Why You Should Buy a Dodge Ram 1500

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/08/17 in Auto Buying Tips with Comments Off on Why You Should Buy a Dodge Ram 1500

The iconic Dodge Ram 1500 is a full size American pickup truck named as Motor Trend magazine’s truck of the year fives times and ranks second among U.S. News list for the best full size pickup trucks in 2014. On the forecourt, it is a popular vehicle to purchase among pickup truck enthusiasts.

The Dodge Ram 1500 is a work truck at heart with a leather lined luxury interior, offering a smooth ride, comfortable seats and ample storage space. It consists of a 305 horsepower 3.6 litre V6 as standard but upgrades to a 395 horsepower 5.7 litre Hemi V8 or 3.0 litre turbodiesel V6 making 240 horsepower are optional. This can be teamed up with an eight speed automatic gearbox and either standard ear or optional four wheel drive.

Dodge can equip your pickup truck with one of their named packages, for instance the Big Horn. This package consists of a Class IV trailer hatch, an electric shift transfer case, fog lamps, bright exhaust tips, a power driver’s seat, leather wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, a folding rear seat and a 115V AC outlet, ideal for charging up devices such as smartphones, tablets and laptops on the go.

As for entertainment, Chrysler’s Uconnect entertainment system can be installed which comes with an 8.4” screen, AM/FM/Sirius XM (where available) radio with Bluetooth, USB, SD and auxiliary inputs.

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The Differences in Automobile Fuel Options

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/08/15 in Auto Design with Comments Off on The Differences in Automobile Fuel Options

Whenever you pull up to a gas station to fill up, you might ask yourself, is there really a difference between the fuel options at the pump? The answer is a resounding yes. That is the reason auto manufacturers make a distinction about the type of fuel to put in specific vehicles. High performance cars require a certain amount of combustion for appropriate handling. Here is a quick look at fuel content, grades, and brands on the market.

Fuel Content

Several chemical compounds make up the content of all automobile fuels. There are five categories the EPA allows for use in vehicles. They also regulate and monitor programs in concert with other government agencies on state and local levels. This includes specific limits of each component regardless of the blend. The top two categories include sulfur and hydrocarbons such as benzene, acrolein, formaldehyde, naphthalene, and 1,3-butadiene.

Reformulated gas or RFG and Reid Vapor Pressure or RVP are used to ensure cleaner burns and better performance during the summer season. Winter is another time of year that requires special additives to mitigate the dangerous toxin carbon monoxide. This is the last category called winter oxygenates. There is also a new alternative used with each compound known as ethanol. The amount ranges from 5 to 15 percent of this renewable energy component across all fuel types.

Different Grades of Automobile Fuel

There is a difference between the three different fuel options at the pump. According to engineers at MIT’s School of Engineering, car performance dictates the type of fuel to purchase. Each fuel offers similar thermal energy releases to power vehicles. However, higher engine compression ratios respond better with the power generated by premium unleaded gas.

The science states these engines operate at higher pressures with hotter temperatures. In addition, new design factors with electronic components are capable of converting thermal energy more efficiently than those without them. If your car knocks, use higher octane gas of at least mid-grade and up to prevent this regardless of your car’s make. For heavier machinery, you might want to contact an expert at a place like TractorTool about your options.

Brands

There are several leading gas brands every consumer has frequented. Some drivers have preferences of one over another, citing various reasons such as better mileage. The major companies, including BP and Exxon/Mobil, claim their additives can bolster performance while keeping engines cleaner. This would make sense, because car owners have been adding engine performance products for decades. With each fill-up, take a moment to review what is actually in the fuel as well as the octane levels. It is a good idea to check for the amount of ethanol content as well. As a reminder, some brands start their mid-grade at 89 while others begin with 90.

Ground level ozone is the biggest culprit to unhealthy air caused by all gasoline or fossil fuels used by cars. This has been an important catalyst for emissions and government regulations. Since they are watching these critical issues, drivers simply need to listen for engine knocks to decide about the octane to buy. A caveat is to follow the manufacturers recommendation at all times.

6 Ways To Turn Your Old Car Into The Car Of Your Dreams

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/08/12 in Uncategorized with Comments Off on 6 Ways To Turn Your Old Car Into The Car Of Your Dreams

There is a good chance you will get tired of your old car before it can’t be used anymore. However, it doesn’t necessarily have to be replaced. It can be modernized, and it can have its potential maxed out by improving certain areas. Here are six ways to turn your old car into your dream car.

Clean Absolutely Everything

A quick, surface cleaning on the inside and out will not be enough. The vehicle needs to be detailed. You should physically remove the seats to clean, clean away the grime underneath the car and clean the engine bay. This is crucial because you’ll inspect everything simultaneously to detect any hidden problems.

Revamp the Cockpit

Fixing the cockpit is crucial. Replace the dashboard cover and pad at the very least to make it look new, and add new illumination. Get brand new seats because the foam under the seat covers break up over time. Next, find a good parts store to begin the unavoidable shopping spree to replace knobs and look for other items on the checklist. Companies such as Arnold Motor Supply are reputable, and have websites featuring the inventory and contact information. That is a quick and easy way to find exactly what you are looking for.

Update the Electronics and Sound

It does not take too much time to pass before your factory sound system is considered outdated. Find a radio head with iPod integration, Bluetooth cellphone connection and satellite radio to make it more modern. Thankfully, these things have become affordable, which is why you should have the budget to purchase a modern GPS navigation system.

Paint

You have the option of just touching up the paint job to make your old car look modern and new, or you can go the extra mile with a lot of extra money to have a custom paint job done. An old car will need some kind of paint work, but how much is clearly dependent on what your vision is.

Fix and Update the Breaks and Suspension

Depending on how much is replaced, you can make a 35 year old car handle like a race car. However, when it comes to that kind of job it is a good idea to do some pricing because there is a list of things you will need to check, such as struts, brake rotors and pads, springs, shocks and other normal things. Then, you have the option of going light speed by adding stabilizer bars, racing shocks and urethane bushings. The extent of what you do to the breaks and suspension has a lot of impact on how your dream car drives.

New Wheels and Tires

This is a lot like adding shoes to an outfit for a makeover, except important. Some people’s dream car is perfectly safe machine, while others prefer flashy. There is an achievable balance too. Remember one important thing when deciding on what to get, your car does everything through its tires, and as far as appearance goes, the most impressive way to alter appearance is with brand new, bigger tires.

These six areas are the most important for performance and appearance. You really should try and find a balance between the two. Once you find the balance, it is a lot cheaper to convert intelligently than to buy a brand new, expensive car.

Car Crazy: How to Choose the Best Features for Your Family

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/08/10 in Auto Buying Tips with Comments Off on Car Crazy: How to Choose the Best Features for Your Family

Providing for a family is what any parent is supposed to do, but you can only get the best if you know what you’re looking for. This is why it is important to learn as much as you can about products, sales, and budgeting when you buy. This can be applied to everything, including the purchase of your next family car. There are a few other things you should look for while searching for your new car, and the following are some features that you might want to add to the list.

Backup Camera

One of the most important features to have in a modern car is a fully active and all-encompassing backup camera. Sure, this feature is usually sold as a tool to help you park or ensure that you do not backup into another car, but it means more to a growing family. Accidents involving children and a vehicle backing out of a driveway are reported each year. You do not want to become a part of that statistic, which is what makes the backup camera imperative. The reverse-sensing system, or park assist system, should also be installed on your vehicle for easier parking. The reverse-sensing system helps detect objects that are six feet from the vehicle. Both of these systems are there to warn you if a child is behind you. Still, it is always best to just check before you start backing out of the driveway, and always drive slowly.

Shades on the Car Windows

The feature is not always on cars especially if the windows are tinted, but is a very important feature for children. You might not think about it, but the sun can be very damaging when exposed to it for long periods of time, especially for small infants. Check to see if the vehicle you are considering comes with this feature and take precautions like applying sunscreen when planning to take a long drive. Sunlight can lead to sun burns or heat exhaustion, not to mention put your child at risk of skin cancer. Tinted or shaded windows can also protect your children from the eyes of strangers outside the car. You can ask car dealerships in St. George Utah what other features they might recommend for families like kid-safe windows and automatic locks.

Third-Row Seating

Many vehicles come with third-row seating, but the quality and the position does matter. Third-row seating that is stationary doesn’t really give you much flexibility. You want the third row seating to be as flexible as possible to make it easy for your children to get in. This will also allow you to store big items when necessary. Some family-friendly cars come with a second-row seat that slides so the third-row seat is easily accessible and others allow you to tuck away the third-row seating on those days your children are not there and you need to pick up big items. 

Look for a Good LATCH System

A LATCH system refers to specially designed seats that come with lower anchors and attachments so that a parent can easily set up the child seat. Remember that the LATCH system is not universal and some cars are designed differently from others. It is a good idea to take your car seat with you to the car dealership to see if you can easily set up the car seat in the vehicle you are considering. Be sure to find out how easy is it to remove the car seat as well. You should not let anyone else set up the seat for you because you will be the one dealing with this.

Of course, you cannot forget to check for other basic family features, like the safety rating or how many airbags are in the car. See if there is an entertainment system installed that could help keep children calm while you drive. Hopefully this guide helps you determine the best features for your family.

4 Ways To Care For Yourself After A Car Accident

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/08/08 in Auto Accident with Comments Off on 4 Ways To Care For Yourself After A Car Accident

In automobile accidents, even the slightest fender-bender can be jarring. A million things go through your mind on the impact, and your body experiences side effects from the unexpected shock. Afterwards, there’s potential court summons, insurance rate hikes and medical bills to deal with. To get a handle back on the steering wheel of life, here’s some tips to care for yourself after an accident.

Medical Attention

Depending on the severity of the crash, you might not be able to make the independent decision of receiving medical attention. Unless you are completely uninjured, consider either going to the hospital or making an appointment with your family physician as soon as possible. Even if you feel fine afterwards, some injuries progressively worsen overtime, like whiplash or concussions.

If you have any of these listed symptoms, medical attention is crucial:

  1. Weakness or lethargy
  2. Lose of bladder and/or bowel control
  3. Fluid or blood from the ears or nose
  4. Issues with swallowing, hearing and seeing
  5. Severe pain in the neck, chest or abdominals
  6. Balance or coordination problems

It is also a good idea to have medical records in lieu of the automobile accident being brought to court.

Go Home and Rest

Don’t be afraid to breathe and relax. This is especially important if you are prone to hyperventilating. After you’ve been in an accident it is a good idea to call off whatever plans you’d made. Medical professionals will tell you that the actions taken within the first 72 hours after a traumatic event can greatly affect your recovery time. Once the adrenaline dissipates, you’ll be surprised by how sore your body is. Because post-accident symptoms are common, immediately doing anything that can aggravate injuries you’re not immediately aware of can lengthen your convalescence.

Tackle Negative Emotions

Anxiety after a car crash is normal. Horrible accidents can even cause post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Flashbacks, nightmares, feelings of guilt and fears involved with driving or being on the road need to be discussed and corrected. Seek out support from family and friends or visit a cognitive-behavioral therapist or psychiatrist. By talking it out and getting the help that you need you should be able to recover rather quickly and get back on your feet.

Legal Representation

Apart from dealing with possible physical and mental wounds, there’s life issues like medical and repair costs and legal sanctions to manage as well. You might not feel entirely capable of handling everything by yourself. That’s where experts like those at the Jaklitsch Law Group come in. When seeking reimbursement for medical or repair costs, you need lawyers with experience in automobile accidents to build your case while you focus on the most important thing—your health. Call for a free consultation to receive advice on presenting your case and getting the justice you deserve.

Overall, accidents happen—especially out on the road. No matter where you are an incident can strike, leaving you injured and vulnerable. The most important thing to remember is to take care of your own well-being first.

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