Advertising A Driving School

In the United States, a driving school is an important part in getting a driver's license for the first time or after the suspension and revocation, pulling some insurance cuts, and maybe some filing up some knowledge for possible license upgrade (as in case with the CDL endorsements). Driving education has taken root in the heart of the car driving system of the Americans; that it has become a necessity.
Truth be told, not all states are requiring drivers to take a driving education course from a driving school. But the importance of driving education does not extend only in getting the license but also in other aspects that may involve the car, say auto insurance.
Instituting a driving school is not that hard. All you need to have is a place that can cater your office and the classrooms with the instructional facilities that are needed, plus the driving facilities that is required in practical driving. If the state's Department of Transportation approves the establishment of the driving school, it is the time to make it big.
Marketing is a major concern of a driving school. It is necessary for the driving school to be fully recognized known by the people, otherwise getting students is far-fetched idea. Advertising is the key to consumers as in any other business. Whether you like it or not, you need to carve a nest among consumer to improve your market share.
Radio and TV. If you have a sizable start-up investment, it would be nice to advertise in television programs and radio shows. You just need to choose programs and shows that are targeted to the segmented members of your consumer.
Print Media and Signage. Yellow pages and newspapers are important part of advertising. It is a good thing to pass adverts on various newspapers in your area. It will help to reach the populace within your area the fastest way, plus there is no waste or hash fall in advertising because the newspaper is catering the geographically segmented members of the consumer.
Massive overhaul of the signage can also help. It would be a hassle and bother for customers to look for the driving school. With the aid of the visible and clear signage, you will be able to convey the driving education programs that are offered by the driving school.
Internet. A driving school should have a website to help inform the public. Plus, most consumers wanted the establishment they are patronizing to have a website that will speak for it. Development of the website is easy and there is not much investment to be made.
On the other hand, you may also publish or make accounts in the social networking sites about the driving education program that is offered by the school. Social networks are attracting millions of web users everyday and the locales in your area may search for that demand and service of a driving school through these social networks. It is also good to advertise through the free classified ad sites. These sites will allow you to post an advert for the driving school.
Lastly, you may advertise through the listing sites. Wanna drive, for instance, is a driving school listing site that caters the number of schools that are in your area. Listing sites have the copy of the schools that are operating in the nearest area. It will also help you to know more about the driving school.

How to Choose Between Refrigerated Vans, Trucks and Reefer Trailers

Refrigerated vans are not only a very helpful way to transport products, but also a nice method to start a profitable business. Either way, you should find out more about these vans. It will assist you better to recognize how they can help people.
You should know for the very start that buying refrigerated vans will charge you a lot, and the prices vary between $38,000 and $78,000. These values are for new vans, but it's pretty much the only choice you've got, if you want to make sure you get a quality product. By purchasing a second-hand van, you risk a lot and on the long run, the money saved here will be lost on repairs and other nuisances.
Refrigerated trucks are huge trucks, and if you're just starting out and you don't know how well your business is going to do, it would be better to invest in a small trailer, such as a reefer trailer. Much cheaper than a regular truck, this trailer also has the advantage of being cheaper to insure. This will keep you initial venture to a minimum, while you see how things go.
Reefer trailers are not hard to find if you want to buy one, but choosing one is a bit of a challenge. Positive testimonials and low energy consumption are two of the things you should be looking for, when buying or renting such a van. If you are pointed into the right direction, you'll have no problem in finding the right prices to either rent or buy such vehicles.
One more advantage that reefer trailers have is the fact that they can be easily detached from the main vehicle and that vehicle will be able to perform other tasks. So simply tow the trailer to its destination, leave it there, do your business, and then come back to get it! When your business is just starting out, and you need your vehicles in different places during the day, there's nothing better than being able to do so!
A refrigerated van on the other hand offers much more space. However, do you really need all that space? You may not need all of it, and you may not use it, but you're certainly paying for it. If you know that you won't have items to take up all the space, and you think this won't change in the near future, then there's no point in investing in a large van.
Choosing between a refrigerated truck and a reefer trailer is a very vital decision and once it is made it will have a major impact on your business. If you need the additional space than a truck is the best choice, while if you need the resources for something else, go for the latter with no hesitations.

Personalised Number Plates

Discover the Benefits of Buying and Selling Personalised Number Plates
At one time, buying personalised number plates was just for fun. Now, buying a personalised number plate is popular with individuals, business owners, and investors.
Individuals want to make their car unique by purchasing a personalised plate that reflects their identity or sends a message. Business owners have realized that buying a personalised plate helps them with marketing their brand. Investors are well aware that buying and selling rare personalised number plates can be a lucrative business.
If you are considering investing in personalised number plates, remember these three tips:
1. Choose a number that is not specific, but rather will appeal to a broader market.
2. Before you purchase a personalised number plate, check the market to determine the prices of similar plates.
3. If you buy the plate from a dealer, there is a possibility there will be a decline in the value after your purchase.
For the investor, the target market consists of individuals, businesses, and collectors. Collectors are either individuals or companies specialising in collecting memorabilia.
Investors should perform a thorough research process before purchasing a personalised number plate. As previously stated, this business has proven to be a great investment vehicle for investors to generate a high rate of return. Obviously, the more rare the plate, the more money it will bring at auction.
The autoblog reports that a father purchased a number plate for his five week old son for £17,000. He purchased 1 HFH at an auction and intends to keep the plate and pass it along to his son.
In 2008, F1, a personalised plate issued between 1904-1915 sold in 2008 for an astounding price of £440,625.
Remember the economics of supply and demand. They will serve you well as an investor in this market. The F1 was definitely unique (no supply), however, the demand was high. This plate appealed to a wide variety of potential buyers, including automobile dealerships, plate dealers, private investors, and individuals.
Some years ago, a gentleman purchased PAYPAL on eBay for $350. He also purchased FACEBK for $500. This individual knows that his investment will appreciate over time. In addition to the saleability, unique plates like this also document the value of branding. This concept holds true with any business trying to enhance its brand.
Individuals looking for a specific personalised number plate may very well be prepared to pay to have what they want. It could be that someone wants a specific plate to commemorate a special event in their lives and remember: people buy on emotion and justify their purchases with logic.
Businesses wanting to promote their brand can stand above the competition by buying personalised number plates that reflect their business or brand. When people are stuck in traffic and a commercial vehicle is in front of them with a memorable plate, there's a good chance they will remember it. Savvy business owners know the value of branding and are willing to pay a fair market price because they know that the campaign will result in increased revenue.
Another example of branding is used by a leading Brand in the UK. A delivery van displays the personalised plate, "No. 5," representing the perfume Number 5, one of the most popular branded perfumes. You can bet people notice the delivery van after seeing the personalised plate.
Purchasing a personalised plate provides a unique opportunity for recognition. Businesses from plumbers, electricians, furniture delivery services, food delivery companies, and more are able to take advantage of this marketing campaign that sets them apart from their competition.
In summary, a personalised plate can be a great way for an individual to establish his identity or personality, for a business owner to enhance his brand, and for an investor who is smart enough to buy plates that will increase in value.

How To Choose The Right Hubcaps For Your Car

Hubcaps are fun to look at. There are so many different shapes and finishes to play with it would make your head spin. Now the fun part is based solely on you. When you find the set of hubcaps that is calling your name there is no denying the instant attraction. But is it all about looks and do you really need hubcaps?
The first question is who needs hubcaps? The easy answer is every driver who tries to stay within his or her budget. Some people love the look of flashy rims but others want the best of both worlds, the look of rims without the high price tag. Online car accessory retailers love people cater to people who are financially responsible but who won't sacrifice an ounce of their personal style.
A great set of hubcaps can make an unmistakable fashion statement and can make any car stand out in a crowd. Some people go for the chrome while others prefer the sleek almost scary black hubcaps that look like they were birthed from the darkest part of the ocean. Some designs are simple and understated for the business professional, while others look like they want to transform before your very eyes and are perfect for the bold and daring. Still others prefer the classic chrome in modern shapes. Other abstract or free form designs seem as though they were fashioned with alien technology and sensibilities. In any case the tastes represented are wide and varied.
In the case of hubcaps size actually matters, in fact, it's extremely important. After you figure out the style or look your want to give your ride its vital to get the correct measurement of the hubcap you will need. At this point most people will want to bring out the measuring tape and line it up against the round tire but this is a mistake. The only way to find out the size of your wheel cover is to verify the size of your tires. If you check the sides of your tire you will see a long code that ends in the letter "R" and another number. So if you see, for example, a code ending in R14 it means that you need 14" hubcaps for your car. The code R15 corresponds to 15", R16 corresponds to 16" and so on.
Online retailers now offer the largest variety of sizes imaginable so you can get even the elusive 13" hubcaps for your car. What's more they come in many finishes and materials. Although many car buffs may have a preference for chrome, chrome and more chrome all over their cars, others may fall in love with the modern look of the sleek black hubcaps that are growing in popularity. So don't hold back you can express yourself with any look you want without breaking the bank.

What Is MOT Test and What Aspects Are Included in the Process

Exams, most people try to shy away from this dreaded word. Before a person can mature into adulthood, he or she would need to go through a myriad of different tests. From elementary school to high school to a bachelor's degree, a person would need to accredit themselves before they face the real world. These exams test the credentials of an individual; whether are they fit enough for their own desires. Widen the scope and what do we have; the same test but only this time, it applies to vehicles commuting along the road.
Just like any other person, a vehicle needs to fulfill certain benchmark and standards before being considered roadworthy. In the United Kingdom, the MOT (Ministry of Transport) gauges the road-worthiness. A vehicle has to meet road safety regulations and also environmental standards before being deemed roadworthy. Therefore if your vehicle lacks a certain degree of safety features, or it exceeds legitimate emission levels, then your vehicle might have been illegitimate on the road all this while.
The purpose of all exams basically revolves around the same principles; accreditation and recognition. An accountant would only be recognized as a professional once he receives his chartered accreditation. The same goes to a vehicle; if it passes the MOT test, then a certificate would accredit that vehicle to be, at that time, roadworthy by law. The first MOT test must be conducted on a vehicle three years into its useful life. The issued certificate only encompasses the general road-worthiness of a car and it does not include specific mechanical attributes of your vehicle. Therefore the condition of your engine, clutch and gearbox would be disregarded for the test.
The MOT test takes into consideration the following aspects of your vehicle:
• General vehicle structure and appliances: Vehicles must be of presentable structure with no corrosive damage which may result in accidental injuries. A vehicles speedometer as well as engine mountings are also taken into consideration.
• General driver appliances: For the driver, seat-belts must be properly functioning to meet MOT requirements. Airbags must also be in place for safety precautionary measures. A vehicle must also have a minimum number of driving mirrors to ensure proper driving and safety precautions.
• Brakes, tires and wheels: A good and safe car runs on four perfectly oiled and aligned wheels. Condition of the tire such as tire size and treading is inspected with the MOT test. The brakes must be function properly to be considered for accreditation. Additional modifications such as ABS or Electronic Stability Control (ESC) would not constitute part of the inspection although it adds to the overall performance of a vehicle.
A whole lot more
The MOT test inspects the very details of a vehicle, ranging from the wipers and windscreen to the steering and suspension of a vehicle. If a test such as this takes into consideration the type of honk that you use, then you can have a fair idea how serious MOT takes it.
Where and how to take the test
Considering the severity of the test, there are numerous outlets available across the UK to take it. As of now, there are roughly 19000 certified outlets that carry out the MOT inspection for your vehicle. The maximum pricing of such a test is exhibited on a visual media displayed at each outlets, however the exact price that each outlet charges can vary depending on its location. Taking the test is as straight forward as driving your car into a car wash. All you have to do is visit the outlet and authorized personnel would inspect your car using a myriad of different instruments. All these inspections and instruments are explained and illustrated in a user manual that the respective outlet provides.
In a worst case scenario situation; should your car fail the MOT test, then you would get a failure document as opposed to the MOT certificate. The document will explain in specific detail on the outcome with reference to the aforementioned user manual. For those who fail the test, it is advised for them to make the necessary adjustments required to deem their vehicle roadworthy.
It's only going to get tougher
With a crackdown of illegitimate vehicles on the road, authorities have proposed to make the MOT test tougher by imposing stricter requirements. These new regulations are imposed to ensure that all vehicles are roadworthy before they plow through the streets. If you do not want to subject yourselves to tougher vehicle regulations, then do yourself a favor and visit an MOT authorized outlet tomorrow to have your vehicle tested.

How to Help a Learner Driver Practice Driving

Driving lessons are expensive, but quite a lot of time is spent simply trying to polish a new skill. Just like anything else in life, learning to control a car in a variety of situations takes practice. Practicing in a private car cuts down on the amount of lessons you have to pay out for and can help you pass the driving test sooner.
It is relatively cheap and easy for a learner driver to practice driving even if they do not have a car of their own. A parent, other relative or friend's car can be insured by the learner for around £3 a day and the range of cars that can be covered is quite surprising - cars up to the value of £20,000 and up to insurance group 40 are included. The insurance becomes invalid as soon as the test is passed, and is only a (relatively) low premium as the learner has to be accompanied by an experienced driver.
The rules are that you have to have L plates on the front and rear of the car, and the accompanying driver must be over 21 and have held a full driving licence for three years and will be considered to be in control of the car. As such, any one driving with a learner must follow the same rules as if they were driving, for example, they must not be over the alcohol limit, nor be using a mobile phone.
Before starting practice driving it's best to have a few lessons with a qualified instructor first as s/he will be using a dual control car. The instructor will know when the pupil is ready to drive in car with normal controls. It's best to speak to the instructor after the lessons to get an idea of the kind of things needing to be worked on, for example, reversing round corners or navigating roundabouts, so this can be given attention prior to the next lesson.
There is no reason why the learner cannot drive everywhere and anywhere taking every opportunity to gain experience - only motorways are forbidden for cars with L Plates. Trips to the local supermarket are great places for practicing parking! Driving to work/college/school for extra experience is also very good, as are longer trips out. Depending on the experience gained new towns with different junction layouts are good although the learner may need to be helped with lane control.
As an accompanying driver you need to support, help out with directions, look out for cars and hazards the learner hasn't noticed, and think of road situations which might challenge him or her. Junctions with hill starts are a good example. Your role is not, however, to teach. Never contradict what the instructor has taught. If you disagree with something, speak to the instructor at the next lesson. Ways of driving have changed, and you will confuse matters if you try to suggest driving as you were taught (unless it was very recently) or worse still, pass on bad habits you've picked up without being aware of it.
Keeping calm is very important, especially if you are helping your son or daughter learn to drive. You don't want them to loose confidence, so try to keep any criticism to a minimum and keep discussions to when you've safely arrived home again.
Accompanying a learner driver is not easy, but the more hours on the road they can put in before passing their test, the more experiences and hazards they will have come across which will make them a better driver once they have passed their test and set out on their own for the first time.
Another important factor is that you will have experienced their driving ability, which will hopefully give you peace of mind when you eventually see them take off the L plates and disappear down the road unaccompanied.

Range-Topping 2013 Kia Optima SX Limited Live at the Chicago Auto Show

After its previous appearance in a Super Bowl spot with a Motley-Crue-inspired theme, the 2013 Kia Optima SX Limited made its official launch at the Chicago auto show as a range-topping model included on this year's mid-sized Optima line-up.
Upon its debut, a lot of car experts, automotive journalists, and observers at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show noticed that the 2013 Kia Optima SX Limited is not just an ordinary Optima. In fact, these individuals have suspected that the Limited is fully loaded with a lot of features not found on its siblings. As time goes by, these suspicions were eventually proven to be true.
Compared to the other Kia Optima trims, the Limited flaunts a unique look and more intimidating stance. These characteristics were highlighted by the Limited's new fascias in front and rear. In addition to this, the LED running lights located on top of its fog lamps, the lower door sills, and the rear spoiler tipped with chrome further suggest that the Optima SX Limited is very much different from its siblings.
Under the hood, the Limited is powered by a 2.0-liter Turbocharged 4-cylinder engine sourced from the Kia Optima SX. This engine is capable of producing 274 horses and 269 lb.-ft. of torque. The transmission as well as the sport-tuned suspension used on the Limited was also sourced from the SX. Due to this, the Limited's fuel economy ratings of 22 miles per gallon in the city and 34 miles per gallon on the highway are similar to that of the Optima SX.
When viewed inside, the 2013 Kia Optima SX Limited looks more upscale compared to the other Optima models included on the line-up. The Limited's cabin provides a more elegant and prestigious feel. Its door trim, shift knob, and steering wheel are adorned by genuine would trim and this layout further improves the overall appearance of the Optima SX Limited. In addition to this, the door panels, center console and seats were embellished by Nappa leather.
On top of these, the 2013 Kia Optima SX Limited is offered with the standard equipments such as the paddle shifters on the steering wheel, panoramic sunroof, heated rear seats, and heated and cooled front seats. Aside from those, the SX Limited is also equipped with metal pedals, Infinity audio system with speakers, and a navigation system with a built-in back-up camera.
Due to the abundance of standard features included on the vehicle, the 2013 Kia Optima SX Limited became one of the most admired vehicles that were presented at the 2012 Chicago auto show. In addition to this, a lot of individuals that were able to take a closer look at the vehicle agree that this was probably the best vehicle that Kia has produced.

The Lead Acid Battery Leads the Charge in Automotive Design

Automotive lead acid batteries used to start car engines, are one of the oldest design of rechargeable battery in existence. The lead acid battery was primarily used for the storage of DC power and used in early commercial vehicles due to the weight and size. These batteries have literally dominated the marketplace for many years ever since their invention back in the early 1800's and have continued to be an important automotive component to the point were there is one in every vehicle on the roads.
Today, automotive batteries used to start gasoline and diesel engines, are smaller, cheaper and more cost effective than their earlier cousins, supplying greater starting and surge currents than ever before at a fraction of their original price.
Not only does the lead acid battery provide the correct amount of electricity needed to start engines, but they also supply electricity for the ignition system, lights, indication, stereos and other such electronic features found on today's modern vehicles.
The energy produced by a lead acid battery occurs via an internal chemical process which involves lead (hence their name), lead oxide and a liquid acid solution called the electrolyte. Solid lead and lead oxide plates are submerged within an electrolytic solution that consists of a very small percentage of sulphuric acid (H2SO4) mixed with distilled water. When electrical power is drawn from the battery, a chemical reaction takes place between the plates and liquid electrolyte releasing electrons. These free electrons in the form of an electrical current flow through electrical conductors mounted on the battery and out via lead terminals providing the electricity required to start the car.
As the lead acid battery becomes discharged, the sulphuric acid forms deposits onto the lead plates, but when the lead acid battery is recharged again, the sulphuric acid breaks down and returns back into their separate lead and lead oxide components. Heat is generated by this constant charging and discharging of the battery evaporating the water inside.
This evaporation meant that older lead acid batteries needed to be "topped-up" with more distilled water on a monthly basis but the modern maintenance free lead acid battery is fully sealed against leakage in which the electrolyte in the form of a gel is contained in separate compartments are now used. The result is that these fully sealed batteries can be rotated upside down or positioned sideways in the event of an accident without any risk of an acid leakage. Also these modern batteries have safety valves fitted which allow the venting of fumes during the charging, the discharging and changes in atmospheric pressure when driving at altitude.
The lead acid battery is the only batteries suitable to be used in alternative energy systems but the continuous cycle of discharging a battery into a load (night time hours) and then recharging the battery (sunlight hours) many times over requires a different type of battery as not all lead acid batteries are the same. The most important requirement of a battery is whether it is a Deep Cycle Battery or a Shallow Cycle Battery.
Consider automotive starting batteries. These batteries are cheap to buy but are designed to provide high amperes of current for very short periods of time (less than 10 seconds) to operate the starter motor and turn over the engine. After the car has started, the battery is then trickle charged by the cars alternator. Even on cold frosty mornings the cars battery is only discharged to less than 10% of its rated capacity at startup so automotive batteries are designed for this very shallow cycle service, (100% to 90% state of charge).
As a car battery is designed to deliver high currents for very short periods of time it is therefore made of many thin lead plates giving a large surface area for the chemical reaction to occur. These thin lead plates do not have the necessary mechanical strength for repeated cycling over a period of many years and wear out very quickly after only 200 to 400 cycles. Therefore shallow cycle car batteries which although they work, are not designed for a long term solar power or wind power system which requires a much deeper cycling service.
Deep Cycle Batteries on the other hand are designed to be repeatedly charged and discharged by as much as 80% of their full capacity (100% to 20% state of charge) without sustaining any serious damage to the cells before recharging, making the deep cycle battery an ideal choice for solar photovoltaic and wind power systems, as well as marine applications, golf buggies, fork lift trucks and other such electric vehicles. Although the deep cycle battery uses the same chemical reactions to store and generate energy as their automotive battery cousins, deep cycle batteries are made very differently.
The physical size of a deep cycle battery is much larger than a regular car battery due to the construction and size of their lead plates (electrodes). These plates are made of solid lead usually doped with Antimony (Sb) and are many times thicker than the thinner plates of a car battery. This means that deep cycle batteries can be repeatedly discharged almost all the way down to a very low charge and it is not uncommon for deep cycle batteries to be emptied (discharged) to as much as 20% of their total capacity before energy ceases flowing from the battery.
So to summarise, the lead-acid battery is the perfect choice for automotive cars, vans and motorcyles as it is reliable, inexpensive, and delivers high starting currents but for alternative energy systems, the deep cycle battery is the way to go as it can be charged and discharged many times over to a much lower value.

Transit Bus Service - Business That Makes Money

To most people, a transit bus service may seem like a cash intensive enterprise where overheads and investments are huge. However, according to experts in the field, a transit bus service need not be highly cost intensive. In fact, a large number of transit bus owners launch their services with very little startup investment. With a growing number of passengers relying on shuttle buses instead of gas-thirsty cars, the demand for transit buses is high. So, even when this business requires cash inputs, it pays back handsomely - as many entrepreneurs are finding out.
The most important requirements for starting a transit bus service include a transit bus, insurance and a good driving record. In some locations, it may be necessary to get the required licensing agreements too. Before you do all that however, it is important to identify the business opportunity.
There are different kinds of transit bus services. While some services ply between places of work, others take passengers to the airport. A thriving business may even be made out of shuttling passengers to and from event venues. With the increased interest in tourism, some services aim only at addressing tourists who need to be taken to sight-seeing and shopping attractions. Some bus services only cater to schools and private institutions like churches and so on. Whichever model you choose to adopt, it is necessary to conduct a study of the area, the kind of service, the current demand, expansion necessities and the type of vehicle required. The key to success is to find out the most under-serviced niche in your area and market your own services aggressively.
The next step is to buy the vehicles that will take your services forward, literally. A startup business may want to focus on buying a single vehicle and reaping a profit from the business before investing more on vehicles. However, sometimes it may be possible to convert an existing vehicle into an asset. In such cases, it may be possible to kick off the business on minimal investment while owning more than one vehicle. Buying used buses is also an intelligent route to starting a robust service without putting in humongous amounts of money.
Buying a transit bus requires some thought and preparation. Transit buses may be of different sizes. They may be big or small depending on the passenger capacity needed. A bigger bus can bring in more revenue only if its full capacity is utilized regularly. Otherwise, a behemoth could simply be a drain on your resources. If you are looking for used buses, it is important to know more about used buses before you buy. For instance, some models quickly go out of vogue and investing in such models could be disastrous, particularly when you need spare parts which are no longer available in the market. When buying a used bus, you need to have the vehicle inspected by a reliable and skilled mechanic. This ensures that you do not end up with a vehicle that drinks money on repair and maintenance. Finally, always make your purchase from a reliable, trusted and established source. This ensures high quality of service and good value for money.

Tips to Buy High Quality Car Tyres

Are you looking for some tips to buy Car Tyres? If the answer is yes then you are reading the right article. In this article you will find some tips and techniques which will help you a lot in buying right tyres for your vehicle. Tyres are one of the basic parts of a vehicle. It is very essential to invest in high quality tyres. The quality of the tyres affect both performance as well as safety of the car. There are many things which should be considered while buying car tyres and another automotive parts. Lets go through them one by one.
One of the factors which should be taken in consideration while buying the tyres is the season. Nowadays you can find specific tyres for different seasons. Tyres chosen according to the season ensures the safety of the driver.
The next thing which should be taken in account is the condition of the roads. The tyres should be designed according to the local roads.
If you are concerned about the external beauty of the car then it is a great idea to go for stylist tyres. Nowadays tyres can be enhanced according to your needs.Customized tyres can improve overall look of your car.
One should always plan his budget in advance. Proper planning of budget can help a lot in choosing right tyres according to your needs.
It is a great idea to visit a professional before buying any type of automotive part.
Nowadays there is lots of talk about tubeless tyres. This is a new advancement in automobile industry. These type of tyres are beneficial in many ways.
The size of the tyres should also be kept in mind. The size of the tyre varies according to type of vehicle you are driving. Bigger tyres always give better acceleration and increases the point of contact between the road and vehicle.
You should always have some knowledge of tread pattern. The tread is designed to provide optimal grip on the road surface. Nowadays you can find three types of treads - Conventional, unidirectional and asymmetrical.
The type of rubber used to manufacture the tyres decide the life as well as performance of the tyres. So it is a good idea to go for tyres made up of high quality material.
One should also check for warranty as well as guarantee. This help a lot in longterm maintenance of your vehicle.

Transparency Is Not a Dirty Word

Shortly after I began writing this post, an article popped up on my Google Alerts about another dealer group, accused of deceptive marketing by their state attorney general's office, having to pony up a six-figure settlement. Not surprising at all, I'm used to seeing these types of articles on a regular basis. Another day, another enforcement action against a car dealer.

In this case, the dealerships were accused of "having advertisements online and in print publications that misrepresented the actual prices of automobiles", "dealership employees asking consumers to sign incomplete documents with the understanding that they would be completed using the negotiated vehicle price, but later entering a higher price", and "allegedly charging consumers fees for unwanted or undisclosed warranties and services". According to the article, the auto group denied any wrongdoing but agreed to the settlement.

But I digress. The above story really isn't the point of this post, nor is it my intention to try to warn you of the legal dangers of non-compliance with the laws of the land. I, and my peers, write enough about that. Sure, I'm now a compliance consultant, but my ramblings here are based on the things I learned during my 20 plus years in automotive retail - and the realization that I probably had it all wrong.

This post is about Transparency. It's about the Big Picture. It's about opening your mind and stopping to think about the absurdity of old school tactics. Not from a legal or ethical mindset, but from a common-sense business perspective.

I realize that "Transparency" is the latest, and perhaps most over-used, buzzword in the car business. But please bear with me for a few moments while I pose a few questions. Hopefully, it will stimulate some "outside the box" thinking.

First, what is the upside of hiding information from your customers?

Sure, you have to do whatever it takes to stay ahead of the competition. Sure, that's what the legendary automotive sales trainers taught us. Sure, the chances of getting into a legal bind are pretty slim. Sure, everybody else is doing it. Sure, if you give customers too much information they'll just use it to shop you. Sure, there are ways to "manage" your online reputation, even if you have some unhappy customers. I get all that.

But - Big Picture Time - is the "anything it takes to make a deal" mentality really a sensible way to do business in today's world? Do you really think this will lead to customer satisfaction and retention? Do you really believe that customers will continue to put up with this type of behavior forever?

Here's how I look at it: Every time you...

Post a misleading ad, or

Charge a customer more than the advertised price, or

Lie to a customer about a vehicle being in stock, or

Present a foursquare with inaccurate numbers in order to confuse a customer, or

Present "packed" payments, or

Fail to truthfully disclose a vehicle's history, or

You're not completely honest and upfront with your customers

...there are some things you might want to consider:

1. You may be breaking the law - but it's only illegal if you get caught, right?
2. What you're doing may be an unethical business practice - but customers have no loyalty and you're just trying to make a buck in a fiercely competitive marketplace, right?
3. You may be pissing off customers (or potential customers) - but "ya gotta have haters, right"?
4. You're gambling with your future - this is an unsustainable way of doing business in the modern world and your continued success is greatly at risk.

Now you may be perfectly comfortable rolling the dice on number 1 and not care a lick about numbers 2 or 3, but what's your answer for number 4?

I challenge you to think about it. Just think about it. Unfortunately, I didn't when I worked in dealerships - I was a faithful practitioner of the old school ways.

Now, I realize that you may feel that this post is just more nonsense from an ex-car-guy-turned-consultant who doesn't get it - and you may be right. Only time, and customer sentiment, will tell. But you may still want to ask yourself just how long are customers going to put up with business as usual?

Let's face it; consumers have access to much more information, and choices, than they ever did. You can hate the internet and all its information. You can hate the idea of "transparency". You can hate all the regulations that dealers have to contend with. You can hate the consumer advocates. You can hate the media and all of its anti-dealer sensationalism. But guess what? None of it is going away. The "But We've Always Done It This Way" mentality just doesn't hold water anymore.

Now, I'm not a believer that the internet is going to somehow take over car buying. I totally agree that dealerships are, and will continue to be, the primary way that customers will purchase vehicles for a long time to come. But remember this; while customers may always choose to do business with dealerships, they don't have to choose to do business with your dealership.

One final question: Are you a true professional who is ready, willing and able to succeed in the new world or are you hoping that things will never change?

In my book, transparency is not a dirty word, but complacency is.

Mercedes Benz - Roadside Assistance

Customers look to purchase a Mercedes Benz because they appreciate the quality and luxury that the brand offers. They want heads to turn as they drive down the street. They want to know that they are driving a piece of equipment that is both dependable and stylish. Aside from the vehicle itself, the manufacturer offers an extensive warranty as well as roadside assistance. Whether you are on your way to work or headed out to vacation, with one phone call, you can get the help you need to get back on the road in no time.
Qualifications
If you want to take advantage of the Mercedes Benz roadside assistance, it is important to have all of your service done at an authorized dealer. This ensures that your records are on hand at all times and the dealership knows that your warranty is still intact. Establishing a relationship with a local dealer is a good idea for both new and used Mercedes Benz owners.
Having service at an authorized dealer also means that certified technicians are working on your vehicle using only certified parts from the manufacturer. Appointments can usually be set up in just one phone call or online. Be sure to read the owner's manual if you are unsure about when you need to bring your vehicle in for oil changes or tire rotations.
Make the Call
24 hours a day, 7 days a week, you can call for Mercedes Benz roadside assistance. It does not matter whether you have a flat tire or the engine fails. While you are within your warranty, you can make the call and have someone come out to your location. If the vehicle will not start, it will be towed to the closest dealership. If you have a problem like a flat tire or a dead battery, someone will meet you at the vehicle and get things back up and running.
As soon as you notice a problem, go ahead and make the call. Remember that it will take time to have someone dispatched out to your location. From there, it does take some time to either repair the vehicle or tow it into a local Mercedes Benz service department.
Free Towing
As of 2011, the manufacturer has included free towing for those customers that are outside of their warranty. Customers can still call for roadside assistance and no matter what the problem is, they will be towed to the closest dealership to have their car diagnosed and repaired. This means that even after the warranty runs out, customers are still able to benefit from the quality and luxury that comes from this car brand.

Proper Maintenance Ensures Longevity

Used vehicles are much better from the stand point of value for your money. A properly maintained pre-owned car should lead you to the same comfort as that of a new one. Keeping that in mind, once you choose to invest in a pre-owned vehicle, it is important to take certain points into account when it comes to vehicle maintenance.

A used vehicle requires more frequent checks for any defects, as well as frequent replacement of parts which can be costly when compared against the preventative maintenance a new vehicle requires. To begin with, the initial purchase cost of a used vehicle may be a little less than that of a new one, but, as years roll on, the maintenance costs continue to grow at a faster rate than you would encounter with a new vehicle.

Although there are routine maintenance checks and services that any vehicle will require, your pre-owned one will most likely call for more frequent service appointments and a more detailed level of care. With that being said, there are specific points that will help you maintain your used vehicle's condition and bring small issues to light before they turn into larger, more costly ones.

Don't Drive Excessive Miles at High Speeds
If you properly maintain your pre-owned vehicle with periodic checkups, there is a greater guarantee that your car will last longer. Try not to give in to the 'need for speed' as this will lead to excessive wear on the tires, clutch, and other parts. On the other hand, also avoid keeping your vehicle idle for long periods of time.

Get Regular Oil Changes
Vehicle makers advise to change the oil in your car once a year. Alternatively, you can even do so after you drive 7,500 miles. Still, for best results, it's recommended to change it after every 3,500 miles. Changing the oil is essential as it affects the performance of the engine. As you drive more miles, the blow-by increases. This, in turn, results in unburned fuel dumped into the crankcase which leads to dilution of the oil. Because of this, the oil breaks down and consequential wear and tear increases drastically. Over time this leads to the engine breaking down.

Check Your Fluid Levels
It's crucial to check fluid levels such as power steering fluid, coolant, and oil regularly. These liquids are essential to a properly running engine and a low level often signals bigger issues internally. If you're not sure how to check or what to be looking for, ask the mechanic during your next oil change. These are all items that should be checked during this service appointment anyway, so it's no inconvenience to ask.

Check Tire Conditions
It is important to check the condition of your tires and, after a certain period of time specified by the manufacturer, get them replaced. Be sure to inspect the air pressure in the tires including the spare once a week. Low pressure will lead to increased fuel consumption and low life of tires. Similarly, high pressure would lead to less stability and grip on the road. Also check the wear with tread wear indicators. These are located in the form of small ribs in the bottom of the main tread grooves. When the tread surface is visible at the same level as the ribs, the tires must be replaced.

Brake Maintenance
Brakes are the most significant parts in controlling the motion of your vehicle. As yours is a used vehicle, you should have checked the brake pads and rotors at purchase point. Depending on the level of wear from the previous driver, you may need to replace one or the other. If not, make sure to regularly inspect the pads to see what kind of wear your own driving habits have produced. A good point to remember is that the brake pads in the front wear more quickly than those in rear. Also, always replace them with original brake pads and rotors. This also gives more safety to you while driving.

Replace Windshield Wipers
While driving, good visibility is absolutely essential. For this, each windshield wiper should be of good quality and the proper size for your vehicle. Otherwise scratches may develop on the windshield or the wipers may not perform correctly, leaving rain or snow in your line of vision. At a minimum, get the windshield wipers replaced once a year.

Keep It Clean
You should feel as if you are at home when you're in your vehicle. Don't clutter up the console, compartments, or seats. Regularly vacuum and dust the interior and only keep hoses or tools of sorts in the truck area if absolutely necessary. You and your riders should have enough space to move freely within the car.

When it comes to servicing your pre-owned vehicle, it's advised to visit a reputable dealer, as he will employ experienced technicians to take care of your vehicle. Moreover, you'll have peace of mind knowing that the mechanic will replace any damaged parts with genuine, factory ones

Pre-Owned Vehicle

Used vehicles are much better from the stand point of value for your money. A properly maintained pre-owned car should lead you to the same comfort as that of a new one. Keeping that in mind, once you choose to invest in a pre-owned vehicle, it is important to take certain points into account when it comes to vehicle maintenance.

A used vehicle requires more frequent checks for any defects, as well as frequent replacement of parts which can be costly when compared against the preventative maintenance a new vehicle requires. To begin with, the initial purchase cost of a used vehicle may be a little less than that of a new one, but, as years roll on, the maintenance costs continue to grow at a faster rate than you would encounter with a new vehicle.

Although there are routine maintenance checks and services that any vehicle will require, your pre-owned one will most likely call for more frequent service appointments and a more detailed level of care. With that being said, there are specific points that will help you maintain your used vehicle's condition and bring small issues to light before they turn into larger, more costly ones.

Don't Drive Excessive Miles at High Speeds
If you properly maintain your pre-owned vehicle with periodic checkups, there is a greater guarantee that your car will last longer. Try not to give in to the 'need for speed' as this will lead to excessive wear on the tires, clutch, and other parts. On the other hand, also avoid keeping your vehicle idle for long periods of time.

Get Regular Oil Changes
Vehicle makers advise to change the oil in your car once a year. Alternatively, you can even do so after you drive 7,500 miles. Still, for best results, it's recommended to change it after every 3,500 miles. Changing the oil is essential as it affects the performance of the engine. As you drive more miles, the blow-by increases. This, in turn, results in unburned fuel dumped into the crankcase which leads to dilution of the oil. Because of this, the oil breaks down and consequential wear and tear increases drastically. Over time this leads to the engine breaking down.

Check Your Fluid Levels
It's crucial to check fluid levels such as power steering fluid, coolant, and oil regularly. These liquids are essential to a properly running engine and a low level often signals bigger issues internally. If you're not sure how to check or what to be looking for, ask the mechanic during your next oil change. These are all items that should be checked during this service appointment anyway, so it's no inconvenience to ask.

Check Tire Conditions
It is important to check the condition of your tires and, after a certain period of time specified by the manufacturer, get them replaced. Be sure to inspect the air pressure in the tires including the spare once a week. Low pressure will lead to increased fuel consumption and low life of tires. Similarly, high pressure would lead to less stability and grip on the road. Also check the wear with tread wear indicators. These are located in the form of small ribs in the bottom of the main tread grooves. When the tread surface is visible at the same level as the ribs, the tires must be replaced.

Brake Maintenance
Brakes are the most significant parts in controlling the motion of your vehicle. As yours is a used vehicle, you should have checked the brake pads and rotors at purchase point. Depending on the level of wear from the previous driver, you may need to replace one or the other. If not, make sure to regularly inspect the pads to see what kind of wear your own driving habits have produced. A good point to remember is that the brake pads in the front wear more quickly than those in rear. Also, always replace them with original brake pads and rotors. This also gives more safety to you while driving.

Replace Windshield Wipers
While driving, good visibility is absolutely essential. For this, each windshield wiper should be of good quality and the proper size for your vehicle. Otherwise scratches may develop on the windshield or the wipers may not perform correctly, leaving rain or snow in your line of vision. At a minimum, get the windshield wipers replaced once a year.

Keep It Clean
You should feel as if you are at home when you're in your vehicle. Don't clutter up the console, compartments, or seats. Regularly vacuum and dust the interior and only keep hoses or tools of sorts in the truck area if absolutely necessary. You and your riders should have enough space to move freely within the car.

Proper Maintenance

Used vehicles are much better from the stand point of value for your money. A properly maintained pre-owned car should lead you to the same comfort as that of a new one. Keeping that in mind, once you choose to invest in a pre-owned vehicle, it is important to take certain points into account when it comes to vehicle maintenance.

A used vehicle requires more frequent checks for any defects, as well as frequent replacement of parts which can be costly when compared against the preventative maintenance a new vehicle requires. To begin with, the initial purchase cost of a used vehicle may be a little less than that of a new one, but, as years roll on, the maintenance costs continue to grow at a faster rate than you would encounter with a new vehicle.

Although there are routine maintenance checks and services that any vehicle will require, your pre-owned one will most likely call for more frequent service appointments and a more detailed level of care. With that being said, there are specific points that will help you maintain your used vehicle's condition and bring small issues to light before they turn into larger, more costly ones.

Don't Drive Excessive Miles at High Speeds
If you properly maintain your pre-owned vehicle with periodic checkups, there is a greater guarantee that your car will last longer. Try not to give in to the 'need for speed' as this will lead to excessive wear on the tires, clutch, and other parts. On the other hand, also avoid keeping your vehicle idle for long periods of time.

Get Regular Oil Changes
Vehicle makers advise to change the oil in your car once a year. Alternatively, you can even do so after you drive 7,500 miles. Still, for best results, it's recommended to change it after every 3,500 miles. Changing the oil is essential as it affects the performance of the engine. As you drive more miles, the blow-by increases. This, in turn, results in unburned fuel dumped into the crankcase which leads to dilution of the oil. Because of this, the oil breaks down and consequential wear and tear increases drastically. Over time this leads to the engine breaking down.

Check Your Fluid Levels
It's crucial to check fluid levels such as power steering fluid, coolant, and oil regularly. These liquids are essential to a properly running engine and a low level often signals bigger issues internally. If you're not sure how to check or what to be looking for, ask the mechanic during your next oil change. These are all items that should be checked during this service appointment anyway, so it's no inconvenience to ask.

Check Tire Conditions
It is important to check the condition of your tires and, after a certain period of time specified by the manufacturer, get them replaced. Be sure to inspect the air pressure in the tires including the spare once a week. Low pressure will lead to increased fuel consumption and low life of tires. Similarly, high pressure would lead to less stability and grip on the road. Also check the wear with tread wear indicators. These are located in the form of small ribs in the bottom of the main tread grooves. When the tread surface is visible at the same level as the ribs, the tires must be replaced.

Brake Maintenance
Brakes are the most significant parts in controlling the motion of your vehicle. As yours is a used vehicle, you should have checked the brake pads and rotors at purchase point. Depending on the level of wear from the previous driver, you may need to replace one or the other. If not, make sure to regularly inspect the pads to see what kind of wear your own driving habits have produced. A good point to remember is that the brake pads in the front wear more quickly than those in rear. Also, always replace them with original brake pads and rotors. This also gives more safety to you while driving.

Replace Windshield Wipers
While driving, good visibility is absolutely essential. For this, each windshield wiper should be of good quality and the proper size for your vehicle. Otherwise scratches may develop on the windshield or the wipers may not perform correctly, leaving rain or snow in your line of vision. At a minimum, get the windshield wipers replaced once a year.

Keep It Clean
You should feel as if you are at home when you're in your vehicle. Don't clutter up the console, compartments, or seats. Regularly vacuum and dust the interior and only keep hoses or tools of sorts in the truck area if absolutely necessary. You and your riders should have enough space to move freely within the car.

When it comes to servicing your pre-owned vehicle, it's advised to visit a reputable dealer, as he will employ experienced technicians to take care of your vehicle. Moreover, you'll have peace of mind knowing that the mechanic will replace any damaged parts with genuine, factory ones