Selling A Classic! The Ferrari 375 Goes To Auction

There has been widespread excitement throughout the sports car industry just recently, as it has been announced that an extremely rare Ferrari 357 racing car renowned for a string of wins at famous races during the 1950s will be sold at auction where it is expected to sell for a whopping ten million pounds! The Ferrari 375 is due to go under the hammer at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in Chichester, West Sussex, on June 27. But why is there so much fuss over just one car? Well, this was no ordinary Ferrari. Here are some of the reasons why this iconic car is so revered.

The Ferrari 375’s greatest victories 

This strikingly red Ferrari was one of the fastest and most powerful sports cars in the world when it was manufactured in the early 50s. With a 4.9-litre 330bhp V12 the car stormed to victory at both the Le Mans and Silverstone tournaments in 1954. Although the most iconic win the car achieved was when Italian diver Umberto Maglioli won the 2000 mile Carrera Pan-Americana road race in 1954, where he clocked up an average speed of 150mph.

There were only four versions of this 375 built and this was the first. All of these Ferraris were exclusive racing cars that were only driven by the most experienced and revered of drivers. However, a domestic version of the vehicle was custom made for the King of Belgium.

The Ferrari 375’s post-racing days

When this particular model was retired from racing during the 60s it unsurprisingly became a much sought after collectible amongst sports car enthusiasts all love the world. It was a proud addition to several collections before being purchased by Ferrari importer Jacques Swaters in the 90s. As a close associate of Enzo Ferrari, Swaters decided to restore the vehicle to its past splendour, and even allowed it to be raced as part of the Le Mans Classic race on two occasions. Swaters died three years ago and his family have now decided to auction the car.  There will be no questioning the legitimacy of the Ferrari as its unique chassis number remains on the model.  

Auctioning the Ferrari 357

It is widely believed that due to the car’s iconic status it will reach an eight-figures sum, easily giving it the title of most expensive Ferrari car ever sold at auction. Industry insiders have observed the significance that this auction will have for Ferrari and indeed the whole motoring world.

Philip Kantor, a motoring expert at Bonhams auctioneers states: 'this is a very special car…it has participated in some of the world's greatest racing events driven by some of the world's best drivers…it is being sold without reserve and we expect it to fetch at least 10 million pounds which would be a world record for a racing Ferrari at auction.'

Will the vehicle reach the high sums of money that the industry expects of it? Well, when the auction takes place on June 27 we’ll find out. Bidders are expected to come from across the globe, with particular interest being expressed by collectors from India and China.

Liam Brennan is a blogger and sports car enthusiast. He reccomends DriveMe.co.uk for arranging all Ferrari driving experiences.

Read More...

4 Benefits Of Hiring A Car Rental For A Dubai Safari

Dubai safari is a prevalent travellerdestination that pulls in visitor from everywhere throughout the planet. When you need to capitalize on your trip then you might as well think about luxury car rental in Dubai. Going for a private luxury vehicle will help you investigate and appreciate the city at your own particular pace.

The benefits of hiring car rental services for Dubai safari are as follows:

1.     Dubai safari’s brilliant roads and street connectivity makes it a place that is best encountered on wheels. As the city is thronged by sightseers throughout the entire year, it is prescribed that you book you luxury car rental in Dubai safari ahead of time. This won't just help you get the vehicle as per your requirement, instead help you select from what is accessible in the most recent moment. However you will likewise have the option to get your car rental bookings at extraordinary arrangements. There are mixtures of armada choices, extending from luxury vehicles to economy cars that you can browse. Some other car service suppliers offer vehicles for gathering travel. Apart from this they offer driver services, hangar pickup and drop, and so forth.

2.     You might as well ideally employ car rental services for your accommodation as you may need to cover long separations in less time. Utilize the accompanying tips when picking luxury car rental in Dubai.

·         Pick a vehicle hinging on your terminus, assuming that you are taking off of the city towards the desert land on a safariand then pick aluxurious SUV.

·         For taxing day journeys inside the city, pick a vehicle with different that incorporate reviving beverages from the car icebox.

3.     When you are not in your nation, it is dependably great to ask for driver driven services to guarantee security. Dubai safari activity laws and regulations are totally diverse and the lawful transactions in the occasion of mishaps are truly stringent. Keeping in mind the end goal to keep away from these irritates, it is best to book driver services when picking luxury car rental in Dubai. Employing escorts will likewise save travel time as neighborhood drivers might be more acquainted with the streets and city connectivity.

4.     An alternate critical thing you have to know before procuring any car employ in Dubai safari car rental is the Salik framework. Salik is an Arabic word which implies clear/open and it indicates the electronic ringing arrangement of Dubai safari. This framework has supplanted the toll authorities and toll stations at different focuses and it permits immediate toll finding of AED 4 through the RFID engineering. This measure is to be exposed by the possessor of the vehicle and you will be approached for this when you will furnish a proportional payback to the rental car for Dubai safari.

With car rental services for Dubai safari, you will always be availing the best cash for car service in the world – all because of the luxury and the comfort of the service provides. If you want to learn, more details please visit http://www.nationalcarcenter.com/ .

Author Bio:

Javrose is a travel content writer working from last four years in the same area. She is keen to write about different destinations and travelling experiences. Her focus area is Dubai and is very interested to highlight the great marvels of the city in her writings. She is currently writing for Asia Pacific Travel and Tourism, a Dubai based company that is making an effort to provide a luxurious journey to visitors. 

Read More...

Having Car Trouble? Find Out What's Wrong With Your Vehicle Using These Apps

Not all car owners are lucky enough to be blessed with the ability to easily identify what's troubling their car. Most people need to develop their problem solving capabilities so that they'll be able to properly spot and resolve their car troubles. But you have probably experienced being really stumped about why your car won't start even though everything seems to be okay and in place. This is the time when you'll probably need a little help. Instead of calling an expert, maybe you can check out these car apps that can help you diagnose and deal with your car problems. Not only will you save a few bucks, but you'll also learn more about the inner workings of your vehicle.

o Car Trouble (Free)

Is your vehicle producing weird noises? Have you noticed a strange odor emanating from your car? Are you curious about the wet puddle underneath your car? These are only some of the more common symptoms of car trouble that might not be very serious, which means that you could easily resolve the issue without having to spend thousands of dollars. The Car Trouble app can help diagnose common car problems. You only need to answer a series of questions, and it will give you suggestions. In addition, it isn't an app that just focuses on one brand of car. Here, you'll find solutions to troubles that are making your Ford, Jaguar or Hyundai vehicle less efficient. Download it for free and begin using it to your advantage.

o FUZZYCar ($4.99)

Do you ever wish that your car could talk to you and tell you all its problems? This app is the closest thing to having a "talking" car. The app connects with a vehicle's diagnostic computer and links this with the Internet using a WiFi scanner (sold separately) and your smartphone. This makes it easier for you to check your vehicle's overall health, so to speak. Using this app, you'll be able to assess several automobile features, such as engine coolant temperature, fuel pressure, and many more. Plus, if you are having car trouble, as indicated by the blinking "Check Engine" light, the app will automatically alert individuals that you have specified. Hence, you'll get the help you need even before you make a call.

o MobileMechanic ($4.99)

Like the Car Trouble app, MobileMechanic helps you identify the source of common car problems. You'll need to answer a few prompts and it'll provide you with the best possible solutions. It has many other very useful inclusions too. It has a "Find A Mechanic" feature which directs you to the nearest car repair shop in case the app fails to diagnose the problem. What you should remember about dealing with automobile problems is that you should know when to give up. Avoid trying to fix a serious problem on your own because driving a defective vehicle will endanger you and others. This constitutes negligence, and, as stated by Pulgini & Norton, such cases are often classified as personal injury, wherein the victim can sue you for his suffering and injuries.

o RepairPal (Free)

This award-winning app is free and it is packed with a lot of nifty features. You can use this to track repairs so that you'll know what needs to be done next and when. Remember that a well-maintained vehicle enhances road safety. The app will also help you get road assistance when you need it, and it will direct you to the nearest car shop for repair and maintenance. If you are having car trouble, use the app to determine the repairs that need to be done and find out how these will cost you. RepairPal provides a pretty good estimate; so, you'll be more aware of the possible costs once you get your car to a shop.

Citations:

• fauxto_digit. "Car Trouble". March 15, 2009. Online image. Flickr. January 22, 2014.

Claire Taylor is a freelance writer who often blogs about car maintenance issues and personal injury. Her articles have been published in several websites.

Read More...

Caravans For Sale - Selling Tips For The Unexperienced Seller

Every caravan owner in the world will eventually want to sell their caravan. This can be for an array of reasons which include wanting to upgrade to a newer or larger model. Many times people want to upgrade because they no longer can get enough use from it which does not warrant holding on to it. However, regardless of your reasons you will want to get the best deal i.e. the highest price. Below we look at a few tips which should help you get the best possible price. The one thing you always need to keep in mind when selling anything is to be honest, this will help to prevent disputes later on.

Dealer versus doing it yourself

Before you can put your caravan on the market you need to decide if you want to sell it on your own or via a dealer. Whichever option you end up with make sure that the caravan is in the best condition. To do this get it inspected by a caravan mechanic. Let them take a look and fix whatever they think is wrong with it. Make sure that it also looks good cosmetically. This will aid you in commanding a higher price. 

Clean it thoroughly

Clean the caravan thoroughly both on the outside and inside. The first impression will go a very long way and if the potential buyer is impressed with his or her first look there is a good chance they will buy it.

Carry out required maintenance

Source: Dick Penn, cc-by-3.0, flickr

Before you put your caravan on the market make sure to carry out minor maintenance procedures like fixing the electrics and the plumbing. If there is an issue that you currently know of it needs to be fixed right away. The brakes and tires need to be in good condition, if the tires look worn then get a set of new ones.

Selling privates

If you have decided to sell your caravan privately there are a number of places where you can advertise it. The more advertisements you put up the higher your chances of getting buyers to contact you. When speaking personally to potential buyers either over the phone or in person you should be honest and very helpful. The idea is to answer their questions as best as possible because if the buyer even thinks that you may be hiding something it will arise some suspicion and they may not buy.

Allow them to inspect the caravan

When they are looking at your caravan they should put up the tables and beds etc. in order to be able to gauge the conditions of the vehicle themselves. That said if the vehicle is in good condition then you have nothing to worry about.

Be careful

When dealing with buyers you need to be careful about scams. There are a few people who prey on first time caravan sellers. When advertising your caravans for sale there are a few things you need to avoid. Try to arrange a meeting in your home and ideally have someone with you when you show the buyer around. Always get the names and addresses of the people in order to be able to check exactly how they may be.

Too good to be true

You need to be aware of buyers who surprisingly offer you much more than the asking price. Be very suspicious with such buyers. Also, be wary of people who try to buy your caravan from abroad or say they may give you money prior to even checking out the caravan. In 80% of the cases these are scams.

Take electronic payment

Perhaps the safest way to sell a caravan is to accept electronic payments or via a check because then you’ll have to wait for it to be cleared. Bank transfers and electronic payments are traceable as opposed to cash transactions and will go on record which is good for you.

If you do take cash you should strongly inspect the cash you take prior to allowing the buyer to go off with the caravan. Draw a formal receipt or a good sales agreement template that the buyer and you sign this will provide proof of your exchange.

About Author:

Manu Alias is an independent caravan sales person. He works as a caravan dealer running his own dealership based on Sydney. His caravans for sale are often ones that were used commercially. Mark also runs a number of his own caravans transporting goods. 

Read More...

Plan Your Next Trip: Sturgis Motorcycle Rally - Lodging and Activities

Motor Cycle Rally
Source: Wikimedia

Sturgis Motorcycle Rally; three words any biker loves to hear. It is bucket list item and dream for almost every biker.  Whether you are attending Sturgis Bike Rally for the first time or the fifth time, planning out your trip will help make things easier and stress-free. Over half a million bikers attended the rally last year in 2013, packing out over 5 blocks of main street solid with strictly bikes alone. That’s a whole lot of people on and around bikes.

Lodging

The first step to planning your trip out is reserve lodging. You can’t assume that you are going to travel all the way to South Dakota and expect to find any sort of available lodging within a 15-20 mile radius, the day before the rally starts. Make those reservations as soon as possible. There are Bed & Breakfasts, Hotel, Motels, Cabins, Cottages, Campgrounds and RV parks that are within a great distance of the rally. You can check out a full list of lodging possibilities at: http://www.sturgismotorcyclerally.com/lodging/categories/

You will also be able find nearby attractions, activities and shopping if interested on the same link, since we all know that some of you bikers out there, will be bringing the wives and girlfriends along. So make sure you have room in those saddlebags for all your souvenirs.

Activities

Once you have your lodging sorted out and booked, you now have a “home base” where you can make the rest of your plans around. Of course you can’t just travel to Sturgis just to go bar hopping and hang out within 5 blocks…unless that is what you want, by all means go right ahead. If that gets old within a day or two go explore! Ride that steel horse! That’s why you bought it, right? The entire rally from start to finish is 7 days long so there is obviously plenty to do and tons to see and enjoy from the local biker bar to Mount Rushmore.

Here are a few stops that you can add to your trip itinerary:

Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame - http://www.sturgismuseum.com/

Sturgis Mayor’s Ride to Mount Rushmore - http://www.sturgismotorcyclerally.com/events/view-event/id/547

SD Bear Butte State Park -  http://gfp.sd.gov/state-parks/directory/bear-butte/

And of course, you cannot forget to stop by the world famous Black Hills Sturgis Harley Davidson. Check them out at:

http://www.blackhillshd.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3&Itemid=123

Remember when planning your trip, safety first! If you are coming from any other state, of course each state has different laws when it comes to safety gear, rules and other motorcycle regulations. You can check out all the laws by state at the American Motorcycle Association. You have probably been waiting all year long for the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, let’s just make sure you, and your passengers, get there safe and sound.

You can find out more of the ins and outs of the entire Sturgis Motorcycle Rally at: http://www.sturgismotorcyclerally.com/. You can even get a full eBook Sturgis Guide 2014 at http://www.sturgisrallysite.com/. Don’t forget to go on Facebook and like Sturgis at https://www.facebook.com/sturgisrally. Have fun and stay safe!

Today's post was written by Catriona McBain, blog writer for AttorneysForBikers.com. She is an avid writer with a passion for motorcycles.

Read More...

Top 5 Car Safety Features - Seat Belt | Air Bags and More!

Car Safety
Source: Wikipedia

Car safety is a constant area of growth and improvement on vehicles.  More and more features are being added every year to help prevent accidents and personal injury.  The ANCAP performs crash test ratings and awards a certain vehicle one through five stars on its overall rating.  When shopping for a car you should always look for one that has a five star rating, as it could save your life.

Car safety features may include things such as early warning devices, harnessing like seat belts to protect your body in a crash, and even visual aids such as mirrors and cameras to make the driver more aware of his or her surroundings.  A combination of all of these helps to prevent accidents from occurring and also keep the driver safe in the occurrence of an accident.  Some of the most important safety features will be discussed in the following.

Seat Belt

The most common feature that comes standard on all cars currently produced is the seat belt.  This device by itself can save your life and is so important that it has become a law everywhere in the United States to wear it.  Built with two straps, one placed around your hips and one diagonally around your torso, the safety belt will prevent your body from impacting the vehicle and causing serious damage to your body.  In a car crash there are two impacts, when your vehicle impacts another object and when your body impacts the inside of the vehicle.  When safety belts are worn properly they are the single most important safety feature in any vehicle and come standard for that reason.

Air Bags

Another important safety feature and a newer technology are air bags.  Early on these were only built into the steering wheel and dash board for frontal impact accidents.  These will prevent the driver and front passenger from slamming their face into the steering wheel or dash board.  Now cars build them into the side door panels and all over the vehicle to provide a cocoon of protection all the way around your body.  Because they can be a safety hazard for infants and young children cars now have the option to turn off the front passenger airbag.

Anti-lock Brakes

A safety feature built into the mechanics of the vehicle is anti-lock braking.  Anti-lock braking does just what it sounds like, prevents your brakes from gripping the wheel so tight that it will cause your car to slide.  When you need to stop very quickly the rubber you have on the road is the only thing that will slow you down.  If you allow for your tires to be held static they will tend to break their friction and allow your vehicle to slide.  Anti-lock brakes will release and squeeze your wheels to prevent this from happening.

Mirrors and Cameras

Two features I will bundle together as one category are rear view cameras and rear and side view mirrors.  All of these will give the driver a much better perspective on their surroundings and help prevent an accident or running into an object or person.  Side view mirrors now come with a light built into them to alert the driver that an object is in their blind spot to caution them.  Rear view cameras help to give a better view of what is directly behind the vehicle and are great for use in larger trucks and SUV’s. 

Horn

Finally a feature that may sometimes be overlooked but can be just as important is your horn.  Instead of serving as a reactionary device or a means of protection this is a way to alert other drivers of your presence and help to give an early warning to potentially prevent an accident.  In addition to visual warnings it is best to utilize all of the body’s senses and also have an audible way to help provide more safety for drivers.

This article was written by Nick Quinlan, member of the RueZiffra.com blog team. Nick is an experienced writer who enjoys covering various topics.

Read More...

Distracted Driving: The Common Deadly Danger You Overlook

Car
Source: Jason Weaver, cc-by-3.0, flickr

Most people fear one thing or another, whether its clowns, spiders or even airplanes. But there is one daily activity that is more deadly than all of those fears combined: driving. More often than not this already dangerous part of your day is made worse by the numerous distractions drivers face. Multi-tasking is the game in this day and age, but the last thing anyone should be doing while driving is diverting their attention from the road. Keep reading for eye-opening statistics that will make you think twice before you go to send that text or grab a french fry while behind the wheel.

The Deadly Distraction

Distracted driving is defined as any activity that could divert a person's attention away from the primary task of driving. All distractions endanger driver, passenger, and bystander safety. The most common problem that we face today with distracted driving is text messaging. Text messaging completely takes your attention away from the road. You need to look at your phone, think about something other than what you are doing now (driving), find who you want to text, and so on. By the time you have done all this and look back up at the road, you may find yourself in oncoming traffic or in a ditch on the side of the road. Other popular distractions include talking on your cell phone, eating, and using your navigation system.

It Can Always Wait

Now lets think about this for a second. Are you really in that big of a rush that you cannot wait a few minutes to text someone? Are you that hungry that you cannot wait to get home to open up your fast food bag and indulge in your super sized french fries and big mac? The answer should be no. You should never be too busy to be safe. It always makes sense to wait and be safe.

A study shows that the number of people killed in distraction-related crashes was at 3,328 in 2012. The same study also showed that an estimated 421,000 people were harmed in motor accidents involving a distracted driver. This is no small number here folks. This is a huge problem that needs to be fixed. It is simple to fix too: people just need to understand the dangers of distracted driving and fix their bad habits. Most states have already  implemented laws which prohibit you from using a cell phone while driving. One of the smartest laws to date in my opinion.

Conclusion

So next time you are driving, make sure that you think about what you are doing before you actually DO it. If you find yourself driving and text messaging someone you should immediately put your phone down. As stated above, it is not only dangerous but also against the law. If you are one of the people who finds themselves eating in the car, talking on the phone or just rushing to get stuff done while driving in general, you need to set a better plan for yourself. Leave yourself enough time in the day so that you do not need to mix other activities in with driving. If you follow these simple steps and remember that it always important to wait a few minutes to make that call or text, you should have no distractions on the road and be well on your way to becoming a safer driver!

This article was written by Colin Quinn.  Colin is a content creator for Rue, Ziffra & Caldwell who are local attorney's in the Daytona Beach area. 

Read More...

Crossovers And The Popularity Curve - An Option For Families

Blue Car
Source: Moyan_Brenn, cc-by-3.0, Flickr

During the late 1990s SUVs (sports utility vehicles) really took off. More and more began to be seen on the roads of Europe and America. With their outwardly rugged exteriors and four-wheel drive systems, these vehicles offered the perfect option for those who lived out in the sticks, those who regularly found themselves navigating tough off-road terrains, or simply needed a little bit of extra interior space to accommodate the kids and the rest of the family.

However, they’re not exactly the most fuel efficient vehicles in the world. And at a time where fuel prices and carbon dioxide emissions are more under the radar than ever, lots have people have switched their attentions towards an alternative – a slightly more fuel efficient and environmentally friendly option. The crossover SUV.

Being the relatively new term that it is causes much confusion amongst motorists. However, it’s used to describe a vehicle built onto the platform of a car that provides the typical body features you’d get on an SUV.

Yes, its development, as a type of car, has made it difficult for motoring journalists and drivers – it’s no longer possible to simply assign cars to the old coupe, convertible, city car categories of old. But it’s also brought about a great number of welcome benefits for those fortunate enough to be the owner of one.

The popularity of crossovers can be discerned in the fact that almost all car manufacturers produce at least one crossover vehicle in their range. Swedish manufacturer Volvo, for example, offers its XC60 SUV Crossover, Vauxhall, the Antara, and Peugeot, with the 2008 Crossover, there’s a pretty considerable selection of choice for those in the market for a crossover in 2014.

Why Are Crossovers Such A Viable Option?

Owning a CUV is advantageous for a many reasons. The main of which is that they are lighter. They’re built onto a chassis used in cars. This means that they use less fuel – and fuel efficiency sells in the modern era. You get the best of both worlds with a CUV – extra space but without the additional cost when it comes to refuelling.

Some might argue that the lack of a heavier chassis is detrimental to a CUV. And to an extent that’s true. If you live in a rural environment, and you have to drive in bumpy off-road conditions, a CUV isn’t going to deliver the same kind of rugged experience an SUV would. But they’re more adept in urban driving conditions.

An Option For Families

CUVs, with the extra space, they can provide are great for families and thrill seekers. Most crossovers feature five or seven seats – plenty of space to accommodate a reasonably-sized family unit featuring three or four kids. However, they’re also versatile. Many of the back seats can be folded down to create extra space. This factor also makes them a good option for thrill seekers – those who enjoy nothing more than taking their mountain bike to the forest on the weekends, or a canoe down the lake.

Louisa Jenkins is a blogger with a huge passion for motoring. She regularly blogs about the ways in which both cars and manufacturers have developed over the years - from Peugeot crossover cars to coupe cars.

Read More...

The Concept Behind Concept Cars - From Concept to Production

Concept Cars
Source: Dk58-Renaud, cc-by-3.0, flickr

Ever been to a motor show? There’s no shortage of exciting announcements. They’re the perfect opportunity for car manufacturers to show off their latest models, and whet the appetites of motoring enthusiasts long before the cars hit the production lines.

You know there’s a good chance you’re going to see something incredibly outrageous – and we mean that in the best possible way – but what it is, you just have to sit back and wait until the curtain falls and the lights go up.

Many of the most discussed cars on show at the prestigious auto shows – like the Mondial de L’Automobile in Paris, or the Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung, or to me and you, the Frankfurt Motor Show – never actually make it to the production lines. And they were never intended too. That’s because they are concept cars.

The Purpose

Concept cars have existed since the late 1930s. American luxury car manufacturer Buick created the Y-Job to showcase a number of additions, which were radical for the time. These included electric windows, hidden headlamps, and a wraparound bumper. And although the Y-Job didn’t go into production, its legacy was impressive. The car’s body design influenced many of the Buick models that followed.

Essentially these particular models have existed purely to show off design features that might be considered futuristic in appearance, or cutting-edge pieces of technology. Some are produced from unorthodox materials – ultimately representing a radical departure compared to the cars a manufacturer might produce.

In the past few decades we’ve seen cars that run on electricity, hybrid cars, car manufactured from paper, pure carbon fibre and even vegetables, cars plated in gold wow audiences at these motoring exhibits. Some of these cars aren’t even produced in a fully functional form. Some are. Either way, they’re there to showcase, wow, impress, inspire, and display the advances in technology car manufacturers have made.

Ford, for example, announced that it would display its C-Max Solar Energi car at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The car’s main innovation is that it utilises solar energy cultivated through the panels fitted on its roof to recharge its battery.

From Concept to Production

However, not all concept cars get consigned to the history books – briefly wheeled out for the masses to marvel over. Many of them – like French car manufacturer Peugeot’s RCZ R – become more than a concept car. They hit the production lines allowing people around the world – with a big enough budget – to get their hands on a special piece of motoring equipment.

With the RCZ R, Peugeot has manufactured its most powerful model. A sleek coupe that expands on the original RCZ model, renowned for its sophisticated sleekness and a double bubble roof, the RCZ R looks set to provide all the thrills and excitement you’d expect from a vehicle powered by a 1.6-litre THP engine capable of producing 260bhp (brake horsepower).

Although different in some ways to the original concept version – much like with the RCZ R – the final version usually encapsulates the original spirit and feel of the initial concept.

Louisa Jenkins loves driving cars. She also enjoys writing about them. A lot. Louisa’s blogs often look at new features and the latest models – such as the Peugeot RCZ R.

Read More...

Which Classic Car Should You Restore? Do You Have a Few Favourites?

Classic Car
Source: sxc

Restoration projects are a fantastic hobby to have if you have a good knowledge of car and their components and can be a great thing to start with a friend or member of your family. Before you start splashing the cash though it’s important that you choose the right car and don’t just invest in the first restoration that you come across.

Do You Have a Few Favourites?

Most of the people I speak to that are looking into car restoration projects have their hearts set on one particular make and model of car. Letting your heart overrule your head when choosing a car is a mistake made at your own peril as the look and feel of the car will outweigh the difficulty of the project, the possible scarce availability of parts and the possible costs of the car restoration.

I usually suggest that those interested in restoring a classic car make a small list of around five models of car that they would like to have as a project. You should then do your research on these cars and look into the availability of parts for them and what the associated costs for the parts you will most likely need are. If possible you should try to drive or at least get a really good look at each car on your list, the cars of today are a great deal easier to drive and handle so it’s important that you know that you will enjoy the car you are restoring once it’s finished.

If you really do have your heart set on a car that is notoriously difficult to restore then you might choose to hand the car over to a professional car garage that deals with classic car restoration. I recommend those interested that are local to me to a small garage called CBR Motor bodies, not just if they want someone to complete the work but if they need parts as most classic car restoration specialist garages will have the ability to either source or manufacture parts that you might not have otherwise been able to get hold of. There are of course many more garages that offer car restoration services and you should do an online search to find those local to you.

What Do You Want From It?

If you are looking for an old car to restore into something that you will regularly drive then the things to look for are; relatively little rust, good quality body panels and a clean history with no accidents. Parts being original doesn’t matter as much in this instance unless that’s something you are personally interested in.

On the other hand if you are looking to restore a car as an investment then you should look for a project that is as close to original as possible. Another thing to look out for is matching model numbers on parts and refurbishing the parts on the car will prove beneficial in terms of the sell on value. This also applies if you plan to use the project as a show car.

How Much Can You Handle?

Do you think you would fit in nicely on a pit crew or does an oil change confuse you? You need to be realistic with yourself about what you can handle with the project. If you’re knowledge is okay but not great then I would suggest targeting cars from the 1950’s over cars from the 1970’s as the mechanics and electrics are much more basic.

Ascertaining your budget for the project will depend on what you can do yourself and having to hand over the car to car restoration professionals will cost more money that if you were to do it yourself, however, if you don’t have the necessary equipment and working space then it makes more sense. Budget can be a killer so spend all the time you need working it out, getting it wrong could mean that your project never makes it off the bricks!

I hope this article has helped clear up some of the basic issues for you, deciding to restore a classic car is a big step due to the necessary financial investment so you need to make sure you are ready for the investment.

The author of this article is Ben Greco, an avid car blogger who developed his love of cars from his Italian roots!

Read More...

How To Tell If Your Tires Are Completely Worn Out - Inspect Your Tires

Among all the various components that make up a car, the tires are the only part of the vehicle that is in direct contact with the road. This then makes tires the most important part of the car. Tires bear the hugest burden when it comes to driving as they are tasked with the responsibility of resisting considerable load shifts when a car accelerates or breaks.

Good quality tires must be able to steer a car in a straight path and only veer off when commanded to by the steering wheel of the vehicle. To ensure that a car travels in a straight line, tires have inbuilt features that enables them to absorb transverse forces without forcefully deviating from the car’s trajectory. It is important to ensure that your car tires are in good shape before driving off.

Driving with tires that are seriously worn out can result in fatal accidents. Driving on worn out tires may cause you to part with a hefty fine or land in prison as driving with unroadworthy tires is considered illegal. The following are ways to tell if your tires are completely worn out and must be replaced immediately.

Inspect Your Tires

Thoroughly inspect your car tires for any major damage or abnormal wear patterns. Regular inspections of your tires will help in proper maintenance of your tire. While inspecting your tires be on the lookout for bubbles and intensely deep cracks. If your tires have these deformities then you must replace them. Tire inspection must be done when you get into a car accident regardless of how minor it is. The accident may have caused serious damage to the tires thus making them unsafe.

Regular tire inspection will help you to detect car problems that lead to accelerated tire wear. For instance if your tires are completely worn out on one side, then you should replace them and have the alignment of your car re-adjusted.

Measure The Tread Depth

Measuring the tread depth of a tire enables you to know how much life is left in the tire. The legally permitted minimum tread depth in most states is 2/32 of an inch. If the tread depth of your tire fall below 2/32 of an inch then you should have the tires replaced. Driving with a car that has very little tread depth is dangerous especially when the road is wet. While measuring the tread depth of your tires, make sure you measure all round the tire. Sometimes the tread depth may be very thin on side of the tire.

Prolonged Usage

The lifespan of good quality tires is ten years. If you have driven in your tires for over ten years without replacing them, you should seriously consider having them replaced. Continually using your tires for a period more than the given lifespan leads to over exposure. Overexposed tires are very unstable and are unable to maintain good road grip.  

After determining that your car tires are completely worn off and must be replaced, you can purchase good quality used tires from several retail shops and online sites.

Mylie Mackenzie, a contributor writer for The Tread Shop, wrote this article. Mylie is s car enthusiast who love writing article related to cars.  

Read More...

Solving The Mystery Behind Tyre Sizes - Typical Tyre Size Notations

Buying tyres online is easy and affordable. However, finding the right tyre size is downright difficult. Tyre sizing is indicated by a specific formula that is emblazoned onto the sidewall of the tyre. Tyre manufacturers and dealers know the formula and what it indicates and they can pick the right tyre for your car. However, it is necessary for you to understand tyre sizing as well, so that you buy the right tyres for your car.

Read on to resolve the mystery behind the seemingly ‘confusing’ markings on the tyre sidewall, which indicate tyre size.

Source: Outreachpanel

Typical Tyre Size Notations
The tyre size notation is prominently visible on the tyre sidewall in the form of a numerical formula. The formula contains information about size, dimensions, composition and capabilities of the tyre. For example, a typical tyre size notation is given like this: 205/65 R 15 95H. In this particular notation, the numbers and their location signify the following information –

• 205 - The first numeral in the notation indicates the width or section width (diameter) of the tyre in millimetres
• 65 – The second number indicates the sidewall profile. This number actually represents a ratio called the aspect ratio. This ratio indicates a comparison of actual tyre section height with its section width. As a result, if the number is 65, it is actually indicates that the height of the tyre is 65% of its width.
• R – This alphabetic notation indicates the construction of the tyre. R indicates a radial ply construction and almost all tyres have this notation as almost 90% of all tyres have radial construction.
•  15 – This number indicates the nominal diameter of the wheel rim. This number is represented in inches (and not millimetres).
• 95 – This is the last numeral in the formula and it indicates the load index. The load index offers information about the amount of weight the tyre can carry. For example, some vehicles have to carry a higher load and hence need tyres with greater load index.

The optimal load index of the tyres for a particular vehicle is indicated in the manufacturer’s manual and this number will be often combined with additional markings like RF that means reinforced and XL that indicates extra load capability.

• H – This last alphabet indicates the car tyre speed rating. For example, in this case, the numeral ‘H’ indicates that the tyre can support speed in the 210km/h or 130mph range. Essentially this parameter indicates the maximum speed of your car, which the tyre will support.

Each tyre manufacturer may have slightly different car tyre speed ratings. Obviously high performance cars demand tyres with higher speed rating as compared to regular day to day city driven cars.

Your local tyre specialist can offer you guidance on the best tyre size for your car, depending on various factors including what kind of car you drive (obviously), your driving style, whether you carry high load and other important factors.

Additional Notations on the Tyre Sidewall

The above-mentioned formula is standard in the tyre industry but manufacturers may and often do add extra notations depending on country and tyre quality.

For example, the letters DSST / RFT / ROF or RunFL indicate a version of run-flat tyres.

The notations TL and TT indicate a tubeless tyre and TL/TTv indicates a tubeless tyre that can be also used as tube tyre.

The world of tyre sizes is vast and can be confusing. But once you are armed with the basic information, reading tyre sizes is no longer a mystery.

About Author:

By Azzam Sheikh

This article has been written by Azzam Sheikh, expert tyre size reader and consultant – Tyre-Shopper UK.

Read More...

IHS Automotive Study Says After 2050 Nearly All Vehicles Will Be Autonomous

According to a respected auto industry forecasting company, the world will be filled with almost 54 million self-driving cars as soon as the year 2035. However, this same company predicts that there will be a slower introduction to cars that are totally automated.

IHS Automotive has forecast that the sales of self-driving vehicles will climb from around 230,000 in 2025 to almost 11.8 million by 2035. They predict that cars without driver controls at all, meaning cars that are 100 percent autonomous, will be released around 2030. The study further predicted that by 2050 almost all vehicles on the road will be self-driving – including both commercial and personal-use vehicles.

The future is now

The public has been abuzz over the last two years, as people have gotten more and more interested in the idea of autonomous vehicles. It’s well known that Google has been testing their fleet of self-driving vehicles, and those vehicles have logged more than half a million miles. Some states have even approved laws to test these vehicles. Michigan’s Governor Rick Snyder has approved legislation to test self-driving vehicles; and Florida, Nevada, and California already have similar laws. There is also testing being done in Pennsylvania, though no specific laws have been passed to cover said testing.

IHS Automotive’s report states that by 2025 self-driving cars will make up about 0.2 percent of all vehicle sales, and that by 2035 that number will rise to about 9.2 percent. They also forecast that self-driving cars will cost about $7,000 to $10,000 more to the end consumer, but that number should drop to $5,000 by 2030 and further to $3,000 by 2035, according to their article “Emerging Technologies: Autonomous Cars – Not If, But When.”

Egil Juliussen, who co-authored the study with Jeremy Carlson, believes that there are several benefits to using self-driving cars, including benefits to both drivers and pedestrians. He believes that accidents will be almost non-existent for self-driving cars, though he does acknowledge that people-driven cars will still experience crashes with self-driving cars. However, he believes that as more people-driven cars are phased out and more self-driven cars are on the roads, accident rates will decrease. He also believes that both traffic congestion and air pollution can be reduced because self-driving cars are able to be programmed to be more efficient.

Saving more than lives

There is also evidence that autonomous cars could save the United States hundreds of billions of dollars. How? By reducing the number of traffic crashes, by boosting the productivity of people who will no longer have to waste time in transit, and by reducing traffic congestion. Others worry that it will result in the loss of millions of jobs that currently exist – those involved in transporting both goods and people. When weighing these pros and cons, it’s important to consider that driver error is involved in more than 90 percent of the 32,000 crash fatalities every year, as well as more than 2 million injuries. These could be virtually eliminated by using autonomous vehicles.

There is also the argument that driverless cars would result in less spending by the states. They would no longer have to invest millions, even billions, in highway infrastructures like wide lanes, rumble strips, wide shoulders, guard rails, and even stop signs. However, there are technology risks like cyber security and software reliability. The biggest barriers blocking the quick production of these cars are a lack of legal framework for self-driving vehicles and the government not yet having specific rules and regulations in place for them.

The IHS Automotive study claims that fully autonomous cars won’t be on the roads by 2020, as some automakers are currently predicting. Instead this study predicts that the first self-driving cars will still require a driver in them to monitor the conditions and that the car will simply act in ”auto pilot” mode much of the time.

Who will own a self-driving car?

The breakdown of potential buyers is an interesting aspect of the study. It’s estimated that 29 percent of worldwide sales of autonomous cars with human controls will be by North Americans, which equates to around 3.5 million cars. China is close behind at 29 percent, or almost 3 million cars, and Western Europe is expected to account for about 20 percent, or a little shy of 2.5 million vehicles.

The automakers have weighed in, and GMC has said that self-driving cars won’t be available to the general public in the foreseeable future, while Nissan Motor’s CEO has said they’ll have self-driving cars by 2020. The jury is still out on when these vehicles will be available, what effect they will have on the economy, and how much they will impact our lives, but one thing is for sure: We live in interesting times.

About the Author:

Chris Countey is a digital marketer for the auto and tech industries, and writes about cars, the latest devices and science for companies like Cerritos Infiniti.

Read More...

Useful Tips For Filing a Lemon Law Claim | Notify the Dealer in Writing

Lemon Law
Source: Axion, cc-by-3.0, flickr

If you have recently purchased a car or other vehicle that started breaking down or showing all sorts of problems just days or weeks after the purchase was made, you may be eligible to file a lemon law claim. There are federal and state laws that allow you to file a claim against the manufacturer of the “lemon” vehicle you purchased. If you win your claim, you should get a replacement for the defective vehicle or be refunded the original purchase price. Below we've listed some useful tips that can help guide you through the process of filing a lemon law claim.

Hire an Attorney

It is advisable to hire an attorney to help you file your claim. You should be able to find an attorney who specializes in lemon law claims in your state. Experience with lemon law claims is very important, so talk to a few attorneys and ask them about the claims they've handled and the outcomes they achieved.

Go Back to the Dealership

Before filing a claim, take your car back to the dealership to see if they can repair it. There may be just minor problems with the vehicle that are easy to fix. In most states lemon laws state that the buyer has to give the dealer the opportunity to repair the vehicle before the vehicle can be deemed a lemon.

Notify the Dealer in Writing

Most state laws say that you have to notify a dealer in writing that you intend to declare the vehicle you bought a lemon and are filing a claim. This notice should contain your contact information, information about the car (such as the VIN, make, model and year) and a description of what is wrong with the vehicle.

Go to the Arbitration Board

In many states you need to go to the arbitration board before you can actually file a claim in court. The arbitration board will help you seek a solution for your problem so you don't have to go to court. If no resolution can be found, you may file a lemon law claim in court. In some states you can file a claim in court without needing to go before an arbitration board first, though it is advisable that you do try to resolve your case through an arbitration board.

If no arbitration boards exist in your state, you can use a third party arbitrator, such as Better Business Bureau's Autoline.

Get the Proper Paperwork

If arbitration is unsuccessful you need to get the right paperwork to file your lemon law claim. An attorney can help you retrieve the paperwork you need and fill it out correctly. Otherwise just go to your local clerk to get the paperwork.

Once your claim is filed, there will be a number of hearings you need to attend and you will have to state your lemon case before a judge. Eventually there will be a hopefully favorable verdict and you'll get a new vehicle or be compensated for the purchase price. In most states you'll also be able to recover the money you spent on an attorney if you win your case.

Zane Schwarzlose is a writer at the Law Offices of WT Johnson, a personal injury law firm in Dallas, Texas. Zane is glad he's never had to file a lemon law claim.

Read More...

Things to consider when buying custom-made mag wheels

A product of a mixture of aluminum or magnesium, the amalgam wheel is a superb speculation for a general driver and an auto devotee like you, who takes incredible have a great time, as the adage goes a pimped-up ride. Light and showing different varieties of outlines which loan an upscale and entrancing fascination in your auto whenever it’s running, composite or mag wheels likewise come in standard estimations. Indeed in this way, you’ll still need to verify it’s a perfect fit for your wheels. You could be convenient utilizing a tire iron, yet fitting a mag wheel may require pro help. At whatever point you’re in the business for these sorts of auto promoters, you need to make sure that the example of nuts match the auto pitch round breadth (Pcd), the genuine balance, and bore estimations. Provided that you disregard by a numerous millimeters, your tires will granulate into the curves assuming that you hit a knock or do a sharp turn.

Nonetheless, because of the development of significantly more complex materials like aluminum and steel utilizing chrome plating which is an incredible arrangement are lighter in weight. There was a disputation about utilizing chrome plated steel or perhaps metal that was painted due to the overwhelming weight even thus, the power and basic maintainability, these are continuously prominent by generally sellers. Individuals are moreover picking cleaned aluminum edges and tire bundles due to their specific incredible presence. On the other hand, the main true concern to be connected is to guarantee that the genuine completion is without a doubt fittingly ensured against oxidation and distinctive issues from atmosphere conditions.

You require to carefully feeling of how extensively you are eager to pay out for the wheels. Altered wheels' charges fluctuate. The substantially more adequate they perform and the significantly all the more engaging they look, the more unreasonable they are. Provided that you are pondering just picking up ostentatious wheels, and execution does not make a difference altogether to you, there are a huge amount of low-estimated gaudy wheels reachable available. Yet since these wheels are low-evaluated, there are bigger risks of them at present being a more level astounding wheel, bringing about them perhaps not enduring truly protracted.

Specially designed wheels land in either compound edges or steel edges. Amalgam edges are ordinarily extra greatly estimated than steel edges for the explanation for why that they give extra positive perspectives than metal. Composite edges are mellow in weight so conveying obviously better pace and far superior gas mileage. Steel edges then again are heavier so they are favored for enormous trucks and business utility automobiles. In examination to compound, steel edges weigh a great bargain heavier. Traveler automobiles, tremendous trucks, and modern utility vehicles select steel for their auto wheels. The internal components of steel materials are decidedly attached and work fantastically on winter season days. At these outlets, you conceivably can in genuine actuality watch the special items which are possible and make a similarity so there is similarity and will be a match for ones auto or truck. One regular propensity is to select wheels which are unquestionably oversize. Wheels manufactured from composite perform much better over steel. Vehicles utilizing compound for their wheels deal with their speed execution on the grounds that it is fantastically gentle weight. The wheels made from this substance has an upgraded breaking proficiency, that is the reason it is the supported by generally shoppers. By selecting composite substance for your wheels you have the alternative to tweak your configuration to make it all the more fascinating.

Read More...

4 Most Famous Australian Highways and Freeways

Australia is one of the countries with most advanced network of highways and major roads. Australians are quite particular and discriminating when it comes to using highways as they want it fast, convenient, and spacious. This is why it is not surprising that many of the nation’s roads are exceptionally friendly to drivers.

If you are planning to pay a visit to Australia and you are used to good highways, then you will not be disappointed with this country can offer. The country has among the most sophisticated and state-of-the-art network of roads, which make them easy to drive to and provide noticeable convenience to both local and international drivers. In fact, maintenance services like line marking removal are done easily and quickly, avoiding hassles to drivers. Hence, if you are going to drive in Australia for your vacation, you can expect not to encounter hassle and inconvenience.

There are different highways and major roads that are noteworthy. These roads are known for having majestic view, spacious lanes, and smooth pavements.

The Great Ocean Road – This Australian National Heritage road has a stretch of 243 kilometres or 151 miles. Stretching along the south-eastern coast of Australia between the Victorian cities of Torquay and Allansford, this road has a very rich historical and cultural importance to Australians, especially to families of World War I veterans. In addition to having varying terrain along the coast and serving as an entry point to different famous landmarks like Twelve Apostles limestone stack formations, the Great Ocean Road is also the world’s largest war memorial.

Eyre Highway – Located at the world-famous Nullabor Plain in Southern Australia, off the Great Australian Bight coast in particular, the Eyre Highway is known for its long stretch of roads. The listed length of this highway is 1,675 kilometres of 1,041 miles, linking Western Australia and South Australia via the Nullabor Plain. One of the interesting facts about this highway is that it is located at the Nullabor Plain, which is an almost treeless, arid country in the southern part of the country. This plain is the world’s largest single piece of limestone that occupies an area of approximately 200,000 square kilometers or 77,000 square miles.

Hume Highway – Being one of Australia’s major inter-city highways, the Hume Highway is famous for catering motorists going to and from Sydney and Melbourne. This highway is among the federally-funded highways in Australia, which is why it is not surprising that it is the one of the most well-maintained and regarded major highways in the country. The highway’s length is listed at 807 kilometres or 501 miles. As a major inter-city highway and part of the Auslink National Network, it serves as a vital link for road freight vehicles that transport goods.

Pacific Motorway – Once known as F3 Freeway, Sydney-Newcastle Freeway, and Sydney-Newcastle Expressway, this famous freeway stretches at about 127 kilometres or 79 miles, connecting Sydney to the Central Coast, Newcastle, and Hunter areas of New South Wales. The freeway starts at Pennant Hills Road in Wahroonga and heads north to the Ku-rin-gai Chase National Park.

These major road networks and highways are the bloodline of land transportation in Australia. These roads are very important to the development of Australian cities and states as they connect them with each other. If you are intending to visit Australia soon to experience its culture and meet new people, then driving along these highways is likely. Even if maintenance works like line marking removal takes place, you don’t have to fret as the traffic authorities always get the job done in order to avoid inconvenience to motorists.

Read More...

JARVIS Up Your Car In 5 Easy Steps | Tracking Watch | Bluetooth Connectivity

Genius-billionaire-playboy-philanthropist Tony Stark has a knack for showing off technologies we (as viewers) would love to have. And I’m not just talking about any of his many Iron Man suits. Stark built an AI long before he ever became a superhero, and JARVIS’ help in Tony’s life would be fantastic to replicate in our own lives. Here are 5 ways you can make your car more like your own personal JARVIS.

Tracking Watch

With technology improving, watches aren’t just timepieces. You can link certain kinds of watches up to your car, and they’ll keep tabs on any number of things, like your heart rate and temperature, and your car’s speed and fuel consumption. It can take this data and help you while driving, so you can keep a safe speed based on your body’s reactions. The watch can also alert you to the road conditions ahead of you and when your car needs maintenance (in case you’re one of the many that tends to forget).

Sound System

Your car isn’t ahead of the technological curve unless it has a sound system to match. Unfortunately, sound systems can be expensive, so make sure you stay within your budget. The point isn’t to break the bank in upgrading your car. Subwoofers and amps are important, but having money to buy food is a little more crucial.

One thing you want to watch for when upgrading a sound system is the wiring. Pay attention to how much power your system draws from your battery. If it draws too much, it can affect other systems in your car, like the headlights. If you notice things like your headlights dimming when you radio is playing on high, a wiring upgrade is in order for “the big 3” car audio system (the three wires that go between the alternator, chassis, and engine). Upgrade those, and your wiring and audio will be perfect.

Bluetooth Connectivity

A lot of the newer cars have Bluetooth connectivity built in to their systems, but if you have an older model, you probably don’t have that kind of wireless connectivity. However, that doesn’t mean you have to upgrade your car to insert a little JARVIS into your car. All you really have to do is purchase a Bluetooth car kit, and then you’ll be able to make all the hands-free calls you want. You’ll even be able to stream music from places like Last.fm and Pandora if you want.

GPS System

Having a GPS is practically non-negotiable these days. Sure, you can use map apps on your smartphone, but pulling out your smartphone and following along the path it leads you can be much more dangerous than following the path a dashboard-mounted GPS device gives you. If you have a good device, you’ll be able to do a lot more than just getting directions too.

Some of the best GPS devices on the market right now have features like voice recognition and voice guidance (if you’re really lucky, you might even be able to find a device that guides you with Paul Bettany’s voice, giving you an even stronger link to JARVIS). Many models have MP3 players and can display pictures. You can input multiple destinations and the device will provide you a course to hit all of them in the most convenient route. And some of them even have Bluetooth built in, so you can still make hands-free calls, in case you don’t want to get a Bluetooth kit as mentioned above.

OnStar

The last thing you need is a system helping with your protection and security, and that’s where OnStar comes in. OnStar keeps track of your vehicle, and it can tell when you’ve been in a collision. The company has 24-hour centers open to contact you and see if you need an emergency vehicle sent to your location (which they can see). Even if you can’t respond because you’re unconscious, they’ll send someone out to help. And if your car gets stolen, they’ll be able to track the vehicle, and they even have ways to prevent the thief from starting the car, making it a lot easier to recover the vehicle.

Although it would be great to get JARVIS himself, cars with built-in AI’s are years down the road. But with these 5 technologies, you can feel like your car is a very intelligent system watching out for your safety.

Eloise Hamilton grew up working under a hood, helping her father restore classic cars. She still has a passion for it today and keeps herself versed in the automotive industry and the market by frequenting car sites and Honda dealers in Los Angeles like Diamond Honda.

Read More...