations were added in to their vehicle models and the safety list included three-point seatbelts, padded dashboards, the Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS), and the BLIS system which is a sensor system that alerts the driver when a car enters in the vehicle’s blind spot. Because of this whole safety system that Volvo has introduced and incorporated in their cars and automobiles, Volvo has then started being recognized as the vehicle which aspires for greater safety.
Buying Do-It-Yourself Automotive Equipment
January 9, 2008
Buying Do-It-Yourself Automotive Equipment
by: Nathan James
Buying DIY Automotive Equipment
Everyone is getting into do-it-yourself (DIY) projects these days, and that even includes fixing your car. Without proper training there are certain aspects of automotive repair that you shouldn’t attempt yourself since there may be safety issues involved. However, more and more people are finding that with the right automotive equipment there are many things you can repair yourself at a fraction of what a mechanic would charge you.
If you are new to DIY auto repair, you may want to read your car’s manual to become familiar with the various parts of your car. You may want to start off with a simple job such as changing a tire or changing your oil. There is very little equipment associated with these two tasks so you won’t have to worry about spending a large amount of money if things don’t work out.
Cas Sharing Reduces Blood Pressure and Saves Cash
January 8, 2008
Cas Sharing Reduces Blood Pressure and Saves Cash
by: David Carter
Car-Share.com Tips To Improve Your Budget & The Environment!
If you are having difficulty balancing your budget, why not consider a car share arrangement with friends and/or colleagues, whereby each of shares the burden of the daily commute?
Also known as “car pooling”, all you need to do is get tw, three or four people who travel the same journey to work each day and then alternate the drivers. It doesn’t have to be done daily of course, you could for example, have one person use their car one week and another the next.
There are numerous advantages, the biggest of which is the money saving. In addition, we all know that commuter driving can be extremely stressful, so not only will you save money, you’ll probably reduce your blood pressure a few notches too!
It’s best if the car sharers live close to each other, so that none of the participants are unduly inconvenienced by the sharing arrangement, but that’s down to how you want to play it and your group’s tolerance for travel!
Cars: Passion or Addiction?
January 7, 2008
Cars: Passion or Addiction?
by: Scott Bianchi
I was watching Miami Ink the other night on TLC and Ami James, the shop owner, was buying himself a car now that the shop is doing well. He ended up buying a 1972 Cuda with a 340. Being someone that has had toy cars in the past it got me to thinking. Why is it that guys are so into cars? Ami makes some money and the first big purchase he made was a car.
I tried to figure out what it was about cars that made me buy toy cars. My last toy car purchase was a 1987 Buick Grand National with 10,042 original miles. The car was beautiful. So beautiful in fact that I hardly ever drove the car for fear of something happening to it. As much as I enjoyed driving the car, because they are very fun to drive, I loved just looking at it shining in my garage as well.
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