Archive for January 2009


Can anyone give me some advice on buying a hybrid/city bike?

January 31st, 2009 — 08:28 am
bike
Ferdinand F asked:


I’m looking into buying a new bike for around £300. I’ll be mainly riding it around city streets, with some occasional light off-roading, so I think a hybrid bike would be ideal. Also, I’m not sure if it makes much difference, but I’m around 6′3 tall.

I’m planning to go to a local bike shop to try some bikes out, but if anyone has any advice or recommendations in the meantime, I’d be grateful.

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7 comments » | Cycling

Financing Your Car Purchase

January 28th, 2009 — 10:38 am

Once you choose the auto you want to buy, you have to look at the various loans options that will enable you to pay for this automobile. You should do your research so that you are knowledgeable about all your options so that you get the best deal. This bit of work beforehand will put you in a stronger position when you do sit down with the salesman to finalize the deal. It is too late to make a deal and then find that you don’t have the credit rating or the income necessary for lenders to approve your auto loan. Consumers often make the mistake of choosing the car without finding out if they qualify to borrow that amount of money.

Banks provide loans to finance a automobile purchase. Your eligibility for such a loan depends on several factors. To get the best interest rates on such a loan, you do need to have a good credit rating, have a source of income through employment or self-employment and have an income that will enable you to make the payments required for the loan. You can contact the bank for pre-approval before you start looking for a auto so that you know the limit of the loan amount and therefore the price range of cars you can look at

Once you find a car you want to buy, you should ask the dealer for a print out of what it will cost on the road. This price will include the costs of licensing the vehicle, the applicable taxes and charges for freight and delivery. Then you can contact the loans officer at your bank to see if you can qualify to borrow this amount of money. It is important not to apply for the auto loan until you are certain you meet the requirements because if you are turned down, this will affect your credit rating and thus, your future borrowing power

Many car dealers also offer loans. There are certain months of the year in which dealers sell fewer autos and therefore offer incentives to buyers. This usually occurs in January when consumers are trying to pay off the debts accumulated from Christmas shopping and when the new line of cars comes on the market in the fall. You can save money by buying a auto from the previous year and it will still be a new auto. Some of the incentives dealers often offer include 0% auto loan, an amount of money off your financing charges, a lower rate of interest and even a card that will give you free petrol up to a specified amount

You should visit several dealers that sell the same kind of automobile that you want and compare the prices. This will give you an opportunity to get the best possible deal in a new automobile. You can also get a great deal by buying a used car that is in excellent condition. Most banks offer the same rates of interest on loans for used autos as they do for new cars

Many car buyers are now looking at PCP financing. This is a Personal Contract Purchase, often called a lease, in which you make regular monthly payments on the car for a specific term and at the end of the term you return the car and owe nothing. You do have to meet the credit requirements to finance a auto in this manner. Those with poor credit are often unable to lease a automobile but can apply for a bad credit auto loans with other companies

Comment » | Automotive

Is it possible to restrict a 250cc bike to make it learner legal?

January 28th, 2009 — 05:03 am
bike
seaston112 asked:


I’m about to take my restricted bike test in the next few months and a moronic lorry driver has just written of my 125. It seems point less to buy another 125 when I want to upgrade once I have passed my test. So can I buy the 250 now and get it restricted?

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9 comments » | Motorcycles

This is the second time my nissan march dumps all the engine oil while running?

January 28th, 2009 — 03:58 am
nissan
cesar m asked:


The first time at the nissan dealership they told me that it was because the filter wasn’t the right one this happened about 3 month after the first month inspection, we are talking about a brand new car, the second time just happened yesterday about four month from the first incident. I heven’t taken the car to the nissan dealership.
Does any boddy has a clue to what might have been happening here?

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8 comments » | Maintenance Repairs

Tips When Finding Defensive Driving Courses

January 28th, 2009 — 12:20 am

safety defensive driving

Defensive driving classes no longer need to be something that drags out for weeks and weeks. Defensive driving schools today have extensive options available to students. They can work in a traditional classroom or online, complete the class work in a short period of time or extend the class work into multiple sessions. The online classes might be the best option for busy people, but you must be disciplined and organized; however, some still prefer the old style classroom setting.

If you want to enroll for a driving class, then there are several key things that you should be searching for. For traditional classroom instruction, you should find traffic schools that have local offices and class times that are convenient for you. If you choose to learn defensive driving online, then the website of the online traffic school should be available to you seven days a week, 24 hours a day. You should also have a variety of options available to you regarding the time required to complete the course. Most importantly, the school should be certified in your state and licensed to conduct defensive driving courses. All of the instructors should be licensed and the staff at the school should be ready and willing to answer any and all questions you may have about their credentials and the coursework.

You might wonder why you should take defensive driving classes. Everyone has their own reasons, but all will benefit from learning to deal with stressful driving situations. Sometimes, insurance companies will offer defensive driving courses to their customers as a way to receive a discount on their premiums. Others will use the driving classes as a way to clear their driving record of past infractions. Courts will often require those who have been convicted of drunken driving or road rage to complete the defensive driving course as part of the penalty for their behavior. Most driver training courses include a section on defensive driving.

It doesn’t matter what your reasons are for taking defensive driving classes. There are many different schools that will offer the instruction you are looking for. The biggest thing you should remember is to take the necessary time to be sure that the school you are looking into meets all of your needs and requirements. When your discounted insurance bill arrives, you will be glad you took the class. The same goes for the next time you find yourself in a stressful traffic situation; you may find that your safety defensive driving training will help you to avoid an accident or a traffic ticket.

Comment » | Automotive

What is the law on going down a river in a boat?

January 26th, 2009 — 02:59 am
boat
jackie asked:


I’ve got a small dinghy and I want to go down a river in it. What are the laws affecting this. Is it illegal to pass through someones land in a boat?
Please help.

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5 comments » | Law Enforcement Police

How to remove and replace ignition barrel for 95 nissan micra?

January 24th, 2009 — 10:03 am
nissan
Shakey Jake asked:


How do you remove and replace the ignition barrel for a ‘95 Nissan Micra? Thanks.

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3 comments » | Maintenance Repairs

High Gasoline Prices Requires Change

January 24th, 2009 — 02:28 am

It has been said that Americans have had a long and intense love affair with the automobile, ever since they were first introduced to the marketplace. However, in the last few years, prices at the pumps have steadily increased and it has gotten increasingly expensive to keep a gas tank full, making the love affair cool off a bit for some. Industry experts predict that gasoline prices will stay high, and possibly go higher, leaving people with a need to find a way to get accustomed to this newer, high price of gasoline.

There are numerous ways in which the high gasoline prices of today impact people and society in general. Certainly, there is an increase in prices across the board because the most basic cost of transportation has risen and businesses are left with no option but to pass along their higher costs to their customers, whether that customer is another company or the end consumer.

When gasoline prices begin to rise, soon the cost of all kinds of other things increase too because of the higher cost of fuel to manufacture and distribute goods. Then the companies have no choice but to pass their increased costs on until the retail prices paid by consumers is impacted, and in most cases it is the end consumer who will ultimately end up paying through the nose for it all.

Both companies and individuals are currently busy seeking the best solutions they can find to try to reduce gas consumption and get better fuel economy for their vehicles. The high gasoline prices that have already arrived and which are predicted to rise even higher have motivated more and more people to look at alternative fuels.

By the way, if you are one of the people fed up with high gas prices “Click Here

Companies that are very much reliant on gasoline and diesel fuel to operate are searching for viable solutions to help stem the tide of rising costs and keep their prices from skyrocketing, which in turn will help them to remain competitive in an economy that is struggling under the burden of higher gas prices. Some of these companies are replacing their fleets of vehicles with new cars and trucks that are more fuel efficient and deliver better fuel economy. Other companies are “going green” and looking to biofuels as one of their solutions, while still others are adding hybrid vehicles to their fleets.

Drivers are increasingly on the lookout for viable solutions that can help them offset the ever fluctuating gasoline prices at the pumps these days. More and more people are trying to downsize from mini-vans and SUVs and are buying smaller new cars that are more fuel efficient and less expensive to operate. Others are opting for car pooling, riding their bike, or taking the bus to work whenever possible to ease the pain of filling up.

There is not too many places you can go to in the world today and not hear a discussion on the gasoline crisis that grips everyone. Gas prices are in a constant state of flux. People are spending more and more of their paychecks on filling the tank of their vehicle. There is not much you can do about the price of gas but there are ways you can change your life so that gas prices do not have such a stranglehold on your budget. By learning all you can about saving gas and alternative fuels you will be doing a great part.

To find out how you can cut your gas costs: “Click Here Now

Comment » | Automotive

Alternative Fuels Needed Quickly

January 24th, 2009 — 02:28 am

Between the mid 1970s and today, more than 30 years later, the amount of fuel being imported into the United States has more than tripled. The US is now importing more than 12 million barrels of crude oil each and every day in an attempt to provide the various petroleum-based fuels that are such an integral part of the American lifestyle.

The 12 million barrels of imported oil makes up a bit more than half of the 20 million barrels of crude oil that is consumed each day across the country. The vast majority of the fuels produced are used to power various types of transportation modes that rely on fossil fuel and the largest portion of transportation fuel consumption is attributed to consumers who use the gasoline to power their favorite vehicles. Unfortunately, the faster the United States increases it usage of and reliance on oil and gas, the faster the oil reserves of the planet will be depleted.

Those in the industry are warning that in another 30 years the world supply of crude oil is expected to be significantly depleted and will no longer be able to meet the demands for petroleum-based fuels, unless there are drastic changes made in the way the major transportation methods are fueled. However, the motivation to find viable fuel alternatives seems to be low, as Americans continue to drive as much as ever, even while grumbling about the high cost of a gallon of gas.

It seems that Americans are more willing to sacrifice in other areas than they are to change their driving habits or make drastic changes in the type of transportation that they rely on to get around and get on with their daily lives. This causes those industry experts to wonder how high gasoline prices must go before people start to seriously look at renewable energy sources and alternative methods of transportation.

If you want to lower your gas costs “Click Here

While there have been a few alternative fuels that have started to crop up and are bringing with them some promise, with regard to improving fuel economy through combining them with traditional gasoline or as a replacement, there still are many obstacles to widespread use and some drawbacks. The fact is that some of these fuel alternatives are simply too costly and cannot be viewed as viable alternatives, unless the price of gasoline more than doubles from the current price.

Some of the other, more cost effective fuels don’t seem to be fully capable of meeting the high expectations and demands of today’s consumers. At this stage, it appears that these alternative fuel options have not been sufficiently developed to the point where they are truly capable of being competitive, in terms of matching the availability of gasoline that American consumers are accustomed to having.

There are any number of questions that must still be addressed about the future of gasoline consumption in America and alternative fuel options that will come to the forefront in the next decade or two. With even the most hopeful of estimates giving the planet only 40 years until crude oil, along with the fuels derived from it, is effectively dried up, there is no doubt that some major changes will have to be made to the future design and powering of new vehicles.

Gasoline prices are on everyone’s minds these days. Most people have had to double their weekly budgeted amount of money so that they can fill their car’s gas tanks. That means that there is less money for groceries, medical expenses and living expenses. The gas crisis has hit everyone’s pockets. Unfortunately there is not an easy solution in sight for lowering gas prices. It may be time to take matters into your own hands and rethink how you drive. You may have to turn to alternative fuel sources. You have to educate yourself if you want to keep your budget.

For more information about saving money on gas: “Click Here Now

Comment » | Automotive

High Gas Prices Require Economy Drive For All

January 24th, 2009 — 02:28 am

Except for those who either don’t drive or who just don’t set foot outside of the house much, most everyone is acutely aware of the sharp increase in gas prices during the last few years. Even people who don’t own their own gas powered vehicle and have not experienced the shock of seeing the total when they fill up their gas tank are still impacted significantly by the high gasoline prices that are being charged now.

Because virtually all goods that are purchased at stores are distributed by trucks that haul loads from the manufacturer to distribution warehouses, and eventually to the retail stores, the soaring price of gas has affected the price of consumer goods. Even with a small resurgence in the use of the railroads to move products across the country, there is still a need for trucking to get the items to the stores.

In addition to seeing the price of most goods in retail establishments going up nowadays, many of the services that are dependent on various means of transportation are also increasing in cost too, in order to offset the increased gas prices. This is very evident in shipping rates, airline and bus fares, and postage rates that are now being charged.

This means that while the higher gas prices are encouraging people to shop online more and more often, when they have their packages shipped to them, they are still paying more for the convenience of having the items delivered to their home. While shopping from home can reduce overall gasoline consumption and perhaps even reduce the dependence on fossil fuels to a small degree, the fact is that as long as there is transportation involved at all in the transaction, somehow the high gasoline prices have to be compensated for and ultimately it is the consumer who is left to pay the bill.

If you are one of the many folk sick of paying these sky high prices for your gas “Click Here

Another ramification of the ongoing increases of gas prices is the effect that this is having on the travel industry. Air fares are also on the increase as its not just car fuel tanks that are getting expensive to fill. As a result, consumers who are already feeling the pinch at the gas station and the supermarket are finding it harder and harder to come up with extra funds to travel. When they do travel, an increasing number of people are staying closer to home and exploring the sights locally.

In addition to the housing market already being in a slump because the real estate bubble burst, home prices in suburban areas are also declining because of the high gasoline prices. People want to move closer to their work and as a result there are more homes in the suburbs available and high availability leads to lower prices. At the same time, housing in more urban areas are becoming more sought-after, so prices are either holding or rising slightly in those areas.

As a result of these higher gas prices that consumers are faced with, people are beginning to make changes in the way the conduct their daily lives and are looking at alternative fuels, as well as alternative transportation methods. With experts saying that these higher gasoline prices are here to stay, and that they will most likely climb even higher, there is no doubt that a number of industries will be striving to adapt and change to meet the ever changing demands of an economy that needs to wean itself off of petroleum-based fuels.

Gasoline prices are on everyone’s minds these days. Most people have had to double their weekly budgeted amount of money so that they can fill their car’s gas tanks. That means that there is less money for groceries, medical expenses and living expenses. The gas crisis has hit everyone’s pockets. Unfortunately there is not an easy solution in sight for lowering gas prices. It may be time to take matters into your own hands and rethink how you drive. You may have to turn to alternative fuel sources. You have to educate yourself if you want to keep your budget.

If you want to learn how to cut down the amount you spend on gas: “Click Here Now

Comment » | Automotive

Gasoline And Diesel Usage Still Rising

January 24th, 2009 — 02:28 am

The two major kinds of petrol fuels that are used today in commercial vehicles and personal automobiles in the US are gasoline and diesel. Gas and diesel are the main petroleum products that are generated when crude oil is refined. Just last year, in 2007, gas and diesel consumption in the United States ended up being about 140 billion gallons and this works out to being approximately 390 million gallons consumed on a daily basis.

Even though gas prices escalated considerably all through 2007 and during the course of 2008 as well, the demand for and consumption of gasoline and diesel has remained fairly constant. This fact simply serves to illustrate that even though the American consumer is unhappy, complains loudly, and is disgruntled with the high gasoline prices they encounter at gas stations, they are essentially unwilling to make significant changes in their lifestyles and are instead begrudgingly paying the higher prices at the pump.

By the way, if you are one of the people fed up with high gas prices “Click Here

But, it is evident that this is not only true of individuals but of companies and organizations as well. There is no question that the increases in the cost of gasoline and diesel has driven up the cost of doing business and running fleets of automobiles and trucks, but there is still little evidence that these organizations are putting out much effort to find viable solutions to these increased business expenses.

For the most part, there seems to be a somewhat lackadaisical sentiment on the part of many businesses that are confronted by higher fuel costs. Many companies simply chalk up the rising fuel costs to the “cost of doing business” and pass their increased costs along to the consumers. As a result, high inflation is rearing it ugly head in an economy that has enjoyed many years of minor inflation.

Retail prices of gasoline and diesel are primarily governed by the price of crude oil, as well as the level of supply of these fuels as compared to the current demand for them. In recent years, there has not only been a strong continued demand for the various petroleum products that the world depends on, but the demand has been increasing across the globe as other countries have become more and more dependent on gasoline powered vehicles. In China, their gasoline consumption has reached and all-time high.

Even during times when the price of crude and the demand is relatively steady, there are still fluctuations that are seen in the price of gasoline and diesel, which is due to seasonal supply and demand, as well as competition amongst local retail fuel stations. At the same time, gas prices can change quite abruptly and spike quickly if something happens that seriously disrupts the supply of available crude oil for processing, such as problems at refineries or if the delivery pipelines are disabled.

Many of these factors came into play when hurricane Katrina hit the US in 2005, which was an event that seemed to exacerbate the already rising prices of gasoline and diesel. Until there are viable alternative fuels that are affordable, efficient and widely available, there does not seem to be any end to the reliance that the United States and the world has on crude oil products.

Soaring gasoline prices are on everyone’s mind these days. At one time you may have been able to fill up your tank for less than $50 but those times are long gone and no one knows if gas will ever reach those prices again. But there are ways that you can save your budget. There are alternative fuels and driving practices that can keep you away from the gas pumps. It is going to take some reading on your part but it is well worth it in the end.

If you want to learn how to cut down the amount you spend on gas: “Click Here Now

Comment » | Automotive

Gasoline Tax Pays For Road Maintenance

January 23rd, 2009 — 01:57 am

As high gasoline prices have become a way of life these days in the United States, as well as in other parts of the world, many people have taken a new look at the gasoline tax that makes up part of the overall price of gasoline at the pump. Many people question why, during a time when people are really hurting because of the rapid and significant increase in oil prices, does the government have to add gas taxes to something that is so necessary to the lifestyle of Americans.

The fact is that gas taxes are quite unpopular throughout the United States, even though when compared to what other countries pay, the rates are quite modest. And, when compared with gas tax rates paid in the US during the 1950s, even after adjusting for inflation, the tax rates on gas are considerably lower now than they were then.

If you want to lower your gas costs “Click Here

Some people actually claim that of all the types of taxes that are levied, the gasoline tax is the fairest type of tax and it is also very efficient. The main reason why gas taxes are levied is to generate funds that will be used to build new roads and bridges and to maintain public roads in good operating condition. This is why it is considered to be a fair tax because the people who drive the most and cause the most wear on the roadways are the ones who will pay more in gasoline taxes.

The efficiency of the taxes on gasoline comes into play when the revenues from the current gasoline taxes are consistently less than the amount of funding needed to provide the needed upkeep on the roadways in a certain jurisdiction. Therefore, it is a fairly easy and straightforward matter to simply adjust the gas tax to a higher level to make up for the shortfall. Even for those who are not economists, this makes intuitive sense and quickly resolves funding issues for something as fundamental as roads.

Depending on where you live in the US, the amount of taxes included in the price of gasoline can vary incredibly. This is because there is more than one jurisdiction in any given region that has the authority to levy a gas tax. The federal government will recover a certain percentage of every gallon of gas that is sold through the gas stations throughout the nation. These collected funds are used to maintain the interstate highways and structures such as bridges, which are built and maintained by federal agencies.

In most states, there is also a gasoline tax that is levied by the state, which is also reflected in the gas prices in just about every US state. On top of the state gas tax, there is also a fuel tax that can be imposed by local agencies, such as cities or counties. All of these taxes are used to maintain the roads in those jurisdictions, making smooth transportation possible whether you are traveling across town or across the country.

Gasoline prices are on everyone’s minds these days. Most people have had to double their weekly budgeted amount of money so that they can fill their car’s gas tanks. That means that there is less money for groceries, medical expenses and living expenses. The gas crisis has hit everyone’s pockets. Unfortunately there is not an easy solution in sight for lowering gas prices. It may be time to take matters into your own hands and rethink how you drive. You may have to turn to alternative fuel sources. You have to educate yourself if you want to keep your budget.

For information about cutting down on the cost of gas: “Click Here Now

Comment » | Automotive

How Top Pick The Best High Performance Tires For Your Car For All Seasons

January 23rd, 2009 — 01:57 am

When you are speeding your life away, four things greatly impact your safety, your tires. Unless you live in the tropics, it's pretty likely that the seasons change where you're driving, bringing with them a shift in driving conditions. By purchasing a good set of all season tires you can avoid accidents and even save your own life! Good tire help save alot of money, so it is of utmost importance that you acquire a set and maintain them properly.

To maintain your tires properly, you need to do more than simply replace them as their treads begin to wear down. Tire maintenance requires more than this of you, but nothing that is too strenuous once you understand what needs to be done. You need to rotate them often, this helps to prevent wear unevenly and maintain enough traction to ensure a sage ride. You should also drive in a way that does not damage your tires. This means that you should go easy with turns, no curb driving and avoid gravel roads. Quick turns and skidding all wears the tire out very quickly.

It is also necessary that you take your car into the shop for tire related maintenance. I can commiserate with care enthusiasts who would love to do everything themselves, including changing the tire themselves. Before getting started as a mechanic, I was just such an automobile do-it-yourselfer, and never went to a garage for anything that I didn't think was completely necessary.

You should not attempt to install the tire yourself. It takes an expert to properly change tires. This is primary the result of the precision adjustments that are involved. The tires must be installed securely. This imply that they are well balanced, and you can only do this with proper equipment.

Also, your tires will wear unevenly and have a much shorter lifespan, this is because wear are concentrated on less area. You will spend more money in the end as compared to getting the professional.

Comment » | Automotive

California Dreaming (On a British Summer’s Day!) By Jon Barlow

January 23rd, 2009 — 01:57 am

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As I sit here in my dingy subterranean office (well almost, there’s certainly no window to speak of!) I couldn’t prevent my mind from wandering. Initially my thoughts turned towards the weather which has been frankly awful for a number of summers now. I can remember a time when me and my little collection of pals would pack a few items (mainly beer and instant noodles!) and head off on a Friday after work for a spot of camping.

The summers seemed never ending with sunburn for everyone, due to lack of protection, which nearly led to another story but I won’t go there! Copious amounts of warm cider (West Country Lads) were consumed. This usually resulted in some pretty degenerate behaviour and got us thrown out of numerous campsites! A record I’m not proud of as you can imagine.

Recently I made the mistake of trying to recapture these days with my wife but women seem to prefer more comfort. You know freezing to death at night, unbearably hot by 6am the next morning. Warm lager for breakfast, uneasy silence for the entire 3 hour journey home, that sort of thing! Was it possible I asked myself to put up a tent without falling out with my nearest and dearest. I suddenly had a moment of clarity and remembered the legend of the Volkswagen Camper!

Why this should have occured to me before as I only had to remember the past spent in leaking tents and cold showers until my parents bought a VW camper. I remember it was a 1974 type 2 1.6L , a Devon conversion I think although no doubt some VW fanatic will correct me on this statement. What I do know is that my Stepdad bought it from a lorry driver and the next day several generations of my family embarked on a journey of discovery that ended about ten miles away when a few valves in the engine decided that they had enough of life.

Luckily my Stepfather was quite mechanically minded and we were able to fit a reconditioned engine. Regrettably our problems did not end here and over a number of years a pattern emerged of family holidays starting out all smiles and I-spy games, only to end prematurely on the back of an AA recovery truck. I seem to recall we were on first name terms with some of the AA patrol men.

I remember one year in particular I was somehow deemed to be responsible enough to be left at home whilst my parents went away virtually dragging my long suffering sister with them along with some French student by the name of Gaston or Christophe. Yes! I thought a week of partay-ing for me. Imagine my horror when only a few hours later the all too familiar flashing orange lights of an AA truck appeared through the curtains with the smouldering remains of the camper on the back. It was quite serious this time as it had caught fire in the car park of the Swansea Leisure Centre. Luckily the plucky French lad had managed to extinguish the flames by using a shaken bottle of lemonade as an improvised fire extinguisher, (a handy tip to remember) thus preventing an inferno. The poor old camper looked rather forlorn though complete with blackened air intakes and a melted distributor amongst other things and another holiday had been cruelly cut short.

Modern VW vans are much more technologically advanced than the vans of old. The California is the latest incarnation and having recently checked one out they are the business. With car-like performance and luxury interiors you could happily spend the rest of your days languishing away in one of these.

Some say they don’t have the soul of the good old air-cooled VW’s. True there are a few die-hards who spend hours removing rust from their beloved vans you may encounter many in North Devon during the summer months holding all the traffic up!

However after recounting the above tales I know which one I’d go for. Don’t take my word for it though there are plenty of specialist VW Van centres who will point you in the right direction.

 

Comment » | Automotive

How can i get a learner legal 125cc motorbike as my first bike cheap?

January 22nd, 2009 — 02:35 pm
bike
Jermaine D asked:


I am about 17 going on 18 and I would like to buy my first bike, I have been looking for a decent motorbike which is learner legal and quite cheap but durable and most have been over £1500 and they are just cruisers. I do want it to last ofc for about 2 years at the very least until i am able to buy a faster bike. So thats prob second/third year of university. Thanks Jammin

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3 comments » | Motorcycles

What is the weight of a mongoose menace 2008 bike?

January 21st, 2009 — 08:28 pm
bike
chrisyoung60 asked:


My son wants a mongoose menace bike but is worried it might be a bit heavy? Does any one know how heavy it is please, and is it a good bike?

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3 comments » | Cycling

Understanding Banana Boats

January 21st, 2009 — 08:12 am

Banana Boat: Having Fun In The Water
 
Even if you are out of the summer season where ever you may be in the world, this does not stop you from heading off to the water park or oceanside in order to have fun on the water. In fact, there are still hundreds and hundreds of people who head for the beach every day to spend time under the sun and have fun riding banana boats. If you are one of those people who want to enjoy the beach before the seasons gets too cold for swimming and playing in the beach, gather your family and head for the beach immediately.

Getting Ready For Your Family Vacation

An unplanned vacation can be exciting but if you are bringing your kids along, an unplanned vacation can lead to a series of mishaps that can be very stressful and frustrating for everyone. You would be advised to plan out your holiday at the beach quite thoroughly in order to avoid stressful situations. Include the whole of the family so that you are all aware of the expectations during your holiday.

After you have talked to your family it would be advisable to book in at a child friendly resort. There are plenty of child friendly resorts that you can find all over the country. The good thing about these child friend resorts is that they offer activities that are suitable for children of all ages. These resorts that are child friendly tend to offer banana boat rides for kids. Most rides are heavily controlled by safety regs so as to keep your kids safe during the ride, this avoids uneccessary worry and stress on your behalf.

So – What An Earth Is A Banana Boat?

Banana boats are purely designed for recreational use. It has no power driven by itself. The name banana boat comes from its design which obviously looks like bananas that are strung together to form a boat. The riders of the banana boat sit astride a large tube that is attached to two smaller tubes. The two smaller tubes that are attached on both sides of the large tube provide balance and footrest for the riders.

The Dangers Involved With Banana Boating

Riding on the large tube provides kids the opportunities to ride close to the water without really endangering themselves. The kids will not be exposed to the dangers that come along with sports such as surfing so don’t make that assumption. The speed of the banana boat is controlled by the speed of the motorized lead boat so it will not get out of control unless, ofcourse, the lead boat does.

Should you be interested in more free articles that look at subjects like Banana Boat or Banana Boat Rides then please visit The Boating Guru

Comment » | Boats Boating

Looking For Ways To Increase Gas Mileage…Read On

January 21st, 2009 — 08:12 am

As gas prices jump up and down like a kid having a temper tantrum, many people are looking for an end to the madness.I don't know about you but I have more important things to think about then what gas station has the cheapest gas.  With that being said, finding ways to increase gas mileage is a good way to pinch a few pennies.

In our search for ways to increase gas mileage, there are several things that we can do.  For starters, we can concentrate on driving a little bit slower.  Continuing, we can check and make sure that are brakes are not sticking which will cause more drag on the engine.  Another thing that we can check out is the air pressure in our tires and make sure it is correct.And finally, it is a very good idea to keep your car service as specified by your manufacturer.  All of these things will go a long way in our fight to save a little extra cash at the pump.

Sometimes though, doing what is recommended is just not enough when finding ways to increase gas mileage.  With the latest technological advances it is now possible to increase your gas mileage by up to fifty percent.  There is a technology that has garnered a lot of attention that utilizes gas and distilled water to run an engine.

With it’s popularity on the rise, still, there are quite a few individuals who have never heard of this technology.  This whole thing works by putting a device called a Hydrogen generator on your cars engine.  The generator is a small device that easily fits under the hood and mixes water and gas to from a vapor called Hydrogen Oxygen or HHO.  With this new mixture, our cars and trucks will become more efficient allowing us to see great improvements in fuel economy.

One other cool aspect of this generator is it's positive influence on the environment.With your car using less gas, it's emissions will be less leading to less polutant's in the environment.  Another added bonus is that your engine will have a longer life due to the limited amount of carbon build up on your engine.

Do me a favor, relax a moment and think of what you could buy if you were saving nearly 50 percent on your gas expenditures.  Did you know that you could potentially save hundreds of dollars a year with this technology?  As I am sure you can guess, a Hydrogen gas saver is becoming very popular as one of the many ways to increase gas mileage and save at the pump.  Keep this in the back of your mind the next time you find yourself getting angry after paying a boatload to fill up your car.

Comment » | Automotive

Secrets About The Car Running On Water

January 21st, 2009 — 01:36 am

The water powered car on Fox News

This public patent for making a car that runs strictly on water is said to work. A new Japanese company recently announced a new technology that they are going to release to the public about a new technology that uses a chemical reaction that will enable a car to run on water, but this has been dismissed as nonsense by Popular Mechanics. A man in 1935 actually demonstrated running a car on water for a crowd of people that has been historically noted and we all know that hydrogen is a legitimate source of energy.

Does this really work? But why not. These days there are many people who found this invention to be useful converting their existing cars into inexpensive, highly-efficient hybrid cars. What matters is how you install the components. It may take some time before you get the right temperature or the voltage, but this should be a project that can be done on an older car that is not the family car and is not necessary to get you back and forth to work.

This is not a source of free energy – you will need to pay for the water. It is normal to reach up to 50 miles with just one gallon of water – however with some minor adjustment the milage can be increased substantially. The system basically uses a small generator which produces hydorgen which is then used to enhance the use of gasoline. Then the gas is injected into the injector pump which allows the car to run. Actually there is no real reason why it shouldn’t work. The process of water fuel conversion is actually pretty simple.

It is safer than using any other fuels that are on the market today and is definitely safer for the environment. You will also be helping the environment when you create a water powered car. This car will burn hydrogen instead of fuel. Actually, it will be making the air cleaner instead of polluting the air.

To some this is just a steam engine. You are not using high pressure for producing the steam. In a water operated car steam is just the byproduct of the process – not the main energy factor. This cannot be compared to a steam engine.

If you want to know how you can use this technology at home without spending a fortune read one the available reviews of water fuel cell kits online. There are many options available today.

Comment » | Automotive

Do I Need A Defensive Driving Certificate?

January 21st, 2009 — 01:36 am

online driving school

Unsafe driving can lead to traffic citations, which in turn can lead to points lost on your driver’s license. People who accumulate too many lost points are often given a choice; lose your license or take a defensive driving course. This course will teach them the necessary skills to practice safer driving habits. At the end of the course, a defensive driving certificate is issued to those who complete it successfully. This certificate can then be used to put your driver’s license back into good standing.

Since a certificate in defensive driving can be obtained through home-based online training, more and more people are starting to realize that this idea is indeed practical. An online driving school can help you save money and time, while teaching you how to improve your driving record. If, for some reason, you have lost points on your driving record, then defensive driving training is definitely your ticket. This is also one way of dismissing your traffic tickets or reducing your fines.

Most companies today that deal with internet-based defensive driving lessons consider the busy lives of their customers. That is why these companies are willing and able to cater to the needs of their clients, be it through emails or toll-free telephones. The staff members are also well-trained to answer important questions from clients. Right after the successful completion of the course, the driving certificate will be emailed or sent immediately to the enrollee.

Like any other driving school, an online defensive driving school will teach you how to improve your driving skills and make you a better, defensive driver. All driving schools have similar goals, and those are to help you dismiss your driving fines, place positive driving points to your driving record, reduce your auto insurance and refresh your driving skills.

What is great about online driving courses is that, aside from being able to easily obtain a defensive driving certificate, you will no longer have to worry about traveling from your home to a driving school. Most, if not all online programs, are simple and easy to follow, thus keeping you at pace with the course all the way through your lessons. Once you consider enrolling in one of these programs, you can have peace of mind because you know you are already on your way to obtaining a clean driving record fast and easy. An online driving course is somewhat similar to the typical driving course; however, it gives you the opportunity to learn on your own and at your own pace. These programs offer state of the art graphics and animations and interactive learning environments. Students can analyze real driving hazards and situations, a skill which is very crucial in defensive driving.

Obtaining a defensive driving certificate through an online driving school is a great option for most people. Finding one is easy with a simple search on the internet. Just be sure to thoroughly research the company and make sure they are licensed to work in your state. The cost of the class is well worth the knowledge that will be learned. Defensive driving can be fun if you approach it with the right attitude.

Comment » | Automotive

Diagram to fit a cigarette lighter socket in a boat working off a car battery. How do I do it?

January 20th, 2009 — 06:06 am
boat
ALLAN H asked:


I want to put in a cigarette lighter socket in my boat so that I can plug in a Garmin GPS 12 navigator. That way I can use the boats car battery instead of 4 x AA batteries wich I would continually have to replace(only 24 hrs power). I could have the GPS system running continually as back up. I need a simple diagram on how to fit this cigarette lighter socket or simple instructions. Nothing too technical or you will lose me.

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5 comments » | Other - Electronics

Begin Purchasing Hybrid Cars

January 20th, 2009 — 03:38 am

hybrid car sales

Earth Day occurs each year, and is the one day that everyone across the country tries his or her best to help save the planet.  Although it’s only one day in the year, that one day can and does go some way towards changing attitudes and opinions to the environment and to the way in which we can minimize our impact and our carbon footprint.  Each year, several stores give away “green” products that help conserve energy and almost every major corporation around decides to air commercials urging the residents of the world to reduce the amount of energy consumed. 

While these celebrations are occurring all around the world, people are looking for more ways to make a permanent impact for the good to save the planet.  Each year, millions of cars are manufactured.  These additional cars add more smog to the air, as they continue to use outdated petrol engines and burn fossil fuels.  With all of the additional cars that are produced each year, there is also a surge in the number of hybrid minivans, which is leading to a revolution in the car market as more and more buyers turn to more environmentally appropriate methods of getting from A to B.

Each year this surge in Toyota Camry hybrid provides more drivers with the opportunity to do their part at cleaning up the environment.  While the ability to help reduce the amount of smog in the atmosphere is always a great incentive, the cost of the vehicles is also quite prohibitive for the average car purchaser. 

The government is already well known for dabbling into the mortgage industry by offering home mortgages that are insured by the government at special reduced rates to help families qualify to own their own homes.  If the government branched this idea of thinking to the automotive industry imaging the results that could be realized in a few short years, with increased production capacities of these greener vehicles ultimately leading to less pollution and less damage to our environment.

Meeting certain guidelines, government mortgages work in a way when the home bought is within a certain price range.  If a similar program was developed that offered special discounts in financing charges for those consumers looking to purchase a hybrid vehicle, it would inevitably make the purchase more affordable and more desirable for families on tight budgets and looking to improve the environment at the same time. 

Our government would be able to insure vehicle loans, and become more affordable for many drivers.  With programs looking to assist those in purchasing more environmentally friendly vehicles, it would make the dream of car ownership more affordable for many. 

When buyers purchase fuel saving cars, there will be reduced oil and gas being wasted, with also a decrease on the number of cars that contribute to the pollution issue.  To assist the program in starting it would be possible for the government to decide upon one specific day when the government subsidized loans for hybrid vehicles. 

Assuming the program is successful, which there is no reason to suggest wouldn’t be the case, then the government could expand the program to help more consumers purchase environmentally friendly vehicles, as well as help preserve the planet one car at a time.  Many people do not realize how long it takes to make up the difference in the expenses between a hybrid car, and the price of gas.  If often takes driving a hybrid car for 5 years or more in order to be able to break-even on the expense of the hybrid car, but by using subsidies we can help what is already a dire situation and start to actually improve the environment in which we live. By using government-sponsored programs to help reduce interest rates, it would be possible to realize savings sooner.

Comment » | Automotive

You Should Consider Defensive Driver Training Before Driving

January 20th, 2009 — 03:38 am

defensive driving course

Responsible driving is not just getting behind the wheel and cruising along. There is much more involved than that. You must be constantly aware of your surroundings and safety should be your first priority. Reckless driving accounts for hundreds of thousands of deaths every year on the roads. Defensive driver training in a driving class can help you to understand the importance of driving defensively.

Anybody can take defensive driving courses that are offered at most traffic schools. In order to avoid losing points caused by driving violations, most states in the US have provided a defensive driving course that can be taken in a classroom setting or at an online defensive driving school. Drivers who undergo this type of training were once required to be present in driving schools; however, these days, online courses are readily available. Generally, defensive driving simply requires the discipline and proper mindset of the driver.

A defensive driver knows that he should be more careful and watchful on the road. Although this sounds easy, learning how to drive defensively demands a lot of practice until the driver finally realizes what proper driving is all about. Drivers are somewhat expected to be already aware of the basics of driving even before he or she tries to learn defensive driving. Defensive driving is about knowing and understanding the proper, safety defensive driving techniques. Once this is achieved, drivers are able to better predict or identify possible dangers on the roads and take immediate actions that are needed in particular situations.

Defensive driver training means getting rid of old habits that may endanger yourself or those around you. You also need to learn new habits to participate in defensive driving. Most driving courses teach drivers the basics of automobile functions. However, each car is different. In order to be safe, drivers must familiarize themselves with their own vehicles and know where each and every switch and lever is.

Another consideration should be the emergency functions of your vehicle. Knowing how and when to operate the emergency functions is taught in traffic schools that teach defensive driver training. Avoiding any danger on the road may someday be dependent on knowing these things. There are a wide variety of different types of driving courses today, so finding one that suits you should not be very difficult.

Comment » | Automotive

Hydrogen Energy For Cars - New Power Source For Vehicles

January 20th, 2009 — 03:38 am

As gas prices continue to rise to unprecedented levels people are scratching their heads looking for an alternative to traditional fossil fuels to power their vehicles. Indeed, highly funded organizations like the energy commission are looking into possibilities, as are the average person in the street that look at hydrogen fuel conversion kits to install in their cars.

Hydrogen fuel cells seem to offer a real alternative to gasoline as we go forward. Hydrogen for cars offers the chance to find a new and powerful alternative to traditional forms of propulsion but improve how we travel overall.

Here are a few of the advantages of using hydrogen gas to power a car. Hydrogen is found in great abundance. It can be found in most things including water to the compost heap in your backyard. Thus hydrogen gas as a fuel source has great upward potential and will attract many ideas and developments in the future.

Another positive to producing hydrogen fuel for cars is that it is a more efficient process than refining oil to produce gasoline and is considerably cleaner from an environmental standpoint. Typically, to refine and produce gasoline, a refinery would use around three hundred billion gallons of water, which is in itself becoming a cause for concern given that water is a valuable and not exactly renewable resource. The same amount of hydrogen would require only one million gallons of water, a saving too large to ignore.

The gallon of gasoline compared to hydrogen would cost twice as much but would offer less car efficiency than hydrogen. Hydrogen fuel can lead to a reduced engine running temperature, that can promote the reduction in emissions from the car and reduce the carbon footprint emitted.

The main stumbling block to producing hydrogen fueled vehicles on a mass scale is the lack of available hydrogen fuel. Or rather the infrastructure to deliver hydrogen fuel. The near future might see people using a home hydrogen refueling sation to replenish their car but as of this moment this scenario is out of reach of most people.

If cars were to run exclusively on electricity produced via an inline hydrogen fuel cell, we would see expanding horizons in terms of car design. Car design would be freed up to some extent as the need to control a large combustion engine and the problems that go with it would be reduced.

For example, the engine needed to move the car could be smaller. Some current limitations are allowing for a heat-producing engine and bulky floorboard configurations which are necessary for drive line equipment.

As governments, petroleum companies and car manufacturers start to take hydrogen production more seriously, the vehicle landscape will change. Hydrogen will become more readily available and hydrogen-fueling stations will begin to pop up (or will be added to existing service stations).

Environmentally friendlier and more cost effective fuel for our cars benefits both for the individual and the wider population. With gas prices going up and up with no apparent end in inflation, the development of hydrogen and the infrastructure to support hydrogen fueled vehicles will continue at a pace until hydrogen fueled cars are a common reality. 

Learn more about the leading hydrogen conversion kits for your car, including HHO Booster book

Comment » | Automotive

How much to ship a bike from the US to the UK?

January 18th, 2009 — 07:48 pm
bike
happyboy asked:


Ive seen a classic bike on Ebay in the US and was wondering what the shipping costs are likley to be? I would be interested in the cheapest/slowest option. I guess the bike would be subject to import duty and vat. Would be interested to hear others experiences and any reccomendations.

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4 comments » | Motorcycles

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