You car is probably one of the most expensive items you have ever purchased. Therefore you must protect it well to help you keep your car and belongings from being stolen or vandalized.

Here are some important tips for the security of your vehicle:

Tip 1: Park in a Well Lit Area
Places which are well lit and have a lot of traffic are the best place to park your car. No sensible thief will steal a vehicle where there are a lot of people around.

Tip 2: Don t Attract Attention
Attracting attention tells people that you have something valuable in your car. Don t attract attention by placing high valued items in full view. Hide them away or risk losing the whole vehicle!

Tip 3: Take your Belongings with You
Take everything out of your car. Anything that can call attention probably will, and thieves love to hotwire cars that have expensive things inside. Don’t leave in plain view any money, electronic items or expensive items.

Tip 4: Thieves Love Audio Equipment as Much as You do
A good snatch-and-grab man can get a stereo out of a car in seconds, often before passers-by even notice. So to make sure that your equipment is safe, you should make it difficult for the thief. Some companies make accessory frames that bolt your head unit securely to the car’s body.

Tip 5: Get an Alarm System
Although an alarm system will not get the police rushing to your vehicle or get passer-bys restraining the thief, it will however lessen the time a thief can work your vehicle. Furthermore, many theirs will not even attempt your vehicle if they see that you have a security system installed.

Tip 6: If You can Help it, Don t Customize
Tinted windows, custom wheels, fog lights, all these accessories attract thieves. You car will of course look like a powerful vehicle, but that means more thieves would want your car as well. If you really want to add performance accessories to your vehicle, don’t tell the whole world about it. Install them where no one can see them. Have your car look like something fresh out of the factory.

Tip 7: Lock at All Times
Last but not least, no matter how long (or how short) you are going to be away from your vehicle, lock your vehicle. Make sure there is no way for anybody to get in, be it passenger doors, the boot or even the sun-roof. That short 2 minutes you don t lock your vehicle can be costly.

About the Author

Pete Lance is the founder of http://www.USGasTracker.org, a premier company which helps the consumer save money on gasoline. Thousands or gas stations across the nation are tracked daily to guarantee the lowest prices on gasoline anywhere in the United States

Technorati Tags: automotive, autocare, auto care, car care, auto repair

We all hate doing it, but it’s something that we all must do at one time or another… the wonderful task of shopping for car insurance quotes!

Since there’s no avoiding it, you might as well learn a few ways you can save money in the process. Here is a compilation of the top tips you can use to make sure you never overpay for your car insurance premiums…

1. Search for quotes regularly - Many people inadvertantly pay the same premium for years without ever shopping around. As your vehicle ages, it depreciates in value. You shouldn’t pay the same premium on an older vehicle as you would on a newer one… think about it! It’s generally good practice to do a quote search on a yearly basis, but the more often you do it, the better chances you have of getting lower rates.

2. If you have an older vehicle, consider “liability only” insurance - When making a decision like this, you need to consider the value of your vehicle compared to what you’re paying for your premium. If your vehicles wholesale value is, say $1000, why pay almost that much per year (give or take) when that is all you will get from your insurance agency… if you total your vehicle?

3. Take a defensive driving course - A simple 6 hour defensive driving course can save you up to 10% on your insurance premium. Contact your local department of motor vehicles for information on taking this course. Many times, you can also take this course by mail, by video, or even online!

4. If you have more than one vehicle in your household, insure them with the same agency - Most insurance agencies will knock a huge percentage off of your premium for multiple auto insurance policies.

5. If you also have life, home, fire, boat or any other type of insurance, use the same agency - As with having multiple auto policies, most agencies will knock a huge percentage off of your premium for multiple policies.

6. Increase your deductible - The higher the deductible you choose, the lower your premium will be, so set your deductible at the highest rate possible… just make sure that if you were to need the insurance you would be able to cover this deductible.

7. Maintain good credit - Insurance agencies, just like any other business, like to be paid… and on time. A good credit rating will lower your premium.

8. Think like an insurance agent - Insurance agencies base their rates foremost on one thing… risk. The more at risk you seem to be, the higher the premium will be, and vice versa.

When talking with an agent, give them reasons that you are at a lower risk, ie: you have a safe vehicle, you have a clean driving record, you don’t use your vehicle for work purposes, you don’t travel often, you’re vehicle has anti-theft devices, you park in a garage, etc. A good idea would be to make a list of why you’re at a lower risk before you even speak to an agent. Be creative!

About The Author

This article was written by Matthew Keith. Did you like it? Read more articles, tips and resources just like it at http://insuranceauto.bravehost.com - This article may be freely distributed or republished, as long as these bylines are included.

Technorati Tags: automotive, autocare, auto care, car care, auto repair

The Mercedes Benz E500 sedan is a V8-powered muscle car with handling and brakes to complement its’ engine’s 302 horsepower, and a new seven-speed transmission. It has three-valve-per-cylinder, single overhead cam, aluminum alloy 5.0-liter V8 puts out 302 horsepower at 5600 rpm, and makes its maximum of 339 lb-ft of torque from 2700 through 4250 rpm.

The air springs and shock absorbers use electronic sensors and and computer-controlled actuation to match suspension response to road conditions, driving style, and cornering force.

The hood, front fenders, trunk lid, and suspension sub frames are aluminum like its numerous suspension pieces. There is increased structural use of high-strength steel as well. The design and construction helps the ride comfort and handling of all E-Class models, but the E500 and E55AMG have a special trick as standard equipment - Airmatic DC (Dual Control) semi-active air suspension,

Powered by a 302-horsepower V8, the E500 comes more standard equipment than the E320, including a seven-speed automatic transmission, a four-zone climate control system with separate temperature adjustments for both sides of the cabin, front and rear, and the variable ADC air suspension.

The 2005 Mercedes E-Class has a strong chassis structure with large front and rear crumple zones, adaptive airbags, a rollover sensor that can deploy side window bags, and “Tele Aid” telematics to summon help in the event of a severe accident. ESP stability control, traction control, and antilock brakes with Brake Assist are all standard.

Options in the E500 sedan include radar-controlled Distronic adaptive cruise control, which maintains a set distance from cars ahead; Keyless Go, a credit card-sized transmitter which allows unlocking the doors and starting the car by touching the door handle and the gear selector; Parktronic obstacle warning, which helps with parking and enhances safety by alerting the driver to objects in front of and behind the car. Also available: DVD-based GPS navigation integrated in the in-dash information management system; voice operation for the phone, audio controls and navigation system; ventilated massaging seats; and solar-powered interior ventilation

Parts train manufactures and sells aftermarket performance products and accessories for Mercedes Benz. Partstrain strives to be the ultimate source for performance products and accessories for most Mercedes Benz cars.
Parts train’s product line-up for Mercedes Benz vehicles includes Engine system, Electrical system, Header, Exhaust, Hoods, Hubcaps, multiple Body Kit designs, Suspension, Condensers, Bumpers, Radiator Support, Spoiler, Catalytic Converter, and a variety of additional upgrades that compliment the car. Visit http://www.partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/MERCEDES_BENZ to browse on all its top of the line Mercedes Benz parts. All Mercedes Benz auto parts are new and guaranteed to fit with only the highest quality Mercedes Benz replacement parts.

About the Author

Jenny McLane is a 36 year old native of Iowa and has a knack for research on cars and anything and everything about it. She works full time as a Market Analyst for one of the leading car parts suppliers in the country today.

Technorati Tags: automotive, autocare, auto care, car care, auto repair