May 2006 - Posts
(ARA) - Have you ever wished that your car, truck or SUV had more horsepower? Every driver appreciates more power for climbing hills, accelerating onto highways and passing slow-moving traffic. How about better fuel economy? The rising price of gasoline has made motorists conscious of the cost of a fill-up.
Now it's possible to improve performance and stretch fuel mileage as easily as changing TV channels with a remote control. Almost every vehicle on the road today uses an onboard computer to control the operation of the engine, transmission, and other systems. By reprogramming this electronic “brain” with specially developed software, a car or truck owner can add horsepower and get more miles per gallon.
Just as personal computers, PDAs and iPods have revolutionized the way that people get information and entertainment, reprogramming devices are changing the way motorists upgrade their vehicles' performance. A handheld automotive programmer is the key that unlocks the enormous potential of today’s vehicles by giving drivers the ability to reprogram and personalize the onboard computers that control virtually all aspects of their vehicles’ operation.
The truth is you don’t have to be a rocket scientist or a computer technician to install these programs with a device like the Hypertech Power Programmer. Plug a cable into a connector under the dashboard and the programmer does the rest automatically. It asks a few questions about your vehicle and the changes you would like to make to the onboard computer. You answer by pushing the Y (“Yes”) or N (“No”) buttons. The programmer then downloads its software to the vehicle’s computer in less time than it takes to drink a cup of coffee.
Why don’t the factories provide this tuning? Because they tune for the masses and must compromise their tuning. They don’t optimize it for towing, hauling or other conditions where an additional amount of power would be beneficial. That’s what Hypertech has done for two decades as the leader among tuning companies.
The basic idea is a brain transplant; the factory-installed program is uploaded and stored, allowing it to be restored at any time. The programmer then installs new software developed on computerized chassis dynamometers and validated in road tests to improve performance and fuel economy. Depending on the vehicle, this software swap produces gains of up to 113 horsepower over the factory tuning – without even opening the hood. With more power in reserve, many drivers no longer feel the need to keep the throttle on the floor and report an increase in fuel mileage.
Sophisticated devices like the Power Programmer give owners of gasoline-burning trucks and SUVs a choice of tuning programs for regular and premium fuel. With the price of regular gasoline averaging 20 cents per gallon less than premium, that’s a significant savings. Diesel owners get a choice of three different power levels; the maximum power setting can be used safely while towing up to the vehicle’s maximum weight rating.
Programmers also give motorists the ability to customize the computer to suit their specific driving styles and to complement modifications such as larger tires and wheels. The Power Programmer can adjust automatic transmission shift points and shift firmness electronically. Firmer, faster gear changes noticeably improve acceleration, and the quick shifts also extend transmission life. The Power Programmer can correct the speedometer and odometer readings when non-stock tires are installed, and that can prevent you from getting an expensive ticket.
Power Programmers are available from many automotive parts stores, RV dealers, outdoor sports outlets and mail order and online retailers. Detailed information and a dealer locator can be found on the Hypertech Web site, www.hypertech.com.
It's said that life is a journey. With a programmer, the journey can be faster, safer and more economical.
Courtesy of ARA Content
Nice article on improving gas milage.
(ARA) – Whether you’re considering a family vacation for Spring Break or just want to get away for a long weekend, one of the most inexpensive ways to travel is to hit the road. Despite higher gas prices, the cost of filling up your tank a few times is still a lot lower than the amount you’d spend to fly the family somewhere.
So why don’t more people take road trips? Perhaps because they dread having to hear the kids ask, ‘When will we get there?’ over and over again.
What a lot of people may not realize is that there are steps they can take before embarking on the adventure to lessen the stress of the trip and actually make it more fun. A good place to start is by letting the kids play a role in deciding what route you’ll take to your destination.
If, for example, you’ll be traveling from Miami, Fla., to North Carolina to visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you may not have been planning on it, but accepting the kids’ recommendation to stop at Disney World along the way will help get them excited about the trip.
Once your trip is underway, however, there’s no getting around the fact that getting where you’re going is going to take time. To avoid having to deal with bored backseat passengers, plan plenty of activities for the kids. Books, music and road games like “I Spy” will work for a few minutes at a time, but giving your kids the ability to watch full-length movies on the road or play video games will keep them occupied for hours.
Portable DVD players and video game systems have been around for a while, but a new product just introduced at the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas is generating a lot of excitement. Visteon Corporation has teamed up with Nintendo to offer a version of its Dockable Family Entertainment System featuring GameBoy Advance.
The unit, which mounts to a docking station built into the roof of the car, allows backseat passengers to play more than 700 GameBoy games, watch DVDs or listen to CDs, MP3 and WMA files all from the same unit. The laptop style player has a 10.2 inch screen and includes a wireless game controller. Additional controllers and other accessories are available as add-ons.
“The great thing about this unit is when the passengers reach their destination, they can remove the device from the car and continue watching movies or playing games in their hotel room, on the airplane, pretty much anywhere they want,” says Greg Gyllstrom, Visteon’s vice president for Aftermarket North America.
The Dockable Family Entertainment System Featuring GameBoy Advance will be available through authorized aftermarket and certain car dealers nationwide this April. Log on to www.evisteon.com and click on the link that says “Mobile Electronics” for more information.
Courtesy of ARA Content
(ARA) - Warmer temperatures, spring training and that blossoming tree in your yard mean one thing – it’s time to ride your motorcycle.
Whether you’re purchasing a new motorcycle this spring or simply waking your bike from a long winter’s nap in storage, before you hit the open road this year, here are a few simple precautions from General Casualty Insurance Companies to help protect you and your bike.
Do your homework
Before purchasing a motorcycle, research which bikes are safest and, consequently, are easier and less costly to insure.
“Insurance companies typically consider several factors when pricing their motorcycle policies, including cycle type, engine size and brand, driver’s age, and whether the bike is garaged in the winter,” said Charles Valinotti of General Casualty.
Some companies offer discounts for certain types of bikes. At General Casualty, insuring certain touring cycles costs 20 percent less than other motorcycles. Valinotti also notes that high-performance sport bikes are often the most expensive and hardest to insure. These cycles are involved in a greater share of accidents due to their design, engine size and young operators.
If you won’t be riding bike year round, you may also select a Lay Up Option on your coverage. While it’s in storage, all coverages except Other Than Collision are suspended, lowering your premium considerably. Your bike is still covered if it is stolen or damaged while garaged.
Contact your insurance agent to find out about additional safety factors and discounts. You may also save by attending a safety course, wearing a helmet or insuring multiple motorcycles with the same carrier.
Before that first ride
Your bike needs a thorough maintenance check before you ride it this spring. What better time to make sure your motorcycle coverage is up to date, too?
If you stored your bike and exercised your policy’s Lay Up Option during the winter, inform your insurance agent before you begin riding again this spring. Your agent can typically reinstate your complete coverage that same day. Also let your agent know if you’ve made any improvements to your bike so he or she can adjust coverage limits if necessary.
A safety tune up
After a few months off your bike, Valinotti recommends riders take a few minutes to ensure they’re up to speed on the cyclist’s “rules of the road.” Here are a few key points to remember:
* Watch for oncoming vehicles turning left in front of you. Slow down before intersections and stay visible.
* Motorcycles are less visible than cars, especially at night. Always assume other drivers can’t see you.
* Leave plenty of space in front, back and at your sides to increase your visibility.
* Invest in a properly fitting helmet and riding gear. Helmets saved 1,316 lives in 2004, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
For more safety tips and information on training courses, visit the Motorcycle Safety Foundation Web site at msf-usa.org.
“I can’t stress how important it is to remain visible when riding a motorcycle, especially at night or in high-traffic areas and intersections,” said Valinotti. “More than one-third of multi-vehicle motorcycle accidents occur at intersections, so be on high alert when you come to these areas.”
Whether you’re a new owner or a seasoned road warrior, these simple reminders can help you ride easier this season knowing you and your bike are protected.
Courtesy of ARA Content
Editor’s Note:
General Casualty Insurance Companies, headquartered in Sun Prairie, Wis., is a member of Winterthur U.S. Holdings, Inc. General Casualty insures homes, autos and businesses through independent agents in 25 states
(ARA) - With nearly 200 million drivers in the United States, it’s no secret that Americans love to move on the open road. But stubbornly high gas prices are forcing motorists to put extra care into their vehicles.
One important part of car maintenance that too many Americans take for granted is tire care. In a 2006 Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) survey conducted by FrederickPolls, only 19 percent of drivers said they knew how to properly check their tire pressure.
This common oversight not only puts a strain on motorists’ tires, but also their wallets. Properly inflated tires could save motorists up to 9 cents per gallon, according to the U.S. Energy Department.
The RMA recommends four easy tire care tips that can keep you and your car safe on the road and save you money at the pump.
1) Keep a pulse on tire pressure. Use a tire gauge to check your tire pressure at least once a month. Under-inflated tires lower gas mileage and shorten tire life. Worse, it can cause tire damage that may lead to failure. Remember to check the vehicle owner’s manual or tire information sticker on the driver’s door for the right pressure – don’t use the pressure on the tire sidewall.
2) Pesky Potholes. Hit a pothole and you might notice your car pulling to one side. It could be a sign that your vehicle needs a wheel alignment, which can safeguard your tire against irregular wear and tear.
3) Rotate tires every 6,000 miles. Treat your tires as a team and rotate them every 6,000 to 8,000 miles to help your tires wear evenly and optimize their longevity.
4) Bald Ain’t Beautiful. Bald tires are dangerous! To avoid skidding and hydroplaning be sure to change your tires when the tread is worn down to 1/16 of an inch. Put a penny to the test – place one in a tire tread groove upside down. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, it’s time for a new tire.
“Basic tire care is simple and only takes a few minutes each month,” said Donald B. Shea, RMA president and CEO. “Properly maintained tires will help maximize safety, fuel efficiency and tire life.”
Being tire smart makes “¢ents.” For more information about tire care and maintenance, visit www.betiresmart.org.
Courtesy of ARA Content
Get article on saving money buying tires.
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