Whats Best For You ,Petrol,Diesel or LPG ?

LPG:
The newcomer to this is LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) this produces less emissions than the other two but consumption is worse.although it is
possible to convert most cars to LPG with some manufacturers producing dual-fuel vehicles,which are designed for LPG with a petrol back-up.
LPG has been seen as a cheaper alternative to Gas & Diesel but it is not as clean as people think with greenhouse gases being released as it is a fossil based fuel.

DIESEL:
Diesel engines have always been seen as slow and noisy, however technology has seen some advances in recent years; for instance Honda has developed their own diesel engine that is designed to be quiet, refined, clean and with instant response – fighting against all the old stereotypes.
It turns out that diesel engines are more economical than petrol ones,with direct-injection being the best on fuel economy.There was a time when diesel
was significantly cheaper than petrol,but now diesel is dearer than petrol.

Petrol:
This fuel type has been the staple form in the car world for years.Petrol engines are generally quiet and smooth, they are responsive and their performance
is good and although being a cleaner fuel than diesel it emits 10% (approx) more carbon monoxide.At the moment there is no single source of fuel which can
compare with petroleum in terms of its instant bulk availability.

On reflection it seems to be the vehicle owners own personal preference which type of fuel thye go for.

Dave Burton
www.bargain-motors.com

Road Trip Preperation For Your Car

Alot of people have concerns about taking their cars on road trips, especially if their cars are getting on in years or mileage. Amazingly long trips are actually easier on your car than day-to-day driving -- but a breakdown far from home can really ruin your fun. A few simple checks will stave off many common problems. As with most things, it's best to start early.
Two to four weeks before you go, get any major repairs done. If your car needs a major repair or maintenance, do it at least one month before you go. That will allow plenty of time for any problems related to the repair to surface.
Check the coolant. If your destination is a lot warmer or cooler than home, check (or have your garage check) the coolant's mixture of antifreeze and water to make sure the car is properly protected. If the coolant needs to be changed, do it (or have it done) now.
Check the tires. Make sure your tires are inflated to the proper pressure. Low pressure can cause extra heat buildup that can lead to a puncture at high speeds. Follow the instructions for checking tire pressure in your owner's manual. While you're down there, check the tire tread. Place a penny, edge on, in one the grooves of the tire. If you can see the space above Abe's head, it's time for new tires. Also check the tire pressure,if you have the correct pressure this will save you money on gas.
Check the spare tire. Make sure the spare is fully inflated and that the jack, wrench, and other tire-changing bits are in the trunk. If your car has wheel locks, make sure you have the adapter for the lock-nut.
Check the glovebox. Check for the owner's manual and registration. If the manual is missing, consider ordering a replacement before you go. Some automakers have manuals in PDF format on their web sites. Check the registration to make sure it won't expire during your trip. Consider carrying it in your wallet in case the car is stolen.
One week before you go get any scheduled maintenance done. If you think your car is going to come due for an oil change or other maintenance during your trip, get it done now.
Clean out your car. The more stuff you haul, the more fuel you burn. Clean mercilessly. If you're going to the Grand Canyon in the summer, do you really need those snow chains? My rule: If in doubt, take it out. If you miss anything in the next 6 days before your trip, you can always put it back.
Check the air filter. A clogged air filter reduces fuel economy. They're inexpensive and easy to change. If your current air filter has been in the car for more than 10,000 miles, it's time to clean it or change it.
Buy a road atlas. If you don't have a current road atlas, get one. Hours and hours of expressway can get boring. Getting off the beaten path can add an entirely new dimension to your trip.
Join AAA. If you don't have some sort of roadside assistance program, consider joining AAA. They'll tow your car if it breaks, change the tire if it goes flat, jump start the car if the battery dies, open the doors if you get locked out, and give you gas if you run out. An AAA membership will usually pay for itself the first time you run into trouble -- plus you'll get discounts at some roadside motels and restaurants.
One day before you goWash and vacuum your car. Before you pack, give your car a good scrubbing and vacuuming. Clean cars always seem to run better. Besides, who wants to travel in a dirty car?
Fill the gas tank. Might as well get it out of the way now. Besides, gas is often more expensive on the road.
The day of your tripLook at what you've packed. Open your suitcases and take one last look -- do you really need all that stuff? If there's anything you can do without, then do without.
Load evenly and carefully. If you're carrying lots of heavy objects, position them forward in the trunk and distribute the weight evenly side to side. Cars don't have unlimited carrying capacity, so don't overload.
Relax! Unexpected things can happen, but if you've followed these guidelines, you've headed off a lot of potential problems.

Dave Burton
http://www.bargain-motors.com/

Tips On Making Your Car Fuel Efficient

With gas prices increasing most people that drive are interested in ways they can make their car more fuel efficient and save as much money as possible. While there are no fuel saving tips that will keep your car full of gas without filling up, there are some tips that really can help you save money on fuel over the long run. All of these tips focus on making your car more fuel efficient.

1, Drive When You Start Up ;This might seem obvious, but as soon as you crank up your car you should drive off. However, many people crank up and leave the car idling for a while. Instead of this, when you crank up drive off and only keep your car running when it is absolutely necessary.

2, Don't Ride the Brake; Many drivers hit the brake more often than is necessary. Additionally there are quite a few drivers that slow down for a braking car when they could easily switch lanes. Not riding the brake can increase your fuel efficiency by up to 30%, so this is a great tip you should follow.

3, Turn Off Your Car ;If you are going to be stopping for more than 10 minutes you should switch off your car to keep fuel efficiency at its peak and not burn more gas than is necessary.

4, Don't Turn Off Your Car; If you are only stopping for a brief moment or less than 5 minutes then don't turn off your car because the amount of gas used to crank up is more than you would burn in that short period of time.

5, Inflate Tires Properly; Too many drivers never think of their tires, unless one goes flat. However, having tires that are properly inflated can save fuel and make your car more fuel efficient, saving you money. Because of this, you should check your tire pressure on a regular basis. While gas prices don't seem like they will be dipping considerably in the next few months every tip to help you make your car more fuel efficient is helpful. So, follow the above fuel tips and you will see that over time your car really is more fuel efficient.

Dave Burton

http://www.bargain-motors.com/

Car Rentals On Overseas Vacation

Renting a car for a week or two is no problem. Thanks to the Internet it can be done from the comfort of your home and within minutes. But actually getting the right car for your needs can be difficult. The very concept of "car" is radically different between North America and Europe. Whereas in the US and Canada size really matters, Europeans look for fuel economy and have cramped parking conditions in mind. Here are some hints on choosing the right car when renting.Transmission - Not Automatically AutomaticThe very first thing to bear in mind is the transmission. Whereas most rental cars in North America will be equipped with automatic transmission, manual transmission is the norm in Europe. In addition the gearshift will be to the left of the driver. If you are not familiar with a manual transmission be sure to ask for an automatic. Be prepared for an extra charge at some rental agencies. And remember that the "exotic" automatic transmissions may sell out fast, so book early.Fuel Costs - Don't WorryAs said before, European drivers are obsessed with fuel efficiency. One look at the price of gas in Europe, will explain this obsession to US visitors - expect to pay twice the price you are used to. But fuel efficiency of rental cars should normally be great, even for the larger vehicles. Which ultimately makes driving in Europe not a hugely expensive way of travel.Interior Space - Small BlessingsMost rental cars on offer are standard European or Japanese vehicles, built for cramped road conditions and comparatively short journeys. Especially the lower categories ("Sub-Compact" and "Compact") are typical "city cars" for the occasional user. Even "Mid-Size" in Europe would be rated "Compact" in the US. So expect tighter conditions and choose a larger vehicle if travelling long distances.Seats and Legroom - Be Prepared for SurprisesCars are smaller and Europeans are used to them. This combined leads to the ratings on rental car websites. An international supplier will offer the same size of vehicle with totally different suitability ratings. On the US website rated for two adults and two children, on the Euro website rated for five adults. If you are in any way larger than the average European (5 ft 7 in, 165 pounds) go for a larger vehicle. Some rental companies will tell you equivalent US vehicles to help you choose.The Trunk - Which Trunk?Luggage space in European and Japanese cars can be tight. "Sub-Compact" and "Compact" vehicles will more than likely be of the hatchback type with no actual trunk and a somewhat cramped storage area in the back. Getting four adults and their luggage into a "Sub-Compact" is nearly impossible. If you are planning to take your full baggage allowance go for a "Mid-Size" at least. Do not plan on leaving your luggage in view while touring, this will attract undesirable attention.Extras - You Don't Need ThemWhen looking up European rental cars you might notice that air conditioning or cruise control are not necessarily included in the specifications. You will not really miss them. While air conditioning can occasionally be nice during the European summer, cruise control would be of no practical use at all.

Dave Burton

www.bargain-motors.com

Safe Tips to Change a Car Tyre

How to change a tyre
Tools required:
Spare wheel with inflated tyre
Tyre jack
Wheel brace
Wheel chocks (or brick/large stone)
Warning triangle

If you experience a puncture whilst driving, slow down to no more than 5mph, and drive yourself to a safe place away from other traffic – ideally a lay-by or car parking space, and preferably near a light if it is dark. You may need to park the car on the other side of the road to get the side of the punctured tyre out of the way of the traffic, but DO NOT attempt to change a tyre yourself on the hard shoulder of any busy road – call emergency services for this, the risk is too great.

Ensure the car is parked on level ground, and remove all passengers from the car to a safe place away from any traffic.

Step 1:
Double check you've applied the handbrake. If you have a manually geared car put it into gear, if you have an automatic put it into "Park".

Step 2:
Turn off your engine and put your hazard warning lights on. If you have one, put down a warning triangle down about 30 meters away. Opening your bonnet can also help indicate to other drivers that you are making repairs on the vehicle.

Step 3:
Check that your spare tyre is suitably inflated, and make sure you have your wheel jack and wheel brace, the tool you'll need for getting the wheel off (pictured), – all should usually be in the boot.

Step 4:
On the diagonally opposite wheel to the flat one, place a wheel chock (available from all car part stores) or a brick/large stone either behind or in front of the wheel to prevent the car from rolling down hill. If you are in doubt about which direction has the more incline, put chocks on either side of the wheel. Do this even if you are sure you're on a level surface.

Step 5:
If you have one, remove the hubcap or plastic cover concealing the wheelnuts. (You may need to use your wheel brace or a large screwdriver to prize this off.

Step 6:
With the car still on the ground, use the wheel brace to loosen the nut holding the wheel in place by turning it in an anti-clockwise direction, for half a turn.

This can be the worst bit, as the nuts can be extremely tight. You will probably need to use all your body weight to loosen them – but BE CAREFUL OF YOUR BACK! Bending your knees and pulling is better for your back, and you may need to extend the arm of your wheel brace by attaching an extra tube to it for added leverage. If you still do not have the strength, place your foot on the left handle of the wheel brace (without any extensions on it) and use your body weight to drop the handle to the floor carefully while supporting yourself using the roof of your car.

Step 7:
Continue to loosen all the nuts by half a turn – first loosen one then loosen the one opposite, working across the tyre until all the nuts are loosened slightly.

Step 8:
Check your owners' manual for the correct place to put the jack nearest to the wheel you are changing. Only use the recommended place – anywhere else can be dangerous and cause collapse.
Start to jack up the car, as soon as there is enough room, but before the wheel is off the ground, place the spare tyre under the body of the car to add extra support just in case the jack slips.
Continue to jack the car up a bit higher than is necessary to remove the flat wheel as you will need enough room to fit the fully inflated spare.

Step 9:
Finish removing all the nuts and place them somewhere safe. The wheel with the flat tyre should be hanging from the threaded studs now.

Step 10:
Remove the flat wheel from its threaded studs and put it in the place of the spare under the body of the car.

Step 11:
Lift the spare onto the wheel studs. (To check you're fitting it the right way round, check that the air valve is facing out.

Step 12:
Replace the nuts, tightening them in the same pattern as you loosened them.

Step 13:
Remove the old tyre from under the body of the car, and slowly lower the jack and remove it.

Step 14:
Tighten the nuts again – as much as you can (standing on the arm of the wheel brace might again be helpful – but this time in a clockwise direction)

step 15:
Replace the hubcap or wheel cover.

www.bargain-motors.com