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Sean Lee Profile and Articles
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1). Specialty Motor Oil Protects Cars From Effects of Ethanol
Since President Bush announced an agenda for weaning the country from dependency on foreign oil, new ethanol plants have been popping up across the nation.
Ethanol demand is rising. If you fuel your car in the U.S., you are putting ethanol in your gas tank because regular gasoline now contains at least 10 percent ethanol. And many gas stations are replacing their mid-grade gasoline with E85, which is 85 percent ethanol.
2). Va. Company Puts E85 Ethanol in Your Gas Tank
Ethanol is the word of the day in Saluda, Va. This small and quiet fishing community is home of XcelPlus International Inc., the company that makes the FlexTek, a small black box that makes it possible to burn E85 ethanol in an existing car or truck.
Ethanol fuel stations, commonplace in Brazil where the FlexTek was designed, are popping up all across the United States.
3). Ethanol Fuels Becoming More Accessible to Drivers
We all want to help save the environment, but for some of us it's easier said than done. Hybrids are still pricey, public transportation isn't always reliable and giving up our cars isn't necessarily an option.
Luckily there's an answer: ethanol.
Classified as an alternative fuel by the U.S. Department of Energy, the latest blend of ethanol fuel, or E85, is made up of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent unleaded gasoline.
4). Respect Large Trucks, Stay Safe on the Road
Passenger vehicle operators - not truck drivers - cause approximately 70 percent of all fatal crashes involving a car and commercial truck, according to federal government statistics.
Most accidents are the result of an unsafe driving act, such as following a truck too closely or lingering in its blind spot.
The following precautions will help you safely share the road with large trucks:
* Beware of blind spots.
5). Customize Your Off-Road Vehicle
In these times when we're all being defined by numbers and crunched into conformity, we still want something that expresses our own style. Something that says, "This is me."
For some time, an underworld of car customization has existed. But today, it's not just low-riders and hotdoggers who want to make a personal statement. With the popularity of shows such as "American Chopper" and "Pimp My Ride," orders for custom cars and bikes have skyrocketed.
6). Flush Out Engine Failure
Want to avoid getting stranded by an overheated engine? Take a few minutes to perform a few quick cooling system maintenance activities.
Cooling system failure is a leading cause of engine-related breakdowns; however, a simple cooling system flush and fill or top-off can drastically minimize your risk. The task is especially important to perform before the cold weather months hit.
7). AAA Urges Drivers to Heed Dashboard Warning Lights
Every time you start your car, the dashboard warning lights glow to greet you and fade away after a few seconds. But if they stay on, there may be a major problem that needs to be dealt with right away.
"Motorists need to be aware of the critical 'big three' warning lights," said John Nielsen, director of AAA Automotive. "They include those that monitor engine oil pressure, engine coolant temperature and the vehicle charging system.
8). Drivers: Don't Forget to Check the Antifreeze
One of the easiest and most important tasks to prepare your vehicle for winter driving is to inspect the level and freshness of your vehicle's antifreeze.
The Car Care Council recommends that motorists check their antifreeze every 12 months or 12,000 miles to help protect the engine from freezing and overheating as well as from rust and corrosion damage.
9). Spark Plugs Offer 'Xtreme' Benefits
The average motorist often underestimates the power and importance of a spark plug.
Spark plugs must deliver a high voltage spark within milli-seconds in order to ignite the air and fuel mixture inside a vehicle's engine. This process provides the power a vehicle needs to operate.
Old or worn spark plugs can disrupt this process and diminish the amount of power that is generated.
10). Car Maintenance Tips For Safer Road Trips
People across the country are packing up their cars and hitting the road for their summer vacations. But with gas prices on the rise and AAA predicting more than 7.5 million vehicle breakdowns over the warmer months, it's important to make sure that your vehicle is prepared.
Firestone Tire & Service Centers provide these tips to get your vehicle ready to hit the road.
11). 6 Earth-Friendly Auto Tips
Last year marked a turning point in which Earth-friendly alternative-fuel and hybrid vehicles gained major attention and an increasing market share. On top of that, the AAA Great Battery Roundup collected more than 20,000 used vehicle batteries and disposed of them in an environmentally sound manner.
But you don't need to have old batteries lying around or buy a different vehicle to protect the environment.
12). Get Ready for Summer Driving
The busy summer driving season is coming. Will your vehicle be ready?
The experts at the nonprofit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) offer the following tips on getting your vehicle ready.
* Read the owner's manual and follow the recommended service schedules.
* If you are not a do-it-yourselfer, look for an orderly repair facility with modern equipment in the service bays.
13). New Magnesium Wheels Race to U.S. Market
Automotive enthusiasts can now upgrade their vehicles with high-performance, forged magnesium wheels adapted from Formula One racing designs.
Magnesium.com recently announced the introduction of one-piece, forged magnesium wheels for street use in North America. The wheels are 20 percent to 30 percent lighter than forged aluminum and offer increased safety and performance.
14). Tips for Saving at the Pump As You Take to the Roads
Labor Day marks the end of two favorite summer pastimes: vacation road trips and summer blockbuster movie releases.
Several of this summer's movies take you behind the wheel for exciting car chases with unbelievable maneuvers and speed-defying moments.
While the actors in these movies may not be thinking about fuel efficiency, with today's high gas prices, you certainly are.
15). Car Washing 101
Cleaning a car is a piece of cake, right?
It is if you follow the procedures suggested by the Car Care Council. While it's the most basic procedure in car care, it does require some thought.
Research shows that 52 percent of American car owners wash their cars less than once a month, with 15 percent never washing their cars. An estimated 37 million cars smell because of interior garbage, according to a consumer survey conducted by the International Carwash Association.
16). Hot Weather: The Culprit Behind Car Battery Woes
Summer is the season for major car battery problems.
Heat, not cold, shortens battery life, says the Car Care Council. The average life of a battery is three and a half years, and even shorter in warmer climates.
Excessive heat and overcharging are the two main reasons for shortened battery life. Heat causes battery fluid to evaporate, which damages the internal structure of the battery.
17). Smart Motorists Don't Trade, They Upgrade
Although car trouble and maintenance costs may tempt you to get rid of your vehicle in favor of a new car, repowering your current set of wheels may make much more sense in the long run, according to the Engine Repower Council and the Car Care Council.
"When a car or truck suffers major engine damage, often the first reaction of most consumers is to buy a new or used vehicle," said Rick Miller, ERC chairman.
18). Competent Auto Repair Has Never Been More Important
Automotive service and repair has changed dramatically over a generation, according to the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), an independent group that tests and certifies the competence of auto technicians nationwide.
Today, high-tech systems that were unheard of 30 years ago - anti-lock brakes, electronic engine controls and computerized diagnostics - are commonplace.
19). 8 Signs That Your Car Has Pothole Damage
A pothole can be your car's worst enemy. These holes or pits on a road's surface can seriously damage a vehicle's ride-control system.
If you do drive over a pothole, the Car Care Council recommends that you have your car's shocks or struts checked to make sure they aren't damaged.
Shocks and struts control how vehicles ride and handle. According to the Car Care Council, the shock absorbers, or struts as they are referred to on late-model vehicles, act as a cushion to dampen the bouncing action of a car's springs.
20). Tips to Get You Ready For Winter Driving
Winter is the season to be "car care aware."
The Car Care Council recommends performing the following tasks to get your vehicle ready for severe winter conditions. If you're not a do-it-yourselfer, visit a professional auto technician before the temperature dips.
* Check the engine. Winter magnifies existing problems like pings, hard starts, sluggish performance or rough idling, so make certain the engine is in peak condition.
21). Tools Women Can Use to Impress Their Auto Technician
Trust, reliability and good communication are not just key ingredients to a healthy and successful relationship with your significant other. They are also instrumental to a balanced and sound relationship with your automobile and its technician.
At some point in a vehicle's life, most women will have to take their automobile to a repair shop because it has, unfortunately, let them down.
22). Don't Get Stuck Out in the Cold: Prepare Your Car for Winter
Who hasn't slipped and slid across an icy road or struggled to see clearly out of a foggy windshield? The cold winter months bring an increase in dangerous driving conditions. Make sure your car is up to the test.
First, think tires. Avoid that frightening feeling you get when your car has little traction during inclement weather conditions by putting on a set of winter tires.
23). Don't Sweat It: Cooling System Maintenance is Easy
When AAA reports that millions of vehicles overheat each year, it's clear that people are apprehensive about cooling system maintenance.
Compounding the anxiety is the overwhelming number of coolant formulas and colors on store shelves today. It's no wonder that motorists simply don't know which antifreeze/coolant is right for their vehicles.
But now, drivers no longer need to worry; there is a product on the market that makes cooling system maintenance a breeze.
24). Tips to Keep Your Car In Shape for Trips
With gas prices on the rise, there is no better time than now to think about vehicle maintenance.
"Proper car care is critical during the travel season," said Rich White, executive director of the Car Care Council. "With gas prices exceeding an average $2 per gallon for the first time in history, performing a few basic, inexpensive maintenance checks will make road trips both safe and fuel efficient.
25). Car Care Tips Help Teens, Parents as School Starts
Whether they're driving 500 miles to their university or five miles down the road to high school, students' knowledge of proper vehicle maintenance will improve both their car's safety and their personal safety as they head back to school.
High school and college students nationwide understand that being able to drive is tantamount to personal freedom, making it important for them to develop good car care habits early - habits that will pay off for years to come.
26). Restore Cooling To Your Car's AC
If the air conditioning in your vehicle is not blowing cold in 90-degree heat, you'll probably be running to the repair shop. But should you? If saving money and time are your goals, many car repair experts say maybe not.
According to industry research, most people are not aware that they can "recharge" their automobile's air conditioning themselves.
27). Tips on What to Do After an Auto Accident
Car accidents can happen in the blink of an eye. According to Car-Accidents.net, they occur approximately 6.4 million times each year.
Although being involved in a car accident can be overwhelming, knowing what to do in the moments following a fender-bender can help alleviate some of the stress and confusion of the situation.
The service specialists at Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge offer the following tips on how to handle a car accident:
* Don't leave the vehicle.
28). Specialty Motor Oil Protects Cars From Ethanol
Since President Bush announced an agenda for weaning the country from dependency on foreign oil, new ethanol plants have been popping up across the nation.
Ethanol demand is rising. If you fuel your car in the U.S., you are putting ethanol in your gas tank because regular gasoline now contains at least 10 percent ethanol. And many gas stations are replacing their mid-grade gasoline with E85, which is 85 percent ethanol.
29). Couple's Honeymoon Goes Up in Flames
Honeymoons are supposed to be a time of romance and moonlit walks, but not for Jeff and Rhonda West of Bessemer City, N.C.
Their honeymoon in Myrtle Beach, S.C., was downright criminal - stolen right out from under them, in fact - which is why they were recently awarded the grand prize in Thrifty Car Rental's "Honeymoon Disasters Contest."
Headed for the hotel in Jeff's mint-condition 1968 Camaro RS, they lost a hubcap.
30). Tire Tips to Keep You Rolling Into Fall
Recent research by the Rubber Manufacturers Association tells us that more people wash their cars each month than properly check their tire pressure. But a clean car is not going to do much to keep us safe on the roads. Adding a few minutes to your fall car care routine to check your tires will help keep you safer this season. Here are some simple tips:
* Examine the tread on your tires once per month and before every long trip.
31). Engine Treatment Aids Conservation Efforts
As gasoline prices fluctuate in each day's headlines, conservation is taking on a new importance. The automotive industry is doing its part with research and development into various technologies, some of which may make it to the marketplace.
But until then, motorists are looking for concrete steps they can take to help them use less gas, save money and help the environment.
32). What Is Your 'Check Engine' Light Telling You?
The Car Care Council reports that one out of 15 vehicles inspected at its National Car Care Month Vehicle Check-Up Events had its "check engine" light illuminated.
This light is one of the most vital components to a properly functioning vehicle. It alerts the driver to a variety of potential problems based on the vehicle's on-board diagnostic system.
33). Tips on Preparing Your Car for a Resale
As new vehicle models make their way out of the factories and into dealerships, many customers will look to trade in or resell their current cars.
There are numerous factors that determine a vehicle's resale value, such as the make and model of the vehicle as well as its age, mileage and overall condition. Although a large portion of the resale value is predetermined, car owners can increase the value by taking proper care of the vehicle to keep it in its optimum condition.
34). Tips for Motorists to Save Money at the Pump
Forecasters say the price of gasoline likely will set records throughout this busy driving season, which certainly will shrink many a bank account. Is there anything a motorist can do?
According to the professionals at the nonprofit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), changing a few driving habits and paying attention to routine vehicle maintenance will help.
35). Tips on Choosing the Right Auto Repair Shop
As the weather gets warmer, motorists should begin thinking about getting their vehicles ready for the busy summer driving season.
Given today's busy schedules and complex vehicle systems, many drivers prefer to take their cars to repair shops than do the work themselves. The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) offers these tips for choosing an appropriate repair facility.
36). National Car Care Month Set For April
The Car Care Council is dedicating an entire month to reminding drivers of the importance of being "car care aware." National Car Care Month, a nationwide effort to focus motorists' attention on the essentials of vehicle care and maintenance, will take place in April.
During National Car Care Month, many repair facilities and auto parts stores join local businesses, civic groups, radio stations and others to sponsor free vehicle checkups.
37). 5 Safety Tips All Drivers Should Know
According to the 2000 census, more than 112 million people drive or carpool to work daily.
With all these people on the road, drivers need to take every precaution to ensure they arrive safely at their destinations. Here are some tips to heed in your travels.
* Keep your vehicle properly maintained. Follow the recommended service intervals found in your vehicle owner's manual, always monitor hoses and belts, and check filters, spark plugs and fluids.
38). Get Ready, Get Set, Go Winterize Your Car
Winter's just around the corner and chances are your vehicle needs some preventive maintenance to get it ready for the cold weather ahead.
According to AAA, the most frequently uncovered problems in its annual vehicle inspections are improper tire pressure or low or dirty motor oil, anti-freeze, or other automotive fluids.
AAA offers the following advice for motorists preparing for the winter driving season:
Get ready: Before you drive long distances, check the weather conditions along your route.
39). Avoid Car Trouble: Get a Checkup Before It Snows
Don't let your holiday travels be interrupted by a roadside breakdown. Mechanical failure in the wintertime can be deadly, so it's important to have your vehicle checked out thoroughly at a trusted shop before cold weather sets in.
Here are tips on choosing a repair facility from the nonprofit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), the group that tests and certifies automotive technicians.
40). New Advances Made in Hydrogen Fuel Cells
The best hope for bringing the hydrogen-fueled automobile to the American roadway may be a technology that is invisible to the naked eye.
The technology is in the form of tiny graphite structures that together act as a sponge to absorb and store hydrogen in the fuel system of the automobile. Onboard storage of hydrogen gas is the major obstacle impeding the progress and wide-scale commercial production of the hydrogen-powered vehicle, which many view as the next generation in energy-efficient and environmentally friendly road transportation.
41). Rain or Shine, New Technology Keeps Travelers Connected
As last year's hurricanes and tornadoes demonstrated, Mother Nature can be devastating. When the storms came and the power went, some people relied on high-tech innovations to cope.
Skip Holmes and his family, for instance, turned to their vehicle's TracVision satellite TV antenna to stay constantly connected to live television updates. Rugged and.
42). Tailgating Goes High-Tech
It's football Saturday. Your cooler is stocked with burgers, brats and dogs, along with assorted beverages of choice. Portable grill? Check. Team flag? Got it.
Decked out in your jersey and face painted in your team's colors, you're ready for a morning (or afternoon) of tailgating. But will your tailgating camp stand out from the rest?
Besides outstanding.
43). Cruise the Country
It has happened to everyone: You're watching a game on television and it's almost over, but then you have to be somewhere and you can't finish watching the game.
You get in the car and try to find the game on the radio. But by the time you find the station that carries it, the most important action has already happened - and you missed it. Now you'll have to settle for the highlights.
44). Tornado Chaser Uses New Technology to Stay Connected
For anyone who has lived in the Midwest along that band of states known as "Tornado Alley," hearing news reports of a tornado and the ominous wail of warning sirens means that you head for the basement and safety until the storm passes.
For Tim Samaras, on the other hand, those reports mean that it's time to go to work. A tornado chaser based in Littleton, Colo.
45). Fuel-Efficient Jetta TDI Saves Money at the Pump
In a time when anything under $2.20 gallon for gas is a bargain, those shopping for a new car are definitely comparing notes.
In fact, with gas prices at an all-time high and no sign of them taking a turn for the better anytime soon, more and more buyers are considering alternative fueled cars, like hybrids and diesel-powered automobiles.
This also is a good time for auto manufacturers to tout their fuel-efficient wares.
46). VW Hops Back in Time to Re-introduce the Rabbit
Volkswagen aficionados will be hopping to their local dealerships this summer to welcome the Rabbit back to the German automaker's line.
The fifth-generation Golf is going back to its roots with the original Rabbit nameplate in the U.S. and Canada. The Rabbit was the first Volkswagen and the first foreign car produced in the United States. But it wasn't just its American origins that made it a 1970s icon.
47). Take Advantage of Gentle Weather for Car Care
Early fall, before cold weather sets in, is an optimal time for car care, according to the experts at the nonprofit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
There's time to undo summer's wear and tear and prep for icy conditions ahead. The following checklist is provided as a courtesy of ASE:
* Follow the service schedule recommended in your vehicle's owner's manual.
48). The Heat Is Rising: Make Sure Your Car Is Running
You've worked hard all year and summer vacation is right around the corner. You deserve some rest and relaxation, but nothing can ruin a vacation like being stranded on the side of the road miles from your destination.
As you prepare to get away this summer, follow these helpful tips that can help make your vacation as relaxing and enjoyable as possible.
49). Inspections Show Most Vehicles Need More Care
Do you have your vehicle's oil changed every 3,000 miles? Do you regularly check the air pressure in your tires or have them rotated on a set maintenance schedule? Are your vehicle's fluids checked regularly?
If you answered "no" to any of these questions, you're not alone.
According to the Car Care Council, 87 percent of vehicles inspected during National Car Care Month earlier this year failed one or more aspects of the annual inspection.
50). Cold Weather's Coming...Is Your Car Ready?
Pretty soon, the frost will be on the pumpkin and that should signal it's time to start thinking about getting your vehicle ready for the colder weather ahead.
Here are some fall car care tips from the experts at the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), who warn motorists that winter is a dangerous time for an automotive breakdown.
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