Imagine driving down the street to drop your kids off at school when...WHAM! Your car is hit by a motorist who wasn't paying proper attention when pulling out of their driveway. No, the damage is not extensive. It is just a little dent. But, a little dent often comes with a huge bill. For many families the need to shell out hundreds of dollars to repair a dent can prove to be extremely cost prohibitive particularly in today's tough economic climate.

There is much in the news these days regarding economic downturns and problems. This is not an imagined crisis. That is to say, there are serious issues facing working people and it is the result of various "pinches" hitting the budgets of most families. For example, gas prices and food prices have started skyrocketing and this leaves many people with limited dollars in their savings. When people are in such situations, the last thing they need is to see their budgets busted by car accident related bills......


This is why paintless dent repair provides such an excellent alternative to traditional bodywork. After all, bodywork on a car ' even if the repairs needed are minor ' can cost a significant amount of money. There are parts and labor involved and that will always run costs up. Even if you have solid insurance, a $500 deductible means you will be forced to shell out $500. When a household budget is tight and credit is hard to come by, a $500 deductible can really be difficult to part with.

While paintless dent repair isn't free, it is significantly cheaper than having traditional bodywork performed. In fact, the amount of money that can be saved on paintless dent repair can reduce your body shop bills by 80%. Obviously, this would be a huge boost to a family that needs to save money as opposed to shelling out hundreds of dollars on a repair bill...especially if an alternative repair method is available.

Paintless dent repair basically molds dents back into their proper, original position. This is a radical departure from the "classical method" that replaced the dented area and then painted over it. Obviously, such a classic procedure means additional parts. These parts aren't free and their cost will be passed to the consumer. In the past, there was no way around this. Now, thanks to the great innovations of paintless dent repair the ability to have such work performed is quite possible and quite effective as well.

So, if you family is concerned about their household budget and are unwilling to shell out more than is necessary on auto bodywork, seeking the help of a reliable paintless dent repair service is highly advised. Really, do you want to spend more money than you really need to? Keeping a budget under control just makes solid fiscal and financial sense. In today's tough economic times such decisions are more important now than ever before. If that means changing your previous auto body decisions then so be it. The end result will be well worth it!

Sponsored by: Health, Beauty, Fitness blog

Photo: http://www.dent-technique.co.uk

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Author: Paul Fountain is a certified Paintless Dent Technician and a web advisor for http://www.PDQTools.com To learn more about Paintless Dent Repair please visit PDQ Tools.com

Paintless Dent Repair and the Economy

Driving a car brings lots of convenience to the user, and beyond the selection and buying of a car, we also have to take care of the car and maintain it in good condition so that it will continue to serve us well for at least the next 5 to 10 years.

Today, I will be sharing with you the Basic DIY Guide to Car Maintenance and how you can also do it yourself and save the time and cost spent going to car mechanics!!

BASIC GUIDE TO DIY CAR MAINTENANCE

The first thing to do is to look under the car hood. It looks like a maze, isn't it? Essentially lying underneath that is the fuel system, ignition system, and the cooling system.

We are not going into details on how all these system works. Instead, we will look at how we can perform the simple weekly check on the car and what are the items to look out for when doing so.

DIY CAR MAINTENANCE - Items to look out for

1) Fluids

- Engine Oil fluids

- Coolant fluids

- Windshield fluids

- Washer fluids

- Brake fluids

- Power steering fluids

2) Car tire pressure

DIY CAR MAINTENANCE (1a) - Engine Oil Fluids

TIP: Always check the oil level when the engine has been turned off for an extended period to avoid hot oil from scalding yourself.

Purpose of Engine Oil fluids:

To lubricate the car engine parts and to prevent wear out.

Steps to follow:

1. Wipe the engine oil dipstick clean which is provided by the manufacturer

2. Insert the dipstick into engine, then pull up and check the level. If the top edge of the oil is above the ADD mark, the oil level is acceptable, else you need to add oil immediately. Typically amount required is one quart of oil.

3. To add oil, open the engine oil cap, place a funnel over the opening, and slowly pour the oil into it.

4. Wait for a few minutes and then recheck the oil level to ensure that the oil level is now within the "ADD" and "FULL" marks. Be careful not to add oil beyond the full mark as it will reduce the oil's lubrication qualities and prove less effective.

DIY CAR MAINTENANCE (1b) - Coolant Fluids

Purpose of Coolant Fluids:......


Circulates throughout car engine to remove excess heat. Comprises of a mixture of antifreeze fluid and water, which collects the heat and and brings it to the radiator where air flow cools the liquid before returning back to cool the engine.

Steps to follow:

1) Ensure both engine and radiator are cooled down before checking coolant level.

2) Locate the radiator, and the corresponding coolant reserve tank which is holding the top layer of coolant from the radiator. Check and ensure that the coolant level is within the lowest and maximum levels.

3) When the need to top-up arises, turn the radiator cap counterclockwise by 1 quarter turn to release any built-up pressure remaining in the cooling system, before turning all the way to open the cap.

4) Add coolant as required until level is within the min and max marks.

5) Replace cap and do a basic clean up.

DIY CAR MAINTENANCE (1c) - Windshield Fluids

Purpose of Windshield fluids:

To clean the wind screen as required.

Steps to follow:

1) Locate the windshield washer fluid reservoir. It appears like a white plastic milk jug or jar and hold a small quantity of the windshield fluids.

2) In most cases, you can do a visual inspection of the fluid level, and as long as it is an inch or two below the top, it is considered full, and do not require topping up.

3) If it is too low, simply unscrew the cap and top it up with commercial windshield washer fluid or create your very own diy windshield fluid by adding few drops of dish washing detergent to water.

4) Replace cap and do a basic clean up.

DIY CAR MAINTENANCE (1d) - Brake Fluids

Purpose of brake fluids:

Supports the hydraulic systems which enable the brake systems to function properly.

Steps to follow:

1) Locate the master brake cylinder

2) Clean the top of the reservoir before removing the cover with a wrench

3) Check and ensure that the brake fluid is up to the "FULL" mark. Do not compromise as this is a critical factor in car safety.

4) Top up with the brake fluid through a funnel carefully until the level is about one quarter inch below the top.

Note:

Brake fluids have different grades, so it is advisable to check the owner manuals for specific requirements.

Don't let the brake fluid touch on the car paint, you will be in for a nasty surprise.

5) Replace and tighten the cap when done.

DIY CAR MAINTENANCE (1e) - Power Steering Fluids

Purpose of Power Steering Fluids:

Required for cars enabled with power steering capability, without which it is very difficult to turn the steering wheel.

Steps to follow:

1) Locate the power steering reservoir

2) Remove the cap of the reservoir and check the current fluid level.

TIP: Perform the check only when the engine is cool, else the readings will be inaccurate since the fluid expands when hot.

3) Top up the power steering fluid as specified in the car owner manuals, and be careful not to overfill it.

4) Replace and tighten the cap when done.

DIY CAR MAINTENANCE (2) - Car Tyre Pressure Check

Purpose of Tire Pressure Check:

Regular pressure checks will help to maximize the lifespan of the tires since the wrong pressures can cause over contact with the roads reducing the lifespan, or under contact with the road causing safety issues. Under-inflated tires will also reduce fuel economy resulting in higher costs unknowingly.

Steps to follow:

1) Find out the recommended tire pressures required from the car manuals, measured in psi.

2) For ease of checking, go to any gas station, and insert their tire pressure gauge into your car tire valve stem. Push it until you hear a rush of air, and then release it. Observe the pressure reading immediately on the tire gauge machine.

3) If air pressure is not enough, add air with the air line, and double check pressure when done. If air pressure is too high, release a bit of air with the tire gauge and double check before releasing more air.

4) Replace the valve stem cap when done.

5) Repeat for all tires.

TIP: It is good to also perform a quick check on the tire for any wear and tear and replace early for better car safety.

Conclusion

To summarize, through better understanding on the essential items to look out for during your routine car maintenance, and steps to follow during maintenance, you are now able to keep your car in tiptop performance at all times, and maximize the enjoyment of the car rides for yourself and your family.

Sponsored by: Health, Beauty, Fitness blog

Photo: http://www.sabrejack.com

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Author: Originally Written Article @ http://carcare101.blogspot.com/

The author Jimmy Lee is involved in article writing, publishing, and website design on a freelance basis amid a daytime job as an electrical engineer. His favorite works can be found at http://flashgor.blogspot.com/ and http://www.diypc.wordpress.com/

Basic DIY Guide to Car Maintenance

With fuel prices just getting higher and higher, everyone just feels the weight of the expense of fueling their cars. If a person who only has one car to maintain feels this burden, the more that truck operators feel this pain that's burning their pockets. Imagine how many trucks they have to put fuel on day in and day out. Their trucks are on the road most of the day and sometimes even seven days a week.

But the fuel price is not just the only problem that these truck operators and everyone else faces today. The other big problem related to the use of cars is the effects brought about by its fuel fumes to the environment.

For these two problems, there is one answer. Hybrid trucks have been developed in response to these two dilemmas. At first, it was tested for military use. And then tests and development continued until these recent years that truck manufacturers have finally announced its soon release dates. These hybrid trucks have been showcased in truck shows......


Two of the leaders in this arena are Peterbilt and Kenworth. Peterbilt is set to release the first hybrid trucks soon. They will be available in shows this year and preorders are accepted as early as now. Peterbilt is also looking into entering a contract with Wal-mart. Should this push through Peterbilt will be getting a big deal Wal-mart being the second largest truck operations in the US today.

Kenworth, on the other hand, will be following Peterbilt's release of hybrid trucks. Even though it showcased its hybrid trucks earlier, the release of their brand will come second to Peterbilt's. The company has not reported any big prospects as of yet though.

The development and the news of the release of these hybrid trucks has got many truckers excited and eager to make the switch. Others are hesitating though because of the high costs of buying hybrid trucks. Still, with the savings it promises to give truck operators many of them still find it profitable and really worth to invest in these vehicles. Each hybrid trucks is said to give savings to them up to as much as $10,000 every year so it's just something that truckers think they should have. With such great savings, their business would be more profitable. The expensive upfront cost of buying a hybrid truck would surely be worth it because of the saving in daily fuel expenses.

What's also nice about using these hybrid trucks is that there would be less harm done in the environment. With the many trucks the truck owners and operators have, the impact would really be great. The environment would be saved and operators will also be able to save on gas money. With these two hand and hand, everybody will come out happier and healthier.

While skeptics are not as sold out on the idea of hybrid trucks, supporters who are very eager to update their trucks with the new hybrid trucks are ordering them already. This stir is quite great that more and more companies are vying replace their trucks with new hybrid trucks.

Sponsored by: Malaysian Internet Marketer

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Are Hybrid Trucks The Wave Of the Future?

Since the 9/11 incident, the US and countries all around the world has been aware of the danger of terrorist attacks. Anti-terrorism measures have been made to ensure the safety of the public. The lesson learned has just been fresh and it has made a mark in everyone's minds that every possible way terrorism can be spread is examined and guarded against.

One way that the US government is doing this is by being extra meticulous and strict in handing out commercial driver's licenses. Each person applying and even renewing his license goes through a background check. Drivers are also asked to give their fingerprints in this process. It has been recognized that terrorist could use semi trucks to haul materials such as flammable and toxic materials. That is why the drivers of such vehicles need to be checked and clearly identified so that terrorists would have limited chances of being able to carry and deliver dangerous materials freely. And if they do, they will be easily identified and traced......


The problem is that these semi truck legally carrying dangerous materials have labels on them saying what they are carrying. Terrorists will have an easier time identifying them as targets for hijack. Drivers can be ambushed and killed. And then terrorists will be able to take the semi truck with the flammable and toxic materials on it. They can then bomb several areas and kill many people. They can also contaminate the water system to induce much more harm to the public.

New technology has been seen as possible answers for the prevention of terrorist attacks and other activities. Through the use of GPS, the travel of the said trucks carrying materials prone for terrorist intervention can be monitored. This can be done since GPS can easily be installed. Should they go off course, they will be detected early on. This will make monitoring and tracing of these trucks when they go to places not indicated in their route possible. Another use for the GPS is, for instance, when the trucks needs assistance during accidents. With GPS, assistance can be sent immediately and cleaning crews will be able to clean up the place sooner. And with complete information they cleaners will have they will be guided on what they will be facing. And in result, they will know what to do when they get to the scene.

There's another device that the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory developed for this purpose. This device will be installed in strategic parts of the semi truck. What they will do is they can stop the vehicle as soon as it is detected to go out of its route or when the driver's behavior becomes suspicious. The device is capable of activating air brakes so this is capable of stopping the vehicle. Research and tests are still ongoing but still the potential use for this device is very promising.

Hopefully, with these devices and with prevention procedures in place acts of terrorism will be stopped in time before they hurt innocent people. And semi trucks being one target for such acts would also be guarded very well by the authorities and the truck operators. And with everybody's cooperation, things will also hopefully go smoothly without any infiltration of terror anywhere in the world.

Sponsored by: Malaysian Internet Marketer

Photo: http://www.militaryfactory.com

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Could Terrorists Infiltrate Our Trucking System

Are you in the process of preparing a cross-country vacation to discover the United States firsthand? Or, are you in the process of designing a extended length driving trip to see friends and family? If so, traveling by RV is something to consider. There are a great deal of benefits to driving extended miles in a motor home. These benefits include deluxe accommodations, comfort, and enjoying many features of a real home.

As nice as it is to discover that going by RV is a extraordinary manner to journey extended miles and with large families, a lot are uncertain about acting thusly. Among the greatest concerns is the recreational vehicle purchasing cost. Whenever you are interested in journeying by RV, but cannot afford the price of owning one, you have other choices. Recreational vehicle rentals are an low-cost path to acquire the use of a motor home. Even so, recreational vehicle leases may become costly if you're not prudent. For that reason, five useful hints for recreational vehicle renters are highlighted below......


1 - Recognize Each Of Your Choices

Recognizing all of your options is the most effective technique to ensure success while leasing a camper. First, analyze all of your alternatives in terms of local recreational vehicle rental businesses. There may be many companies to select from.

Next, examine the models of motor homes for lease. For comfort, as well as safety, lease a camper that is able to lodge you and your vacationing group. For illustration, a family of half a dozen travelers had better not attempt and stuff into a camper constructed for five. Likewise analyze characteristics, such as amount of electric receptacles, onboard television set, DVD units, and so forth.

2 - Compare Leasing Costs

As previously submitted,many persons have several recreational vehicle leasing businesses to choose from. To control the price of your future recreational vehicle journey, compare costs. While comparing the average renting cost for separate firms, also analyze the various motor homes. As formerly expressed, size is not something that you will want to run short on, but by restricting other characteristics, you can be capable of save money.

3 - Understand All Fine Print

When hiring an recreational vehicle, you will be expected to sign a contract. This contract is synonymous to one that you would sign if you were leasing a automobile. With that being mentioned, never presume that every leasing contract is equal. Always fully study an RV leasing contract, including the small print. Never sign anything that appears overly queer. If in uncertainty, demand to bring the contract home and critique it first.

In keeping with interpreting all small print, it is crucial to recognize all recreational vehicle leasing regulations and limitations upfront. Numerous times, these regulations and limitations are highlighted in a leasing document, however there is little injury in inquiring for more information. Be on the watch for any regulations that can restrict the amount of invitees permitted on board, age prerequisites for kids, and so froth.

4 - Be Careful with use of Goods and Services

Being careful is an crucial element of hiring an recreational vehicle. If you are not cautious, you might be financially accountable for any harm that comes about. That is how come you should always exercise forethought. A few tips necessitate keeping all food and beverages properly sealed or put up when on the road, don't cook meals when motoring that can make damaging stains, etcetera. In addition to, When you have kids, be certain to lay out a few ground rules.

5 - Return Your Rental On Time

Bringing back your recreational vehicle unit on time is most-valuable in holding your leasing expenses low and inexpensive. Tardy rentals might receive late fees. These late fees, should they exist, had better be defined in the recreational vehicle leasing document. If you recognize you're extending behind schedule and will be tardy, make certain to contact your recreational vehicle leasing company to inform them of your hold up as soon as possible.

As a review, recreational vehicle renters are encouraged to study each of their leasing choices, compare costs, soundly study through leasing contracts, use care, and bring back their RV rentals not late. These measures, when properly carried out, can not only help to improve the overall caliber of your following recreational vehicle journey, but they can also serve to restrain the expenses associated with that vacation reasonable.

Sponsored by: Malaysian Internet Marketer

Photo: http://www.fernwoodbigsur.com

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5 Tips For Leasing A Recreational Vehicle RV

ATVs are becoming increasingly popular with families and children, and the sport of quad riding can be a great pass time for families and friends alike. But there are many things to consider before you begin riding, especially if you have kids who are beginners. You would not allow your teenager to drive the family car without the proper training, and it is just as important to give children the proper training and preparation for all-terrain vehicles, even though they do not need to legally possess a license to operate one.

When you begin shopping for the right ATV for your child, be sure to consider the following: clearance between the ATV seat and the in-seam, how the upper-legs are positioned, foot length for correct braking, grip reach, throttle reach, and break reach. All of these concerns come down to control. The child should be able to control the ATV properly, without stretching or straining to reach anything. If the child does not fit comfortably on the ATV, then it is simply not the appropriate size. It might be tempting to buy an ATV that the child can "grow into" but it is not safe. Just be prepared to sell the used ATV when the child has grown out of it, or to pass it down to a younger child, friend, or relative......


There is a rough guideline for ATV size and the age of the rider. Children who are six and older can typically handle a 70 cc engine. Children twelve and older can handle a 90 cc engine. People sixteen and older can handle engines larger than 90 cc. Be sure that you do not put a child on an ATV that is too powerful the child to handle. That will lead to dangerous situations and bad accidents. You should also make sure the children are aware of just how much pressure is needed for the throttle and the brake to work properly before they do any off-roading.

Sponsored by: Malaysian Internet Marketer

Photo: http://atv.off-road.com

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Author: Alex Sutton has worked in the motorsports industry for nearly 11 years. For more information please visit ATVs

How to Find the Right ATV For Kids

Once you've made your investment in your ATV, you want to protect it, like any investment. People regularly perform minor maintenance to keep their cars in the best condition, as well as maintenance on their homes, their electronics, and anything else they own of value. All-terrain vehicles are no different, and like most things worth having, they need to have a little love! Here are some basic tips to protect your ATV and keep it in the best running and physical condition possible.

Before you begin any maintenance on the bike, you should be fed and rested. Your concentration and focus will diminish if you're hungry or exhausted. When concentration diminishes, accidents happen. You should always wash and inspect your ATV after riding it. When you detail the ATV (which is not necessary after every ride), you can use an old toothbrush to reach all the tiny little cracks and corners in the ATV. The inspection should include the brake pads, all fasteners and levers, and anything that might need a good dose of WD40. If you need to fix, secure, replace, or otherwise fiddle with anything, be sure to use the right tools......


Pay special care to the air filters and tires. The more you take care of your air filters, replacing as needed, the longer the engine will last. Your tires will last longer if they're not under-inflated. ATV tires can be leaky, and a tire without enough air pressure is a dangerous tire. If you check the ATV tires before and after a ride, you have a better chance of not getting caught with a flat. You should also remove and check the axle regularly. Be sure to oil the chain after each ride, and the oil will penetrate better if you remember to oil it while the chain is still a bit warm.

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Photo: http://www.zercustoms.com

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Tips to Keep Your ATV in Excellent Condition