No matter what make of pickup truck you own, chances are you want to change it from the way the factory supplied it. Whether you use your vehicle for work, off-road play or some of both, you can find performance parts, accessories and customization products to make your pickup truck unique. When you want your pickup truck to look and perform better, accessories will help you customize it.

While it’s possible to get some accessories from the Chevy, GMC, Dodge, Ford, Jeep, Mazda, Nissan or Toyota dealer where you bought your truck, you will find a much bigger selection of items online. You may also get better bargains shopping this way. Some popular makers of pickup truck accessories include Lund, Westin, Dee Zee, Outland, Auto Ventshade, Warn, Saddleman, Thule, PIAA, Vector, Wolo, Deflecta Shield, Pilot, Hoppy, Grizzly and Protecta.

Exterior accessories

There are many types of exterior pickup truck accessories to enhance the appearance of the outside of your truck. They include air dams, bras and masks, bug shields, bumpers, fender flares, graphics and emblems, grille guards, hood ornaments, hoods and scoops, mirrors, racks and cargo accessories, roll pans, running boards, splash guards, tool boxes, truck steps, tire covers, visors, wings and spoilers and wiper cowls. Select items that will complement your truck’s basic lines and that will work well together instead of looking cluttered.

Interior accessories

Installing interior accessories is all about improving the comfort level when riding in your truck. Some examples are 12 volt accessories, cargo trays and liners, consoles and racks, dash covers and trim, door accessories, floor mats, horns, instrument panel covers, pet accessories, seat covers, seats and steering wheel covers.

How about adding some electronics to enhance your ride? Choices include CBs and scanners, cruise controls, GMRS radio, GPS and navigation systems, power inverters, radar and laser detectors, remote starters, security systems and antennas. You might also want to upgrade the standard radio that came with your truck to a stereo CD or satellite radio system.

Accessories cushion the load and improve the ride

Trucks are all about hauling things, so why not do it in style? Pickup truck accessories for your truck bed include cargo control, bed mats, bed liners, bed protection, bed rails, tailgate accessories and tonneau covers. You might also want towing accessories like hitch balls, hitch mounts, hitch covers, hitch steps, hitch wiring, hitches, tow hooks and straps, towing mirrors, winch accessories, winches and winch mounting systems.

By improving your pickup’s suspension and brakes you make the ride both smoother and safer. To do this, you might need anti-sway bars, bars and arms, bushings and shackles, hubs, lift kits, lowering kits, shocks and struts, skit plates and trusses and springs. Adding more lighting not only improves the truck’s appearance, it also improves safety. Some typical lighting pickup truck accessories are accent lighting, auxiliary lighting, back-up lights, bulbs and lamps, driving and fog lights, headlights, interior lights, light bars, light covers, light guards, marker lights, neon lighting, spotlights, taillights, tow lighting and wiring, turn signal lights and warning lights.

Electrical and exhaust systems are essential

If your pickup won’t start, it doesn’t matter how good it looks. If you’ve got this problem or fear it might happen, try buying alternator accessories, battery accessories, battery chargers, chassis wiring or jump start systems. If the problem is on the exhaust end, you might need catalytic converters, exhaust systems, exhaust tips and extensions, headers or mufflers.

To do all this work yourself, you’ll need some tools and equipment. Useful items include tire pressure gauges, car care products, computer software, creepers and seats, diagnostic equipment, engine hoists and stands, garage and parking accessories, jacks, stands, ramps, paint, sanding materials and abrasives.

And once your truck is tricked out to your heart’s desire, get out your camera. You’re going to want to showoff your new, improved truck to all of your friends.

About the author:

Jean Feingold is a copywriter for Catalogs.com. Catalogs.com is the Internet’s leading source for print and online catalog shopping - and a growing hub of original content and “how to” information at www.catalogs.com.

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

(ARA) Used Cars. A simple term that has a less than positive meaning for most car buyers. Conventional wisdom says that buying a used car is buying someone else s problems. However, as new car quality has gone up, the risk of buying a late model used car has gone down. In fact, the automotive industry doesn t even call them used cars anymore. The term to look for now is Certified Pre-Owned, or CPO.

There is a growing market in this country for used vehicles that have been put through a Certified Pre-Owned program. CPO vehicles give the consumer a chance to buy the latest models, often only two or three years old, at a big savings over a new car. So, when you buy one, you re really doing yourself a favor, says John Davis, host of MotorWeek, the longest running weekly automotive show on television.

More than a third of all late model used cars and trucks sold last year — nearly 1.2 million vehicles — came with a Certified Pre-Owned designation. They are typically vehicles that have low mileage, and have been put through a battery of tests to make sure they are in tip-top condition. Vehicles that fall into this category are mostly just off-lease, secured from factory executive car auctions, from rental fleets, or the very best trade-ins.

A new car depreciates by 15 to 20 percent the moment you drive it off the lot, says Davis. If you buy one that s Certified Pre-Owned, you avoid taking the initial depreciation, yet have an almost new car with a strong warranty and in some cases a better warranty than a new one. Smart consumers can think of these vehicles as the best and brightest in their class.

According to CNW Marketing Research, Inc., one can expect to pay a premium of between four and seven percent for a vehicle with the Certified Pre-Owned designation. They may cost a little more than you d expect to pay for a used car, but when you look at all the checks and balances performed and the extra warranty, it s easily worth it, says Davis.

Among the benefits, not just some, but all vehicle parts that are even moderately worn have been replaced. Many Certified Pre-Owned cars come with new brake pads, hoses, accessory belts, wipers and batteries. Their engines and transmissions have been checked and overhauled if necessary; minor exterior damage — like nicks, dings and tattered trim — is repaired or replaced; carpets and seat upholstery are shampooed or cleaned, and if they look less than new, are replaced.

Beyond that, certified programs provide additional warranties, often up to 100,000 miles, and may also include perks like car-club style roadside assistance. This kind of warranty actually exceeds the coverage offered by the factory when it was new. Certification programs increase consumer confidence about the quality of a used vehicle, says Scott Weitzman, senior director of retail programs for the noted automotive polster, J.D. Power and Associates.

But, don t just buy any vehicle that is labeled Certified Pre-Owned. The best CPO programs are found only at new car dealers, with repair requirements and warranties backed by the factory. Also, ask to see the checklist on the car or truck of your choice so you will know exactly what has been serviced.

Simply put, purchasing a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle is really a win-win situation for everyone. Manufacturers make money on vehicles they had in fleets or on lease, dealers increase their income percentage compared to new car sales, and customers walk away feeling better about some of the built-in guarantees, says Davis.

For more information about MotorWeek log onto pbs.org/motorweek.

Courtesy of ARA Content

EDITOR S NOTES

You can find MotorWeek on your local PBS station or SPEED Channel on cable. The weekly automotive magazine covers all aspects of the automotive industry and offers consumers unbiased, cutting-edge news and features covering new vehicle trends, current safety information, and the results of practical road tests. MotorWeek is nationally underwritten by eBay Motors and Pep Boys.

Since 1981, MotorWeek has been the trusted source for unbiased information, providing the first and last word on the automotive world. Hosted by John Davis, television’s original automotive magazine offers comprehensive, cutting-edge news and features for consumers and enthusiasts alike.

About the author:

Courtesy of ARA Content

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

Buying used cars is a more practical way of avoiding a public mass transportation commute. However, with the industry’s numerous car dealer options, lack of education could lead you straight into a bad car deal.

So how do you know who to trust? Which car dealer is best to transact business? Here is some useful information on searching for the best used-car dealer.

1) Reputation: This is the most vital in choosing car dealers. Making business deals with fair, honest and accommodating car dealers is easy as long as you find a reputable dealership. You should check with the local Better Business Bureau for car dealers reliability report and you could ask relatives and friends for past car dealers they dealt with that guarantee satisfaction.

2) Services: Finding the best car dealers should not be the only factor to consider. Make sure the services the car dealers provide are appropriate. These services include:

* Check and check out - Most car dealers provide express maintenance and service appointments to its customers.

* Car loans - Some extend their services by handling or providing assistance with your financial needs.

* Service rates - Each car dealership has various service discounts. Service rates may vary depending on the name, location, other benefits, and negotiations.

* Warranty - Some car dealers offer free extended car warranties when you purchase used cars or service and examine vehicles from them.

3) Price range: Most people assume that the price you pay is for the whole vehicle. This is not the case when doing business with car dealers.

Majority of dealerships include “add-ons” that may include window tinting, car accessories, CD changers, paint protector products, undercarriage coatings, car interior accessories and many more. Some dealers may try and force the customers into purchasing them usually install the add-ons.

If these additional accessories would be an advantage for you, it might be a blessing. However, if you prefer to purchase the car alone, check to see the car you wish to buy if it includes add-ons refrain from paying additional for each.

Extra fees such as dealer handling and dock fees are charged to set up a used car for sale, maintaining the car and preparing needed documents for the car sale. These extra fees could be negotiated since all of these services would only provide additional profit for the dealer.

Aside from a respectful, dignified and honest dealer, consider these factors in choosing the best car dealer. You may be purchasing a used car, but by looking for the best person to assist you, it will lead to a good investment.

About the author:

Gregory Ashton, your resident automobile enthusiast, bringing to you over 20 years of vehicular passion, and expertise; presents for your approval his insider secrets on selecting, buying, and maintianing the car that is ideal for you. http://www.best-car-buying-tips.com

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