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<title>Latest Automobile Articles</title>
<link>http://www.1h7.com/</link>
<description>Articles at 1H7  News Database</description>
<language>en-us</language>
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<title>How to avoid the rip-off mechanics</title>
<link>http://www.1h7.com/automobile/how-to-avoid-the-rip-off-mechanics.html</link>
<guid>http://www.1h7.com/automobile/how-to-avoid-the-rip-off-mechanics.html</guid>
<pubDate>Sun, 05 Sep 2010 19:56:48 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ If you own a car that is out of warranty - perhaps you bought an older model to save on car insurance bills - then servicing and repairs are your responsibility. Garage bills can be expensive, so it is crucial to make sure you're not paying more than you have to. Here's how to ensure you find a reputable mechanic that will fix your vehicle at a reasonable price.<br />
<br />
<b>Can you choose your mechanic?</b><br />
<br />
The first thing to note is that the choice of where to have your car repaired is not always open to you. If you are claiming for repairs on your motor insurance policy, in most cases you will have to take your car to a garage specified by your provider.<br />
<br />
This may be less convenient than using your nearest mechanic - and it could take longer for repairs to be made - but it is probably a condition of your policy.<br />
<br />
In some cases, your insurer will provide a courtesy car to tide you over until your own vehicle is road-worthy again: but not all policies do this, so always check when you are shopping around for new cover. <br />
<br />
<b>Finding a garage</b><br />
<br />
Recognising that drivers were becoming increasingly worried about falling victim to rip-off mechanics, the motor industry set up its own scheme to help consumers find a reputable garage, and to deal with any problems that arise.<br />
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The Motor Codes scheme has a website that helps motorists find affiliated garages in their area.<br />
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A survey by the body earlier this year found that 14 million people felt let down by their local garages.<br />
<br />
To join the scheme, mechanics have to pay &#163;75 and must then agree to abide by the rules of the Service and Repair Code and provide:<br />
<br />
&#183; Honest and fair services<br />
&#183; Open and transparent pricing<br />
&#183; Work completed as agreed<br />
&#183; Invoices that match quoted prices<br />
&#183; Competent and conscientious staff.<br />
<br />
Garages must check with customers before starting any extra work that is deemed necessary; and there has to be a clear complaint procedure in place as well. <br />
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<b>Your rights</b><br />
<br />
According to Trading Standards, services and repairs are covered under the Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982 and the Sale and Supply of Goods to Consumers Regulations 2002. Under these laws you are entitled to expect that the work be carried out with reasonable care and skill, within a reasonable time at a reasonable charge. If a part is replaced, the new part should be of satisfactory quality, fit for the purpose and as described. <br />
<br />
<b>If you're not happy with the work</b><br />
<br />
Trading Standards says that you should give a garage the chance to rectify any faults - but if they fail to do so, you are entitled to get the work done elsewhere and bill the first garage.<br />
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Bear in mind also that if you pay by credit card for any work costing &#163;100 or more, you are covered for any disputes under the Consumer Credit Act, and will be able to recover losses from your card provider.<br />
<br />
Some garages may charge an extra fee for paying by credit card - but this could be worthwhile given the added protection it offers.<br />
<br />
If you have chosen a garage which is a part of a trade body, there should be a clear complaints procedure for you to follow, without having to resort straight away to expensive and time-consuming legal action.<br />
<br />
Members of the Motor Codes scheme, for example, offer customers several levels of dispute resolution: any matters not resolved by the firm's own customer services can be taken to the Code's Customer Advice Line, and from there to a Conciliation Service and finally an Arbitration Service.<br />
<br />
These bodies may not be legally binding, but any garage that refuses to comply with their findings risks being kicked out of the Code, and is likely to lose business as a result. ]]></description>
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<title>20 Ways to Build your Email List by Melissa Ann Mitchell</title>
<link>http://www.1h7.com/automobile/20-ways-to-build-your-email-list-by-melissa-ann-mitchell.html</link>
<guid>http://www.1h7.com/automobile/20-ways-to-build-your-email-list-by-melissa-ann-mitchell.html</guid>
<pubDate>Sat, 04 Sep 2010 00:33:11 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ <p>How many of you have been struggling to build your list?<br /><br />It can be a challenge to build a good size list, let alone a high quality list, with a TARGETED audience!<br /><br />Think about it for a bit.. If you are trying to reach an audience of people who are interested in social media, be sure you are finding the people interested in Social Media..<br /><br />And, Use some of these Tactics to Build your List!<br /><br />- Make sure your FORM from your Auto Responder is very visible on the site!<br /><br />- Place your form on the Right Side of your blog, as the eyes Naturally move from Left to Right.<br /><br />- Place your form at the bottom of your posts and remind your visitors to sign up!<br /><br />- Offer a great giveaway &ndash; we all know this one, but think about what you want to give away. Find a need your audience has and offer them that.<br /><br />- Offer something worth a lot! The higher in value, the more apt people are to fill out your form!<br /><br />- When you visit other blogs, comment on the blog and make sure you include your link to your blog.<br /><br />- If you don&rsquo;t have a lot of traffic yet, ask a friend or team mate who does, to promote your give away and put your form on their blog! Be sure to return this favor! That way, you both grow your lists!<br /><br />- Explain the benefits of subscribing, so people know what they are getting!<br /><br />- Once you have people on your list and you begin sending them letters, send them high quality content and ask them to share your site with others. This will keep your existing members and you may gain more by word of mouth!<br /><br />- Better yet, encourage your members to use the &ldquo;forward to a friend&rdquo; function that many e-mail management services provide.<br /><br />- Find newsletters you love and ask them to plug your blog or site to their lists in exchange for you plugging their newsletters to your list. This works best when your list isn&rsquo;t too much smaller than theirs.<br /><br />- Have a privacy policy to make sure people know their information is safe!<br /><br />- Write articles and submit on article directories! In the Resource Box, be sure to link to your Opt In page!<br /><br />- Add a small video overview above your Opt In Box to show people what they receive when they Opt Into your List.<br /><br />- Use a catch phrase in your signature! Like this one: &ldquo;Grab your FREE 7 Day Video Training teaching you the Exact Steps I took to build my <a href="http://bizinabox.biz/">Home Business</a> using the Internet! <a href="http://melissaannmitchell.com/">http://melissaannmitchell.com</a>&ldquo;<br /><br />- Join some targeted forums. To find some in your niche, go to google.com and type in your niche and forums. Join some forums and set up your signature with a link back to your opt in page! Post on forums to gain more traffic and more leads on your list!<br /><br />- For your giveaway, build your own eCourse to offer, like the one I give away here to my Subscribers! 7 Days is optimal and then you can follow up at the end and ask them to share with their friends as well!<br /><br />- Post on other peoples&rsquo; blogs that do get a lot of traffic and be sure to put your link in your blog post!<br /><br />- Put your HTML code for your Capture Form in your Facebook Profile!<br /><br />- Run a contest and give away great goodies!<br /></p> ]]></description>
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<title>How to spend less on fuel</title>
<link>http://www.1h7.com/automobile/how-to-spend-less-on-fuel.html</link>
<guid>http://www.1h7.com/automobile/how-to-spend-less-on-fuel.html</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 02 Sep 2010 15:02:06 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ As if rising car insurance  premiums were not enough for British motorists to deal with, the cost of petrol is also soaring. According to the Retail Motor Industry Independent Petrol Retailers Association, prices at the pump are expected to increase by 8 per cent by the beginning of next year to a record high of 125.9p per litre.<br />
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The prediction follows increases in crude oil prices, as well as the announced rises in fuel duty and VAT over the coming year. It means that cutting your fuel consumption will be more valuable than ever, so here are some tips to help you do just that.<br />
<br />
<b>Maintain your motor</b><br />
<br />
Changing the oil once a year and keeping your engine tuned, tyres in good condition and wheels evenly aligned, are just a few of the ways in which you can dramatically affect your car's performance with a little tender loving care. <br />
<br />
<b>Drive greener</b><br />
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It's not just your car's performance on the road that can affect your consumption - have a think about the way you drive, too. Revving the engine unnecessarily, braking and accelerating aggressively and heating up the engine in cold weather all waste fuel but can easily be avoided.<br />
<br />
Shifting into a higher gear as soon as is safe can save up to 15 per cent on your fuel bill, while turning off the air conditioning can avoid drag. Switch on the Satnav rather than trying to guess where you're going and you may well save miles of aimless driving.<br />
<br />
<b>Alternative fuels</b><br />
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Alternative fuels are often thought to be the preserve of environmental enthusiasts, but they do work and could save you big money if you're prepared to put in the work and research to make it happen.<br />
<br />
The Energy Saving Trust has information about a range of alternative fuels on its website, while vegetableoildeisel.co.uk and Dieselveg.com both offer lists of specific models that can be switched to run on veggie oil. And for those with strong stomachs, there's always the Bio-Bug - a new car run wholly on human waste (and no, we don't mean from your bin!).<br />
<br />
If the above aren't for you, then switching to a more fuel-efficient diesel engine could still see you saving big amounts in the long run, even if it is likely to cost more up front. The popularity of diesel cars has soared lately thanks to much improved technology and reliability, with sales actually overtaking those of traditional petrol cars this July for the first time, according to motor industry figures.<br />
<br />
<b>Electric cars</b><br />
<br />
There have always plenty of questions about the viability of electric cars. In Spain it was recently reported that just 16 electric cars had been registered for use in the country over the first seven months of 2010 - despite a government-sponsored push to reach one million within four years.<br />
<br />
To further fuel the doubters, the UK coalition government recently guaranteed funding for purchasers of electric vehicles, but attracted criticism from some environmentalists who claimed it would be substantially cutting its planned pot for electric subsidies.<br />
<br />
Nonetheless, subsidies worth up to 25 per cent of the retail price will be available to those looking to invest in certain electric cars from the start of next year, up to a maximum of &#163;5,000. Add to this the fact that a new raft of super-economical vehicles is due on the market in the coming year. Among those are Nissan's Leaf and the Mitsubishi i-Miev - the latter of which claims to run at less than 6 per cent of the cost of a comparable petrol engine. ]]></description>
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<title>Speedmaster professional is the choice for a lot of People</title>
<link>http://www.1h7.com/automobile/speedmaster-professional-is-the-choice-for-a-lot-of-people.html</link>
<guid>http://www.1h7.com/automobile/speedmaster-professional-is-the-choice-for-a-lot-of-people.html</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 02 Sep 2010 05:00:20 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ <p>Omega Speedmaster is one of the few things that will make you feel that you were on the moon. The term "Omega" literally means "great O". Additionally it is a Greek alphabet which is repeatedly made use of to stand for the last, the end, or the ultimate limit of a set. Omega also represents success and perfection, words which are appropriate for the watches manufactured by the mens Omega watches company. Omega can definitely stand on top in terms of time. Nonetheless it did not stop there. Due to its precision and reliability, the Omega Speedmaster watch, was selected by NASA as its standard chronometer or travel clock for manned space flights around the first day of March 1965. Some of the space travels by the Omega watch were the "GT-3" (Gemini-Titan III) on March 23, 1964 with the astronauts John Young and Virgil Grissom aboard. On another space expedition which was the next Gemini flight (IV), Edward White got out of the capsule and became the very first American to walk in space. On his wrist was the Omega Speedmaster. Omega's Speedmaster Professional continued to be an adjunct to all manned space flights and in the year 1970 it actually contributed to saving the lives of the astronauts of the crippled Apollo 13 shuttle. Commander Lovell used his Omega Speedmaster in order to time the 1/10th of a succeeding firing of the secondary rockets taking the ship out of lunar orbit into a trajectory back to the green planet Earth. This life saving event lead towards the acknowledgment as well as awarding by NASA to Omega the highest distinction of the "Snoopy Award". Omega may mean the end or limit, but the Omega watch company is absolutely pushing that limit. Omega has many fake watch models, but Omega Speedmaster is the only one that can let you experience space and beyond. In the past half a century and more, the Omega Speedmaster professional had been the wrist watch of choice for a lot of people. This could be credited to numerous reasons, some of which could be the high water-resistant score, or perhaps the stainless steel casing, or the Hesalite, that's the shatterproof crystal, or maybe because it is an Omega watch? But best of all, it can be since it was the 1st ever approved watch by National Aeronautics and Space Administration also known as NASA. Perhaps you now are convinced precisely why the Speedmaster is the choice for a lot of folks. Having a lunar heritage, the Speedmaster is composed of a stainless steel casing, with white numeric symbols on a black face. It really is the kind of fake watch which can be trendy with a tailored black tie suit, or a casual gear, but don't forget the space suit. Incidentally, as a special treat from its 40th Anniversary, "7,969" pieces of limited edition commemorative version of the Omega watch were released. One particular attribute was the seconds-counter subdial featuring a variation of Apollo 11's "Eagle" mission patch; together with this design are the words "The first watch worn on the Moon.  which was stamped on the caseback. This is such a fantastic sight for collectors. The Omega watch also obtained recognition from the late United States of America President John F. Kennedy. Presently, an inexpensive quartz watch will usually tell a better time than anything that has springs and cogs inside, however it's not the point. The reason being mechanical watches are a symbol of Man's ambition to build miniature machines that will do incredible things. As quoted from President Kennedy: "We choose to go to the Moon in this decade, and do the other things, not because they are easy but because they are hard, because that goal will serve... to measure the best of our energies and skills." Those words are truly considered fitting for the mens Omega watches.</p> ]]></description>
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<title>The good looks of Omega watch</title>
<link>http://www.1h7.com/automobile/the-good-looks-of-omega-watch.html</link>
<guid>http://www.1h7.com/automobile/the-good-looks-of-omega-watch.html</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 02 Sep 2010 04:59:34 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ <p>Omega Constellation watch has been around since 1982. They have been making people fall in love with them since then, and have managed to position themselves as one of the most luxurious and top seller watch brands of the world. For many years, the classic Omega Constellation watch was sold. However, these luxurious watches have been redesigned the past year, creating a new line of Omega Constellation watches. Modern, yet still a classic, the new line of Omega Constellations has created a huge impact in Omega fans, since this line had long ago not launched a new design. Although innovative, omega seamaster Planet Ocean watch still remain a classic. They still have the bracelet structure that characterizes these watches. Could you ever confuse the horizontal links and bars, the claws and the Constellation star? A modern and better looking design of this same line has been added to the new line of Constellation watches. In addition, since Omega is always thinking for the clients' benefits, it has created two versions of this Ladies Quartz watch. The most luxurious version is made of stainless steel, which elegantly wraps around a woman's wrist with a black leather strap. The difference, the diamond embellishments, gives an extra look to your wrist. Would you like the simple version, or the luxury one? Throughout the years, omega seamaster planet ocean replica watches keep selling each time more. With an innovative modern, but still classic, look, the new designs of Omega Constellation watches are demanded by both men and women each time more. Their sensible good looks, high quality and elegance will continue to attract many more people throughout the years. What new surprise will Omega give us next year! The Omega Seamaster James Bond watch is really two different Omega Seamaster models depending upon which Bond you prefer. In 1995 Pierce Brosnan brought the Omega Seamaster to wrist of Bond in the movie Goldeneye. In 2006 Daniel Craig became the new James Bond in Casino Royale with a new Omega Seamaster on his wrist. For those true Bond enthusiasts, only the Omega James Bond watch will suffice. Almost everyone has heard the phrase, "Bond, James Bond" along with the famous, "shaken, not stirred." And who hasn't enjoyed at least one of the Bond blockbuster movies throughout the decades? It seems that everyone has their opinion of which actor played the Bond character best. Some enjoyed Sean Connery as the ultimate, yet others prefer Roger Moore's bond. Timothy Dalton took the Bond moniker for a short while and then Pierce Brosnan led James Bond into the new millennium. Finally, Daniel Craig has taken the reigns as the new Bond. Each actor brought his own style and charm to the Bond character, but for the majority of his years, Bond wore a Submariner. For thirty years, from the mid-sixties to the mid-nineties, Bond wore a Submariner watch, designed by another famous watch manufacturer. Not until 1995, with a new Bond actor in place, did the Omega Seamaster James Bond watch enter the scene. The Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M returns Mr. Bond to a classic black-face dial with stainless steel case material all around. The Omega Seamaster is much more similar to the Submariner in many aspects such as the classic, conservative styling. Some Bond fans would argue that the ultimate Bond character is not complete without his omega seamaster planet ocean and his trusty Walther PPK pistol - the two essential gadgets of any Bond movie.</p> ]]></description>
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<title>Cartier Roadster watches</title>
<link>http://www.1h7.com/automobile/cartier-roadster-watches.html</link>
<guid>http://www.1h7.com/automobile/cartier-roadster-watches.html</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 02 Sep 2010 04:55:55 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ <p>The mens Cartier Roadster watch and the Cartier Santos is but a few of the masterpieces that are to a large degree wanted by many keen fashionistas. Ranking second at a weblog titled Five Styles Most Popular Watches in The World. The Cartier watches are acknowledged due to their sophisticated technology and also finest materials. And you can be sure that these wrist watches are not going to come out with a cheap price. It is actually the opposite, except if you're into piracy and imitations. And so, the Cartier watches aren't for your limited budget people. Many watch collectors will always be in admiration on the subject of the skill and also quality of craftsmanship as well as beauty of the Cartier mens watches. One evidence is the Cartier Roadster watch. Additionally, a Cartier watch could be recognized from almost anywhere for the reason of its' classic and very distinct designs. In relation to luxury, the Cartier gold watch is also within the top spot in the list. In addition, a high class watch is of demand to the affluent and celebrity women, especially to those that think that a woman defines her look and her tone by the jewelry that she chooses to put on. In the same line, a luxury watch will define a woman's adventure, style, beauty, as well as elegance. On the subject of women's luxury watches, the Cartier's greatest competition is the TAG Heuer. Now, the TAG Heuer's front runner in terms of the women's watch department is the Women's Link Diamond Accented Watch. It's a stainless steel watch that has diamonds which are accented to the watch and it helps accentuate the arm of a woman and giving words to the mouth about her. While on the other side, a bit more expensive watch for women is the Cartier Santos watches brand. The Cartier Roadster watch as the signature manufacturer product line that gives a woman a feature of strength, durability, character, and most of all beauty. These high end mens Roadster watches are subtle but are also powerful and these watches are occasionally regarded as the supreme pinnacle of quality and also luxury when talking about watches for women. Keep in mind that there are a couple of things that you will only find with Cartier watches. First, you will get true top quality of work. And 2nd, it is just in Cartier that you will get a price that will slightly soar the sky. However don't be fooled since the price is very reasonable for such an exceptional watch. Furthermore, the Cartier brand has been used in certain movies. As early as 1970 in the film Le Cercle rouge, which is a film by Mr. Jean-Pierre Melville, the wristwatch appeared. The Cartier mens watches featured has a black dail and was worn by Alain Delon on the right wrist. Another movie around the year 2000 also featured a watch from the Cartier Collection. In the film The Crew a gold and steel Cartier Santos watch was put on the wrist of a skeleton. And an article once mentioned that when it comes to movies, year 2000 won't be the last time that a Cartier watch will be seen in a movie. Maybe in the next appearance of a Cartier watch is made by a Cartier Roadster Watch on the wrist of an Oscar winning actress playing the part of a luxury woman.</p> ]]></description>
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<title>Auto Warranties</title>
<link>http://www.1h7.com/automobile/auto-warranties.html</link>
<guid>http://www.1h7.com/automobile/auto-warranties.html</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 01 Sep 2010 12:30:38 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ <p>
<div>One of the most overlooked aspects of buying a new car is the auto warranty  that comes with it. This part of the deal can mean significant savings after the  fact. Even new cars sometimes have mechanical difficulties, and these need to be  covered with some kind of plan. A car warranty is one of the best ways for a  dealership to promote an automobile, because this is one feature that actually  pays for itself over time. The negotiations to purchase a new vehicle should  include the best extended warranty that is available in the price  range.<br /><br />A <a href="http://www.usdirectprotect.com/">vehicle warranty</a> can cover almost all major repairs, giving the owner peace of mind and  satisfaction with the new car purchase. Cars generally take a lot of abuse over  time -- whether intentional or not, and this adds up to replacing different  items as part of the routine maintenance necessary to keep them in good stead.  Owners know that having the major expenditures covered will mean a more  satisfactory driving experience. This is one area that needs to be addressed  even in the preliminary stages of locating a vehicle.<br /><br />A car warranty is  basic insurance against any unforeseen problems that may arise. Having this type  of coverage is especially important when calculating the cost of labor to fix  the vehicle. It can be very expensive, so this is one item that needs to be  addressed before signing the purchase agreement. Another great clause that might  be nice to have is the availability of a loaner car when the primary vehicle is  under repair. Most dealerships of note will include this item as part of their  basic warranty plan.<br /><br />There is no shortage of car shops, so finding  coverage should not be an issue. This is a large investment for most people so  the best car warranty has to be a major consideration when calculating the  price. There are options after the fact, but they typically require a great deal  of research to locate the proper coverage for the vehicle.<br /><br />Having an <a href="http://www.usdirectprotect.com/">auto warranty</a> does not preclude the  owner from the regular scheduled maintenance agreement. It is still necessary to  get the car serviced at regular intervals. This will keep it in good running  condition, and lessen the possibility of needing major repairs under that new  auto warranty. If more people would remember this fact, there would be fewer  issues with their vehicles.<br /><br /></div>
</p> ]]></description>
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<title>Car Warranties</title>
<link>http://www.1h7.com/automobile/car-warranties.html</link>
<guid>http://www.1h7.com/automobile/car-warranties.html</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 31 Aug 2010 12:59:33 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ <p>
<div>As you buy a new vehicle, it usually comes with the original warranty or  what's referred to as the manufacturer's warranty. An average warranty is good  for 50,000 to 100,000 miles mileage, depending on the model and brand of the  car. Car warranties that are general will cover protection from corrosion and  for around 50,000 to 100,000 mileage only. Oftentimes, an extended auto warranty  is only out there for cars which are around 4 to 10 years old.<br /><br />The  general warranty normally covers protection from any corrosion, 50,000 to  100,000 miles mileages and the age of the car must be in the range from four up  to twelve years.<br /><br />An <a href="http://www.carservicecontract.com/">extended  car warranty</a> includes an understanding by both buyer and seller. The  extended auto warranty includes a protection which should protect you from  issues that aren't covered by the vehicle warranty that is original, it could  offer you protection from tear and wear, slow reduction within the auto's  performance that might involve mechanical parts and gaskets, overheating, and  leaky seals.<br /><br />It's additionally probable to obtain certain Auto Warranties  in order to protect from only tear and wear. Bumper to bumper is not one of the  issues that is covered with what is referred to as a mechanical breakdown  warranty. It's ideal to obtain a warranty for the automobile straight from a  manufacturer and not from a car dealer. You ought to compare and check always a  variety of providers prior to making a determination. Surely, you've heard about  the scams concerning extended car warranty providers for automobiles.<br /><br />Try  to get a full understanding of the coverage and read the policy. Examine the  conditions and provisions on a contract. Study any fine print to learn and see  if there's a waiting duration, coverage that's limited to specific issues as  well as a condition against preexisting issues prior to the actual buying of an  extended warranty for a vehicle.<br /><br />A few providers of insurance will cover  up to 250,00 miles mileage, as mechanical breakdown auto warranties are provided  for cars which can't obtain a tear and wear warranty.<br /><br />Search for the  ideal <a href="http://www.carservicecontract.com/">auto warranty</a> provider  particularly for an extended warranty. Examine just how reputable the company is  and if it possesses a rating of "A." Not only will they offer professional,  friendly services, and fast claims, you will have peace understanding that  you're well protected in the instance that something occurs to the car.&nbsp;</div>
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<title>Getting started in caravanning</title>
<link>http://www.1h7.com/automobile/getting-started-in-caravanning.html</link>
<guid>http://www.1h7.com/automobile/getting-started-in-caravanning.html</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 30 Aug 2010 07:05:42 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ With the after-effects of the recession still being widely felt, it is no surprise that the popularity of caravanning holidays is on the up. The idea of taking your own accommodation with you now appeals to millions of Brits: research shows that 13 million caravan breaks were taken last year by UK residents, both at home and abroad. That is why Confused.com has become the first price-comparison website to let you search for the best caravan insurance deals. So if you're planning to get into caravanning, here's what you need to know. <br />
<br />
<b>Making your choice</b><br />
<br />
If you're new to caravan holidays, your first decision should be whether to buy a touring caravan - which you tow behind your car - or a static caravan that is parked on a particular site.<br />
<br />
Static caravans are more suitable if you've found a particular place you'd be happy to return to every year - or even more frequently. (See our Guide to static caravan insurance.)<br />
<br />
Touring caravans, on the other hand, give you much more freedom.<br />
<br />
A touring caravan can cost anything from a few hundred pounds to many thousands, depending on its age and the facilities it has to offer.<br />
<br />
What is important, though, is that your car can tow the model you buy. As a rule, whatever you are towing should not exceed 85 per cent of the weight of your car (in its unladen state - known as its kerbweight).<br />
<br />
You car handbook should tell you the kerbweight, or the maximum amount it is allowed to tow.<br />
<br />
When you buy a caravan, check its maximum laden weight - the dealer will be able to give you this information - and compare this with your car to ensure it is not above the 85 per cent figure, and therefore too heavy. <br />
<br />
<b>Check your licence</b><br />
<br />
If you passed your car driving test before 1997, you have a towing limit (for vehicle and trailer) of up to 8.25 tonnes - so you should be free to tow the caravan of your choice.<br />
<br />
But if you passed your category B driving test in 1997 or since then, you face restrictions on the amount you can tow: essentially you will not be able to tow something that, when combined with the weight of your car, is heavier than 3.5 tonnes.<br />
<br />
Check your licence and the weight of your caravan if your licence was issued after the start of 1997: if necessary, you will have to take a further car and trailer test to get the authorisation to tow heavier loads. <br />
<br />
<b>New speed limits</b><br />
<br />
If you're towing a trailer or caravan, different speed limits apply: the maximum of 70mph is reduced to 60mph, while 50mph is the quickest you can go on a single-carriageway road.<br />
<br />
European countries also impose greater speed restrictions on cars with caravans, so be sure to check before you go. <br />
<br />
<b>Get the right cover</b><br />
<br />
As well as getting the right insurance for the caravan itself, make sure your car insurance covers you for towing: in most cases your normal policy should at least extend your cover for third-party risks, but it makes sense to check your policy documents or call your insurer in advance.<br />
<br />
Confused.com now offers a caravan insurance comparison service - we're the first comparison website to offer this. You can compare the best rates on policies for static caravans as well as touring caravans. <br />
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<b>Beef up your security</b><br />
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Making sure your touring caravan isn't stolen or broken into is important, and there are a number of security measures you can take.<br />
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There are three vital pieces of extra protection you need: an alarm that will sound if someone tries to break into your caravan; a hitch lock, to prevent would-be thieves using their own vehicle to tow your caravan away; and a tracker that will help you, or the police locate your caravan if it is stolen.<br />
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Theses measures are not just common sense: they will also help you reduce your caravan insurance premiums. ]]></description>
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<title>How to fight your parking fine</title>
<link>http://www.1h7.com/automobile/how-to-fight-your-parking-fine.html</link>
<guid>http://www.1h7.com/automobile/how-to-fight-your-parking-fine.html</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 30 Aug 2010 06:56:28 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ British motorists pay millions of pounds every year to local authorities as a result of parking infringements. Getting a ticket is bad enough, but paying to have your vehicle released after being towed could set you back hundreds of pounds. In London, councils can charge a &#163;200 release fee (the upper limit is &#163;105 in the rest of the country); and on top of this motorists also face the cost of the original ticket, plus storage fees for every 24-hour period their vehicle is kept in a pound.<br />
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If you accept you have parked illegally, you may resign yourself to paying your fine and putting the episode down to experience.<br />
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But many motorists complain they have been given tickets or had their cars removed when parking restrictions have not been made clear, or when they don't believe they have broken the rules.<br />
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The good news is you can appeal against any fine: and there is now a lot of assistance available, often at little or no cost, on the internet. <br />
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<b>How appeals work</b> <br />
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If you are issued with a parking ticket on your vehicle windscreen or by post, you can appeal in writing to the local authority concerned within 28 days of the date of the offence - and there is no need to pay the fine before your appeal is considered.<br />
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Provided you submit your appeal within 14 days, you should still be eligible for an early-payment discount if your appeal is ultimately turned down.<br />
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If your car is towed, you will have to pay for its release. You will then be given the original ticket as well as documentation about the release, after which you can appeal.<br />
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In all cases, details of the address to write to must be given on the parking ticket. The council then has 56 days to let you know the result of your appeal.<br />
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If it is rejected, you can then take your case to an independent adjudicator, who will look at the council's evidence and your own.<br />
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There is no charge to make either appeal. <br />
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<b>Grounds for appeal</b> <br />
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Your appeal stands a better chance of success if you can show your car was ticketed incorrectly. For example, if the parking signs were not clear, or if you were displaying the correct permit.<br />
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When you submit your appeal, gather as much evidence to support your case as possible. If the parking signs were obscured by overgrown shrubbery, for example, or road markings were old and faded, take pictures. <br />
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<b>Getting help</b><br />
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If you do a Google search for the type of penalty you have been issued, you will find a host of other internet users' experiences and advice on countless web forums.<br />
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This information may be useful with your own appeal.<br />
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There are also services, such as the website Appealnow.com, which can give more detailed assistance in return for a small fee.<br />
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Appealnow, for example, charges from &#163;7.99 for a parking ticket appeal letter, to &#163;19.99 for help with a towing appeal.<br />
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By enlisting expert help, you may increase your chances of having your fine overturned. Those who know the ins and outs of the parking-fine system, and the legislation set up to support it, are much better equipped to spot errors in local authority paperwork that could render fines invalid. However, this doesn't mean you can't be your own consumer champion and, if you want to, take on the councils yourself. <br />
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Motor annoyances don't stop there though and clamping is another big issue for motorists. So we've put together a guide so you know your rights if you fall victim to wheel clamping. And if you want to have your say on the issue, then add your opinion to our Clamping down on the clampers blog. ]]></description>
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