Over the next few years, people who are thinking about purchasing a new vehicle may be in for a surprise. Many auto dealerships are outfitting new and used cars with devices which can deactivate the engine remotely. The reason: to make repossessions easier.

As more people lose their jobs, they're forced to prioritize their bills. Some bills have to wait while others are put on top of the stack. Dealers and lenders want to ensure that their customers make their payments on time. The shut-down units that are installed into automobiles provide the motivation.

In this article, I'll explain how these devices work and describe a few of the issues involved with their use. We'll also take a closer look at how they can benefit customers, dealers, and lenders.

Safety And Other Issues

The shut-off component is installed onto a vehicle's powertrain. Through telematics, a dealership or lender can remotely turn the engine off if the driver has failed to send in his or her payments. Currently, dealers are triggering the device only after a payment is several days late. Before the engine is deactivated, an indicator light will normally display on the vehicle's dashboard. Some companies will allow the deadline to pass in order to give the motorist time to send a payment.

Drivers are understandably concerned that the shut-down device can be dangerous, especially if their engine is turned off while they're driving at high speeds. Most dealers will only trigger the unit once the engine has been manually turned off or while the car is at idling speed.

Protecting Customers, Dealerships, And Lenders

The component was initially introduced for subprime borrowers. Car dealerships and lenders consider such borrowers (those with 'B' credit ratings) to present more risk. In the past, they offset the increased risk by applying a higher interest rate to auto loans. The shut-off units offer an alternative.

By installing them on a car's powertrain, dealers and lenders assume less risk. First, motorists are motivated to make their payments on time in order to avoid having their driving privileges interrupted. Second, the car can be retrieved more easily if payments are not forthcoming. As a result, subprime borrowers can enjoy a lower interest rate when buying a vehicle.

Full Disclosure

It's important to note that the shut-down devices are not hidden from prospective buyers. In effect, they know the vehicles have been equipped with them. Dealerships will usually disclose the unit's presence on forms that require the buyer's signature.

Even though the components were originally meant for the subprime car buyer market, it is likely that more dealers will outfit their vehicles with them over the next few years. In fact, a growing number of credit unions and banks are requesting the device's installation before providing an auto loan. When the time comes to purchase a new car, the component may not be an option.

Author: Eric Driver

About the author:
For all your used car parts and used engines visit http://www.everdrive.com

Article source: Free Automotive Articles.

If you own a car that smokes a lot, it could need some major work done on it. This car or truck might be referred to as a smoke bomb or a good bug killer by all who come in contact with it. If you are sitting in a traffic jam and you happen to be near a vehicle that is putting out a lot of smoke, this can sometimes make you sick to your stomach. Sometimes the oil smell will be like the vehicle is right next to you, but it could be half a mile away from you, especially if the wind is blowing in the right direction.

Smoking vehicles often need some work done on their engine or valves. The exhaust might need to be completely overhauled. You will need to have this done as soon as you can because the longer you let it go, the worse it will get. If it gets bad enough, you could get a ticket from a policemen for allowing your vehicle to emit too much pollution in the air. Vehicle that emit too much exhaust are one of the biggest pollution problems on our planet.

When a vehicle has an oil leak, it can also cause it to emit smoke. The worse the oil leak gets, the more oil you will have to buy. A vehicle with an oil leak not only causes pollution, but it will probably only be a matter of time until your engine goes all together if it is not repaired. Oil leaks under your hood are also capable of starting a fire under the hood of your vehicle.

If you are driving a vehicle and it catches fire under the hood for whatever reason, try to move it to the side of the road as quickly as you can and get out of the car. Do not try to raise the hood. With the hood down the fire might smother out, but then again it could also explode. The danger of opening the hood is when the air hits the fire, it can cause the blaze to become higher and more intense quickly. move off to the side of the road. Stand well away from the vehicle and call the fire department if you have a cell phone. If not flag down a passing vehicle and ask them to.

Keeping your vehicles checked out and tuned up on a regular basis will help you avoid some of these issues. Watch for signs of smoke when you start the vehicle or when you are driving. If you notice a strong smell or oil getting hot, have it checked for leaks. Preventing your vehicle from being a smoke bomb will make those driving near you happy and can make it a lot safer for you as well.

Author: Aydan Corkern

About the author:
Visit Aydan Corkern's
water damage illinois and
flooded carpet drying sites for fast help.

Article source: Free Automotive Articles.

When driving in rain or high winds, the faster you go the more your car or truck could start to hydroplane. This means that your vehicle will actually come off of the road, leaving you with no control over your car. If this happens, you could end up in a ditch, a creek, or even a river. You might even end up in a home or on another car. The faster you are moving, the worse the damage to you and your vehicle will be. Since you are flying low, as they say, and have no control of your car, you will not know what could happen until it does. This happens when the roads you are on are wet with standing water.

When there are high winds, you definitely need to avoid driving too fast. High winds can get under any car going at any speed, lifting it up and off the road. These high winds can throw your car from a bridge or overpass and send it in flight until this high wind leaves, sending you and your car to the road below. If there are high wind warnings put out over your area, it might be a good idea to wait out the storm if you can. If you happen to be in your car, try to go to the first safest place to stop and sit it out.

As both of these situations can cause you trouble, the best thing you can do is this. Do not go out of your home until you have to and let this storm pass. If you are already out in the storm, try to find the nearest place to go and get inside until it passes. If you come upon some standing water on the road that could be considered a flooded roadway, do not go through it. Try to turn around and go a different way. If the water is just sitting there and it is daylight so that you can see what is ahead, then go very slowly across the water. If the water is moving, stop and turn around and find somewhere to go until conditions improve.

As most of the high water accidents happen from someone not thinking about anything but maybe getting home, we keep hearing about all of these people that get washed away from these sites that have this moving high water. If you really have second thoughts about a puddle of standing water, then never risk trying to cross or continue down the road. It could be a decision that could end your life more quickly than you ever imagined.

Author: Aydan Corkern

About the author:
Visit Aydan Corkern's
water damage illinois and
flooded carpet drying sites for fast help.

Article source: Free Automotive Articles.

It's been more than 40 years since Congress made seat belts mandatory in vehicles, improving automotive safety and helping reduce fatalities in vehicle accidents. Perhaps the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has kicked off another significant safety milestone -- making electronic stability control equipment mandatory in all vehicles, estimating that the universal adoption of this technology by 2011 will save 10,000 lives per year.

Safety equipment has assisted in protecting vehicle occupants for many years, and over the past decade, the emphasis has shifted from passive to active safety systems, including accident avoidance technology. Stability control is among a slew of new auto-safety advancements designed to help prevent accidents. This exciting technology builds on the increasing electronic sophistication of all vehicles.

From cell phones to children to mocha lattes, drivers' attention is sometimes diverted from the road, where their eyes need to be focused. Technology that assists in accident avoidance combines a number of highly sophisticated systems that provide more than warnings. For example: brake, throttle and steering control help keep a vehicle in the right lane, pointed in the right direction and under control.

Some refer to these high-tech safety systems as 'co-drivers' or 'assistants,' but the technology never takes control out of the driver's hands. Depending on the system and manufacturer, the driver is usually given sequential sight and sound warnings before computerized controls engage.

Here are a few of the exciting new accident avoidance technologies that are grabbing headlines.

Smart Cruise Control

Smart Cruise Control systems rely on vision and/or radar technology to maintain a set following distance or time gap from vehicles ahead. This enhances safety and reduces fatigue during long trips in heavy traffic. Each manufacturer provides different parameters for its system; some can operate between 90 mph and a full stop, while others work within a more narrow range of speeds. Some systems adjust speed on distance from the vehicle ahead; others' cruise control systems allow the driver to set a time gap between the equipped car and vehicle ahead. On this system, the same sensors that continually scan the area ahead of the car 20 times a second can also detect a fixed obstacle and imminent collisions. The system not only warns the driver, but it charges the brakes to prepare for a sudden stop.

Collision Mitigation

Collision mitigation takes smart cruise control to another level. It uses forward-looking radar to predict a crash event and autonomously reacts to imminent crash situations. For instance, the system could signal the braking system to charge the brakes for better stopping. These systems are rapidly evolving, and like most sophisticated technologies, they can vary by manufacturer.

Some systems combine two radars: one with a narrow angle aimed at distant objects and a second with a wide angle to measure lateral distance at closer range. The combination gives the car a near 3-D sense of objects around it. Other systems combine long-range radar that focuses on objects, such as other cars, with a short-range beam tuned for people or animals. Some use a multi-mode system that does both. There is also a system under development known as V2V (Vehicle to Vehicle) that would locate other cars on the road using Wi-Fi and GPS technology and provide proper warning if it detects a potentially hazardous driving situation.

Stability Control

Electronic stability control (ESC) has been around for a while; it's an outgrowth of antilock braking and traction control, introduced in the 1980s. At its most basic, ESC combines the control of braking and throttle to prevent drivers from spinning out on curves or rolling over in sudden maneuvers. The results of studies suggest that passenger cars with electronic stability control are engaged in 35% fewer single-vehicle crashes than the same models without ESC.

Blind Spot and Lane-Departure Warning

Several new high-tech systems have been designed to protect against side-impact collisions. These systems can warn drivers of other vehicles in their side blind spot by illuminating a warning icon in the side mirror when their sensors detect a passing car. An audible warning may also be given.

A related safety feature is lane-departure warning. If a driver drifts out of his or her lane, a warning is sounded or light goes on. In general, these systems use cameras that capture an image of the surrounding highway and dotted roadway lines on both sides of the car and combine the information from speed sensors to calculate motion and course. They provide an alarm and could intervene with steering to help a driver stay in his intended lane. In some of today's systems, warnings are not given when the turn signal is used to indicate a turn; and a manual override can be used to turn lane departure warning off completely.

While these exciting safety technologies represent a huge leap, the fact is the most effective safety technology will always be the safe driving habits of the person behind the wheel. These computer-aided systems rely on visual cues taken from radar or cameras and certainly are a help to drivers, but nothing will replace a driver's ability to make quick decisions and maintain control -- always the best deterrent to avoiding an accident.

Author: Mike Trudel, Freelance Writer

About the author:
Mike Trudel, Freelance Writer. Delphi is a leading innovator of automobile safety equipment and technology. To learn about Delphi's safety advancements, visit www.Delphi.com/4safe.

Article source: Free Automotive Articles.

Parent Company: General Motors
Founded: 1911
Headquarters: Detroit, Michigan
Products: Cars, Trucks, SUV, CUV

History

Chevrolet was founded in 1911 by Louis Chevrolet, a Swiss-French race-car driver, and William C. Durant, an American and former founder of General Motors who had been forced out of the company in 1910. Durant and Chevrolet were previously acquainted as Durant had hired Chevrolet to drive Buicks in promotional races prior to his founding of GM.

The 'bowtie' logo used by Chevrolet was first used in 1913. Originally thought to have been inspired by the wallpaper Durant once saw in a French hotel, recent research shows that the design may be based on a logo for 'Coalettes'. In 1915 Durant was setting up production for Chevrolet vehicles in Toronto, Canada during which they agreed Chevrolets with with McLaughlin-designed bodies would be built. Within three years both companies had been purchased by General Motors and became General Motors of Canada Ltd.

By 1916 Chevrolet had become profitable enough for Durant to purchase the majority share in GM and have himself setup as president of the company by 1917.

In 1957 Chevy produced the first fuel injected engine, and by 1963 one out of every ten cars sold in the United States was a Chevrolet.

Since the acquisition of Chevrolet by GM, it has remained the flagship brand for the company, producing numerous vehicles ranging from subcompact to commercial trucks. Its number one seller in the United States is the Silverado truck, one of 18 vehicles offered under the brand.

Chevrolet Around the World

Chevrolet is sold on every continent except Antarctica. Included is: Australia, Latin America (Chile, Brazil, Ecuador, Mexico, Venezuela, Colombia, Argentina), Europe, Asia, Middle East, Thailand, South Africa, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Japan, South Korea, Pakistan, and Russia.

Chevrolet sells vehicles in many of these countries under the name Chevrolet. However, some other names used in countries include GM Daewoo, Opel, and GM Holden. In addition to rebranding in other countries, there are numerous makes offered outside the US, including the Commodore (Asia), Optra (Pakistan), Joy (Pakistan), Corsa (Argentina). Here is a complete list of all Chevrolet vehicles, both current and past, inside the US and abroad.

Future of Chevrolet

Chevrolet (and GM as a whole), are currently undergoing a product restructuring in North America, partly due to the economic times, and also as the demand for more viable, eco-friendly vehicles grows. As well as redesigning and rereleasing previous vehicles (such as the Chevrolet Camaro featured in the 2007 film Transformers), Chevrolet will also be releasing numerous new vehicles in the coming years. They include:

- 2010 Chevrolet Beat (previously the Spark) - a compact, 3-door hatchback.
- 2010 Chevrolet Orlando - a five-door, seven seat wagon.
- 2011 Chevrolet Cruze - a 4-door sedan set to replace the Chevrolet Cobalt.
- 2011 Chevrolet Volt - a 4-door sedan with a much touted plug-in hybrid engine.

Watches

In addition to cars, in 2007 Chevrolet launched its first watch collection under the Louis Chevrolet brand, a nod to the founder of Chevrolet who's father was a watchmaker and used to watch him at his workbench. Featuring various models, the watches take their design notes from Chevy vehicles and are manufactured in Courgenay, Switzerland.

Author: Scott Conklin

About the author:
Scott Conklin is the president of Conklin Cars, a leading provider of Kansas Chevy, Kansas City Buick, and Cadillac of Kansas vehicles. They can be found online at: ConklinCars.com .

Article source: Free Automotive Articles.

For those of you whom feel that your interior doesn't require additional refinement, I applaud you. Congratulations on having the resolve to stand tight with factory complacency. For the rest of us who are always on the search for extra luxury wherever we can find it, wood dash kits offer a glorious escape from the boring and monotonous 'style-free zone' that most dash consoles come off the line with (or without, rather).

Wood dash kits are more than an automotive accessory; they are a 'second chance' at elegance that only few other options provide. They are also surprisingly affordable, given their far-reaching capability. So if you've ever thought that your vehicle needed an upgrade in identity, a suggestive and enduring dash kit may very well be the answer.

More Than Enough Options to Go Around

Thinly layered wood veneers coated with polyurethane make up the bulk of the industry's finest. These pieces are actually extracted wood, hence the term 'real wood veneers.' These real wood veneers are treated and measured to provide a logical level of flexibility. They are then designed, cut, and fit to exact specifications of a certain model's dash configuration. Other options include synthetic veneers, which are very similar in style and presentation. Some synthetic choices can be limited, depending on manufacturer and vendor. However, a reputable company should offer a wide selection of both real and synthetic, respectively.

For any given model, there are practically dozens of veneers and colors that are available. Most of these selections are referred to as burls (very similar to the type of term referring to wood products such as furniture and etc.). There are veneers that give off a subtle, tasty appeal (Honey Burl, Real Walnut Burl, and Real Rosewood), while many others offer a more striking brand of elegant zest (Real Japanese Cherry Wood, Real Platinum Burl, and Titanium Burl). Some veneers are more popular than others, but almost all of them get some play. Drivers seem to gravitate most towards Real Japanese Cherry Wood. Real Japanese Cherry Wood implemented on certain dashes adds a shockingly attractive dimension. It is a rich, deep grained red that can blend or contrast with most models, and to say that it engages a luxurious look is a severe understatement. I would strongly suggest checking it out the next chance you get.

Wood dash kits don't always have to hint at the decor of a fine English country club. They can also suggest a sporty appeal along with the added hint of sophistication. This is where real carbon fiber dash kits come in. Real carbon fiber dash kits pay homage to the contemporary climate, featuring an increased accent for those who enjoy a futuristic foreground to compete with their interior spread. Real carbon fiber dash kits are a favorite for the more edgy, high-speed type of drivers normally, but they are beginning to see action in every kind of vehicle. You can find the real carbon fiber look on a variety of dash kits, including Real Blue & Black, Real Light Blue, and Real Silver Wire, but there are many more where those came from.

Solid colors are available as well, and like most dash kit styles, come in a vast selection. You have the requisite red, blue, orange, and yellow - these solids are the preferred choice for drivers who own a racing-inspired car and wish to match a color scheme. But there is also Brushed Aluminum and Real Chrome; with both delivering a sizzling refined image once fitted to the contours of most any dash area. It is their versatility why solid color dash kits are so engaging. Along with real wood veneers (which are considered the class of the field), solids enact their own brand of custom enthusiasm for drivers of diverse automotive tastes.

Finding the Fit

Wood dash kits are not universal. They are crafted to adhere exactly to a certain car or truck's dash measurements. In turn, dash kits do not come in just one way. Flat dash kits for a long time were the main choice that most drivers got their hands on, and are still an option for a host of vehicles. Flat dash kits (2D) come in pieces that fit over sections of the dash. This is an important note, as many vehicles' dashes are arranged in right-angled sections in numerous spots. Therefore, one encompassing piece would not logically fit over an entire area. Molded (3D) wood dash kits are a modern pleasure. They still come in pieces - just not nearly as many. Molded dash kits are constructed to fit onto dashes that offer a plethora of curves, contours, and edges. This is crucial.

Because of the advent of 3D molded dash kits, more vehicles are eligible than ever before. Those sleek, curvy dashboards that were once immune to the delicate class that a prime wood dash kit could initiate now have all of the ability their less-than-esteemed brethren have enjoyed for so long. While flat dash kits are still an excellent route for a substantial amount of models, molded kits can certainly be viewed as a wave of the future.

Searching for Your Defining Wood Dash Kit

If you've ever taken a stroll down the soda aisle in the supermarket, you have seen Coke®, Pepsi®, and everything else. There are even the generic brands of cola displayed on the shelves here and there. Now, if you're after a results-oriented beverage that won't rot in your fridge in two days, you'll probably lunge for that bottle of Coke® or Pepsi®. But if you just want something to quench your thirst at half the price and give yourself a stomach ache on top of it, then generic might be your game. It is the same thing with wood dash kits. Quality lasts and imitations don't. There are always customers telling stories how they ordered some fly-by-night dash kit that didn't stick-on right, the edges peeled off, and bubbled up when heat from the vents got to it. This is an example of a victimized consumer being had, and also shoddy quality, which believe it or not, you can find in droves.

I would suggest sticking with Sherwood and B&I when it comes to your dash kit selections. Both companies go through a ton of trouble in producing top-quality dash kits with all of the fits and finishes under the sun. Both companies also have terrific reputations when it comes to precise fitments, eliminating the worry of ordering a kit that 'kind of' fits, but not all the way. If there is one ideal that Sherwood and B&I share, it is that proper fitment is the way they work. With both Sherwood and B&I respectively, you will likely hear nothing but praise from anyone who has purchased one of their wood dash kits, which is more than I can say for several others. You can certainly trust any product with either of their names on it.

The fun part is scanning around for your dash kit's veneer or color. As we covered earlier, there are dozens and dozens of choices. If you drive a branded 'luxury' sedan or SUV, a real wood veneer might be your goal if you are looking to keep up that authentic, extravagant interior image. You may look to check the grain patterns, depth, and gloss. Or if you are more sporting and aggressive, real carbon fiber might be your choice. You definitely have a world of possibilities out there. Be sure to look around and check out as many designs as you can, and then confirm their availability for your vehicle. The odds favor your model being a match for most, if not all. The more reputable dealers also offer samples of veneers and finishes for you to see and hold in person. This may aid you greatly when it is time to decide which one is going to bring all of that class out of your interior!

Installation

Virtually all wood dash kits come backed with automotive-grade 3M tape and a sheet of instructions, or schematic. The instructions display a diagram of your dashboard and surrounding areas with all of the exact specifications. Each piece is normally numbered to coincide with that number on the diagram. After that, it is a simple 'peel-&-stick' operation. Even still, here are the basic installation steps you may want to follow once you receive your wood dash kit:

1) Before affixing pieces (molded or flat), clean the dash. Isopropyl alcohol is highly recommended, as all dirt, must, dust, and oils MUST be removed from the area for the pieces to adhere properly.

2) Be sure to have all dash kit pieces in order along with instructions (diagram).

3) Coat the dash area that will receive kit pieces with adhesion promoter. Do this carefully and deliberately so that it does not 'run' onto surrounding areas.

4) In the event that it is cool outside (below 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit), you may use a blow-dryer to warm pieces. This will enable them to conform easier to your dash.

5) Peel back tape and stick pieces into place. For larger pieces, unpeel bottom-first when sticking. This will allow you to adjust as needed. When satisfied, simply peel away the remaining tape and adhere the rest of the piece.

6) Once content with positioning, press pieces into place firmly. 'Thumb' them down for a tight, concise fitment.

Your Interior Has a Say In Its Looks, Doesn't It?

Wood dash kits play an important role as an aftermarket tool. Most models, regardless of make, year, or trim level do not come with a refined dash surface. It is mostly that plasticky, rubbery facsimile that does little to inspire greatness in your interior. What wood dash kits do is transform a place that was empty and in the background into something that is vibrant and in the foreground. It is that simple. The luxurious and elegantly styled veneers can work magic, even if your model is considered old or 'out of date.' And if your car is right out of the assembly plant, a shimmering dash kit can enhance what is already fresh and exciting. There is, after all, a reason why they exist! And there is an even bigger reason why there is such a broad market for them. Wood dash kits can single-handedly initiate a graceful presence within your ride that you never thought possible. Their accessibility and affordability are what has elevated them to the top of the auto accessory food-chain, and chances are that your vehicle's interior is naked with one!

Author: Timothy J. Hands

About the author:
Timothy J. Hands is a Writer for WoodView.Com, the growing car accessory store on the net. To add a missing touch of affordable luxury to your interior, visit them today and check out their great selection of Dash Kits that ooze class in every direction. Wood Dash Kits are always on sale and available for ALL vehicles!

Article source: Free Automotive Articles.