On The Road – Battle Of The Sexes!

Research carried out by Yes insurance appears to show that men think they are better drivers than woman.

The results showed that one third of men think they are better drivers than woman with only 5% of woman agreeing with them. Way back in the Docu-soap filled days of 1997 we were introduced to the character of "Maureen" in TV's "The driving school". Many seemed to think that this woman's hap hazard approach to driving proved to be an answer for this long running question. Eventually however, the public was proved wrong as her driving test was passed and this become just another example to be used to back up one or other side of the argument.

This is just one example of the battle that rages on when it comes to who's safer on the roads; man or woman?

On average, women receive a cheaper car insurance quote as statistics seem to show they have fewer accidents. Unfortunately for the male drivers out there, the Home office released statistics revealing that 97% of motorists convicted of dangerous driving last year were male. This adds fuel to insurance companies' belief that men make for a more risky policy than woman.

Delve into the statistics even further and they appear to be damming to male drivers on the whole. The claim that woman make safer drivers (a claim often appearing in TV adverts) was proven to be an accurate statistic when the advertising standards agency ruled it was fair and accurate back in 2001.

Indeed, as all insurance is, at the end of the day, a series of risk assessments, it seems to be the case that for now woman will continue to receive cheaper prices on their car insurance.

The advice to be take from these statistics and indeed to be seen as common sense; drive safely, don't speed and don't allow yourself to become angry at other drivers and you should find your insurance becomes cheaper as your no claims bonus builds.

The question is; what do you think, man or woman?

Vertical Doors and Lambo Doors

Vertical Doors are a great addition to any show car. Vertical Doors, Inc. is credited with the patent on the design we are most familiar with. There have been several company create similar products marketed under the product "type" called vertical doors. They are also referred to as butterfly doors, or 90 degree doors. Either way, they give our daily drivers a nice exotic sports car look.

There are some varieties of doors out there that will fit the bill if you are looking for that extra something to add to your show car. There are the traditional "vertical" doors which open vertically using a unique type of hinges. These kits use specially made brackets and gas shocks to open the doors outward slightly, then upwards. They can be adjusted to open further out before going up to make it easier to get in and out of, as a common disadvantage to the door kits is the increased difficulty of getting in and out of the vehicle.

There are other types of door modifications that can be done, such as suicide doors that open exactly the opposite of traditional doors. The hinges are moved to the other side of the door opening so it swings the other way. Also a cool upgrade.

Still my personal favorite is the Dalorian style door as seen in back to the future. These doors are hinged in the center of the roof, and raise straight up allowing for easy access in and out of the vehicle. This type of modification would call for some extensive mods to the roof system, as well as some fabricated doors, but the end result would be a modification like no other.

Several other types of kits are out there to complement the vertical door conversion kits, such as the flip flop trunk kits and reverse hood modifications. Combining different types of these modifications will transform your daily driver into a stop-and-stare attraction where ever it goes.

Nissan Versa - Auto Basic

Nissan, in the past, has been known for producing cars loaded with the most advanced features. There were times before that even Honda and Toyota are shadowed by Nissan in terms of the number of technologically advanced features that their cars are equipped with.

Recently though, Nissan has been overtaken by Honda and Toyota not only in sales but also in the sophistication of their vehicles' in-car gadgets. One of the most notable Nissan model lacking any semblance of high-tech features is the Versa - Nissan's entry to the compact car market. While the Versa may lack high-end features, it is designed to provide basic transportation features.

One of the most notable features that the Versa has is the six-speed automatic transmission. Precision engineered, the transmission provides the smooth flow of power from the Versa's relatively small engine to its drive wheels. Nissan also offers the continuously variable transmission (or the CVT) for the Versa. This means that the Versa has good fuel efficiency as less power is wasted as it travels from the engine to the drive wheels.

Aside from the six-speed automatic transmission, the Nissan Versa can come with a four-speed automatic transmission. Both gear boxes offer good gear ratios making the Versa one of the gentlest small cars to be driven to your chosen destinations.

The Nissan Versa's small engine provides good acceleration with the help of the six-speed automatic transmission. During a test, the Versa proved to be a worthwhile driving companion. The first gear of the transmission allows the vehicle to be driven up to speeds of 30 miles per hour before redlining. On the second gear, the Versa can go to 50 miles per hour before it begs the driver to shift gears. The first and second gear provides a good distance between the gear ratio so as to ensure that the vehicle will be able to move smoothly from first to second gear without even a hint of gear clashing. With the transmission and the engine working together perfectly, the Versa can reach its cruising speed of 80 miles per hour.

While devoid of any technologically advanced features but only a relatively small engine, not even a Nissan antenna mast is integrated to it, the Nissan Versa is considered as one of the most powerful in its class. The power of the Versa comes from a 1.8-liter engine that is very capable of producing 122 horsepower. This power is put to good use since the Versa is by no means a small vehicle. Standing at over 60 inches tall, the Versa is taller than the majority of full-size sedan.

The scarcity of technologically advanced features of the Versa is even more evident in the absence of the advanced braking systems although it comes with standard anti-lock braking system, brake assist, and the electronic brake force distribution. While there is room for improvement for the Versa in terms of in-car gadgets, it is already one of the best choices in its class thanks to it overall good performance.

The World's Ten Fastest Cars

The world where auto enthusiasts thrive is filled with variables that to outsiders would mean nothing at all. Terms like rpm, 0-60, 0-100, 100-0, horsepower, torque, and the likes may seem unfathomable for those who live outside this realm. But what everyone knows about is speed. When it comes to cars, the faster your car, the better it is.

While manufacturers tagged their vehicles with top speeds of so and so, it is really hard to find the fastest cars just by looking at the numbers supplied by their makers. That is where the acceleration from a standstill to 60 miles per hour or 100 kilometers per hour is checked. By testing different cars for their acceleration, it is possible to rank the fastest cars in the world today.

That is what automotoportal.com has done to come up with the list of the ten fastest cars in the world. The cars considered for the test, of course, excludes the concept on one-off cars due to their unfair advantage.

Coming in at the tenth place is the Lamborghini Gallardo. The Gallardo is Lamborghini's "entry-level" car, if you can consider a pricey car such as this to be an entry-level car. The Gallardo is the first car to be equipped with the massive Lamborghini V10 engine which produces as much as 520 horsepower. The engine gives the Gallardo a time of 13.65 seconds going from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour.

Translated to 0-60 mph, the Gallardo's time is 4 seconds. This makes the Gallardo even faster than the Murcielago.

Taking the ninth spot is the Porsche 911 Turbo. The 911 has been making waves in the supercar arena since its introduction in 1964. For its length of tenure as a mass produced car, the 911 has undergone a lot of changes which have made it faster and faster year after year.

While the Porsche 911 produces only 480 horsepower, it uses its integral drive system which reduces wheel slipping which means that limited power is wasted. The 911 achieved a time of 12.5 seconds in the 0-100-0 test.

The Caterham CSR260 sits at the eighth position. The CSR is the latest installment from supercar manufacturer Caterham Cars and it is the most modified vehicle from the sports car manufacturer. While its 2.3-liter engine produces only 250 horsepower, it has a relatively low weight which gives the CSR a time of 11.95 seconds to speed to a hundred kilometers per hour from a standstill.

The CSR's weight is only 555 kilograms which gives the car an astonishing mass to power ratio of 0.5 horsepower per kilogram.

The seventh fastest car in the world is the Pagani Zonda. This mid-engine sports car is made by the Argentinean car manufacturer Pagani which is currently based in Italy. The company produces about 25 Zondas every year. Its powerplant is of German origin which makes the Zonda truly an international car.

The Mercedes AMG 7.3-liter V12 engine that it carries provides horsepower that is equal to the weight of the CSR in kilograms. With 555 hp, the Zonda can cruise to 100 kilometers per hour from a stationary position in just 11.8 seconds.

Another Porsche made it to the list of the ten fastest cars in the world. This time, the Porsche Carrera GT takes on the sixth place. The Carrera's engine is a huge 5.7-liter V10 engine capable of rocketing up to speeds of a hundred kilometers per hour from a standstill in just 11.6 seconds.

One factor for this vehicle is the fact that the Carrera is made out of lightweight carbon fiber material which allows the Carrera to accelerate at such a short time span.

The fifth spot went to the McLaren F1 LM. This car is one of the most unique in the world of sports car. McLaren built only five of these fast cars in honor of the five McLaren F1 GTR's that won the famous Le Mans in 1995. The car created to become the fastest although it only landed in the fifth spot but its time of 11.5 seconds from a standstill to a full 100 kilometers per hour is truly amazing.

Its engine, a BMW gold-plated V12 engine, can provide a whooping 627 horsepower with a maximum speed of 240 miles per hour.

The fourth place is occupied by the Ferrari Enzo. The Enzo is the fastest Ferrari of all time and it is only fitting that it should be named after the founder of the world-famous Italian car manufacturer. The Enzo timed in at 10.9 seconds after the acceleration test. The uniqueness of the Enzo is made possible by the fact that there are only 399 Enzos produced in its entire history.

The third fastest car in the world is probably the most unusual in the list. The Ariel Atom, which is made by the Ariel Motor Company based in Somerset, England, combines the chassis and the body of the car. In fact, the chassis of the Atom is its body. The Atom weighs less than the CSR at 456 kilograms and its Honda Civic Type-R engine is aided by a turbocharger to produce 300 horsepower propels it to 100 kilometer per hour from a standstill in just 10.88 seconds.

Coming in at a close second is the Bugatti Veyron 16.4. This is sports car differs than most of its contemporary due to the fact that its interior speaks of luxury, not only of performance. Sports cars usually have limited features but the Veyron provides good comfort for two occupants. Weighing in at almost two tons, the Veyron is the heaviest of the cars in the list.

With its W16 engine or 2 V8s mated in a "W" position capable of producing 1001 horsepower, the Veyron completed the 0-100-0 test in just 9.9 seconds. That amount of power will surely test brake pads such as EBC brake pads to their limit.

Rocketing to the first place and claiming the title as the fastest car in the world is the Ultima GTR. The GTR is the handiwork of Ultima Sports Ltd based in Hinckley, Leicestershire, England. It completed the 0-100-0 acceleration test in just 9.4 seconds beating the Veyron by just five tenths of a second making it faster than the Veyron.

Chevrolet Silverado Awarded 2007 Motor Trend's Truck of the Year

The model lifespan of new vehicles is likened to that of the presidential term of office since they usually get voted in every four years however pickups are different being extremely popular in the United States usually stayed for two terms.

Moreover since producing full-size pickups are also immensely profitable, automakers tend to spend more on further improving the quality of their truck parts. Plus they make sure that they employed only the best and brightest product engineers and planners to help them create the next blockbuster pickup that can become the next contender for the next Truck of the Year award. And for this year Motor Trend has chosen two pickup trucks from the stable of the world's largest automaker---the new Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra.

In choosing the Truck of the Year one of the criteria is significance in which the Silverado scored high. The sales of the two brands tally well, each achieving over a million units year in and out courtesy of the numerous combinations and permutations of cabs, drivetrains, beds, and suspensions offered. The Silverado has also recorded high in terms of sales on both Chevrolet truck accessories and Chevrolet truck parts. Its Chevrolet truck part components are made from high-grade materials---only the best from GM.

Unfortunately, market significance doesn't have that much effect on the Truck of the Year voter base. Each of the truck has to prove its worth and this means passing several tests that are to be conducted by the judges on Motor Trend.

The fresh styling of both trucks have made quite an impression and have successfully differentiates the two trucks from each other. However since it's a competition there would always be some features that would make one truck to outshine the other. The Silverado's chrome-bisected grille and brawnier square-shouldered quarter panels enhanced the truck's looks. Its interior design is made even more impressive with Chevy's fake wood earning higher marks than the Cadillac's timber.

On the other hand, the entry-level dash fitted to Sierra makes it classy. The seats both the front and back provides great support while the interior's hush is so quite that no squeak or rattle can be heard. The new cargo bed earned high marks for utility especially since its equipped with a cargo-management system and spring loaded EZ-Lift tailgate. The judges also appreciated the low sides of the bed which makes it easy to reach unlike the cargo boxes found on the Avalanche/Escalade EXT and the current Ford F-150.

The Silverado's 5.3 liter V8 featured fuel-saving displacement on demand and a clever dash readout that indicates if it's operating in V4 mode. This boost fuel economy to an EPA rated 16 mpg city/20 mpg for highway. Only the Dodge Ram Hemi is known to offer a similar system however its EPA numbers trail by 1 mpg each.

Some voters also expressed doubts about the overall smoothness of the engine and quality of the four-speed automatic's shift but judges at Motor Trend has found the drivetrain of the 2.5 ton four-wheel-drive quite reliable in sprinting to 60 mph in a respectable 8.2 seconds which is 0.3 second faster than a rear-drive 5.4 liter Ford F-150 and 0.4 second quicker than the Dodge Ram Hemi 4x4. And that's not all once loaded with 1050 pound load its sprinting time is only stretched by 1.2 seconds as compared to Ford and Dodge Ram Hemi which took additional 1.3 seconds.

And in a boat towing test conducted the Sierra and the Silverado has showed remarkable toting and towing prowess. The figures obtained by the two GM trucks are just part of the whole story. The Judges were very much impressed with the composure of the Silverado when loaded. The truck didn't ride down on its bump stops and although its front is a little light the truck didn't lose control.

A week long testing has satisfied the Motor Trend judges and the result shows that the new GM full-size pickups have earned excellent marks in terms of superiority front and by limiting the price increase to about $300 on most models, the Chevy and GMC faired well when it comes to Value Category. But since only one truck should be voted as winner all the judges have agreed to award the Motor Trend's Truck of the Year for 2007 to the Chevrolet Silverado.

Infiniti Brooklyn Cars Have Unique Designs And Looks

Car lovers are always passionable about their dream cars. If someone says cars then it is Infiniti that comes first to every one's mind. Infiniti cars are the symbol of luxary, style, passion, comfort and unique design. All these features have always been the point of attraction for car lovers. An Infiniti car is the luxury brand of a famous Japanese car maker called Nissan. There are various versions of Infiniti cars some are G35, G37, Q45, M45, I35 and G35 and many more. There are various reasons that one prefers to buy Infiniti cars, it is its uniqueness, quality, driving comfort and many more. Every model in Infiniti Brooklyn is different from one other having some distinctive features. All the models come up with powerful engines and high performance. We know that a powerful engine is the most important part of any cars and so the Infiniti cars are always preferred by every car buyers.

Infiniti cars come up with genuine parts and this is one of the main reasons of its advantage over other cars. The genuine parts increases the life span and its speed of the cars. Nissan has given a superb gift to luxury car lovers by manufacturing a brand like Infiniti. The different models come up with different design along with different colors. You have wide option to choose for the color of your car that are red, blue, and white, black, metallic and many more. G35Coupe, G35 Sedan, FX 35, Q45, M35 and M45 cars are some of the latest models available in the car market. The designs and styles of these are differ from earlier models in such a way that you may fell in love with its elegant look at first sight. In fact, the Infiniti car designs and its performance are matchless and so it is unrivaled in the car market business.

When someone thinks about buying a car then Infiniti comes first in their mind. If you are residing in Infiniti brooklyn, then you will find various Infiniti dealers. The dealer will suggest you one of the best car that suits your lifestyle and your living standard. In other words, these cars add elegance to your living standard. The process of buying a new car is always overwhelming if you know where to buy from. There are so many websites where you can look for the right place to buy your dream car. You can also look for various discount offers available with the car dealers. So, you need to do a good search before buying through various means like internet, magazines, and also advertisement banners. Check every other dealer and then finalize for the best who can give you an appealing offer.

If you are running short of money then there are finance companies who will help you in getting your dream car. The finance schemes can also be found with the dealers. If you have decided to get a finance facility, then the first step you ought to follow is to deposit some money as a part of down payment and the rest of the money is divided in monthly installments that carry certain interest rates. Now, you have the finance available with you to buy your dream car. Give a check at the model of the Infiniti car, you are going to buy and go for a test drive to experience the performance, luxury and comfort.

Did You Consider These Things When Buying A Kids' ATV?

Adults aren't the only ones who love to get outside and play on their ATVs, kids do too. When thinking about purchasing kids ATVs, keep several things in mind before you fork over the dough.

First off, think safety first, then size, age and experience. Kids can ride ATVs and have a lot of fun doing it, but protecting them from harm should be a key factor for all parents. Make sure that children and teens wear helmets, protective eyewear, gloves and thick shoes. Boots are best, but sturdy shoes that will provide ankle support and protect the entire foot are best. Feet often take the brunt of thrown sand, dirt and stones, so make sure they are well protected.

Kids ATVs come in all kinds of models and sizes, but the key for shopping for a kid is to find the right machine for age and size. ATVing can provide fun, action, adventure and lots of laughs, but make sure your child or teen knows safe operating procedures.

One of the most popular brands of kids ATVs is the E-ton 4-stroke model such as the Viper 70 or the Vector 250. Other brands such as the Alta Mach-1 and the Kymco Mxer 150 are also options for a range of sizes and ages.

Newer models like the E-ton Rover 90 Utility Cart are making waves in the youth ATVing world and provide a roll bar and netted protection for youngsters. The 70cc E-ton Viper 70 is the perfect size for kids weighing in at less than 130 pounds and are not more than five feet tall, as well as the 250 cc 4-stroke E-ton Vector 250.

No matter which model you decide to purchase for your youngster, make sure that they are able to reach and operate all necessary functions that will ensure safety and loads of fun. Teach children and teens proper etiquette when it comes to riding and racing kids ATVs and make sure that they are supervised.

Most ATV enthusiasts prefer the 4-stroke models for kids ATVs, as it allows for greater control and operating ease. Smaller sized ATVs in 40cc to 90cc sizes are all electric start and are equipped with automatic transmission, making them super easy for youngsters to handle. Most ATVs come with an automatic shutoff for extra safe riding and offer other safety features as well.

When shopping for kids ATVs, make sure that cheap doesn't mean dangerous. Always make sure that the machine you choose for your child or teen is equipped with safety features, is in good working condition and that your child will feel comfortable in the drivers seat.

Teaching operating safety and manners are the key to an enjoyable experience, and don't forget to teach children how to handle unexpected surprises as well. Never assume that your child will automatically react in the appropriate manner in any given situation, and make sure that you are around to teach, protect and have loads of fun with the kids ATVs.

ZAP Expands Auto Dealership In Davis, California

ZAP, the pioneer electric car dealership, have expanded to cover the City of Davis. The company will be the first dealership in the territory to wade through the waters for the said purpose. Davis is famed for being one of the most bicycle-friendly towns around the world.

Additionally, the University of California at Davis is also popular for advanced transportation technologies, with its equally-famous Institute for Transportation Studies. Theo Drushell and Tom Kelly are Davis' first electric car dealers, with Davis Electric Cars. "I think the size of [Davis] allows you to live on the outskirts and drive to town and back several times on the same charge," said Theo Drushell, the co- owner of Davis Electric Cars, to the UC Davis Newspaper, The California Aggie. "Davis is also flat, so driving around will take less energy."

The new dealership in Davis carries ZAP's XEBRA truck and sedan. The XEBRA, also called the 'city-car,' is especially designed for short distance driving up to 40 mph. The car also was designed to easily and conveniently fill the need of all-electric cars and trucks. This is because auto owners are anxious about the inflation of gas prices. And the tendency is for them to search for more viable alternatives so as not to drill a hole in their pocket.

The efficiency of the truck and sedan is delivered without compromising affordability. According to the company, the XEBRA can be a great value for corporate and business fleets looking to save money on fuel, but also could be just what environmentalists are looking for as an alternative. In addition, purchasers can even order zebra-stripes.

The XEBRA, manufactured in partnership with a Chinese automaker, will be priced at about $10,000. It is also expected to cost about $0.02 cents per mile to charge on electricity versus $0.12 cents or more for gasoline. "[The cars] plug into regular 110-watt plugs," said Drushell. "You can plug it in at home, at work, at certain businesses and hotels."

The vehicles will be showcased at the dealership and previous events like the UC Davis Picnic Day Parade, the Green Car Gala and Celebrate Davis! On April 21st from noon to four o'clock in the afternoon, Davis Electric Cars will sponsor a Grand Opening Celebration at its Olive Drive location.

One of the best benefits of electric cars is maintenance. They have less than ten percent moving parts compared to a gasoline-powered auto. They do not have pistons, transmission, clutch, engine oil, grinding starters, rotors, spark plugs, valves, distributor, oil filters, fuel pumps, fuel filters, air filters, radiators, anti-freeze, water pumps, timing belts, fan belts, catalytic converters, or mufflers. But other efficient parts similar to the EBC brake pads are not compromised. Moreover, with electric cars, there will be no fumes, smog tests, exhaust, oil changes, loud engine, radiator flushes, warm-ups, and gas lines. Another plus point is that the batteries are recyclable.

Theo Drushell and Tom Kelly, owners of Davis Electric Cars, are advocates of bicycle transportation first and EV transportation as an alternative. Drushell, an alumnus of Humboldt State University, and his wife, a graduate of UC Davis, are committed to bring the goal to life. Kelly, an alumnus UC Berkeley, is also a long-time advocate of employing technology to support refinement in an environmentally friendly way.

RV Spring Check Up

It's that time of year again; time to get ready for another great camping season. We need to wake the RV up from its deep winter sleep and give it a good spring check up. If we take a little time and check everything out now, the RV will be ready to go when you're ready to hit the road. In the military this is referred to as preventive maintenance. Maintenance you can perform on your RV before a problem exists. Maintenance designed to prevent or identify potential problems that could lead to mechanical breakdown, malfunction or failure of a component or system on your RV. Basically it consists of cleaning, inspecting, lubricating, adjusting and servicing your RV. Let's get started.

*Depending on how your unit was winterized it will need to be de-winterized. If you used non-toxic RV antifreeze you need to run fresh water through the entire system until the antifreeze is gone. To remove it from the 12-volt water pump add water to the fresh water-holding tank, turn the pump on and open all of the water faucets. When the antifreeze is out of the system turn the pump off and take the water heater out of the by-pass mode (if applicable). Replace any water filter cartridges you removed for storage.

*At this point I like to sanitize the water system. Make sure all of the drains are closed and drain plugs are installed. Take a quarter cup of household bleach for every fifteen gallons of water your fresh water tank holds. Mix the bleach with water into a one-gallon container and pour it in to the fresh water holding tank. Fill the fresh water holding tank completely full of water. Turn the pump on and run water through each hot and cold faucet, until you smell the bleach. Close the faucets and let it sit for twelve minutes. Drain all of the water and re-fill the tank with fresh water. Turn the pump on and open all faucets until you no longer smell any bleach. It may be necessary to repeat this process to eliminate all signs of bleach.

*With water in the fresh water holding tank turn the 12-volt water pump on and pressurize the water system until the pump shuts off. If the water pump cycles back on, even for a short period of time, there is a leak somewhere. Locate the leak and repair it or take it to an authorized RV service center to be repaired.

*Check the operation of the toilet. Add several gallons of water to the black water holding tank and treat the tank with holding tank chemicals.

*Wash the unit thoroughly. This is a good time to inspect the roof, body seams, and window sealant for cracking that would allow water to get in. Inspect sealants everywhere the manufacturer cut a hole in the RV. Consult a dealer for sealants compatible with these materials.

*Inspect the operation of the awning, clean and check the awning fabric for any damage.
Inspect the tires for signs of dry rot. Inflate all tires to the recommended cold tire pressure.
Lubricate all hinges and locks with spray lubricant.

*Remove any tape or protective covering you may have put over LP gas vents to keep insects and rodents out. Check any mousetraps you may have put out. Open all doors and compartments and check for rodent intrusion and water damage.

*Inspect and clean the interior of the RV.

*Plug in any appliances that you unplugged for storage and replace any dry cell batteries you may have removed. This is a good time to put new batteries in items like smoke alarms.

*Test the operation of the carbon monoxide detector, LP gas leak detector and smoke alarm.

*Check the fire extinguisher. Be sure it is fully charged.

*Reset any breakers you may have turned off. If you removed any fuses for storage re-install them.

*Clean or replace air conditioner filters if it wasn't done prior to storage and remove any covers that were put over air conditioners.

*Open vents and windows and air the unit out.

*If you removed the coach and chassis batteries for storage install them. Whether they were removed or not check the electrolyte levels, clean the terminals and clamps, and check the state of charge in all batteries. Recharge batteries as necessary.

*Check the operation of the electric steps if applicable. Lubricate step mechanism.

*Test the operation of the hydraulic jacks if applicable. Check hydraulic fluid level.

*Test the operation of the back up camera and monitor if applicable.

*If you didn't change the oil and filters in the generator prior to storage this is a good time to do it.

*Inspect the generator exhaust system for any damage prior to starting it. Start and run the generator for one hour with at least a half rated load on it. Consult the generators owner manual for proper load ratings.

*Turn the generator off and plug the unit in to shore power. Turn the refrigerator on in the electric mode. Allow sufficient time for it to cool and check for proper operation.

*Check all 12-volt interior lights and accessories.

*Test the monitor panel for proper operation.

*Check the operation of slide outs if applicable.

*Check the remaining 120-volt appliances for proper operation.

*Test the Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) for proper operation.

*Turn the refrigerator off, leave the doors open and allow sufficient time for it to get to room temperature so it can be checked in the gas mode.

*Before I use the LP gas system I have a leak test and gas operating pressure test preformed. A qualified technician with the proper equipment should do these tests.

*Turn the LP gas valve on and check the operation of all LP gas appliances. Be sure the water heater is full of water before testing the water heater. If a gas appliance is not operating properly have it inspected by a qualified technician. Insects are attracted to the odorant added to LP gas and build nests that can affect the appliance from operating properly.

*If your unit was in long-term storage and you didn't change the engine oil and filter prior to storage this would be a good time to do it.

*Check all fluid levels in the transmission, power steering, engine coolant, engine oil, windshield washer and brakes. Consult vehicle owner's manual.

*Start the engine and check for proper readings on all gauges. Check for proper operation of the dash air conditioner.

*Chassis lubrication should be preformed if it wasn't done prior to storage.

*Check the condition of windshield wiper blades and replace if necessary.

*Check the operation of all chassis lights.

*Make sure the vehicle emissions / inspection sticker is up to date.

In addition to this if you have a pop up or travel trailer the wheel bearings and brakes (if equipped) should be inspected at least once annually. Inspect any canvas for dry rot and tears; inspect all hitch work and the coupler for any damage. Inspect the breakaway switch and pigtail for proper operation.
It really doesn't take a lot of time to get your RV ready for another camping season, and you can rest assured that when it's time to go camping your RV is ready too. Now for the fun part, load your clothes, food, and personal belongings, hit the road and have fun exploring this wonderful country we live in.

Happy Camping!

Mark

Copyright 2007 by Mark J. Polk owner of RV Education 101

New Audi TT Awarded 2007 World Car Design of the Year

Just recently the new Audi TT was proclaimed as the 2007 World Car Design of the Year toppling twenty-eight other candidates.

The judges comprised of renowned motoring journalists from 22 different countries around the world. The panel has reached its verdict and announced the award at the New York International Auto Show over the weekend.

The World Car of the Year jurors commended the TT's new flared wheel arches, sleek silhouette, and signature single frame grille. They said that "while there is a clear connection to the original TT's Bauhaus styling, the second-generation model evolves it into a more modern form". The panel of judges has also praised the efforts that Audi has exerted to create "a more spacious, driver-focused cabin."

The 2007 World Car Design of the Year is not the first award that the new Audi TT has received. Its blend of charming design and absolute dynamism has earned the TT awards from BBC Top Gear and What Car? Magazines in Great Britain and another award from ADAC Motorwelt and Auto Bild magazines in Germany.

The new Audi TT has also received recognition in Australia. It was awarded Drive Car of the Year by drive.com.au, The Age and Sydney Morning Herald. The new TT is available with a 2.0 TFSI four cylinder engine or with a 3.2 liter six-cylinder engine and Quattro permanent all-wheel-drive.

The new Audi TT coupe is longer, wider, and much better equipped than its predecessor but despite its size it is very light. Such remarkable weight reduction is made possible through the use hybrid aluminum/steel ASF (Audi Space Frame) body. Aside from the Audi TT, the Audi RS 4 has also received an award as the 2007 World Performance Car of the Year while the Audi A6 was the inaugural World Car of the Year in 2005.

About Audi

Audi AG is a German automobile manufacturer base in Ingolstadt, Bavaria and a wholly owned subsidiary of Volkswagen the maker of quality VW water pumps with headquarters at Wolfsburg Germany.

Audi is renowned around the world for producing vehicles that don't only look good but also leads when it comes to performance and power. Audi is the luxury unit of Volkswagen and headed by CEO Rupert Stadler.

Who Killed The Electric Car?

Ever watch this movie; "Who Killed the Electric Car?" starring Ed Begley Jr. and Phyllis Diller; directed by Chris Paine. It's an awful site for anyone who loves the environment. We hate to see the smog when we look out over a cities horizon, but we do. Cars are known to cause the most pollution out of any culprit. After learning this why are we still driving in those gas guzzling polluting machines? Well, this movie sheds a little bit of light on that.

The movie's underlying message is all about the death and return of the electric car. It goes into the history of on particular electric car the Prius; where it began, how it sold at first, how it's doing now, and how it will do in the future.

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The film talks about why we have entered an age where we are almost completely dependent on foreign oil. Instead of buying cars that are energy efficient, people are more likely to buy huge SUV's that suck down more gas than necessary. Obviously, if you walk around and look at the cars driving, you can see this in action. People are driving huge cars; why? Commercials will say that they are safe and insurance companies lower your premiums. If you are in the business world, you know that large cars sell for higher prices even if there is only a little more production cost. Companies have to stay competitive in the market. GM, in recent years, has had problems and need to make more money; thus, they need to sell the high marked items, not electric vehicles.

Although, the movie does shoe the bad side of the car companies and how they destroy the image of the electric car, there are others who see that the movie is not truthful. Like any documentary of this sort ( Like "Supersizeme") some of the facts are very one sided. For example, one fact not mentioned is;10 years ago, electric cars were less effective because the batteries they ran on held less power. In addition, the price of the cars were about, $299 to over $574 per month which is pretty steep compared to other cars leaving it only to a small minority of car purchasers. Also, there are no numbers shown in the movie that coheres with there accusations. Finally, they never mention the fact that electric cars are powered by power plants which cause harm to the environment in the end anyway (the only difference is this is easier to control rather than 100k cars)

If you are interested in electric power and electric cars, I assume you will go off and watch this film. It is one side of the story that should be supplemented by other research. There are two sides to this conspiracy so you do need to see both sides. Read all the information including specifications of all the vehicles on the market today as well as in the past. Some of the information might get confusing like the drag coefficients and all of that but you can still learn a lot.

The POWER Behind Turbo Kits

Adding a turbocharger to your car will give you one of the biggest increases in horsepower over any other engine modification. Nitrous oxide systems can rival the power performance, but not the durability and constant gains associated with a turbo system. Turbochargers can be tuned to give you any amount of boost between 0 and 24+psi of boost, depending on the size of the turbine. When you have any type of forced induction system like a turbocharger, you want to make sure that the engine is tuned to it. Below we will discuss the importance of the air fuel ratio. I will revisit this again, because premature detonation is a major cause of internal engine damage, and detonation can be caused by a very lean air fuel ratio. Turbo kits should be coupled with an ecu that is tuned to deliver more fuel than the factory settings, and the fuel delivered to the engine should be increased proportionally to the boost pressure. You also should add an air charge intercooler, which will reduce the intake charge air temperature. The air coming from the exhaust has been heated tremendously, and should be given the opportunity to cool before being re-entered into the system.

Beware of bolt on turbo kits. They in themselves are not the all in all for horsepower. You will have to match these with an intercooler and ecu to build a system that will have durability and performance. These bolt on kits are great for the experienced installers who can tune an engine correctly. The true power behind a turbo kit will be unleased with some tuning to the heads, the timing and fuel ratios, and the intake manifold. We will be discussing each of these in future post, beginning with the heads. The heads are where the power is made because they are a direct path to the combustion chamber, which is where the magic happens.

Internal combustion engines are "breathing" engines. That is to say, they draw in air and fuel for energy. This energy is realized as power when the air-fuel mixture is ignited in the combustion chamber. Afterward, the waste created by the combustion is expelled. All of this is typically accomplished in four strokes of the pistons. What a turbocharger does is to make the air-fuel mixture more combustible by fitting more air into the engine's chambers which, in turn, creates more power and torque when the piston is forced downward by the resulting explosion. It accomplishes this task by condensing, or compressing, the air molecules so that the air the engine draws in is denser. Now, how it does that is the real story here.

A turbocharger is a way to force air into the engine. Hot exhaust gas powers the turbine wheel of the supercharger to make it rotate. That turbine wheel is connected by a shaft to a compressor wheel. As the turbine wheel spins faster and faster, it causes the compressor wheel to also spin quickly. The rotation of the compressor wheel pulls in ambient air and compresses it before pumping it into the engine's chambers. As you may have guessed, the compressed air leaving the compressor wheel housing is very hot as a result of both compression and friction. That's where a charge-air cooler (or "intercooler") comes in. It reduces the temperature of the compressed air so that it is denser when it enters the chamber. The intercooler also helps to keep the temperature down in the combustion chamber. All together, the engine, turbocharger and charge-air cooler form what is known as a "charge-air system". Some systems also include a tip turbine fan which draws air across the charge-air cooler to further reduce the temperature of the compressed air generated by the turbocharger.

The basic principal behind turbocharging is fairly simple, but a turbocharger very complex. Not only must the components within the turbocharger itself be precisely coordinated, but the turbocharger and the engine itself must also be exactly matched. If they're not, engine inefficiency and even damage can be the results. That's why it's important to follow correct installation, operating and preventative maintenance procedures.

When adding a turbocharger or other forced induction system to an engine, you need to pay close attention to the air/fuel mixture ratio, as running lean can cause damaging detonation. Also pay attention to how much air the heads can efficiently flow. This is more difficult to measure or calculate, but much like the diameter of a straw can effect how much liquid it can draw, the heads will limit how much air they can flow through the system.

All - New 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible In Detail

DaimlerChrysler AG's Chrysler Group division is expanding their product lineup of Chrysler Sebring models by adding up an all-new convertible variant. Chrysler Group boasts the numerous innovative technological features aboard the 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible, from the simplest up to the most sophisticated innovative systems.

George Murphy, Senior Vice President-Global Marketing, Chrysler Group said:
"America's favorite convertible is now better than ever. The all-new Chrysler Sebring Convertible offers the unprecedented combination of unmistakable road presence, athletic handling, innovative technologies, as well as plenty of room for people and gear. In fact, the all-new Sebring Convertible is the only retractable hard top in the segment that can pass the two-golf-bag test. The sky's the limit on what this vehicle can accomplish in the marketplace."

Outside, the all-new 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible features a sporty and distinctive exterior styling highlighted by Chrysler's signature eggcrate grille, uniquely sculptured hood with elegant lines, large quad headlamps, wide tail lamps mounted on the corners and deck lid, rear fog lamps, and chrome tipped dual exhaust pipes.

According to a Chrysler Group official press release, some of the unique and innovative standard features found on the all-new 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible include a trunk spacious enough to hold two golf bags when the convertible top is down; power hard tonneau cover that neatly conceals each of the three convertible tops when retracted; seat belts integrated into the front and rear seats, which looks clean, enhances seat comfort and makes it easier for passengers to get into the back seat; a locking glove box that can secure important documents and small items; no manual convertible top latches, as Sebring's new convertible top system automatically latches; and YES Essentials stain-resistant, odor resistant, anti-static seat fabric.

In addition, the 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible also offers available innovative features like remote convertible top operation on the key fob, remote start that allows drivers to start and warm up or cool down their convertible from a distance, factory-installed windscreen that reduces wind and road noise, and a heated or cooled cup holder that keeps warm beverages warm and cold beverages cool.

For the U.S. market, Chrysler Group offers three power plants: the standard 2.4-liter World Engine, the available 2.7-liter V6 engine with Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) capability, and the available 3.5-liter V-6 engine. These engines are combined with either a 4- or 6-speed automatic gearbox, and equipped with a thermostat similar to VW thermostat found on the VW Eos Convertible.

British Sports Car Maker Resurrected

In the 1950's one car maker set a milestone by producing the vehicle that will make possible the first time that a British car with a British driver has won a Formula One Grand Prix. Aside from that achievement Connaught Motor Company also produced street legal cars which have received good success during the period.



In 2002, the brand was acquired by Tony Martindale and Tim Bishop. Martindale is now the Chief Executive Officer of the company. Last year, the company unveiled the Connaught Type-D after being given the distinction of "Specialist Car Manufacturer of the Year" by Autoexpress magazine.



More recently, the company announced that they will be mass producing the Connaught Type-D at its production facility in Wales. The company will not only produce a sports coupe but also a hybrid version of the vehicle. The production of the newest car from the legendary car maker will start this year. Completed vehicles will begin hitting showrooms in Europe by the start of next year.



Consumers looking forward to the resurrection of the brand will be treated to a four-seater coupe, the Connaught Type D GT Syracuse which will be the first model that the company will be producing. The sports coupe will be equipped with a massive V10 two-liter supercharged engine which can produce as much as 300 horsepower. This amount of power will definitely need good brakes to efficiently keep it in check.



The hybrid version of the vehicle will follow soon after. Plans for the hybrid are already announced by the company. The Connaught Type D V10 sports coupe hybrid vehicle will feature a V10 gasoline engine coupled with an electric motor. The hybrid version of the sports coup is estimated to reach speeds of up to 150 miles per hour. The torque produced by the engine and the additional torque from the electric motor can propel the Connaught Type D to 60 miles per hour from a standstill within 6.2 seconds. This performance is quite surprising since the company expects the hybrid version to have a gas mileage rating of 42 miles per gallon.



The hybrid version will have 30 percent less emission than its competition in the market. This means that the vehicle cannot only provide good performance but also reduce the emission of gases that contributes to global warming. Aside from these, the construction of the vehicle will also bring good news for Wales. The new facility in the country will create more than 200 jobs over the next three years of operation.



In the facility's first year, the company is planning to hire thirty engineers. Production-wise, the new facility is expected to produce a hundred Connaught Type Ds in its first year. On its second year, production will be raised to 250 units. On its fifth year, the company aims to produce a thousand units at the assembly plant.