8 Things to Remember so your Car Doesn’t Die

Posted on April 6, 2011 by Erin

Cars and vehicles are a very big investment and they’re also very expensive investments. The key to you having a good return on the investment you put into a car is by taking care of your car. The better you stick to a car maintenance schedule, the longer the life of your car will be.

With so many things to look out for and so many ways to take care of your car, the question now is where do you start and what do you do at certain points in time. With a car maintenance schedule, you’ll make sure that every part of your car is looked after and you’ll know exactly which part to have checked up at specific times.
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Cadillac CTS Coupe: The 2011 Wonder

Posted on January 11, 2011 by Erin

The CTS coupe was introduced by Cadillac in 2003, and ever since, quite a bit of work has been put into the standard sedan. The improvements have seen the introduction of the new 2011 CTS coupe. There is also another model, the CTS Sports Wagon, which is a great dose of utility. The sports wagon aside, the CTS Coupe is the true expression of art combined with modern science. The Cadillac CTS coupe is a wonder in the vehicle industry. This is a luxury vehicle with strong styling statements and it is a stable piece of science that gives the driver the power of control.

How does it look?

A test drive of the CTS coupe can bring out its superiority on tarmac. This is because it is a high performance vehicle; fulfilling the desires of speed lovers. The design appears to be aggressive and gives any driver the need for speed before sitting behind the wheel. The standard coupe is not the same as the other supercharged versions but still delivers. The angles in this version is not all that but the exterior still boasts of a great design with hard edges. The car has a wedge shape that is enhanced by perpendicular and parallel lines combined with open plains and tight angles. The shape starts at the bottom grille of the front fascia and extends to the back. The headlamps are designed in an irregular shape which sets the width of the vehicle. Moving from the headlamps backwards it’s difficult to avoid noticing the 19-inch allow wheels having seven well crafted spokes.

The main reason why everyone tends to move their eyes toward the back is because the shape demands it. There is no interruption at any point because the coupe version has C6 corvette-style doors in place of the more traditional handle doors. At the back there is a centered dual exhaust outlet with a vertical line that runs from the top and divides the two outlets. The car leans towards its anticipation owing to the raise rear end.

The Cadillac CTS Coupe Interior

The cabin looks like a combination of sporty and luxurious touches but the materials used tend to say otherwise. Contrary to other dash boards in other cars, the dash in the 2011 CTS does not have padding beneath the leather and consequently feels hard as a rock. There is a metallic colored plastic surrounding the center stack which is a bit complex thanks to the buttons that are not easy to read especially if you pass a quick glance.

The base price of the coupe is set at $38,165 with a premium version that can be acquired for $51,030 because of the additional special features such as headlamps with high intensity discharge, heated and cooled front seats that can be power adjusted in ten different ways, an improved Bose sound system, ambient lighting in the interior, Bluetooth, heated steering wheel and a navigation system with a touch screen with a camera for the rear view displays.

The down side is that the base price rises from the $38,165 mark to a staggering $47,010. This can hit the $50,000 mark as a result of purchasing the extras such as the steering wheel with shift controls, the summer tire performance with the 19 inch alloys, a brake upgrade and other additional charges.

The fact that the CTS coupe comes in two doors tells a lot about what type of a car it is. This is probably the type of car that is meant for two people and the rear seats should be use to carry small items and not people. The front is comfortable and luxurious but complaining about lack of ample space in the back is not reasonable for a two door coupe. It would be like complaining of too much space in a minivan.

The most important part of driving is the windscreen, which allows you to see where you are going. Well, this is taken care of in the 2011 Cadillac CTS coupe thanks to the massive slab of glass used. Trying to see what is at the sides can be tricky but the coupe has got all this covered with the use of a rear view camera display that makes reversing the car child’s play, though you need to pay more attention when switching lanes. There is a touch screen display on top of the center stack that is used for interfacing with the infotainment system and also used for navigation. The display at its normal position in the dash shows basic information about the audio system but can rise and display more functions. For safety reasons, it is advisable to keep the screen hidden but it automatically deploys every time the car is being reversed to display the rear view.

Does it stop?

The braking system can seem to be a bit tricky and if you are not yet used to it you will find the connection between the braking action and the pedal application not communicating effectively. With time it is easy to get used to the process and you won’t have to be forced towards the safety belt every time you brake. The aerodynamic styling used in making the CTS puts it at a better performance position compared to coupes from other manufacturers. German manufacturers have the say when it comes to cabin quality and though the Cadillac’s interior is comfortable it can not compete with the qualities that the BMW, Audi or Benz possess. However, Cadillac is superior when it comes to the engine performance and fuel consumption. Every aspect of Cadillac’s 2011 CTS coupe contributes to the performance and beauty of this machine.

Looking at the coupe, you can classify it in a sports and luxury category, but after driving it for a while you will notice that though the exterior is outstanding and the interior super
cool, the luxury part is over shadowed by the sporty appearance and feel. The 2011 CTS coupe has earned Cadillac a Masters degree in science and art used in the motor industry. The 2011 CTS coupe is the ultimate sports machine with an element of luxury.

So what are the specs?

The CTS coupe comes with Cadillac’s direct injected V6 putting up 304 horsepower.

Upgrading the Cadillac’s CTS-V Coupe will bring you up to 556 hp as a result of a supercharged V8. Plus, you’ll be upgrading to 19 inch wheels and some amazing sport seats.

The 2011 Audi RS3: A Closer Look

Posted on January 9, 2011 by Erin

Each of the Audi RS models is special in its own kind of way in every aspect and specifications. The 2011 RS3 has a dynamic philosophy in this compact category. This new version is improved in its performance and power.

The car can rocket from 0 to 62.14 mph or 100 km/h in about four and a half seconds with a top speed of 155.34 mph or 250 km/h. The car is compact and weighs about 3,472.28 or 1,575 kilograms and the fuel consumption is an amazing 26 mpg and the emission of carbon dioxide is at 341.18 g/mile or 212 g CO2/km. All this is possible by the technology used in the regenerative system, which is meant to recover some energy during the car’s decelerations.

The RS3′s Engine

The 2011 Audi RS3 has a 2.5-liter engine that will surely thrill the passengers because it has a strong pulling power and the 6,800-rpm. The Audi engine’s growling and roaring soundtrack combined with the signature 5-cylinder firing order creates a strength feeling in the car and gives the driver gobs of power on the road. There is a flap in the exhaust system that is controlled by the sport button, also used in varying engine response, and is used to further intensify the sound.

The 5-cylinder engines have a history in Audi. It was used to edge out the existing competition in race cars in the 80s. The first RS model, 94, had one of these engine types. The engine now is redefined and has earned the top position in engines ranked by a panel of automotive journalists. This means that the engine is created to have high performance and the general parameters used in it will yield great elasticity and excellent acceleration values.

At just about 403 pounds and 19.29 inches the Audi RS3′s 5-cylinder unit is super compact. The vermicular-graphite cast iron use in making the crankcase is a light weight but strong material that contributes a lot in the overall light weight of the unit. In fact, this material has been used in gasoline engines for the first time by Audi. The block loadability is further enhanced by the reinforcement’s which are perfectly placed. The light weight design is meant to keep the weight of the Audi RS3 in check so that it can pay off when it comes to axle load distribution which translates to an excellent and ultimate car handling.
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How To Remove Mold From Car Seats

Posted on October 22, 2010 by CarTips.com

Sometimes if you have a car that sits around outside, you’ll end up with a lot of moisture inside the car. This moisture, if left, will turn into mold and can damage a car’s interior quite badly, damage your health, and also turn off anyone else from taking a ride in your… ride.

There are a few solutions to the problem of mold inside your car however that are pretty easy, and can clean up the mold pretty quickly.

The first thing to remember, is that bleach is a bad idea. Bleach doesn’t work well on porous surfaces, and thus will not work on your car upholstery. Also, you run the risk of damaging the colour in your car’s interior.

One of my favorite home remedies for mold on the inside of your car is white vinegar. Specifically distilled white vinegar because it’s stronger and you will need less of it.

How to remove mold in your car seats with white vinegar:

Take your distilled white vinegar and put it in a clean spray bottle… make sure your spray bottle is VERY clean.
Open up your car to let it ventilate for at least 5 minutes. You don’t want to work inside a car that is filled with mold spores.
You’re probably going to want to find a paper mask (like a 3M mask) to protect your lungs during the removal of the mold. This of course depends on how much mold is in the car, but it’s always better to be safe.
Spray the white distilled vinegar on the mold, and about 1 foot around the mold (the spores can be growing before they’re visible).
Make sure the area is completely saturated. This will obviously make your car smell of vinegar, but it will go away once we remove the mold and let the car air out.
Let the vinegar sit on the mold – DON’T WIPE IT OFF – for at least 10 minutes. This will kill the mold.
After the vinegar has sat on the mold for some time, you can wipe off the residue left by the mold.
Use a mold testing kit to make sure there are no more airborne spores in your car. If there are, it may be damaging to your health to continue to use the car.

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Jeep Liberty: The 2011 Experience

Posted on October 11, 2010 by Erin

SUV enthusiasts can now be treated to the brand new and improved Jeep Liberty; the 2011 model. This is a comfortable 4-door 5-seat machine with high performance features. Built in the US, the jeep liberty comes in three trims, the sport, Renegade and limited, with each trim portraying its own special features.

The jeep brand was established in 2002 and has ever since dominated the mid-sized SUV world. There have been improvements along the way, which has brought us to the new 2011 Jeep Liberty.

Scope
The 2011 Jeep Liberty is a 176.9 inch long and 72.4 inches wide vehicle with a 106.1 inch wheel base. It has a curb weight of 3985 lbs with the gross weight reaching 5600 lbs. The luggage capacity is 31.5 cu. Ft. and a maximum cargo capacity of 64 cu. ft. The maximum seating comfortable seating capacity is five.

Performance
Beneath the hood of the 2011 Jeep Liberty is a V6, 3.7 liter engine with 6 cylinders and a 210 Horsepower. The engine has a maximum rpm of 5200 and a 235 ft-lbs torque. The maximum payload that the jeep can handle without strain is 1150 lbs and a towing max capacity of 3500 lbs. Continue reading →

The 2011 Ford Mustang: The 5.0 is back

Posted on October 8, 2010 by Erin

General information
Time, money and a lot of manpower has resulted to create a perfect machine with qualities and features to die for. The 2011 Ford Mustang puts the Ford Company on top of its game once again because of the upgraded packages that have been introduced to make it the great car it is.

Ford offers three types of Mustang to choose from; you can go with the standard or base V-6, the GT V-8 or the spectacular Shelby GT supercharged V-8. You should not waste your money trying to acquire the older 2010 version as the 2011 renders it inferior and you should definitely not have much expectation in the 2012 version as they will not have major differences. The engineers working on this new version have really brought out the muscle car aspect of the Mustang and incorporated advanced technology to make one awesome super car.

The Ford engineers have souped-up the engine and increased the horsepower to a staggering 305 in just the V6 model. The engine block is now made of aluminum thus lighter than the normal cast blocks. The smooth touches on its exterior are more defined than ever but it still retains the signature grille, emblem and the side stripe. The 2011 Mustang is user-friendly because even though there is an increase in horsepower, speed in general and the installation of a 6 speed gearbox, fuel consumption is an outstanding 30 miles per gallon. Continue reading →

Finding the Right Extended Car Warranty

Posted on August 10, 2010 by Erin

It is without question that many professional relationships we engage with begin well but end poorly. The same is true with automobiles, namely with auto warranty. However, this doesn’t need to be the case if care is taken in identifying the absolute perfect situation for you and your personal specifications. You need to locate the perfect extended warranty—and by doing so you can make certain your car doesn’t become a waste of cash.

Essentially, all an extended warranty is is an insurance policy you take on your automobile. It is just a way to avoid those unpredictably but outrageous repair expenses. The term warranty is less accurate than insurance, in this way. However, similar to auto warranties, these do cover repairs or any sort of maintenance you encounter during the time period the policy is instated. But with the traditional warranty, you’ll purchase them as part of the product price. Extended auto warranties, on the other hand, are more like contracts. Service contracts if you will—they’ll run a separate cost and you’ll need to buy them separately as well.

Now, that doesn’t mean it needs to be done on a different day or place. In fact, you can purchase the extended warranty at the same place and day you purchase your vehicle, or even many days or months later. If you are the kind of person who needs full preparation at all times, just in case—the extended auto warranty is undeniably right for you. Especially when you consider the always rising cost of vehicular repair, the benefits of being protected are not difficult to see. Continue reading →

In Focus: How the Residual Value of a Car Affects Your Lease

Posted on June 21, 2010 by Erin

How the residual value of a car effects your lease is dependent on many different factors. Car leasing is a booming industry that affects many Americans nowadays due to the hard economy. Being aware of residual lease values among other things relating to your car lease is important in getting you the best deal you can possibly get!

Unfortunately, not many people are prudent enough to research on these kinds of things and end up with less than good car lease deals.

If you already have or are planning on getting a car lease, then it is important to know how the residual value of a car affects your lease.

A car lease residual value is one of the most important, if not the most important factor in leasing a car.

But what are residual values?

In simple terms, it is the estimated value of your leased car vehicle at the end of the lease period. Continue reading →

How to Trade in your Car and Not Get Ripped Off

Posted on June 12, 2010 by Erin

There is a lot of “expert” advice when it comes to trading in a vehicle and while some of it varies there is actually quite a bit that can help the car owner make a wise and informed decision.

The first tip for the auto owner is to realize that it is a negotiation- but know what you have to negotiate with. Granted, if you are trading in an old Arrow, chances are, there will not be much negotiating. Continue reading →

23 MUST DO Car Maintenance Tips to keep the value of your car

Posted on May 21, 2010 by CarTips.com

It’s easy to lose track of the maintenance of your car. You’ve got things to do, kids to drive around, groceries to buy, and car maintenance can get pushed to the back of your mind.

Here’s a list of 23 MUST DO car maintenance tips that will keep your car in tip top shape in between major services.

Break in new cars carefully – If you’re driving a new car there is a break in period. This step is incredibly important and can’t be overlooked. If you are too hard on the engine it will seriously lower the life span of your car and cause you a heap of headache in the future. When buying a new car, make sure you’re aware of all break in procedures so that you can follow the steps to the tee.