Month: January 2011

An Affordable Car With Excellent Gas Mileage – The 2010 Hyundai Elantra

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January 31, 2011

11:28 am

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Hyundai

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If you are looking for a no-frills practical car at an affordable price then the 2010 Hyundai Elantra might be just perfect for you. This car is excellent on gas, has a spacious trunk and lots of passenger space. It’s a great practical car if you are cost conscious and want a car with great gas mileage; this is a car that blends in with the crowd and offers practicality and functionality. The styling of the Elantra is simple, clean and it doesn’t try to portray to be something it’s not; it’s a practical car that’s perfect as en every day family car.

One of the most important changes for the 2010 Elantra consists of improved mileage due to updates in the engine calibration. The updated version utilizes a 2.0 Liter 4 cylinder with 138 HP. It goes from 0-60 in around 8.4 seconds, which is not so bad when you consider its low price point. The 2010 engine revamp includes an alternator management system and internal parts which produce a lower amount of friction.

The Elantra is available for sale in three separate trim models; the base model which is called “Blue”, GLS and SE. The Elantra Blue gets a respectable 26 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. The Blue version includes heated mirrors, keyless entry, and power windows. Air conditioning and a stereo is not available with the base model but both of those elements are available as an option. The GLS version includes AC, an upgraded sound system and a cruise control system. The SE version includes leather trim, sixteen inch wheels and control knobs for the stereo system on the steering wheel.

What is surprising is that the interior is on par with that of much more expensive cars. The dash is well designed and there is blue ambient lighting in place which gives the car a luxurious touch. The trunk is 14 cubic feet and the rear seats can be in case you need extra storage space. Standard safety features on the Elantra include a front and side curtain air bag system, anti-lock brakes and front head restraints. The SE model comes with brake assist and a system to control traction.

The 2010 Elantra is a wise choice if you are looking for a no-nonsense car that will get you from one place to another. This car will appeal to buyers who are looking for a reliable and practical car to get them around; they aren’t looking for flash, glitz, glamour, phenomenal speed or an immense amount of power. However, the Elantra is an affordable priced car that gets the job done. The starting cost for the 2010 Elantra is around $14k which is a great price for a brand new car!

Written by Jacqueline Star: Orange County Used Cars, McKinney Used Cars

Tips To Keep Your Car In Great Shape

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January 31, 2011

1:15 am

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Car Repair

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At one time or another we have had to call Roadside Assistance for help. We give them a ring and within the hour someone is there to give a helping hand.

Thankfully, there are numerous things that we can take care of ourselves in order to reduce the risk of needing help on the road. One way is to make a check list of routine vehicle maintenance and keep on top of car repairs and preventive care. Of course this is not a fool proof plan but it’s a step in the right direction.

Have a spare key. Don’t get locked out of your car. Don’t rely on those magnetic boxes your grandfather used. Keep a spare in your purse. Some companies will make small plastic keys that you can keep in your wallet for opening your locked car. These are ten times better than a coat hanger.

A few times a year inspect your car batteries. Make sure the battery is secure in it’s holder and that there is no corrosion around the battery posts (the + and -). Try to move the cables that are connected to the battery. If they move they need to be tightened. If they are look corroded it might be time to have them cleaned or get new ones.

Don’t drive when your gas tank is almost empty. We have all pushed that needle to the maximum. Don’t get stuck in an unfamiliar place late at night just because you wanted to drive on just a bit longer. I like to refill when I’m almost on E but not quite. Of course there are times I go past that but I never let the needle line up with the line for E -that is asking for trouble.

Did you know the five most common reasons for a breakdown. The Automotive Service Excellence compiled the following list: * Leaking of Gas: Gas evaporates and its trapped in a canister until you start your engine. If there is a leak the check engine light will come on. Sometimes this is just a loose gas cap, but never assume. If in doubt it might be a good idea to visit a professional mechanic. * Malfunctioning Batteries: Inspect your battery and have it replaced every three years or as recommended by the manufacturer. * Overheating: Check to make sure that your engine gets cooled appropriately * Flat tires and blowouts: The right pressure will prevent blowouts and flat tires * Engine surge or hesitation: Dirty air filters, high heat and humidity are among the culprits. You car needs oxygen to run just like you. Anything that blocks or impedes the intake of oxygen is detrimental and harmful to your engine.

We all hope this never happens but in case your car does stop working on the road, pull over as far to the right as you can and if you are on the freeway try to get off. Also make sure to have an emergency roadside kit in your trunk. This should consist of : * 8′ booster cables * Flashlight * Shop rags * Wet wipes (to clean up) * Foam pad to kneel on * Rain poncho * Flares or reflective triangle(s) * Duct tape

If you take good care of your car chances are you might not have to use this kit but it’s better to be prepared then unprepared.

Written by Jacqueline Star: Used Car Dealer Plano, Used Cars Carrollton

Infiniti’s G37 Is A Top Contender In The Entry Level Luxury Segment

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January 30, 2011

11:37 am

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Infiniti

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One of Infiniti’s most popular vehicles is the 2010 G37. This car is fabulous looking and stands out on the road due to its distinct front and smooth, sleek lines. It functions great as an everyday car but also offers the superior performance and sporty handling to rival entry-level luxury cars from BMW or Mercedes but at a price that is much friendlier to your wallet. The 2010 G37 has been revamped and dressed up with a new front lights and a larger and more distinct grille. The G37 is available as a coupe, sedan or retractable hard top convertible.

Four different models are available: base, Journey, G37X and Sport 6MT. All of the models except the Sport 6MT version utilize automatic transmission. The sedan version is ideal if you drive lots of people around as some car reviewers have stated that the back seats in the coupe and convertible may be a tad cramped at times. The coupe is ideal if you are looking for sportier handling whereas the convertible is just pure fun to drive.

This luxury car is powered by a 3.7 Liter V6 with 330 HP and 270 lb feet of torque. WEL technology continually adjusts valve lift for a speedier response and more effective mileage. The acceleration is a breeze and yet the ride is extremely smooth. There is adaptive cruise control in place which always keeps your vehicle within safe driving distance from the car ahead, even when in cruise control mode. Gas mileage is pretty decent for the sedan version at 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the freeway.

The front seats are crafted with leather, adjustable eight different ways and temperature controlled. Many options are available for the G37 including a touch screen navigation system with turn by turn directions and traffic updates, a high tech Bose audio system that is USB and IPod compatible. There is even a 9.3 gig music box available which allows you to store all of your favorite songs. The USB port is in the arm rest and allows you to plug in your Ipod for easy listening. A rear view monitor is available as an option which displays how close objects are behind you. The gauges actually move in sync with the steering wheel so they are always easily visible. Backlit blue lighting sets off the instrument panel and gives the cabin a cool high-tech look. In terms of cargo space the sedan has a 13.5 cubic feet trunk space whereas the coupe has 7.4 cubic feet.

The latest safety features are in place including airbags with seatbelt and passenger sensors, traction control, anti lock brakes, and electronic stability control. The convertible version also has pop-up roll bars which activate during a roll over. Vehicle Dynamic Control is in place to adjust oversteer and understeer by selectively applying brakes and the Brake Assist System helps to apply additional brake pressure during immediate stops.

With all of these great features it isn’t hard to see why the G37 is one of Infiniti’s most popular cars. At starting price for a G37 sedan is around $34k, this car is a great deal for buyers who have a thirst for a great looking high performance luxury car at a competitive price. This car is good looking, fast, has all the right curves and if you are a fan of Infiniti, then you will love the all new 2010 G37.

Written by Jacqueline Star: San Francisco Used Cars, Riverside Used Cars

Japanese Knotweed Removal Is Difficult

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January 30, 2011

2:00 am

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Maintenance

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Some plants just should have never been created as they are invasive and hard to get rid of, Japanese Knotweed removal is a job that you have to try a few methods to get rid of the plant entirely. They came over to North America from Japan as an ornamental feature in the 19th century and have been a pest ever since.

The knotweed will not grown in forested areas as they tend to be too dark. In the right conditions, however, they will take over. They are so hardy that they will grow through the cracks of a sidewalk or driveway.

One of the first things you can do to eliminate them from your garden is to cover them with a tarp. It should be made of heavy plastic of poly material and be careful not to allow any of the plant to puncture through or it will grow beneath the tarp. You should weigh down the perimeter and if you have to use more than one tarp make sure the seams overlap and have weight on the edges.

After securing the area off you can leave it covered as the plant should die off. You can then build a raised bed and plant on top of it, the knotweed won’t invade it. You can also use old carpeting to cover the plants as it will serve to block out light and prevent it from growing. You could also cover these materials with mulch and top with container plantings.

Weed killer is another method that works well for killing off knotweed. The active ingredient in the following brands is glyphosate, look for Touchdown, Rodeo, Pondmaster, Landmaster, Ranger or Roundup. As Roundup is the most well know, it works systemically to kill the plant after the leaves have been sprayed. It can also be administered into the roots by injection.

The plant can be cut back to prevent it from getting any larger but it will not kill it. This might be a good precursor to do before spraying and covering with tarp. It will require a lot of effort to eliminate this pesky plant.

You can also dig up the plant eliminating the very invasive root system they have. They spread by sending roots out and this will eliminate much of the problem. You can then spray and cover with a tarp just to be sure you have done all you can for your Japanese Knotweed Removal project.

Japanese Knotweed removal is a big job that requires persistence and a lot of work. Overlap the tarps so that there is no light entering, weight them down where they overlap and around the edges. You can also throw an old carpet over the plants if you have a piece that is large enough to smother them. japanese knotweed removal . Check here for free reprint license: Japanese Knotweed Removal Is Difficult.

The Honda Hybrid Makes Hybrid Cars Affordable

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January 30, 2011

12:48 am

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Hybrid

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The Honda Fit Hybrid is set for its giant debut in the fall of 2010 in Japan. The cost of the Honda Fit Hybrid will be around $16,570 (around 1.5 million yen) and this will be the very first time that a vehicle with technological advanced hybrid capabilities will be available at such a low cost. Electric cars are in high demand by consumers across the world and Honda is aiming to become a leader in this market. This auto is expected to offer excellent gas mileage at the sixty miles per gallon range, which will make this car a great buy for many individuals.

The giant automaker Honda has always been an trendsetter when it comes to developing and utilizing new technologies and scientific advancements in order to reduce emissions and increase gas mileage. The Honda Fit Hybrid is part of Honda’s larger master plan which will involve the mass production and sales of numerous small and compact vehicles which will all utilize the Honda IMA hybrid system. Quite recently consumers have favored more compact vehicles due to environmental concerns and global warming issues. The Fit Hybrids is not only super compact but also extremely fuel efficient as well as reasonably priced.

Experts have suggested that that the Fit Hybrid can potentially induce an extreme competition between Toyota and Honda to offer the best value on hybrids. The base cost of a Toyota Prius is around $23,500 and it will be interesting to observe to see how this will fare in Japan as well as in the United States. Many vehicle companies will be forced to lower prices on their hybrids in order to compete with the new Honda Fit Hybrid and this will be excellent for consumers.

The new Hybrid Fit shares many similarities with the Honda Insight and the current Fit model. It will also make use of the Integrated Motor Assist powertrain and will maybe have an electric motor and a 1.3 liter four cylinder engine. It is not definite yet as to when the Fit Hybrid will be released in the United States as an official debut date has not been released yet by Honda. This automobile would be a great addition to current selection of Honda Hybrid lineup available such as the CR-Z, Insight, and the Civic Hybrid.

Be prepared for this inventive hybrid vehicle which will offer superb consumer value due to its affordable price. The Honda Fit Hybrid will be one of the most lowest priced hybrids in the market and will offer economical gas mileage. This groundbreaking automobile will be inexpensive for consumers and better yet help drive down costs of hybrid models manufactured by other leading car manufacturers due to competition. A great demand exists for low-emission vehicles and the Fit Hybrid offers people the chance to drive a beautiful vehicle that is inexpensive yet still very fuel efficient. Let’s hope that this sensational car will be manufactures for sales in North America.

Written by Jacqueline Star: Los Angeles Honda, Toyota Dealer San Bernardino,