Snow Tires: Do I Need Snow Tires?

Snow Tires: Do I Need Snow Tires?
By Theodore Olson

With all of today’s traction control and stability control systems, and front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, and four-wheel drive vehicles, it can be a bit confusing when trying to decide the value and importance of snow tires. Following is an easy-to-read break down of 10 rules.

Rule 1: regardless of traction electronics a vehicle has, in the snow, it boils down to rubber-meets-the-road-traction

Rule 2: traction comes from your tires gripping the road. No grip, no traction. Traction is important not just for stability, but steering, braking, and propulsion. It's a biggy!

Rule 3: some all-season tires are adequate in the snow, many are not. Various tires that are “rated” all-season have sport tire attributes, and are inadequate in the snow—even dangerous. SUVs with sport tires (DUBS) run into this scenario quite often.

Rule 4: the best all-season tire is not better in the snow than a premium snow tire

Rule 5: all season tires can stiffen in cold weather—stiff tires, less traction

Rule 6: snow tires really do make a noticeable difference

Rule 7: replace all four to maximize safety. Replacing only two encourages unequal traction, which leads to loss of control. In fact, replacing just two is often more dangerous

Rule 8: snow tires will feel/ride differently, but nothing like the days of knobby, studded-snow tires. Tire technology has come a long way, and there are many snow tires on the market that ride beautifully

Rule 9: consider a rim and tire package. It makes swapping to your snows a breeze

Rule 10: you don’t have to use snow tires. In a safe area, try driving on your regular tires in the snow. If you’re all over the road, get some snows. If your car feels fine, great. Save your money!

These comments are intended as a general guide. Refer to your owner’s manual for particular vehicle requirements.

-Theodore P. Olson (Ted)

Maintenance Time Saver

Ted holds extensive certifications from Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, General Motors, ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) and more. Over a twenty-year period in the automotive service industry, he has served as a technician, shop foreman, shop manager, shop owner, service advisor, service manager, and service industry consultant.

Other Works by Ted Olson Include:

• ARREST the Automotive Service Industry!


• Maintenance Myths: A Step-by-Step Guide to STOP Getting Ripped Off!


• Auto Repair: The Shocking Truth About Who's Ripping You Off and Why!


• Automotive Service Pricing Strategies—a fair pricing guide for service centers


• Being the Best—a comprehensive customer service handbook for service advisors


• Service Center Personnel—an auto repair informational for general service staff


• Service Mission Statement—a philosophical proposal to improve customer service

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Theodore_Olson

Are Your Car Tires Safe?

Are Your Car Tires Safe?
By Joseph Kenny

Do you know most of the car accidents are caused because of one or the other fault in the car tires? Most of the car accident reimbursement that the car owners have to pay to the accident victims or the loss they have to incur in terms of insurance money they get is all due to fault in car tires. So, when you go out to buy a car then with all the factors like performance, brand, price, appearance, comfort, and maybe even safety, do consider the performance and integrity of the car tires as well. Even if you own a pre-owned car do make sure that your car tires are in good condition and match your car type, the kind of use it is put to and the geographical demand of the area where you live.

Reliable Tires
Remember different kinds of vehicle require different kinds of tires. So, you must do some research on your car type and its matching tire type. Do not trust the previous owner if you are buying a used car. Make sure it has compatible car tires. Tires are good for varying conditions, last for varying lengths of time, and cost varying amounts to replace. You must know what type of car tires would work the best in your area. Conditions such as extreme heat, frequent rain or snow, or heavy winter weather are some to consider when you are looking to purchase tires, or to purchase a vehicle with its unique tire needs.

Savings

Buying the appropriate tires for your car ensures lowered risk of mishap thus, lower insurance premium. Again for special usage cars such as racecars you can get a good insurance premium value if you make sure you use tires specifically made for such cars. High performance tires may cost more than the normal tires but using them saves a lot of money. Driving on tires with worn-out tread can be extremely dangerous, especially in severe weather conditions. If any accident is caused in such conditions you will not only loose money in insurance but also have pay from your pocket to reimburse for the damage caused by your car and to your car. Different vehicles need different tires and also come with different insurance rates charged by different companies that insure you and your vehicle under different amounts. Thus, make sure your car tires are safe so that you are saved from insurance hassles later on.


Joseph Kenny is the webmaster of the insurance site http://www.insure121.com/ where you will find information, news and links to the leading providers of car insurance in the UK.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_Kenny

Still Filing Your Car's Tires With Air?

Nitrogen May Help Save Motorists Money

BOSTON -- In the world of car tires, there may be a change in the air. It seems air might not be the best thing to pump into them.

NewsCenter 5's Jim Boyd reported Thursday that those who deal with cars everyday said one of the key ways motorists can save gas is by paying attention to the rubber that hits the road.

"Forty percent of the tires that are on the road are underinflated, and that kills the gas mileage," auto technician Jim Lahaise said.

Lahaise said that motorists could check inside the driver's...

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Old Vs. New Cars

Buying New Vs. Used Cars
By Mantius Cazaubon

New vs used. Which car is right for you? Consider the following.

Owning a brand new car is exciting. But financially speaking, it makes more sense to buy a used car. As soon as you drive a new car off the lot, it loses a great portion of its value. This is because your car is no longer “new”.

New cars lose about 40% of their value within 3 years, then depreciation starts to slow down. Why not buy a used car and allow someone else to take that depreciation hit?

The previous owner will have absorbed the steepest part of the depreciation cycle. At that point the costs of owning and operating the car will be reduced. The money you save on depreciation will surely go a long way.

Another benefit of buying used is lower cost. By buying used you pay less. You will also save on financing costs, insurance premiums, registration and licensing fees. You don’t have to worry about paying sales tax.

As with everything else there are a few downsides to buying a used car. There are greater chances for costly unwarranted repairs. You may very soon have to do major maintenance on your car, including replacing tires, battery, brakes, muffler, and perhaps even the transmission.

A used car is usually less reliable. You don’t know exactly what you’re getting into and how the previous owner treated the car. However, every situation is different and some used models may actually be far more reliable than some new ones.

If you can pay cash, go the new car way. Enjoy the feeling of knowing you're the original owner of a new car in mint condition. Nothing can replace that feeling.

Otherwise do not hang your hat higher than you can reach. Practice financial prudence. Save your money and comfort yourself knowing that one day you will be able to afford that dream car. One day when money is no object.


Mantius Cazaubon offers a guide geared towards helping you find the best deals on reliable parts and accessories for your automobile at http://www.toyota-parts-guide.com. Visit Toyota Parts Guide for auto parts savings.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mantius_Cazaubon

New Honda Civic SI

2006 Honda Civic Si: Automotive Innovation at Its Best
By Jenny McLane


Designed as an "Advanced Personal Compact," the next-generation Si will incorporate flowing bodywork, a steeply angled windshield, and wide stance to suggest stability and forward motion. The new Si will be the fastest and most powerful Civic offered in its twenty-year history. The 2006 Civic lineup, launching this fall, will include a 4-door Sedan, a 2-door Coupe and Si Coupe, an even more fuel efficient Civic Hybrid and a natural-gas powered Civic GX.

The Civic Si Concept builds on its performance heritage with a 200-horsepower, 16-valve, and DOHC i-VTEC engine with an 8,000-rpm red line, mated to a close ratio 6-speed manual transmission. Helping to put all that power to the ground is a helical-type limited slip differential for improved launch traction and cornering performance.
A 200-horsepower 16-valve i-VTEC engine powers the 2006 Si. Honda sources indicate that next-generation i-VTEC technology will have significant gains in performance and fuel economy. A six-speed transmission will give drivers manual control of shift points up to the engine's redline of 8000 rpm, and a helical-type limited-slip differential will enhance traction and cornering ability.

The Si Concept includes performance features such as 18-inch cast aluminum wheels with 225/40R high performance tires, and 4-wheel disc brakes with large cross-drilled brake rotors. "The 2006 Civic Si Coupe will be the most powerful, fastest and fun-to-drive Si we've ever put on the street, and the Civic Si Concept sets the direction in terms of its styling, package and performance," said John Mendel, senior vice president of American Honda. "It's part of a new family of Civic vehicles that build on the already class-leading values of the Civic in terms of safety, styling, performance and fuel efficiency."

This new production Civic Si Coupe will serve as the performance leader for the 2006 Civic model lineup, which will be completely redesigned. The 2006 Civic will feature more emotional styling, enhanced performance, and the latest generation of "intelligent" i-VTEC engine technology.


One of the leading Honda Parts suppliers is Parts Train. They offer high quality aftermarket Honda auto parts at guaranteed lowest prices. Simply browse at http://www.partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/HONDA and you have access to one of the largest Honda auto parts wholesalers in the United States. Parts Train offers a variety of aftermarket and replacement Honda car parts including radiators, fog lights, tail lights, air filter, Honda engine parts and many other Honda replacement parts. Parts Train's very friendly and efficient customer service staff will be waiting for your enquiries.

Jenny McLane is a 36 year old native of Iowa and has a knack for research on cars and anything and everything about it. She works full time as a Market Analyst for one of the leading car parts suppliers in the country today.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jenny_McLane