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Gift Ideas for People Who are Passionate about Their CarsAuthor: ARA
(ARA) - Is there someone on your holiday list who would rather spend time in a chilly garage putting the finishing touches on their cars detailing than sit by the fire with a nice cup of hot chocolate? If so, youve probably given them car related gifts in the past -- car wash gift certificates, a waxing kit, tools.
What can you buy for the car buff that has everything? The car enthusiasts at Lund International have a few suggestions that are sure to please. The company will be introducing over 50 new products in time for holiday giving. These innovative, fun styling products let car owners express their personality and customize their vehicles, says Lunds Jodi Moulzolf.
Among the new products are a variety of exciting accessories for sport compacts, sold under the Auto Ventshade (AVS) brandname. Sure to be popular with car customizers are the new EVO-style scoop and sport compact cowl induction scoop. The EVO scoop has metal grille inserts to create a simulated performance hood look. Both the scoops use no drill installation and mount with concealed 3M tape for easy assembly. The scoops are made of durable molded high impact ABS material that is easily painted to match factory colors.
For a different look, AVS has introduced carbon fiber-look hood scoops and turbo vents. These accessories are finished with a hydrographic, clear coat process that provide a high definition, carbon fiber look. Theyre ready to install, eliminating the need for painting, explains Moulzolf.
For a complete makeover, AVS offers body kits which include front air dams, rear air dams, side skirts and downdraft. The company also sells a four-piece flare kit. These cutting edge styles complement many of todays most popular sport compact vehicles such as the Ford Focus, Dodge Neon, Honda Civic, Acura RSX, Toyota Celica, Acura Integra and Mitsubishi Lancer. The components, made from a proprietary ABS polymer blend, are sold as individual pieces or as complete kits.
All of the add-ons from AVS are carefully designed and manufactured to look like factory original equipment once theyre installed.
And dont worry if you dont know as much about customizing as the person youre buying for. Auto Ventshade makes choosing the right products easy with the Fit me up feature on its Web site. Simply enter the make, model and year of the car youre buying for, and youll be directed to products designed to fit that vehicle.
If youre handy, part of the gift can be an offer to spend some quality time with the recipient, helping to install the new gear. If neither you nor the recipient is up to the job, consider adding a gift certificate from a local custom shop for installation.
For more information on these and other products, visit www.lundinternational.com or call (800) 377-5863.
Courtesy of ARA Content
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Getting a grip on winter tiresNC(NC)So you understand how important your tires are for performance and safety, but do you have a grip on what makes one tire better than another? Today, manufacturers produce specialized tires for different vehicle types and driving conditions. The winter tire remains one of the best examples of tire evolution.
Originally known as 'snow' tires, they were knobby, noisy and unattractive designed for driving in the snow only. Anyone who has driven on snow tires in dry and wet conditions is aware of their compromised handling and traction. Today, consumers demand greater performance from their winter driving than these older tires can deliver.
Today's winter tires represent the latest technology providing drivers with safety in all winter driving conditions. New materials, tread patterns with less void (open areas), and the absence of lugs (the knobby little rubber teeth on the classic snow tire) have resulted in a tire that excels on ice, snow, slush and other wet surfaces. These new winter tires also deliver improved handling and a smooth, safe ride in all winter driving conditions.
"The first component of winter tire construction is a rubber compound that is softer and able to maintain grip and flexibility with lower temperatures," explains Tony Mougios, Michelin Brand Manager in Canada. "Michelin's line of Alpin winter tires features a special winter compound throughout the entire depth of the tread."
Tread design is another key feature of winter tires. The tread is the part of the tire that comes into contact with the snow and provides bite. To increase traction, winter tires feature plenty of lateral biting edges (lateral density) that create traction with the ground.
"Bite" is the key word in snow traction. A good winter tire features deep grooves, sharp corners and edges for digging into snow and gripping ice, and plenty of sipes small slits within the individual tread blocks. Sipes provide two advantages; they help keep the tread blocks flexible in freezing conditions and provide additional gripping edges.
Michelin's Alpin winter tire line brings a whole new concept to the market with over 1700 Torque-Locking sipes. In contrast to conventional sipes, which descend into the tread block as a straight cut, Michelin's design has a zigzag pattern. This allows the thin blocks of rubber between the sipes to squeeze together and interlock with each other under load, providing more stability to the individual blocks and ribs. This results in good handling and response, even on clear roads.
Getting a grip on winter tires will allow you to achieve the handling and security that you need this winter. To learn more about winter tires, visit www.michelin.ca or your authorized Michelin dealer.
- News Canada
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News Canada
Consider switching to winter tiresNC(NC)When it comes to tires, Canadian motorists are advised to remember the famous nickname given to our fair country the Great White North. Canadians still on the fence about installing winter tires should know that unpredictable and cold weather can create dangerous driving conditions that can catch even the most experienced drivers off guard.
"Your tires are the only part of the vehicle that actually make contact with the road and, therefore, are an essential safety feature," says Ron Margadonna, Michelin's Product Marketing Manager. "Only winter tires can provide superior safety and control during the ever-changing winter weather road conditions involving ice, snow and slush."
Despite the advice from tire experts and driving associations, Canadians tend not to think about winter tires until the snow has fallen. In fact, according to a Michelin survey conducted in 2002, only 40 per cent of Canadians who drive passenger cars, light trucks, mini-vans and sport utility vehicles (SUVs) considered installing winter tires last year.
"What's surprising about the research is that motorists in Canadian cities where winter conditions can be the most extreme appeared less likely to install winter tires than motorists in more temperate areas," explains Margadonna. "For instance, while it's no surprise that 87 per cent of Quebec City residents considered installing winter tires, the number drops to 27 per cent in Winnipeg and 37 per cent in Edmonton. Even more surprising, 36 per cent of Vancouver's coastal city residents considered installing winter tires in a city that is generally more temperate."
Since the inception of all-season tires, many drivers decided not to use winter tires, which were knobby, noisy, unattractive and specifically designed for driving in the snow. Also, drivers were not satisfied with the tread life, comfort and control or performance of winter tires during both wet and dry conditions.
New technology led to the re-birth of winter tires, like the Michelin Alpin winter tire line, which is especially designed to offer a longer tire life and a better traction in rain and wet conditions. It was also designed to offer improved traction and safety in the snow, ice and slush, while handling well with the comfort and control of high performance tires.
So, before the snow starts falling in your part of the Great White North, find out more about winter tires. Getting a grasp of the new winter tire technology will help you maintain your grip on an icy road.
- News Canada
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News Canada
Winter driving safety remindersNC(NC)Winter driving in Canada is always a challenge. Ask anyone who's ever driven in the snow, slush and ice. To prepare for these challenging road conditions, Michelin would like to offer the following winter driving safety reminders.
1. We really mean it when we say: "so much is riding on your tires." Your tires are the only part of your vehicle that make contact with the road and are an extremely important safety feature. For maximum security this winter, be sure to install four winter tires, check your tread wear and monitor and maintain your tire pressure.
2. Before the winter weather arrives, visit your local mechanic to check all major systems including ignition, temperature control and of course, your tires to make sure they are winter-ready. You should also have your battery checked, as well as lights, brakes, exhaust, windshield wipers and washer fluid.
3. Before you hit the road, check the local forecast to be prepared for upcoming weather situations. If possible, avoid driving during severe winter conditions.
4. When driving in severe conditions slow down! Many winter fender-benders and more serious accidents are attributed to high speeds in bad driving conditions. If you notice a vibration when traveling at highway speeds, stop and check that snow has not built up in your wheel wells.
5. While driving a little slower may make your journey a little longer, it will help you conserve fuel. Since no one wants to be stranded on a cold winter's night, check your gas tank before driving any significant distance.
6. It is advisable to carry a cell phone in your vehicle at all times but especially in the winter. For your safety and the safety of other drivers, avoid using your cell phone while driving. It is recommended that drivers keep to the main roads whenever possible, but a cell phone could be your best friend if you have a problem on a quiet, secondary road.
- News Canada
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Don't let winter temperatures leave you flatNC(NC)As the end of 2003 approaches, we have once again experienced first-hand that Canada is a country of temperature extremes. In many places summer temperatures have reached 30 C and winter temperatures have fallen to 30 C. In many parts of the country, winter lasted much longer than usual.
These variations can wreak havoc with your tire pressure, sacrificing tire performance, tread wear and safety. Proper inflation is especially important during the winter months when cooler temperatures can cause the air in your tires to contract.
You should check your tires' inflation pressures once a month as shorter days and colder temperatures cause the air in your tires to contract. For every 5.5 degree change in the outside temperature, your tires' inflation pressures will change by about one psi (pounds per square inch) rising with higher temperatures and diminishing with lower temperatures.
"Maintaining the correct air pressure is a requirement for good handling, traction and durability," says Tony Mougios, Michelin Brand Manager in Canada. "Check the air pressure when tires are cold and maintain the inflation pressures indicated by the vehicle manufacturer. Never under-inflate a tire as an attempt to increase traction!"
If you are fortunate enough to park in an attached or heated garage you will also lose pressure when you leave the garage's warmth and venture into the real world outside. Add one psi of "cold" tire pressure to your tires to compensate for each 5.5 degree temperature difference.
Remember that temperature variations not only affect the tires on your car, but your spare as well. Always remember to check your spare tire while testing the ones on your vehicle. A flat spare is useless.
And finally, don't forget to keep your valve caps on. If left off, moisture can freeze in the valve and allow the air to escape.
When the temperature starts to drop this winter, check your tire pressure regularly and adjust it accordingly. Making sure that your tires are well-prepared for winter driving will help keep your vehicle safe and on the right track this winter.
- News Canada
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Winter tire tipsNC(NC)Remember last winter? It started early and certainly had some staying power. You can never predict what the weather has in store, and so Michelin advises Canadian motorists to be prepared for inclement winter weather conditions by considering the following winter tire tips.
Don't wait until the last minute
Visit an authorized Michelin tire retailer to have your winter tires installed and balanced before the first snowfall. If your winter tires are already mounted on a set of rims, keep an eye on the weather to ensure you make the switch before facing winter driving conditions.
Get your tires on early: No one can accurately predict the first snowfall
We've all seen the fender-benders that a first snowfall is most often responsible for on TV. The temperature is usually around the freezing point, when ice is almost water, making road conditions extremely slippery. It's in these quasi-ice conditions that you need the most friction and traction between the road and your tires. Getting your tires on early also guarantees a more pleasant and speedy retail experience.
Michelin's Alpin winter tire line features a high-compliance tread rubber compound that provides important friction. Tires maintain their elasticity and traction down to -40C, compared to summer tires that start to harden and lose their elasticity and road-holding ability at about 0C.
Use four winter tires
Don't give your vehicle a split personality you should always use four winter tires on rear-wheel, front-wheel, all-wheel, or four-wheel drive vehicles. If you use two different types of tires, one end of the vehicle won't react and perform in the same way as the other end will on dry, wet, ice, slush and snow surfaces. This is especially true in emergency situations when you'll find that your vehicle will probably under-steer in one condition and over-steer in another. It is preferable to keep your vehicle's handling as consistent as possible by "matching" all four tires.
Make sure your tires are in good condition
Have your tires checked for tread depth. A tread depth of 4.4mm (5/32) should be sufficient to effectively perform during the winter. Winter tires generally have a deeper tread depth to begin with. Since you use them only during winter months, they'll retain an effective tread life for three or four winters.
4x4s/SUVs
4x4s and SUVs seem to accelerate and handle better on slippery roads, giving drivers a false sense of security. Be aware that 4x4s/SUVs are usually heavier and have a higher centre of gravity than conventional vehicles, increasing braking distances and reducing lateral stability in curves. Slow down and install 4x4/SUV winter tires to keep your vehicle out of the ditch and right-side up! Michelin's Alpin winter tire line includes specially-designed tires for your SUV or 4x4.
- News Canada
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News Canada
Auto Emergency GuideWhat to do in case of an accident or claimNC(NC)Winter driving has its own unique hazards and risks. Be prepared in case of an emergency and store this handy reference guide in your glovebox. If involved in a vehicle accident
Call the police if anyone is injured or if required by law.
If no one is injured and your vehicle is safe to drive, move it out of the traffic flow.
Write down the details of the accident and draw a sketch of the accident scene. Include the time of the accident, a diagram of the streets, what lane you and the other vehicles were in, the direction the vehicles were travelling, traffic signs, and obstacles in the road.
Draw a picture of your vehicle indicating damaged areas.
Estimate your speed as well as that of the other vehicle(s) and the weather and road conditions.
Collect names, addresses, and telephone numbers from the driver(s) involved in the collision and note the make, model, and licence plate numbers of all the vehicles involved.
Exchange driver's licence numbers, vehicle registration, and insurance documentation including the policy number with other driver(s) involved in the accident and be prepared to present details to the police.
Collect contact information from witnesses.
Obtain a copy of the police report if one is available.
If you have to leave your vehicle, and it's safe and practical to do so, lock your glovebox, trunk and doors. Take any personal valuables you can easily carry.
Do not accept a tow from a tow truck unless instructed by the police to do so. Your insurance company may have a reputable, referred towing service.
Report the facts to your insurance agent or company as soon as possible. Depending on your insurance claims services, you may obtain a tow for your vehicle, a ride home for you, and immediate repair approvals.
To print an accident checklist and report form, go to http://www.allstate.ca / Tools and Downloads / Auto / Accident checklist.
- News Canada
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News Canada
The auto insurance dilemma: stay or leave?Ensure the best protection, in good times and in badNC(NC)Fed up with rising auto rates or trying to find an auto insurance partner better suited to their driving experience, many customers are contemplating switching insurance companies. The grass may not be greener on the other side. A long-term relationship with one insurance provider is likely to work in your favour during your driving lifetime.
Finding the perfect match between driver and provider, during good times and bad, is challenging. Typically, drivers' insurance rates will move up and down according to their risk profile and personal driving experience through an expected 60 years on the road. Dramatic changes in your risk profile or a significant frequency of claims over a short period of time will affect your premium. It could mean you no longer qualify, requiring you move to a specialty insurer who handles only high-risk profiles.
One Canadian insurance company, Pembridge Insurance Company, is in the unique position of covering over 90 percent of driving customers regardless of risk. "Our goal is that a customer will grow old with us," says Robin Joshua, Pembridge's National Operations Manager. "We can cover almost all driver profiles on the road today, and we hope to cover customers through all of their life's bumps on the road."
Pembridge has the benefit of being able to provide four tiers of insurance rates to protect drivers during good times and bad. When your driving record or market factors improve, so will your rate tier, and good drivers are rewarded with average lower rates in the long term.
To find out more, call 1-877-Pembridge (736-2743), or visit www.pembridge.com to find a Pembridge broker in your area.
- News Canada
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How to Put More Muscle in Collectible Car Insurance Policies ARA(ARA) - Baby boomers are notorious for spending big bucks on things that remind them of their childhood. Old Spiderman comic books, memorabilia from television shows like The Brady Bunch and All in the Family, and muscle cars -- with their small bodies and big engines -- are among the more popular collectibles.
Its easy to understand why television and movie memorabilia are so popular. Most of the shows still air in re-runs today, and theres a lot of hype right now about Columbia Pictures Spiderman 2, which is set for release next summer. But what draws people to the gas-guzzling muscle cars?
Its all about nostalgia, says Jill Bookman of American Collectors Insurance (ACI), recognized by the old car hobby and insurance industry as the countrys premiere provider of collector vehicle insurance. Chevelles, GTOs, Camaros and Super Bees were heavily marketed to young buyers in the 1960s and 1970s. People who drove them back then have money now, and want to keep memories of their younger days alive, she says.
When he was a kid, Jim Anderson, 56, of Cloquet, Minn., drove a 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle. I got it right after I graduated from high school, and sold it four or five years later because I needed a more economical car, but I always regretted it, says Anderson. Fast forward 37 years. Anderson now owns three Chevelles, one in working order, the other two in various states of restoration.
Andersons uncle, Art Martin, 69, also of Cloquet, shares his passion for classic cars. Martin has a 1961 Belair, 1961 Biscayne, 1963 Corvette Stingray and a 1978 Silver Anniversary Corvette.
I bought these cars because they remind me of the cars I had when I was between 18 and 24 years old, says Martin. The 1961 Biscayne is actually a clone of the car I had to sell when I built my house. Martin says he got the 1963 Corvette Stingray from someone in a similar situation.
Neither Martin nor Anderson drive their collectible cars much. Anderson says they tend to sit in the garage between tune-ups and test drives. After spending thousands of dollars on a car that will just sit in a garage most of the time, the last thing you want to do is pay a fortune to insure it, says Anderson.
Instead of insuring their collectible cars with their regular policy carriers, both he and his uncle took out special collectors policies on their cars. It makes financial sense. This way, insurance only costs us about $100 per car for the entire year, says Anderson.
Specialty insurance companies like American Collectors Insurance are able to offer such low rates on collectible cars because they present low risk factors. They are kept in garages, tend to be well taken care of, and are driven very few miles, says Bookman. In addition to low premiums, policies offered by ACI are written for an agreed amount, rather than for actual cash value. Meaning a 1964 Mustang wont face four decades of depreciation in the event of a loss. We recognize that the blood and sweat a collector puts into restoring the vehicle means something, says Bookman.
For more information on insuring your collectible car with American Collectors, or to get an instant quote, call (800) 360-2277 or got to www.americancollectors.com.
Courtesy of ARA Content
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Courtesy of ARA Content
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