Category Archives: automotive franchise

GPS Vehicle Tracking Systems: Do I Need One?

Posted on by
Reply

By Ken Sink

GPS vehicle tracking systems are more affordable and more popular than ever before, but do you need one? Take this short quiz and keep track of your ‘yes’ answers. I’ll help you total your score and decide after you finish.

Step One: Take Quiz

1. Do I use vehicles in my business? Yes/No

(The definition of ‘vehicles’ includes heavy, medium and light-duty vehicles, construction equipment (dozers, graders, backhoes, etc), cars, motorcycles, RV’s, pick-up trucks, vans, tractor trailers, buses, trailers, dump trucks, snow plows, limousines, taxis, etc.)

2. Have any of my vehicles been stolen in the past? Yes/No

3. I’d like to know what is going on and where my employees/vehicles are during the day: Yes/No

4. I’d like to reduce my fuel expenses and know if any of my vehicles are wasting gas: Yes/No

5. Being able to give my customers accurate and precise arrival/delivery estimates is important to me: Yes/No

6. It is important to know if any of my vehicles are used after hours or on weekends for non-business purposes: Yes/No

7. I’d like save up to 30% on my vehicle insurance: Yes/No

8. It is important to know if my employees are speeding or otherwise abusing my vehicles: Yes/No

9. If any of my employees are using my vehicles to ‘moonlight’ or do work without my knowledge, I’d want to know: Yes/No

10. Knowing about mechanical problems before they become expensive to fix is important: Yes/No

11. If any of my vehicles are ever stolen, I’d like to locate them within minutes: Yes/No

12. I’d like to have vehicle use data to compare with overtime requests as a way to guard against errors and fraud: Yes/No

13. I’d like a reminder when it is time to do routine maintenance on my vehicles: Yes/No

14. Occasionally, customers question when we were at their location, having the exact date and time recorded in our tracking system would really help in those cases: Yes/No

15. I’d like to help my employees be more productive by seeing where they go each day: Yes/No

Step Two: Total Your ‘Yes’ Answers

Add up your ‘yes’ answers.

* Fewer than 7 ‘yes’ answers:Thanks for taking the quiz, you don’t appear to want/need a vehicle tracking system.

* 7 to 11 ‘yes’ answers: Thanks for taking the quiz. You could greatly benefit from a vehicle tracking system.

* More than 11 ‘yes’ answers: Thanks for taking the quiz. You need a vehicle tracking system.

By the way, every question above (except question 1 & 2) is answered by using GPS vehicle tracking systems.

Step Three: Cost vs. Gain

The average business owner recoups their investment in GPS vehicle tracking systems within 6 – 12 months after purchase. Of course, your ROI may vary. Recovering one stolen vehicle may pay for your entire tracking system.

Vehicle tracking helps you reduce operating costs and boosts productivity.

Tracking systems reduce vehicle costs by putting a spotlight on speeding employees, who waste fuel, cause excessive engine wear and drive up insurance rates. Vehicle tracking systems will also remind you when it’s time for preventive maintenance, like oil changes, helping you keep your vehicles on the road and making you money.

GPS vehicle tracking systems improve productivity by:

* documenting long lunch hours,

* exposing unauthorized breaks,

* comparing driver overtime requests with system reports of driver activity,

* highlighting unauthorized vehicle use after hours and on weekends,

* eliminating driver logs.

Many insurance companies offer discounts of up to 30% for vehicles protected with tracking systems.

Step Four: Due Diligence

GPS vehicle tracking systems are outstanding tools for vehicle and fleet management, but you need to find the right system for you. Take a look at the different types of GPS vehicle tracking systems.

Check a company’s hardware and software, as well as their monthly data access plan. You’ll also need to decide whether to buy or lease your GPS tracking system.

Good luck.

About the Author: Ken Sink, owner of My Vehicle WatchDog, is a veteran with 20+ years of transportation experience, including fleet management of over 800 vehicles. Visit http://www.MyVehicleWatchDog.Info for more information about GPS vehicle tracking systems from Fleet Management Solutions, Networkfleet and Sprint/Nextel.

Source: www.isnare.com

Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=31673&ca=Computers+and+Technology

The rest is here: GPS Vehicle Tracking Systems: Do I Need One?

How To Choose Rims For Your Vehicle

Posted on by
Reply

By Chris Vorelli

Nothing else enhances the look of your car or truck more than custom wheels, the bottom line is that rims make the look of the car. Within 15 minutes you can install chrome mags and the look of your car is totally different, from boring to show stopper. Everyone likes the look of aftermarket wheels, but how do you choose the right rims for your sports car?

Custom mag wheels are available from so many aftermarket wheel manufacturers it is truly amazing and the list grows every year. Some of the most popular names include Eagle wheels, Chip Foose rims and Weld wheels, to name a few. When choosing aftermarket wheels you can get cheap prices which sometimes means cheap quality or you can spend a little bit more and be 100% completely satisfied with your purchase. You get what you pay for, so you have to make sure you know what type of quality you are getting. But quality can be very expensive, so can the style of the wheel.

Wheel styles range from regular 5 spoke alloy wheels, to wire wheels, to the latest and greatest, chrome spinning wheels that run up to $3,000 per rim. Chrome spinning rims are the newest invention to hit the custom car crowd, “chrome spinners” as they are called actually spin, even while you car is standing still!

Now back to how to choose your rims, if you are looking stricly from an appearance perspective, then it’s easy, just choose custom wheels that you feel fits with the style of your vehicle and your personal preferences. If you want perfornance for racing, then light alloy wheels are the best way yo go. Steel rims are no good, they will only slow your automobile down. Heavy wheels add unnecessary weight to your car, which in return lower the driving performance.

If you do lots of city commuting in traffic, then alloy wheels are a great choice. Alloy rims actually offer cool air flow over your car’s brake system which will prevent overheating. Alloy aluminum wheels are lighter than chrome or steel wheels you can also improve your gas mileage slightly.

Another tip to help the performance of your auto is to install rims that are one or two inches larger than the stock factory wheels. Larger wheels also give your SUV truck or sports car a more sporty look and feel. Also make sure the custom wheels you purchase have a maximum-load rating compatible with your vehicle, and you have to find wheels that match the bolt pattern of your automobile.

The offset is also very important If you install the wrong offset size, there will be problems with the steering and handling of your car, so make sure to find the right offset. A sales person at the wheel shop will be able to help you choose the right offset for your vehicle, so don’t worry if it sounds complicated.

Where can you buy wheels from? You have a few choices here, you can shop at the local car accessory store or you can shop online for your wheels. Each has their own benefit. If you shop at a brick and mortar store you can touch and feel the rims before you and if you have questions a sales person can answer your questions. If you shop online you have less help, but the benefit is in the savings, you can save hundreds of dollars compared to retail stores. It’s a give and take situation, if you have the knowledge I suggest you shop online, why pay more if you don’t have to.

About the Author: Chris Vorelli is a successful writer offering advice on where to buy custom wheels including chrome wheels, spinning rims, wire wheels, car rims, truck wheels. Read articles on all brands from American Racing wheels, Weld, Lexani and more. reprint permission as long as all link are kept intact. http://www.custom-wheels-n-chrome-rims.com

Source: www.isnare.com

Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=30152&ca=Automotive

Visit link: How To Choose Rims For Your Vehicle

Recreational Vehicle Ownership

Posted on by
Reply

By Terry Lowery

The joy of recreational vehicle ownership hasn’t been dimmed by rising gas prices. As late as August of 2005 recreational vehicle sales were seeing only a very small affect of rising gas prices. Sales of recreational vehicles in 2004 were the highest see in twenty five years. The popularity of recreational vehicles doesn’t seem to be waining at all. In fact, there is an RV and MV (Manufactured Vehicle) hall of fame located in Elkhart Indiana.

Today’s motor homes or recreational vehicles have all the comforts of home, and then some. With luxury leather recliners, granite floors, washers and dryers, plasma TV’s and looks of professionally designed spaces recreational vehicles are a stylish and comfortable home away from home.

There are several different types of vehicles considered “RV’s”. The first is a truck camper which is a unit affixed to the bed or chassis of a pickup truck. Then there is the folding camping trailer, or pop-up trailer. A travel trailer is a unit that is towed by another vehicle. A fifth wheel travel trailer is designed to be towed by a pickup truck. A motor home or what is frequently called a Winnebago which resembles a bus.

The process of purchasing a new recreational vehicle is somewhat like purchasing a new car. A recreational vehicle dealer will sometimes take advantage of an uniformed customer. There are huge markups on recreational vehicles by all dealers. The only way to come out with a fair deal is to do your homework before you buy.

There are several fixed prices when you are looking at new recreational vehicles. The dealer price, the taxes and any motor vehicle fees. As with a car, the only option left for the dealer is to play with the profit margin. As recreational vehicle dealers sell way less than car dealers do they must make a much higher profit margin per vehicle. As it is widely known that used recreational vehicles have a huge depreciation you don’t want to overpay for your vehicle.

About the Author: This article courtesy of http://www.rv-home.com

Source: www.isnare.com

Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=15690&ca=Recreation

Original post: Recreational Vehicle Ownership

Preparing Your Vehicle For Winter

Posted on by
Reply

By Levi Quinn

Depending on where you live, getting your car ready for winter may be a matter of chaining up your tires or simply flicking on the heater. There are some basic tips in terms of preparing your vehicle for winter that can help in most conditions, however, and can ensure that you can avoid those slippery moments on the sleet, ice, snow, and slush of even the harshest of winters.

The first thing you’ll need to do is be sure that your car has been serviced and has had its oil changed. It is always best to service your vehicle regularly. Have a full service done about every 30,000 miles or so, depending on manufacturer’s specifications. The best way to determine this is to check your owner’s manual for more information about oil changes and regular check-ups and servicing. As your car is being serviced, ensure that the coolant is flushed and the coolant is replaced with a product suitable for the environment in which you will be driving. Your car needs different coolant for winter than summer, of course.

Also replace the windshield wiper blades. Your wiper blades will be your best friend during those snowy nights on the road and you’ll need to ensure that you can properly see the road. Windshield washer fluid should be fully topped up as well and should be up to manufacturer’s specifications. Regular water can and will freeze, so avoid using water for wiper fluid.

The battery should be serviced. The posts and terminal ends should be checked by a professional and any water should be added if necessary. The battery should also be load-tested and its ability to hold a charge should be monitored. If the battery is more than four and a half years old, it is recommended to change it before the winter months strike.

Check your tire pressure. This will ensure that your tires have enough pressure to handle the road. Tires may become low as the temperature drops, as the air in your tires can contract due to the temperature. This is also a good time to ensure that you have a good set of all-season tires or winter tires with plenty of tread for the road. Also double check that your spare tire is, first and foremost, in the trunk and, second, filled with enough air. You should also have all of the proper tire-changing equipment in the trunk for effective servicing should you need to change your tire.

Check your lights, heater, and defroster for good, solid operation. Keep your gas tank as full as possible at all times so that you can give your vehicle more weight and so that you don’t run the risk of running out of gas in the middle of nowhere. This will also help prevent moisture from forming in the gas lines. Along with this, have your brakes checked by a professional.

Finally, make sure you pack an emergency kit for the cold weather. This should include a good pair of gloves, a warm jacket, a blanket, extra boots, an ice scraper, snow shovel, flashlight, and some kitty litter for getting out of slippery situations by providing traction. By using these tips, you should be able to survive the winter on the roads and enjoy a happy and safe holiday season.

About the Author: Find the best deal on the auto insurance coverage you need. Visit us today for money-saving tips and receive free quotes for cheap auto insurance online from respected insurance companies.

Source: www.isnare.com

Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=211632&ca=Automotive

See the original post here: Preparing Your Vehicle For Winter

Vehicle Maintenance

Posted on by
Reply

By Brenda Williams

When should you get an oil change? How long in between service should you wait before you have your tires and wheels rotated and balanced? How much will all of this cost? How much can you expect to pay each time? These are all things to consider when thinking about vehicle maintenance. Additionally, did you know that it is actually bad to drive your vehicle when it is almost out of gasoline?

Before you purchase a car, you should really stop to think about all of the possible ways that you will have to spend money on your vehicle. For instance, with certain cars, the price tag may say one thing, but then you will later find out that it costs a significant amount of money to make any repairs to the car depending on where it was manufactured, what features your vehicle has and the number of dealerships and/or service centers that there are in the area who are capable of knowing exactly how to service your car.

My mother used to take her old Toyota Tercel to a local mechanic that she was friends with. However, when my father bought her a brand new Honda with updated electrical features in it, the next time she took it in for service to her local mechanic, he wasn’t trained in how to service an updated car like hers that had a brand new electrical system that he wasn’t used to, so he referred her to the dealership where my father purchased the car. No matter what type of vehicle you own in your life, you will inevitably have to take it in for routine maintenance. Whether it is for something as simple as an oil change or whether it is for something more serious such as a transmission check, your vehicle will more than likely have to be serviced.

When you do eventually bring your car in, you are going to have to make sure that you have enough money to cover the expenses. Additionally, before you purchase a car, you should make sure that you know what it is that you want to buy when you are looking for a vehicle. Be smart about it and make sure that you do all of the research ahead of time. For instance, if you know that you do a lot of driving, then a sport utility vehicle is probably not a wise choice. If you have children or are thinking of having children, then purchasing a sports car may not be the best idea either. The more research that you do ahead of time, the more likely it is that you will save yourself not only money and time but also the hassle of having to deal with car dealerships, unnecessary repairs or surprise costs for owning your vehicle.

There are things that every car owner has to deal with. For example, you will have to make sure that you keep up with getting your oil changed. While there has been an increase in the price of oil, it is still a relatively affordable procedure that you can keep up with when it comes to maintaining your vehicle. If you are planning on taking a long trip anywhere, always make sure that you check your tire pressure and make sure that your oil is changed. The last thing that you want is to break down on a road in the middle of nowhere!

About the Author: Car Transport Companies Auto Transport Companies

Source: www.isnare.com

Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=459680&ca=Automotive

Excerpt from: Vehicle Maintenance