Monday, October 30, 2006, posted by Jay Stevens at 9:52 PM


Bush to meet with Detroit 3 execsPresident Bush is tentatively scheduled to meet with the heads of the Detroit 3 in mid-November.

This was confirmed by presidential adviser Karl Rove during an interview with Detroit radio station WJR-AM on Tuesday, Oct. 24. But he would not give the exact date scheduled -- a move that gives the administration flexibility to change the date.

The Detroit Free Press, citing White House officials, said the meeting is likely in mid-November.

Bush originally was scheduled to hold the first meeting of his presidency with top auto executives June 2. At that time, the auto leaders wanted to talk about a range of subjects that included health care costs and the availability of ethanol.

Let’s just hope that this meeting pushes through this time.

Meanwhile for the best Ford auto parts just click over to trusted online auto parts store like Ford Parts Online.


 



Thursday, October 26, 2006, posted by Jay Stevens at 11:01 PM


2007 Ford Fusion
Ford has announced today that its first Fusion all-wheel drive (AWD), V-6 powered models set to arrive at dealers this week will have a base MSRP of $23,430. The Fusion SE AWD models start at $23,430, including destination and delivery, while Fusion SEL AWD models start at $24,525.

The Toyota Camry LE V-6, by comparison, starts at $23,960 including destination, and the Honda Accord SE V-6 starts at $23,945 with destination. However, the Accord and Camry are not available with AWD, at any price.

A Ford spokesperson said in a company news release that, "For the same money as an Accord or Camry, we're offering a Fusion with all-wheel-drive for free. The addition of all-wheel drive will be a huge advantage for Fusion, and shows that Ford is intent on leading – not following – this segment."

Ford expects sales of vehicles equipped with AWD to double from 25 percent of the total U.S. market in 2003 to 50 percent by 2012. That increase will be largely driven by consumers who want to retain the confidence of four-wheel traction as they migrate from their current SUVs and trucks into new sedans and crossover vehicles.

For the best Ford parts, just click over to Ford Parts Online.


 



Tuesday, October 24, 2006, posted by Jay Stevens at 11:36 PM


Don’t be surprised if the Ford salesman asks you “what’s your flavor?” when you come shopping for a Ford Edge.

The new Ford crossover comes in paint colors like Crème Brulee and Light Sage -- named for food and spices -- to make the job of selecting a paint color for a new Edge a little more delectable. It also marks a new push at Ford Motor Co. to tie vehicles in with societal trends such as America's zest for foods.

2007 Ford Edge
"There has been a lot of movement in the foodie culture," said Susan Lampinen, Ford group chief designer for color and materials. "There's the raw food movement, organic foods the slow food movement. What person today can't relate to food?"

Don’t come looking for a gray-green Edge. There won’t be any. The new Edge is offered in Light Sage though.

And what beige or camel or light brown paint color? The Edge is sold in Creme Crulee.
Looking for a rich, full-size SUV in white? How about a 2007 Lincoln Navigator painted in White Chocolate? Delicious hmmm?

And if ever there was a memorable, four-door truck, it's a 2007 Ford Explorer SportTrac in Orange Frost – doesn’t the name just remind you that cheery children's beverage made with orange sherbet?

Ford insists however, that safety, reliability, styling, performance and, lately, fuel economy, remain the top considerations for buyers – in spite of the fancy foodie names. Still, there's no denying that Ford is making the selection process for shoppers a lot more fun. And there’s more on the way.

For quality Ford auto parts, click over to Ford Parts Online.


 



Friday, October 20, 2006, posted by Jay Stevens at 8:48 PM


Winter Driving
It’s fall once again – the perfect time to start preventative maintenance on your Ford vehicle and to make sure that it is in top shape before the harsh winter months set in.

Pat Goss, host of PBS' MotorWeek and Washington Post automotive columnist, offers his recommendations on getting ready for the cold. He says to focus on the three main areas of your vehicle, otherwise known as the "IOU" — inside, outside and under the hood.

Inside

  • Make sure that all important documents for your vehicle are up-to-date and within reach. This includes proof of insurance, registration, maintenance logs and warranty information.
  • As temperatures begin to drop, take your ice scraper out of the garage and put it back in the car. It's also a good idea to put an extra blanket and pair of gloves in your trunk before winter weather strikes.

Outside
Check the pressure in each tire to ensure that it's at the recommended level. (The air-pressure specifications can usually be found on the driver's side doorjamb or in your vehicle's owner's manual.) Low tire pressure can result in lower gas mileage and affect the handling of your car, sometimes leading to potentially dangerous blowouts.

  • Inspect your tires for excessive tread wear and replace any tires that are balding, as they are more likely to lose traction in wet and/or icy conditions.
  • Don't wait until you're caught driving in bad weather to start thinking about your windshield wiper blades. If your wipers are starting to smear rather than squeegee, it's a good idea to replace them.

Under the Hood

  • Get an oil change. According to Goss, it's the best insurance you can buy to prevent excessive engine wear.
  • Have your vehicle's cooling system checked for any leaks or low coolant levels. According to the National Car Care Council, cooling system failure is the number one cause of engine-related roadside breakdowns. Coolant may be something that you only associate with warmer weather, but as winter approaches it's very important to make sure that your vehicle's coolant (or antifreeze) is ready to withstand the frigid temperatures that await.
  • Schedule a full engine tune-up, as outlined in your owner's manual. By having your filters replaced and fluids topped off regularly, your vehicle's performance will improve.

For more information on vehicle maintenance, visit www.mobiloil.com.


 



Tuesday, October 17, 2006, posted by Jay Stevens at 10:02 PM


2007 Ford Escape Hybrid
Looks like alternative fuel vehicles are growing in on US consumers.

Inside Line reports that a new survey by the National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium (which trains technicians and others to service future vehicles) has revealed that a whopping nine in 10 Americans agree that developing alternative fuel sources is very important. A majority also said they would be willing to put their money where their mouth is.

Fifty-five percent of those surveyed answered they will consider an alternative-fuel/advanced-technology vehicle the next time they shop for a new car or truck.

The study also revealed that those most inclined to consider such a vehicle were between the ages of 25-34 and 45-59. Apparently what the respondents wanted was to be provided with a clear benefit for them to dish out the extra cash for alt-fuel and advanced-tech vehicles. Asked what technologies they expected to be the most likely alternative to gas-powered vehicles in the next 20 years, 27 percent said hybrid-electric vehicles and 22 percent said hydrogen and fuel-cell vehicles.

Meanwhile keep your vehicle in shape with quality Ford Escape parts.


 



Monday, October 16, 2006, posted by Jay Stevens at 11:17 PM


Isulong SEOph FightCreate your very own anti-fog glass spray that you can use both for your car windows and home windows using materials that you are readily available in your kitchen.

Here are the steps and ingredients:

  • Pour two ounces of white vinegar in a medium sized bowl.
  • Add one quart of hot water.
  • Soak a lint-free cloth into the mixture but make sure that the cloth is clean.
  • Lightly squeeze the cloth to remove excess mixture.
  • Wipe the mirrors as well as the inside of the car windshields with the cloth.
  • Leave the windows to dry.


Reminder
For better cleaning results make sure that you remove dust and dirt on the windows before applying the solution you made.

Are you looking for a one-stop auto parts dealer that can provide with all your needs? Then visit Ford Parts Discount. They offer Ford auto parts such as Ford alternators, Ford grilles, Ford rocker panel and many more.


 



Wednesday, October 11, 2006, posted by Jay Stevens at 7:43 PM


Side Airbags
A study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has found that drivers of SUVs with side air bags stand a far better chance of surviving side-impact crashes than those in SUVs without them.

According to the study, regardless of vehicle type, the risk of death is 37% lower for drivers who have head-protecting side air bags and 26% lower for torso-only side air bags.

Federal regulations don't require side air bags in passenger vehicles but, under a voluntary 2003 industrywide agreement to improve side-impact safety in SUVs and pickup trucks, more automakers are installing them in their vehicles. This means that virtually all cars, SUVs and pickups will have head-protection side air bags by 2010.

Anne McCartt, an author of the study and the institute's vice president for research, said as many as 2,000 lives a year could be saved once all vehicles are equipped with head-protection side air bags.

The study also revealed that after frontal crashes, side-impact crashes are the most deadly, killing about 9,300 people nationwide annually. They accounted for 29 percent of all passenger vehicle occupant deaths in 2005.

For safer vehicles make sure too that all auto parts like wheels, lights, mirrors and engine parts are in good condition. Always check for damage, wear or tear. Should you need quality auto parts just click over to your trusted online auto parts store.


 



Monday, October 02, 2006, posted by Jay Stevens at 11:54 PM


Driving while scolding your kids can prove to be an energy draining activity especially if you are going on a long distance road trip.---what to do?

Travelling with Kids
Here are some guides on how to make your road trip with your kids less stressful:

1. Bring along some comfy favorites such as stuffed animals, blankets and pillows.
2. If you are going to the beach then bring along a separate beach bag loaded with everyone’s swimsuit and towels.
3. Don’t forget to fill a cooler with sandwiches, water or juices and other healthy snacks. You will be able to save a great deal compared to eating on restaurants along the way.
4. Bring along some stuffs that will keep your kids busy such as their art box.
5. Make sure that you bring along your kids individual CD and DVD players complete with headphones.
6. Prepare plenty of games plus treats.
7. Better yet tell them a story. It could be a funny, scary or inspirational story.
8. Stay focus on the road and keep your hands firmly on the steering wheel. In case of phone calls make sure that you have hands-free devices so that it will not interfere with your driving.
9. Make sure to choose safe stops where your kids will not only be able to stretch out their legs but also run off some energy.

These stress-free guides are brought to you by Ford’s auto parts. You can get quality and affordable Ford parts from car parts max online.