A requirement in most states, auto insurance is an important companion on every venture out on the road. As some motorists face the risk of serious penalties if driving without insurance, all drivers seek affordable car insurance. While there are some criteria to a car insurance policy that cannot easily be changed (gender, age or previous driving record) there may be some auto insurance customers to gain a value-added advantage.

Many auto insurance providers have been attracting customers with the promise of rewarding drivers with special benefits. In order to provide a fulfilling driving experience under their insurance umbrella, some insurance companies offer perks such as good driver and steady customer discounts. Almost every insurance company offering more than one product (i.e. car, home, medical, etc.) would also give price breaks to customers. Other than those bonuses, car owners can pursue other areas in their quest for the best insurance rate.

Driver Training and Education Course

For a young or newer motorists, driver education classes primes the newest explorers of the open road. These classes also present a desirable effect to young drivers as they apply for their first car policy quotes. Many auto insurance companies recognize this hard work of rookies to the roadways when deciding their often-high initial premiums.

Though it may seem like an uncomfortable experience for some experienced drivers to return to the classroom voluntarily, discount can also available to well-established motorists who take a defensive driving courses. Depending on the driving school and the insurance company, the annual auto insurance cost savings could soon outweigh the expense of the driver training classes.

OnStar

For OnStar-equipped vehicles, GMAC Insurance offers a usage-based plan that allows a driver to be discounted by to 54 percent. Called the Low-Mileage Discount, if a vehicle travels a shorter distance per year, the car insurance policy is adjusted. Regardless, a user of the unique tracking service allows drivers to enjoy at least 7 percent savings over the course of the policy (roughly equal to the subscription to the OnStar monitoring package). While the insurance discount would be highly appreciated for OnStar customers, others still find the frequent monitoring of driving habits as too intrusive.

Affiliation and Groups

If you belong or are thinking of joining a major organization, inquire if there is a partnership with an auto insurance company. Trade groups and school alumni memberships are some of the more accessible places to save money. Often, membership organizations would apply for group insurance rates that tend to be noticeably lower than individual policies.

Auto insurance companies like GEICO also provides discounted rates to active and veteran military members. This savings for those honourable men and women run up to 15 percent.

Safety Equipment

Reducing the severity of many automobile accidents, the abundance of safety features found on today’s cars, crossovers and trucks could provide additional relief on insurance payments. GEICO breaks down the presence of many modern safety features as being considerable compared to non-equipped vehicles. Full front airbags can save a motorist up to 40 percent while anti-lock brakes can provide a 25 percent savings. Tire pressure monitoring, anti-theft systems, electronic stability control programs as well as high-tech lane departure and blind spot check systems can also deflate the cost of a vehicle to insure. Even daytime running lights can grant a 3 percent savings to an annual auto insurance policy.

Information source: GEICO, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, OnStar
Photo source: General Motors

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Well into spring, we have overcome a wet month of April and proceeded into lively month of May. Besides the month gardens are planted and plant begin to bloom, May brings a particular sense of jubilation with hallmark sporting events such as the Kentucky Derby as well as the all-important 100th running of the Indianapolis 500. A less glorious activity started during the month of May is the regular exterior cleaning of an automobile. Deciding on the right way to wash your vehicle may barter on several factors including cost, labour and even local laws.

Car Washing with Water

Either a labour of love or a chore, the traditional soap and water of cars has been a part of North American weekends during the warmer months. Water is accepted as a universal cleansing agent that leaves it only natural for a vehicle’s upkeep. Requiring only a pail of water along with some proper car wash solution (absolutely not dishwashing soap), the hand scrubbing of the vehicle’s shapely surfaces is a very intimate affair between car owner and product. Using a sponge and/or chamois, the operation of thoroughly washing a car’s exterior should be no more than about 60-90 minutes depending on the attention devoted to the project.

Waterless Car Washing

During the summer time, there are routinely many areas that receive long drought period without precipitation. As supplies of water must be maintained, the activity of car washing is viewed as a wasteful exercise during occasions where constant water flow is needed. In the interests of minimizing water usage as well as the potential of contamination, several city and regional jurisdictions have passed bylaws prohibiting vehicle washing using water-based procedures.

A wide assortment of products has been engineered for this emerging market for car care products. These products often include chemistry deviating away from the use man-made ingredients. Coconut oil and soybeans are some ingredients found in waterless car wash solutions improving the environmental consciousness to the next level. Not entirely waterless, some products suggest detailing could involve small quantities of water or a damp towel.

Power Washing

Available in electric and gas-powered models, power washers are tools capable of spraying water at high pressure. Power washer units range in price from about $100 to as much as $1,000 for heavy-duty models. Used on houses and other landscaping jobs, these high-pressure washers can also be used on automobiles under proper conditions.

Users of power washer equipment must be very careful in the operation of this cleaning apparatus. Firstly, pressure thresholds could be maintained when washing a vehicle. No more than 2,000 PSI (pounds per square inch) of water pressure should be spewing from the nozzle. The force and the flow of pressure washer units can be adjusted to best suit a cleaning job. Electric-powered pressure washers are often rated up to 1,700 to 2,000 PSI making them suitable for car care work. Gas-powered models features higher pressure ranges but could be more machine than is necessary for cleaning automobiles alone.

Reading the pressure washer manual for usage on vehicles, most would suggest a safe distance for where to be positioned away from the vehicle. Starting at a sizable distance, it is recommended that the nozzle should remain about 3 foot away from the bodywork of a car or truck depending on the pressure setting. It is also recommended that the water be blown when the nozzle is at a 15-25 degree angle. Pressure washer machines do differ so best judgement should be made based on the equipment manufacturer’s instructions.

Beyond the handling of the pressure washer, there should also be special considerations paid to the vehicle‘s condition. If there are areas of peeling, chipped or rushed paint surfaces, power washer use is certainly not advised.

Information source: Eco Touch Inc., Simoniz, Ultimate Washer Inc.
Photo Source: Chris Nagy

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Winter routinely takes a toll on cars and motorists. This passing season was no exception as few North American residents were spared from the blitz of snow and frigid weather. Battling reduced vision of snowdrifts, jumping the slush-filled walkways, enduring those first few minutes of sitting inside of a cold car seat, these loathed moments of winter driving is slowly melting. Surviving inclement weather conditions of the year’s coldest months, it is an ideal time to recover within a pristine driving climate. Commonly associating spring-cleaning with our homes, this time of year is also a great time to address your neglected vehicle.

Taking care of more crucial maintenance matters first, the first step embracing the spring season involves insuring mechanicals are in check. If you are one of the many northernmost drivers opting for the safety and control of winter tires, think about changing rubber as we enter a more hospitable climate. Since winter tires are given a softer construction to aid in cold weather traction where summer or all-season tire rubber would lose elasticity. However, once weather warms, excessive driving on winter tires can wear more rapidly. Requiring skilled planning as well as a little luck from Mother Nature, many motorists will opt for changing from winter to summer tires at the end of April.

During regular vehicle maintenance, one aspect of an automobile requires special attention. Entering into hotter days, heat wears heavily on an automobile’s engine. For this reason, it is important to be sure your vehicle’s cooling system is ready to resist potential disaster. To start checking coolant levels, open the hood and find the engine coolant reservoir. The reservoir is often semi-transparent with level markings indicating the ideal fluid amount. If system needs filling up to levels, promptly refill with the mixture the auto manufacturer suggests.

Taking care of the mechanicals, an automobile next earns a suitable detailing inside and out. While car washes and other detailing centers are available yearlong, some car owners allow the three month-plus time period of winter chooses to not use these services due to cost and potential of damage. Thoroughly wash over the entire exterior of the vehicle with water and/or a respected automotive cleaning agent. Lifting off what is guaranteed to be a fair share of road salt residue will bring the vehicle’s pre-winter beauty back to forefront. Sand and salt also greatly deteriorates the lower part of a vehicle making those areas prone to rusting. Do not be afraid to spray a garden hose along the underside of a car or truck making certain to focus on wheel wells and the rocker panels. Depending on the day, the spring revitalization of a vehicle can include waxing the exterior finish. Along with bringing some additional energy back to the body, car waxing ahead of the summer driving assure the exterior finish against the harsh damage of rain and sun ultraviolet rays.

Inside of your vehicle, the signs of fleeing winter for solace inside a nice, warm building might have provoked some neglect of the cabin’s upkeep. Naturally, clean out all garbage first from the interior nooks and storage compartments. Vacuum the interior surfaces making sure to reach under the floor mats and under the seats when possible. Next, use a cleaner as well as a protectent product to liven up harder interior surfaces or leathers. For upholstery, several products and shampoos will allow you to remove the obvious or even hidden messes. For carpeted floor mats, vacuum and clean surfaces in a similar fashion as the rest of the interior. For vehicles featuring rubber floor mats, simply wipe them clean with a damp towel.

For some, the warmer weather means taking the car cover off the beloved summer car. For those vehicle awaiting the ideal motoring paths of spring, summer and early fall, the several months of stagnation could have car owners struggling to immediately waking up their automobiles. Depending if a stored vehicle was being started throughout the winter just to keep systems warmed up and engine components lubricated, the vehicle could fail to start. A discharged battery or unstable fuel caused by a vehicle being idle could be additional and potentially costly maintenance items before having the opportunity to fully enjoy your fairer weather car. A car battery charger and fuel stabilizer used ahead of time would prove effective in avoiding such problems.

Now that your vehicle is adequately prepared for embracing the nice, warmer days of the year, causes for driving as well as the destination is left up to you this spring and summer.

Photo Source: Chris Nagy

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Evenly based on equal driving records, it is generally accepted that women receive better auto insurance rates than male drivers. Gender is said to contribute to only 5 percent of the overall calculations for auto insurance in the United States, the affect on car insurance premiums cuts deeply into the wallets of men on the road. By and large in the United States, this is confirmed by data published by insurance website InsWeb in 2010. Using median level across the United States driving population, women drivers pay an average 9 percent less than men on auto insurance on an annual basis. Per individual states, biggest difference came in Wyoming where women paid more than 20 percent less than their male driving counterpart. Only in Iowa state did male driver insurance rates prevail ahead of female rates by 1.1 percent. With the largest differential appearing for younger drivers, the limited driving record means younger women benefit from the factor of gender when first behind the wheel.

While United States insurance companies continue to use gender to evaluate clients’ risk factors, the same measure will soon be prohibited in European countries including the United Kingdom and Germany. Belgium-based consumer lobbyist group Test-Achats filed a challenge in the European Union’s Court of Justice calling the insurance companies practice as gender discrimination. In a landmark ruling, the court agreed with Test-Achats’ compliant deeply changing insurance rating. For a wide-range of coverage not limited to auto and motorcycle insurance, providers are required by December of 2012 to no longer charge different policy premiums based on gender-related factors. According to BBC, women aged 16-25 could see insurance rate increases up to 25 percent compared to their current premium costs. The overall rate adjustments will likely see female drivers in Europe paying 6 percent more while male drivers could enjoy an 8 percent decrease per year on car insurance.

Though the question of discrimination will shift insurance away from gender factors in European countries, companies operating within the North America and many other regions continue to view gender as an important evaluation tool. While over the years women have still enjoyed acknowledgment as safer drivers, some speculation questioned whether this remains true today. As more women are now daily drivers, is it still true that female motorists maintain safer control of automobiles? Using a 2008 study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a measurement motor vehicle crash data identifies the grounds for analyzing gender does have significant statistical backing.

Over 33 years, the NHTSA measured crash accidents causing death, injury and property damage across the bounds of highway safety. Measuring incidents per 100,000 drivers, the United States transportation group witnessed noticeable differences between male and female motorists when it comes to crash statistics. Despite the number of licensed female drivers has almost doubled over the 33-year time span to the point it actually outnumbered male drivers in the United States, car crash numbers continued to remain low and relatively stabilized. Fatal crashes involving male drivers are significantly higher than female drivers. Though male fatality has greatly dropped from a level of 66 per 100,000 drivers in 1980, the 2008 rating of 35 is still more than 3 times higher than female motorists. NHTSA data for 2008 also concludes that male drivers are 3 times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash involving impairment caused by alcohol.

While fatal crashes still sees a greater risk for male motorists, categories for injury and property-only automobile accidents paints less inequality. Measured by the NHTSA back to 1988, both of these statistics have seen male incidents per 100,000 decrease. However, the tally for female drivers have declined more slowly. Because of this result, recent 2008 measurements see closer numbers between male and female indexes. For injuries in 1988, there was a difference of 994 per 100,000 individual drivers to 322 drivers 20 years later. For property damage only crashes, a divide of 2,381 per 100,000 in 1988 has dropped to 1,166 in 2008 indicating also a mild increase in total number of incidents for women.

As licensed drivers between genders equalize, why the disparity between male and female auto safety numbers continue to exist is not entirely clear. Some debate that men still drive further distances than women do on a daily basis increasing their accident risk. Other more psychological points of view believe male drivers are more habitually more aggressive.

As European auto insurance companies and client adjust premiums as a result to the monumental court ruling excluding the consideration of gender, there are no plans to consider such actions in the other countries such as the United States.

autonetinsurance.co.uk
Information source: BBC, Inswatch, NTHSA
Photo Source: Ford Motor Company

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The past few years have changed the way many of us perceive an honest day’s work. Many hard workers were served with the reality that a major multinational company does not have every individual interest in mind. For those who have been fortune to realize a new career, the new horizon is self-employment or running a smaller business. While a fight to be recognized for your skills, placing yourself at the top of your own corporate ladder projects self-control and self-fulfillment. For service or sales businesses where commuting is an imperative, you need to move to every destination. In order to travel to these valuable calls, preparedness is the name of the entrepreneurial game including the realization for the differences in handling a commercial vehicle compared to a personal vehicle.

Amongst one discipline important for maintaining a commercial vehicle is the need to match it with the right insurance. Available through several auto insurance companies, commercial vehicle insurance is specially-designed to meet business needs. Cars, trucks and vans that can be covered under commercial or business auto insurance plans range from pizza delivery to electrician to transport services. For example, delivery and service businesses utilizing a Ford Transit Connect or Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van can benefit in obtaining the proper commercial van insurance to protect employees as well as company finances.

Typically required when major loads or expensive items are regularly being transported, commercial vehicle insurance structures involve emphasis on various coverage features. One consideration made in commercial vehicle insurance is the knowledge that a car, truck or van is not going to be driven by a single driver. While personal auto insurance policies can account for multiple drivers, the usage under commercial auto insurance relies on provisions more adequately protecting employees.

Since commercial vehicles regularly travel or transport more costly equipment, these special business coverage options supply greater compensation. In the case of taxi services, commercial vehicle insurance can be organized to safeguard against cases of harm or injury. For these reasons, commercial policies would often offer higher loss and liability coverage options.

Other items included in the commercial vehicle insurance policies allow businesses to apply seasonal coverage that maintains protection for summer or winter operations. Because of small business’ reliance on their vehicle to drive their income, a final contingency through commercial vehicle insurance is to provide protection if there is an loss of revenue.

For best risk management, it is recommended that business most do not take their vehicle insurance policies lightly. A policy low on coverage or lacking specific options could become a costly realization. It is recommended that a small business works out the exact coverage they will need through an insurance agent.

Information Source: Geico Insurance, Progressive Insurance, staveleyhead.co.uk

Photo Source: Chris Nagy

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Before leaving your driveway or parking spot in most regions of the United States, drivers must be accompanied with automobile insurance. Cynically acknowledged by the motoring community, auto insurance companies are adding 21st century technology in a way some American drivers will be unnerved. Creating a service called usage-based insurance, the notion of traditional car insurance quotes could become a thing of the past.

As many know with traditional auto insurance quoting, an approximated traveling distance is used as one criteria for establishing a driver’s rate. However, by using automotive tracking technology, auto insurers are now attempting to sell many customers on live vehicle tracking. Defined as usage-based auto insurance, this approach entails using real world tracking to compute the insured rates. Introduced in the United States in 2004, this system of insurance has been growing in deployment by insurance carriers across the country. Progressive and GMAC Insurance are two companies providing customers the option of usage-based auto insurance coverage.

According to Progressive Insurance, over 100,000 customers have signed up for their Snapshot Discount plan across 31 states. In the Snapshot Discount through Progressive, a device is sent to an insured motorist who then connects the transmitter into a vehicle’s diagnostic port. Over the course of 30 days, the device will record time of use, speed, vehicle identification number and whether the Snapshot unit is connected. From the data gathered, an insurance discount could be rewarded. This rate will remain locked for the next 6 months. While the system tracks the vehicle’s activity, the Snapshot device does not possess global positioning system (GPS) capability.

The GMAC Insurance plan is used in conjunction with an OnStar system equipped standard on most modern General Motors vehicles. Delivering a Low-Mileage Discount, this GMAC Insurance package rewards non-driving with up to 54% in discount savings if a vehicle is driven less than 2,500 miles per year. For more regular commuters, the Low-Mileage Discount does deliver a minimum 7% return as long as an OnStar subscription remains active. However, it’s worth mentioning the potential savings will probably be offset by the OnStar subscription package. While OnStar does have GPS capacity, the information said to be used for the Low-Mileage Discount is based solely on the OnStar Vehicle Diagnostic reporting.

While there are concerns that the usage-based tracking devices do not distinguish against the type of driving done (differences between city and highway driving could be a factor which could otherwise affect a car insurance quote), the major drawback to the usage-based auto insurance system is selling policy holders on the idea of giving up some personal information. Privacy laws in some states have effectively blocked the efforts to setting up usage-based car insurance programs while other states limit the scope of data collecting. In an article published through the SAE (Society of Automotive Engineer) magazine, the issue of privacy was broached as insurance companies attempt to lure customers to this new reality of collecting active driving data for a potential rate discount.

In fact, insurance companies are freely admitting that customers are being asked to give up elements of their privacy through usage-based insurance billing. “Privacy is a ledge that you have to talk customers off,” said Director of Auto Product Management for Liberty Mutual Agency Markets said Richard Smith in the SAE article. Questions are also being asked for not only how the information is currently being used but how usage-based insurance data could be used in the future. It is possible that the information gathered through these services could be established to detect trouble drivers and could be used as evidence in driving offences.

The usage-based insurance model provides both pros and cons in which our motoring society will judge in the coming years whether an accurate rate is worth forfeiting certain information.

Information Source: GMAC Insurance, Progressive Insurance, SAE
Photo Source: General Motors

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A sense of what the world was represented in the formulation of sheetmetal, the movement of majestic mechanics of yesteryear; it is truly an unique experience owning a classic automobile. Whether it is a depression era 1930s Ford decked-out in hot rod trim, 1950s boulevard cruising Cadillac Eldorado or a 1960s high-performance Pontiac GTO muscle car, these vehicles are only a few that capture the emotions of true car enthusiasts in a such a powerful presence only modern exotics can unearth.

Providing a special ownership experience, special considerations for the classic car itself must be observed. Among regular maintenance and care, owners who also have to consider specific auto insurance. Serving your classic vehicle slightly different than the more common forms of auto coverage, special vehicle insurance products provided through several companies can offers peace of mind to enjoy a classic, modified or limited edition vehicle. Most major auto insurance companies provide collector car options but leading companies specializing in collector car insurance is Hagerty, American Collectors Insurance and coverage endorsed by auction house Barrett-Jackson.

What Vehicles Qualify?

The general rule of thumb for declaring a car as a classic used to occur after 25 years of existence. Many collector car insurance plans continue to accept this in their business model but other have been more restrictive on which vehicles they deem classic or collectible. There may also be vehicles within the 25-year cut-off an insurance company would consider adding to collector vehicle policies.

Typical Collector Car Insurance Coverage

One of the biggest difference to collector car insurance policies compared to standard auto insurance plans is the way a protected vehicle is covered in case of damage or loss.

Where standard collision auto insurance often assesses vehicles based on a depreciated value, a collector car or truck’s value accepts the worth at a fixed amount. Called “Agree-Value Coverage”, the collector car value would be adjusted up to counter inflation annually. Other features offered in some collector car insurance policies provides special services such as coverage for the loss or damage of spare parts.

Special Considerations with Collector Car Insurance

When selecting collector car insurance, one major aspect to policies dictate the insured vehicle can not be your daily driver. Of course, by removing an antique or collector vehicle from everyday hazards, the chances for a pricey disaster is naturally reduced. Driving of a classic or collectible car would be largely limited to car shows, parades and for occasional pleasure. Most collector car insurance policies would even specify a vehicle must be kept indoors within a secured storage facility when not in use.

Since the vehicle being covered by collector car insurance plans are assessed for individual value, an owner will require a collector vehicle value to be professionally appraised. It is also important during an insurance term to disclosure any modification being made to a covered car or truck.

Besides the car or truck, the driver is also placed under heightened scrutiny when applying for collector car insurance. Typically, newer drivers are not considered eligible for collector car insurance as most companies prefer to see at least 5 years of licensed driving experience. Insurance companies will usually not turn down coverage based on single accident but most policies require that any possible drivers in the vehicle’s household must not have a serious driving offense.

Collector car insurance policies do differ so it is encouraged that consumers shop around for not only the best rate but the best coverage.

Information source: American Collectors Insurance, Barrett-Jackson Hagerty Insurance Agency

Photo source: Chris Nagy

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Effective February 1st of 2011, the GM Goodwrench Service signs will disappear from United States General Motors dealerships ending 37 years of the name’s usage for manufacturer-backed auto care and maintenance. Proceeding on from this upcoming February, the auto service and maintenance will be undertaken by brand identified Certified Service centers (For example, Chevrolet Certified Service or Buick Certified Service). In typical fashion with companies phasing out household names, the media announcement from GM only mentioned the ceasing of the Goodwrench name in the last two lines of a press release.

Established in 1974, the General Motors specialized maintenance and service spouted nationwide in 1977 as a source for certified mechanics. Starting in the 1990s, the GM service provider adopted the persona of Mr Goodwrench. The manufacturer-backed service departments later reverted back to GM Goodwrench Service, often adding the word ‘plus’ to their name.

the GM Goodwrench brand will forever be known for their presence in motorsports. Sponsoring one of NASCAR’s most iconic Cup race vehicles, a black and silver #3 Chevrolet was owned by Richard Childress Racing and piloted by NASCAR Hall of Fame legend Dale Earnhardt Sr. Together, the grouping won 4 NASCAR Cup championships (GM Goodwrench also had a smaller associate sponsor in 1987) and the 1998 Daytona 500. Replicated millions of times on scaled die-cast cars and printed countless more times on assorted NASCAR merchandise, the GM Goodwrench name still maintains close association to the now fallen Dale Earnhardt Sr.

When Earnhardt died as a result of a Daytona 500 crash in 2001, Goodwrench stayed on the Richard Childress Racing team but took on a different identity and number to due their connection to the driver. Kevin Harvick was trusted with the sponsorship during his difficult time bringing some joy with 2 wins on the 2001 season. In time, GM Goodwrench Service corporately would drop the black and silver colour scheme electing for a blue and white instead. It would also be the choice of the auto service provider to leave NASCAR altogether in 2007 ending the long marketing partnership.

Beyond Earnhardt an aggressive marketing campaign in auto racing saw the Goodwrench brand residing in smaller stock car series as well as in sports car racing. Prior to the Richard Childress Racing/Goodwrench affiliation, NASCAR rival Hendrick Motorsports fielded a Chevrolet Corvette GTP vehicle in sports car racing in the 1980s. Through the Hendrick-backed effort was not a big success, the GM Goodwrench name would ride again on GM factory-backed Corvettes in 1999. The Corvette Racing team would carry Goodwrench to victory at the 24-hour of Daytona in 2001. Like in NASCAR, the sponsorship would come to an unceremonious ending.

In the later years of Goodwrench, efforts were exercised to rebrand it with the before mentioned colour change with a decorative ‘G’ logo (which many liken to the Quicktime video player ‘Q’). This attempt was ultimately futile as many dealerships did not update their signage.

Vice president/general manager of GM Customer Care and Aftersales Steve Hill explains the name change as strengthening a connection with General Motors vehicle owners. “Certified Service supports GM’s strategy to focus on the four brands – Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac — and is a natural extension of the customer’s vehicle purchase experience at the dealership.” Hill said. Under their dealership’s new Certified Service banner, General Motors promises a continuing commitment of qualified service technicians to customer services which includes using tools like OnStar.

Though the Goodwrench banner will be pulled in the United States, there could be life to the corporate name. For the time being, General Motors of Canada will retain the GM Goodwrench branding on their dealer service centers.

Information source: Automotive news, General Motors

Photo source:

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Discouraging patterns of high-speed driving, public education campaigns have been the first stage of maintaining safe vehicle speeds. As we know, these preventive measures are not enough to completely change the situations on streets and highways. Police speed traps, photo radar and even airplane surveillance over highways are deployed to catch the velocity seekers red-handed (or rather red-footed). Across the Atlantic, an informal study might suggest a new method to curb excessive speeds which is certain to be greeted as an unpopular solution.

According to a survey conducted by RoadPilot, an United Kingdom-based company creating products and solutions to detect speed cameras, has drawn a conclusion that the top deterrent to speeders is higher fuel costs. Asking drivers more what factors they have reduced their average speed during travel, 33% of UK motorists voiced heeding to higher gas prices ahead of other speed impediments. In fact, only 13% addressed a reason for slowing down is in reaction to law enforcement. However, the majority of surveyors who did not select concern about police presence could be law-biding drivers obeying traffic rules. Traffic congestion and environmental conditions (ie. rain and snow) were also issues that caused the speedometer to drop. Reacting to the figures, RoadPilot’s CEO James Flynn OBE offered a viewpoint saying “Driving remains an essential part of life for many people in the UK, but clearly motorists are feeling the pinch at present and are doing whatever they can to reduce their monthly outgoings.”

In Europe, the incentive to slow down in the name of fuel mileage is more important since vehicle owners are faced with considerably more shock at the petrol pumps. In the United Kingdom, motorists pay the US equivalent of 6-8 dollars a gallon for gasoline at this present time (October 2010). The RoadPilot survey had also noted 40% of motorists polled are said to be monitoring the fuel gauge more closely in the past year.

Unsure of the results if a similar survey was responded to by North American drivers, some related data shows how much of an effect gasoline prices have on the minds of car owners. Recorded by Department of Transportation, escalating fuel prices in 2008 (a time still fresh in the minds of American motorists) led total vehicle driving distance to drop 3.6% over the previous year. When gasoline prices dropped back to more sensible levels through 2009 to this year, driving numbers are starting to creep through positive territory again on American roadways. Whether or not speeding was affected between this periods is uncertain.

While the validity of corporately-sponsored polls could be questioned, one thing to gain from this UK survey is how greatly influenced the psyche of motorist is impacted when conserving money can override the reason why some of us race in our vehicles.

Information source: RoadPilot, US Department of Transportation- Federal Highway Administration
Photo source: RoadPilot via Newspress UK

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Gumout just contacted me saying they want to give away a few bottles of their 2X Regane Fuel System Cleaner. I haven’t used this stuff personally yet, but after doing some research online, a lot of people seem to swear by it. It’s certainly worth a shot.

Here’s is Gumout’s claim:

Use of a low quality discount gasoline can reduce an engine’s performance. A vehicle may experience poor fuel economy, lost horsepower, hesitation, and rough idling. Gumout Regane Complete Fuel System Cleaner helps to:

• Clean the ENTIRE fuel system
• Maximize fuel economy
• Prevent future deposit build up for up to 3,000 miles
• Restore lost horsepower
• Remove water from gasoline

The biggest difference in this product vs. the competition is the type of detergent additive that is used. Nine of the 12 additives in this cleaner use PEA or polyether amine. This additive is an extremely effective cleaner which allows this product to clean deposits and keep new ones from forming for up to 3,000 miles.

Want to give it a try for free? Read on…

We’re giving away three bottles of it, and all you have to do is leave a comment below and subscribe to our newsletter (no spam, I promise.) If you’re already subscribed, just let me know. In your comment, just let us know if you’ve used Gumout or another fuel system cleaner and what your results were. If you’ve never used one, that’s fine too.

The contest ends one month from today (August 22, 2010.) Get to it!

Only open to US residents.

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Even more the oil spill into the Gulf of Mexico, many of us have seen the damage for which we can hurt the planet. While automobiles get the brunt of the environmental criticism, some of the biggest green breakthroughs are being made in this most prevalent form of transportation. With emissions and vehicle construction taken into consideration by the manufacturer, one opportunity presents individual motorist interested in reducing their environmental impact.

Guided by the number of vehicles registered in the United States by the Federal Highway Administration, approximately 7-9 billion quarts of motor oil would be used per year in the country alone. As can be expected, the disposal of automotive engine oil is a large capacity business. Besides the surcharge amounts oil change centers tack on top or outside of advertised prices, used motor oil can actually be used to produce other chemicals including lubricating oils and could even be burned for energy. However, a Texas-based company under the Safety Kleen banner wants to give your used engine oil a second chance inside of a crankcase called ECOPower recycled motor oil.

Consisting of reproduced engine oil, ECOPower motor oil is suitable replacement to popular conventional formulas in almost any modern gasoline or diesel engine. Along as being put under in their words a “re-refining process”, additives are added to the ECOPower motor oil. For this reason, this recycled engine oil exceeds the standards set by regular certifications including SAE, API and even Military. ECOPower motor oil advertises their product as being torture tested in the vehicles of emergency services as well as combat vehicles.

At current capacity, Safety Klean sends 140 million gallons of used oil into their ECOPower motor oil reprocessing plant through a procedure they claim runs on 85% less energy than through the production of new engine oil.

ECOPower motor oil has been on the market for a little over a year and is also available as a synthetic blend. ECOPower is careful to note that you should read your vehicle’s owner manual before electing to use their brand motor oil. As in the case of conventional engine oils, engines requiring synthetics should not be treated with even the synthetic blend motor oil.

Through green, innovative solutions such as the one demonstrated by ECOPower, a prosperous future where automobiles can be enjoyed as indisputable masterpieces untainted by environmental concerns.

Information Source: Federal Highway Administration, American Petroleum Institute, ECOpower
Photo Source: Chris Nagy

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Perhaps you’ve noticed the green theme here at Automoblog.net today. Nope, I don’t think it looks quite right either, but it’s staying green for Earth Day today – April 22, 2010 – like it or not.

Show your support and take action or whatever by heading over to earthday.org and checking out the campaigns, events, and looking at some of the ways you can reduce your energy consumption.

While you’re at it, check out these tips and tricks, along with some great Green Automotive products to help reduce energy use, use recycled products, and save some cash:

Change Your Air Filter

Not a particularly creative entry into the list, but the simple act of changing out your old and busted air filter for a new one will increase fuel economy and improve performance.

Use a cotton-element filter like a K&N which you never have to replace, and you won’t be throwing out those nasty paper filters anymore, reducing waste a significant amount. Yeah, they’re more expensive, but they’re worth it. In fact it’s the first thing I do when I buy a new car. Not only will you notice more pep from your ride after installing one of these, but they come with a 10-year, 1,000,000 (yup that’s a million) mile warranty. Just take it out and clean it every 50,000 miles and you’re done.

Use EcoBright Headlights

Sylvania’s EcoBright headlight is their newest in the lineup, and promises a more responsible manufacturing process (reduced CO2 emissions and containing no cadmium, mercury or lead.)

Headlight specs claim that they are 25% brighter than standard halogen bulbs but consume 9 to 21% less energy, saving $2 to $19 in gas every year. They cost about $25 a pair, which is about $10 less than you’ll pay for SilverStars. Find Sylvania EcoBright headlights for your car.

Energy Efficient Spark Plugs

Falling under the “I had no idea they made these” category, behold the E3 Spark Plug. The E3 plugs, depending on your engine, give you a “potential” 4% to 13% fuel efficiency improvement over stock plugs. Not bad, huh? In addition, they reduce CO emissions by 58% and hydrocarbons by 42%. Pop these bad boys in that old ’76 Plymouth Duster and you’ll have a PZEV rating in no time.

As if the whole “saving the Earth” thing wasn’t enough, the E3 Plugs claim to increase power by 6% to 12% (again, depending on your engine.) They aren’t cheap, but based on claimed savings, you’ll make the cash up in no time. Retailing for about $12 each, you can pick these up at Amazon for $5 – $6 a pop. 5-year/100,000 mile limited warranty and all.

Keep a Real-Time Eye on Your Driving with ScanGuage

Most newfangled cars are coming with their own built-in fuel economy readings, letting you keep an eye on what you’re getting in terms of instant or average MPGs. What they don’t come with, however, is the ability to track how much the trip is costing you on a per-trip and daily basis, horsepower, ignition timing, throttle position, fuel trim, O2 sensor data, battery voltage, and coolant temp. That’s where the ScanGauge II comes in. This nifty little device plugs into your OBDII port (you have to have a 1996 or newer car,) and with a little bit of configuration, starts displaying the parameters listed above and many more. It also lets you scan and clear trouble codes (which can also help save on fuel costs.)

Having your instant MPG displayed in front of you really does help save on gas, and seeing how much each trip is costing you makes you feel bad about it. If you’re more insterested in the fuel economy aspect of the device and won’t ever use much more than that, check out the Fuel Efficiency Adviser. The ScanGauge sells for a reasonable $160 on Amazon.

Green Car Care Products

The “Green” movement is only growing, and we’re starting to see many more companies coming out with environmentally-friendly products. The auto industry is no exception – there are dozens of biodegradable and organic car care products on the market, and they’re not much more expensive than your typical Earth-destroying variants. If you want to try out a sample pack of organic car care products, check out the Green Earth Technologies 5 Pack Car Care Kit for $16, which comes with an Earth-friendly glass cleaner, car wash, tire shine, brake dust shield, and wheel cleaner, along with a cute “EZ 2 B GRN” license plate.

Check Your Tire Pressure

If you’re running lower than recommended tire pressure for your car, you’re losing money on excess fuel. That’s stupid. Check your tire pressure on a regular basis. I know it sucks, but do it anyway. Pick up a cheap tire gauge and throw it in your glove box to check the pressure every time you fill up the tank. Amazon has some good deals on digital tire gauges. I use the standard digital Accutire gauge; it’s $10 and works like a charm.

Although the results are yet to be verified, try filling up your tires with nitrogen instead of air next time you take it to a shop that offers it. Don’t pay what they’re asking for it; it’s usually too expensive to be worth it. Try to get them to throw it in with another service, that’s what I did. Nitrogen-filled tires claim to keep their air longer due to larger molecules less likely to leak out, or some crap like that. Plus you get cool green stem caps.

Turn Off the A/C

Turning on the air conditioning can reduce fuel economy by 10-20% – a significant decrease. At in-city speeds, it’s more economical to roll down the windows to cool off. If you want to go to the extreme, take out the A/C completely – automotive air conditioning units are very heavy, reducing efficiency and performance. Ever lifted one of those damn things? Bound to throw out your back if you’re not careful.

Take out some of the burn by using a sun shade, which helps reduce the in-car temperature significantly when parked. Also remember that dark interiors, although much more attractive, do tend to get warmer than the lighter colors. Leather seats only amplify that effect, burning the hell out your legs if you’re wearing shorts.

Don’t Stop at Your Car

Why stop at being green just on your car? Check out Amazon’s Earth Day page for plenty of products to go green around the house, in the yard, in the garage, or at work.

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Green seems to be everyone’s favorite color now-a-days. Hybrid cars are more popular than ever, and people are starting to talk seriously about fully-electric vehicles. Along with this “energy crisis,” people are starting to buy more of their everyday products that promise to save the environment. “Organic” has become a buzzword in everything from food to laundry detergent.

Not wanting to fall behind, the car care industry has seen a few “green” products show up on the shelves. The latest is a line of “GET Green” products from Green Earth Technologies, promising to detail your car while saving the Earth at the same time.

To give everyone a chance to try out their products, they offer a 5-Pack Starter Kit. This pack includes a small 4oz bottle of each: Heavy-Duty Hydrophobic Car Wash, Organic Glass Cleaner, Brake Dust Removing Wheel Cleaner, Ultimate Tire Shine, and Brake Dust Shield. Also included in the 5-Pack is a Green Earth Technologies license plate.

Green Earth Technologies 5-Pack Car Care Kit gives you the supplies you need to get your vehicle clean while helping to protect the environment. By using advanced formulas that put the power of nanotechnology into your hands, these products do not sacrifice effectiveness to be environmentally friendly and safe for the Earth.

Check out the descriptions of each product below.

In my experience with this 5-Pack of cleaners, it works as well or better than many other car care products, and gives you the peace of mind knowing you’re not letting all sorts of harmful chemicals into the ground every time you wash your car. The glass cleaner worked very well, the wheel cleaner does a good job at removing brake dust, and the tire shine doesn’t leave the tires looking like mirrors – just a healthy gloss.

It’s nice knowing that I’m washing my car with something that I could potentially drink if I wanted to (not recommended – that would be an expensive beverage.) Not to mention you don’t get that “must wash hands now” feeling after you’re done using it.

The Get Green Car Care 5-Pack is on sale cheap at Amazon.com:

Green Earth Technologies 5 Pack Car Care Kit With License Plate

G-Wash Heavy-Duty Hydrophobic Car Wash
G-Wash Heavy Duty Hydrophobic Car Wash is a highly concentrated cleaner and degreaser which uses the power of nanotechnology and American grown base oils to tackle the most difficult cleaning jobs. G-Wash is a hydrophobic solution that causes water to “bead up” and roll off, leaving no spots. It is not a soap, detergent or petroleum solvent, but a blend of natural plant based products. G-Wash penetrates deep into dirt and oils, and then breaks them into billions of tiny particles that constantly repel each other. This makes it impossible for them to stick back together and form spots on your automobile’s surface. G-Wash even removes dirt from your wash cloth allowing it to last 10-15 times longer.

G-Wash is the “Green Alternative” for ordinary and heavy duty cleaning jobs. Because G-Wash is not a soap, detergent or petroleum solvent but a blend of natural plant based products, it is safe to wash your car in your street or driveway. G-Wash will not harm the environment by traveling into our waterways like other car wash products do.

G-Glass Organic Glass Cleaner
G-Glass Organic Glass Cleaner is a unique organic formula that creates ultra-sparkling clean glass, including windshields, mirrors and windows. G-Glass keeps surfaces cleaner much longer than other products by creating an invisible anti-static residue that reduces future dust and dirt buildup. The easy to use no-streak organic formula clings to the glass and deeply penetrates the surface, dissolving and removing hydro-carbon soils, including petroleum derivatives, fats, oils, greases, road tar, bugs, tree sap and sugars. It is ammonia free and compatible with all automotive brand urethane sealants. G-Glass is guaranteed to leave no film.

G-Glass is the “Green Alternative” for keeping glass clean. It contains 100% bio-based ingredients including alkanolamines, amino acids, plant and vegetable extracts, non-ionic surfactants, organic alcohol and plant-based fatty acids. It contains no hazardous components under OSHA definitions, and there are no poisonous effects through swallowing, skin absorption, eye contact or inhalation. Simply spray directly from the bottle and wipe. G-Glass is safe for use on any surface and will not harm tinted glass.

G-Wheel Brake Dust Removing Wheel Cleaner
G-Wheel Brake Dust Removing Wheel Cleaner is a patent-pending wheel cleaner made from American-grown base oils that puts the power of nanotechnology into your hands. G-Wheel removes the toughest baked-on brake dust and dirt buildup while leaving an incredible shine. It is safe for all wheel styles and surfaces.

G-Wheel Brake Dust Removing Wheel Cleaner is the “Green Alternative” when removing brake dust and cleaning all wheel surfaces and styles of wheel coverings. It contains 100% bio-based ingredients including alkanolamines, amino acids, plant and vegetable extracts, non-ionic surfactants, organic alcohol and plant-based fatty acids. Simply spray liberally over the entire wheel surface and allowing the product to settle for approximately 30 seconds. Then just wipe and hose off for an incredible, natural clean.

G-Tire Ultimate Tire Shine
G-Tire Ultimate Tire Shine is a patent-pending high shine cleaning formula made from American-grown base oils that puts the power of nanotechnology into your hands. G-Tire Ultimate Tire Shine not only removes the toughest dirt and road grime from the tire, but also leaves a lasting shine while protecting the tire’s surface. G-Tire Ultimate Tire Shine is safe for use on all surfaces and will not harm the wheels.

G-Tire is the “Green Alternative” when cleaning, shining and protecting all tire and rubber surfaces. It contains 100% bio-based ingredients including alkanolamines, amino acids, plant and vegetable extracts, non-ionic surfactants, organic alcohol and plant-based fatty acids. Simply spray liberally over the entire tire surface allowing product to settle for approximately 30 seconds. Then just hose off for a clean and shiny tire that provides a shield against re-deposited dirt and road grime.

G-Wheel Brake Dust Shield
G-Wheel Brake Dust Shield is a patent-pending brake dust shield that is made from American-grown base oils that puts the power of nanotechnology into your hands. It protects against the toughest baked-on brake dust and dirt buildup while leaving a shiny protective invisible nano-coating shield that resists brake dust re-coating for over 30 days. Brake dust and road grime sticks to the invisible shiny shield and can be safely rinsed away. G-Wheel Brake Dust Shield is safe for all wheel styles and surfaces and will not harm chrome wheels.

G-Wheel is the “Green Alternative” when cleaning and protecting all wheel styles. Unlike other products, it is not necessary to wear gloves, goggles or a breathing apparatus when using G-Wheel. It contains 100% bio-based ingredients including alkanolamines, amino acids, plant and vegetable extracts, non-ionic surfactants, organic alcohol and plant-based fatty acids. Simply spray liberally over the entire wheel after wheel surface has been cleaned by G-Wheel Brake Dust Remover. Let the product settle and walk away.

Disclosure: Writer was provided a product for purposes of review

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