There are several thousands of sports utility vehicles that are sold across the world. Most people prefer to buy and use these vehicles, as they have a lot of space and are also extremely useful for a long drive. It has a large capacity to carry passengers, and also has the strength of a pickup truck.This is special feature of the sports utility vehicles.These vehicles most of the time do not have an exclusive trunk, as it is expected with such sized vehicles. They are designed more like station wagons, and are passenger oriented. These vehicles are also designed with four wheels, and have thus been named the "four wheel drive" in several countries. Though most of the sports utility vehicles are designed with four wheels, not all of them are. These vehicles have a good cargo area in the back, and naturally have a separate engine compartment. The cargo and the passenger compartments are combined. All sports utility vehicles are designed to be medium sized.They are not at all commercial in nature. They are also designed to use petrol or diesel. These vehicles were designed for rural users, because they needed such vehicles to travel in undeveloped areas. However these vehicles slowly became popular with the city people, as it was appealing.
It is now one of the most sought after vehicles because it is spacious and also very stylish to use. The most appealing things about these vehicles, are the large space, the height and the safety measures that it is designed with. These features allowed this type of vehicle to become very popular with women.Since sports utility vehicles are designed for rough terrain, they are used in most areas in Asia, South America and the Middle East. Of late, these vehicles are also designed in a way to only meet the requirements for paved roads.
These vehicles are also different from others because they are able to move from higher to lower levels of road with complete ease. These vehicles need to be repaired immediately if anything goes wrong, and the spare parts are pretty expensive too. There has been a lot of criticism about the maintenance and safety of the vehicles. The vehicles are also popular because it can just about travel in any terrain.Sports utility vehicles have their drawbacks too.
Though they are very sophisticated in nature and also very smooth to drive,it has a low mileage. It also means that it is contributing a lot to air pollution. The emission of the gas is also very fog like. The users of these vehicles take it for granted that they are safe.There has still been a lot of negative issues about the vehicles, regarding its safety issues. Many people feel that these vehicles are not built in a way that they can be controlled on highways .However, the sale of these vehicles are still popular because of its style and also the spacious passenger compartment.
Source http://www.goarticles.com
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Sports Utility Vehicles Are The Coolest To Drive
Honda is Moving into Aviation
Honda Motor Corporation the producer of top-of-the line Honda wipe blade is moving into aviation and would be investing a total of $27 million in a North Carolina plant that would build engines for small business jets. The construction of the factory and headquarters of Honda Aero Inc. will soon start in Burlington, North Carolina according to Fumitaka Hasegawa, Chief Executive Officer of the unit at a press briefing yesterday. The new factory will create 70 new jobs said Mike Easley, the state's governor.
Honda will be setting aside $127 million for its aviation facilities including the $40 million needed for the construction of the North Carolina plant that would build the eight-person Honda Jet. The world's biggest engine manufacturer said that there are already more than 100 orders for their $3.65 million aircraft which will use the company's engines and at the same time compete with models from the likes of Textron Inc.'s Cessna, the largest maker of business jets.
According to Richard Aboulafia, an analyst at Teal Group in Alexandria, Virginia, who has consulted with Honda on the aircraft market, "It's going to be a slow uphill battle. They are going to get a receptive market, but will have to pay to enter it. They'll probably have to spend as much in marketing costs as they are for facilities."
Tokyo-based Honda has announced that the Burlington factory will start building the HF120 turbofan engines in 2010 with initial production of about 200 units. The engines are to be sold via a venture formed with General Electric Co. the world's largest maker of aircraft engines.
Fuel Efficiency In terms of fuel efficiency the new engines will be 50 percent more fuel-efficient than other competing turbofan models, Honda said.
Mark Wagner, program manager for the GE Honda Aero Engine venture said that the engine will also be "the lowest cost to own and operate." He also added that there is also the possibility that the price will be less than $500,000 each.
Honda will perform the final assembly in Burlington, while General Electric will take care of the repair and service under their joint venture. The partnership has already sold more than 200 engines according to GE spokesman Rick Kennedy.
The Honda Aero has been previously based in Reston, Virginia and would be moving 15 people from that location.
Honda Motor is currently Japan's second biggest automaker next to Toyota Motor Corp. But in terms of motorcycle, Honda is world's largest motorcycle manufacturer. Its US automotive headquarters is located in Torrance, California.
Source http://www.goarticles.com
SUV Trucks Are Phenomenal Vehicles.
SUV trucks are popular because of their stylish build and also because of its capacity. It is built in a way that it not only caters to the travel for passengers; it can also be used for other reasons. It is very spacious, and it has a large cargo area. This is ideal for those who would like to use these vehicles for long distance travel.There are several hundreds of SUV truck models to choose from, so the designs are not limited. It opens the door for an individual to have a various choice to pick from. They are also reasonable priced, and they have several interesting accessories too. The SUV truck vehicles as well as accessories are built to please the user.
The vehicles are a pleasure to ride, as they have the capacity to meet any kind of terrain. They are also ideal for hauling heavy items, for use in any trade. Since these vehicles are also stylish, they are a pleasure for passengers to travel in. To make the driving quality better than ever, those who buy this vehicle must choose accessories well. By choosing the newest and the best accessories, it not only enhances the look of the vehicle, it also allows the users to be comfortable in all ways when using the vehicle. These trucks will also come with luggage carriers if you need them. They offer excellent seat covers, and also protection for the floor.
By maintaining the SUV trucks, you will also ensure that it has a long life. Most of the time, it is always better if you choose to service these vehicles at known dealers. You can make sure that they will not tamper with your parts. They will also have the most professional team to work on the vehicle.
This team will be trained exclusively to handle SUV trucks, and they will be the best to perform the job. When you want to shop for SUV trucks, you can of course compare all the models and makers too before taking a decision. You will have catalogues in such a way, that the trucks will be filed according to the model and make. You will also get to see the price side by side, so making a choice will be easy, depending on your budget. Some of the popular makes of SUV trucks are Chevy, Ford and Toyota. Most of the makers in the business of selling these trucks, are in the field for years. So a buyer need not worry about the quality of the trucks.
They will be designed in a perfect way, and all safety measures will be taken. These trucks when sold by dealers, also hand out safety instructions to the buyer. This way, the buyer can make sure that he safeguards his vehicle from all ways, and drive accordingly. SUV trucks are powerful, so one need not bother about being indecisive on certain terrains. What the owner of the vehicle must do, is to make sure he maintains his vehicle, and checks its performance often.
Source http://www.goarticles.com
Dana Deal's 'Absurd and One-Sided' Says Shareholder
Dana Corporation's largest shareholder has sent a letter to the board of the auto-parts maker criticizing a recent deal, reported the Associated Press. The Hedge Fund Appaloosa Management, a shareholder, said that the investment deal reached two weeks ago "absurd and one-sided."
Toledo-based Dana won a commitment from private-equity firm Centerbridge Capital Partners to invest as much as $750 million. Meanwhile, Appaloosa said that the deal is a loser for Dana shareholders.
New Jersey hedge fund Appaloosa Management LP said in a letter to Dana's board that the agreement, under which private-equity firm Centerbridge Capital Partners LP made an investment commitment for as much as $750 million, "will yield far less than the maximum recoveries available to stakeholders," reported the Detroit News. As round and dynamic as a Subaru wheel bearing, the concerns are rolling. In June, Appaloosa signaled that the fund run by billionaire David Tepper, owner of a 15 percent stake in Dana and a "substantial" owner of its debt, may guide a group of investors in offering an alternative to the bankruptcy reorganization plan Dana was developing.
A week later, Dana announced the Centerbridge deal, which also covered a pact with two unions regarding the creation of union-managed voluntary employees' beneficiary associations, or VEBAs, to manage retiree health and long-term disability benefits for workers. The auto supplier would cease providing those benefits and fund the VEBAs, which are separate trusts, with a payment of about $700 million in cash and $80 million in stock of the reorganized company, the News said.
The VEBAs would allow the auto supplier to remove a liability of about $1 billion from its balance sheet, according to court papers. Both the Centerbridge and labor deals need bankruptcy court approval.
Appaloosa said in its correspondence that "management and its advisers continue to resist our efforts to obtain" information needed to develop an alternative plan. The utilization of such fund is expected to result in creditors being fully paid and stockholders receiving some sort of return. A copy of the letter was attached in a filing Thursday with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
"To date, management has conditioned our access to information upon us agreeing to give up inherent rights of a stakeholder, including our right to make a proposal without management's prior approval, and has ceded to Centerbridge material decision making authority regarding the terms of access to information," said Appaloosa. "The efforts of management and its advisers in concert with Centerbridge to exclude interested investors from the process will inevitably ensure that no alternative competitive proposals ever materialize."
Dana has been in Chapter 11 proceedings since March 2006. The auto supplier is expected to file its reorganization plan by Sept. 3. Then, the company's exclusive right to file a plan would expire and investors would be free to submit contender plans. In time, the auto supplier expects to emerge from bankruptcy and aim to return in the black.
Regardless of the alleged hindrances in getting information, Appaloosa outlined in its letter what a potential investment package from it could entail. It too proposes up to $750 million in equity investment, but it also is proposing to obtain a $1.5 billion credit facility and issue unsecured notes, the amount of which to be determined, in exit financing, added The News.
Appaloosa, which runs about $3 billion in assets, has been a key player in a number of large Chapter 11 cases. It currently leads a group of investors that have decided to thrust $2.55 billion into Delphi Corp. to finance its emergence from bankruptcy. The said deal with is itself being defied by Highland Capital Partners.
Source http://www.goarticles.com
Jaguar Tops J.D. Power Customer Service Index
Jaguar, the luxury brand being auctioned off by Dearborn-based automaker Ford, recently received the distinction of having the highest Customer Service Index according to a study conducted by J.D. Power and Associates.
The study is undertaken to learn the level of satisfaction of customers in dealing with their respective dealerships. According to the study, 75 percent of auto owners make it a point to make an appointment before dropping by a dealership. Interestingly, the level of satisfaction of these customers is lower than the satisfaction level of those who did not bother to make reservation.
For the British luxury brand Jaguar though, both kinds of customers show a high level of satisfaction. This distinction gives the brand something to cheer about after months of declining sale. According to the study, on a scale where 1,000 is the highest possible rating, Jaguar customers rated the dealerships of the Ford-owned luxury brand at 925 points. That level of satisfaction eclipsed last year's leader by 13 points.
Surely, Jaguar is doing something right when it comes to treating their customers whether they have reserved and appointment or not. According to Tom Gauer, the senior director of automotive retail research for J.D. Power and Associates, the reason behind the low level of satisfaction for customers who have made appointments is that they more often than not find service centers catering to drop-in customers before them.
And that also explains why drop-in customers show high level of satisfaction. Usually, these customers expect that they would be turned away since they do not have reservations. But more often than not, service centers welcome them.
"Dealerships can seize this opportunity for improvement by continuing to delight drop-in customers, but also by paying special attention to customers with appointments, and greeting them promptly so that those customers know that their appointment time has been reserved especially for their vehicles," said Gauer.
Although no efficient brake components can stop the Ford Motor Company from auctioning off Jaguar, not even those found at EBC Active Brakes Direct, the customer satisfaction rating for Jaguar may attract more buyers to its dealerships. Number two on the ranking is General Motors' Buick with a Customer Service Index or CSI of 918 points. Cadillac and Lexus are tied for third place with 913 points each. Interestingly, two marques named after planets completed the top five; Mercury in fourth and Saturn coming fifth.
Gauer said that repairing or doing maintenance jobs on the vehicles of customers is not the only important aspect in keeping them satisfied. "While fixing a vehicle right the first time is important, personal interaction and communication from service staff can also be critical in keeping customers satisfied with their service experience," he said.
"Simple steps such as greeting service customers quickly upon arrival, fully explaining charges and repairs and performing visual inspections of the vehicle with the customer can go a long way toward promoting satisfaction and loyalty."
What this means is that while Jaguar may not be selling vehicles in numbers that Ford would want it to but it takes care of its consumers. But with less vehicles sold year after year, does this simply mean that Jaguar has more time on their hands in fixing the problem of their customer's cars? That does not seem to be the case since Jaguars sold in the past are numerous and these are what keeps Jaguar dealerships busy.
Source http://www.goarticles.com
Volkswagen Back In Formula Three
German automaker Volkswagen recently announced that they will be making their presence felt once again in Formula Three. The biggest European automaker announced that they will make their return to the sport later this season as they will be supplying engines to participating teams in the current season of the F3 Euroseries.
This will not be the first time that the German automaker will take an active participation in the sport. From 1979 until 1991, the automobile manufacturer recorded 92 wins at the German F3 series.
Along the way, the automaker has worked with drivers who had gone on to the big leagues, Formula One. Michael Schumacher, the seven-time Formula One world champion once raced in Formula Three with a Volkswagen engine. Tom Kristensen is also another successful race driver who also raced in Formula Three with a car equipped with a Volkswagen engine. Similar to Schumacher, Kristensen is also a seven-time champion but in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The German automaker will be supplying 210-bhp two-liter engines to teams that the automaker is yet to name. Currently, all but one team in the Euroseries are using Mercedes-Benz engines. The exception is AM Holzer Rennsport which uses engines from Opel.
"With its aluminum cylinder block, the power unit possesses excellent basic architecture for the high demands in Formula 3," Wolfgang Hatz said, the Head of Powertrain Development for Volkswagen. "The very first development steps have confirmed this potential. The engine is now ripe for its first direct comparison on the race track."
The first race after a long tome that a Volkswagen engine will be used in Formula Three will be held at the Nürburgring in Nurburg, Germany. The engine has been tested for racing applications and all its racing components have been checked including its Volkswagen water pump but the true test will come on race day.
"Following the good test results obtained over the past few months, the race debut represents the first opportunity to see exactly where we stand in comparison with the competition," said Kris Nissen, Volkswagen's motorsport director.
Meanwhile, Audi has positive reaction about Volkswagen's re-entry to the Formula Three series. According to reports, Audi is looking to spot talented drivers from the F3 project of Volkswagen for their own racing program at the DTM or Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters.
Audi is owned by the Volkswagen Group and the link between the two automakers would mean that both will have the chance to groom drivers for their respective motorsports programs. "We always try to share a little bit the driver build-up within the group, and the F3 program suits this well," says Wolfgang Ullrich in an interview with autosport.com
Audi is competing with Mercedes-Benz in DTM while Volkswagen will be competing with Mercedes-Benz too in the Formula Three. In the past, Mercedes-Benz has the advantage over Audi since it can take drivers from the Euroseries to DTM which Audi was not successful in emulating. But with Volkswagen back in F3, Audi will have an almost level playing field with Mercedes-Benz.
This is supported by Nissen saying: "Volkswagen has been committed to promoting young talent for many decades. Returning to Formula Three is therefore the logical continuation of this commitment." One question that arises from this development though is whether Volkswagen or Audi will be moving up to challenge Mercedes-Benz in Formula One.
Source http://www.goarticles.com
Ferrari Ready To Do Battle
The upcoming European Grand Prix will be a focal point in the battle for supremacy in the ongoing 2007 Formula One season. Although McLaren is leading Ferrari in the constructors' championship standings, Ferrari is staging a comeback of sorts. After bowing down to McLaren in the North American leg of the Formula One season, Ferrari has come back with two consecutive wins - both by former McLaren driver Kimi Raikkonen.
The Italian Formula One team Scuderia Ferrari recently arrived in Germany to prepare for the battle this weekend. Raikkonen's back-to-back victory at the French and British Grands Prix, Ferrari is now being seen as a strong contender to McLaren's leadership.
Kimi Raikkonen is currently third in the drivers' championship standings behind McLaren's Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso. Raikkonen is just six points behind the double world champion Alonso and 18 points behind rookie sensation Lewis Hamilton.
Although going into the European Grand Prix after two consecutive wins, Raikkonen has to contend with history as his last three races at the Nürburgring resulted to retirement. The Finn though is looking to stop that string of bad races at 'the Ring' with Ferrari. This is the first year of the Finn in the Italian team and he said that: "never had a perfect race at the Nürburgring with my former team - now it's time to succeed."
Raikkonen is also looking for a hat trick or three wins in a row. "It was great to win two consecutive races but we must continue to work hard to stay ahead of our main rivals. Let's hope we can make a hat trick as we did at Magny-Cours and Silverstone," he said. The Finn will be participating in the Friday test runs, the qualifying sessions on Saturday and on Sunday's race onboard his F2007 which has been performing at a high level. During the last two races, the car performed at its highest level, better than a Ferrari with the Airaid cold air intake.
Meanwhile, Felipe Massa who was overtaken by Raikkonen in the standings is confident going into the weekend event. "I am confident we have a very good package as we have seen from the last two races," the Brazilian Formula One driver said in an interview. "If I have to compare the F2007 with the McLaren, maybe our strong point is that we are better in the race, while maybe they have a slight edge in qualifying."
Thus, the Brazilian maintained that he is looking for a good qualifying session on Saturday. "Qualifying is important here at this track," Massa said. "The whole first sector of the track has a lot of slow corners where you can lose a lot of time if you make a mistake. Also in the final sector, with its chicane, it can be tricky."
The race though is taking a backseat to the spying scandal which involves Ferrari and McLaren. According to preliminary information, a Ferrari employee is secretly divulging secret information to a McLaren employee. Nigel Stepney of Ferrari has already been sacked while McLaren's Mike Coughlan has been suspended. The matter is already being investigated by the sport's ruling body. The FIA has already summoned McLaren to an inquiry which will be held four days after the race.
Massa, Raikkonen, Hamilton, and Alonso said that they are not concerned about the issue for one thing or another. "I don't want to discuss it, because for sure it is not a nice thing and I prefer to concentrate on my racing," said Massa. Alonso also said that he is focusing on driving.
Source http://www.goarticles.com
Ford Won't Make It Easy
Yesterday was the deadline for bids on the Ford Motor Co.'s Jaguar and Land Rover brands. And according to the sources close to the deal, as reported by the Detroit News, the automaker is not making it easy.
The Dearborn-based automaker has given potential bidders limited information about the financial condition of the two European brands that belong to the company's Premium Automotive Group (PAG). They have not been allowed to visit any of the factories, nor have they been allowed to talk with senior management at either brand, reported the Detroit News.
Ford has told interested parties that they can only bid on Jaguar and Land Rover if they are not contemplating a major restructuring that would involve closing plants or moving production overseas, the report added.
The restrictions imposed by the automaker show how anxious it is about the potential fallout from any sale of the legendary European brands. Ford, which has been in the British auto industry for almost as long as it has in the United States, is deemed virtually as a domestic brand by most Britons. It is the hot-selling brand in Britain, making that one of the few markets where it outsells competitor General Motors Corp. And Ford is cautious enough to prevent any move that could compromise its standing in the territory.
In 2000, identical issues surfaced when BMW sold MG Rover to private investors. But those proved largely unfounded, said Garel Rhys, the director of the Centre for Automotive Industry at Cardiff University in Wales.
He added, "Ford wants to be seen as going with dignity where these brands are concerned. The private equity market has to learn this is not an area where they are simply going to be set free." As reported, there is at least one bid from the British private equity community, but foreign investors have also intimated their interest in Jaguar and Land Rover.
One name that has come up repeatedly is that of Ripplewood Holdings LLC, a New York-based private equity firm with a history of automotive investments. Spokesman Jeff Taufield would not say whether the company had submitted a bid and declined to comment on speculation that it is among those interested in acquiring the two brands.
"We've had contacts from third parties," said Ford spokesman Tom Hoyt. "We're assessing strategic operations for all of our operations." Hoyt would not confirm today's deadline.
"This is just round one," said one person close to the situation. The automaker has retained three banks consist of Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley and HSBC to handle the sale dubbed "Project Swift." A company source told The News the automaker would like to see a sale completed by the end of the year.
Ford could get $8 billion for Jaguar and Land Rover, and another $7 billion for its Swedish Volvo brand, which is also in play, said Jon Rogers of Citigroup. That sum could play a significant role in helping the automaker circumvent its struggling North American operations.
But Rhys questions how much cash Ford is walking away from. By his count, the global luxury market accounts for about 11 percent of automobile sales worldwide. Ford sold off Aston Martin earlier this year. Without Jaguar, Land Rover or Volvo, he says Ford will have no way to play in that lucrative arena. "It speaks volumes about their fears for the core business in the United States," he said.
Meanwhile, even the Ford Mustang tail light cover could not hide the uncertainty affecting consumers. "Anytime there is uncertainty, there is unrest," said Beau Boeckmann, the vice president of Galpin Motors, the largest Jaguar dealership in the world.
Source http://www.goarticles.com
The vehicles that use two power sources in conjunction with one another are called hybrid automotives or hybrid vehicles. The history of hybrid power
The vehicles that use two power sources in conjunction with one another are called hybrid automotives or hybrid vehicles. The history of hybrid power technology is very old. It dates back to the time when diesel electric submarines were first used.
The idea is quite simple, use two power sources to increase the overall efficiency.
Now the question arises that why it was needed. The answer is simple, it was realized that an average person would not be able to afford gasoline in the near future. CO2 emissions will also increase similarly an average person does not require a V8, he/she just needs enough power to reach his destination in time. A V8 as well as a small vehicle can accomplish this. So the hybrid vehicle was introduced.
How it works?
The hybrid vehicle works by using electric as well as gasoline power. Diesel electric vehicles are also there but there numbers are quite low. The hybrid vehicle works by using electric power when the requirement for engine power is low for example when starting the vehicle and up to the speed of 30-40 mph as the electric source cannot run a vehicle by itself.
What is the basic idea behind Hybrid automotives?
The basic idea is to use a smaller lightweight engine to run a vehicle up to a required speed and when the car has to accelerate then the electric source can add some extra power to gain more speed. As a 1.0 liter engine can also move at 75 mph just like a V8 although the V8 has more acceleration power so why waste fuel on a muscle car when a 1.0-liter vehicle can work for you.
Types of Gasoline Hybrid Vehicles
There are two main types of gasoline hybrid vehicles: parallel hybrid car and series hybrid car. The series hybrid car uses the gasoline engine to turn a generator that can either charge the batteries or run an electric motor whereas the parallel hybrid car can combine the two power sources to give more power or the same amount of power but with a better mileage.
Body Structure of Hybrid Vehicles
Now the question arises how the hybrid vehicle can deliver these types of performances when they have such a small engine. They do so by using lightweight materials like carbon fiber composites, low-rolling resistance tires and advanced aerodynamics to reduce drag. The hybrids can even turn the gasoline engine off when not needed such as when stopping at traffic lights. Some vehicles even use the electric power to gain a speed of 30 to 40 KM/h. Some vehicles also use regenerative braking. By this method when breaks are applied, the car decreases the speed by cutting some amount of power. This power is then used by the generator to generate electric power that can be stored for later use.
The price of these vehicles start from 23000$ and they reach up to 54000$. There are some hybrid SUVs are also available in the market.
Source http://www.articlesbase.com
ATV Dealers - How Can They Help You?
Many people who enjoy the outdoors are discovering for the first time the enjoyment of all-terrain vehicles, better known as ATVs. The uninhibited speed, the ability to explore and discover new trails as you go, the enjoyment of experiencing nature, make all the activity you do on an ATV a great experience.
You'll find endless options when choosing an ATV, and if you have a smart guide it can be a big help.
The Best Places to Locate an ATV Dealer
You'll find that the local Yellow Pages have the majority of ATV dealership's listed. Paying a visit to an ATV display or an ATV rally at your local shopping mall gives you the opportunity to meet up with other like-minded people who are interested in ATV's. ATV owners other than yourself know many details about the sport and the ATVs themselves as well as whatever model they own and can supply you with an abundance of unbiased information. You can also inquire as to which ATV dealers have the most trust among the knowledgeable ATV owners and which ones to avoid as well.
Making the Choice for an ATV Manufacturer
By going to an ATV dealer, you would then have the ability to make a side-by-side comparison of different models and brands of ATVs and make an informed decision as to which manufacturer that you like. A sales representative would be the most readily available person to assist you in learning any potential drawbacks and all the beneficial features of each model as well as each manufacturer. It is best to know what your needs are when you're looking for an ATV to purchase.
There are different kinds of ATVs for different riding environments. If you are a person who enjoys racing on off-road tracks and in the dirt, it would be best if you ask the sales representative to point you in the direction of the sports ATVs. On the other hand, if you want a heavy-duty workhorse that has the ability to handle many different situations that would require such a vehicle, your choice should be one of the professional grade models.
Because the sport models are made for a higher speed than the heavy-duty ATVs they would not be the best choice for heavy-duty work. Contrast that with a professional grade ATV that will be more durable and heavier but at the same time may be hard to transport and slower off the starting line.
Finding out What Accessories You Will Require
When shopping for an ATV there may be sales representatives that will try to convince you that you need an abundance of accessories that go along with your new ATV. Besides a appropriately fitting, well constructed helmet, anything else can wait until you become more familiarized with your new ATV.
You will be better able to conclude how we will best use your ATV for any future use, after you have gotten the unit home and put a few hours use on it. You will find there are accessories that are made and sold to enhance the stability, suspension and improve traction. There are also decals that can add to the individual look of your ATV. Matching safety equipment and riding gear are also sold at the majority of ATV dealerships.
There is an entire line of functional accessories such as snowplows and wenches that can be added on to your ATV if you can afford them. Keeping your buying impulse in check when you visit and ATV dealership is a good idea because if you're not careful you can break your budget. So doing your research ahead of time is a wise move.
Source http://www.articlesbase.com
First Pontiac G8 Prototypes Roll Off the Line
At this year’s Chicago Auto Show, Pontiac (also maker of top of the line Pontiac catalytic converter) – confirming its commitment to style and performance – introduced a show car version of the all-new, rear-wheel drive performance, the G8 GT.
The G8 is the first North American application of GM's new global rear-wheel-drive architecture developed by Holden, GM's Australian subsidiary.
The G8 show car gave everyone a peek of the highly anticipated production GT model, including use of the 362-horsepower (270 kW) 6.0L V-8 engine and optional six-speed manual transmission. The show car also features some unique items not found on the production model, including twenty-inch "shadow chrome" wheels and performance tires, ride height lowered approximately half-inch, high-performance brake rotors with painted brake calipers, custom interior trim color, including a leather-wrapped dash, exclusive exterior paint color: Phantom Grey, and the concept of "modernized" Pontiac badge.
Last week, the first prototype of the Pontiac G8 rolled off General Motors' Australia unit, GM Holden -- ahead of a full production start later in the year. The rear-wheel-drive performance sedan is headed for the United States in early 2008.
Production model details
The 2008 Pontiac G8 lineup will offer two models: G8 and G8 GT. Each will come with a host of standard performance, convenience and safety features, including:
Four-wheel independent suspension
Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and traction control
Electronic stability control
18-inch aluminum wheels (19-inch wheels available with sport package)
Seat-mounted thorax air bags and dual-stage frontal air bags for front passengers, with automatic passenger sensing system
Roof rail side-impact air bags for both seating rows
OnStar
XM Satellite Radio
Power-adjustable front seats
Fog lamps
Chrome exhaust tips
Rear lip spoiler
A sport package will also be available for both models and adds features such as specific wheels – including 19-inch aluminum wheels and performance tires on GT – a rear wing spoiler, leather shift knob, leather-wrapped steering wheel and alloy pedals.
Production of the Pontiac G8 is scheduled to commence at the Holden plant in late 2007, bringing the production line to a maximum capacity rate of 620 cars per day.
The G8 will be the first car sold in the U.S. based on the Australia-developed new Zeta global GM architecture. This means that Holden’s Elizabeth plant is exporting to every continent in the world, with the exception of Antarctica.
About GM Holden Ltd
GM Holden Ltd or Holden is an Australian automaker based in Melbourne, Victoria, originally independent but now a subsidiary of General Motors (GM). The automotive marque is one of GM's "alpha" brands, taking charge of vehicle operations for General Motors in Australasia, and have partial ownership of GM Daewoo in South Korea.
Source http://www.articlesbase.com
5 Practical Ways to Check a Used Car
Since its inception, the market of used cars has suddenly escalated at an unprecedented rate for the past few years. In fact, surveys show that the number of people who buy used cars is almost tripled when compared to the number of people who buy new cars.
That is why many people are enticed to buy used cars because it is gradually becoming a trend in the car buying industry.
However, it does not necessarily mean that buyers will just take the process of selecting used cars for granted. Hence, it is important to take note of the ways to check the car prior to the closure of the deal.
Therefore, for people who wish to know the different ways on checking the condition of the used car, here are some pointers:
1. Test drive
There is no better way to check the condition of the car than to do a test drive. In this way, the buyer will be able to know the actual condition of the car and its parts like the brakes, accelerator, etc.
Also, the buyer will be able to detect at once if there are some "clunks" and rattles on the used car, even if the test drive is just a short trip.
2. Personal inspection
Aside from test-driving, it is also important for the buyer to personally inspect the details of the body make-up and its condition.
In this manner, the buyer will be able to identify any signs of rusts and damages, the condition of the tires, oil leaks, etc.
3. Mileage check
Usually, an average user or driver will consume 12,000 to 15,000 miles in a year. In this way, the buyer will be able to know the approximate age of the car by looking at its mileage.
4. Mechanic check
Another way of checking the condition of a used car prior to its purchase is to seek the help of a mechanic. This may cost the buyer some charges but the money would surely be spent for a good cause. The mechanic is the best person who could instantly assess technically and professionally the condition of a certain car.
5. CARFAX Report
Knowing the history of the car is also one of the best ways to know the real condition of the car. Hence, it is important for the buyer to seek the help of CARFAX report in order to know the full details of the used car's history.
Take the proper steps and research your purchase. Doing so will guarantee a happy car buying experience.
Source http://www.articlesbase.com
Ferrari Driving Schools
If you are a Ferrari car owner, you know the pleasure that is yours when you slip behind the wheel of this fabulous driving machine. Did you know that you could enhance your enjoyment of these vehicles even more by participating in a Ferrari driving school? This is a fun way to get to understand how your Ferrari works, and what it is capable of on a racetrack.
The Ferrari North America School is located in Mont-Tremblant, northwest of Montreal. The driving takes place on a race track a little over two and a half miles long. Instructors make clear that this is not a school to train racers. This Ferrari Driving Experience school will give you the skills you need to get more out of driving your Ferrari.
The instructors have put in many championship wins on race tracks around the world. They are experienced in sharing their skills in a step-by-step manner; with early instruction providing vital tools upon which more advanced techniques will be built.
The Ferrari Driving Experience lasts for two and a half days, and begins with a champagne reception and dinner the evening before classes begin. Time is spent in both the classroom and on the track, although most of the time is spent behind the wheel. Classes cover such topics as vehicle dynamics and driving line. Track time includes introducing skills like how to handle the car in wet and dry conditions, including controlled skids, braking, and acceleration, and building on lapping techniques, beginning with sectional, and moving up to short track and eventually full track circuits.
Students may not drive their own Ferraris, for insurance reasons, but instead are provided with twelve new Ferrari F430 ‘s for their use during the Experience. The fee for sumptuous room, board and instruction is $8,200 in US dollars. There is a waiting list for these special instructional events, so register early if possible.
If you would like to receive all of the superior instruction of the Experience but be able to participate in your own Ferrari, then you might enjoy Ferrari Driving Clinics. Priced at $1350 US, these clinics are held on Ferrari Challenge race weekends, and you get to drive your car on the track, under the helpful eye of your instructor. There are two skill groups, the Sport group for intermediate to advanced drivers and the Touring group for beginner to intermediate enthusiasts. You will also get to participate in infield driving drills to help you hone your ability in several areas, including braking and autocross. You will learn driving techniques to make your Ferrari car driving experience more satisfying. For everyone's safety, Ferrari requires each participating vehicle to receive a technical inspection from an authorized Ferrari dealer.
Source http://www.articlesbase.com
Rv's and Campers
Motorhomes, also referred to as RVs or recreational vehicles, have greatly increased in popularity in recent years and are an excellent way to experience comfortable road travel. Unlike a commercial vehicle, RVs have full power steering and automatic transmission. Motorhomes offer excellent performance for their size and weight with diesel power for the majority of vehicles today, offering excellent fuel efficiency.
RV’s and Motorhomes are the ideal form of travel for those who like to spend their vacation time going camping in the mountains, running on the beach, or sightseeing along the highways and byways.
Motorhomes are a popular way to follow sporting events around the world, they are also ideal for shows and events, where you can be on-site close to all the action yet with your luxurious home-from-home there with you.
A motorhome is the ideal family vehicle, the driver’s compartment is connected to the cabin so that, even on the road, your whole family is together. Fully-equipped with a toilet, hot shower, air-conditioning, water tank plus a small kitchen including fridge, stove and oven, giving you complete freedom and flexibility.
Motorhomes usually have a 240 volt power inlet which can be hooked up to power the larger appliances such as air conditioners and microwaves. The on-board fresh water tank holds approximately 120 litres and will last between two and four days before it needs refilling.
Motorhomes are easy to drive but different to a car, Take things at a steadier pace and try to anticipate braking and cornering to make the journey more comfortable and reduce the number of complaints from the navigators.
Motorhomes have limited through-vision and some none at all so you soon start to rely on the mirrors. Small coastal and country roads get congested during the holiday periods and you have to be more aware of narrow bridges and roadside hedges as the motorhome is wider than a normal car.
Motorhomes, or motorized recreational vehicles (RVs), come in different classes. Van campers, also known as Class B motorhomes, are basically small RVs created from a standard conversion or mini van and usually feature a raised roof. These motorhomes are the least expensive RVs to own and operate, and are generally also the easiest to drive around town as well as on the highway.
The size of a Class B RV usually varies from 16 feet to 21 feet, it gets you on the road to adventure in a compact size that's fun and easy to drive, for a price ranging between $33,000 to $75,000.
Class A motor homes are generally thought of as top of the line among RVs. As the largest and most elaborate of the RVs, similar in stature to a bus, this class is, of course, the most expensive, with some sporting sticker prices in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Depending on the model and floor plan, Class A RVs will sleep up to 8 people. But a decent used Class A motorhome can usually be found for below the hundred thousand dollar mark or so. All RVs are incredibly well insulated, and because they’re only small compared to, say, a house, keeping them warm or cool is a cinch. The quality and appointments of RVs continue to improve, with owners realising they can travel with all of the luxuries of home.
There's one way to check out motor homes before you choose one to buy, and that's by renting several and taking them on trial runs.
It's a good idea to rent different models from different manufacturers to see what features you like, what you don't like, and how the models handle on the road and in the campground. Then you can make a more informed decision when you purchase a motor home. Check out your local area for the best deals on renting.
So, whatever model you choose just have fun and enjoy!
Source http://www.articlesbase.com
Let Your Keystrokes Beware
Finding a good used-but-new-to-you car has never been an easy proposition. Sifting through car ads and dealer lots trying to decipher the secret code of used car talk is an exhausting process.
Does "easy to handle" mean you won't have trouble pushing it out of the road every time it stalls? Is "classic" an accurate way to describe its status or is it simply old. Will it be covered by state "lemon laws"?
For people who simply don't have that much time or patience, online used car shopping would seem ideal. You can use search engines and keywords to arrive at exactly the vehicle you are looking for. However, even a good process can have some snags along the way and online used car buying is one arena where it's best to be aware of them.
What's The Real Story?
It's best to use reputable online dealers and people approved by your state's Better Business Bureau. While you may think you are getting a better deal from an advertisement off Craiglist or a community online bulletin board, it's much harder to know how much of what they say is true and enforce that truth in a dispute.
Make sure to research the seller and find out as much as you can about where the car came from and its history. Websites such as CARFAX offer vehicular history but their information comes from insurance and public notice claims, not the private things people don't want to disclose. Those sites can also alert you if the car has been registered as a stolen vehicle. The more you can verify about the car and the seller, the better your purchase experience will be.
What's The Real Picture?
Used cars advertised online always seem ready for their close-up, but some pictures don't give you a realistic view. Similar to the nightmare stories that come out of the world of internet dating, the picture you get and the car you end up with may not be the same thing.
The seller can be placing a picture of the car from when it was new, or show one side on the car while neglecting to photograph the big scary dent on the other. Some cars, like cover models, may even have their pictures "photoshopped" before placement. If possible, see the car before agreeing to purchase or put a down payment on it or if its in another city ask a friend or acquaintance who is close to take a look.
Always require the seller to supple pictures of all sides of the vehicle and interior. Ask them to send you a picture of the car with the daily newspaper on the hood with the date visible. That will ensure it's a recent picture.
What's The Deal?
Every state has differing laws about how to handle disputes when it comes to used car purchases. Check the laws in your state and the state you are buying the car in to make sure you meet the requirements to be protected. Have the seller put in writing the condition of the car and note any problems, dents, or wreck history the car may have.
Also put in writing the full terms of the agreement including the terms of payment, how the car is going to get from the seller to the buyer (and who pays for that), the disclosed condition of the car and any photographs the seller supplies. Keep hard copies of all emails and transactions during the purchase. If there is a discrepancy in the car's appearance or condition, document it with photographs. The more clear things are spelled out, the better protected both the buyer and the seller will be.
The internet is a friendly place full of people ready to make deals and sell treasures. Buying a used car online is one way to find what you are looking for quickly and make an easy transaction in the process. Like any other friendship or business relationship, in online used car buying trust must be earned
Source http://www.articlesbase.com
How to Evaluate a Used Ferrari for Purchase
For car lovers, the ultimate in sports car pleasure is to slip behind the wheel of a Ferrari. If it is your deepest desire to own a Ferrari, you will want to make sure to evaluate the Ferrari carefully before you make a purchase. In this way you can ensure that you are getting a quality vehicle that will be a good investment.
Once you have narrowed down which particular Ferrari you would like to have as your own, you will need to get an idea of how much that vehicle is worth. There are some good sources for Ferrari valuation. Although ordinarily a wealth of information about several different makes of cars, the Kelley Blue Book lists no pricing information for used Ferraris. Instead, try the N.A.D.A. Official Used Car Guide. Select the "Consumer" guide, and then enter the make and model as well as the year, and you will get back pricing information.
You can search online for the investment car dealer nearest you, although you will certainly have a larger selection to choose from if your search is not limited by geography. When you have a particular car that you are considering, you will want to take a close look at the car's history. One way to do that is to request a history report of the Ferrari for sale. There are several available online, including Experian Automotive and Carfax, which offers a guaranteed used car report for the history of the car.
In addition, you will want to inquire as to how the vehicle was maintained by previous owners. Poor maintenance can make for a car that is a poor investment, so checking on this critical area can be an important criterion for your Ferrari car evaluation. You will also need to find out if the vehicle has ever been in any accidents, or survived floods, both of which can potentially reduce the value of the car. It pays to have a qualified mechanic from a Ferrari dealer perform a pre-purchase inspection of the vehicle.
Since this is an investment, you will want to be sure to look at how well the vehicle in question will retain its initial value. Since they do not make anymore vintage Ferraris from the 1950s, for example, if you have one that is in great condition, the value will increase simply due to the scarcity involved. Value can also be based in part on its popularity, as well as the way people think about its value.
You can learn a lot about Ferraris for sale by joining a Ferrari club. Members can give advice on maintaining a new Ferrari or a vintage Ferrari. Here you will likely be able to gather information to help you find a great Ferrari.
Source http://www.articlesbase.com
Buying a Used Rv? Don't Forget a Few Basic Points
A used RV not only saves money but also offers better features with a variety of choices at a far more affordable price than a new one. The idea of getting such an RV drives many into buying it on an impulse that might eventually turn out to be the cause of regret in the near future. So while buying a used RV you need to be careful about the factors that determine the usability of a used RV. Thus proper investigation and research are the pre-requisites for buying a good used RV.
The value of a used RV is ascertained after taking into account the years in operation, overall condition and the possible depreciation. The amount of depreciation depends on the years in operation. While buying a used RV, you should gain access to proper and relevant information regarding all these. Apart from this, you should also consider the resale value of a used RV. A year later you may feel the need to have an even better RV for which you would like to sell off the existing one. So it is always better to buy a used RV that is not more than a year old. This will fetch you a much better resale price.
Buying a used RV with hidden mechanical problems proves out to be a liability. It not only mars your vacation but also considerably reduces its resale value. So, before buying a pre-owned RV, make sure you have enough technical knowledge to investigate on the existing mechanical problems. If you don’t have enough expertise then hire somebody to do this.
Used RVs are either sold by a private party or a dealer. Usually the dealers provide some kind of a guarantee on the RV being sold. Thus certain problems surfacing after a purchase can be reported back to the dealer. The private parties do not offer such guarantee, so you either have to shell out the repairing expenses from your own pocket or make a compromise with the adversities. Having said that, private parties often come up with very attractive deals. There are people who buy an RV out of a sudden desire and later find that they hardly have any time to use it, or are unable to adjust with the RV lifestyle. Such RVs, although used, are available in like-new condition, which with proper negotiation, can turn out into a good deal.
To enhance your knowledge on various aspects of RVs you can post your queries in various forums, newsgroups or bulletin boards to share opinions and experiences of other RVers. There are books and DVDs available in the market that can serve as useful inputs regarding the RV technicalities and lifestyle. You can also subscribe an RV magazine and attend RV shows around your area.
Last of all; do take a test ride before buying a used RV motorhome. If you are new to such a lifestyle, rent an RV for a weekend and spend some time in it to find out your requirements. Once you are sure of your requirements and have analyzed and investigated the pre-owned RV, it boils down to a fruitful negotiation to get the best deal.
Source http://www.articlesbase.com
Tips for Rv Trips
It’s always a pleasant adventure to drive down in your RV across the open roads and enjoy the natural beauty to your hearts content. RVs have become an indispensable item for people who love to embark on long journeys to the wildernesses and great outdoors. Indeed it is much better than the boring journeys in your cold old car – its so much fun to enjoy the comforts of home while traveling across scenic locations fro your dream vacation. However, one of the major challenges that are faced by all RV owners is to drive safely and successfully on open roads.
Just because of its sheer size it is often more difficult to drive a recreational vehicle compared to a car or even a truck. Particularly, when you are on the highway, it is important that your motorhome blends in well with the smaller cars that are much more agile and your car doesn’t really block the road and create trouble for other drivers on the road. When you are driving recreational vehicle it is important that you are well aware of the road and traffic rules. There are various points that you need to be particularly careful about when you are on the streets in your RV.
Be Patient: Always keep in mind the size of your recreational vehicle, it is not your small car that you can blaze through the road. While on your recreational vehicle it is important to be patient and drive slow. Recreational vehicles are just not the type to drive aggressively at a high speed. Its just like you are adding wheels to your home and driving it along, so you need to give due consideration to its bulk and keep the speed in control. For those drivers who are a bit impatient it is often difficult to adjust to this slow moving giants but for a safe travel it is important that you adjust your mindset. Try to keep your speed below 10 miles per hour. 10 miles per hour would be relatively good speed for a RV that would keep things under control yet cover enough ground in short span.
Plan and Create Your Road Map: If you can plan your road map well that would probably save you more than half the trouble with your RV. Try to avoid interstates and highways that are particularly known for high-speed traffic. Also, it is very helpful, if you can plan your tour to avoid driving through busy cities during rush hours. Try to avoid the more commonly used routes and find alternative routes that has relatively less traffic and often offer better natural view. However, it is also important that while deciding on these alternative routes, you have complete information about these routes so that you don’t get stuck at some point due to narrow or bad road conditions.
Never drive in bad weather: Bad weather conditions put up a challenge for all drivers irrespective of the type of vehicle they are driving and the challenge is even greater if you are driving a RV. Motor homes and recreational vehicles generally do not take to bad weathers and are particularly difficult top drive during high strong winds. It is advisable to take off the roads during bad weather and drive another day once the weather has calmed down.
Avoid Slopes: Try to avoid slopes, both uphill and downhill when driving your RV. It becomes very difficult to drive up steep slopes and also to control your RV while moving downhill. Even if it requires you to travel a few extra miles off your route it is always better to do so than to take the risk of moving up or down the slope.
Towing Vehicles: Towing a vehicle is a common practice for RV owners but it makes driving an RV all the more difficult. You need to be doubly cautious when you have a towing vehicle along with your motor home. It is advisable to detach towing vehicle when you need to backup your RV. Unhook the towing vehicle and park it safely, then ask someone to guide you, when you back up the RV.
Campground Reservations: Always try to make your campground reservations in advance. Use the campground directories to locate and plan the campgrounds that you would use for your overnight stays. If you are going to stay at a campground where you have never stayed before, it is also wise to do your reservation for just one night to ensure that the campground meets your requirements than to do a longer reservation for cost cutting.
RV trips are meant for enjoyment and pleasure. Following these basic guidelines would definitely be helpful to ensure road safety and better organize your RV trip for hassle free enjoyment.
Source http://www.articlesbase.com
Which Ferrari is Right for You?
If you are considering a Ferrari car as an investment, you have made a choice of valuing a Ferrari so that they will not only increase your net worth, but you'll have fun enjoying these stunning vehicles in the process. There are several different models of new and pre-owned Ferrari sports cars from which you can choose your favorite to build your portfolio and increase your friend's envy.
Italian Enzo Ferrari started out by building race cars, but included road cars in 1947. Many of the body styles came from Pininfarina, an Italian car design company. The street cars come in V6, V8, and V12 models. Body styles are referred to by letters. M refers to models that are modified from the original version, while GTB is the reference for coupes. GTS stands for older-model convertibles or targa top models. Modern convertibles use the designation of Spider. Some Ferraris are called Daytona or GTO, but these are not officially sanctioned names. The Dino models got their name from Enzo Ferrari's son, Dino.
The Ferrari road cars come in several different types. Sports cars are designed for their excellent handling, speed and good looks. GT cars are called grand tourer vehicles, and are usually of the coupe body style, and are a bit bigger than a sports car. The 2+2 style indicates that there are two seats in the front of the vehicle and two seats for passengers in the rear. The America-type Ferraris are grand touring cars that feature the big V12 engines. FR designed vehicles stands for front-engine, rear wheel drive. You might also hear of the RMR type of Ferrari, which is the rear mid-engine, rear-wheel drive layout. The name Supercar refers to their top of the line sports car.
A two-seat GT that Ferrari built was the 250 GT Coupe Pininfarina. The Ferrari Pininfarina was named the 250 GT Boano, which was a coupe. The Ferrari 250 GT California is a beautiful car that was featured in the hit movie Ferris Bueller's Day Off.
The Ferrari 365 GTB/4 is informally called the Ferrari Daytona, in reference to the 24 Hours of Daytona car race, which the Ferrari team won in 1967. For lovers of speedy cars, the Daytona could reach zero to sixty miles per hour in a minuscule 5.4 seconds. A 365 GTB/4 was driven from New York to Los Angeles in just under 36 hours in a race in 1971.
The Ferrari 250 GTO is considered to be one of the finest sports cars ever built. Their value has skyrocketed, and if one happens to become available its cost would be in the millions. Ferraris such as these make an excellent investment.
All About Winches
Got a car suitable for traveling over rough terrain? Then water sport is a true adventure for you. The sport is a wonderful opportunity for you to show off your driving and winching skills to a whole bunch of people. But are you ready to winch or be winched out of those bog holes in the playground? You'd better read all the things you need to know about different winches which could be very useful for you and your friends.
Electrical Winches
Powered by a double-battery system, this will be very advantageous for you. Although it gets its power from the battery of the vehicle, it also gets power from a deep-cycle type of battery that operates on its own. Thus, this kind of winch will never affect your engine's function, radio, lights, etc.
Mechanical Winches
There are two types of mechanical winches. It can be either drum or capstan. The drum type's power is drawn from the car's engine carried to the winch through a shaft. This type tends to have greater power than electrical winches because it works well if and only if the car engine is working well. Meanwhile, capstan's power relies on the vehicle's engine still but is carried directly using a dog clutch locked in the crankshaft pulley. Just like the drum type, a capstan works while the engine is working. But to effectively put the capstan into use, you must have the necessary skills in using it. You must also choose the right rope with the right diameter so that the slip will be minimized and the rope won't get caught by itself for it will lead to a very dangerous consequence.
Hydraulic Drum Winch
From the name itself, this winch gets its power from a hydraulic pump with the help of the car's engine. The winch is driven using a hydro motor. Aside from its high power, the advantage of the hydraulic type includes not being affected even if it's submerged into water.
Motorized, Portable, Mechanical Drum Winch
This kind of winch is uncommon; however it has a very fascinating system to boot. Unlike the usual winch where the vehicle's engine is used, the engine powers of a chain saw are utilized supplying power to a little drum winch. However, this type can be very noisy.
Hand-operated, Mechanical Wire Rope Winch
This type won't need your car's engine. However, it needs users to exert physical strength when dealing with it. It's definitely not made for fragile hands.
Source http://www.articlesbase.com
Enjoy Pocket Bikes But Also Embrace The Responsibility
Remember going to the circus and seeing some 6 ft tall clown riding into the center ring on a mini-bike with his knees hunched up around the top of his head. Everyone laughs at this sight because it seems so ridiculous. What a sight: Grown man and women riding around on such a tine vehicle.
Well, it isn't funny anymore with the introductions of the pocket bikes or as some refer to them as pocket rockets. Whether you are an adult, teenager or a young adult, it will draw the same response...Wow! These small versions of full motorcycles weigh between 45 and 90 pounds and seat their driver about 18 to 24 inches off the ground. These are not something to laugh about. They are serious machines. They are not toys even though looking at one; you are tempted to dismiss the pocketbike as a toy.
Pocket bikes or pocket rockets can be deadly since they aren't toys. It is easy to get in the mindset that because the pocket bikes are not only small and fast but they can be ridden anywhere--on sidewalks, in bicycle lanes, and on the street. Get rid of that though immediately. These gas-powered models have been modified can reach speeds up to 45 mph or even faster.
The bikes are usually imported without your typical safety features for motorcycles. They don't have brake lights, mirrors, turn signals, right kind of tires or even reflectors. They are fun pocket rockets but they don't meet current federal safety standards for street-legal vehicles. Because of their size, adults will let their children operated them unlicensed and many times underage. Unfortunately there have been reported deaths operating these pocket bikes and unless responsible adults step up to the plate, the fatality rate will on increase.
There is a lot of debate going on whether these pocket rockets ought to be ban. Both sides have put a lot of energy into their arguments. The ones who are in favor of allowing these motorcycles to be ridden are faults who blame the parent who failed to supervise their child.
Responsible adults need to take the horse by the rein and assume responsibility for their children safety. They need to make sure they understand beyond any doubts that their pocket bike is not a toy but a vehicle that could cause them serious body harm.
"You're a lot safer putting a 13-year-old on a full-size motorcycle than on one of these things," said Steve Gibbons, a plaintiff attorney from Kansas City, KS. Steve believes they should be banned. As any experienced motorcycle ride knows, the real danger riding a motorcycle is that car drivers don't see you. With these pocket bikes sitting so low to the ground, the problem is going to be greater."
Admit it! You know when you see one of the pocket bikes, you can't help but grin and think about giving it a ride. The risk of the pocket bike is the fartherest thing from your mind. You combine how cheap they are, the coolness factor, and the fact they really are fun to ride, then it makes it hard to keep your mind clear about potential dangers lurking if you start riding one of them.
Stop, clear your mind before you go buying one. Ask yourself are you responsible enough to ride this thing? Do you have the protective gear you need? Are you aware of the characteristics of the handling of the pocket bike? At high speeds, fast turns can cause the pocket bike to overturn. Is your child old enough to understand that this is not a toy? Are you going to spend the time to supervise your child on a pocket rocket?
All of these questions are very important to ask. If you are willing to spend the time instructing your child, drilling them over and over about safety and most importantly you will physical be there to watch them ride, then go buy this entertainment. If at anytime, you can't do any of them and I mean "any", then buying one is not the responsible thing to do.
What will happen if I'm caught riding my "Pocket Bike" on Public Land? Recent legislation allows for peace officers to seize the bike and hold it for a maximum of 48 hours. The violator shall be responsible for all costs associated with the removal, seizure and storage. Additionally, new legislation requires the manufacturer of the pocket bike to place a sticker on the bike that reads:
The pocket bike you have purchased or obtained is strictly prohibited from being operated on a sidewalk, roadway, or any other part of a highway, or on a bikeway, bicycle path or trail, equestrian trail, hiking or recreational trail, or on public lands open to off highway vehicle use. A violation of this regulation may result in prosecution and seizure of the device.
I am not trying to put a damper on your fun. Just take a few minutes to think about the responsibility of owning a pocket bike or as some like to call them "pocket rockets". For me, I love them but I am afraid if I get down on one, I might not be able to get up again. If you buy and there is nothing wrong with that, just remember, your responsibility requirements have now increased significantly.
Source http://www.articlesbase.com
Can You Be Styling While Wearing Protective Motorcycle Clothing?
How do you vote? Styling or protection? What do you need to consider about the type of clothing to wear when riding your motorcycle? First and foremost, repeat, you need protection from injury. However, you can still be styling while riding your bike!
There nothing like laying your bike down on asphalt, rapidly skidding down the black hell with visions of I am going to die in your head, plus leaving lots of your skin on the street to get you to think about wearing protective clothing while riding your motorcycle. If you are like most people, you think about injuries from falling (impact) or abrasions from skidding. Both of these types of injuries can be very painful especially if you survive them. Good news, clothing can play an important part in reducing the injury level in both types of these injuries.
Did you know that 30% (50% at night) of drivers involved in accidents with motorcycles claim they didn't see the bike? I can't count the times I have had to dodge cars who I know just didn't see me. If they had been watching for cars, it would not have been an issue. How many times have you not seen a motorcyclist and you are even more aware of them than the average driver? Driving in your neighborhood on your bike could be highly dangerous. Approximately 90% of urban motorcycle accidents are caused the other driver not by the motorcyclist. Riding with your headlights on is very important to being seen. Bright colors or reflective stripes can help a lot.
For those of us who are into styling, there are some great looking motorcycle clothing on the market these days. However, not all of the motorcycle clothing offers as much protection as you think. Protective motorcycle clothing are not created equal. In Europe, they have a standard for motorcycle clothing. For it be lawfully sold as "safety" clothing, it has to pass a series of European standards and bear the CE mark, which are pretty lengthy. How does the clothing performance hold up in abrasion, tearing and impact tests. Once they pass the test, then the manufacturer are allowed to sell the motorcycle protective clothing with the CE mark. Unfortunately, USA has no such regulation is available in the USA. Cheer up, all is not lost. Just requires you to pay attention to what you are buying.
Not many people realize that most motorcycle injuries occur below the belt. You love your legs and feet but when you are riding a motorcycle, the are extremely vulnerable to injuries. Make sure you wear a decent pair of high boots and protective pants. Leather, thick leather is a good choice. Check the pants for reinforcement at the knees and hips. The better safety pants should attach to your jacket by a zipper. Boots should be thick leather, with a sole that can flex with the foot but has a resistance to crushing across the foot. Heard of steel toe shoes? Well not a bad ideal for when you are riding.
The history of material normally used for motorcycle protective clothing has been leather. The thick nylon and other synthetic materials will work well too. Look into Kevlar reinforced jeans which hold up much better than normal jeans while skidding across asphalt at 70 m.p.h. Here is an interesting fact. According to the European standard abrasion test, normal jeans last 0.6 seconds, while protective motorcycle pants will last 5 seconds or more. Think about 5 seconds of protection versus about 0.5 seconds. If you have to think very hard, you have been riding your motorcycle without a helmet again. Go with the Kevlar protected, re-enforced jeans.
You apply the same principles to jackets. You are looking for hard wearing jackets, preferably thick leather not the fancy thin fashion leather like some jackets. Pay attention to the stitching which should be uniform with no dropped stitches. All your stress areas, your elbows and shoulders should be reinforced, ideally with some impact protection included. This means, not a bad ideal to have some protective padding in your jacket.
Want to keep those fingers looking good and attached? You must have a decent pair of gloves. When you fall, you instinctively put out your hands palm side down to stop yourself in a slide, so the palms of your gloves should made of thick leather or knitted Kevlar and reinforced with patches. Knitted Kevlar is especially good for this kind of abrasion resistance, but reinforced leather works well too.
That old saying it only hurt when I stop. Well, apply that saying to when you hit the pavement. Impact protection can be bought separately like back protectors. If you buy it, make sure you wear it. Depending on your personality, it might be best motorcycle protective clothing with a degree of impact protection included so that you know when you put on your jacket and pants, the protection is there and you don't have to remember to put it on.
I know this is a cliche but helmets really do save lives. Your head is not as hard as you think. Head injuries are not easy to recover from and in a motorcycle accident; they tend to be really severe. A helmet may not stop the injury but it is very possible it might reduce the impact of an injury.
If you are like most people, they try to avoid pain. Give some serious thought to your protective motorcycle clothing the next time you go shopping.
Source http://www.articlesbase.com
Here Are The Factors You Need To Consider When Choosing Wheels For Your SUV
Having the right tires and wheels is important on any vehicle but perhaps even more so on an SUV because they can drastically affect the comfort of the ride as well as handling and safety. Aside from the safety and performance issues most SUV owners choose custom wheels that will give their vehicle a personalized look that suits them. Some people just choose to stay conservative and just choose a plain chrome or aluminum wheel with normal tires. Other SUV owners may opt for the oversize look that is so in now with 26 inch rims or bigger and low profile tires.
Probably the first thing that anyone should do before setting out to invest in new custom wheels is decide on a set budget to spend. Custom wheels can be very pricey and you can find yourself spending several thousand dollars if you aren't careful. If you don't set a budget you will have a tough time not divesting yourself of a huge sum of money just because you fall in love with a certain set of wheels. When you set a budget and stick to it you will only allow yourself to look at products that are in your budget and nothing else.
As with other vehicles, the custom wheels for SUVs come in a wide variety of metals such as stainless steel, chrome, and aluminum and custom color matched wheels as well. There is no right or wrong choice here, it is all a matter of what you like and what kind of look you want for your vehicle. Just bear in mind that the wheels will need cleaning to keep them looking good so choose one that is easy to maintain if you tend to be the type that doesn't like to spend a lot of time on maintenance.
In addition to the different choices in metal you also have an enormous variety of styles to choose from. When I was growing up there were only a handful of choices, now there are probably hundreds. Again there are no right or wrong choices to make here, it is all a matter of what kind of look you are after. You can choose a really thick spoked wheel that comes across as very mean looking or something that conveys more of a luxurious look. I think that the type of wheel one chooses really says a lot about them as a person and shows a lot of their personality.
You can find just about any kind of custom wheel you want for your SUV on the internet. What I love about some of the websites is that they have a virtual feature that will allow you to view what the actual wheels would look like on your vehicle. These companies usually have large inventories in stock but they will also find anything for you and custom order it if necessary.
Spurce http://www.articlesbase.com
How to Purchase Best Electric Bicycles Online?
Those who could not spare time for shopping can browse through various sites sitting at home, while doing their personal or office work on the computer. Online selling business has now so wide-spread that sometimes people find it hard to select an item because of wide options they get to select an item from the websites of different companies. It is so easy to buy an item online, that even you can bargain the way you do when you visit any shop personally. Also the customers get the discount online.
Buying anything online is very much beneficial. Online purchasing could reduce purchasing time and costs by more than 75 percent. The Internet is a valuable tool for buying electric bicycles by the customers across town or around the world. It also provides an abundance of buying and cost saving opportunities. When you decide to buy an electric bicycle for yourself or for your child, both of you can sit at home, browse through various sites including www.bernsonev.com. You can find a wide collection of electric bicycles at www.bernsonev.com. You can even compare the prices, makes, brands and features and finally select one and make the deal online with www.bernsonev.com. The payment options are also given on the site. Select the suitable payment options, pay for the selected electric bicycle and wait for the same to be delivered at your home.
Those who have purchased electric bicycles through the internet are much satisfied since they have gained several benefits while purchasing viz, fast sources, better comparison, overall low purchasing costs, opportunity to check the lowest price and lot more benefits. The professional buyers can get a wide range of online buying forums with different features, designs and cost from the web. Since most of the websites are US based including www.bernsonev.com, the sites could be visited by the electric bicycle buyers from whole over the world. The website of www.bernsonev.com provides all those services the buyer would seek to procure for an electric bicycle. The Bernsonev E.V. company has launched a free website with detailed background information on their company including the list of the electric bicycles they sell online along with the price tags and services they offer.
Source http://www.articlesbase.com
Now is the Perfect Time to Buy a Jeep Wrangler
It seems like everyone I know likes the Jeep Wrangler, the timing is right to consider buying a newer used Wrangler. They are fun in the sun, 4 Wheel drive in the winter, and very capable off pavement. There is a large after market of parts available, which makes it easy to modify and upgrade.
I tell people I have a Jeep, and I love it. They ask what kind of Jeep, I say a Jeep Wrangler TJ, a Jeep Jeep? yes a Jeep Jeep. The Jeep Wrangler is one of the classic American cars, It seems like everyone has a jeep story, and everyone wants a Jeep Wrangler. The Jeep Wrangler has a great history starting with the military CJs then on to the CJ5, CJ7, the YJ, the TJ, and now the new 2007 JK model. Currently the DaimlerChrysler Corporation produces many different Jeeps but over the years they have stayed true to the open body 2 door small 4x4 Wrangler Jeep. Each year they make improvements and add capabilities, the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is a good example of a nice well furnished vehicle that is extremely capable right off the show room floor.
If you are not made of money, and cannot afford a brand new 2007 Rubicon Jeep, it's a good time to consider a Jeep Wrangler that is a few years old. The Wrangler TJ was produced from 1997-2006. This model was a very popular and the used market is flooded with lower mileage, clean, one owner Jeeps. I am not a car salesmen but I know every car on the market is gently used, and only driven to church on Sunday by a nice old lady. But beware when shopping for a Jeep some of them maybe nice and clean others may have been drive hard. Another reason the Jeep Wrangler TJ is a great value, is timing. The new model was just released and is in great demand at the dealerships, some dealers may have new 2006 models they want to sell cheap to make room for the new JK models.
Another thing to consider is the large after market of available parts to upgrade, and modify a Jeep. The Jeep TJ has been on the market for almost 10 years and in that time there has been a lot of really nice parts and accessories developed and refined for this model. Everything from full suspension systems, axle upgrades, tires, wheels, bumpers, racks, roll cages, and security systems. If you want a modified jeep, but don't want to pay full price for upgrades, do a bit of shopping around. I am sure you can find a Jeep with a lift kit, upgraded tires, and other accessories ready to go. Remember when you are buying a used vehicle the cost of the upgrades and modifications the previous owner made to the vehicle are severely depreciated. When shopping for a modified Jeep do a bit of research and talk to the previous owner about who did the upgrades, and how the Jeep was used, where the upgrade work was done, and how it was maintained. Jeeps that have been be heavily used off road will show signs of wear that a normal car won't. Look for scrapes and dents under on the underside of the frame, skid plates, and the rear gas tank skid plate. These could be a warning signs of future repair needs. A lot of Wranglers have been modified for looks and then spent most of the time driving in town and on the highway.
Once you are the proud owner of a new toy, there are lots of things you can do to upgrade and enjoy your new jeep. You can just take the top off and go for a summer cruise, or you if you are interested in major upgrades the parts and help is certainly available. Over the years I have helped a lot of my buddies, and answered a lot of questions, the most popular question is about about matching bigger tires and lift kits together. What size tires can I use with a 3 inch, or 4 inch lift, or what type of lift and work is needed to fit 33 or 35 inch tires? For more detailed answers to all these question check this Jeep TJ Lift Questions and Answers FAQ.
Like I said I have a 1999 Wrangler that I have done major modifications to, and I love it. It's a fun and function toy, that our family really enjoys. If you have always want a convertible, and you like Jeeps, but have been putting off buying one, now is a good time to take the leap. Before you know it you will be modifying the jeep, joining a local jeep club and 4 Wheeling every weekend. Go for it!
Tyre Disposal and Recycling
It is now standard practice for tyre retailers to impose a tyre disposal charge when you change your tyres, which tends typically to be about £1.00 a tyre. You may wonder why you have to pay this charge - after all tyre disposal charges have not always been the norm.
The real answer to this question is that it is a simple case of economics - a case of supply and demand. Going back twenty years the scrap disposal scenario was totally different to the way it is today. It used to be the case that car tyre retreading companies would collect the majority of used tyres as the raw material for their production. They used to pick up the used tyres free of charge (or even pay for the privilege).
However, that was when over 4 million retreaded car tyres were sold in the UK every year. In the meantime the market for British manufactured retreads has been squeezed by cheap new tyres from the Far East to the point where the UK market is no more than a tenth of what it was. This means that retreaders no longer pick up the scrap tyres. This is done by professional tyre disposal companies who need to charge the retailer for this service.
Much of the tyre disposal in the UK is now carried out by members of the Responsible Recyclers Scheme, which is now administered under license by the Tyre Recovery Association. Members of the scheme guarantee that the tyres collected are disposed of in an environmentally friendly method, whether recycled or used as a fuel in cement kilns. As a guarantee, members of the scheme are subject to a stringent audit process conducted regularly by independent environmental audit specialists.
The Responsible Recyclers Scheme also promotes best practice in the tyre recovery industry and helps protect against the continuing scourge of fly-tipping.
In the UK around 40 million tyres are taken off car, vans, trucks and buses every year, a total of 440,000 tonnes. That is a huge amount of scrap to dispose of and it has to be paid for somehow. Although the UK tyre recovery industry currently has enough capacity to cope with scrap tyre arisings, the balance between overcapacity and undercapacity is relatively fine.
Of key importance in the tyre disposal market in the UK is The Landfill Directive, which was adopted by the UK in July 1999. This banned the disposal of whole tyres by landfill from July 2003 and shredded tyres from July 2006. This has changed the entire scenario of how tyres are disposed of and recycled in the UK and Europe. There are a number of ways in which scrap tyres are recycled in the UK although all of these can be defined as either reuse, recycling or recovery.
Retreading is still considered to be one of the most preferable method of tyre recycling as it effectively doubles the life of the new tyre, reducing the numbers of new tyres needed and thereby minimising waste. Retread still make up nearly half of all truck tyres on the road but the number of car tyres that are retreaded is now relatively small.
Other common uses for scrap tyres include sports and recreational surfaces, landfill engineering, carpet underlay/floor coverings, and road building. Roads manufactured using crumb rubber last longer, have better traction and reduce noise.
In the UK scrap tyres are also widely used as a fuel in cement kilns as an alternative to the traditional fuel, coal.
Source http://www.articlesbase.com
Checklist For Buying the Perfect Used Travel Trailer
Buying a used travel trailer can be a scary prospect indeed. But, armed with a little information and the attitude that the right trailer is out there for you, you can get through the buying process and come out on the other end with a fantastic used travel trailer!
First, you must know how much trailer you need to suit your situation and how much you can handle in terms of price and towing capability. I can't help you much with price--you'll have to decide beforehand what you range is, but you can research what trailers are available for what prices on the internet. As far as towing capability is concerned, you need to be concerned with two numbers--GTW (gross trailer weight),which is the maximum weight your vehicle is designed to pull, and TW (tongue weight); that's the downward force (measured in pounds) your hitch ball can support. Both of these figures can be found in your vehicle's owner's manual and should be topmost in your mind when considering which trailer you can tow.
Now to the fun part; once you have decided some of your basic needs, you can start shopping! You may have used RV dealerships in your area. That's great news since you will have a wider selection and a salesperson to offer suggestions and recommendations. Of course if you don't, you can find plenty of used trailers for sale through your local classifieds and online. Don't be shy--see a lot of trailers; it's the only way to find the one that's just right for you!
Once you do find a trailer to consider, there are a lot of things to keep in mind; I suggest making a checklist to remind yourself what you are looking for and to take notes about the features and condition of each model you see.
Starting with the exterior, look for dents and dings, rusted spots, rusty or loose screws. Check if the exterior compartments are clean and dry. Inspect the roof; are the rubber seals cracking or discolored from water/sun damage? Are the vent covers secure? Is there a roof rack? Check any awnings and pullouts to see if they operate smoothly and look to be in good repair. Is the awning discolored or mildewed? Is it large enough?
Moving inside, check the doors; do they close securely? Check the hinges and handles and locks. Is there a pull out step? Does it work well and store securely? Are the windows in good condition? Do they operate smoothly and lock securely? Are all the screens in place? Are they in good repair?
Consider the interior walls and flooring. Are there signs of water damage, including discoloration and soft spots? Do you like the colors? Are the walls or flooring marked with stains?
What is the condition of the furniture? Are all the appliances in working order? Turn everything on and check it's performance. The refrigerator and freezer will take a few hours to fully cool, but if this trailer is on your "short list," be sure to check them. Turn on all faucets to check for leaks; check the water heater and all holding tanks for leaks by filling them with water. Check if the bathroom is big enough. Lay down on the bed; do you feel comfortable in the sleeping space? Are the closets big enough? Can you see your family vacationing happily in this space?
If so, then you know all your hard work has paid off, and you have found the perfect travel trailer for your family! If not, you know your checklist has weeded out another poor choice, and you are that much closer to finding your trailer. So, get out there and get to work; your next family vacation could be in your very own perfectly used travel trailer.
Source http://www.articlesbase.com
Demystifying an SUV Safety Report: Are Rollovers a Threat?
When it comes to SUV rollovers, most people commonly approach them in one of two ways, either they are worried about the danger of rollover every time they get into an SUV or they brush it off as a myth, believing that SUV rollovers are only as common as any other vehicle rolling over. The truth, however, is somewhere in between these two trains of thought. Riding in an SUV isnt a death sentence as long as the driver is cautious and follows all traffic rules, but at the same time, Sport Utility Vehicles do tend to rollover more readily than other vehicles.
SUV rollovers are a safety issue you must understand; if you aren't aware, you can't protect yourself and your passengers, whether they be co-workers riding with you on a commute to work or your children in the backseat heading to soccer practice. The most common and easy way to learn about your particular SUV and the rate of rollover is to read the safety report. However, these reports can be a bit intimidating, presenting you with lots of figures and scientific data, so learning exactly how to read the report is crucial.
The first rollover reports appeared by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in early 2001. Of course, these reports were clouded in controversy, as not every SUV performed well. Companies such as General Motors went on the record as saying that the reports are misleading to consumers, which may have a shade of truth to it, since most people don't accurately know how to read the entire report.
The most important part of the SUV rollover report is the SSF, which stands for Static Stability Factor. If you majored in physics in college, you probably are nodding your head, but for the rest of us, let me put it into simpler terms: SSF is reports how top-heavy your SUV is. Imagine putting a heavy basket of fruit on top of your head, as you'd try to walk, you'd feel unstable, like you were going to topple over, right? Top heavy means an SUV will be more likely to topple over as well, and so SUV rollovers will be more common.
SSF is a number computed by measuring the center of gravity on the SUV, which is largely due to the track width. Track width is just a fancy way of saying the distance between the tires, and the back tires are always used to keep everyone's report consistent. Go back to imagining yourself with a basket on your head.
Imagine the result if you if you stand with your feet together versus if you stand with your feet a shoulder width's apart. You'll definitely feel more stability with your feet apart, right? The same is true in SUV rollover reports: the farther the tires (feet) are from one another, the more stable the SUV will be and the less likely for SUV rollovers to happen.
In theory, this is a perfect way to determine how likely your SUV is to rollover. That said, there are things that your SUV rollover report isn't telling you. For instance, the vast majority of SUV rollovers occur when the driver accidentally (or purposely) drives off of the road and a wheel of the SUV hits a ditch, bump, curb, or other change.
The speed you are traveling also makes a difference, and a reaction to running off the road can play into the rollover as well. Would you slam on your brakes or pump the pedal? Would you jerk the wheel to gain control or try to keep steady, would you shift gears? Each of these factors in your own personal situation will help to determine if you will be involved in a rollover or not.
Also, one must take into consideration other safety features of an SUV before buying. When compared to all other vehicles, SUVs are, hands down, the safest in a collision due to their size and build. Use your common sense if you are worried about SUV rollovers. Death occurs largely do to the roof crushing, so of course a less stable roof, found if the roof is removable or has a sunroof, will be more dangerous if you actually get into a rollover situation.
That doesn't mean that a rollover report is senseless. The rollover report's SSF should weigh in your mind at least a bit, and can help you to decide between two vehicles if you are truly on the fence. Drive safely and SUV rollovers should never be an issue in the first place. All the safety reports in the world can't make up for a bad driver.
Source http://www.articlesbase.com
A Safer SUV: Preventing Rollover
People are afraid to fly, afraid to play extreme sports, and afraid to bungee jump, and yet they jump into their vehicles without batting an eyelash. Unfortunately, more deaths are contributed to motor vehicle crashes than almost any other health or accident cause.
That doesn't mean you have to stop driving, but what it does mean is that you should take extra precautions to stay safe while on the road, for your sake and for the sake of other drivers. For SUV owners, this means taking positive steps toward preventing SUV rollovers.
SUV rollovers are commonly caused by driving off of the regular road and hitting a ditch, bump, or obstacle, which causes the SUV to flip. However, rollover also can happen when traveling around curves too quickly over in adverse conditions. You can look at your SUV's official rollover report to learn about the safety of your specific vehicle.
In general, a lower center of gravity is preferred, because it means that your SUV is less top-heavy and more likely to stay upright when going around curves. You can consider this on the most basic level by simply comparing your SUV to other SUVs on the market. How far apart are the back wheels and how proportionate is the top half to the bottom half? The father apart the tires and the heavier the bottom half in relation to the top, the safer your SUV will be when it comes to rollover.
If safety is important to you and your family, but you just don't want to give up your top-heavy SUV, you can purchase an ESC (Electronic Stability Control). These devices can greatly reduce your risk of SUV rollovers while traveling in your SUV, and on top of that, it's a pretty cool new gadget to test out in your car!
The ESC using an electronic sensory system to actually detect when you're going to lose control of your SUV. You don't even have to do anything. The ESC will automatically step in and do whatever it needs to do to help your vehicle stay in control. A number of different studies have tested the ESC, and all have concluded that this system can help to save lives, so this product is truly in the industry to save. Unless you absolutely have no way of paying for it, get an ESC for your SUV to prevent SUV rollovers and possibly save lives.
How could an electronic device possible control your vehicle to prevent SUV rollovers? After you install it in your car, the microcomputer will monitor your speed, throttle position, cylinder pressure, acceleration, braking, steering wheel angle, and more. It basically compares what you are trying to do with what the vehicle is actually doing.
For example, it can notice that your breaking and prevent the tires from locking up. How does this help with rollover? The computer can sense when your wheels on one side are beginning to lift and it can use single-tire braking and over methods to help shift weight to keep your SUV stable.
Of course, no system is fool-proof, and the ESC is not a replacement for common sense when you're driving your SUV. The next time you purchase a vehicle, it's a good idea to get an ESC - they're called different things with different makers, so you may see the names StabiliTrak, AdvanceTrac, Vehicle Dynamics Control, and Precision Control System, among other things. However, take SUV rollover prevention into your own hands as well for the safest driving experience possible.
The vast majority of SUV rollovers don't happen when traveling about curves too fast; they happen when you lose control and drive off of the normal road. Off-road, there are things like curbs, ditches, tree roots, and other kinds of bumps that can catch a wheel and spend you flying head over heels. Your ESC system, no matter how well it works, can prevent this type of thing from happening.
Stay safe when driving and you'll go a long way in preventing SUV rollovers. Stay off of your cell phone unless its and emergency, don't eat or play with the radio while driving, and generally keep your attention focused on the road.
Remember, you have to watch out for not only yourself, but other drivers as well, so reaction is as important as personal action. Be informed about vehicular safety and the new products on the market, like the ESC, and with a little common sense, you should be able to avoid all SUV rollover accidents.
Source http://www.articlesbase.com