SEPTEMBER ARTICLES 2010
Locked Out of Your Car? Here is How You Get Back Inside Fast!
By Huey Davis
It happens to all of us and it makes us feel stupid each and every time! I am talking about locking yourself out of your car of course. I know you probably feel like kicking yourself right now, but take solace in the fact that you're not as much out of luck as you think! If you're somewhere near a major town, chances are there is a car locksmith nearby, ready to save the day. Pick up the phone and make the call, or if you're really stingy, then here's a few other ways to get back inside.
Ever thought about how criminals steal cars? Well, now you have the chance to try it for yourself, on your own car of course. Older cars have locks that are fairly easy to pick. What you need is a long tool like a screwdriver and also a tension wrench.
Your goal is to push the pins in the lock back, so that you can turn the 'key' and open the lock. Keep in mind however, that this only works on older types of locks. Modern cars have locks that are much more sophisticated and don't respond as easily to attempts at picking them. There is of course, also the problem that lockpicking isn't really an accepted activity to partake in. At least not in most neighborhoods.
So, why not give a car locksmith a call? A car locksmith is a locksmith like all others, except they specialize in cars and car keys. Many people think that locksmiths can't replace a transponder key or computer chip key, but they can actually do that in most instances.
The right locksmith for the job is someone who can respond quickly, is fully trained (can answer your questions) and is insured. The last part is pretty important as if something goes wrong, you will not be left to foot the bill. If you have a smart phone you can try using Google or Google Places to find a locksmith near you.
Omega Locksmith is a Chicago locksmith who can help you get back in your car 24/7, just give us a call and we're on our way!
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Top Ten Stolen Cars For 2010
By Glenn Nutsey
It appears that car thieves have changed their habits. Gone are the days when only high-end prestige vehicles like Audi, BMW and Mercedes were stolen to order, now the thieves have their eyes on your average family car!
A recent survey by Tracker has revealed that car theft by keys has risen to a massive 80% for the first quarter of 2010, that's up by 6% compared to 2009. The study has also revealed that car thieves are now targeting lower value vehicles in order to meet the demands of the competitive car market. Stephen Doran, managing director of Tracker Vehicle Recovery Services explains.
"The recession is taking its toll on thieves too and we have seen them adjust their targets to suit buyers, making lower value vehicles just as valuable to them as the fancy sports cars."
Tracker's recent results show that the highest value stolen vehicle for 2010 was the Mercedes CL63 AMG worth a whopping £120,000, whilst the lower value vehicle recovered was a Ford Sierra worth just £1,000.
So, what are the top ten most commonly stolen and recovered cars? Well, it appears some things never change with the luxury BMW X5 crossover remaining in the top spot, followed closely by the Land Rover Range Rover and BMW M3. Its good news if you own an Audi TT though, the roadster has slipped down the popularity ladder to be overtaken by the Land Rover Defender.
Don't breathe a sign of relief too quickly though. Tracker warns that your standard average family car is now high on the list of desirable targets.
"While the top ten results features prestige brands, this doesn't tell the whole story, as thieves will target vehicles across a range of values, especially as today's market means car buyers are looking for bargains" comments Doran.
So how can you protect yourself and your beloved vehicle? Many car owners are now investing in a car security system such as a GPS vehicle tracking system. A car tracker works by using GPS technology to pinpoint your vehicles exact position and detects any unauthorised movements with its inbuilt movement sensor. Some car security systems even send out a security guard to wait with your stolen car until your vehicle is recovered. These car trackers can be quickly and easily installed by an approved fitter.
Has your car made it onto the top ten list? Check it out...
Top Ten Stolen & Recovered Cars for 2010:
1. BMW X5
2. Land Rover Range Rover
3. BMW M3
4. Land Rover Defender
5. Mercedes Benz MI
6. Audi RS4
7. Mercedes Benz SLK
8. Mercedes Benz CLK
9. Audi TT
10. Audi Q7 / Porsche 911 / Porsche Boxster / Subaru Impreza
Glenn Nutsey is a keen motorist and a regular writer for CarPress and Nationwide Vehicle Contracts. Check out Nationwide's new Car Accessories shop to view the full range of Car Security Systems available at incredibly low prices. http://www.nationwidevehiclecontracts.co.uk/car-security.htm
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1967 Chevy Impala
By Daniel Legal
The Chevy Impala is one of the oldest and longest running vehicles ever to be manufactured. Through its extensive history the car has taken on many roles. What used to be a high end luxury minded car, has in more recent times been turned into a more budget minded family sedan. Current styling is however rather reminiscent of those older days when cars had more unique body curves and accentuations. The 1967 Chevy Impala marked nearly a decade of production, and added to what was becoming a rapidly growing customer base and popularity. Today the model is highly regarded by collectors and enthusiasts.
The '67 model was part of the third generation that was entirely revamped from what was offered for body styling and drive trains of the originals. While the first decade saw the car being Chevy's most expensive passenger vehicle, pricing and trim levels were reduced starting in '65. The vehicle was still positioned higher in class than most cars of the day. One of the most distinctive features of the Impala is the implementation of 3 sets of taillights. Also available for this year is the fabled SS model known for performance and luxury.
Body styles available with 2 doors include the convertible, coupe and hardtop. Four door models were offered as hardtops, sedans and station wagons. All of these models were redesigned with a more streamlined and sleek body style without all the curves of previous years. The bubble back roof line was a very popular style offered for sport coupes in this year as well. The sport coupe is probably one of the most sought after styles by car collectors after the 1963 model year which has the most favored body style of any Impala ever manufactured.
The engines offered include a 3.8 liter turbo thrift inline 6 cylinder engine (230 cu in), the 4.6 liter Turbo Fire V8 (282 cu in), a 5.4 liter Turbo Fire V8 (327 cu in), a 6.7 liter W-series Turbo Thrust V8 (409 cu in) and finally a 7.0 liter Z11 V8. The standard transmission available on all vehicles was a 3 speed manual. The 3 speed was the only one offered on many of the smaller engines. All of the V8 engines were offered with the standard transmission, along with a choice of a 4 speed manual or a 4 speed automatic, with the automatic coming with a much higher price tag.
While the 1967 Chevy Impala was no longer the most expensive passenger car in the companies lineup, it still came with very impressive interior materials, compartments and accessories. The seats saw increased cushioning and a better selection of fabrics and or leather. Outside of the vehicle more chrome accents were added along the entire length of the vehicle, as well as in front and back. Chrome was also used to house the distinctive set of 3 taillights. SS models used many aluminum parts for the engine, along with its side moldings.
Enthusiasts who are interested in the "coke" body styling that was used for the third generation of the car must consider purchasing a 1967 Chevy Impala. While they were popular back when first produced, there lore and draw have only increased during the nearly half century that has passed, making them one of the most prevalent cars at any classic show or showroom.
Dan Legal is a member of the web team that runs the website LemonFree Used Cars For Sale. LemonFree is a car search engine which currently has over 2 million new and used cars for sale. If your interested in purchasing a 1967 Chevy Impala; trust LemonFree to help you find your next car today!
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1962 Ford Falcon
By Daniel Legal
The Ford Falcon was produced by the Ford Motor Corporation between 1960 and 1970 and it originally was a great success for the company. Compared with other compact cars of the day, it was offered in a great selection of trim levels and body styles, making it one of the most customizable cars. It is also important to note that the Falcon name was also used on the original lineup of Ford's Econoline Vans. The 1962 Ford Falcon is part of the original generation produced from 1960 to 1963, which are possibly the most popular model years as well.
Once Ford realized that there actually was a market for smaller cars, they quickly began production of the Falcon. The biggest competitors for the car were the Chevy Corvair, Studebaker Lark and AMC Rambler. Perhaps the thing that set Ford apart from the other manufacturers was that they still had the ability to produce reliable cars at a very affordable price. The Falcon could be purchase for practically less than any other, and came with a great selection of features.
Body styles available for the 1962 Ford Falcon include a 2 door sedan, 4 door sedan, 3 door station wagon, 5 door station wagon, 2 door hardtop, 2 door convertible, 2 door pickup truck, and a 2 door sedan delivery. With 7 different body styles to choose from it is no wonder that these cars became very popular, there was virtually a model for any need. The available engines could be mismatched between cars, along with the available features for the interior. Most suspension systems and other features were streamlined as to be available on all models as well.
Engines offered include a 2.4 liter inline six cylinder engine (245 cu in), a 2.8 liter inline 6 cylinder, along with a 4.3 liter V8 engine (260 cu in). Most of the smaller 2 door and 3 door models were equipped with the smaller inline 6, except for the convertible which came with the option of a larger engine. The larger vehicles with 4 or 5 doors and the delivery model usually came with the option of the larger inline 6, or the V8 option. The transmission included a 2 speed automatic, 3 speed manual, and a 4 speed manual.
The '62 model year also saw the introduction of the Squire model of the 4 door station wagon. This was the beginning of the typical wood paneled wagon which became a part of American history. Also available was the Futura model which was a slightly fancier version of the 1962 Ford Falcon. Inside owners got upgraded upholstery, factory installed safety belts, unique body emblems, and a set of different body trims. Most models were redesigned so that they would be more similar to that of a Thunderbird. Another model available was the 2 door Futura Sedan "Illusion Hardtop" which used only a flat rear window with chrome trim.
While the Ford Falcon was very popular immediately after its creation, by the end of the decade it quickly became outdated. Nonetheless it still remain an important part of American history and has been sough after by many enthusiasts. The popularity and large scale production back in the 60's makes finding original parts relatively easy. Buyers looking to restore an old car may want to consider one of the many Falcon models.
Dan Legal is a member of the web team that runs the website LemonFree.com Cars. LemonFree is a car search engine which currently has over 2 million new and used cars for sale. If your interested in purchasing a 1962 Ford Falcon; trust LemonFree to help you find your next car today!
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8 Reasons Why Biodiesel is a Viable Alternative Fuel
By Tony Kitson
The diesel engine has been around since 1895, its inventor Rudolf Diesel always intended it to run off vegetable based oils. In fact the first diesel engine ran using peanut oil as its fuel. Over time it has gained a reputation for being a smelly polluting form of power, but recent rises in the price of oil, and the realization that fossil fuels will eventually run out, not to mention the damage burning them does to our planet, has resulted in renewed interest in fuel made from plant oils or biodiesel. Is biodiesel a viable alternative fuel? I think it is, and I hope the following 8 distinct advantages will convince you too.
1. Renewable source:
The oil that is used to make biodiesel comes from a renewable source, and so will never run out.
2. Less CO2:
Burning biodiesel produces 80% less CO2 when compared to regular diesel.
3. Less harmful emissions:
It produces no harmful bi-products when it burns. There are no sulfur dioxide fumes.
4. Smells better:
When filling your tank, or as you drive, there are no horrible smells like the ones associated with traditional diesel. In fact people have described a bio fueled vehicles fumes as smelling like french fries or donuts.
5. Burns cleaner:
We can say goodbye to clouds of dirty black smoke, as this bio fuel burns clean under all conditions.
6. Safer:
Biodiesel has a flash point of 300 degrees Centigrade compared to fossil fuel diesel's flash point of 150 degrees Centigrade. So there is a significant reduction in the chance of fire.
7. Protects the engine:
It has a natural lubricating action on the engine, and so induces less wear. Also because it burns clean it produces less carbon and no sulfur. So your engine builds up fewer dirty deposits too.
8. It's a direct replacement for regular diesel:
Most diesel cars can use the bio equivalent with little or no modification. So after you check with your engines manufacturer, you can probably swap over to bio fuel today! Many regular diesel products may already contain up to 20% bio produced fuel anyway.
For these reasons I hope I have shown biodiesel is a viable alternative fuel to replace regular diesel. Using it in your vehicle could save you money, and you will also be helping to look after the environment.
Discover some ways to save money by producing your own bio fuel at home. Visit this make bio diesel website at www.how-to-make-biodiesel-today.blogspot.com/.
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Should You Buy Cars From eBay?
By Adnan Masood
We are all familiar with the online auction website eBay.com. This popular online marketplace is well-known for its wide range of products and prices. You may have made a purchase from eBay before, but that purchase was likely a small purchase. Did you also know that eBay is home to a Motors section where you can find cars, boats, and auto parts for sale? This is nice to know, but should you buy cars from this popular website?
The Good
Lots of Cars: It is no secret that eBay is the most popular online auction website out there. Buyers flock to the website to score a good deal. Sellers flock to the website to make money. Many car sellers use this website because they know their vehicles will get seen and this is good for you as an interested buyer. Why? It typically means more cars to choose from.
Choices: For the most part, you will typically find that most car sellers on eBay use a BIN price (buy it now). This means they set the price outright, for example $12,000. However, some sellers use an auction style format. With this, they set a minimum price. This minimum price is typically the lowest they are willing to accept for the car. Then, interested buyers can bid. The price rises with more interested buyers. However, you might get lucky and score a great deal.
The Bad
Location: For the most part, eBay.com is a national site. Do a standard car search on the website and you will get cars from all across the country. Unless you want to go through the hassle of having a car shipped to you, you probably want to stay with a local buyer. The good news is that eBay has a number of tools to make it easy for you to find even local cars for sale. For example, you can sort your results based on the closest to your zip code, meaning all nearby vehicles will be shown first.
Account: To bid or buy items on eBay.com, you need an account. As a buyer, this is a free account. It will take just a couple of minutes to setup. However, it is also well-known that a lot of scam emails surround this website. Scammers send you and email claiming something is wrong with your account. You must "log-in" to fix it, but it is really a fake login and your eBay.com account information gets stolen. This isn't an issue if you are careful. However, buying a car from a seller on Craigslist and other classified websites requires no account, even a free one.
As you can see, buying eBay cars does have its pros and cons. You have nothing to lose by checking out this popular online auction website though.
Search SpotThings.com for cars for sale. SpotThings.com searches eBay, Craigslist, and thousands of other classified and car buying sites at once.
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Used Car Buying Mechanic Tips
By Larry Wright
Before buying a used car it is always a good idea to make sure the vehicle you are buying is going to last you for a long time. No one wants to bring home a lemon that may end up costing more in repairs than the actual purchase price tag. This can easily happen if one does not know what to look for. A good practice is to bring a mechanic along with you to buy a used car. However if you can't bring along a mechanic what do you do? Use these basic tips to help you spot problems.
Doing a through investigation of the vehicle you are buying with these mechanic tips will help you make a smart used car purchase. Anyone can check for these simple tell tale signs of possible mechanical and structural problems.
Tip 1) Rust! Make a good investigation of the body of the vehicle for rust. Particularly check the roof of the car. If it has a sun or moon roof inspect it closely. For many used cars this is a typical area where problems of rust cause a lot of trouble. Very expensive to fix.
Tip 2) Test drive! Of course everyone takes the car for a spin but listen closely for knocking sounds. When you accelerate can you feel the gears shifting with an automatic? The harder it shifts the possibility is the transmission is on its last legs.
Tip 3) Ask the vehicle owner if they took it for regular maintenance and where. If it takes them a long time to respond could be a sign they didn't.
Tip 4) Pop the hood! How does it look? Has it been kept clean? Does anything seem rotted or bad? Could be signs of a replacement being needed.
Use these tips when buying used cars and you may save a lot of problems.
Car Auctions are places where used cars can be purchased extremely cheap. These tips will no doubt help you with car auctions. This website helps you get access to the best car auctions with cheap cars:
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That's all for Now! Keep checking back for more new Automotive articles!