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10 Car Improvements That Can Help With Your Insurance

by CarInsuranceQuotes.net Staff Writer on March 28, 2012

It's a fact, driving is a dangerous and costly thing. While you can't always anticipate getting into a car accident, you can take certain precautions to prevent one. In addition to trying to be a better driver, you can also make improvements to your car to keep you safe and help keep the cost of your insurance down. If you want to reduce your risk of accidents and keep your insurance company happy, consider making these 10 car improvements today.

  1. Bumper grille

    Fixing or replacing a damaged bumper can be a very costly endeavor. Drivers can better protect their vehicles from major damage and scratches by installing a bumper grille. Bumper grilles help cushion your bumper in collisions and bumps.

  2. Theft deterrent system

    Installing a theft deterrent system is one of the best ways to protect your car from being broken into or stolen. Considering the fact that a vehicle is stolen every 33 seconds in America, installing a theft deterrent system is a wise investment and one that will make your insurance company happy.

  3. Enhanced restraint system

    It's never a bad idea to install an enhanced restraint system to protect you and your passengers. Old, worn seat belts tend not to fit properly and may be less effective in the event of a crash. Enhanced seat belts will give you an added sense of security and help reduce the chance of death and serious injuries in a collision.

  4. New headlights

    Dim or hazy headlights make it hard for you to see where you're going and even harder for other drivers to see you coming. Installing new headlights will give you better visibility and make you more noticeable to other drivers, therefore significantly reducing your chance of being in an accident.

  5. Backup cameras

    A backup camera can make driving much safer by giving drivers a clear view of what's behind their vehicle. Once you put your car in reverse, the backup camera displays a rear image in the front so you can back up without having to physically turn around. Backup cameras help drivers avoid accidents and save lives; two things insurance companies care most about.

  6. Safety reflectors

    One way to be safer on the road and reduce your risk of having a collision is to add safety reflectors to your vehicle. Reflectors help make you visible to other drivers on the road by reflecting light from oncoming cars' headlights. Safety reflectors are extremely helpful if you live or drive through rural areas and places with no streetlights.

  7. Telematics system

    Installing a telematics system, such as OnStar, is a great way to increase your safety when behind the wheel. Not only do telematics systems give you hands-free phone and navigation, but they also provide you with the security of an on-call team of representatives that are available to help you in the event of an emergency.

  8. Enhanced blinkers

    Installing new blinkers can make a big difference in your safety and visibility on the road. You can install side-view mirror blinkers or replace your current ones with brighter, more vibrant lights. Blinkers are crucial to your safety and the safety of others, and having bright, visible blinkers can significantly reduce the risk of being involved in an accident.

  9. New tires

    Installing new, top-of-the-line tires is one easy and necessary improvement all drivers should make to their vehicles. New tires provide better traction and reduce the risk of tire-related accidents. Drivers should keep a close eye on the wear and tear of their tires and rotate them frequently.

  10. Side-view mirror attachments

    Whether you add blind-spot mirrors or wide-angle mirror attachments, you will be doing yourself and other drivers a favor by improving visibility. Blind spot mirrors are bubble shaped mirrors that attach to your current side view mirrors. They extend your line of vision and help prevent dangerous accidents by showing you what's in your blind spot. Wide-angle mirrors also extend your visibility by giving drivers a wide-angle view of what's to the left and right of them.

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8 Weird Driving Laws That Could get you Pulled Over

by CarInsuranceQuotes.net Staff Writer on March 28, 2012

The United States has some wacky driving laws. If you're planning on a cross-country road trip, it may be useful to know some of the driving laws as they differ from state to state. However, some of the laws are just so unbelievable, it's hard to imagine what events had to unfold in order for them to be brought into legislation. Some of the laws would be challenging to break because they're so avant-garde. Others are just plain idiotic. Below are the eight strangest driving laws that you'll encounter across the United States.

  1. Alabama

    In Alabama, it is illegal to drive while blindfolded. Law enforcement officials will pull you over if they see a scarf impairing your vision. Just to be clear here — did Alabama have so many incidents involving blindfolded drivers that it had to write a special law against it? It's unfortunate, really, but you'll just have to remove the handkerchief from your eyes when you cross the state lines. Perhaps residents here wanted to experience driving from the perspective of a blind individual. It's hard to imagine how that could have backfired.

  2. Alaska

    In Alaska, it is illegal to bind your dog to the roof of your car. Apparently, Alaskans were under the impression that not only were car rooftops great for tethering skis and Christmas trees, but also household pets. After all, Fido loves putting his head out the window. This way, he can get some real fresh air and look like a total boss. You will be pulled over for it, but should you choose to break the law, be sure to really secure him on there. You don't want your dog flailing all over the place.

  3. California

    In Glendale, California, it is illegal to jump from a car moving at or more than 65 miles per hour. Remember that scene in the movie Footloose where the preacher's daughter hops from one truck to another, straddling two speeding trucks down a hill country highway? Californians must have tried out some real life demonstrations of this before officials in Glendale pulled the plug on this idiotic behavior. Therefore, if you're going to jump out of a moving vehicle, be sure to slow down to an even 64 miles per hour to avoid a hefty fine from local police.

  4. Georgia

    In Dublin, Georgia, it is illegal to drive through children's playgrounds. Although a playground might look like a fun obstacle course to try out your four-wheel drive, it tends to be populated by small children, and you might want to avoid running over them. Never mind the fact that you really shouldn't be driving a vehicle on unpaved private property. If you really want to hit up the monkey bars in Georgia, you'll just have to park in a designated spot nearby and walk up to it like a regular civilian.

  5. Illinois

    In Galesburg, Illinois, it is illegal to partake in "fancy riding" on a bicycle. Could this law be any vaguer? While we're unsure about what constitutes "fancy riding," we imagine a kid demonstrating his ability to ride "no hands!" and being promptly pulled over by a bike cop with a citation in hand. To be on the safe side, riding your bike in Galesburg must be limited to regular biking on designated bike lanes or sidewalks, with a helmet on and both hands firmly on the handlebars. It sounds as though poppin' a wheelie could have devastating consequences.

  6. New Jersey

    In New Jersey, you must honk before you pass anyone on the road. This law is ridiculous because honking has such a negative connotation in any other context. In most cases, honking your horn is a means to express frustration. In fact, most of us are far more confrontational when inside the confines of our vehicle than we would be in person. We honk to tell people to speed up, to make the light before it turns red, and to warn against merging into our lane. For this reason, it seems odd that the people of New Jersey would honk for something as mild as passing one another up on the freeway. Our deduction? The roads of New Jersey must be pretty loud.

  7. Oregon

    In Oregon, it is illegal to leave your car door open for prolonged lengths of time. So, if you're pumping gas at the nearest petrol station, be sure that all doors are closed or you could be fined. This scenario wouldn't be happening either, though, because it is also illegal to pump your own gasoline in Oregon. Oregon seems to delight in making silly laws regarding the automobile. In all likelihood, this is done in an effort to force everyone to use bicycling as their main mode of transportation. Portland residents pretty much already accept this fate.

  8. South Carolina

    In Hilton Head, South Carolina, it illegal to have trash in your car. Supposedly, this is due to a reoccurring rat problem. How rats are getting into locked vehicles is yet to be determined. But one thing is certain — it is essential that you dispose of your McDonalds properly after eating it. A loose wrapper or two could be the difference between driving legally or not. On the plus side, South Carolina must not have an incredibly large population of hoarders who live in their cars.

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10 April Fool’s Pranks for Car Lovers

by CarInsuranceQuotes.net Staff Writer on March 27, 2012

It's a little-known fact that car enthusiasts have notoriously bad senses of humor. Kidding, kidding. But if you know a car lover and you've got a gift for the giggles, consider April Fool's Day to be your newest playground. Whether you love cars or love someone who loves cars (or maybe you just want to pull some auto pranks around the office), we've come up with 10 great April Fool's pranks for the jokester and car lover in (or around) you. Happy pranking!

  1. Collector Car Tax

    The Shelby American Automobiles Club pulled an Orson Welles on the American classic car lover. Their 2011 April Fool's gag announced in a four-page newsletter a new collector car tax. Most notable for their great mock-up of a New York Times front page, this prank had car collectors up in arms, from sea to shining sea.

  2. Wrapping

    If you're a drunk college kid, or just one on the inside, wrapping someone's car is a great April Fool's gag. Especially if you're friends or lovers with a persnickety automotive purist, gift wrapping, shrink wrapping, or Saran wrapping is a way to play a joke that shouldn't ruffle too many feathers. Just gain access to the car (you don't need the keys for this one) late at night, and proceed to wrap at your leisure. It's like wrapping a house, only with less clean up. And you should use something more sinister than toilet paper. Be liberal in your application of the Saran wrap — the harder it is for them to clean up, the longer you have to point and laugh.

  3. Post-It'd!

    It's no stapler in a Jell-O mold, but you can use office supplies for this fun trick. Try putting Post-Its all over the car. Everywhere. Even coat the undercarriage. As long as it takes you to put them on is nothing compared to the fun you'll have watching your driver have to take them off. Bonus points for fun shapes, or writing a message with differently colored Post-Its. Minus points for using Silly String instead of stickies — you're (hopefully) not in fourth grade anymore.

  4. Full Blast

    If you've got access to the keys, this one's simple, quick, and fun. Take the keys to your car-loving friend's auto, and turn the radio up full blast. Bonus points for a Tejano station, especially if your friend likes to jam to rap and rock. Turn the air conditioner on cold and full blast (hence, the name). Also turn the front and back windshield wipers on, and maybe the hazards or brights for good measure. Take it to the limit by adjusting the steering wheel and seat base all the way up and forward, making it hard for the driver to enter the car. If you also put Vaseline on the steering wheel and gearshift, they'll think that's the end of the prank. The double whammy is great, as they'll already be frustrated (or laughing) when they turn on the car.

  5. Cuppa Joe

    If you're a car lover that doesn't want to potentially wreck the interior of your car for the sake of a prank, try faking out all the other drivers on the road. Secure (read: duct tape) a venti cup of coffee to the roof of your car, and take a spin, ostentatiously making sharp turns on roads where plenty of people are able to see. Make certain that everyone's watching you and wondering how your master handling gets the cup to stay put, especially while you do donuts in a parking lot. Bonus points for doing this with a car seat and a doll while speeding down a highway with your flashers on. Double bonus points? Not getting pulled over.

  6. Sticker Price

    Making fake magnetic bumper stickers might be costly, but you can really annoy your car freak friend. Especially if they care about the exterior of their car looking sharp, this prank is a sure bet to get some laughs (or growls). Get magnets printed up with cheesy slogans that are bumper sticker-sized. Place them all over the car in question, and wait for your reward. Bonus points if you get political. Minus points if you get too crass.

  7. Cinder Blocks

    This one's particularly fitted for those of you that continually try to mask your white trash roots. Remove the tires from a car and prop 'er up on cinder blocks. Bonus points for doing this on the day that your victim has a big meeting, or is really nervous about any "big deal" event for which they're going to have to make a drive. Double bonus points if you hire a NASCAR pit crew to replace the tires in three minutes flat, so that your car enthusiast loved one won't be late. Minus points if you get them fired for not showing up to that board meeting on time.

  8. Golf Balls To The Wall

    Best for compact cars (or people that have several thousand golf balls to unload), fill the car up with golf balls so that, upon opening the door, the balls roll out. This also works with beans, pennies, and styrofoam peanuts — the most economical, but least environmental of the bunch. Bonus points if you find a way to incorporate a gaggle of white turtledoves to also fly out of the car, gloriously punctuating your prank. Minus points if you kill the doves.

  9. Junk In The Trunk

    One really fun and fairly simple April Fool's day gag is to line the trunk of someone's car in plastic, and then fill the trunk with water. Sealing plastics and drop cloths work best for this, as you want to be certain that you don't damage the car. The sight gag should be enough to drop some jaws. Be sure that you have an exit strategy, because remember: cars don't flush.

  10. Love Notes

    This one's for pansies and anarchists. Whether you're too chicken to play a real prank, or you just like inserting a little chaos into the world, you've found a friend in the love note prank. Leave a long note on someone's car, explaining that you're terribly sorry and you'll pay for the damages. This prank only works, by the way, if you didn't actually hit them. An alternate message could read "I just got seen hitting your car, and I'm pretending to leave my info."

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8 Classic Lines Used Car Salesmen Always Use

by CarInsuranceQuotes.net Staff Writer on March 25, 2012

Used car salesmen get a bad rap, and it's wholly deserved. Any honest used car salesman, we'll pretend for the moment that this isn't an oxymoron, will tell you that bad acting, manipulation, and lies are all techniques utilized by their brethren in order to get you to buy a car at the highest possible price. Some of the lines used car salesmen repeatedly use in negotiations seem harmless, and even earnest. Others are insanely over the top, designed to keep you on your heels, wondering if you're going to make it out of the dealership alive with your shirt and your integrity intact. Before you go shopping for a used car, make a note of the following eight classic and bizarre lines a used car salesman might throw at you.

  1. "If you don't like our prices, you can kiss our ass!"

    If you go into a used car dealership unprepared, not having researched the kind of car you want to buy and some idea of how you plan to finance your purchase, the salesman will smell it within the first few minutes of meeting you. One line they'll try to hand you is that their prices are absolutely the fairest and most competitive on the entire planet Earth. Question this, and they'll try to make you feel like you're not only ungrateful, but worthy of contempt. Just like ol' honest Abe implies to great effect in the commercial we've linked to, used car dealerships do not care if you're too stupid to appreciate their generosity.

  2. "I don't know if I can do that, but if I could, would you buy this car today?"

    One frustrating but seldom understood fact is that the sales manager for a car dealership has the final say in any negotiations taking place regarding your used car purchase, and you probably will never see him. However, your friendly salesman will tell you, earnestly and sincerely, that he alone is willing to go to bat with the sales manager for you. But only if you make a commitment to buy a car today. You may even be asked to sign a piece of paper attesting that. But remember, when negotiating a price, you do not have to sign anything. And if you do, whatever you sign isn't binding anyway.

  3. "We knew it had that problem. That's why it's priced so low."

    A classic line that spins a negative, like a smoking engine or a passenger side door that won't open, into a positive. If a salesman hands you this line, and assuming you still really want the car in question, try to negotiate for an even lower price since you'll be spending additional money to deal with needed repairs. But before doing that, even if the salesman has pointed out problems with the car for sale, take it to a mechanic for a thorough inspection.

  4. "People with bad credit driving everywhere!"

    If you find the notion of a used car dealership guaranteeing that they will approve any buyer for financing no matter how terrible their credit is, then you probably don't have the cash flow to pay off a loan in the first place. It's not that you don't deserve and shouldn't be allowed to drive a decent automobile. But anyone who tells you, "No money down, no credit check, and no problem!" is probably out to screw you over one way or another. Check out Take Charge America for free advice as to how to take control of your credit history and debt. New England residents with limited incomes or bad credit can contact the non-profit More Than Wheels for help with buying a car.

  1. "Beans!"

    "Ask for my wife," says used car salesman Crazy Hubbard. "She's cookin' a pot of beans! And she'd love to serve some to you!" Mmm, yummy! Not all, but indeed, a disturbing number of used car salesmen, will go over the top trying to convince you that they are "crazy." They may wear ridiculous clothing, run around the lot like a chicken with their heads cut off, or offer you bowl after complimentary bowl of beans, all in an effort to make you feel a little bit smarter than this spaz who's trying to sell you a car. Don't let yourself be distracted. At least not while on the dealership's lot. You can check out and laugh at these wackadoos later in private thanks to YouTube.

  2. "There's no better time to buy a used car!"

    Actually, with the economy still in the toilet, and interest rates relatively low as a result, now may be a good time if not a great time to buy a used car. However, we take issue with the high-pressure, Chicken Little on crack sales technique where the salesman implores you to understand and appreciate that this moment, this moment where you decided to stroll into a dealership, just so happens to be the perfect time to buy a car. Maybe the salesperson really is scrambling to make their quota for the month, but you really have no way of knowing.

  3. "…but you'd better hurry! Because when they're gone, they're gone!"

    You should shop around when buying a car in order to make an informed and financially intelligent purchase. Used car salesmen know this, and will try to push you into making decisions on the spot. It's a tactic very similar to the Chicken Little technique, where if you, the buyer, snooze, you'll lose. And the perfect car with the perfect deal will be gone! Forever! Or at least until you visit another used car dealership.

  4. "We have overhead! We need to make enough profit to pay for the lights, the electricity, and the salesmen!"

    If a used car salesman pulls this one out of their proverbial butt, congratulate yourself, because you, the buyer, probably have them by the proverbial balls. Whining is usually a sign of desperation. Car dealerships make big profits selling trade-ins on their lots. There's no sticker showing what the dealer paid for the used car, and the buyer is left to do the guesswork. So no, the dealership you're visiting probably isn't in danger of going under. If it is, you should definitely take your business elsewhere.

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8 Cheesiest Company Cars of All Time

by CarInsuranceQuotes.net Staff Writer on March 22, 2012

Some businesses take a very unusual marketing approach for getting the word out about their product: the crazy company car. Especially effective in the food industry, these recognizable vehicles drive around the country, typically handing out samples of their product at every stop. Many of the cars are made to look like a larger-than-life representation of the product itself, attracting a lot of attention on our freeways. They may not get great gas mileage or reach sportscar speeds, but they certainly make one do a double-take. Below are the cheesiest, albeit most memorable company cars of all time.

  1. The Meow Mix Mobile

    The Meow Mix Mobile tours around the country giving out free cat food samples and challenging anyone in its path to try not to compulsively sing the Meow Mix tune. Shaped like a giant orange cat, the car comes with whiskers attached that spin in the wind to combat the problem of slapping against the car's hood. It also has a perpetually moving cat tongue controlled by the same mechanism that makes windshield wipers move back and forth, reportedly able to run all day long without draining the battery. To top it off, the Meow Mix Mobile has external speakers located in the cat's ears that emit the Meow Mix jingle while the vehicle navigates the road. There are two Meow Mix Mobiles in the country — one that keeps to the east coast and one on the west coast.

  2. Red Bull Truck

    While hundreds of Red Bull cars exist, distributing cans of the sour energy drink in every major city, the Red Bull MXT Truck is a sight to be seen. The typical Red Bull car is a compact vehicle with a giant "can" attachment on the back, usually manned by cute girls in short skirts that seem completely energized by their own product. However, the Red Bull MXT is a whole new animal. Once parked, the entire top of the truck can be raised to reveal a DJ stand, two 37-inch LCD screens wired with satellite, two DVD players, and two Xboxes. Its huge tires are filled with 89 gallons of Red Bull. It has a 6-speed transmission, four-wheel drive, is fueled using diesel, and can reach speeds of 85 miles per hour. The Red Bull logo is emblazoned on the side of the truck, otherwise it is a solid, matte black color.

  3. Oscar Mayer Weinermobile

    The Oscar Mayer Weinermobile is a truck made to resemble a hot dog on a bun. First made in 1936, the Oscar Meyer Weinermobile debatably started the trend of outlandish marketing using a company car. The idea for the vehicle was devised by the nephew of the company's founder, and was originally 13 feet long as it rolled along the streets of Chicago, and merely resembled the wiener itself. By 1958, the addition of a bun was made to the car. The drivers of the Weinermobile are officially dubbed as "hotdoggers," and they are recruited annually at college campuses across the country as the seniors make their departure. The hotdoggers typically hand out toy whistles to children at their stops, shaped like smaller versions of the car itself, known as "Wienerwhistles."

  4. Hershey's Kissmobile

    The Hershey's Kissmobile has been around since the summer of 1997. It is a large truck shaped like a line of Hershey's Hugs and Kisses. Reigning from Hershey Pennsylvania, the Kissmobile scoots along the United States raising money for the Children's Miracle Network. The driver is located in the front Hershey Kiss in a compartment wired with GPS and a rear-view camera for parking in tricky spots. The Kissmobile "Kid's Center" is located in the middle kiss, which is actually made to look like an Almond Kiss, where a DVD can be shown to children explaining the story of Hershey and how Kisses are made. Children can sign the flag coming from the middle kiss' peak for a $1 donation towards Children's Miracle Network. The final compartment, shaped like a Hershey's Hugs, holds thousands of the chocolate candies to be passed out as samples to the visiting children and grown up chocolate lovers. Lastly, the car actually burns a special oil as it drives that emits the smell of chocolate to passing drivers.

  5. Planter's NutMobile

    The Planter's NutMobile is a vehicle shaped like — you guessed it — a giant peanut. Based on the 2011 Isuzu NPR Boxter, it tours the country to promote Planter's "Naturally Remarkable" tour. This initiative is helping to put local parks all across the country. The NutMobile prides itself on being earth conscience, as it reduces its carbon footprint by running on peanut oil. It is also made from reused materials, including recycled steel and glass. It has a wind turbine and rooftop solar panels to help charge its internal battery. Even the flooring of the NutMobile is made from reclaimed wood from an old, Pennsylvanian barn. With a ladder leading up to a sunroof, the vehicle can be used in parades with "Mr. Planter" peering out the top.

  6. Spam Mobile

    First hitting the streets in March 2001, the Spam Mobile is a promotional vehicle shaped like a giant can of Spam. It was originally shaped from a trolley car and functions as a mobile kitchen traveling to different events across the country. Once it hits the breaks, the Spam Mobile gives out free samples of spam products, or "spamples," such as a spam slider. The hood of the Spam Mobile features a painted on smiling face. The vehicle maxes out at around 65 miles per hour as a converted diesel RV.

  7. Zippo Car

    The original Zippo car was built in 1947 from a customized Chrysler Saratoga. It then cost $25,000.00 and featured two giant zippo lighters sprouting from its core. It made appearances in parades throughout 1948 and 1949, but by 1960 had disappeared mysteriously after being left at a dealership in Pittsburgh for maintenance. In 1997, the Zippo car was recreated. This new Zippo car looked similar to the old one, but the tops of the lighters could be open and closed by spring mechanisms. The two five-foot flames are removable. The interior has been modernized to account for air conditioning and a V8 engine.

  8. Goldfish Truck

    Making its debut in 2002, the Pepperidge Farm Goldfish Truck is shaped like the famous, fish-shaped cracker. It navigates around the country on its "Miles of Smiles" tour, passing out free snack bags of goldfish to those lucky enough to come in contact with it en route. But it doesn't just pass out Goldfish. The Goldfish Truck also hands out other Pepperidge Farm goodies, like Milano Cookies. The truck weighs a staggering five tons and is 13 feet tall. The fish sports a pair of black sunglasses that span eight feet across the front of the vehicle.

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9 Car Parts Every Driver Should Understand

by CarInsuranceQuotes.net Staff Writer on March 21, 2012

carinsurancequotes.net_9 Car Parts Every Driver Should UnderstandCars are complex machines that most people simply don't understand. Mechanics must undergo years of schooling and apprenticeship to understand how cars work and how to fix them. But just because they are complicated doesn't mean you shouldn't know anything about your car. There are a few parts of a car that every driver should understand in order to save time, money, and headaches. Here are nine car parts every driver should understand.

  1. Tires

    OK, so we probably all know what tires are, that is, the rubber covering placed on the rotating wheels of your vehicle, but do we really understand them? For instance, in order to prevent uneven wear, did you know it's important to rotate your tires frequently and maintain proper alignment by avoiding massive bumps and potholes? Additionally, if the tread on your tires is worn out, did you know you should avoid driving in the rain because you may slide when trying to stop? All drivers should be aware of their tires and maintain them in order to stay safe on the road.

  2. Engine

    If you look under the hood of your car and don't recognize that massive heap of metal, you might need to read and reread your car manual. Because that, my friends, is your engine. The engine is a complex machine that converts chemical energy into mechanical motion by igniting gasoline and using the explosive force to force pistons up and down around a crankshaft that harnesses the pistons energy to turn the wheels of your car. The general idea is that fuel is injected into piston chambers and ignited using a spark plug. The resulting small explosion pushes the piston away from the explosion, and that mechanical energy is transferred to your wheels. The internal combustion engine is one of the most important inventions in history and it would serve you well to know the basics.

  3. Battery

    The battery is critical for starting your car. The inside of a battery contains an electrolyte liquid paste, typically an acid, and electrodes made of conductive metals. When engaged, current flows through the chemicals in the battery and the chemical reaction generates electricity. Batteries can store energy in the chemical bonds within the electrolyte liquid paste for use later. This is why the battery is so important. When you turn the key in your ignition, a starter must be engaged to generate the first ignition of the engine. In order to turn the starter, you need energy, and that energy comes from the battery.

  4. Brakes

    All drivers know brakes make their cars stop, but few actually understand how they work. Brakes are made up of several different components that all work together to inhibit motion. When the driver depresses the brake pedal, hydraulic cylinders (ever heard of the "master cylinder"?) transfer that force to brake pads which press onto a disc attached to your rotating wheel. The friction generated by the force of the pad against the disc slows the rotation of your wheel, and creates a great deal of heat and dust in the process. That's why brake pads are made of special materials that absorb heat and resist flaking.

  5. Transmission

    The transmission is a series of gears and cogs that mediate the transfer of energy from the engine to the wheels. Without it, your engine would push the same amount of power to the wheels all the time, and going up hills or down slopes would either over or underwork your engine. The transmission's gears are lubricated by an oil-like fluid that prevents the gears from tearing themselves apart. Regular maintenance of this fluid will help prevent catastrophic transmission failures that can be expensive and inconvenient.

  6. Muffler

    A car's engine is really just a mechanism for controlling a series of small explosions, and those explosions create a huge amount of noise. That's where the muffler comes in. The muffler is part of the engine exhaust system, or the parts of the vehicle that collect the excess heat and gas created by combustion in the engine. The exhaust system collects sound too, funneling it towards the muffler where it is dissipated by a series of baffles encased in a metal container. Only a limited amount of sound escapes through the baffles, and many people choose to customize the sound their car makes by altering their mufflers or replacing them with aftermarket versions that allow more sound to escape.

  7. Radiator

    The radiator is the part of your car that cools the engine. When cool liquid flows over a hot surface, heat from the hot surface is transferred very efficiently to the liquid, which can then be cooled again by allowing air to blow over it. Coolant is constantly circulating through parts of your vehicle that get hot while driving, and that coolant eventually returns to the radiator. The radiator dissipates the heat collected by the coolant by bringing it in close proximity to cooler air circulating through the specially designed slits in the radiator's core. This cools the coolant, allowing it to recirculate and remove heat from warmer parts of the engine.

  8. Timing belt

    The timing belt is a crucial part of your car's engine. Without it, the energy created by combustion can't be transferred to the tires. The timing belt is designed to align and turn the camshaft at a very precise rate. Even the smallest error could cause your engine to shut down. The camshaft controls the opening and closing of intake and exhaust valves, crucial for proper engine firing. A broken timing belt is a major problem that is very expensive to fix. It is critical to replace it at the recommended intervals.

  9. Alternator

    The alternator is an important part of your car's electrical system. Its purpose is to use the mechanical energy created by combustion to charge the car battery and to run electrical components when the car engine is activated. If your battery is repeatedly dying, even after being replaced, your alternator may not be functioning properly. Without it, your car won't last too long!

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8 Incredible Motorcycle Crash Survivor Stories

by CarInsuranceQuotes.net Staff Writer on March 16, 2012

The appeal of motorcycles is easy to see. In movies, the handsome bad boys drive motorcycles with a beautiful girlfriend in tow, wind blowing through their hair. It is exhilarating to gain such speed without the padding of a car around you, as if you were flying. However, motorcycles are far more dangerous than cars. Motorcyclists are 35 times more likely to undergo a lethal accident than car drivers, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Without wearing a helmet, those odds go up considerably. Most motorcycle enthusiasts have had at least a minor accident at some point, but we often hear the most about those sustained by celebrities. Below are a few celebrities that should probably invest in motorcycle insurance.

  1. Gary Busey

    Gary Busey was involved in a nearly fatal motorcycle accident on Dec. 4, 1988. Having recently picked up his motorcycle from the repair shop, he slid over a bit of gravel at 40 miles per hour, causing him to fling over the handlebars and strike the pavement with his exposed head. Busey was publicly against the idea of helmets until the accident occurred and took a chunk out of his head "the size of a half dollar". Busey barely survived the crash, but nonetheless fell into a four week coma in which he experienced a vision of the afterlife that changed his life forever. He was roused to consciousness on Jan. 6, 1989, and since then, has become a supporter of traumatic injury treatment and prevention. He also strongly advocates wearing a helmet.

  2. Ken Wahl

    Ken Wahl reportedly suffered his motorcycle accident on March 29, 1992 when driving his Harley Davidson on the Pacific Coast Highway. He alleges that a driver of an approaching car suddenly cut him off, causing a collision that put Wahl into a coma for the entirety of a month. Three of his vertebrae were broken, he had a concussion, a broken neck, and spinal cord damage. He states that some reconstructive surgery even had to be done on one of his vertebrae. Wahl has never fully recovered and continues to take pain medication, but interestingly enough, highway patrol have put the story into question. It appears that Wahl's story may be fabricated, perhaps to explain away addiction to alcohol and pain medication. Unquestioningly, Wahl did suffer a previous motorcycle accident some 10 years ago in which he received 187 stitches.

  3. Steven Tyler

    Steven Tyler was in a brutal motorcycle crash on January 24th 1981. He was on his way to pick up his daughter, Mia, from the babysitter. The crash tore open his heal and took nearly an entire year to heal, delaying greatly the release of the Aerosmith album, Rock in a Hard Place. He was also unable to tour or write music during this time. Tyler felt that, during his recovery, Aerosmith's musical presence was on the decline, and many people attribute his extreme drug use at the time to causing the crash.

  4. Mark Knopfler

    The former Dire Straits singer Mark Knopfler was involved in a motorcycle crash on March 17, 2003. His Honda motorbike collided with a Fiat Punto car on Grosvenor Road, London, at around 10:50 a.m. He was then taken to St Thomas' Hospital where his injuries were tallied — six broken ribs and a broken collar bone. He was able to be discharged from the hospital later that evening. However, he spent months in recovery during which he was unable to write songs. The accident also prevented him from being able to perform at a charity concert with Eric Clapton the following week.

  5. Brian Kelly

    In 1970, Brian Kelly got in a motorcycle crash that paralyzed his right arm and leg. He was able to win a legal settlement for the accident of $750,000, but the injuries were serious enough to put a significant damper on his acting career. As getting acting jobs became difficult, he began to take the producing route, producing films such as Blade Runner and Cities of the Wild. The accident is said to have been caused by the engine exploding on his motorcycle.

  6. Liam Neeson

    Laim Neeson was running errands in July 2000 when a deer collided with his motorcycle and the bike crashed into a tree. The deer was struck dead and Neeson broke his pelvis. Neeson was discovered lodged in a tree and had to be cut from his clothing to be taken to the New York hospital where treatment ensued. He required extensive surgery. Because of the accident, he was unable to appear in Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith.

  7. Ben Roethlisberger

    In the summer prior to his third season, Ben Roethlisberger flipped over his motorcycle and collided with the windshield of an oncoming car. This happened in June 2006 on the outskirts of downtown Pittsburgh. Without a helmet, he suffered several injuries including a broken nose, broken jaw, and a large gash on the back of his head. He was also driving without a valid license to drive a motorcycle, which was met with widespread criticism by the media. Nonetheless, he was able to recuperate in time to start the Steelers' first three pre-season games.

  8. Arnold Schwarzenegger

    Daredevil action hero that he is, Arnold Schwarzenegger has been in several motorcycle accidents. In December 2001, he was hospitalized for four days for breaking six ribs in a motorcycle crash. The vehicle in front of him had come to an abrupt stop and Schwarzenegger was unable to come to a halt fast enough or change lanes. Then in January 2006, Schwarzenegger got into another motorcycle crash with his 12-year-old son Patrick in tow. He received 15 stitches in his lip and both he and Patrick were treated for additional cuts and bruises at St. John's Hospital in Santa Monica. His son was riding sidecar to his Harley Davidson motorcycle with him when a driver on their street backed out of his driveway into them at a low speed. The injuries could have been much more serious had he been going any faster. Both were wearing helmets.

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10 Movie Characters You’d Love to Go RVing With

by CarInsuranceQuotes.net Staff Writer on March 16, 2012

Imagine sharing an RV with Clark Griswold, Del Griffith, John Rambo, and a young Che Guevara while traveling across country. Sound appealing? It might for a generation who grew up on Vacation, Plans, Trains & Automobiles, First Blood, and The Motorcycle Diaries, and daydreamed about participating in shows like Road Rules and The Real World. Sure, the characters may stop being polite, but hey, things will never start getting real because, well, this is just a fantasy. Here are 10 movie characters (11, actually), provided they'd all fit into an RV, with whom we would like to imagine going on a long, strange trip.

  1. The Driver, Drive

    He isn't much of a talker and he doesn't have the most effervescent personality, but he is a real hero and a real human being. More importantly, he loves to do one thing — drive. Highly skilled at his craft, he could evade an overzealous state trooper in any condition, even in a 12,000-pound vehicle. He's intensely focused, and certainly isn't afraid to ignore the speed limit if it means reaching his destination in a quick manner.

  2. John Rambo, First Blood

    Again, not the most effervescent personality, but you need someone to deal with potential road rage incidents when your driver is as aggressive as The Driver. Plus, if you're ever stranded in the middle of nowhere, John will have all the tools necessary for survival and will undoubtedly protect you and your group from cops intent on throwing a motley group of out-of-towners in jail.

  3. Clark Griswold, Vacation

    Every cross country excursion needs a leader, and Clark has been the architect of multiple vacation adventures. He'd be a good addition not because he's a particularly good manager, but because chaos always seems to find him. You'll be sure to remember a trip in which you endure gunshots, a gnarly trip through the ghetto, and money-hungry hillbillies.

  4. Ernesto Guevara, The Motorcycle Diaries

    Depending on your personal political philosophy, you may think of Che Guevara as a murderous thug, or you may think of him as a hero. Regardless, based on Motorcycle Diaries, you can deduct that he makes an awesome travel companion. As an ambitious, fun-seeking youth, he traversed Latin America and developed his Marxist beliefs along the way as he witnessed the large division between the "haves" and "have nots." Executive producer Paul Webster compared this version of Guevara to Jack Kerouac and Neal Cassady, who are certainly more fun than your stereotypical militant revolutionary.

  5. Chris McCandless (aka Alexander Supertramp), Into the Wild

    Yes, it's based on a true story. And no, it didn't end well for Chris. But you have to admire his adventurous spirit and self-sufficiency, which was impressive for a recent college graduate who grew up in the D.C. burbs. Inspired by writers such as Kerouac, Chris embarked on a journey to Alaska and spiritual realization, escaping the monotony of so-called responsibility and adulthood, things we'd certainly be avoiding on this trip.

  6. Christina, Vicky Christina Barcelona

    Forget, Vicky. Let's invite Christina, the free-spirited, more spontaneous of the pair of friends who spent a summer in Barcelona. Her consent to joining a polyamorous relationship with the Spaniard with whom she and Vicky had trysts would probably go over well in an RV full of men, whom she'd hopefully be able to corral. Her best trait is that she's a good friend, as evidenced by her acceptance of Vicki after she admitted to sleeping with the Spaniard when Christina was more interested in pursuing him.

  7. Del Griffith, Plains, Trains & Automobiles

    When you're traveling with guys like The Driver, John Rambo, and the perpetually stressed out Clark Griswold, you need genuinely good people who can lighten the mood. Del fits the bill, and his own words to his cold travel companion, Neal Page, in Plains, Trains & Automobiles prove it: "Yeah, you're right, I talk too much. I also listen too much. I could be a cold-hearted cynic like you … but I don't like to hurt people's feelings. Well, you think what you want about me; I'm not changing." And, in the end, even if he isn't the 100% "real article," you'd have a lifelong friend.

  8. Thelma & Louis, Thelma & Louis

    If the group plans to head to Mexico, Thelma and Louis can provide the directions — just don't trust them with the group's cash. Both have an axe to grind with truck drivers, so the more aggressive ones who refuse to share the road with an RV will be sorry. But if the group breaks a law or two, watch out, because things can spiral out of control quickly. The last thing you want is for the trip to end at the bottom of the Grand Canyon.

  9. Edward Cole, Bucket List

    Vacations aren't cheap, especially in RVs — have you seen gas prices lately? Edward, of course, financed an elaborate excursion around the world with his new friend, who was also dying from lung cancer, to accomplish each item on their buckets lists. Their activities included riding motorcycles on the Great Wall of China, seeing the Taj Mahal, and skydiving. While such a trip would be difficult to duplicate in an RV, it should be noted that there are many, many fun and pricy things to experience in the old U.S. of A.

  10. Richard, The Beach

    For one, Richard knows how to follow a map, which would come in handy when the outdated GPS system becomes sluggish. He can also kill a mako shark with a harpoon, a skill that would come in handy during those beach stops. And, if any of the travelers were to become severely injured or fall ill, he would have the strength to mercy kill them to end the agony (and get rid of the weak link).

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8 Green Cars for St. Patty’s Day

by CarInsuranceQuotes.net Staff Writer on March 15, 2012

St. Patrick's Day is upon us, and everything's going green. While you may be more focused on your shamrock necktie or bright green tights, the automotive world is taking green to the next level. And environmentally friendly transportation means big business for these lucky automotive outfits. You can read 'em in a pinch, so go ahead and check out these eight green cars (the greenest in all of Ireland) for all your St. Patty's Day motoring needs.

  1. REVA Electric Car

    GreenAer is an Irish organization focused on fostering awareness and sales of environmentally friendly modes of transport. They're big proponents of the REVA, an economical electric car with a crazy rad turning radius and several easy options for charging. You're in luck, Europe — this green vehicle is priced right, starting at €11,500.

  2. Toyota Auris Hybrid

    Sold as a European replacement for the Corolla hatchback, the Auris hybrid is one of Ireland's favorite sellers. Reasonably priced, environmentally friendly, and packed with features, the Auris hybrid is a solid choice for the price and expected longevity of the vehicle. And with Toyota Ireland sponsoring ECO-UNESCO's "Clubs in Action" program, a portion of your dollars (or, euros, as it were) go to help kids' community projects focused on micro-environmentalism.

  3. Volkswagen BlueMotion Polo

    The Volkswagen BlueMotion Polo is another reasonably priced eco-friendly favorite of the Irish. This diesel car knocks the Toyota Prius and the Honda Insight out of the water in terms of fuel efficiency, but isn't a favorite in terms of power performance, with its three-cylinder engine and wonky gearshift indicator.

  4. Skoda Fabia Estate Greenline

    One of the larger green vehicles, the Skoda Estate GreenLine is a sensible choice for family transportation. The newest version, the GreenLine II, offers even more eco-features, making it the most environmentally friendly member of the Skoda family. Low prices, fuel economy, and versatile usability make the Estate GreenLine and GreenLine II good bets for any European trying to "green" up their commute.

  5. SEAT Ibiza 1.4 TDi Ecomotive

    Called a supermini, the SEAT Ibiza, a cousin of Volkswagen, was named one of the 100 most reliable cars of the past decade, according to a GizMag article. And with the Irish getting a tax break for how "green" their engines are, these little eco-wonders are selling well.

  6. Opel Corsa 1.3 CDTi

    Newer models of the Opel Corsa, another favorite brand of the Irish, come equipped with "ecotec" engines. These cars aren't known for their beauty of design, but their practical usage platforms make them a favorite of their owners. Partnering with GM Gamma and Fiat, what Opel cars lack in blockbuster sales, they make up for in loyal customers.

  7. Toyota iQ

    With the i short for "intelligence," "innovation," and "individuality," and the Q referencing "quality," the Toyota iQ is the company's answer to the Smart ForTwo. This cute, environmentally friendly compact hatchback is a favorite of the Irish, as well as the rest of Europe and Japan — it won Japan's Car of The Year in 2008.

  8. Renault Clio dCi 86

    With its slogan reading "Elle a Tout d'une Grande" (the small car with big attributes), this small, comfortable car has a reputation for being simple to handle and utilitarian (read: basic). The engine is capable of running on alternative fuels, and the Clio is a favorite of green drivers worldwide.

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6 Little-Known Scenic Drives That Every American Should Explore

by CarInsuranceQuotes.net Staff Writer on March 12, 2012

Rugged mountains, unbelievable vistas, lush forests, and awe-inspiring landscapes are just some highlights of what you'll find along America's roads and highways. Who can resist the lure of the open road and the freedom to explore mesmerizing sights, right from the comfort of your car? Every road trip enthusiast has heard of America's most famous scenic drives: the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Montana and the iconic 17-mile drive along California's Highway 1 in Big Sur, California, but as impressive as these drives are, more obscure routes can be just as visually compelling. Lesser-known drives may have been overlooked, but their beauty can be just as dramatic,  perhaps offering extraordinary vistas of largely undiscovered parts of America. Here are six little-known scenic drives that every American should explore in their lifetime.

  1. Trail of the Ancients

    Exploring this nine-hour drive gives you the opportunity to explore the intriguing occupation of the Native American peoples in Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona. Often referred to as the "Archaeological Heartland of America," this route offers a remarkable glimpse of some ancient Pueblo ruins, The Grand Gulch Canyon, and the Four Corners Monument, where you can stand in four states of Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona all at once. Be sure to turn off your engines and put on your hiking boots, as many hiking trails dot the landscape.

  2. Oregon Coast Highway

    Although the drive along California's Pacific Coast Highway 1 is famous for its beautiful coastline views of the Pacific Ocean, the lesser-known U.S. 101 route from the Oregon-California border, starting from Astoria, Oregon, travels through many coastal towns, sand dune parks, lighthouses, and giant offshore rocks known as sea stacks. Many of these are worthy stops along your drive, the most famous being a stop just north of Florence, which is home to one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world, the Heceta Head Lighthouse. Along the way you'll also pass the world's largest sea cave of sea lions.

  3. Hana Highway

    The 69-mile drive to the town of Hana in East Maui is an excursion that captures the spirit of Hawaiian tradition, culture, and natural beauty. You'll want to hold your breath and live in the moment along this beloved drive, which starts in Paia, famous for its surfing shore that zig-zags east for another 60 miles of spectacular sights. All in close proximity, you'll pass Waikani Falls, Ka'eleku Caverns, black sanded beaches, fresh water caves, and the Keanae Arboretum. Your final destination of Hana will be a culminating point of fantastic experiences, where you'll breathe in the sweet scent of eucalyptus air, kick back, and relish in the local culture.

  4. Columbia River Gorge Highway

    With so many interactive attractions along this route, it's no wonder the Pacific coastline has three remarkable highways, one of which is the Columbia River Gorge Highway, which is beautiful any time of the year. Along the route to Portland you will find the world's second-largest monolith Beacon Rock, winding trails, and majestic forests. Hood River in Oregon has snow-capped mountains, waterfalls, and many worthy photo stop points. You'll enjoy every minute of the only sea level route through the Cascade Mountain Range.

  5. Monument Valley Highway 163

    A staple backdrop of the American West, you'll find the same landscapes of Monument Valley featured in many commercials and movies like Forrest Gump, but don't let that fool you. The scenic landscape of Monument Valley is so diverse and unique, the photographs characterized as "The American West" can only be found in Monument Valley. In the 24 miles from Kayenta, Arizona to just north of Utah's border, you will find sacred Navajo grounds and iconic rock formations: Three Sisters, Mittens, Elephant Butte, Mexican Hat, and The Thumb. Clusters of unique and iconic sandstone buttes provide a striking contrast to the surrounding scenery, the largest monolithic butte rising 1,000 feet above the valley floor. Almost a spiritual journey, the Colorado Plateau region is a drive that should be on everyone's bucket list.

  6. North Carolina Highway 151

    Celebrated as Blue Ridge Parkway, a famous route through the Appalachian Mountains, the first few miles of North Carolina 151 are worth the thrill of having an open winding road and plenty of natural landforms practically devoid of other cars.

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