You Can Improve Your Gas Mileage Just By Changing The Way You Park

You can improve your gas mileage just by changing the way you park your car. It is one of the many easy and simple things you can do to increase your fuel mileage.

Is this what you do when enter a parking lot? You enter the lot and the first thing you do is head for the parking area nearest to the entrance to the mall or the store where you are going. There are not any spaces available at the entrance because everyone, like you, tries to find the closest spaces.

Since you did not find any spaces initially you drive up and down the closest rows to see if you can find a parking place that is reasonably close to the entrance or you sit in one place and wait for a parking space to open up.

These parking behaviors will cost you gas mileage. That also means it will cost you money. When you wait to see if any parking spaces will become available you are sitting and idling your engine. When you idle, you are getting zero miles per gallon. Zero miles per gallon is the worst fuel economy you can get.

Alternatively if you are slowly cruising along the parking rows still hoping to find a close spot, you are burning fuel at a tremendous rate relative to the speed you are going. Inevitably you have to stop behind another car that is waiting or you stop at spaces that you think are opening up. Once again this causes you to idle and again you end up getting zero miles per gallon fuel economy.

If you think that a few seconds of extra idling is not going to use much fuel, think again. If you only spend 1 minute a day waiting for a parking space then you would roughly be burning fuel for 30 minutes or a half hour each month.

One half hour of burning fuel a month is the equivalent of burning fuel an extra 6 hours per year. Would you ever leave your car sitting and idling for six hours doing nothing but burning fuel? Absolutely not. But in essence you are letting your car sit and idle for 6 hours if your parking habits involve always looking for the closest parking space.

In what way can you change your habits to prevent this wasteful burning of gas? You can improve gas mileage and stop burning extra fuel with this very simple and very easy solution. Your goal should be to park far away from the store or mall instead of trying to park as close as you can. The farther away from the entrance you go, the more empty parking spaces you will find. If you head to the parking rows far from the entrance, as soon as you enter the parking lot, you should find a parking place right away.

By parking far away you save all the fuel you would have wasted waiting for and looking for a parking place close in. There is an another benefit to finding a parking place far from the entrance. Not only will you improve gas mileage and save money but you will get more exercise as you walk the additional distance from your car. It's great for your wallet and great for your body.

Scott Siegel is the author of a 143 page manual of industry insider information on saving gas and money at the pump. Visit us to learn how you can get better gas mileage. Find out how to increase gas mileage

By Scott Siegel

Auto Repair Costs - Should I Change My Oil Every 3,000 Miles?

For decades mechanics have been telling us to change our oil every 3,000 miles. Interestingly, no automotive manufacturer agrees with this maintenance schedule - not in the last 20 years any way. So why are we being told to change our oil every 3,000 miles if it's unnecessary?

First, let's look at the auto industry's argument. It makes 5 primary points.

1) Oil breaks down after 3000 miles

2) Oil changes are great preventative maintenance

3) 3,000 miles is an easy number for the car repair customer to remember

4) The 3,000 mile interval is traditionally viewed as best by mechanics

5) It's necessary due to the elements, driving patterns, and weather conditions.

It's important to note that those telling us to change our oil every 3,000 miles (the automotive industry) are the same folks who will profit most. This is not to say that oil changes aren't important - they are. They're just not as frequently needed as we're made to believe.

Here are the 5 truths about the 3,000 mile oil change

1) Quality motor oil recommended by your vehicle's manufacturer does not break down after 3,000 miles

2) Yes, changing your oil is great preventative maintenance, but it needs to be done in accordance with manufacturer service intervals

3) The easy-to-remember 3,000-mile interval actually creates more confusion as to the real maintenance needs of your vehicle. Thus, it is easier to follow factory guidelines, more economical, and more appropriate.

4) The traditional view that 3,000 miles is best for your car is old school, wasteful, and fails to appreciate today's mechanical and oil technologies

5) Unless you're in a constant high-speed police change in the dead of winter - your oil will be just fine

How often do you really need to change your oil? While it depends on the year, make, and model of your vehicle, it's clear that for today's vehicles it's not every 3,000 miles. 20 years ago this was true of many vehicles. However, this is virtually obsolete as most vehicle have 5,000, 7500, 10,000, and even 15,000 mile oil service intervals.

So just what is motivating the auto industry to push 3,000 mile oil changes? Let's look at it in real life. If you change your oil every 3,000 miles, and like most, you average 15,000 miles per year, then you'll be in the repair shop 5 times in only 12 months. Do you really need to perform maintenance on your car 5 times per year? Seems excessive doesn't it?

The average oil change price is $30.00. $30.00 X 5 = $150.00. If you changed your oil every 5,000 miles, you'd only need 3 oil changes per year = $90. That's a $60 savings.

For the most part oil changes are cheap, as it's a very competitive market. They're also not very profitable for repair shops (see the article Why an Oil Change is Never Just an Oil Change @ RepairTrust.com or EzineArticles.com). However, the more times your vehicle is in the shop, the more chances said shop has the opportunity to sell you something else - an alignment, tires, wiper blades, brakes, shocks, fuel cleaning services, transmission services...etc - these are money-makers. This is not to say that these services aren't needed, but they should be performed according to manufacturer guidelines only.

A detailed manufacturer's maintenance schedule (this is separate from your manual) is the best and most accurate guide. You may stumble across one in all the unnecessary paperwork you find in your glove box, but ask your repair shop or dealer for a detailed print out of your entire maintenance schedule. If the service center can't produce one quickly - you're in the wrong place for your car's needs.

Finally, have a little fun: the next time your local mechanic tells you to change your oil every 3,000 miles, ask him what the manufacturer recommends. It's fun to watch him stumble through the answer or tell you, straight-faced, the wrong answer.

-Ted Olson
RepairTrust
Making sense of Car Repair Prices

Top 10 Things To Keep In The Car In Case Of An Emergency

Driving at any time of the year can be dangerous, but it is especially important to be careful driving in the winter. Winter driving can bring the hazards of snow, ice, freezing rain, sleet, blackouts, whiteouts, and much more. If your car breaks down at any other time of year, you've still got a good chance of being able to take care of it yourself. However, in the winter, the days are shorter, the weather is colder and it is not at all comfortable to break down in a snowstorm! There are also more ways to break down in the winter; not only can your car run out of gas, but it can also get stuck in the snow.

If you are starting to panic, just relax; there are some things you can do to prepare for car emergencies. Here the top ten items to keep in your car in case of an emergency:

Snow shovel - You never know when you'll get stuck in the snow, and you also never know if a good Samaritan will be around when you get stuck. Even in the summertime, cars can get stuck in the mud, and a shovel would still help in that situation.

Candle - Even though a candle may be a lot smaller than a car, it can still keep you and your car warm in the winter if you happen to break down or get stuck in a snow bank.

Blanket - If you ever break down in the winter, a blanket or sleeping bag is a very good thing to have!

Spare tire - Always a handy item to have when something happens to one of your car's tires.

Tools - It is important to carry the right kind of tools in your car to help you in case of an emergency. Tools such as a jack, ratchet, lighter

Air Compressor - Many stores now sell mini compressors that are just for this purpose. A lot of perfectly good tires start to lose air after a while and an air compressor is a quick fix when you are stuck on the side of the road!

Flashlight - This one is pretty self explanatory. You never know when something will happen, and if you happen to break down after dark, a flashlight quickly turns into a lifesaver. Without a flashlight, all the tools in the world will not help you in the dark!

Food - This one may sound strange, but the truth is, people get hungry, and if you are stuck in the middle of nowhere, some granola bars and bottles of water are a big help!

Cell phone - Nowadays, car emergencies are not as bad as they used to be, because of cell phones. As long as you have good service in the area you happen to be in, you will be just fine.

First Aid Kit - This is perhaps the most important thing to carry in your car - especially if you have children. You never know what is going to happen, and even the slightest accident can cause some injuries to you and your loved ones that can be easily remedied by a well-stocked first aid kit.

Offering everyday low rates, long-term Melbourne car hire and one way car hire. Rental car classes include large corporate car rental, economy car rental, pickup truck rental and minibus rental in Melbourne, Australia

By Amy Nutt

How To Find The Best Quality Car Shows For The Newest Models

If you don't like huge car shows with a lot of cars then that may be something that you are not interested in. If so, you may want to just go to the make car shows where they show off the newest models of cars that have just came off the production line.

These types of shows are often pretty good because you are getting to see brand new cars that nobody else has even seen yet or drove. You are the first person to see cars that have just came off the production line. Most of these cars are the newest models that have been talked about for months and have finally came out.

Sometimes these events are open to the public and other times they are just for the press and so the newspaper can get to know about them first. Other times you are allowed to come and gander at all the cars and the new models are just something to look at and have fun with. You will be able to look in and see what they look like so if you were thinking about buying one you will to see first hand what they look like inside and out.

These types of car shows are going to be different then you are probably used to. You are going to be used to seeing a lot of cars and a lot of variety but not here at the special car shows you will be lucky to get an invite. These shows are just for the newest models only and those models could be anything from Saturn to Lamborghini. So if you like cars then you should like these car shows.

If you are trying to find out where these are being held the best advice that I can give you is to look in the newspaper or to go to the dealerships and ask them if they are having any car shows for new models. If they cannot give you any more advice then I don't know what to tell you because I don't know anything more then you about these new model car shows. You will be lucky to find them and probably will have better luck finding them then asking for directions all day and trying to find out where it is.

Some of these many events or car shows whatever you want to call them have dress codes. This is because these are brand new cars and some of these cars can be anything from cheap cars to Lamborghinis. So if you want to learn about where these events are then you just need to keep up with the magazines and cover about them. The best bet you probably have is looking in the newspaper for them. You will most likely find them and then be able to attend the events but be sure to get the info about the show before you go.

Gregg Hall is an author living with his 18 year old son in Jensen Beach, Florida. Find more about car shows as well as a car polish at http://www.5starshine.com

By Gregg Hall

How To Find The Best Quality Car Shows For The Newest Models

If you don't like huge car shows with a lot of cars then that may be something that you are not interested in. If so, you may want to just go to the make car shows where they show off the newest models of cars that have just came off the production line.

These types of shows are often pretty good because you are getting to see brand new cars that nobody else has even seen yet or drove. You are the first person to see cars that have just came off the production line. Most of these cars are the newest models that have been talked about for months and have finally came out.

Sometimes these events are open to the public and other times they are just for the press and so the newspaper can get to know about them first. Other times you are allowed to come and gander at all the cars and the new models are just something to look at and have fun with. You will be able to look in and see what they look like so if you were thinking about buying one you will to see first hand what they look like inside and out.

These types of car shows are going to be different then you are probably used to. You are going to be used to seeing a lot of cars and a lot of variety but not here at the special car shows you will be lucky to get an invite. These shows are just for the newest models only and those models could be anything from Saturn to Lamborghini. So if you like cars then you should like these car shows.

If you are trying to find out where these are being held the best advice that I can give you is to look in the newspaper or to go to the dealerships and ask them if they are having any car shows for new models. If they cannot give you any more advice then I don't know what to tell you because I don't know anything more then you about these new model car shows. You will be lucky to find them and probably will have better luck finding them then asking for directions all day and trying to find out where it is.

Some of these many events or car shows whatever you want to call them have dress codes. This is because these are brand new cars and some of these cars can be anything from cheap cars to Lamborghinis. So if you want to learn about where these events are then you just need to keep up with the magazines and cover about them. The best bet you probably have is looking in the newspaper for them. You will most likely find them and then be able to attend the events but be sure to get the info about the show before you go.

Gregg Hall is an author living with his 18 year old son in Jensen Beach, Florida. Find more about car shows as well as a car polish at http://www.5starshine.com

By Gregg Hall

Gregg Hall
Level: Platinum

Gregg Hall is a fulltime author and internet marketer living in Navarre Beach. He has been involved in a number of industries and has traveled ...

Infiniti Manhattan Is Your Lifetime Possession

No sooner a person starts earning, he jumps to purchase a big house and a big branded car. A luxury car lures one and all. There are so many brands of car in the market that whenever a person has to choose one for himself, he gets confused. He takes suggestion from his friends, relatives and also surfs the internet. As he is going to invest a good amount of money on it; he does not want to take any sort of risks. He does a thorough market research before coming to any conclusion. It is seen that in New York and Manhattan, the car that tops the list of car wishers is Infiniti. This car is a combination of pride and luxury.

Infiniti of Manhattan is considered to be a car of dignity. A person who rides the car experiences a feeling of royalty. The car is so attractive that one who goes for a test drive definitely purchases it. The car is the outcome of various researches and all the modern amenities are fitted in it. Various design, range and model of the car is available in the market. Unlimited colors are available and people can select a suitable one for them. The parts of the car are long lasting and make driving comfortable even on the uneven roads. The gears and breaks are quite flexible. Infiniti Manhattan is so comfortable to drive that one does not feel tired even while driving a long distance. Its mileage is awesome. It is the outcome of the modern technology.

Infiniti of Manhattan is a blend of modern technology and luxury. It is the first choice of any car buyer. People are crazy for the car and it is very much visible on the roads of New York and Manhattan. The parts of the cars are much durable and if any part gets damaged, you can easily replace it with a genuine part. Many authentic dealers are available in Manhattan. The car is the choice of all. It lifts up your status. Driving this car relaxes and refreshes one's mood. After working restlessly in office, one feels relaxed when he goes home driving Infiniti car. If you are running short of money and wish to have one, then you need not have to bother because the dealer provides loan. The repayment of the loan is quite suitable and meant for all section of the people. Your car can be a reason for yours neighbor's envy.

A person driving Infiniti feels at the top of the world. The car is so stylish that it appeals to all. If you are naïve regarding its design, model and technology, then you can step to any Infiniti dealer. They will show you various models and suggest you accordingly. They will also provide you with free leaflets which include various designs. Different models of the Infiniti car include different amenities fitted inside. On the basis of your necessity, you can choose the right one. The Infiniti car is designed by the well known company Nissan that made a mark in producing good quality car.

Tim Johrer has a special interest towards luxury cars and knows that the level of class defines luxury cars. He provides information to customers about different range of Infiniti cars. For more information related to Infiniti, long island infiniti, Infiniti Nassau, Infiniti Manhattan, infiniti Bronx, Infiniti New York, infiniti part visit http://www.infinitiofmanhasset.com

By Tim Johrer

Start the New Year With a New Car

In addition to shedding the excess pounds gained over the festive period, many decide to use the beginning of the calendar year to engage in some much-needed spring cleaning. Apart from replacing household appliances and getting rid of unwanted gifts, many decide to start the New Year by buying a new car. But before you rush off to the nearest dealership, there are a few practical concerns that must be evaluated before undertaking such an endeavour.

First, assess your needs as a car user. Changes to your household might have influenced your decision to look for a larger or smaller car, so think about how this will alter your needs. For example, if your current car has a larger boot and enough seats for children that have now grown up and left the home, a smaller car and a smaller boot may be in order.

Second, consider the engine and fuel efficiency. How much distance do you cover on a regular basis? If you are planning to do more than just travelling to and back from work with the odd weekend trip, it could be better to opt for a diesel engine. Diesel engines have a higher fuel efficiency compared to standard petrol engines and are better for the environment due to lower CO2 emissions.

When test-driving a potential new car, keep in mind how it compares to your current one. Test-drive the car for as long as is necessary and try to drive on a bumpy road, and, if it's possible, take it onto the highway. If the car has an automatic transmission, pay particular attention to it, as it is relatively easy to break and relatively expensive to repair. If possible, also try to test-drive another car of the same model for comparison.

When it comes to where to buy a new car, consumers are simply spoilt for choice. In addition to franchised dealers and car supermarkets, online car classifieds have become increasingly popular. If you do decide to use the latter, make sure to do your research properly before parting with any money for the car. Also be sure to get all the necessary paperwork with your purchase, such as a receipt as proof of purchase, a copy of the warranty, the service book and the logbook.

Remember that buying a car is one of the most important decisions of any household and you should never part with your money without complete peace of mind. Bearing the aforementioned points in mind should ensure that you won't be looking for a new car next year too.

Andrew Regan is an online, freelance author from Scotland. He is a keen rugby player and enjoys travelling.

By Andrew Regan

Military Surplus Vehicles

How do people just like you or me make thousands and even millions buying and selling Military Surplus Vehicles and Military Surplus Clothing online?

First of all, what are they? Simply put, there are several military surplus vehicles such as trucks, cars and jeeps that were originally used by the military and are now of no further use. The government basically has no need for them anymore. When this happens the most efficient way of disposing of them is auctioning them off to the general public. Us basically!

You used to go along to an old abandoned warehouse in the good old days, with your fist full of dollars hungrily waiting for that latest bargain. Thankfully, with the rise of the internet that's now changed.

Purchasing Through Online Auctions

Online auctions have become a social phenomena reaching mass appeal at break neck speed. The word is out about the cheap prices of these amazing items and hoards of clued up individuals are buying up lots in their thousands.

These government auctions range from Federal, State and Local auctions of every type of Seized, Surplus and Abandoned property you can think of. And the Federal, State, and Local Governments and Police in the U.S., UK, Australia and Canada are generally willing to sell it all for whatever they can get. This creates an opportunity for those wishing to buy low and sell high.

There are several different auction sites out there that sell an array of different items such as trucks (ford trucks, Chevy trucks dodge trucks etc), cars, motorcycles, ambulances and even aircraft are sold at these auctions

How You Can Profit from Military Surplus Vehicles?

If you carry out a search on Google trends, this will show you just how big this market place is for these items. You could literally save thousands of dollars purchasing them and then sell them on for a nice tidy profit.

Additional Income or a Full Time Business?

Which ever suits you really. There are some people that trade in these items for an additional income for the family and there are some that have gone the extra mile and are actively trading these items daily and making obscene amounts of money. Whatever option you choose, you're literally guaranteed to get your items cut priced levels. Hell, you could even by and keep the items for your personal use.

It is well worth carrying out some research before the auction about what type of vehicle you're interested in or what type of vehicle you'd like to sell on. These items are generally in good working order and any typical malfunctions are normally reported to you before the auction. Again, there are many useful resources available for this and can be found online.

Why Are They Almost Giving Them Away?

99% of these items offered to people like you and me are old and have no further use to the military. The military also like to keep up with the latest technology. To try and upgrade them and make alterations would prove far too costly. So they offer them to members of the public to kindly take them off their hands. Hands up who wants a piece of the pie.

So if you're interested and don't want to miss out on how to get your hands on fantastic deals for Military Surplus Clothing, and Military Surplus Vehicles, check out http://www.firstchoicemarketing.co.uk/Military_Surplus_Vehicle_A.html

This article was written by Des Dreckett who as attended many of these auctions and found some interesting and fantastic bargains at knocked down prices. He also contributes to http://howtostartyourownbusinesstoday.com


By Desmond Dreckett

DIY Auto Repair

Few people realize what you can do with an automotive repair manual, a little bit of free time, some basic automotive tools, and a bit of cash to throw around. A lot of people take it for granted that you have to have all of your auto repair done by professionals, but this is not the case. It depends a lot on the model of the car and type of problem, but most auto repair is actually pretty simple to do. Sometimes, you can save hundreds of dollars on fixing your car by taking a simple shortcut. For example, I used to own up an old and clunky Voyager with a rusted out rear air-conditioning unit. All the coolant leak out of it, and they said it would cost hundreds of dollars to fix. Instead, I use a clamp from a normal hardware store to cut off the rear air-conditioning unit. It cost me less than a dollar, took me no more than an hour to do, and completely solved the problem!

Nevertheless, for more serious problems, auto repair is definitely a must. I know some people who do automotive engine repair on their own, but I wouldn't recommend it unless you really know what you are doing. Today's cars are more sophisticated and complex than ever, and it takes a quality automotive technician to really diagnose and fix the problem. Don't get me wrong - if you have someone there to help you who knows what they are doing, you can probably get enough help to work your way through. Nonetheless, if you are even the slightest bit unsure of your abilities, you should probably leave the auto repairs to the expert.

One of the best compromises is to let your mechanic diagnose the problem, then go and repair it yourself. One of the biggest dangers with trying to perform your own auto repair is not knowing what the problem is. Amateur mechanics can jump to conclusions and miss out on the whole issue at hand. This can cause all kinds of problems, and will usually lose you more money than you can gain by not hiring a mechanic. If you have your mechanic figure out what is wrong, however, you can still save a lot of money on labor costs by doing the job yourself. It doesn't make sense for everyone, but for some people it really does.

Tire Research for everyone. Know your vehicle tire at Tire Research - Goodyear Tires

By Tony Pang