Sometimes it’s easy to forget just how much our country has to offer. We are known the world over as a nation that fights for democracy and freedom, but most people don’t think of the natural wonders that dot our terrific landscape. We are a nation of immense diversity with rich history that we can be both proud of and learn from. It would be foolish and overly idealistic to think that the United States was built on noble cause alone, so it’s important to appreciate our wonderful country as objectively and open minded as possible.

I’ve driven across this great nation twice now. Once I drove from Boston to Los Angeles along the Northern border, and once from Boston to Los Angeles criss-crossing along the South. Both routes offered me terrific insight and wonderful experience and I highly recommend making the time to take this epic road trip. If you plan on doing such a thing, you absolutely must have a reliable, fuel-efficient car or SUV. That’s why I think you should look no further than the 2015 Nissan Pathfinder. You can purchase it as a hybrid as well. This is definitely the better option because hybrids get even better fuel-efficiency along long stretches of uninterrupted highway. And believe me, if you make this journey, you’ll get quite a bit of that! If you’re interested in learning more about this perfect cross country vehicle, go to Puente Hills Nissan or www.downtownnissan.com immediately so you can start planning your trip.

When leaving from Boston, I recommend first stopping in Washington D.C. What better place to start an appreciation for your country than the Nation’s capitol? Here you will learn about the people and events that shaped our nation and Washington D.C. will inspire a thirst within you to learn more about the country.

From Washington, I went down to New Orleans and enjoyed some of the best food and most rich culture that our country has to offer. I had one of the best meals of my life there. It was catfish, covered in crawfish, smothered in garlic butter and served with herbs. Just thinking about it is making my stomach grumble even now. After New Orleans, I traveled west through Texas, stopping at the Alamo and then to one of the best steak houses anyone has ever been to. Right outside of El Paso I came across a true gem called Cattleman’s Ranch. My last major stop on my way to Los Angeles was at the Grand Canyon. One could spend years exploring this world famous natural wonder and still only get a small sense of the wildlife and geology.

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Thanks to the Geneva Motor Show, “”supercars, like the Koenigsegg One: Pagani and 1 Zonda Revolucion, have been a serious focus of automotive news this month. But one supercar that debuted just before the show and didn’t make an appearance in Geneva is the Arash AF8 – a light, lithe British exotic sports car using a big 7.-liter engine.

The all-new Arash AF8 Arash affixes a carbon fiber intake system to the GM V8The Arash AF8 measures 13.6 x 6.2 x 3.6 ft (4.15 x 1.9 x 1.1 m)The Arash AF8 View all

The AF8 is only the second car to carry the Arash name, following the AF10 that debuted in 2010. Arash only designed a single AF10 show car but wants to actually sell and build a limited run of AF8 models.

Like the AF10, the AF8 has a reworked 7.-liter GM V8 engine mounted amidships. Interestingly, output has been dialed back a feeling from the AF10 spec sheet, with the AF8 firing out 550 hp at 6,500 rpm (versus the AF10’s 600 bhp) and generating 470 lb-ft (637 Nm) of torque at 5,000 rpm. The engine breathes naturally with the help of a carbon intake system, while a titanium exhaust system spits things the other end. A six-speed manual transmission mounted to the rear subframe puts the driver in command of gear selection.

A look under the AF8’s skin

The real magic of the AF8 lies in its lightweight build. It steps gingerly in the scale, weighing in at 2,645 lb (1,200 kg), a fighting weight it maintains with a diet of carbon fiber body carbon and panels-reinforced tubular steel chassis. The car touches ground with Michelin Pilot 2 tires wrapped around forged aluminum wheels (19 x 9.5-in front, 20 x 12.5-in rear), which send it rolling to 60 mph (96.5 km/h) in an estimated 3.5 seconds, on up to a top speed of 200 mph (322 km/h). Double wishbone suspension eats the bumps of the road, while ventilated floating steel disc brakes bring the car screaming returning to rest.

The AF8 does employ a good amount of modern technology, including a five-stage Arash Stability Management traction control, touchscreen infotainment system, heated windshield and optional Navtrak ADR security immobilizer and tracking system, though its powertrain may be old style. The air conditioning will come in handy while revealing the exotic wheels on the sweltering summer beach circuit.

The Arash AF8 hits the track

The truth than it is, the corporation might also have just spit it out of a “”generic supercar”” 3D printer, though arash explains in detail how the styling in the AF8 was carefully evolved from the AF10 and Farboud GT models that preceded it. Thanks to its rounded edges, it packs a more refined look in comparison to the AF10, but it’s arguably less interesting as a result. It looks like all dozen of equally derivative designs from supercars past and present, with its only point of visual interest being the LED taillights – and those are slapped on a flat, broad afterthought of the rear fascia.

We wouldn’t refuse an AF8 test drive, as well as the £165,000 (US$275,000) “”indicative on road price, it’s not even close to the most intriguing option in their class. Arash plans to offer 36 specially numbered first edition AF8s painted up in “”launch edition yellow. Beyond that, there will be a full selection of solid and metallic color options.

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People need car insurance these days and what exactly is more many people really like saving money. So if we talk about an insurance you should understand that there are a great deal of opportunities to save cash on vehicle insurance, you should only read the following advice and follow them

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Steps

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1Compare: Because prices really differs, feel free to visit as much insurers as you desire. Numerous companies offer really significant quotes and discounts. This industry is very competitive and you will have a huge selection of companies to pick from.

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2Reputation: Always find everything you can about reputation of the company you would want to deal with. Seek advice, read reviews and take note of ratings.

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3Higher deductibles: Try your best to opt for the highest deductible possible. A deductible is an amount that you pay when you get in to a wreck or crash.

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4Package: Pay attention to a package of insurances. In the event you carry both policies with them, i mean, many insurers offer package discounts.

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5Discounts: There are periodical, seasonal or holidays discounts. Most insurers offer a wide variety of discounts.

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6Telematics: You can find a growing number of insurance firms that are offering a “”telematics”” or “”black box”” insurance policy. This basically requires the driver to have a GPS device installed in the car to follow how the vehicle is being driven. This actually helps to reduce the fee for car insurance and will continue to accomplish this as long as the motorist drives safely and well. Sat Nav technology has revolutionized car insurance.

An organized garage should have plenty of room to keep all of your bits and pieces, tools, gardening equipment, bicycles, camping gear and muddy boots . . . as well as the family car. Unfortunately many garages are so disorganized or packed with clutter that there is no room left for what it was designed for – the car.

Here are a few ideas to get your garage organized and make room for everything.

Shoe storage racks – many people use the garage as the main entrance into their homes which means that it is the ideal place for shoe storage to prevent people trailing into the house with dirty shoes. Some people have a distinct dislike for outdoor shoes to be used indoors anyhow. Instead of a pile of jumbled shoes there are some simple built in and store bought shoe cupboards and organizers which can help to clear the pile and ensure that all of the family shoes are kept neatly and together without taking up valuable floor space.

Loft – a garage with an extremely high ceiling may have lots of unused space – loft space which can easily be utilized. It doesn’t have to be an expensive job – just something like a mezzanine floor with a railing for added safety and a pull down access ladder can create oodles more storage space for an affordable price.

Overhead storage spaces – some people don’t have the budget or the time to invest in a loft but there is another alternative for garage spaces with high ceilings. Overhead storage units provide a good compromise and solution to storage problems. They are particularly useful for the items which are only needed on rare occasions – camping equipment, holiday decorations or old toys and books which the kids have long since grown out of but you just can’t bear to part with them yet. Stuff which will probably make a garage sale in the next few years.

Slat walls – these are the things you see in retail stores and are perfect for creating extra garage space too. They provide the perfect storage solution for things which you need to get to regularly and easily but take up lots of valuable floor space. Slat walls can be fitted with customized hooks and shelves for added versatility, choosing the right type of hook means that you can easily store everything from toys to garden chairs to tennis rackets to skis.

Pegboards – are a fabulous tool storage method and can be quickly, easily and affordably fitted above tool cabinets and work benches. Pegboards are simple, effective and affordable. All you need is a selection of pegs fitted into the right holes and almost every tool and piece of material can be stored safely yet within easy reach freeing up valuable work space in the garage and helping to keep your tools organized.

Built in cabinets – are a more expensive option but if you have the budget they are worth their weight in gold. Wall to wall / floor to ceiling gives lots of cabinet space making it easy to keep everything tidy and organized, with plenty of room for your car. It might be rather expensive but it sure does make for an attractive garage.

There are some superb motors and deals available at Yucca Valley Ford perfect to take up residence in your newly organized garage. Check out the website at fairviewford.com and see which ones take your fancy. A fabulous organized garage and a great new motor – what better way to give your life a boost?

Graco has recalled of about 3.7 million child seats in February and now another 403,222 seats in March for issues related to the seats’ buckle mechanism. According to the official recall notice, when food or dried liquids get into the buckle, it can become increasinly difficult to use and may even make the buckle stick in its close position. The action affects many models of the car-seat maker’s convertible and toddler booster seats. They include: 2009 through 2013 Cozy Cline, Comfort Sport, Classic Ride 50, My Ride 65, My Ride w/Safety Surround, My Ride 70, Size 4 Me 70, Smart Seat, Nautilus, Nautilus Elite, and Argos 70. Certain 2006 through 2014 models include the Argos 70 Elite, Ready Ride, Step 2, My Ride 65 with Safety Surround, My Size 70, Head Wise 70 with Safety Surround, Nautilus 3-in-1, Nautilus Plus, and Smart Seat with Safety Surround.

Our experience with the buckle design covered in this recall is that it can be more difficult and less intuitive to use than competing products. The buckle not only takes more force to open than some others, but it is quite sensitive to the angle at which it is held and the position of forces against it. Our observations are consistent with the more than 6,100 consumer complaints that Graco has received regarding the buckle. For that reason, Graco was already in the process of phasing out these designs moving to newer, easier buckles.

Here are five key things we think you should know regarding this recall if you own one of the car seats.

1. Crash protection is not the issue, removing the child is.

The seats that incorporate these buckles are not a risk for crash protection. A harness and buckle are tight and keep your child buckled in, which is exactly how you would want a seat to perform in a motor vehicle crash. The reason the recall was issued and where a stuck buckle becomes a greater concern is one of extrication. If the child cannot be quickly removed from a seat following a crash or in another emergency scenario such as a fire, then there may be a higher risk of injury to the child.

2. Infant seats should be included in the recall.

For the reason we mention above, we also encourage Graco to extend the recall and buckle replacements to its rear-facing infant seats. Although Graco notes that with infant seats, the quickest way to remove a child from a post-crash or unsafe environment is to simply detach the removable carrier from the base, our simulated crash tests often find that carriers will no longer detach from their bases after withstanding the forces of a crash. The detaching cannot be relied on as the only way to get a child out; the harness should also open. We encourage you contact Graco’s customer service to take advantage of the buckle replacement program or 800-345-4109 if you own an infant seat that you believe incorporates the buckle in question.

3. There are ways to make the buckle easier to use.

The buckles in question have a release button that activates more toward the top than the center, and they are very sensitive to position. It can be very difficult to unfasten because the buckle has force against it from behind, due to the child’s body pushing onto it when the harness is tight or even from your hand behind it when holding it to unbuckle. Those factors can cause the buckle tongues to be in a “stuck” position.

To make and try unbuckling easier:

Loosen the harness a bit before you unbuckle to try and reduce some of the force on the back.
That may actually make it harder to open, though it’s natural to put your hand behind the buckle as a brace as you’re trying to push to open it. Try releasing the buckle by holding it but not pushing from the back.
Push the release button more toward the top rather than the center. Graco covers some of this in an online video. You may also try to clean the buckle per Graco’s instructions in the recall, if it still is very stiff to open.
4. Cut harness straps only as a last resort.

Coverage of the recall has indicated that some caregivers and parents have resorted to cutting the harness straps as a last resort to get their kids out. If they’ve tried everything else, we don’t blame them. Once you’ve cut those straps, you’ve rendered that seat unusable,. That’s our concern. If you’ve already tried the steps above to get the buckle open and still can’t, try loosening the harness completely, opening the chest clip, and seeing if you can get your child out. Perhaps it goes without saying but vehicle travel with your child without the use of a restraint because you’ve cut the harness is not an option and a much greater risk.

If you can get by with loosening the harness to get your child in and out for a brief period until your new buckle arrives, that’s better. The buckle replacement is fairly straightforward for most of these seats and rather than trash a functional seat, perhaps you can get by this way until your new buckle arrives

5. Other models and manufacturers may be affected.

Graco is not the only manufacturer that uses this style of buckle. We know that other manufacturers such as Evenflo use this buckle design on some of their seats as well. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is aware of that and is looking to other manufacturer’s designs as part of the investigation into the recall. But your seat is not a Graco model, contact the customer service for your own child seat, if the issues related to this recall sound oddly familiar. Evenflo customer service is 1-800-233-5921 or their ParentLink help center.

Note to Reader 5: Apologies to you guys for not being able to update my blog too often. Been down with the flu and up with all the excitement of the elections and all… But what I do have for you is more tips on troubleshooting your engine for possible problems. Don’t worry, there’s just a few more posts regarding this topic. But if you do have any questions, please feel free to ask away.

**BTW: That’s a close-up of the EGR Valve.

If the engine refuses to idle smoothly… When your engine is still a bit cold, usually immediately after starting your car in the morning, it naturally runs a bit rougher than usual, if your engine stalls each time you try idling while the engine is still cold, or. If you experience stalling and jolting then that’s indication of a bigger problem-even if your engine does run fine each time you drive at higher speeds, but if it tends to be overly rough or.

Possible Cause: Ignition timing issues.

Possible Solution: Minor adjustments should do the trick!

Possible Cause: Problems with some of your ignition parts.

Possible Solution: Conduct a full ignition tune-up. Meaning, check your distributor rotor and cap (if you have them), spark plugs and ignition wires. Replace them as soon as possible if there is damage on any of these units. I usually keep a spare ignition tune-up kit with me, in case I forget to purchase a kit until my next tune-up. This way, I won’t have to wait for my kit to get delivered before I could go about my usual vehicle maintenance procedures.

Possible Cause: **If your car has a carburetor, then you may have a malfunctioning power circuit or a faulty accelerator pump.

Possible Solution: Check your accelerator pump and power circuit for signs of damage. Replace either your entire carburetor or just the accelerator pump depending on which part requires prompt replacing.

Possible Cause: Bad EGR Valve. The EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) valve basically times and controls your vehicle’s gas flow. EGR when used in a diesel engine, should reduce your engine’s peak operating temperatures ensuring better engine efficiency. A properly working EGR valve should also decrease the amount of fuel that is burned by your engine in the power stroke. When used in a spark-ignited engine, however, a great EGR valve should not only help in lowering your engine’s combustion temperatures but also in minimizing your car’s throttling losses.

Possible Solution: A bad valve must be replaced as soon as possible, because of the importance of your EGR valve.

Possible Cause: Vacuum leakage.

Possible Solution: Check and replace your vacuum lines if you need to.

Possible Cause: Problems with your onboard computerized engine control system.

Possible Solution: Using a DTC reader or scan tool, locate problem spots and causes. Test your circuits and replace the engine parts that need replacing. Once again, since we’re dealing with an incredibly sensitive onboard engine computer, this is a job that’s beset left to the pros.

Possible Cause: Idle speed problems.

Possible Solution: Check your idle speeds if they have been set correctly. If the speed’s not right then adjust according to your specs.

Possible Cause: Worn or dirty fuel injectors.

Possible Solution: Avoid restricting fuel flow by replacing a faulty fuel injector immediately!

Possible Cause: Mechanical issues with some of your engine components.

Possible Solution: Find out if your engine is working well by checking its compression. If it’s not then try to locate the unit that’s not doing its job properly and make the necessary repairs or replacements based on how extensive the damage happens to be.

Living in Southern California is both a blessing and a curse. We have three hundred and some odd days of impeccable weather every year, but that also means we suffer from serious droughts. We have access to the country’s best produce year round and some of the country’s most notable National Parks. We are famous for bad air quality and oppressive traffic, movie stars and opulence, and to deal with all the gems and detriments, there are a few things we as Southern Californians must have in order to thrive.

A Hybrid Nissan

Choose a hybrid because it’s environmentally responsible and it saves you money, a Nissan because they make the best cars. A hybrid Altima is the perfect car to help you cope with that world famous traffic we’re so lucky to have. In Los Angeles, you absolutely must have a car that you’re comfortable in because you never know when your twenty minute commute will take you an hour. It should have an easy blu-tooth system that connects your car to your phone for seamless hands-free talking and texting. Also, because this city is just so ridiculously big, you’ll often find yourself needing to use one of you route finding apps on your phone. A blu-tooth system will ensure that you get where you’re going efficiently and safely. Remember, in California you will get a handsome fine for using your phone while driving. If you’re interested in this wonderful car, or any of the other in the impressive fleet of 2014 Nissans, go to Nissan dealership Temecula or metronissanredlands.com and check them out!

Sunblock
Don’t underestimate this, and listen to your mother! Wherever you are and whatever your skin tone, the sun will find you. Do yourself a favor and protect yourself from the harmful rays. It’s easy to forget that even while you’re in your car or walking for your new Nissan to the office, you’re exposed to a constant barrage of harmful rays. Cancer rates are on the rise and sun block also slows aging! Using sunblock everyday is a cheap and easy way to ensure longer health and happiness.

An Adventurous Palate

Obviously you don’t need this, but if you have it, Los Angeles will be heaven. LA county is home to a thriving Thai town, authentic Mexican food, the world’s biggest immigrant Korean community and a hub of diversity seen rarely in the entire world. If there’s a kind of food you want, you’ll be able to find it. Not only that, but you’ll be able to find the best version of that food that you’ve ever had. People who don’t live in Los Angeles always underestimate the magnitude of mind blowing food out here, and they’re invariably pleasantly surprised when they discover it. If food is your thing, Google Jonathan Gold. He’s the LA Times’ food critic and he is always coming out with lists of the best food Los Angeles has to offer. His opinion is as important to me as my map.

The 2015 Lamborghini Estoque is coming. And it’s going to feature a 5.2L V10 that will produce more than 600 horsepower at a dizzying 8,000 RPM. Just think of how it will sound. Unless you’re driving, you won’t have time to see it sitting still, because chances are.

2015 Lamborghini Estoque rear view

Pricing will start around $250,000 and will compete with the Porsche Panamera Turbo, Maserati Quattroporte and Aston Martin Rapide. The Estoque should be available in late 2014.

As a follow-up to my previous entry on how to check your braking components, here are some steps on how to replace worn brake lines. As we’ve discussed in my previous post, when it comes to your braking system, it’s best to conduct repair and part-replacement before the problem worsens. So if you’ve noticed corrosion on your brake lines or if they’ve become rigid and they’re sporting some cracks, then it’s best to start shopping for new brake lines to avoid getting into any accidents.

When buying a new brake line kit, be sure to find one that meets your vehicle’s specifications. If you don’t know what type of kit to get, then a professional mechanic should be able to help you out.

Remember, when it comes to your brakes, it’s best to find a high-quality part as opposed to settling for something cheaper but less dependable. Seriously, now’s not the time for you to scrimp.

That being said, here are some of the materials you’ll need when replacing your brake lines.

a vehicle jack
2 open-end wrenches
a couple of rags
some brake fluid
your replacement brake lines

Note: While you may need to replace just a single line, based from experience (and other people’s experiences as well), it pays to replace your brake lines in pairs. Because when one brake line becomes corroded or damaged, it’s only a matter of time before the other one follows.

Follow these steps to replace your old brake lines easily:

Step #1: Make sure your vehicle is well-supported by your jack stands. I remember discussing in my previous posts that jacking up your vehicle is in no way a light matter. No pun intended, of course. What I mean to say is that since you’re basically going to be “lifting” thousands of pounds using a simple contraption like your jack, it’s always good advice to exercise a lot of caution while you’re doing this. Follow the instructions on your owner’s manual to a tee to prevent any accidents. When jacking up your ride, avoid having any part of your body located under the vehicle. If you jacked up your car just right, check to see.

Step #2: Once you’ve jacked up your vehicle, remove the wheel where the faulty brake lines are located. Removing the wheel is necessary because it naturally gives you access to your brake lines.

Step #3: Set the wheel aside for later.

Step #4: Locate the brake lines. Note how the rubber brake line is attached to stronger metal components? These metal parts are designed to keep your brake lines in place each time you drive. It also connects a couple of metal components where the lines require maximum flexibility. Notice how the connection basically has a couple of hex-shaped fittings? This is where the use of a couple of open-end wrenches comes in.

Note: Before removing your brake lines, check the connections to figure out how to fit your new brake lines together. Use your old connection as a guide on how to replace your brake lines correctly.

Step #5: Loosen the connection of each fitting. Once you do so, excess brake fluid is bound to ooze out, so be sure to have your rags nearby to catch the leak.

Step #6: Clean out the area using your rags.

Step #7: Bring out your replacement brake lines and thread it together to form a sturdy connection. Make sure the connection is tight enough to prevent leaks and brake troubles later.

Step #8: Secure the connection using your wrenches. Once again, check the connections for signs of loose ends. Retighten if there are any.

Step #9: Add brake fluid. To do so, simply prop up your hood and look for the brake master cylinder or brake fluid reservoir. It’s usually near the fire wall and your engine compartment. Do not, by any means, allow water to get into this reservoir. Remove the cap and add more brake fluid. If you’re unsure on what type of brake fluid to use on your vehicle, consult your owner’s manual for helpful recommendations.

Step #10: Replace the cylinder cap.

Step #11: Bleed your brakes.

Step #12: Replace your wheel and lower your vehicle to the ground.

There are some things that you want to save money on, and some things that you don’t. Buying cheaper versions of some items and going higher quality on others can help you save money in the long run that you can use for all of the really good things that you want to get, whether it is a house or an international vacation. Here are three things that you can save money on so that you can spend that money on the things that really matter.

1. Cut the Cable

Most people spend thousands on cable and it really isn’t necessary anymore for a lot of people. With some exceptions, most of what you would watch is available online with one website or another. Most people have these services, especially Netflix or Amazon Prime, already, meaning that there would be no additional monthly expense. Many other shows you can legally buy when the come out. For those that you can’t get online, or for live sporting events, just find a friend that will let you watch it at their place.

2. Buy a Used Car

A used car, like the ones you find at used cars anaheim, doesn’t mean a car that is run down or about to die. Most used cars now are only a couple of years old, with many just coming off of a lease. These cars may have low mileage and have been maintained well, meaning that you will save money on your monthly payment and end up paying less in insurance. Find a great selection of used cars and find one that you love by going to http://mcpeeksdodge.com.

3. Ditch The Restaurants

How many times a week do you eat a meal out or get coffee from a coffee shop? Chances are that it is a lot and it most likely can add up to a lot of money every week. Even if you bring a few lunches a week with you to work or make a few meals at home rather than order take-out, you will be saving money. Same goes for taking your coffee with you from home rather than wasting time and money getting it from a shop. Find a couple of good recipes, make lunches ahead of time and invest in some really nice coffee beans and you could potentially save thousands a year.

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