Monthly Archives: October 2009

Author : Andrew Stratton

Today, worldwide almost one in five new vehicles sold is a commercial vehicle and Dodge has done an excellent job of providing buyers with plenty of options Their commercial vehicles are now among the best selling in the world, and a great deal of that success has been due to their Sprinter model

- Dodge Is an Industry Leader in Commercial Vehicle Sales

During the first half of 2008, the company experienced a 123 percent increase from the first six months of 2007 in commercial sales with 20,177 units sold That allowed Dodge’s share of the total retail market for Class 3-5 vehicles to grow to 21 percent, with sales of its Sprinter also jumping up 21 percent last year This boost in sales has made them the fourth largest manufacturer of commercial vehicles worldwide

“While continuing to conquer new territory and set new commercial standards, the commercial car market remains a white-space opportunity for the Dodge brand,” said Mike Accavitti, Director – Dodge Brand Marketing in an interview “Dodge has introduced six all-new cars since 2003 and we will continue to fill this space with bold, powerful and capable commercial-grade vehicles ”

- Dodge Offers Best-in-Class Fuel Economy and Price

Since returning to the commercial vehicle market in 2004, they have created several trucks and vans that have earned “best-in-class” awards for fuel economy, including the Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cab models Their cars also boast of low maintenance costs, which have resulted in a 16 percent market share of the Class 4-5 segments

“Delivering maximum uptime, dependability, capability, safety and increased savings, Dodge is continuing its commercial market onslaught with a barrage of product enhancements and upgrades intended to further improve an already great commercial line-up while better serving our business customers’ specialized needs,” Accavitti added

- The Dodge Sprinter Provides Exceptional Value

And of course, the Sprinter, introduced in 2003, is one of their crown jewels in its commercial fleet It has the lowest ownership costs of any van in its class and leads its segment in fuel economy, getting about 25 freeway miles to the gallon In terms of its specifications, the Sprinter cargo van offers two wheelbases of 144 and 170 inches, as well as three body lengths of 233, 273, or 289 inches

Consumers may choose from standard, high, or Mega Roof heights While many features like antilock brakes and automatic climate control come standard, there are lots of great things like rear parking assist, heated front seats, and integrated phone connectivity that can be added as options The Sprinter has a 3 0-liter turbodiesel V6 engine, with 154 horsepower, but buyers can opt for more horsepower by choosing the 3 5-liter V6 engine instead

The full-size van continues to be a major hit with consumers During the first seven months of 2008, the company sold more than 9,500 Sprinters, a 21 percent increase from the previous year One of the reasons for its long-lived success is that at least three of the world’s most recognizable courier services chosen to invest heavily in Sprinter fleets Its fuel efficiency and practical design make it a great buy as both a passenger and cargo vehicle

It’s no surprise that the Dodge Sprinter is a winner in the commercial vehicle market. Whether you need a vehicle that can be used as a delivery van, chassis cab or a minibus, the Sprinter is the perfect car for you. Find the right one for you at www.sprinterdealer.net.

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Author : T J Madigan

Finding the right used motor home for sale has never been so easy Millions of motor homes that are already used are out there lining on the parking lots, waiting for the right buyer These used motor homes for sale come in different types and models There are some that feature almost all of the luxuries of a perfect home, with complete amenities and facilities There are also others that offer just the basic essentials for a wonderfully fun adventure trip Whats more, these used motor homes for sale come in different sizes, thus there are some that are capable of occupying large families, and others are perfect only for a couple or a family of four

Whatever your choice is, it is best to plan ahead of time to obtain better chances of experiencing the ultimate holiday trip on wheels youve never imagined before But the question is how to prepare? What and where to start?

Well, to find the best used motor homes for sale, it is best to determine first your own objectives for the trip Think about your real wants Ask yourself some questions about what to take with you or what your basic needs are to make your buying experience a positive experience Note that each of your needs will be different, so consider each and every thing in mind

Once youve figured out your main objectives and needs, its time to search for the right vehicle Go online Surf the net and search for the best used motor homes for sale Finding the best used motor homes for sale online is somehow puzzling, but with lots of choices out there, a room is still open for you to find the best one Perhaps the key to finding the right used motor homes for sale online is to review all the features, advantages and disadvantages of each motor home type available for sale Dont be blinded, however, with promising features, as you might be disappointed in the end if the vehicle you expect to possess the thing you are imagining turned out to be incapable of giving it If possible, read reviews and ask for recommendations from your friends or from someone who owns a used motor home

Once youve found the model you think is best, think about your budget Note that used motor homes for sale are not inexpensive, although they are used Their prices may even create a hole in your pocket, so better know what you can and cant afford If it happens that the used motor homes for sale you are considering is highly expensive for your needs, then go back searching Dont just lose hope, after all a number of choices are out there for you to choose from If you want to find the best deal, then be ready to spend much time and effort during your search Enough time and effort are what needed in a perfect search, after all

If the search is over and the best model of used motor homes for sale is presented in front of you, then its now time to test drive it Test driving is perhaps a great way to consider before buying It allows you to determine whether the motor home you are considering is safe and comfortable to drive and live Make sure that it is in perfect condition as its not a good idea to take a vehicle that turns out to be a lemon Finally, think for comfort and safety You may be traveling with your friends and family, so make sure that everything provided is safe and convenient for all of you

For more articles and information or to view a selection of cars and trucks articles and information and vans and mobile home articles and information visit Articles.net.au – Your source for free Articles, Information and Website Content.

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Author : Thomas Pretty

The production of motorhomes is currently experiencing an up turn in growth that will most likely increase in the coming years The size and quality of motorhomes varies greatly, from the multi-million pound models that are more akin to palaces than to mobile homes to the smaller tourers that provide a cost effective way to holiday For the industry to carry on growing however certain changes will have to be introduced to maintain profitability; these changes are likely to affect workforces and methods of construction

The first concern of industry players is to reduce the cost per man hour used in the construction of motorhomes By doing this companies will be able to increase their profits by achieving the same number of sales while decreasing the production costs of each unit Unfortunately for this to occur, it is likely that employment will suffer as customers pursue cheap prices

Constructing motorhomes will also change In the past motorhomes were constructed using a ‘stick-build’ method, today however this is rapidly being changed The old method involves welding a frame from individual components and then bonding this to the chassis This method is however extremely time consuming and expensive; understandably, more advanced methods are now being employed

The industry today is adopting a system that uses pre-moulded sub-assemblies that fit directly onto the chassis subsequently reducing the man hours of construction and the cost per unit While this method is not yet widespread, if the industry wants to continue to be profitable, it will have to adopt these methods wholesale

Motorhomes were in the past constructed from aluminium and wood but this is changing rapidly Modern plastics can perform just as well as these materials and hence have been extensively utilised In addition, these plastic components are often pre-moulded and already contain all of the fixtures and fittings as well as insulation The result is that these components can be bolted straight onto the chassis greatly reducing the time spent on construction; once again making the manufacture of motorhomes cheaper

Another change that is likely to take place in the motorhomes industry is the power source used in the home Diesel engines that are largely inefficient and expensive to run are being replaced by turbine engines as these are lighter and use less fuel for the same output As with much of the motoring industry, solutions such as hybrid engines and hydrogen power are also being studied as a means of propulsion that do not use fossil fuels Ultimately making motorhomes more eco-friendly is the primary goal

Modern motorhomes are also utilising increasingly advanced waste management systems In the past owners have always dreaded emptying the chemical toilet but this is changing with a modern trend for advanced, clean and effective systems Leakage is an obvious problem with the hazardous chemicals used, so reducing this is an important objective

Many of these changes, although being used by some manufacturing companies are not yet widespread across the industry It is logical however that as these methods become more effective they will be increasingly used With the demand for low prices ever growing and for the industry to carry on being prosperous, it must take these changes on board to maintain profitability

Motoring expert Thomas Pretty looks into developments used in the construction of motorhomes and how they are reducing prices.

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Author : Matt Chang

While ATV riding is an extremely fun and exhilarating past time and sport, it can be dangerous for youths too Therefore, it’s not surprising that youths may need more ATV parts replacements than adults The main reason that teens need more replacement parts is because they are much more aggressive with their riding Knowing how to care for and use their ATVs properly is the first step you should take to save on Youth ATV parts

If you think parts are less expensive that the adult version, you’re wrong And as you know, the harder the youth ATV part is to find, the more expensive they can be In general, a youth ATV riding machines are not as widely available

Manufacturers offer training for youths If you’ve just bought your children a new all-terrain vehicle, check if the manufacturer or the TV offer training for youths These part manufactures are actually giving the training for youths for free Parts manufacturers, like AlphaSports, Arctic Cat, Bombardier, Honda, John Deere, Kawasaki etc recognize the need to train youths on how to properly ride and take care of their all-terrain vehicle They also know that it could be frustrating for the parents to have to constantly look for and purchase replacement parts

The general rule of thumb is that you ought to keep to well-known brands when it comes to youth ATV parts The more well-known and established the brand is, the higher the possibility that their products are reliable Replacement parts in the market are priced somewhat the same with very little difference between the good ones and the mediocre ones Cheap parts are easy to find too and even though the price is good, they are not as reliable as the more established brands For one thing, they don’t offer customer support or adequate protection against defects in the product or malfunctioning of the parts that they sell

The rate of wear-and-tear on parts used by youths is extremely high, therefore, it’s not advisable for parents to get used ATV parts The most important, we have to remember, is the safety of our children Using used youth ATV parts is dangerous because we do not know the degree of damage to the youth parts The seller, unfortunately, may have stretched the truth a little further, just to sell you the used ATV part So, to be on the safe side, always get brand new youth ATV parts for your kids Don’t compromise on their safety

In the market for used ATV tires? Visit lyonstires.com for deals on Mud ATV tires online and more information.

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Author : Thomas Pretty

The world of caravanning is an understandable lure for many who want freedom of travel and more affordable holidays But once you have perused the magazines and seen the pictures of large all singing, all dancing caravans it is easy to be put off by the large price tags This is where it is important to look at used caravans that provide a far more affordable option to buying new Buying used however can be fraught with danger unless you know what to look for, hopefully this article can help those find an outfit that is in good quality and worth purchasing

It is easy to be led by sellers on the benefits of caravans without being realistic about any problems The following checklist should help first time buyers find a used outfit that is a good deal and will provide years of holidaying pleasure

The largest issue with caravans is damp Naturally this is more of a problem with used outfits and should be checked for extensively Places where damp is an especial problem are the corners and walls; when checking, the joins should be checked carefully to assess the levels of damp You should also check all of the cupboards and beds for any signs of moisture If you are really lost recognising these signs, a damp meter that should be available from DIY stores can be useful in giving exact damp levels

Damp is so important as it can result in a loss of sturdiness of caravans As a result of damp the cupboards and door handles can become weakened Checking these areas by giving them a strong tug can be useful, although pulling too hard and breaking the outfit can be costly, especially if at a dealership The reason damp is such a problem with caravans is the repair costs, having an outfit dried then repaired is a costly and time consuming process that can make a caravan that was a bargain, become far more expensive

Another important point to check is how secure an outfit is This means making checks of the locks and window fittings to make sure that the caravan is not easily broken into As well as the locks, the hinges and general robustness of the entrances should be checked to ensure that thieves are put off If the doors are faulty it may seem that a replacement is not a major expense but with used caravans finding replacements can be difficult Windows can be similarly difficult to find although they will usually cost less than doors to replace

The seals should also be checked thoroughly when looking at used caravans Although these are not expensive to replace they are usually a sign that damp could have ingressed in the past Seals are usually acrylic, silicone or oil based, depending on which has been used will vary the price of replacement It is important to check with the seller when the seals were last replaced as some types of sealant will need replacing every five or so years Poor seals mean that there is a higher chance of damp, if the seals are in an extremely poor state, it will probably be worth walking away from the deal

In terms of the exterior, the chassis of the caravan should be checked over with a careful eye Try to see if the chassis has a great deal of play in it as excessive movement can indicate an unstable platform In the same vein, checking for signs of warping and bending is important; if you happen to find any indicators of previous work, asking the seller when and why this work was undertaken is an advisable course of action

Hopefully this advice will allow you to find used caravans that will supply you and your family with many years of happy caravanning Getting stuck with an outfit of poor quality can lead to an expensive repair bill By being thorough at the time of purchase you should be able to minimise the amount spent on repairs and maintenance

Caravaning expert Thomas Pretty looks into the important factors to check when looking at used caravans.

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Author : Terry Parker

You do not want to fool around when choosing a mechanic for your car Keep an ear open for recommendations and warnings when your friends and family have car troubles If you know beforehand of a body shop you feel comfortable with, you will not need to make a rushed or incomplete decision when you need one

Ask friends and associates for their recommendations I stay in touch with home schooling families They are often part of a larger group that can share recommendations for mechanics they have felt were honest and reputable

Check with your local Better Business Bureau regarding the reputation of a particular body shop Ask about the number of complaints, if there were any, and how the complaints were resolved Do not be too anxious if there were some complaints No one pleases everybody, and there are some people you ca not satisfy no matter what But if you see a pattern of the same kinds of problems, beware

Next, pay a visit to the shop and ask if they handle your vehicle make and model Check to see how long they have been in business What kind of feel do you get about the place? Are you treated with courtesy? Does the staff behave professionally?

You do not need to white glove test the place, but it should be neat, and organized Also, times are changing, and modern equipment is an absolute must

Sometimes, vehicle manufacturers recommend specific repair procedures and tools for the repair of their vehicles Ask if the shop is trained in these procedures and has the necessary equipment

Are there any civic and community service awards hanging on the walls? It is a nice touch Do you see diplomas or certificates of competence? You want a technically competent staff

Look around the place What kinds of vehicles seem to be in the repair stage? Does everything look like it is being handled professionally? Do not be shy about talking to folks in the waiting room to see they have tried the shop before and how pleased they are with the service they have received in the past

My number one suggestion is to ask around and see where others have had satisfactory car repair work done Even if you are feeling stressed and in a hurry ask at least 15 people That way, you are likely to get the same place mentioned more than once A little time spent on the basics can save you a load of trouble in the long run And once you find mechanic you trust, your cars future looks a lot brighter

For more information about auto repair, body shops or maintenance tips visit our site.

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Author : David Maillie

It appears that one of the items on your car that is most susceptible to the elements and sun or UV damage is the convertible top Without proper care they will fade, stain, yellow and crack similar to cloudy headlights If this condition is not checked and allowed to worsen eventually expensive replacement will be the only option There is an alternative which is restoration of the convertible top Just like with headlight restoration, an item that was previously replaced at great expense can now easily be restored to like new condition

Before proceeding with this article, be sure to check your owners manual for required car as some convertible tops are more sensitive or may require special products or coatings for maximum durability If you do not already have an owners manual one can easily be purchased through your local new car dealer (for older models they may have to order it as it probably will not be in stock) It is also a good idea to have the owners manual anyway so you know the correct maintenance intervals, safety issues and everything you need to know related to your car

Most convertible tops incorporate a plastic window or windows These windows rarely are treated to withstand the sun and UV damage For most, routine cleaning with specialized car wash soap and following up with some wax will usually do the trick Be careful not to get the wax on the vinyl or cloth top material as it may stain or discolor it For oxidized and cloudy plastic windows what we have found that works best is headlight lens restoration When this treatment is applied to the windows, it removes the oxidation and film and restores optical clarity just like it does with headlight lenses The results on plastic windows are amazing Glass windows can be cleaned with regular glass cleaner and for stuck on debris a razor blade works wonders (do not use glass cleaner on plastic windows or parts)

Using a vacuum cleaner and lint free towels remove all dirt and debris around the top (this includes inside the back window where bugs and debris accumulate a long hose attachment works great here Also do not forget to lift the convertible top cover and clean out the inside) Then look at the top and see what material it is made out of

For the rest of this article and for many more great articles on similar, helpful topics, please be sure to visit – How to clean headlights – http://www.mdwholesale.com.

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Author : Wolfgang Jaegel

A regular health check is essential to maintain the safety of your car, and spot any problems that may arise from time to time It is highly advisable that you run a standard test of various vital mechanical elements of your car periodically Also, it ensures the best chance of your survival in an accident Regular health checks can spot problems as soon as they become apparent They also help you save on the mechanic’s bill

Periodical health checks also ensure that your car is in top roadworthy condition They minimize the chance of mechanical failure whilst you are driving The most basic check you should conduct is a break test Before testing the brakes ensure that you are safely ahead of any cars behind Then apply relatively firm pressure to the breaks This would help you get a feel of the responsiveness of the break pads If you find that breaking is getting slightly sluggish, there can be considerable erosion of the break pads In this case, it is advisable that you seek professional assistance

If you find that your car pulls to one side when you apply brakes it indicates that there is some serious problem and it is time to take it for repair If the brake pedal sinks to the floor when pressure is applied or if you hear or feel scraping or grinding when you apply the brake, it means that there is some problem with the brakes’ mechanism and it needs to be checked out

Another basic check you should make is the condition of your tires Check the thickness of the tread on the tires and the tire pressure Also check if the tires are out of alignment, which may happen from time to time A mechanic can solve this problem without too much hassle

Maintaining oil levels in the engine ensures the smooth running of you car’s machinery Insufficient oil level can cause serious problems to any car So it is imperative that you check oil levels regularly and rectify any deficiencies

It is better to have an awareness of how your car functions mechanically A good mechanic can tell you what are essential for the well-being of the vital mechanical components of the vehicle

Sometimes you may feel like the car is difficult to handle or you find the ride less smooth and stable These symptoms are always indicative of a problem and your car needs immediate attention Sometimes you feel a vibration that was not there before It indicates that your tires need balancing It is also advisable that you check your shock absorbers periodically If they do not function properly, your car starts riding strangely

Your car becomes harder to steer when your front wheels are misaligned or you have worn out steering parts Sometimes you feel that your car wants to pull to the right or left This also happens when your tires are not properly inflated But it could also mean that your front wheels are misaligned or damaged in some way In this case it is advisable that you seek professional help

Engine trouble occurs in various ways Sometimes you find that your car is hard to start Other indicators of engine trouble include the car engine running after you remove the key and the car stalling abruptly Poor acceleration and fewer miles may also indicate an engine trouble

Transmission problems often cause a delayed response when shifting from neutral to drive or reverse gear Sometimes you may find that your car does not shift during regular acceleration Also, if you find the shifting hard there could be a problem with transmission When you encounter one of these problems ask your mechanic to check if it is just a disconnected hose problem or see if the filter is plugged These repairs are, of course, much simpler and cheaper than replacing your transmission

Tire pressure is very often neglected by car owners Most people assume that their tires are fine because they look okay Most people don’t know that proper tire pressure is closely associated with their gas mileage Proper tire pressure also makes your brakes and suspension system last longer

The American Automobile Association (AAA) recommends that you have your tire pressure and condition checked for safety every time you visit the gas station to fill up your gas tank It is also advisable that you check the condition of your tires prior to any long drives or vacations

As one of the world’s most exciting and prestigious brand, Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong offers luxury passenger cars and commercial vehicles extensive choice of Vito, Sprinter, Viano, Actros, Axor and Atego to the customers in Hong Kong and Macau.

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