Archive for April, 2008
Antique cars have been used for several purposes. The term was used to identify an era in the history of automobile. It was a collective name used for the horseless carriage in the period 1880-1916. Today, however, the term is popularly used to refer to cars that are at least twenty-five years old. Although it is sometimes referred to as classic or vintage cars, they are not the same. Classic is a term for state of the art cars covering the period 1925-1948. Vintage cars on the other hand usually refer to the built of the car in the years 1919-1930.
The most valuable antique cars are seldom used as a regular mode of transportation because it is too expensive to operate. These cars are usually showcased in special events such as parades and car shows. If you are a car enthusiast, antique car collection will be a very exciting hobby. This will allow you to meet car aficionados all over the world and take pride with your collection. You can also get to see other car shows and pamper your eyes with the elegant display of different kinds of cars.
But there are those who do not buy antique car for the sole purpose of collection. Many consider purchasing an antique car as an investment. Many spend thousands of dollars to acquire one antique car. An antique car purchased today will possibly generate huge profit in the future. But this is not a guaranteed deal because there were periods such as in the early 1990s where the value of these cars declined. If you consider buying one as an investment, you have to be prepared with the changes in the market. Desired styles may change among others.
You can have an antique car even if you are running a budget, it can be really expensive but there are some tips you can follow to save a few bucks. Antique cars that collectors will usually go for are very expensive. In contrast, those that do not get much attention are cheaper. You can also look for twenty year old cars that need minor repairs. Cars that are not old enough to be considered antique are generally cheaper. You can also bargain for these cars and get the best price. You have to be patient though, because you will seldom find cars this old in good condition.
The value of any antique craft is unpredictable, as for cars, it is greatly influenced by the demand and supply relationship. Another aspect of valuing these cars is its condition. Value also depends on how well it was maintained. That is why most collectors have the technical knowledge of restoring a car. The quality of its restoration has also a great impact on its value.
The value of antique cars varies. If it is rare and in good condition, it will definitely cost much. On the other hand, those that do not fit the collectible category are relatively cheaper. Since it is not definite that these cars will generate good profit in the future, find something that you can enjoy. It will be more worthwhile that way.
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I’m sure if you’re reading this article, you drive a car and chances are you’re filling up with gas unless you’ve found some miraculous way to drive your car via another way. Regardless of how you get around, everyone loves to save money and when you see gas prices consistently rising to prices you don’t like to see, you can find creative ways to save on gas. So, instead of crying the next time gas hits four dollars a gallon, you can be jumping for joy when you save money unlike your friends.
Now, I’m here today to show you a few ways on how you can save on gas. Some of these tips you may want to implement and if some sound like they’d be too much work, that’s fine but remember this will all be time well spent and just think of all the money you’ll save in the future as well.
Switch your oils – Studies have shown that if you switch your current oil to synthetic oil, this can help reduce your gas mileage by just a little bit. Even if it is a little bit, remember that every little mile counts. The reason why synthetic oil works so well is because it reduces
the engine friction leaving you with better gas mileage.
Look at window films – If you live in a southern climate, you may find yourself using the air conditioner a lot. I’m sure you know by now that the air conditioner uses more gas. This means that if you can cut back on your air conditioning habits, you can reduce your gas bill. A great way to look into saving on your air conditioning is by investing in window films. These are simple films that wrap around the window making the inside of the car about ten to twenty degrees cooler than the outside. If you can reduce the temperature inside, this will lessen the chance of using your air.
Secure your gas cap – This may sound really silly but every time you fill up, make sure that you secure your gas cap. A good way of making sure your gas cap is secure is by turning it until it clicks three times. If you fail to do this, it can cause gas to vaporize into the air. This will be gas wasted that you could have used. The next time you fill up, make sure you secure the cap!
Lock your gas cap – This one won’t really save you on gas mileage but it can prevent theft. If you grab a gas lock for your tank, it will prevent thieves from stealing your gas. If a thieve sees a gas lock, he/she will most likely move onto the next target. To avoid something like this, simply go to your local auto parts store and look for one that fits your car model. You won’t want to wake up one morning and find your gas is all gone.
These are all just a few ways you can get better gas mileage and save on your next fill up. Remember, it’s also important that you drive responsibly and not drive to places you don’t need to go to. Plan your day accordingly and you should be as frugal as they come when it comes to gas.
Save on gas with gas cards and find more of Tom’s work at FINDgascards.
This week I was driving through whimsical countryside, with the leaves sweeping past my windscreen just as the road did the same and all was right with the world. Suddenly a shadow was cast over my beloved car and as I dared peak into my rear-view mirror I asked myself “What’s that coming over the hill?” It was indeed a monster, in the form of a Chelsea tractor, piloted by none other than a life sized Barbie that was just a plastic. As she applied her makeup – presumably for Ken, the thought of driving seemed like an added bonus, the hand stitched hide of what appeared to be a white tiger lavished over the empty child seat next her. And then she was gone.
This got me thinking. Barbie is your typical 4×4/SUV driver aka the school run mum that sees driving over a pebble as going off road. Well I hear you 4×4ers cry: “we’re not all like that”. I do believe there are those of you out of there that do need off-roaders and there is a simple way to show yourselves – buy a Jeep Wrangler. Oh yes, by purchasing Chrysler/Jeep’s Wrangler, you say to every other wannabe off-roader that you are the real deal and the school run is a thing of the past – unless the school is atop Everest.
Heritage is a key component to standing out from the crowd and the Jeep Wrangler has it in spades. So what heritage then - motor racing? No. Italian flair? No. Helping protect the world from evil? Um, yes actually.
Produced by Chrysler and marketed under the ‘Jeep’ moniker, the Wrangler is derived from the CJ (Civilian Jeep) the go anywhere, do anything utility vehicle made famous throughout World War II, as it helped allied troops immeasurably against German invaders. Launched in 1987, the first generation Wrangler featured four wheels (five if you count the steering wheel), a drop top, large ground clearance and a roll cage. I’m really not skimping on detail, that was about it. Put simply, the reason why the civilian production version was as-near-as-makes-no-difference the same as the army’s’ version was because, like the military version it was designed to go off road and off road alone.
Perhaps in a misguided move, Jeep launched the Schwarzenegger sounding ‘Renegade’ derivative of the Wrangler in 1991. However the company miss-read it’s key demographic and offered it’s hardcore, off road customer base ‘luxuries’ such as floor mats (front only), a locking glove box, engine lights and cup holders. If these features didn’t alienate their customers with uselessness, the extra $7,000 (£3,500) price tag did. The Renegade sold poorly and was decommissioned in 1994, a year before the standard model gave way to it’s younger brother – the generation two Wrangler.
A key change was Jeep making the new Wrangler available in right hand drive as the company sought to expand its global market. Style wise, it paid heavy homage to its World War II compatriot, with circular headlights a welcome return from the much maligned square monstrosities on the Mk1. The new Jeep also featured a relatively civilised coil spring suspension – if civilised is Mike Tyson biting your ear off. Admittedly, the Wrangler was more manageable on the tarmac but wisely, Jeep didn’t compromise it’s off road performance. A few additions such as a radio and the updating of the interior design were also welcomed, without softening the Jeep too much.
On the back of the successful Mk2, the current generation three offering was launched merely months ago and has been criticised for being too large compared to the military hero it is derived from. Personally I think the Wrangler has grown up and is now a true contender to the likes of Range Rover, the BMW X5 and Porsche Cayenne. To help with this, anti-lock brakes make an appearance 20 years too late, traction control appears seven years too late and Jeep are about on par with introducing Satellite Navigation. Ok, so the Wrangler may not be as good to drive on the road as an X5 or Cayenne, but its ultra reliable (the US postal service uses them extensively) and it’ll still do the ugly off-road stuff with a grin on its face, whilst the Porsche struggles with a broken nail. Plus it’s about $10000000000000000 (£100000000) cheaper.
The latest edition is also available for military use – complete with a snorkel so the engine can breathe underwater (seriously). Jeep then have not watered down the Wrangler but with a slight measure of creature comforts it’s a serious contender for the best 4×4 you can buy.
I’ve seen the latest Barbie motoring range - Ken’s cramped and his hair is blown around. She’s been beaten and she’s back in the sports car.
The automotive journalist Ieuan Knox has written about cars for many years and over that time has developed a love of the Jeep. Ieuan is currently working to promote the Cheap Chrysler Jeep web site. A web site which provides high quality Chrysler and Jeep cars at discount prices.
Imagine how would you feel having obtained 6-8 miles per gallon in your very car? This can be definitely distressing, especially when you think of the cost of fuel nowadays. Despite this scenario, most of the professional semi truck drivers believe that increasing fuel mileage is extremely significant.
For semi truck drivers, obtaining 6-8 miles per gallon essentially means a significant efficiency of their truck’s running condition. On the contrary, for those who only acquire 4 miles per gallon are required for some changes since these truckers are basically wasting way their money. This article will discuss 5 ways to increase your fuel mileage for you big rig.
Relatively, truckers who drive for a certain company don’t need to become too apprehensive on the fuel cost or on the number of gallons they obtain per mile since they are paid anyhow based on the quantity of miles they steer. Owner operators however, need to give particular solid consideration to such statistics since they need to take in all the expenses for their individual fuel. Most often, this expense can be nearly as 40% gross revenue monthly.
Specifically, both the wind and heaviness of the load you are carrying are but some of the many factors affecting the fuel mileage of your semi truck. Unfortunately, these factors are basically beyond anyone’s control. Similarly, the cost of fuel for every gallon is a concern that is also both uncontrollable and unpredictable even. However, there can still be ways to help you increase fuel mileage that don’t require high cost to carry them out. These helpful measures are as follows.
•Maintain an acceptable or an appropriate weight of your semi truck. Avoid placing too much accessories that only add unnecessary additional weight on your trailer thus increasing fuel usage.
•Regularly check the amount of air in the truck’s tires to make sure that each tire contains just enough amount of air. Get the tire repaired or replaced immediately at the first sight of an incessant air leak.
•Check also the amount of air resistance you are maneuvering against. Air resistance is basically the amount of air that moves underneath your truck. Apparently, too much air indicates means struggling against a great resistance while steering down the road. There are however specially designed pieces that you can use to reduce or cut air resistance.
•Try out some new hybrid model of semi trucks now available on the market. These models definitely are saving money since they operate on solar power during daytime. Fuel is only consumed when energy cells ran out of stored solar power or if the sun already has gone down.
•Choose a relatively lighter truck over a heavier one. Basically, the heavier the truck is the further amount of fuel it requires for it to be steered.
Applying these various measures to increasing fuel mileage in your semi truck can really be helpful. Not only are you able to save money, but have made your truck to run efficiently on the road.
Matthew Storie is an author for www.urban-neon-car-lights.com. He provides more information on 12 volt automotive switches, semi truck accessories, and car fuses on this website.





