Tips for Purchasing Auto Parts Online - The Quick Solution

Has it become harder to find the necessary auto parts for your vehicle? Are you already tired of entering countless dealerships only to exit without your much-needed purchase? This is a draining activity and it is frustrating to have such difficulties when you need to fix your car or truck. The more days pass without the necessary fix, the worse it can get for you and your business, should this be the case. Besides, buying from one such dealership itself, when you eventually find the specific auto parts, takes enough extra cash out of your wallet. Buying online is a cheaper and quicker solution to your problem, but even this may pose some problems and lead to a poor choice if the customer is not prepared with the right information.

Go Straight to the Point

The Web can take you straight to the richest resources when it comes to buying auto parts. That not only you have access to any store from anywhere and have the item shipped to you, but you can also locate the needed piece through its exact specifications. To get straight to the auto parts you have to get, simply go to your computer, and be aware of what you know about your car and type in the exact item to be bought. With only a few clicks, you will be taken to the exact online distributors which stock on the needed auto parts and accessories. Firstly, it is crucial to determine the make and the model of your car - know the manufacturer date, too. Do not leave out any of the details. Serial numbers and engine numbers may also be required. Thus, you can make sure the right parts will be supplied.

Don't Be Afraid to Ask Questions

Not everyone was meant to be a car expert. If you are simply unsure about the compatibility of the found parts and your car, then ask a professional about it. This is probably the most important tip to keep in mind. This is why professionals exist; they know everything about the various models and the makes.

New or Used

Online, you can find used auto parts to suit your needs. However, if you want to buy a new auto part, which is a mechanical one, then you have to consider the difference in wear between the adjoining ones. The older your vehicle is, the greater the difference. Therefore, in this case it is better to look for used pieces. If the car is just a few years old, then you can go for factory original parts.

Find Local Dealers and Eliminate Waiting Time and Money Loss

Finding the perfectly fitting auto parts is simple and quick, but how about the waiting time? Depending on the location of the vendor, you can wait for a shorter or a longer while. To shorten the waiting time and to lower the shipping costs, you can look for companies, which are located within your region. Be careful to pay as soon as you can, so they can send the auto parts to you within the shortest time possible.

You can now have easy access to a complete market of vehicle-related items. Shopping online provides you with the most relevant results and with the smallest prices. To have access to all the auto parts at once and pick the right ones in the blink of an eye, you can go to the virtual departmental stores online.

Can Google Save the United States Post Office From a Bankruptcy Meltdown - Yes, Not How You Think

Well, the United States Postal Service has decided to raise the price of first-class stamps by one penny. No, that will not be enough to solve their financial woes, legacy costs and underfunded pensions, or get them into a profitable situation. The reality is that they can't raise the price of stamps too much, where people will simply stop using the mail altogether, in many regards that has already happened; hasn't it? Sure, due to electronic communications, e-mail, fax machines, text messaging, and what have you, things have changed. Things will get even worse as 3-D printing becomes more prevalent. Okay so let's talk.

Well then, what must be done to save the United States post office you ask? Maybe it's time to Google it? That is to say that maybe Google can save the USPS from a complete bankruptcy meltdown. Am I suggesting that Google needs to partner with the USPS, or take over its operations? No, rather, what I suggest is that Google's autonomous vehicle technology, at its Google X research division, come up with a self-driving postal delivery vehicle.

Interestingly enough, this wouldn't be as difficult as you might think. After all, the vehicle would drive the exact same route every single day, it would stop at the exact same mailboxes which are in the exact same position that they've always been. Isn't it time that we take inexpensive robotics which can sort the mail, load the delivery vehicles, and then send them out by themselves? You might think we are talking about all science fiction here, but I assure you I am not. You see, I was at the first DARPA Challenge and it is amazing how far this technology has come since then in only a decade. It's almost ready now for what I propose.

There is an interesting research paper I think you should read titled; "CarSpeak: A Content-Centric Network for Autonomous Driving," by Swarun Kumar, Lixin Shi, Nabeel Ahmed, Stephanie Gil, Dina Katabi and Daniela Rus Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2012).

Indeed, after you read that research paper I think you'll agree with the authors that soon we will have automatic garbage collector vehicles which drive autonomously as well. It's just one more step in integrating the robotic control systems that sort the mail allowing them to load the postal jeeps for them to go out and do their service. They have all the sensors, optical reading systems, and communications systems needed to get this done. That would save the United States Postal Service a huge amount of money and prevent them from going bankrupt because they wouldn't have any employees to pay.

Is this feasibly possible and can it be done on a reasonable return on investment? The economies of scale should provide for this if it is done by companies that are just trying to scrape the cream off the top and make a huge amount of money for themselves, but are truly interested in solving the problem and fixing the Post Office. Please consider all this and think on it.

Lance Winslow has launched a new provocative series of eBooks on Future Auto Tech. Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, and now runs the Online Think Tank; http://www.worldthinktank.net

Aftermarket, Used, or New and Discounted Auto Parts?

A situation when your car needs to have a certain part replaced is not as easy to handle as one may think initially. There comes the difficulty of choosing between two available types of auto parts: brand new ones and aftermarket items. Besides, there is the trouble of having to spend much. When it comes to cars, most expenses are significant. People suddenly find their vehicle impossible to use and this means unplanned spending. The unwanted bill can have quite an impact on someone's budget. The buyer then has to strike a balance between the price and the type of the needed item.

It is within the human nature to want to solve a car issue - or any kind of issue - with the least expense possible and by getting the most compatible solution. A car part replacement is, in fact, a matter that asks for quick fixing. How can a troubled customer make his way through the options available online or at local auto parts dealers? The current market features three major options: aftermarket, used parts or new but discounted.

Aftermarket Auto Parts

The category refers to vehicle parts which are produced by another manufacturer than the original one whose signature is on the car itself. However, that specific part is not considered as standard by the original manufacturer and therefore not among its recommendations, but it can fit the ensemble. Because these have not been tasted with all the models and makes, incompatibilities may arise. Your car may not function properly and, in any case, it involves certain risks such as engine damage. You can purchase aftermarket air filters or headlights, but these aren't necessarily obedient to the quality or performance regulations. Nevertheless, when you shop with the right features and details in mind, you have all the chances to come across a fitting, reliable aftermarket part.

Used OEM Vehicle Parts

Known as the most cost-effective option, these auto parts come from the very same manufacturer as your car, with the only downside being that they're not new. The key to succeeding with these is to match their year of production and model with that of your car. This is because companies tend to change their standards and enhance the designs. You know their age and their origin, which spells safety and no compromise. Another advantage is compatibility due to the wear degree. Besides, considering these parts had to pass some tests, you won't be facing unpleasant surprises. Established sellers grant for these and you won't be making any compromise, as you would with the aftermarket auto parts. The only risk is that you could buy ones that got too used up.

Brand New and Discounted

This type needs no description. If you are lucky, you can find such when you look for auto parts. Discounts are not being made every day or at any store. They are only available occasionally, according to the dealer's policies and strategies. The risk involved is the following: stores usually offer for discounted prices those items which don't sell that well. If there are other types available, you may want to check those instead. However, if the exact vehicle part you need is now available as discounted, you should take advantage of the situation.

If you are looking to buy anything related to vehicles - accessories, insurance, safety devices and, of course, auto parts, you can find the much-needed help online, where all the important vendors are listed. Besides, you can find the buyer's opinion on the purchased items and products.

What You Need To Know About Auto Dealerships

Do you have plans of getting a new car? Then it's time for you to obtain a car deal. But you shouldn't get just an ordinary car deal, you should get the best one. Precisely how?

The top thing you should do is to do some research about cars. Get ample information about the cars that you are interested in and what features they have such as what make and model you want, and what options, that limits the amount of selling you'll be subject to. The more you know, the better your decision will be on the selection of a car deal.

Once you've made your choice about the car you want, try getting quotes from four or more dealers. Why is that you require many dealers? This is because you would need many options. Also through this, you can examine each dealer's advantages and disadvantages. If you really don't have the luxury of the time to personally go to the auto companies for quotes, you can get them through the telephone or through the Internet. Auto dealers usually have their very own website, where you can easily get quotes and read about the terms and conditions of their deals. Through this process, you can have a clearer understanding on the car deals and you can arrive to a great choice.

Yet another way to have a wonderful car deal is to get some referrals and recommendations from close acquaintances, co-workers and experts. In doing this, you can automatically gain information on whether a dealer and auto dealership you are interested in are likely to be the best or not.

When you've already chosen a dealer, remember to negotiate like a pro, even if you're not. This can be really daunting especially if you are not really born with PR skills. However, you really don't have to be a professional so that you can make negotiations. What you have to do is to just be confident while conversing with the dealer.

Also, you should never make haphazard decisions. If you still want to think things over through the night, then you can opt to. You just might make a far better decision if you really think things over.

Final tip with regards to the cost of the car deal, you need to talk to the dealer so that he'll give you a good price. It may not be that easy to achieve that win-win situation, but it is surely one that would be worth it your time and effort.

Appleton Auto dealer is a business that can sometimes be deceiving but you can rise above it by being more informed.

The Fiat Scorpion! The Fiat 500 Abarth!

With an all new 1.4 liter inter cooled turbocharged I-4 engine the Abarth is a powerful ride. Just imagine the feeling of driving a small car with 160 horsepower and 170 lb-ft under hood. This new designed was made with the only purpose of take with proud the name of Carlo Abarth, the legendary Italian car racing maker.

In this awesome design you will find

- Dual chrome tips
- Rear diffuser
- Performance tires
- Abarth badging
- Large winged spoiler (compared with the Fiat 500)
- Heated foldaway mirrors
- Ventilated disc brakes
- Frequency Selective Damping shock absorbers
- Front fascia intake for inter cooler

In terms of performance you will find
- Abarth tuned power control module (PCM)
- Abarth Designed high flow intake and exhaust system
- Heavy duty five speed manual transmission
- Intermediate shaft with equal length-half-shafts
- Larger-tuned Torque transfer control (TTC) system
- Forged steel crankshaft and connecting rods
- lightened engine counterweights, cast aluminum
pistons and piston cooling jets.

Cool suspension for a cool car

- Frequency Selective damping (FSD) Koni front shock absorbers
- Stiffer front and rear springs
- Lower ride height (0.6 inch)
- Cast iron lower control arms and negative camber
- Reinforced twist-beam rear axle with strengthened coil-spring supports
- Solid rear stabilizer
- Large Ventilated front rotors
- Semi- metallic brake linings
- Abarth-tuned ESC with "full off" setting
- Available forged-aluminum 17-inch wheels with high-performance
three season 205/40 R17 Pirelli P-Zaero Nero tires

In the inside you will find:

-Blue ME hands free communication includes voice-activated system with Bluetooth phone capability
-BOSE Energy Efficiency Series (EES) premium high-performance audio system with 6 speakers and sub woofer
- Leather wrapped instrument cluster brow
- Turbo boost gauge with integrated LED shift light
- Abarth designed steering wheel
- Abarth designed aluminum pedal covers
- Black leather shift knob with red accent stitching
- Black finish on HVAC headliner and pillars for a technical look

And one of the coolest features of the Fiat 500 (and of course the Abarth)

SPORT MODE

The SPORT MODE button is used for greater boost, quicker throttle, and tighter steering response. The Torque Transfer Control is active and automatically adjust the differential locking capability according to dynamic factor us as speed. The electric power steering increases in effort and throttle pedal to engine response.

This driving mode is useful while driving on winding roads where more spirited cornering demands increased steering precision.

If you like a high and powerful car to drive, if you are looking for the fun and edge of a racing car, the Fiat Abarth is a great choice!

J.De La Cruz is a Fiat Specialist. If you have any more questions or feedback about the Abarth please go to El Paso Fiat for more information.

Capture Significant HP Gains With Aftermarket MINI Supercharger Pulleys

The first generation MINI Cooper S, built between 2001 and 2006, is powered by a supercharger. The supercharger in the early Cooper S provides more oxygen to the motor and, consequently, more fuel. This increase in distribution of oxygen and fuel to the Cooper S's motor yields higher power output. However, there is still more power attaintable due to MINI aftermarket parts like the reduced-sized supercharger pulleys.

Typically, aftermarket pulleys come in three different styles - 15%, 17% and 19%. What do these percentages mean? They simply refer to the size difference between the aftermarket and stock pulley. For instance, a 15% pulley is 15% smaller than the one that comes stock in the MINI. The smaller the pulley, the smaller the belt; and, the smaller the belt, the faster the turbines in the supercharger spin. When the turbines spin faster, more oxygen is supplied to the motor and the motor yields a higher power output. What does this amount to? More torque and horsepower.

In the R53 MINI Cooper S, expect to capture a gain of about 15 HP after installing a 15% pulley. (Remember, the percentage of the pulley does not correspond to the gain in HP - this is just a coincidence.) With the 17% expect a 20 HP boost and, with the 19%, a 25 HP boost. All HP gains vary based on the condition of the MINI and previously-added performance parts.

When considering the cost of an aftermarket pulley - $100 to $150 - and the amount of extra HP gained, it's one of the most cost-effective upgrades in the R53 MINI aftermarket. MINI performance parts like bulky intercoolers and exhausts cost around a grand and don't offer the HP boosts that performance pulleys do. In essence, you get an additional 15-25 HP with a two-pound pulley and a lesser HP gain with various performance parts that are heavier and more expensive. This is why many enthusiasts are quick to make an aftermarket pulley installation their first MINI upgrade.

But which pulley should you buy? The 15%, 17% or 19%?

By looking at the HP gains produced by each pulley, it seems best to go with the 19% for the highest HP gain. The 19% pulley, however, isn't the most practical. The 19% delivers the most boost, but also delivers the most wear to the vehicle's internals. The 19% is good for short circuit races or time trials while the 15% is good for endurance, long races and everyday power cravings. Putting this into perspective, the 17% is a compromise between the two. It delivers an increase in HP over the 15%, but causes internals to wear slightly faster. Overall, the 15% is the most recommended pulley for everyday drivers of the R53 MINI Cooper S looking for a substantial power gain.

Robert Gibb is part of the Helix Motorsports team in Philadelphia. Helix Motorsports designs aftermarket parts for 1st generation MINIs including 15%, 17% and 19% supercharger pulleys. To learn more about these pulleys and other aftermarket MINI performance parts, visit Helix's website.

Best Van Leasing

A van is a great choice of automobile especially for those who have lots of things to pick and deliver at a personal level or a business level. The vans can however be expensive to own which is where van leasing comes into the picture. With the leasing, you will have a van given to you on hire. You will get to use the van for the agreed period of time normally ranging from two years to five years.

During the lease period, you will be expected to make monthly payment for the lease and then return the van at the end of the lease period. When returning the car, your leasing company will give you the option to renew the contract and lease a new van or purchase the van at a price that is quite friendly. The decision at this juncture will solely depend on you and what you are looking for as well as the needs that you have.

When seeking the van leases, you will need to ensure that you have everything well detailed and thought out. It can be costly to miss an important point as far as the van lease is concerned. Therefore, you can start by finding the best leasing company. The company should have terms and charges that you can work with and reap the value of the van throughout the period. The reputation of a leasing company can give you the insight that you need in making the right decision.

Vans are of different kinds and makes. You therefore will get the very best from the leasing when you know the exact type that you need. It could be determined by your personal or business needs. Luckily, the leasing companies out there have almost everything that you could be looking for and will even stock new models to meet with the demands. The companies normally work hand in hand with automobile dealerships which also sell the vans to them when there is need.

Apart from choosing the best model of the van, you will need to ensure that it is in perfect condition and is roadworthy. It is advisable to go for new vans as they eliminate any mechanical issues and other kinds of frustrations. Be sure to also check on the mileage for the lease period and the fees so that you can negotiate the areas that you feel need improvements.