Thursday, December 21, 2006, 11:34 AM
by Shane Morgay
Cadillac’s luxury sports sedan, the Cadillac CTS has been bringing fame to its brand as well as unforgettable experiences for its drivers and passengers. The Cadillac CTS actually stands for “Catera Touring Sedan”. It holds four doors and has the capacity to take in a maximum of five passengers in its spacious cabin. This vehicle has also been made available in two trims which comprise of the 2.8 L Sedan, and the 3.6 L Sedan.
Upon its introduction, the Cadillac CTS 2.8 L Sedan comes equipped with the standard 2.8 liter V6 engine that is very much capable of providing some 210 units of horsepower. It also gives the Cadillac CTS the chance to achieve 17 mpg for city driving and 27 mpg on the highway. As per the Cadillac CTS 3.6 L Sedan, this vehicle comes with a standard 3.6 liter V6 engine capable of making 255 horsepower. It can give the Cadillac CTS a chance to roll along with 17 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. Standard for both of these trim levels is a six speed manual transmission system with overdrive. Given as an option is a five speed automatic transmission system with overdrive.
This vehicle rolled off the Cadillac manufacturing plants using the General Motors’ new Sigma rear wheel drive architecture. To give credit to its brand name, this vehicle was nominated in 2002 for the North American Car of the Year award. Trivia has it that the Cadillac CTS was seen extensively in one of the car chase sequences in the 2003 movie, The Matrix Reloaded. Because of that stint, the first photographs of this vehicle were from that movie.
The Cadillac CTS comes in a package of features. For exterior colors, this luxury sports sedan could come in painted with light platinum, black raven, blackberry, blue chip, infrared, radiant bronze, sand storm, silver smoke, stealth gray, or white diamond. As per the interior, it could be ebony, light gray/ebony, or cashmere. Standard equipment for this includes driver and front passenger frontal air bags, head curtain side impact air bags, an AM/FM stereo with CD player, a digital clock, an auto tone control, an automatic volume, a Radio Data System, four wheel anti lock brakes, a dual-zone automatic climate controls, a cruise control system, power door locks, fog lamps, daytime running lamps, halogen headlamps, a wood trim for the interior, power adjustable and heated mirrors, the OnStar system, a remote keyless entry system, seat controls, and the XM Satellite Radio.
Auto Accessories Giant’s high quality Cadillac accessories can maintain all of the impressive qualities of the Cadillac CTS and Cadillac vehicles. Years of delivering superior product lines have made Auto Accessories a favorite among car enthusiasts. Like Cadillac, this online store does its best among competitors and provides quality products. Auto Accessories Giant has an exceptional array of finely crafted Cadillac accessories and these are found online 24 hours a day.
Shane Morgay is a 34-year-old native of Ohio. She love cars and knows detailed information about them. She has a collection of miniature car collectibles and would love to have these collectibles become real ones. She works for a car part supplier most days of the week.
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( 3 / 4814 )Monday, October 23, 2006, 01:17 PM
Arizona Defensive Driving School is where you can find a Arizona defensive driving course. As you know that the state of Arizona suffers from growing traffic congestion and road mishaps, it is often that people are issued traffic tickets. This is because they might have breached the traffic rules and regulations. The Arizona court has ordered special advance driving courses known as ‘defensive driving’ to increase traffic awareness and reduce roads accidents. URL: http://www.arizonadefensivedrivingonline.com
So what exactly Defensive Driving is?
Defensive driving is advance driving training for motor vehicle drivers that takes them beyond mastering road safety rules and basics of driving. Defensive driving school has courses that reduces driving risk by anticipating dangerous situations even under adverse conditions like stress, fear, lack of knowledge, adequate training or by others mistakes. Arizona Defensive Driving School provides defensive driving courses that are recognized by the State and help you make safer and smarter driver than ever before.
Who needs to attend Defensive Driving School?
If you are issued traffic ticket or hauled by the traffic conditions and traffic sense of others that increases vulnerability to accidents, then you must take up Arizona Defensive Driving course immediately.
Why the Course is Important?
The Arizona Defensive Driving School offers defensive driving courses that lower down you insurance rates, increases you driving skill, knowledge and teaches you to come out of potential accidents smartly. You not only become safer and smarter driver but you also protect others on the road by following right rules and minimizing the mistakes.
Why only Arizona Defensive Driving Course?
Arizona defensive driving course is designed to suit everyone. The course is developed after thorough research that not only includes quality content but also audio, video and other interactive graphics. The course is provided by well a known and authorized defensive driving course content provider – ‘I drive safely’. Moreover the course is available online! No tension of attending classes, reaching there on time, taking out time to go the school etc. Now, with the online defensive driving course you can learn defensive driving in front of your desktop computer at the comfort levels of your home. And what’s more, you are charged less than the traffic fine that you would be paying otherwise. Find the details of Arizona defensive driving school course fee below:
The course fee is calculated as the sum of these:
• The court fee.
• The Arizona State fee.
• A school fee.
You can also find the course fee details of Arizona Defensive Driving School here: http://www.arizonadefensivedrivingonlin ... price.html
For Defensive Driving Course you can trust on Arizona defensive driving school course as it is designed to be highly interactive, effective and easy to learn. By taking up this state recognized course you will make yourself and your family safe whenever you are on the roads. If you want to know more about Arizona Defensive Driving Course contact us at:
http://www.arizonadefensivedrivingonlin ... ourse.html
or at http://www.arizonadefensivedrivingonlin ... pport.html
For further details find out about Arizona Defensive Driving from Arizona Supreme Court Defensive Driving Program at (602) 364-0388.
About The Author
James Kerk
Register now for the State recognized Defensive driving course provided by Arizona Defensive Driving School to remove traffic tickets, allegations and lower down your insurance rates! Be smart, safe and responsible while you drive. Website: http://www.arizonadefensivedrivingonline.com
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( 3 / 4905 )Thursday, August 17, 2006, 02:55 PM
By
Terry Jackson
While it's still possible to get a "lemon'' -- a new car that has a plethora of problems -- the truth is that new vehicles today are more reliable and better built than ever. The days are long gone when a dealer sent you out the door with your new car and the advice, "Make a list of things you find wrong and bring it back in a few weeks and we'll fix them.''
J.D. Power and Associates' most recent Initial Quality Study of new car owners showed that 2006 models had the fewest problems of any year on record -- a 59 percent drop since 1992.
A more extensive study by Consumer Reports mirrored the J.D. Power findings. Since 1980, the number of glitches in new cars has been cut by about 80 percent. Nearly every manufacturer has significantly improved their products year to year.
But as with any competition, there are vehicles that rank at the top of the quality lists and ones that rank at the bottom. So how can you tell if the vehicle you're considering is a high-quality vehicle?
The best way is to see for yourself. Here are 10 of the key things to look for at the dealership:
10 keys to look for
Look at the seams.
Match colors.
What lies beneath?
Under the hood.
Eye the glass.
Door "thunk".
Interior design.
Exposed wiring.
Little things mean a lot.
Serious test drive.
First, check out the body of the car, looking beyond the styling and paying attention to the details.
1. Look at the seams. Check the gaps between body panels. Are the gaps uniform throughout? A well-engineered and constructed car will show the same body gaps around the doors, the trunk and the hood. Pay particular attention to this on vehicles that have been significantly redesigned or are all new to the market. Although the old adage about not buying a redesigned model in the first year generally no longer applies, varying body gaps may indicate the assembly process needs some adjusting.
2. Match colors. Pay attention to the places on the body where different materials are used, such as where a nose made of a composite plastic material meets the steel of the rest of the body. The paint should not noticeably change hue from one surface to another.
3. What lies beneath? Look under the car to see what protrusions, particularly at the front, could get hung up on parking berms and rip free. Most cars have some sort of air dam underneath the vehicle at the front to aid in cutting aerodynamic drag. But such air dams should be mounted far enough back so parking berms won't rip them off or should be mounted in such a way as to bend rather than break when encountering an object.
4. Under the hood. Even if you're no mechanic, closely inspect the engine bay. Most cars have a cover that surrounds most of the top of the engine. Make sure it's mounted securely -- you shouldn't be able to shake it. The same test should apply to any battery covering. Look at the wiring. It should be either covered or tightly bound together to prevent anything from coming loose.
5. Eye the glass. Look at the window glass and see how the side windows fit against the rubber gaskets when closed. Anything less than a perfect fit will result in wind noise that will only get worse as the car ages.
6. Door "thunk". Open and close the doors, looking for how many so-called "stops" are built into the hinges. A vehicle's door should have two settings so that it will stay open in a half-way position and fully opened. Shut the door and listen for any sort of hollow boom, which could indicate there's less sound-deadening material in the door, which will mean greater road noise.
7. Interior design. Check out the finish on the interior panels. While plastic is the industry norm when it comes to door panels and dashboards, there's a wide variety of grains and finishes applied to the plastic. The dash and panels should have a rich-looking color and have a textured feel to the casual touch. As with the body, the gaps between interior panels should be close and uniform. Look especially where the air bags are hidden.
8. Exposed wiring. If the car you're interested in has power-adjustable front seats, feel under them to see how the wiring and motor coverings are secured. Loose wires or coverings could lead to problems in the future.
9. Little things mean a lot. Pay attention to things like seat latches. They should work with minimal effort and all handles should feel secure, not prone to bending or twisting. Check the stitching and seams of the seats for any loose threads or less-than-straight sewing. Open the trunk and see how the floor covering is secured and whether it's made of a material that will stand up to carrying heavy or dirty cargo.
10. Serious test drive. Lastly, when you've all but settled on the vehicle you want, take an extended test drive, not just a spin around the block. Drive at freeway speeds and pay attention to wind and road noise. Pay attention to how the automatic transmission shifts. It should change gears smoothly and quickly. On a manual transmission, feel where the clutch starts to engage and how long or short the pedal travel is. It should engage gradually and not have any abrupt lurches. Find a safe area to test the brakes. You're not so much looking for what the car will do in a panic stop, but rather how the brakes feel when you apply the pedal. Depending on how far the pedal travels, the feel of the brakes should inspire confidence that the vehicle will stop in a relatively short distance.
All of this may sound like a no-brainer step to buying a car, but according to a recent study, more than 40 percent of new car buyers closed the deal without even taking a short test drive.
Smart buyers will pay attention to every aspect of a car in order to get a vehicle that will deliver value.
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( 3 / 5454 )Thursday, July 13, 2006, 10:06 AM
by Chris Andretti
Why Buy A Custom-Fit Car Cover? To help protect your investment and keep your vehicle looking show-room new. Keeping your vehicle covered with a car cover can:
• Prevent unsightly dents, dings and scratches
• Shield it against finish-destroying man-made and natural hazards
• Act as an excellent theft deterrent
• Put a barrier between your paint and damaging weather
• For the fifth car cover benefit visit AutoAnything.com for more details
Dents, Dings and Scratches Reference
There's a certain feeling you experience when you discover that first dent, ding or scratch on your new vehicle. Unfortunately, they're a fact of life and nothing short of covering your vehicle with reactive tank armor will truly prevent them. However, using a car cover adds a layer of protective padding to cushion against runaway shopping carts, absent-minded car doors or other blows.
Natural Hazards Guide
Birds, trees, dust. They certainly seem harmless enough, but without a car cover, they can inflict serious damage to your prized vehicle.
Our fine feathered friends seem to have impeccable aim when it comes to leaving their droppings on our vehicles. Outdoor car covers catch bird bombs before they splatter against your paintjob. Plus, the majority of outdoor car cover fabrics are not harmed by the droppings acidity outdoor car cover fabrics.
The shady spot under a tree may look like a welcome spot to park your vehicle. However, with nuts, berries, sap, pollen, not to mention the roosting birds, parking under a tree can wreak havoc on your vehicle. A car cover can help keep your vehicle cool, even in the sun. Or, if you do park under a tree, a car cover can safeguard your vehicle from the onslaught.
Your vehicle's paint is only about 0.006 inches thick. Whether indoors or out, when dust sits on your paint it turns abrasive and causes minute scratches. By the time you notice them, it's already too late. Both indoor car cover fabrics and outdoor car cover fabrics are designed to keep dust away from the surface of your vehicle.
Theft Deterrent Reference
Though it may only look like a thin layer of fabric, a Covercraft car cover can do an amazing job at keeping thieves away from your vehicle. Since time is crucial in not getting caught, thieves often pass by covered vehicles, which take longer to get into, and go after easier prey. And, if you add a lock and cable to your car cover, you will not only keep your cover secure, but your vehicle becomes even harder to steal.
Damaging Weather Guide
You don't have to be a meteorologist to know that harsh weather can do a number on your vehicle's finish. An occasional spring shower poses no real threat to your vehicle. However, seemingly harmless rain can find its way into tiny scratches or blemishes and start the corrosion process. And, acid rain - well, the name says it all. A water-resistant car cover will keep your vehicle high and dry.
Harsh UV (ultraviolet) rays and the intense radiant heat of the Sun can cook the color right out of your paint. A car cover is like sunscreen for your vehicle, blocking harmful UV light and preventing photo degradation. And, a lighter colored car cover will yield a reflective cooling effect.
It's not the cold that gets to your vehicle's finish - it's the moisture and salt. These two corrosive cohorts are in cahoots to ravage your paint. Fortunately, a car cover can keep both these culprits away from your vehicle.
The fundamental advantages of custom-fit car covers
A custom-fit car cover is specially tailored to the lines of your vehicle. No detail is left unturned. Custom-fit car covers hug every contour of your vehicle and feature sewn-in mirror pockets, plus grommet holes for antennas.
On the other hand, low-quality universal-fit car covers are baggy and can slip, slide and rub against your paint, destroying your finish. Additionally, the poor fit allows the harsh elements to creep in at every gap and defeat the purpose of the cover.
The specialized cut of a custom-fit car cover is far and away the best choice to wrap up and protect your vehicle.
When deciding which car cover is right for your vehicle, we advise that you consider:
• Where you park and how often you use your vehicle
• The weather in your area
• What color is right for your vehicle and storage needs
Where You Park and How Often You Use Your vehicle
• When you park outside and cover up every day, you may want to choose a lightweight outdoor car cover that's simple to use and easy to fold.
• For those who park in crowded lots or on streets with children at play and heavy pedestrian traffic, a thicker heavyweight outdoor car cover that provides some dent and ding protection is best.
• If you garage your vehicle and frequently cover and uncover it, a lightweight indoor car cover is ideal.
• Choose a heavier indoor car cover to keep your classic safe for long-term storage.
• A super-soft indoor car cover lets you pamper your "baby" and keep it safe and secure.
The Weather in Your Area
The ideal car cover for your vehicle is greatly influenced by your local weather. Many materials have been developed to deal with specific inclement weather conditions. Rainy parts of the country like the Pacific Northwest and Deep South would demand an outdoor car cover with exceptional water resistance. The coastal areas along the Atlantic, Pacific and Gulf of Mexico need a car cover that will protect from and last in salty air. In the sunniest zones of the country like the desert Southwest, a Weathershield car cover with extra UV and photo degradation protection and reflective properties makes the most sense.
Tips on What Color is Right for Your vehicle and Storage Needs
Car covers are offered in an array of colors, but picking the right hue isn't solely a matter of personal taste. Here are a few tips and points of reference to help you with your choice:
• If you live in a sunnier climate, you'll want a lighter colored fabric for outdoor storage.
• If you have a lighter colored vehicle, a lighter colored fabric is safer for your paint. Bright colors, although thoroughly, tested could bleed under certain conditions.
• If you're looking for style, a vibrant color can lend your vehicle character or compliment its finish.
Chris Andretti is a copywriter and aftermarket accessory specialist for AutoAnything.com. Visit their website for more information regarding car covers and other auto accessories.
Article Source: http://www.bigarticles.com
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( 3 / 4736 )Friday, June 2, 2006, 05:16 PM
by: Jack Cooper
There are several types of warranties you can purchase when you buy a vehicle,depending on if it is a new or used vehicle and if used,the mileage on vehicle at time of purchase.
If you purchase a vehicle with some factory warranty left on it you can buy an extended factory warranty that will take over when the new car warranty expires.
The extended warranty will cover most of the things the orginal warranty did except for maintenance items such as belts,hoses,light bulbs etc.
The extended warranties will have different levels depending on what you want covered and what deductible you want.
The factory extended warranty is probably the best you can purchase on a newer vehicle,but always compare before you purchase and make sure you get the most for your money.Here at the Carfacts Warranty page I will try to show you what to look for before you buy.
The aftermarket warranty is the most popular warranty and most times will cost less than a factory extended warranty, but one thing you must do is read the contract and make sure you understand it fully before you buy so you don't get a shock when you have a failure and its not covered.
There are hundreds of aftermarket warranties on the market some are very good and some are not worth the paper they are written on and just because a dealer sells it dosn't make it a good policy as there is a heavy markup for the dealer to sell these warranties. Sometimes a dealer will loose money on a vehicle sale and then sell you an aftermarket warranty to make a profit on the total sale.
I will touch bases on a few of the things to look for in an aftermarket warranty. Like I said before there are many different types of warranties and the aftermaket warranties vary from policy to policy and company to company.
There may be a free,or low cost, 30-60-or 90 day warranty that the dealer will offer you on certain vehicles and then offer an up grade to a better warranty. Usually these 30-60-90 day warranties cover very little and if you have to pay for them they are of little value and you should get a 12-24-36 month policy.
If you plan on keeping your vehicle or have it financed you should definitely go for the length of finace if possible as there is nothing worse than paying for a vehicle and then have a $2000.00 failure.
Your less expensive warranty will be on a driveline failure only, and this can get sticky if you buy one of these and have a failure for a couple of thousand dollars and then find its not covered.
This is where you read the policy, have it fully explained or get someone that knows warranties to go with you and check it over before buying.
If you can't do any of the above I will be putting up a check sheet on my web site (www.jtcbiz.com) you can download and check yourself or have dealer do it for you, they should do this if they want to make the sale.
You may buy a driveline policy that dosn't cover gaskets and seals, then have a cylinder head gasket fail, overheat the engine and dump antifeeze in your oil and damage the rod/main and cam bearings and other internal parts to the extent of needing an engine replacement. Then you find out none of it is covered due to the "MAIN" failure being a gasket failure with sub damage to the engine.
Another thing to look out for is a pre-existing clause. Pre-existing is where there is a problem with the vehicle that is not visable or noticeable at time of purchase.
Since you don't know how the vehicle has been maintained before you bought it there may be a serious problem lurking and then raises its ugly head after you have had the vehicle a short time. You may be stuck with a major repair due to the failure being considered "PRE-EXISTING".
Make sure the vehicle has been inspected and has a signed inspection sheet that states all items that had been checked and has no problems, then have the dealer waive any pre-existing problems that may arise or make sure your policy states that any "unknown" pre-existing problems will be covered.
About The Author
Jack Cooper
Occupation: Auto Appraiser/Inspector
Website: www.jtcbiz.com
Biography: I have over 40 years experience in the Automotive field, from ASE Master Tech to owner of my own repair shop and have been doing Automotive Appraisals and extended warranty/pre-purchase inspections for the past 12 years.
I have been working on building and just about anything connected with cars all my life. I have been a Drag Racer (early years) drove stock cars (asphalt and dirt) built Hot Rods and restored classic cars, so have been around just about any type of vehicle you can imagine.
My hobby is NASCAR and building web-sites. My current web-site www.jtcbiz.com is a site I started several years ago as an information site for Cars and expanded into trucks, 4X4's, ATV's, Motorcycles and NASCAR. The site started out to be a business site, hence the jtcbiz name, but turned into a site on vehicles so don't be alarmed with site name as it had a lot of exposure so I left the name.
I am just getting into writing columns and also a couple of books coming out so check me and my site out at www.jtcbiz.com and email me any comments or suggestions you may have for articles or site improvement or something you would like to see on the site at jack@jtcbiz.com.
Thanks
Jack Cooper
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