What does DNA have in common with vehicle etching? More than you might think. Both have a unique code and both can be used to fight crime.
Vehicle etching and DNA labels refer to a system that applies a car owner's specific and unique code to a vehicle in a number of apparent or concealed places (the corners of windows, on doors, etc.). Once a car is etched, a highly visible label is applied, letting potential thieves know it has been etched and the car's code is registered with a security company. Doing so makes it easier to track the car down if it is stolen-but it also makes the car less likely to be stolen in the first place. Here's how it works:
• Owners apply an etching stencil to the outside, lower corners of windows and add an etch cream. After five minutes, owners peel the etching stickers off and the car is protected.
• DNA labels are placed on car parts such as doorjambs, hoods and trunks, in places that are easy for you to find, but that do not affect the appearance of your vehicle. If a thief peels off a label, a hidden mark remains in its place. The mark can only be seen under a UV light.
The idea is that when a vehicle is etched, its parts are less valuable to a car thief because they can't be sold off as easily as nonetched cars.
A do-it-yourself kit, The Club DNA Vehicle Etching System, has been developed by Winner International. People using the system are assigned a code known only to them and then, should they choose to do so, they can store their codes in Winner's secure database. The codes can then be used to help identify a vehicle if it is stolen.
The company recommends people use the etching system in conjunction with a steering wheel lock such as The Club. "When it comes to preventing car theft, a layered approach is always best. A steering wheel lock for visibility and deterrence, plus etching to decrease the attractiveness for chop shops, makes a vehicle more secure," says Karen Winner Hale of Winner International. "What's most important is that vehicle owners take the first steps in fighting auto theft by taking responsibility to deter the theft of their own vehicles."
Showing posts with label Vehicles. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Vehicles. Show all posts
Car Donation Facts For You
Donating money and good is a great way to help out worthy causes while still helping yourself out on your taxes. Car donation is no different. Even though some of the car donation tax laws changed a few years back, this is still a great way to help yourself and others. So if you have an old car and just aren't quite sure what to do with it, then consider a charitable donation of your vehicle.
As of 2005, the laws for car donation changed. For motor vehicles, boats, and airplanes that are valued at more than $500, things are a bit different than before. The allowable amount of the deduction is now limited to whatever amount the charity sells it for. The charity to which your car donation is made is required to provide you with written acknowledgement of your donation within 30 days of you making it. If the charity provides any false or exaggerated acknowledgement, they can be penalized.
As of the first of January in 2005, when you make a car donation, the tax write off is based on how the charity uses your donated car. If it is sold, you can deduct the gross sale price. If, on the other hand, the charity uses the car for what the new law calls "significant" tax-approved work of charity, you would be able to claim the market value of the vehicle. Again, however, there are stiff penalties for falsified documents.
Some of the charities, despite acknowledging that the old laws had problems, are skeptical of the new car donation laws. Many of these organizations are concerned about what will happen when the tax deduction responsibility is put in the hands of the charities rather than the donors. A group of them actually sent a letter to the Treasury Secretary suggesting that people may be discouraged from donating when they are unaware of their deduction amount. Not being able to weigh the cost to the benefit of donation may discourage some auto donations.
If you do choose to make a car donation, you will find that the process is very easy. Most charities that offer to take your vehicle will have information on line or via phone about it. In many cases, in fact, you can fill out the appropriate forms on line to get the process underway. You also will likely not even have to be home and the vehicle may not even need to be in working condition. Many charities will come and toe your car away if you can simply leave the title under a floor mat along with the key and put it somewhere accessible. As soon as the car is sold, you will receive a document in the mail letting you know how much you can write off of your taxes, legally.
Since many charities rely on donations of all sorts: clothing, cars, money, and even appliances, think about what you are doing when you make an auto donation. By donating your vehicle, you are helping out a worthy cause of your choice. In addition, you are helping yourself out. Sure, the tax laws have changed, but you can still benefit from your donation. The car doesn't have to run to be eligible, so your write off might still be more than selling it for junk. So feel good about yourself, help your tax line, and get rid of that old junker by donating your car.
As of 2005, the laws for car donation changed. For motor vehicles, boats, and airplanes that are valued at more than $500, things are a bit different than before. The allowable amount of the deduction is now limited to whatever amount the charity sells it for. The charity to which your car donation is made is required to provide you with written acknowledgement of your donation within 30 days of you making it. If the charity provides any false or exaggerated acknowledgement, they can be penalized.
As of the first of January in 2005, when you make a car donation, the tax write off is based on how the charity uses your donated car. If it is sold, you can deduct the gross sale price. If, on the other hand, the charity uses the car for what the new law calls "significant" tax-approved work of charity, you would be able to claim the market value of the vehicle. Again, however, there are stiff penalties for falsified documents.
Some of the charities, despite acknowledging that the old laws had problems, are skeptical of the new car donation laws. Many of these organizations are concerned about what will happen when the tax deduction responsibility is put in the hands of the charities rather than the donors. A group of them actually sent a letter to the Treasury Secretary suggesting that people may be discouraged from donating when they are unaware of their deduction amount. Not being able to weigh the cost to the benefit of donation may discourage some auto donations.
If you do choose to make a car donation, you will find that the process is very easy. Most charities that offer to take your vehicle will have information on line or via phone about it. In many cases, in fact, you can fill out the appropriate forms on line to get the process underway. You also will likely not even have to be home and the vehicle may not even need to be in working condition. Many charities will come and toe your car away if you can simply leave the title under a floor mat along with the key and put it somewhere accessible. As soon as the car is sold, you will receive a document in the mail letting you know how much you can write off of your taxes, legally.
Since many charities rely on donations of all sorts: clothing, cars, money, and even appliances, think about what you are doing when you make an auto donation. By donating your vehicle, you are helping out a worthy cause of your choice. In addition, you are helping yourself out. Sure, the tax laws have changed, but you can still benefit from your donation. The car doesn't have to run to be eligible, so your write off might still be more than selling it for junk. So feel good about yourself, help your tax line, and get rid of that old junker by donating your car.
Unleash The Horses With A Performance Exhaust System Upgrade
- Serious horsepower and torque gains
- Distinctive, growling exhaust tone
- Improved fuel economy
Horsepower and torque
In case you skipped out on Auto Shop back in high school, I am here to give you a quick lesson on the mysterious inner-workings of your engine's cylinders. Without cylinders, your vehicle could not drive around, unless you could convince your friends to lend you their backs and push you all over town. That's because the majority of your horsepower is generated right there in your cylinders through a fairly straightforward process, called combustion.
First, the cylinder sucks a mixture of oxygen and fuel (gasoline or diesel) into its chamber, where it is then ignited by a spark plug or glow stick. These three ingredients create a controlled explosion, or combustion, which generates both energy and waste gases. That energy transforms into wheel-turning torque to propel you down the road, but the exhaust is a cloud of useless particles that would clog up your engine if left to linger in the piston chamber.
That's where the exhaust system comes into action. The spent gases are exhaled, traveling out of the engine through your exhaust manifold, and they eventually exit out the back of your vehicle. The faster the exhaust gets out of the way, the easier it is for your engine to breathe, which means more horsepower, torque and fun behind the wheel.
The problem with stock exhaust systems is that they are not optimized for the best possible flow. Auto manufacturers spend much more time thinking about the shape and placement of your air vents than they do planning your exhaust pipes. What's the result of their neglect? Your motor has to work harder during combustion, which robs you of valuable horsepower, torque and fuel economy. A performance exhaust system will harness the potential power that your engine is wasting because of its inefficient stock exhaust.
Quick-installing, bolt-on performance exhaust systems improve your power by:
- Drastically reducing restrictions in your pipes
- Increasing the puny diameter of stock pipes
- Improving engine scavenging
The Growl
With a performance exhaust system, you not only feel the power every time your foot hits the peddle, but you also hear it thundering and rolling around you. Nothing quite improves your vehicle's presence as a throaty, rumbling exhaust system. When you hear each and every piston firing in rapid succession, you truly comprehend the unbridled force lurking under your hood. Stock exhaust systems try to hold back your engine's naturally forceful tone with thick-walled exhaust manifolds and mufflers that stifle your vehicle's rich resonance, rather than enhance it.
When it comes to the sound of your vehicle, the muffler has the most impact. Of course, you can tell by its name that a muffler's job is to dampen the sounds pouring out of your tailpipes. Without a muffler, your vehicle would sound like a string of M80 firecrackers exploding in a metal trashcan. On the other hand, a stock muffler suppresses the naturally aggressive rumble of a strong engine to a spineless wimper. Take control of the tone of your vehicle with a performance exhaust system for the perfect balance of sound and suppression.
Fuel Economy
Unless you've got your own oil derrick churning out barrels of Texas Tea in your backyard, chances are you too are feeling the pinch at the pump due to the rising costs of gasoline. And while it might sound too good to be true that you can get better fuel economy along with serious performance boosts, we're not pulling your leg.
That's because the same overall improvements that lead to greater performance are improving your engine's overall efficiency. You see, when the exhaust is flowing unrestricted down wider pipes with the right amount of vacuum left behind to keep the cycle running smoothly, your cylinders empty themselves of more and more waste gases. And when there are fewer impurities in the cylinder, your mixture of gas and oxygen burns purer, giving you greater horsepower without having to have a serious lead foot. These straightforward improvements in efficiency can result in around a 1 or 2% overall increase in fuel economy, saving you big every time the fuel gauge in your vehicle starts creeping down towards "E."
I'm convinced and I hope your are as well that the exhaust system upgrade that you end up with will improve performance, looks, and maybe even set off your neighbor's car alarm!.......:)
Equipment 101: Attachments And Tractors, Finding The Right Match
"Attachments are the arms and legs that essentially give versatility and functionality to your tractor. When you match the right tractor with the right attachments, you have an invaluable multipurpose tool that makes outdoor chores go faster, and better yet, more enjoyable," explains Dan Paschke, from John Deere Commercial and Consumer Equipment Division. To help people match attachments with needs, Paschke provides answers to some frequently asked questions:
Q: With so many attachments available, how do I decide what I really need?
A: Your dealer can be an excellent resource. Some factors to consider are:
• Tasks: What do you want to do with your tractor?
• Speed: How fast do you want to operate?
• Space: Consider storage space and if you will be working around any obstacles.
Q: How does my choice of tractor factor into my choice of attachments?
A: The tractor is the key factor in ensuring that attachments operate properly. Some ways to determine if your tractor is capable of operating attachments are:
• PTO, or Power Take Off horsepower-rather than engine horsepower-is a good gauge of a tractor's true capabilities to handle attachments.
• If you are working with attachments or implements that require frequent changes in direction or speed, you may want to consider a tractor that has a more user-friendly transmission, such as a hydrostatic or power reverser.
• The higher the GPM (gallons per minute), the better the hydraulic power. A tandem hydraulic pump provides power to both the steering and implements without robbing power from the other.
Q: Isn't it cumbersome to remove and replace attachments from the tractor all of the time?
A: Not always. For instance, John Deere offers the iMatch Quick Hitch on its tractors. This innovative and affordable feature allows operators to easily connect attachments to their tractor without leaving the operator seat. Simply back up your tractor and slide on the PTO shaft.
Q: What challenges come with buying attachments that are made by a different manufacturer than my tractor?
A: John Deere and Frontier attachments are designed to be fully integrated with John Deere tractors, thus ensuring optimum performance from that attachment. And for customers owning a John Deere tractor with iMatch, nearly all of these implements and attachments are iMatch compatible. Off-brand implements and attachments can work as well, but there are some potential pitfalls. First, you frequently get what you pay for. Second, warranties, guarantees and dealer support may not be what you would expect. Finally, you may lose a lot of ease of use.
Q: Are there any safety issues to be aware of when working with attachments?
A: A rule of thumb for safely operating attachments is to understand and follow counterbalance guidelines. Attachments have different weights and can change the center of gravity, causing a potential tipping hazard. Your dealer should walk you through how to counterbalance your tractor for the best and safest operating practices.
Q: Where is the best place to look for attachments?
A: An area dealer is a great place to start because they have the knowledge, resources and expertise at their fingertips to give you the exact requirements to make sure your attachments and machine are used properly and effectively.
Save Gas With A Hybrid: 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid
engine, anti-lock brakes, front and side cushion airbags, a sleek, multi-tier panel and a top-notch audio system.
Like all hybrids, the 2006 Civic combines a gas engine, powerful battery and electric motor to achieve maximum mileage and reduced emissions. The 2006 Honda Civic hybrid can cruise using only its electric motor in particular driving conditions. This makes it a "full hybrid" vehicle. As far as gas mileage goes, the Civic hybrid gets 49 mpg in the city and 51 mpg on the highway. This is a slight improvement from the gas mileage of the 2005 model.
The 2006 Civic hybrid's electric motor produces 20 horsepower. The battery pack used for storing energy is 158 volts, increased from the previous year.
The 2006 Civic hybrid offers seating for five and is considered a compact sedan. Sleeker and more attractive than the 2005 Civic hybrid, the 2006 model is great for anyone seeking a sportier hybrid car.
As far as power goes, the combined gas engine and electric motor of the 2006 Civic hybrid produce 115 horsepower, an increase of 23 percent from the 2005 model.
If you think the 2006 Honda Civic hybrid might be the right car for you, the next step is finding a reputable dealership. You can search for dealerships in your area using the Yellow Pages or the Internet. It's a good idea to visit more than one dealership before deciding which one should have your
business. Make sure your salesperson is knowledgeable and friendly without being overly aggressive. And always take a test drive to make sure the vehicle you think you want to purchase feels right to you.
Tactical Driving Tips
The winter and driving shopping season is right around the corner. We need to remember that in the winter, with snow and freezing conditions, our driving tactics need to change. Accidents will occur on the snow and ice that wouldn't on dry pavement. This article will cover the important things to remember and how to drive safely.
The most important thing that everyone needs to remember is that you cannot stop as fast on icy or snow covered pavement. You need to drive slower which will give you more time to slow down. When you need to come to a stop anywhere give yourself more time by starting to slow down earlier than usual. When driving behind other vehicles make sure that you leave a
bigger distance between you and the vehicle in front. This way you will have more time to slow down and also react to unexpected stops.
Slow down everywhere and anything that you do. Take turns slower, drive on straight roads slower and slow down alittle even on slight curves in the road. Anytime you have to turn that steering wheel ease of the gas appropiately. You need to be deliberate in all your actions. Anytime that you need to push
on the pedals, gas or brake, do it easily and steady. When making a turn ease that steering wheel slowly and don't make fast jerky movements.
Always be aware of your road conditions. Even when it is not snowing the road will ice up in places where there is moisture. This will happen more during the overnight hours when it is colder and there is no sunlight. Sometimes a spot will look just wet but is is actually ice, "black ice" as we know it. Be aware of bridges and overpasses. These road surfaces are always colder and therefore freezes up first. If you do find yourself on ice just coast, don't brake or turn the wheel, until you pass over it.
Drive defensively. Always be on the lookout for other motorists that are making all of the mistakes. Approach intersections cautiously looking for other skidding vehicles. Keep an eye in your rear view mirror for vehicles hitting you from behind. Keep enough distance away from everyone so you don't become part of their accident.
Even after taking all your precautions you will eventually find yourself involved in a sliding situation. When you do, DON'T PANIC! Take your foot of the gas and don't hit the brakes. You then want to steer your car into the skid. People always hear that but don't know what to do anyway. If you are driving straight and the rear of your vehicle is sliding to the left and the
front of the vehicle to the right, then you need to countersteer your car to the left. If the car corrects itself then straighten the wheel back out. Sometimes the car will over correct itself and now it is sliding the other way. If this happens just countersteer again in the opposite direction.
Follow these tips and hopefully you won't become the next accident statistic. People with suv's are not immune to these rules. Remember not to drink and drive, stay off of your cell phone and always wear your seatbelt.
The most important thing that everyone needs to remember is that you cannot stop as fast on icy or snow covered pavement. You need to drive slower which will give you more time to slow down. When you need to come to a stop anywhere give yourself more time by starting to slow down earlier than usual. When driving behind other vehicles make sure that you leave a
bigger distance between you and the vehicle in front. This way you will have more time to slow down and also react to unexpected stops.
Slow down everywhere and anything that you do. Take turns slower, drive on straight roads slower and slow down alittle even on slight curves in the road. Anytime you have to turn that steering wheel ease of the gas appropiately. You need to be deliberate in all your actions. Anytime that you need to push
on the pedals, gas or brake, do it easily and steady. When making a turn ease that steering wheel slowly and don't make fast jerky movements.
Always be aware of your road conditions. Even when it is not snowing the road will ice up in places where there is moisture. This will happen more during the overnight hours when it is colder and there is no sunlight. Sometimes a spot will look just wet but is is actually ice, "black ice" as we know it. Be aware of bridges and overpasses. These road surfaces are always colder and therefore freezes up first. If you do find yourself on ice just coast, don't brake or turn the wheel, until you pass over it.
Drive defensively. Always be on the lookout for other motorists that are making all of the mistakes. Approach intersections cautiously looking for other skidding vehicles. Keep an eye in your rear view mirror for vehicles hitting you from behind. Keep enough distance away from everyone so you don't become part of their accident.
Even after taking all your precautions you will eventually find yourself involved in a sliding situation. When you do, DON'T PANIC! Take your foot of the gas and don't hit the brakes. You then want to steer your car into the skid. People always hear that but don't know what to do anyway. If you are driving straight and the rear of your vehicle is sliding to the left and the
front of the vehicle to the right, then you need to countersteer your car to the left. If the car corrects itself then straighten the wheel back out. Sometimes the car will over correct itself and now it is sliding the other way. If this happens just countersteer again in the opposite direction.
Follow these tips and hopefully you won't become the next accident statistic. People with suv's are not immune to these rules. Remember not to drink and drive, stay off of your cell phone and always wear your seatbelt.
Mistakes To Avoid When Fighting A Speeding Ticket
There are many potential mistakes someone could make when fighting a speeding ticket in the court room. With this in mind, I've prepared some of the common pitfalls many people make, so you can avoid them and get your case dismissed.
Here are the mistakes to avoid:
Never motion the court before the trial for any documentation. You don't want to tip the fact that you are (hopefully) prepared for the case.
Never motion the court for their evidence before your trial. One of the key ways to fight a speeding ticket is what is known as trial by ambush. You want the prosecution to be unprepared, so don't tip your hand early.
Never testify. Even if the prosecution is challenging you to testify, you should refuse. If you were to take the stand, the prosecution would be allowed to cross-examine you, and they will most likely trap you into admitting you were speeding. If this happens, you will lose.
Don't make any statements about your speeding. Don't let the prosecutor lead you into making any statement. They are there to find the proof, don't make their job any easier by making comments like "I wasn't going that fast".
Don't let the prosecutor know what your game plan is. Remember that they don't have the time or inclination to gather all the information they need for each and every case. Most of the time they are just relying on you wimping out.
They are used to trials not lasting more than a few minutes. If you tip your hand to the fact that you know what you're doing, they may very well decide to do a little preparation for your case. Don't let that happen. Keep your cards close to your chest.
Never object to anything the police officer says when he is making his testimony. If you object early in the game like this, the prosecution will know what you're up to, and you'll lose your advantage.
Don't bother to ask for a jury trial. If you do this, the prosecution will prepare themselves. Also, what many people don't realize, is that the prosecution can easily ask for the biggest punishment allowed…which could mean serving jail time just for a little bit of speeding. That's not good for you.
Also, at a jury, you can still be found guilty even if there is no evidence. In a jury trial, people will be much more annoyed at your offence because you're taking up their time.
Here are the mistakes to avoid:
Never motion the court before the trial for any documentation. You don't want to tip the fact that you are (hopefully) prepared for the case.
Never motion the court for their evidence before your trial. One of the key ways to fight a speeding ticket is what is known as trial by ambush. You want the prosecution to be unprepared, so don't tip your hand early.
Never testify. Even if the prosecution is challenging you to testify, you should refuse. If you were to take the stand, the prosecution would be allowed to cross-examine you, and they will most likely trap you into admitting you were speeding. If this happens, you will lose.
Don't make any statements about your speeding. Don't let the prosecutor lead you into making any statement. They are there to find the proof, don't make their job any easier by making comments like "I wasn't going that fast".
Don't let the prosecutor know what your game plan is. Remember that they don't have the time or inclination to gather all the information they need for each and every case. Most of the time they are just relying on you wimping out.
They are used to trials not lasting more than a few minutes. If you tip your hand to the fact that you know what you're doing, they may very well decide to do a little preparation for your case. Don't let that happen. Keep your cards close to your chest.
Never object to anything the police officer says when he is making his testimony. If you object early in the game like this, the prosecution will know what you're up to, and you'll lose your advantage.
Don't bother to ask for a jury trial. If you do this, the prosecution will prepare themselves. Also, what many people don't realize, is that the prosecution can easily ask for the biggest punishment allowed…which could mean serving jail time just for a little bit of speeding. That's not good for you.
Also, at a jury, you can still be found guilty even if there is no evidence. In a jury trial, people will be much more annoyed at your offence because you're taking up their time.
Electric Scooters - Cheap Option For Thrilling Ride
Want to get an adrenaline rush? Do you want to give vent to your passions? Looking for avenues of excitement to spice up mundane daily transportation grind? Want to do it cheaply? Well, get yourself an electric motor scooter and give vent to your passions. Ride on it on roads, city streets or beaten tracks and see for yourself that electric scooters are excellent for having fun. In fact, they are the most amusing way of personal transportation. Electric scooters can be exhilarating way to move from one place to another.
Electric motor scooters are cheap to run since they do not use expensive gasoline. As they do not consume any petroleum-based fuels, they are environment friendly. Imagine never having to worry if your gas tanks are full or not! Moreover, these scooters are designed as compact machines that can be easily stored in a very small place – small enough like your closet or in luggage compartments of public transport buses or trains.
Range to Choose From
There is a big range of electrically powered scooters that are available in the market. Their sizes range from very small to a full-fledged big sized motor scooter. They also come in an assortment of options for performance speeds. If you prefer safety than you can opt of an electric scooter that does a safe 20-25 kilometers per hour. If you want a youthful adrenaline rush, you may opt for a very powerful electric scooter that primes your veins with excitement. Electric scooters are available in various colors. If you are looking for a peppy look, go for a techno-colored version. If you prefer a serious look to tell passer-bys that you are on electric scooter for its environment friendliness, opt for saner colors. You can ride standing on your electric scooter or sitting down in style of a racing biker. You can have hosts of other features…your scooter should reflect your personality.
Electric scooters are cheap to buy and run. The initial expense is very less. Many models are available for $100 or less. In addition, they will never need any stopping at gas stations for an expensive ration of gasoline.
Electric motor scooters are cheap to run since they do not use expensive gasoline. As they do not consume any petroleum-based fuels, they are environment friendly. Imagine never having to worry if your gas tanks are full or not! Moreover, these scooters are designed as compact machines that can be easily stored in a very small place – small enough like your closet or in luggage compartments of public transport buses or trains.
Range to Choose From
There is a big range of electrically powered scooters that are available in the market. Their sizes range from very small to a full-fledged big sized motor scooter. They also come in an assortment of options for performance speeds. If you prefer safety than you can opt of an electric scooter that does a safe 20-25 kilometers per hour. If you want a youthful adrenaline rush, you may opt for a very powerful electric scooter that primes your veins with excitement. Electric scooters are available in various colors. If you are looking for a peppy look, go for a techno-colored version. If you prefer a serious look to tell passer-bys that you are on electric scooter for its environment friendliness, opt for saner colors. You can ride standing on your electric scooter or sitting down in style of a racing biker. You can have hosts of other features…your scooter should reflect your personality.
Electric scooters are cheap to buy and run. The initial expense is very less. Many models are available for $100 or less. In addition, they will never need any stopping at gas stations for an expensive ration of gasoline.
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