By:Stacey Wilson
We can't deny it; we all need cars for us to live life normally everyday. Even if we have to go back to the basics to cut high costs of living, we cant really do without cars. They have become necessities in life through the years. However, some vehicles are harder to maintain and consumes more fuel; thus for some, they are pain in the neck—and the pocket—rather than helpful driving machines. But don't worry, there are many ways to improve gas mileage; though you may have to replace some of your stock auto parts.
Auto Parts Fast, one of the country's top auto parts dealers features the best quality replacement and aftermarket parts, which can help you solve gas mileage problems. If you are particularly looking for Honda parts, you can find here a comprehensive line of premium quality Honda engine parts, Honda cooling system parts, Honda body parts and Honda performance parts that can enhance not only your fuel economy but can also help you reduce harmful emissions and significantly improve performance.
The first thing you can do to improve fuel economy is to check on your engine. Make sure your engine is receiving enough air for the combustion and for its cooling. If it is not able to breathe in more air, replace filter or use bigger throttle body and premium quality performance intake manifold. Likewise, check on the way your engine exhales through the exhaust system. You should use a high-flow muffler to boost the car's performance as well as to improve fuel mileage.
Like other exhaust system parts of your Honda, the Honda Catalytic Converter improves performance and fuel mileage too as it converts gaseous wastes produced after the combustion into less harmful emissions. A clogged cat prevents exhaust gases from flowing smoothly out of the engine; thus, it won't be able to clean them properly. This in effect would require the engine to work harder thus, more fuel is consumed. If you're starting to smell something like rotten eggs, you already need to replace your Honda catalytic converter.
If you are in need of Honda catalytic converters, you can shop at Auto Parts Fast, your most trusted online dealer of millions of top quality auto parts. You can find here high-flow catalytic converters for Honda Accord sedan, Honda Accord coupe, Honda Civic, Honda CR-V and other Honda models for just about half the original price.
Improving the aerodynamics of your car can also help you reduce fuel consumption. Race cars are usually fitted with spoilers and ground effects to improve aerodynamics and thus, its acceleration and fuel economy. You can also add a Honda spoiler on your car to help reduce wind resistance; however, this is more effective when applied to race cars. However, you can also replace your Honda Rims, Honda Mirrors, and other body panels with lighter auto parts. Aside from giving your car a new look, swapping hoods and other body parts can help your vehicle run more smoothly and faster. A Honda hood with rear-facing scoop would be a good alternative, too.
Another way to improve gas mileage is by replacing your worn out Honda Wheels and tires. The tires may be particularly running low and thus they need to be aired up sufficiently. Lastly, make sure your engine is cooled properly so it can work more efficiently. You can replace Honda Radiators or add auxiliary Honda radiator fan for more efficient cooling of the engine. These are also available at Auto Parts Fast.
Other auto parts offered in this store are bumpers, A/C condensers, grille, mirror, lights, windshield, suspension parts and a whole lot more. Aside from Honda parts, the store offers top of the line Toyota Parts, Nissan Parts, BMW Parts, Chevrolet Parts, GMC Parts, VW Parts, Jeep Parts and a lot more. Fast, complete and secure, this auto parts store is the perfect solution to your fuel mileage problems.
Stacey Wilson
Auto Parts Fast, one of the country's top auto parts dealers features the best quality replacement and aftermarket parts, which can help you solve gas mileage problems. If you are particularly looking for Honda parts, you can find here a comprehensive line of premium quality Honda engine parts, Honda cooling system parts, Honda body parts and Honda performance parts that can enhance not only your fuel economy but can also help you reduce harmful emissions and significantly improve performance.
www.fastbodyparts.com
Friday, November 27, 2009
aluminum-casting-technologies
by: Alexander Xiavier
Aluminum Casting Technologies and Cost effectiveness
Aluminum is the established metal of choice for the production of light weight components in the automotive, aerospace and transport industries. Casting liquid aluminum alloys into metal moulds using processes such as gravity, low pressure and high pressure die casting is a cost effective means of producing complex shapes that require minimal machining. Australia's automotive industry supports a strong local aluminum die casting industry, producing parts that include automotive transmission housings, cylinder heads, inlet manifolds and engine sumps.(Ref:www.reform.co.in)
Growth in world automotive markets for aluminium die cast components is creating significant opportunities and challenges for the Australian industry, which is positioning itself as a global player. Through partnerships between our research organisations and key automotive participants such as Nissan and Ford, CAST has developed innovative and novel technologies that have benefited our partner's productivity. In turn, these technologies have created IP that is poised on the verge of commercialisation. An example featured is CASTcoat a project that began as postgraduate research at CSIRO and The University of Queensland. It was developed further under CAST project funding at CSIRO with industrial trials at Nissan, Ford, Merne Products, Castalloy and others. Now it is a provisionally patented technology. (Ref:www.reform.co.in)
Cycle Time Reduction
Automated Fault Detection in Aluminium Die Casting
Modelling of Fluid Flow Inside a Die Cavity Using Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics
Tailoring of CAST’s New Die Coat for LPDC and GDC
Integrated Gravity Die Design Methodology
Improved Quality Aluminium Automotive Castings
Reduction in Metal Pressure in the HPDC Process
Cycle Time Reduction
To increase productivity of high pressure die casting by reducing casting machine cycle time by 30%.
More than a 20% reduction in cycle time has been achieved and implemented on selected parts at two industry partner plants. The project has involved identification of opportunities to reduce the process cycle time, performing research to prove the concept and then carrying out the actual trial to prove the theoretical findings. This necessitated the involvement of shopfloor staff in order to implement changes to the process. Such trials are often in conflict with the day to day production of parts and only through true cooperation has it been possible to achieve the project objectives.
The third year of this project has shown the development of true cooperation between researchers and industrial partners where the latest research findings obtained through modelling and simulation have been implemented on the shopfloor with the help and support of staff from Ford and Nissan. The changes, once trialed during a production period, have been implemented as part of the process, hence providing ongoing cost benefits through a reduction in the time required to produce each component.
An example of implementation is a reduction in cycle time at Nissan on a gearbox side cover produced in a twin cavity die that has shown successful production results over many months from an original cycle time of 75 seconds down to 60 seconds. Whilst research at Ford on a converter housing casting has shown successful implementation of cycle time reduction from 90 seconds to 74 seconds.
In future work we will look for further opportunities with current stakeholders and the die casting industry in general, to implement the horizontal deployment of cycle time reduction across other machines and parts.
Automated Fault Detection in Aluminium Die Casting
To develop and implement an automatic fault detection system for surface and sub-surface defects.
A fully automated fault detection machine called CASTvision has been developed and a prototype system is ready for extended in-plant on-line trials. This project is in its third year and exciting results are now emerging. The results from the algorithm, which was designed and developed during the second year of the project, have been put to the test this year. Through prototyping, the CAST team have designed and developed a working system, CASTvision. For Ford's converter housing casting the off-line system can detect and discriminate between defective and good parts. The prototype system is capable of identifying blocked holes on any of the holes on this complex casting. Off-line systems have also been developed where hot tears and cold shuts can be detected on Ford's structural sump casting.
Work at Nissan on their pump cover casting has resulted in a CASTvision prototype system for in-line fault detection. The system is able to capture images and identify certain categories of defects on the surface of the part. This project has demonstrated that advances in machine vision applied to fault detection of aluminium castings can be taken from the concept stage through to a working prototype very successfully. The next step for this project is to take the concepts from single part to multi part systems able to handle more complex shapes and surfaces. This outcome will be a strong candidate for future commercialisation.
Modelling of Fluid Flow Inside a Die Cavity Using Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics
To develop a simulation technique to assist industry in design and optimisation of dies and products.
This year has seen extensive developments in the Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) code along with testing undertaken to improve the robustness and speed of modelling. Enhancements were also made to the visualisation techniques used to display results from SPH's three dimensional (3D) simulation results. 3D SPH isothermal simulations and animations of parts from Nissan and Metaldyne showing complex filling patterns were completed. Observations by staff at Nissan Casting of the casting's filling pattern during production were consistent with the SPH modelling predictions.
Water analogue images from a clear perspex model of a servo piston die casting part and digitised short shots of an aluminium casting were completed for validation with flow predictions from SPH. The validation process and further computational speed improvements will be completed next year. Further developments of the SPH code particularly in the areas of heat transfer, solidification, surface oxide prediction, robustness and speed are planned in future work.
Tailoring of reform's New Die Coat for LPDC and GDC
To commercialise the die coat technology for low pressure and gravity die casting and further improve die coat properties.
Industrial trials were carried out successfully in several low pressure and gravity die casting plants. Its performance was enhanced in low draft angle areas of the die by application of a sealer. Two provisional patents covering inventions related to reform.com have been lodged.
Integrated Gravity Die Design Methodology
To develop an integrated die design methodology for gravity die casting that can achieve optimal die filling, optimal feeding and yield, and dimensional stability.
A new design of feeders to address the root cause of shrinkage porosity defects in an inlet manifold casting was implemented on a customer's die and resulted in excellent outcomes. A study was completed on the use of "squeeze pins" to reduce or eliminate shrinkage defects in a gravity test die. The squeeze pin technique demonstrated that surface shrinkage can be effectively eliminated and associated internal micro shrinkage can be significantly reduced in the locations tried. The squeeze pin concept was extended to include application as a mechanical squeeze/shear gate to reduce fettling requirement. The mechanism implemented on a test die allowed the shearing of the gate before full solidification, with adjustment to produce variable gate widths.
The final part of the methodology to be developed is optimal die filling through variable tilt pouring from a ladle. To ensure smooth flow, the variable tilting motion can be programmed to match the filling rate with changes in the instantaneous flow area. Flow evaluation is done by real time X-ray radiography on a test die. The effect of die geometry, especially wall thickness, on die distortion will be investigated using computer simulation that models thermal stresses in casting cycles.
Improved Quality Aluminium Automotive Castings
To improve the overall performance of low pressure die casting operations by implementing improved tools in design and process control to reduce casting defects.
Successful development of appropriate tooling design and process control has been achieved for the low pressure die casting (LPDC) process to cast small automotive components. A multi-cavity die design was selected and optimised by solidification simulation. Several dies of this design are being used to produce high-volume, high-integrity parts. Casting parameters were also investigated to improve the casting quality and reduce the cycle time. Die trials were conducted on an LPDC research die to investigate the effect of casting geometry and process parameters on shrinkage defects in castings having several fundamental features of cylinder heads. The die trial successfully produced castings with shrinkage defects in one particular area sandwiched in the sand core, as predicted. Analysis of castings made on the LPDC pseudo-cylinder head research die will be completed to establish relationships between porosity defects and process parameters.
Reduction in Metal Pressure in the HPDC Process
To investigate the role of metal pressure on the production of quality parts in high pressure die casting.
In the final six months of this project, effort was focused on innovative technologies. One such technology was designed to absorb impact pressure spikes that cause detrimental flashing and the other technology involved revamping the hydraulics of ageing die casting machines to improve product quality. A novel shock absorbing technology was developed that utilised existing casting overflows. Die casting trials at CSIRO confirmed the effectiveness of this technology in absorbing impact pressure shocks upon cavity filling. Through in-plant trials at Nissan Casting Plant the limits of hydraulic valve timing and circuit functioning were confirmed. A proposal for a revamp to improve intensification pressure response was put forward. The project concluded in December 2001. Ford Australia may adopt the reduced pressure operating parameters for the production of their new Barra model engine sumps later in 2002.
Alexander Xiavier
We are promoting Technology to entire world community.
Aluminum Casting Technologies and Cost effectiveness
Aluminum is the established metal of choice for the production of light weight components in the automotive, aerospace and transport industries. Casting liquid aluminum alloys into metal moulds using processes such as gravity, low pressure and high pressure die casting is a cost effective means of producing complex shapes that require minimal machining. Australia's automotive industry supports a strong local aluminum die casting industry, producing parts that include automotive transmission housings, cylinder heads, inlet manifolds and engine sumps.(Ref:www.reform.co.in)
Growth in world automotive markets for aluminium die cast components is creating significant opportunities and challenges for the Australian industry, which is positioning itself as a global player. Through partnerships between our research organisations and key automotive participants such as Nissan and Ford, CAST has developed innovative and novel technologies that have benefited our partner's productivity. In turn, these technologies have created IP that is poised on the verge of commercialisation. An example featured is CASTcoat a project that began as postgraduate research at CSIRO and The University of Queensland. It was developed further under CAST project funding at CSIRO with industrial trials at Nissan, Ford, Merne Products, Castalloy and others. Now it is a provisionally patented technology. (Ref:www.reform.co.in)
Cycle Time Reduction
Automated Fault Detection in Aluminium Die Casting
Modelling of Fluid Flow Inside a Die Cavity Using Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics
Tailoring of CAST’s New Die Coat for LPDC and GDC
Integrated Gravity Die Design Methodology
Improved Quality Aluminium Automotive Castings
Reduction in Metal Pressure in the HPDC Process
Cycle Time Reduction
To increase productivity of high pressure die casting by reducing casting machine cycle time by 30%.
More than a 20% reduction in cycle time has been achieved and implemented on selected parts at two industry partner plants. The project has involved identification of opportunities to reduce the process cycle time, performing research to prove the concept and then carrying out the actual trial to prove the theoretical findings. This necessitated the involvement of shopfloor staff in order to implement changes to the process. Such trials are often in conflict with the day to day production of parts and only through true cooperation has it been possible to achieve the project objectives.
The third year of this project has shown the development of true cooperation between researchers and industrial partners where the latest research findings obtained through modelling and simulation have been implemented on the shopfloor with the help and support of staff from Ford and Nissan. The changes, once trialed during a production period, have been implemented as part of the process, hence providing ongoing cost benefits through a reduction in the time required to produce each component.
An example of implementation is a reduction in cycle time at Nissan on a gearbox side cover produced in a twin cavity die that has shown successful production results over many months from an original cycle time of 75 seconds down to 60 seconds. Whilst research at Ford on a converter housing casting has shown successful implementation of cycle time reduction from 90 seconds to 74 seconds.
In future work we will look for further opportunities with current stakeholders and the die casting industry in general, to implement the horizontal deployment of cycle time reduction across other machines and parts.
Automated Fault Detection in Aluminium Die Casting
To develop and implement an automatic fault detection system for surface and sub-surface defects.
A fully automated fault detection machine called CASTvision has been developed and a prototype system is ready for extended in-plant on-line trials. This project is in its third year and exciting results are now emerging. The results from the algorithm, which was designed and developed during the second year of the project, have been put to the test this year. Through prototyping, the CAST team have designed and developed a working system, CASTvision. For Ford's converter housing casting the off-line system can detect and discriminate between defective and good parts. The prototype system is capable of identifying blocked holes on any of the holes on this complex casting. Off-line systems have also been developed where hot tears and cold shuts can be detected on Ford's structural sump casting.
Work at Nissan on their pump cover casting has resulted in a CASTvision prototype system for in-line fault detection. The system is able to capture images and identify certain categories of defects on the surface of the part. This project has demonstrated that advances in machine vision applied to fault detection of aluminium castings can be taken from the concept stage through to a working prototype very successfully. The next step for this project is to take the concepts from single part to multi part systems able to handle more complex shapes and surfaces. This outcome will be a strong candidate for future commercialisation.
Modelling of Fluid Flow Inside a Die Cavity Using Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics
To develop a simulation technique to assist industry in design and optimisation of dies and products.
This year has seen extensive developments in the Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) code along with testing undertaken to improve the robustness and speed of modelling. Enhancements were also made to the visualisation techniques used to display results from SPH's three dimensional (3D) simulation results. 3D SPH isothermal simulations and animations of parts from Nissan and Metaldyne showing complex filling patterns were completed. Observations by staff at Nissan Casting of the casting's filling pattern during production were consistent with the SPH modelling predictions.
Water analogue images from a clear perspex model of a servo piston die casting part and digitised short shots of an aluminium casting were completed for validation with flow predictions from SPH. The validation process and further computational speed improvements will be completed next year. Further developments of the SPH code particularly in the areas of heat transfer, solidification, surface oxide prediction, robustness and speed are planned in future work.
Tailoring of reform's New Die Coat for LPDC and GDC
To commercialise the die coat technology for low pressure and gravity die casting and further improve die coat properties.
Industrial trials were carried out successfully in several low pressure and gravity die casting plants. Its performance was enhanced in low draft angle areas of the die by application of a sealer. Two provisional patents covering inventions related to reform.com have been lodged.
Integrated Gravity Die Design Methodology
To develop an integrated die design methodology for gravity die casting that can achieve optimal die filling, optimal feeding and yield, and dimensional stability.
A new design of feeders to address the root cause of shrinkage porosity defects in an inlet manifold casting was implemented on a customer's die and resulted in excellent outcomes. A study was completed on the use of "squeeze pins" to reduce or eliminate shrinkage defects in a gravity test die. The squeeze pin technique demonstrated that surface shrinkage can be effectively eliminated and associated internal micro shrinkage can be significantly reduced in the locations tried. The squeeze pin concept was extended to include application as a mechanical squeeze/shear gate to reduce fettling requirement. The mechanism implemented on a test die allowed the shearing of the gate before full solidification, with adjustment to produce variable gate widths.
The final part of the methodology to be developed is optimal die filling through variable tilt pouring from a ladle. To ensure smooth flow, the variable tilting motion can be programmed to match the filling rate with changes in the instantaneous flow area. Flow evaluation is done by real time X-ray radiography on a test die. The effect of die geometry, especially wall thickness, on die distortion will be investigated using computer simulation that models thermal stresses in casting cycles.
Improved Quality Aluminium Automotive Castings
To improve the overall performance of low pressure die casting operations by implementing improved tools in design and process control to reduce casting defects.
Successful development of appropriate tooling design and process control has been achieved for the low pressure die casting (LPDC) process to cast small automotive components. A multi-cavity die design was selected and optimised by solidification simulation. Several dies of this design are being used to produce high-volume, high-integrity parts. Casting parameters were also investigated to improve the casting quality and reduce the cycle time. Die trials were conducted on an LPDC research die to investigate the effect of casting geometry and process parameters on shrinkage defects in castings having several fundamental features of cylinder heads. The die trial successfully produced castings with shrinkage defects in one particular area sandwiched in the sand core, as predicted. Analysis of castings made on the LPDC pseudo-cylinder head research die will be completed to establish relationships between porosity defects and process parameters.
Reduction in Metal Pressure in the HPDC Process
To investigate the role of metal pressure on the production of quality parts in high pressure die casting.
In the final six months of this project, effort was focused on innovative technologies. One such technology was designed to absorb impact pressure spikes that cause detrimental flashing and the other technology involved revamping the hydraulics of ageing die casting machines to improve product quality. A novel shock absorbing technology was developed that utilised existing casting overflows. Die casting trials at CSIRO confirmed the effectiveness of this technology in absorbing impact pressure shocks upon cavity filling. Through in-plant trials at Nissan Casting Plant the limits of hydraulic valve timing and circuit functioning were confirmed. A proposal for a revamp to improve intensification pressure response was put forward. The project concluded in December 2001. Ford Australia may adopt the reduced pressure operating parameters for the production of their new Barra model engine sumps later in 2002.
Alexander Xiavier
We are promoting Technology to entire world community.
Aftermarket-auto-lights-to-match-ultimate-driving-machine-s-high-standards
by: Joe Wayne
Aftermarket auto parts abound in the market nowadays, making it easier for anyone to upgrade, repair, customize or refurbish his vehicle. Various kinds of replacement car, truck and other auto parts and accessories can be easily bought and they are offered in very affordable deals not only for auto mechanics and retail store owners but most especially to individual do-it-yourself users who want to save in their repair needs. Even stock automotive parts of major European makes that used to be so hard to replace are now conveniently offered in thousands of auto parts stores online.
BMW Parts [http://www.carpartswholesale.com/cpw/bmw-car-parts.html] are among the most finely made car parts in the industry—parts that make a BMW the “Ultimate Driving Machine.” That tagline isn’t pure hype that’s meant only to attract people; it’s a statement based on BMW’s almost century-old tradition of excellence in manufacturing aircraft engines, railway brakes and automobiles. It is only apt to replace stock BMW parts with equally high quality replacement or aftermarket BMW parts that could match this vehicle’s performance. Exterior parts such as the auto lights, the wheels, the hood and other body parts require precision to be able to live up to BMW’s perfect balance of form and function.
Now the good news is Auto Parts Discount [http://www.carpartswholesale.com] is offering the most sophisticated aftermarket automotive lights for BMW cars and thousands of other BMW auto parts. Featured in the store are BMW parts such as auto headlights, taillights, fog lights, corner lights and clear altezza tail lights [http://www.carpartswholesale.com/cpw/altezza_tail_lights.html] made by top car parts manufacturers and are guaranteed superior quality. They are perfect ways to improve not only your car’s safety but as well as its style. All BMW headlamps, taillights, and fog lights from this store are superbly designed to match every spec of your BMW, whether it’s a BMW 3 series, BMW 4 series or BMW M roadster.
Why get aftermarket auto lights for your BMW? Aftermarket auto parts do not mean inferior. Some non-OEM auto lights may not meet high quality standards of your vehicle manufacturer but this is not true to all, especially when you are getting replacement parts from trusted BMW dealers like Auto Parts Wholesale. Here you are assured to get the most dependable products for your BMW ranging from BMW auto lights to wheel cover, radiator support, A/C condenser, tarter and a whole lot more.
Lights such as the headlamps, fog lights and tail lights are very essential in your vehicle so they must be durable and reliable enough to give you the long quality service. When driving through unfamiliar and dark places, driving without auto lights is like committing suicide, so make sure you are equipped with premium quality lights that could not only light up your way and make your car visible as you move down the road but could give you peace of mind no matter how bad the weather or the circumstances are.
Joe Wayne is an automotive editor from Los Angeles, California. He also owns an auto shop and that he is a certified off-roader.
http://www.carpartswholesale.com
Aftermarket auto parts abound in the market nowadays, making it easier for anyone to upgrade, repair, customize or refurbish his vehicle. Various kinds of replacement car, truck and other auto parts and accessories can be easily bought and they are offered in very affordable deals not only for auto mechanics and retail store owners but most especially to individual do-it-yourself users who want to save in their repair needs. Even stock automotive parts of major European makes that used to be so hard to replace are now conveniently offered in thousands of auto parts stores online.
BMW Parts [http://www.carpartswholesale.com/cpw/bmw-car-parts.html] are among the most finely made car parts in the industry—parts that make a BMW the “Ultimate Driving Machine.” That tagline isn’t pure hype that’s meant only to attract people; it’s a statement based on BMW’s almost century-old tradition of excellence in manufacturing aircraft engines, railway brakes and automobiles. It is only apt to replace stock BMW parts with equally high quality replacement or aftermarket BMW parts that could match this vehicle’s performance. Exterior parts such as the auto lights, the wheels, the hood and other body parts require precision to be able to live up to BMW’s perfect balance of form and function.
Now the good news is Auto Parts Discount [http://www.carpartswholesale.com] is offering the most sophisticated aftermarket automotive lights for BMW cars and thousands of other BMW auto parts. Featured in the store are BMW parts such as auto headlights, taillights, fog lights, corner lights and clear altezza tail lights [http://www.carpartswholesale.com/cpw/altezza_tail_lights.html] made by top car parts manufacturers and are guaranteed superior quality. They are perfect ways to improve not only your car’s safety but as well as its style. All BMW headlamps, taillights, and fog lights from this store are superbly designed to match every spec of your BMW, whether it’s a BMW 3 series, BMW 4 series or BMW M roadster.
Why get aftermarket auto lights for your BMW? Aftermarket auto parts do not mean inferior. Some non-OEM auto lights may not meet high quality standards of your vehicle manufacturer but this is not true to all, especially when you are getting replacement parts from trusted BMW dealers like Auto Parts Wholesale. Here you are assured to get the most dependable products for your BMW ranging from BMW auto lights to wheel cover, radiator support, A/C condenser, tarter and a whole lot more.
Lights such as the headlamps, fog lights and tail lights are very essential in your vehicle so they must be durable and reliable enough to give you the long quality service. When driving through unfamiliar and dark places, driving without auto lights is like committing suicide, so make sure you are equipped with premium quality lights that could not only light up your way and make your car visible as you move down the road but could give you peace of mind no matter how bad the weather or the circumstances are.
Joe Wayne is an automotive editor from Los Angeles, California. He also owns an auto shop and that he is a certified off-roader.
http://www.carpartswholesale.com
20 Tips To Cheaper Car Insurance
by: Kev Higgnis
Car insurance premiums rise year after year,Although your car insurance premium largely depends on your Car, Age and discount there are a few steps you can take to help stop the rise or even reduce your premium.
1. Buy from the internet. Most companies offer a discount for online applications as this is automated process and costs them a lot less to process your application, you can usually see discounts of 5%-10%.Click here to get a instant online insurance quote
2. Shop around.All insurance companies use different formulas to calculate your insurance premium by adding or detracting money after each question the ask you.By shopping around you could find big savings on your insurance premium.
3. Buy extra products.Most insurance companies also do other insurance products ie"Building's and content's insurance".Most insurance companies will give extra discounts for purchasing more than one product,by doing this you could save a fair amount on all your insurance premiums.
4. Pay your insurance premium in one go.By paying your insurance premium in full you can avoid paying costly interest charges that would be added if you paid your insurance premium by instalments.Some insurance companies may charge as much as 15% APR on instalments.You may even receive a discount for paying in full.If you can not afford to pay in full check out what rate a small loan would be you may still save some money.Fill out a online loan application.
5. Increase your voluntary excess.Your excess is the amount paid by you in the event of a claim,by increasing this your insurance company should reduce your premium.
6. Lower your annual mileage.Lowering your annual mileage can reduce your premium,most insurance companies will quote you for around 12,000 miles a year.Try and work out how many mile's you will do if it's likely to be less you may get a discount.Be honest about this as your insurance company may ask to see old MOT'S and service history to verify your mileage in the event of a accident.
7. Have a Alarm,Immobiliser or Tracker fitted.Theft of and from your vehicle play a major role in the calculation of your insurance premium.Having a alarm or immobiliser fitted will give you a small discount to your premium and having a tracker fitted could make you quite a saving.
8. Take the advanced driving test.Passing your advanced driving test will show your insurance company that you have extra skill when driving and are less likely to be involved in a accident.
9. Don't inflate the value of your car.Adding extra value to your car when you apply for your insurance quote will do nothing for you apart from increase you premium.In the event your car is stolen or written off you will only be paid the market value of your car at the time of your accident.
10.Look after your credit rating.Insurance companies are now looking at your credit score as part of the calculation for your insurance premium.Maintaining a good credit rating could avoid unnecessary additions to your premium.
11. Insure your car Third Party Only.Third party only is the minimum cover you are required to have by law it's also the cheapest.If your vehicle is of a low value then you could consider this type of cover.You need to remember that with this type of cover if you was to have a accident that any damage to your vehicle would not be covered for repair.
12. Keep a clean licenceInsurance companies take driving convictions very seriously and can dramatically increase your car insurance premium,by maintaining a clean licence proves to the insurance you are a safe and careful driver.
13. Remove any unnecessary drivers.If you have a young driver on your insurance policy that no longer use's the vehicle you should remove them as this will reduce your premium.
14. Young driver's add a older driver.Some insurance companies will reduce young drivers premiums if they have a older named driver on the insurance.
15. Build up your no-claims discountOne of the biggest factors affecting your car insurance premium is the number of years no-claim's discount.You could receive up to 75% discount for around 5 years of no claims.The more years you can stay claim free the safer driver your insurance company will see you as.
16. Protect your no-claims discount.Although this will increase your insurance premium if you have a lot of years of no-claims you may want to protect this as a small claim may increase your premium by up to 75%.
17. Buy a lower insurance group car.A very important factor to your insurance premium is what car you drive.Most insurance companies adopt the Association Of British Insurance Group Rating.This rates vehicle's from 1 - 20 generally speaking the higher the group the higher the premium.By buying a car with a lower group rating can lower your premium especially for young or inexperienced drivers.
18. Join a car club.If your vehicle is a classic or specialist consider joining a club related to your car most clubs offer insurance schemes which have very good premium rates.
19. Put your spouse as a named driver.Some insurance companies offer discounts when you add a spouse as a named driver as opposed to unmarried couples,they see marriage as a sign of stability and associate stability with safe driving and there for give you a discount.
20. Take pass plus.If you are a new driver consider taking your pass plus.some insurance companies could give you as much as a 25% discount and when you have just passed your test and have no no-claims this could make a considerable saving.
Kev Higgnis
Article by www.thevirtualgarage.co.uk The free autotrader uk alternative
Car insurance premiums rise year after year,Although your car insurance premium largely depends on your Car, Age and discount there are a few steps you can take to help stop the rise or even reduce your premium.
1. Buy from the internet. Most companies offer a discount for online applications as this is automated process and costs them a lot less to process your application, you can usually see discounts of 5%-10%.Click here to get a instant online insurance quote
2. Shop around.All insurance companies use different formulas to calculate your insurance premium by adding or detracting money after each question the ask you.By shopping around you could find big savings on your insurance premium.
3. Buy extra products.Most insurance companies also do other insurance products ie"Building's and content's insurance".Most insurance companies will give extra discounts for purchasing more than one product,by doing this you could save a fair amount on all your insurance premiums.
4. Pay your insurance premium in one go.By paying your insurance premium in full you can avoid paying costly interest charges that would be added if you paid your insurance premium by instalments.Some insurance companies may charge as much as 15% APR on instalments.You may even receive a discount for paying in full.If you can not afford to pay in full check out what rate a small loan would be you may still save some money.Fill out a online loan application.
5. Increase your voluntary excess.Your excess is the amount paid by you in the event of a claim,by increasing this your insurance company should reduce your premium.
6. Lower your annual mileage.Lowering your annual mileage can reduce your premium,most insurance companies will quote you for around 12,000 miles a year.Try and work out how many mile's you will do if it's likely to be less you may get a discount.Be honest about this as your insurance company may ask to see old MOT'S and service history to verify your mileage in the event of a accident.
7. Have a Alarm,Immobiliser or Tracker fitted.Theft of and from your vehicle play a major role in the calculation of your insurance premium.Having a alarm or immobiliser fitted will give you a small discount to your premium and having a tracker fitted could make you quite a saving.
8. Take the advanced driving test.Passing your advanced driving test will show your insurance company that you have extra skill when driving and are less likely to be involved in a accident.
9. Don't inflate the value of your car.Adding extra value to your car when you apply for your insurance quote will do nothing for you apart from increase you premium.In the event your car is stolen or written off you will only be paid the market value of your car at the time of your accident.
10.Look after your credit rating.Insurance companies are now looking at your credit score as part of the calculation for your insurance premium.Maintaining a good credit rating could avoid unnecessary additions to your premium.
11. Insure your car Third Party Only.Third party only is the minimum cover you are required to have by law it's also the cheapest.If your vehicle is of a low value then you could consider this type of cover.You need to remember that with this type of cover if you was to have a accident that any damage to your vehicle would not be covered for repair.
12. Keep a clean licenceInsurance companies take driving convictions very seriously and can dramatically increase your car insurance premium,by maintaining a clean licence proves to the insurance you are a safe and careful driver.
13. Remove any unnecessary drivers.If you have a young driver on your insurance policy that no longer use's the vehicle you should remove them as this will reduce your premium.
14. Young driver's add a older driver.Some insurance companies will reduce young drivers premiums if they have a older named driver on the insurance.
15. Build up your no-claims discountOne of the biggest factors affecting your car insurance premium is the number of years no-claim's discount.You could receive up to 75% discount for around 5 years of no claims.The more years you can stay claim free the safer driver your insurance company will see you as.
16. Protect your no-claims discount.Although this will increase your insurance premium if you have a lot of years of no-claims you may want to protect this as a small claim may increase your premium by up to 75%.
17. Buy a lower insurance group car.A very important factor to your insurance premium is what car you drive.Most insurance companies adopt the Association Of British Insurance Group Rating.This rates vehicle's from 1 - 20 generally speaking the higher the group the higher the premium.By buying a car with a lower group rating can lower your premium especially for young or inexperienced drivers.
18. Join a car club.If your vehicle is a classic or specialist consider joining a club related to your car most clubs offer insurance schemes which have very good premium rates.
19. Put your spouse as a named driver.Some insurance companies offer discounts when you add a spouse as a named driver as opposed to unmarried couples,they see marriage as a sign of stability and associate stability with safe driving and there for give you a discount.
20. Take pass plus.If you are a new driver consider taking your pass plus.some insurance companies could give you as much as a 25% discount and when you have just passed your test and have no no-claims this could make a considerable saving.
Kev Higgnis
Article by www.thevirtualgarage.co.uk The free autotrader uk alternative
10 Tips for Using Less Gas and Saving More Money
by: Danek Kaus
The hurricane that has devastated so many lives has created a huge spike in gasoline prices around the country, even in areas that are not directly affected by the crisis.
With this in mind, here are some ways that you can reduce your gas consumption, and thereby spend less money at the pump. At the same time, you’ll also be helping the environment by putting fewer emissions into the air.
1. Avoid idling as much as possible. Modern engines do not need to be warmed up. In fact, they warm up better by driving them slowly, under a light load. Instead of using the drive-up window at the local fast food joint, consider going inside instead. If you do use the pick-up window, turn off the engine while you are in line. It takes less gas to restart a warmed-up engine than it does to idle for 30 seconds or more.
2. Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Don’t stomp on the gas peddle when the light turns green. Try to anticipate traffic flow and drive accordingly, keeping safety in mind at all times.
3. Lighten the load. If you have a bunch of stuff in your car that you don’t need with you, store it somewhere else. The more your car weighs, the more gas the engine must burn.
4. Combine trips. Try to run all your errands at one time. Planning ahead for what you need to buy and do can save a lot of trips and miles.
5. Check tire pressure. Improperly inflated tires create drag and reduce fuel efficiency by as much as 2%. Properly inflated are safer and they last longer.
6. Use the right gas. Check your owner’s manual for the right grade of gas for your car. It is a waste of money to use a higher grade then recommended.
7. Close the gas cap properly. Make sure the seal is tight. If you buy a replacement cap, make sure it is the right one for your make and model.
8. Change the air filter regularly. A clogged filter reduces mileage.
9. Change the spark plugs. Make sure to install new ones at the appropriate intervals to improve mileage.
10. Drive a fuel-efficient vehicle. If you have more than one vehicle, drive the one with the best mileage rating whenever possible.
I would like to close by asking everyone who reads this article to please give whatever you can to relief agencies such as The Red Cross and The Salvation Army, or one of many other worthy organizations that are working hard to bring aid and comfort to the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
Although it hurts to pay more at the pump, it can’t compare with the agony that so many in the Gulf Coast are enduring.
Thank you.
Copyright Danek Kaus
Danek S. Kaus is a freelance journalist who has published hundreds of articles on business, personal development and consumer issues. He is the co-author of the new book, “Power Persuasion: Using Hypnotic Influence to Win in Life, Love and Business.” For information, visit power-persuasion.com/book.
Want more gas saving tips and other ideas on how to win in life? Read The Winner's Edge at winnersedge.blogspot.com
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