GM And UAW Makes Temporary Deal

What would you do if your employer wants you to do something and in return you will receive nothing? Probably walk out on your boss, right?

That’s exactly what the United Auto Workers felt about General Motors - at least according to UAW President Ron Gettelfinger. Mr. Gettelfinger said that the Detroit automaker is turning their talks into a “one way street”. He also said that they are under the impression that General Motors knows that they might strike but apparently did nothing to prevent it - a clear indication that the automaker does not care if the union strikes against them.

But I don’t think the automaker is that harsh. If they known that the union might strike, they would have stepped in and offered something to appease the union. If workers strike, which they have done already, production will grind to a halt and that is never good for any company. Now that General Motors is showing signs of life after dropping sales figures for the last months, I’m sure the automaker will not put their momentum in jeopardy like that. But the strike has already happened and now it’s over.

The automaker and the union recently settled on a temporary deal. Ron Gettelfinger announced that the strike is already over and workers will go back to their jobs. It is a good thing for the company and the union. Now, I think that General Motors knows that the union is serious about its demands. The UAW is asking for job security for workers on General Motors’ assembly facilities with no future production planned. These factories are in danger of being closed down and that would mean thousands more will lose their jobs.

The strike and the talks between the automaker and the union must be really grueling as General Motors CEO Rick Wagoner had this to say: “There’s no question this was one of the most complex and difficult bargaining sessions in the history of the GM/UAW relationship. I’d like to thank UAW President Ron Gettelfinger, UAW Vice President Cal Rapson and their bargaining team for their leadership and hard work in negotiating the agreement.”

The CEO added: “This agreement helps us close the fundamental competitive gaps that exist in our business. The projected competitive improvements in this agreement will allow us to maintain a strong manufacturing presence in the United States along with significant future investments.” I just hope that both parties will now sit down and talk about this and to hopefully come up with a good solution so that both parties will not be left empty handed.

Installing An Exhaust System In Your Car…

The exhaust system is one of the most important components in a vehicle and everyone knows that! A faulty or damaged exhaust should be replaced or fixed immediately. I know it will cost you a little more than loaf of bread that’s why here are ways you can use to save money when it comes to installing parts such as the exhaust system!

Installing this auto part can be very complicated. But with the right guidance and some tips, this exhausting work can just be a little piece of cake for you! I’ve done this task before when my exhaust broke down and there were no chances of having it repaired. With just a little cash in my pocket, I can only afford to buy a new exhaust but I can’t pay the labor fee if I’m going to need some help from a mechanic. So I decided to take the job and just do it by myself! Thanks to WikiHow.com, they provided me the right details on how to install exhaust system in a car! Here are the steps you need to follow courtesy of WikiHow.com:

1. Raise the car up. If you don’t have a lift, raise up the back end so you can go under it. Whatever you do, don’t forget to put chaulks underneath the front wheels so the car doesn’t roll onto you. Remember that safety comes first!
2. Unscrew the stock exhaust system beginning from the back of the car and work your way onward. Usually, the bolts are rusted and are hard to dismount except if you have an impact gun. Use some WD-40 to penetrate the bolts.
3. Get rid of all parts of the exhaust you’re going to replace. Remove them from the hangers and set all of your parts aside. You should now have all the piping detached and lots of rust all over you.
4. Cut the old ones off with some kind of cutting tool if you have new hangers.
5. Place the new hangers onto the exhaust pieces first depending on the type of hangers your car has. This is usually an easier way to put the exhaust parts back on.
6. Starting from the front of the car, hang the exhaust part up then bolt it onto the pipe before it. Do not tighten all the way until you have all pieces on.
7. If you don’t have new gaskets to put between the pipe segments, either buy some new ones or you can use the old ones if they’re the right diameter.
8. After all pipes are attached, start tightening each segment to the first. Use a good amount of torque on each bolt to make sure its tight.
9. When you get to the back, take a few steps back and make any alignment adjustments so the tailpipes are even with the bumper and would look good.
10. Double check and tighten all the bolts.

Conventional Cars Can Go Greener

We are so much aware that every car maker is hinting to making hybrid cars because of present stricter standards with regards to emission rates. Even car buyers are now looking into more ways of becoming greener. You don’t actually have to buy expensive hybrid cars to pursue your love to be a little environment-friendly. You only need to learn several things in order to save gas during a drive.

Mondial UK, roadside assistance experts, says that motorists can move to greener driving even without buying fuel-efficient cars. They only have to change the way they drive.

“Motorists should heed the findings of the report. The reality that car and lorry CO2 emissions still outweigh those from air travel, is alarming. The choice of vehicle is one step towards greener motoring, but after that, it’s how people drive that really matters,” Simon Cook, the Director of Automotive at Mondial UK and is also a part of the Allianz Group. He also added, “Sticking to the speed limit is good for the environment, as well as the wallet as it increases fuel economy. An extra 100lb of weight on board reduces fuel economy by 2%, so people should remove roof racks and unnecessary baggage.”

According to the news released by eaiser.com in their motoring news, traveling at 80 mph is better than 70 mph because the former emits lower amounts of CO2. Another information similar to it is the use of air conditioning which takes 10% of the gas and produces more CO2 emissions. Smooth driving also saves gas.

Aside from all these tips, Mondial also unveiled these following simple tips for a greener drive.

• Never go beyond the speed limit.
• Turn of your engine if you are not driving.
• Remove the roof rack (when not in use) and de-clutter your boot, etc.
• Drive on the highest gear and change it when necessary.
• Make sure that your tires are inflated well. Under inflated or over inflated tires and use more gas.
• Avoid over-revving and jack rabbit starts.
• Avoid charging your mobile batteries on your car.
• Close the window while driving to avoid dragging.

Cook also commented on a statement saying, “The report should be seen as a positive message for motorists, as it shows them how small changes to their driving habits can make a big difference to the planet.”

Hyundai’s Green i-Blue

Autoblog.com has been very informative about the Frankfurt Auto Show even before the show opened its doors for the public. One among the heaps of cars parking at the show is the car concept coming from Hyundai. Who is not familiar with the i-Blue?

With more than a thousand news about it on the net, who will not be aware of it? Autoblog.com promises to steal photos of the vehicle on the real Frankfurt Auto Show and after the doors opened, the reputable car information center took more pictures of the Hyundai i-Blue.

The i-Blue is just like any other car model on the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show that wears greener features. According to the South Korean based auto maker, the presence of the i-Blue represents the future of Hyundai cars focusing on the environmental concerns. Witha  100 kW motor that is powered by its fuel cell, the new concept will definitely live up that environment-friendly reputation. The green i-Blue will be manufactured in Chiba, Japan at Hyundai’s Design and Technical Center. The new car concept also shares a name with the future D-segment crossovers handling a 2+2 seating arrangement.

The car definitely shows the future of the Hyundai Motor Corporation. Installed with features like a dramatic fascia, expansive front fenders, heavily sculpted sides as well as a rear spoiler that receives a sharp point and also holds the reversing camera, the new car is definitely the car of the future. In its interior, you will also find a huge space for head and leg rooms. You would also discover that the vehicle has the latest concept feature and technologies that only Data could wrap his head around.

If you wish to see the pictures of the i-Blue car concept, you can log on to the official website of AutoBlog and see it for yourself. The photo pasted above this entry also shows the futuristic appeal of the new Hyundai i-Blue concept.

Adding a Personal Touch to your Vehicle

Adding car accessories is the easiest way of personalizing your vehicle. Coming in varied colors, styles, and designs, accessories give car owners and enthusiasts numerous ways of enhancing the looks of a vehicle. Without them, a vehicle would look boring and incomplete.

Internal car accessories include dash covers, car seat covers, mirrors, shifter knobs, aftermarket steering wheels, steering wheel covers, fuel consumption meters, window tint film, stereo system, mobile video or DVD players, floor mats, and air fresheners. Car seat covers, which can be bought in different materials and designs, consist of leather seat covers, sheepskin seat covers, custom car seat covers and infant car seat covers.

On the other hand, exterior accessories include styling body kits, spoilers, sports mirrors, head and tail light covers, car hood shields, car bras, window visors, car covers, a sunroof, wiper blades, hood scoops, window graphics, and wheel caps.

Trucks and sports utility vehicles use additional accessories such as customized truck covers, novelty hitch covers, pickup truck bed covers, and tonneau covers.

Auto accessories are not just decorative items for your vehicle. They also perform other functions, which range from ensuring safety and improving car performance to passenger comfort. Accessories also help protect auto parts from damage. Take for example the seat covers, which protect the vehicle seat from wear and heat of the sun. A steering wheel cover, aside from protecting the steering wheel, improves the grip of the driver on the steering wheel. To increase a vehicle’s capacity to carry luggage, roof boxes or roof racks can be mounted on top of the car. Floor mats, which are an integral part of the car, keep the floor safe and provide comfort to the feet.

There are no hard and fast rules in accessorizing vehicles. Even without the help of a professional, you the car owner can put add-ons to the car depending on your taste. You just have to remember that just as auto parts require regular maintenance, your car accessories as well need to be checked for damage once in a while.

Extending your Car’s Life Span

Is it worth holding on to an old reliable car than buying a new one?

Absolutely. Today’s cars are in fact designed to last long. Trading in cars for a new model every three to five years has become a thing of the past. Keeping a car for 225,000 miles for more than 15 years instead of spending for an identical model every five years can save you even more than the original price of the car.

Consumer Reports recommends the following pointers for maintaining your car in good working condition over a long period of time.

• Buy smart. Consult Consumer Reports’s April Autos issue for comprehensive reliability ratings. The car you choose should be equipped with safety features that have performed well on government and insurance industry safety tests.
• Get regular service. Don’t hold back on maintenance. You may think you’re saving money by delaying that oil change, but think again. Skipping even one routine oil change can result in engine wear, so stick to the schedule.
• Be a car detective. Get in the habit of regularly popping the hood and checking for unusual sounds, sights or smells that may tip you off to problems. Look out for things like bulging hoses or cracked belts. If you’re mechanically inclined, you may even be able to fix minor problems yourself with the help of the vehicle service manual. The Internet also offers a broad array of do-it-yourself tips that can help you with car repairs.
• Don’t cheap out on auto parts. If you try to cut costs by buying used or off-brand parts, you may end up paying the price in the long run. You may inadvertently cause damage to the car by using parts or fluids that don’t meet the specifications of the manufacturer. The lesson: Be extra careful if you buy off-brand. And remember, when purchasing auto parts, quality and price must be weighed equally.
• Keep it clean. You’ll be less tempted to trade up to a new model before it’s time if you treat your current car with care. Remember: regular washing and waxing can help preserve paint and stave off rust, which can add years on a car.

In a nutshell, these tips tell us that nothing beats regular car maintenance in prolonging the life of your car. It is a simple but sure way to get the most out of your car, especially if you intend to keep your car for its sentimental value. Doesn’t it also bring pride to you being an owner of a well-maintained car that has withstood a long time?

What’s in? What’s out?: Latest Trends in Car Modification

Many trends come and go. Just like in the fashion world, the automotive industry has produced auto parts and accessories that are a fad in a certain period of time, but eventually go out of style when years pass. Among the auto parts that were once popular include neon under body kits, 13-inch wire wheels pushed out, neon washer nozzles, headlight and taillight covers, air shocks, and huge rear spoilers. Many of the past trends are still popular today, but with quite a different touch of style.

Examples of auto parts that have come and gone through the years are the smoked headlight and taillight covers, which were very popular between the mid and late 1990s. Come new millennium, sales of these items gradually dropped. Nonetheless, a lot of people still find the look of blacked out headlights appealing.

 

Smoked headlight covers always come and go.

Despite that, the newest trend is the tinted version of the aftermarket headlights, marker lights, and taillights. Kits that use a type of film to achieve this look are being sold by some companies. The problem with these kits, however, is that they usually leave gaps around the edges of the headlights or taillights.

A fad that is making a comeback in the realm of car accessories is chrome trim products. Before, chrome trim was found on almost every conceivable edge on the car including the door edges, gas cap, trunk lid, and rain guards. Today, many auto parts are custom made for particular vehicles and are designed to appear as though they are made from the factory. These car accessories include chrome door handle covers, mirror covers, pillar post trim, rocker panel molding, headlight, taillight trim, and even chrome rain guards and bug shields. Most of these items are easy to install, installing over the top of the factory parts using double-sided adhesive. These car accessories can greatly enhance the looks of a base model vehicle when used moderately.

Custom grilles, which had their beginnings in the truck accessories market, have been popular among many car enthusiasts. However, these accessories were often difficult to find for cars, and many vehicles that featured these products had items that were custom made by custom auto shops or by their owners. At present, a broad array of grilles is available for cars, trucks, and SUVs (sports utility vehicles). These include billet grilles, chrome mesh grilles, honeycomb style speed grilles, chrome factory style grille shells, chrome custom aftermarket grille shells, aluminum mesh, and many different styles of grille overlays including flames, “punch-out”, and many other different designs. The most recent and trendiest style is the chrome mesh, which are more expensive but more impressive than the billet style grille.

Upgrading the grille on the vehicle has been very appealing to car owners and many auto parts companies have recognized that fact. Now, there is a custom grille option for just about any vehicle model and make.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Auto Parts

Planning to purchase replacement auto parts? Before rushing to an auto parts store, there are a few points you have to consider. These include the pros and cons of various auto parts.

Today, car owners are fortunate that auto parts are accessible. Whereas before, auto parts were limited in number. When a vehicle broke down due to one or several damaged auto parts, the remedy was to find an alternative part or replace the vehicle with a new one. Nowadays, the cost of repairs and replacement auto parts are small compared to the increasing prices of new vehicles.

Generally, the term auto parts refers to the components of a vehicle sold by either the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of a particular vehicle, or a different engineering firm that manufactures mechanical parts for various makes and models of autos.

Auto parts, particularly genuine OEM parts, are fairly expensive. Aside from that, there are other costs such as transport expenditures while the vehicle is undergoing repair. The cost of time and inconvenience if the repair work is to be done by the car owner also has to be considered.

Having mechanics to fit the auto parts to your vehicle saves you the time and energy of having to do it on your own. Also, the advantage of it is that you are assured that the work is performed by a professional. On the other hand, the drawback is the extra money that you have to shell out for the expensive cost of the auto parts. Car owners can save a lot of money by buying auto parts at many discount outlets and auto accessories warehouses available.

Tailgaters Alert

One among the most frustrating things to experience in your car’s life is being tailgated. This is not only disappointing but it can also be a great cause of road rage which can take the matter to an even dangerous level. Now how are you going to avoid tailgaters? Simple. Place your car into safe mode during parking or during on the road.

Reality check. Know your driving habits. If you drive more than 5 miles per hour, try to drive under the speed limit, of course, unless there is a need for you to drive fast. Never drive along the left road for so long. This can be a cause of an accident. This is reserved for passing so it is dangerous for you to drive on these areas for a long time. Move out the lane if you are not passing anyone; go on driving with the fast moving traffic. At this point, you will avoid getting tailgated or you will also avoid tailgating others.

Be always safe on the road. For you to avoid tailgaters, keep a safe distance with other cars. The recommended safe distance on the road is two seconds at a highway speed. So if you’re being tailgated, leave four seconds between you and the car in front of you. Calculate this by counting “one thousand, two one thousand…” and so on, starting when the car in front of you passes something. Ehow.com has the complete tips on this matter on their official website.

If you get the same distance when you reach 4, you follow close and you are tailgated. Stop quickly, and then at four seconds, you can get away from the car that tailgates you.

Slow down on the road to make sure they pass you. If they are following your direction, move closely to the side of the road. This can easily get them away from you. This is the best time to swallow your pride and let them get ahead of you.

Federal Program Promotes Increased Seat Belt Use

 

Buckle up and you’ll be saved. You’ll even be rewarded for that.

Last week, U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary Peters announced that 17 states, including the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and four territories will receive more than $109 million under a federal program that encourages and enforces seat belt use.

Secretary Peters emphasized the importance of a strong seat belt law in saving lives. “Every time you get into a vehicle you should buckle up. It’s that simple,” she said.

In 2005, Congress had an incentive grants program to implement laws that require the use of seat belts in passenger vehicles. All but one of the 17 states receiving the incentives had enacted and are implementing a primary belt law before December 31, 2002. Indiana amended its primary belt law this year to incorporate all vehicles and is receiving over $15 million. In May of this year, Kentucky received over $11 million for its recently passed primary belt law.

Under the federal program, states may use their grant funds for any road safety measures. All the America’s 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the four territories are eligible to receive grants under this program. The Department of Transportation provides these grants to the states under the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users in 2005, (SAFETEA-LU) Section 406, Safety Belt Performance Grants.

Under a primary belt law, a law enforcement officer can order a vehicle to stop, as well as issue a citation when the officer observes an unbelted driver or front seat passenger.

As a motorist who plies the road everyday, I find this a sort of welcome news. Road accidents can occur any time, and the simple act of fastening your seat belt can reduce the impact of fatal vehicular crashes. While many drivers tend to ignore the seat belt, I always make it a point to buckle up as soon as I get into my car. Car accidents are the leading cause of death and injury for people under the age of 35. Knowing the importance of seat belts, I encourage my friend-drivers to do the same. People have so many reasons for not buckling up—from the inconvenience of wearing the belts to thinking that driving at only a short distance exempts them from accidents. No reason justifies the non-usage of seat belts. Also, make sure that you wear your seatbelt properly. Both straps should be fitted firmly but comfortably to your hipbones and shoulder bones. And always remember, you are doing this not only to comply with the law, but also for your own safety.