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Keeping Your New Car Shining

One of the best things about owning a new car is its smooth, shiny “showroom” look. Maintaining that look-by washing and waxing your car regularly and touching up any scratches-can keep it looking new longer.

Fortunately, the latest cars are finished with a high-tech process that makes it easier for car owners to maintain that new-car look. Many cars on the market today have a powder coated finish that helps protect them from chips and scratches, as well as damage caused by UV rays, harsh weather, salt spray and acid rain.

A clearcoat can protect the car’s high-gloss finish, which keeps your car looking new longer.

Several of America’s car manufacturers have discovered that this technique offers many advantages over liquid paint. The environmentally friendly finishing process eliminates the need for costly waste-disposal equipment and oversprayed powder particles can be recovered and reused.

Some of the manufacturers using this process include GM, Chrysler, BMW, Volvo, Lincoln, Chevrolet, Mercedes-Benz and Dodge. Every bit of exposed metal in DaimlerChrysler’s European Smart Car has been powder coated.

It’s not just the outside of the cars that benefits from powder coating. As well as having an exterior clearcoat, many new cars also have powder coated decorative wheels, hubcaps and trim. It’s even used on truck beds, door handles and engine parts.

It isn’t only car manufacturers that have discovered the process. It’s found on thousands of home and garden products, as well as sporting goods, recreational vehicles and office furniture and equipment.

It has become a universally preferred method of finishing for all the same reasons it has been so enthusiastically adopted by car manufacturers.

Jaguar XK: Powerfully Elegant

Got 74,385? No. Not to buy a new set of XJS Jaguar parts. 74,385 would be so you surely can own one of the latest 2007 Jaguar XK series coupe models. It now comes equipped with a 4.2 liter V8 engine that could produce 300 units of horsepower, and it has also been built with an accompanying chassis made out of aluminum. For city driving, you can get 18 miles per gallon out of it and some 26 mpg for cruising down highways. Just by the name that it holds, the Jaguar XK is a superb vehicle and surely exudes class and power. Is it not something you would want to own?

What is new about this new 2007 Jaguar XK is that it is very fast, even much faster than the models before it. And to add to that note, its speed is a product of its getting lighter. In fact, according to the Jaguar brand, it is now five per cent lighter. The previous models were already topnotch vehicles and with changes like this, it not would be very surprising to find that this vehicle has maintained its reign as the best selling sports car for all time for the Jaguar brand.

This sports car has a huge amount of standard equipment made available for all interested parties. You can count in the usual like traction control, stability control and antilock brakes. You can also find whiplash reducing front seats included in the list. For added safety, Jaguar has added in a tire pressure monitoring system as a standard feature. Oh, and do not forget fun features like the DVD navigation system, plus a keyless start. Jaguar also boasts that the Jaguar XK has an adaptive suspension system, power adjustable front seats that are also heated and has a memory function, and parking sensors are also included.

Jaguar S-Type: A Blend of Performance and Prestige

Jaguar Cars is actually a British based subsidiary of the American Ford Motor Company that is quite famous for its production and manufacturing of luxury saloon and sports cars. It has both performance and luxury and occupies the markets for both. Its competition is quite diverse and includes the BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Cadillac, Lexus, Infiniti, and the Lincoln which is another subsidiary of the Ford.

The Jaguar has certainly come through a lot and has acquired quite a name for itself with many important and popular people using it themselves. The British Prime Minister Tony Blaire is driven around in a bottle-green Jaguar XJ8. In the British television series Minder, the character Arthur Daley is seen to be driving a Jaguar XJ6. Inspector Morse in the British television series of the same name used a Jaguar Mark 2 to drive about his travails. Harold, of Harold and Maude, had a Jaguar E-Type hearse. The film 52 Pick-Up had featured a silver Jaguar E-type, and Austin Powers also drove the same type of vehicle, and calling it a Shaguar. The 1968 movie Danger: Diabolik, Diabolik drove a black Jaguar E-type and his love interest, Eva, had used a white one. The Heist which is a made-for cable 1989 film had featured two dark green Jauar XJS couples. In the music scene, Sting drove a Jaguar for his music video for the song Desert Rose, and due to this, the song had been used in past Jaguar commercials.

At present, the Jaguar line up includes the X-type which is a mid-size saloon; the S-type which is a luxury saloon; the XJ6, XJ8, and the XJR, which are full-size saloons; and the XK8 and XKR, which are sports cars and convertibles.

One of the newest Jaguars introduced to the market is the 2006 Jaguar S-type. It is a four-door luxury sports sedan that is capable of having five passengers. This car was styled by the late Geoff Lawson. In 2004, this had undergone a minor facelift that refined the cars overall appearance, and also received an aluminum hood. Advantages of this vehicle, as compared to other vehicles in its class, includes Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), air conditioning, alarm, automatic transmission, CD player, child safety locks, child seat tethers, an above average highway mileage, leather seats, power windows and locks, side airbags, side impact door beams, a sunroof, and traction control.

For the most trusted and reliable source of superb quality engine parts, electrical engine parts and other Jaguar parts, like Jaguar Stype parts, there is no other car parts online supplier than Jaguar Parts and Jaguar Auto Parts.

This model has been first introduced in 1999 as a 2000 model. It bore the name of the first S-Type that was introduced in 1964. In 2008, it is expected to be updated yet again.

Is Your Car Leaking?

Your car is able to perform well because of the many components that it has. Of course, it needs not only the metal parts for it to run smoothly. It also does need fluids for it to work well. An example of an essential car fluid is your fuel. If there is no fuel, your car would not even run or go a certain small distance.

The very thing about car fluids is that they do not get used up, with the exception, of course, of fuel. Fuel is the only car fluid that is used up. As per the other fluids which comprise of oil, coolant, windshield washer fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, gear oil, and automatic transmission fluid, all of these remain in their containers. Now, according to automobile experts, if you do notice that there is a low level or amount of the various fluids in your car, it may be an indication of a leak.

Oftentimes, leaks are easily detected and there is no need for you to rush to a car service shop or garage just to see if there is indeed a leak going on. Anyhow, you should first open the hood of your car and inspect the engine and the engine compartment. You should also go underneath your car and see if there are areas that are wet or if there are some places dripping. While doing this, you should use a flashlight to help you out.

To help you out know which fluids are leaking, you could use the following information: Coolant looks green and sticky. If it is the windshield wiper fluid that is leaking, you would find this to be bluish and kind of watery. Your cars engine oil would seem to be honey-colored or dark-colored and it is greasy. As per the automatic transmission fluid or the power steering fluid, it would be slippery and reddish. The brake fluid would look clear or even yellowish at times.

Innovative Design For Those Who Are Driven: The 2006 BMW

Innovative Design For Those Who Are Driven: The 2006 BMW 3 Series

BMW will tell you it isnt so, but the new 3 Series is the start of a softening of Chris Bangles most angular design language. The car you see is not an evolution of an existing car but a ground up model, an energetic attempt to re-invent the most popular BMW model with unarguably good looks that match its top class driving dynamics.

The first thing you notice is that the car has dropped the current teardrop headlamps and done away with the aircraft carrier trunk lid. Next to go are the cut lines and the aggressive mix of concave and convex panels. Its still recognizably a BMW though. The big news underneath is the new multitude independent suspension (borrowed from the 5 series) is designed to combine unrivalled ride comfort, with taut handling. On top of that you can expect Dynamic Drive (thats adjustable anti-roll bars), Active Steering, and a four wheel drive system as options. The fifth generation BMW 3 Series superstar shines brighter than the predecessor with a torque loving, direct injection, and environmentally conscious engine. (Dont rule out a hybrid just yet by 2009 BMWs partnership with DaimlerChrysler and GM will have born a fruit, enabling the Germans to catch up with Lexus.) Additionally, the new 3 Series features increased passenger room and enhanced safety features.

Step inside the cabin of the 2006 BMW 3 Series, youll find the interior has an instinctive feel to it; every switch and readout is ergonomically placed for a reason, where you will look for it. The surrounding materials are made from high quality wood, leather and plastics enhancing the appeal of this sports machine. The seats offer ample support to the lower back and thigh while enhancing the bodys disposition for spirited driving. And the intuitively placed center display rewards the enthusiast spirit by enabling the driver to easily read every dial and be in touch with the engine.

Turn the key and put the car in gear, youll find the car engineered to move. The smooth delivery of speed is exhilarating. The engine pulls like a conditioned sprinter all the way up to its 6800 redline. The real joy is experiencing the sound of the engine. The loud, visceral scream is clean and mechanical, distinct from any muffler or aftermarket accessory. Additionally, the optional Active Steering reduces steering inputs at high speed and increases inputs at low speeds, enhancing the overall tactile responsiveness of the car. The 2006 BMW 3 Series features the first magnesium block engine to reduce engine weight. The new inline six-cylinder produces 215 horsepower in the 325; and 255 horsepower in the 330i. Linear velocity is smooth due to BMWs revolutionary Valvetronic system that helps the engine breathe more efficiently even at low RPMs. To experience more fully, simply find an open road and press the accelerator.

In terms of handling and cornering, the 2006 BMW 3 Series also features a perfect 50:50 front to rear weight distribution, making it extremely responsive in turns and at the limits. The rear wheels provide the thrust while the front steers the vehicle with exceptional feedback. The new suspension with double-joint aluminum control arms in front and a five-link fully independent system in the rear is borrowed from the larger 5 Series. Additionally, the new 3 Series also features BMWs most sophisticated Dynamic Stability Control with more sensors to monitor and enhance the ride.

For those of you who prefer the stick shift, the 2006 BMW 3 Series transmission and gears have also been refined; a six speed manual, an optional six speed automatic, or the six speed electro-hydraulic Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) are three very promising choices. The SMG is a manual with no clutch pedal, a welcome relief for the enthusiast drivers who prefers sporty shifting but dislikes using the clutch in toe-to toe traffic.

Additionally, the 2006 3 Series builds on BMWs lineage on passive and active safety by adding advanced, intelligent safety systems. The passive safety begins with BMWs rigid safety cage that surrounds the occupant with deformable energy absorbing tubes. In case of an extreme crash, impact energy is absorbed and routed around the passenger cabin. Sensors throughout the car measure crash severity and deploy airbags as needed. Six airbags are on hand to shield occupants from harm, two in front and the rest as part of the side curtain that protects from the A-pillar in front to the C-pillar at rear. All BMW 3s are also equipped with Dynamic Brake Control which is designed to help you stop more quickly during emergency braking. Brake sensors determine how forcefully you step on the brake pedal and apply maximum braking power to stop the car if needed.

As BMWs most successful model, the 3 Series was first introduced in 1977, and now accounts for 40 percent of all sales worldwide. Gradually, the car has formed a loyal following. To meet enthusiast drivers individualistic needs, the 2006 3 Series is available in nine iterations: 325i sedan, 325xi sedan, 325Ci coupe, 325Ci convertible, 325xi sports wagon, 330i sedan, 330xi sedan, 330Ci coupe and the 330Ci convertible, with MSRP ranging from 30,900 to 44,900. Although not available as a Hybrid yet, the 2006 BMW 3 Series averages 20 mpg city, 30 mpg highway to successfully reinvent a top automotive performer.

Hyundai Equus: Are Your Ready For a Korean V8?

One generation after the introduction of its first line of cars in the US, Hyundai Motors is preparing to import to the US its first V8 powered car. The Equus, a full sized sedan, will be new to the US market, but the Korean automaker has been making large cars for years. Please read on for more information about this exciting development.

Give Hyundai credit. In the teeth of strong competition from Asian and American automobile manufacturers, the South Korean auto giant has managed to carve out a niche for itself in the hyper-competitive US auto market. Twenty years after the Excel Pony was introduced at the budget price of 3750, Hyundai has upgraded its line up and now sells small and medium models, sporty cars, and a pair of SUVs.

For 2006, Hyundai has released an all new Accent and its first larger car, the Azera. Powered by an aluminum 3.8L V6 engine, the Azera compares favorably in size and in amenities with the Toyota Avalon, the top of the line car for the Japanese automaker. However, Hyundai isnt finished just yet.

Waiting in the wings is a full sized rear wheel drive car, the Equus. With the same standard engine as the Azera, the Equus also comes with a V8 and will be positioned to compete directly with the Buick Lucerne, perhaps even Cadillacs DTS. The current model, introduced in 1999, is undergoing a major revision and will be replaced in 2006. Hyundai hopes to bring this model to the US by 2008, although the Equus name might be changed. Hyundai is also looking at the possibility of creating a separate line of luxury cars and making the Equus its first entrant.

We dont know too much about the Equus as Hyundai is keeping mum about what they have planned. Regardless, introducing a full sized luxury car into the US market is smart and knowing how Hyundai prices their products the car will be a relative bargain for consumers and more competition for Lexus, Acura, Infiniti, Mercedes, BMW, Lincoln, Buick, and Cadillac.

Hubcaps Need Replacing, Too

Did you know that your cars hubcaps also need to be replaced?

They may seem to be just decorative disks but they also do get worn out. Scratches could also be inevitable after your car trudges through various kind of roads and gets splattered with many types of elements.

You may find your hubcap looking very dirty and not like the decorative accessory you bought. So you may now decide to buy a new set of hubcaps from stores that also offer spare parts for Mazda MX6 that would show off the beauty of your car. But your dilemma now would be how to take out the old ones and put in the new set. It is not important for you to go rushing to a mechanic or automobile expert just to have this task done.

The first thing you need to do would be to check the wheels of your car. Find out how the current hubcaps of your car are attached to the center of the wheel. You see, there are some hubcaps that can come off by just a simple push on it. However, there are also some which need you to loosen up some screws that attach it to the wheel.

When you have discovered just how your hubcap is attached to the wheels of your car, your next step would be to actually remove the hubcap. But make sure that when you remove the hubcap off each wheel, you do not damage the wheel. When you have successfully removed the hubcap off one wheel without damaging the wheel of your car, do the same to all the remaining hubcaps that are still attached.

With the old hubcaps off, you can now put in place the new hubcaps that you have bought. You can use a rubber mallet to strike the edge of the hubcaps to make sure that they are placed just right. If you need to screw anything to keep the hubcaps in place, do that. Now, you have a car that sports a new set of hubcaps.

Honda Sneak Peek: The Fit?

Credit Honda with not giving up easily in what will certainly become a big fight: the sub 15,000 price range category of new automobiles. Currently, only a stripped down Civic competes in this area and I mean stripped: no ac, basic tranny, no radio! With Toyota’s Scion brand catching on Honda is looking to fight back. A tiny car now on sale in Japan may soon find its way to a dealership in your neighborhood helping to turn the tide for the revered automaker.

So, why the big push in this “cheap” category? Chiefly because automakers know that if young and first time buyers have a very good experience with their entry level cars then more than likely they will stay with the brand as their lives change, i.e., get married, start a family, make more money, etc. This practice has been in place for years, although not as widely emphasized by all manufacturers and to their detriment.

Honda’s long time low price leader has always been the Civic. Introduced to the North American market in 1971, the Civic was the original Honda for the western hemisphere and has been a value leader in its class for some time. However, like the Toyota Corolla, the Civic has been gradually creeping up market becoming better equipped and more expensive. At least Toyota slipped in a new entry level car a few years back, the Echo, but Honda has been without one. In addition, Toyota launched an all new brand, Scion, in 2003 to capture a bigger chunk of the youth market. So far, Scion has been a runaway success story.