My Ride

Have you heard of Drivewire?  They are the online Auto Parts specialists, covering all different brands including Ford Parts and Nissan Parts, as well as less regular brands such as Triumph, Oldsmobiles and Dodges.

The site is beautifully designed and it’s really easy to find exactly what you are looking for, including accessories of all kinds makes and styles.   There really is everything you need here from regular items to parts you might have expected to have to have ordered from only specialist suppliers at huge costs.

The site stocks performance parts as well as OEM parts, so whether you are looking for the  best or the most affordable, they really do have you covered.

One of the things I like most about the site is the profusion of different kits you can get.  Kits like Por Damper kits, sportline kits, pro system kits, alignment kits, and transmission filter kits make adding extras onto your car a breeze, ensuring that you have all the bits and pieces bought in the one go.  Dirvewire are authorized distributors of many of the brands they have listed online ensuring that you have the best backup available to you.

Why not check out the site and check them out.. you might just find the parts you are looking for!!

Van Insurance can often be a little confusing to those that have only ever insured a car. Cheap van insurance can prove to be a mistake, if you really require some of the extras that some policies offer.  So, where to start?  You can alway start at the real home of Auto Insurance, Motor Direct.  Being a a division of A-Plan Holdings, one of the UK’s largest independent insurance consultants,  they offer a service that is hard to beat!

UK Van insurance is available online via their site, and of course being a reputable company as well there is also a hotline you can call if you feel more comfortable talking to a real live person!

The site consolidates all of the best deals available out there for all kinds of auto insurance as well as fleet, home and life insurance, so hop on over there to check out the best deals available online for van insurance in the UK today.

It’s time to fess up.

You didn’t winterize your car and it really could have used some attention, especially with below freezing temperatures striking many parts of the country. Now what? The good news is that you’re not alone and it’s not too late. The Car Care Council reports that 70 percent of motorists don’t winterize their vehicles in preparation for winter. There’s still time though to have the battery, antifreeze, wipers and wiper fluid checked to help avoid “no starts” and breakdowns and ensure safety and visibility during harsh winter driving conditions.

    Very cold temperatures will reduce a vehicle’s battery power so it’s  important to keep the connections clean, tight and corrosion-free.  Unfortunately, batteries don’t always give warning signs before they fail completely. If your vehicle’s battery is three years old or more, it’s wise to replace it. When choosing a replacement, make sure the new one has adequate capacity for your exact make and model.

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Deep down, you know your car should be checked out before hitting the road for Spring Break, but with so many other things left to do, some folks put it off. Bad idea, says the Car Care Council, especially when motorists realize that in as little as 10 minutes, they can determine if their car is ready for long-distance travel.

The 10-minute pre-trip checkup recommended by the council includes the
following:
— Check all fluids, including engine oil, power steering and brake and transmission, as well as windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant.
— Check the hoses and belts that can become cracked, brittle, frayed, loose or show signs of excessive wear. These are critical to the proper functioning of the electrical system, air conditioning, power steering and the cooling system.
— Check the tires, including tire pressure and tread. Uneven wear indicates a need for wheel alignment. Tires should also be checked for bulges and bald spots.

“In a very short amount of time, motorists can identify how road-ready their vehicle is and then take steps to have the problems fixed before heading out for vacation,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “It’s a small sacrifice compared to the inconvenience and potential safety hazards of breaking down many miles away from home. Plus, if repairs or maintenance are needed, they can be done by a repair shop that knows you and your vehicle.”

The council also recommends that wipers and interior and exterior lighting on the vehicle be checked prior to a road trip, and that motorists restock their emergency kit. As a rule of thumb, wipers should be replaced every six months and lighting should be checked monthly.

To save on fuel costs during the trip, the council suggests that motorists avoid aggressive driving, observe the speed limit and avoid excessive idling. Gas caps that are damaged, loose or missing should be replaced to prevent gas from spilling or evaporating. The Car Care Council is the source of information for the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. For a copy of the council’s Car Care Guide or for more information, visit http://www.carcare.org.

After a long winter of potholes, salt and other elements attacking your tires, experts advise taking a close look at your tires now that spring is here. Tires are perhaps the most important safety feature on a vehicle, and neglected tires not only put the owners of a vehicle in danger, but other drivers on the road as well.

(See video from General Motors at: http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid713472605)

A survey by the Car Care Council found that 21 percent of cars and trucks had improperly inflated tires, and 16 percent were so worn they needed replacing. When it comes to replacing your tires, remember that the size of the tire is not the only consideration. The correct size alone does not mean that that tire is built for your kind of vehicle.

  There are as many as 20 different properties to a tire that can vary according to the needs of the vehicle it is designed for. For example, if you have an SUV and buy a tire that may be the size you need — but the tire was designed for a passenger car — your vehicle’s handling and performance will probably suffer. The tire will likely wear out faster, costing you money in the long run. It is highly advised that you read your owner’s manual closely or go back to your dealership to get the tires meant for your vehicle.

This summer’s headline-making heat wave is making automobiles fry and batteries fail.  Whether in the searing Southwest or sweltering East and Midwest, motorists should check the condition of their car batteries.

    “Contrary to what most people think, high heat is more brutal on a car battery than extreme cold,” says T.J. Coombs, vice president, general manager of Field Sales and Operations, GNB Technologies.  Atlanta-based GNB is the manufacturer of the Champion(R) automotive, marine, specialty and heavy duty battery lines.

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A new study by Carfax shows that waves of flood damaged cars are washing up in areas all across the country. Over the last five years, the number of waterlogged wrecks revealed by Carfax Vehicle History Reports has doubled nationwide. Furthermore, massive increases have occurred in numerous states. Individual state results can be found in the table below.

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It’s the time of year for potholes and chances are there’s one out there with your name on it. When you hit a pothole, it’s important to check the vehicle’s tires, wheels, steering and suspension, and alignment. Drivers can visually inspect tires and wheels for damage, but the Car Care Council recommends that a professional technician check out steering and suspension and alignment problems.

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Results of vehicle check-up events during Car Care Aware Fairs across the country in April and October 2006 revealed that nearly nine out of 10 vehicles need service or parts, underscoring the huge untapped DIY and DIFM sales opportunities for the automotive aftermarket, the Car Care Council reported today. The unsatisfactory condition of vehicles also reinforces the continued need for consumer education about the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair.

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