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The VIN Lookup is a colloquial term that refers to checking a used vehicle’s history to gauge whether or not you should buy it. It is also referred to as a Vehicle History Report. However you label it, it is an integral part of the used car buying process.

Shopping for a used car can be a daunting task. Even when you find a few that look good, you never really know what you’re getting into. Someone looking to sell might be withholding valuable information such as a previous accident or an odometer problem, and you might not be able to tell just by looking at the car or driving it around for a bit.

That’s where the VIN Number Lookup comes into play. Every vehicle built after 1981 has a unique 17-character alphanumeric vehicle identification number (VIN). You can think of it as a car’s fingerprint. Every time an accident is reported to the insurance companies, the car changes owners, or anything else occurs with the automobile, it goes into the DMV database. From the very first registration until the last renewal and everything in between…all of this vital information is stored.

The VIN Lookup, or Vehicle History Report, allows you to tap into this vast database BEFORE you purchase the car, so you know exactly what you’re getting into. All you need is the VIN, which you can request from the current owner. Using this sequence, you can get a VIN Lookup report from Carfax or Autocheck, two leaders in the automotive industry.

What will the report tell you? Hidden problems such as persistent mechanical issues, odometer tampering, fire or hail damage and severe damage. Other pieces of information on the VIN Number Lookup include DMV transactions, ownership transfers, mileage readings and vehicle specs. Everything you need to know before you make the final decision will be included in your vehicle history report.

So if you’re in the market for a used car, remember to perform a VIN Lookup using the vehicle identification number first…you’ll be glad you did.

Drivers 16 years of age are at high risk for traffic accidents
due to their immaturity and limited driving experience. A series
of five research papers published in a September 2002 supplement
of Injury Prevention addresses this risk among young drivers.
The papers make a compelling case for graduated driver licensing
(GDL), the system of laws and practices that gradually introduce
young drivers into the driving population.

Graduated Driver License programs can be found in 31 states
around the country. The GDL program permit young drivers to
safely gain driving experience before obtaining full driving
privileges and are generally targeted towards 14 - 17 year old
teen drivers.

Most states require an adult with a valid driver’s license be
present when the teen is driving. Additionally the teen driver
is required to enroll in a certified Drivers Ed course and must
hold a learner’s permit for at least 3 - 6 months before taking
an “operators driving license” test.

It is during these 3 - 6 months when teen drivers with learner’s
permits mostly drive the family vehicle with their parents.
While GDL programs allow the teen driver to gain experience in a
family vehicle with a parent, other drivers are not aware who is
behind the wheel of this vehicle.

Notifying other drivers will give them the ability to consider
choices when approaching a vehicle operated by a teen driver. We
can increase traffic safety and awareness. Car magnets have
become a viable possibility as the notification tool. Easy to
put on and easy to take off! No hassles or concerns about
permanent bumper stickers that may not come off.

Auto Safety Magnets has a focus strictly on car safety for teen
drivers, their parents and driving schools. Help keep the roads
safe.

More information on the GDL subject can be found at the Center
for Disease Control and this web page:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/duip/research/youngdrivers.htm

Melih Oztalay, CEO Auto Safety Magnets www.autosafetymagnets.com

If you are an owner operator with just one truck or if you own a company with one to a thousand trucks, you are out there on the road every day trying to make money. What I am about to show you is that if you are running a Kenworth W900L, a Peterbilt 379-127, an International 9900, a Western Star 4964EX, a Freightliner Classic or any other brand truck with a hood, you are leaving money out on the road rather then in your pocket. Ladies and Gentlemen, I am here to tell you that with the rising cost of fuel and the rising cost of maintaining a truck you must get creative with what you drive. In today’s truck market, you can invest in a more aerodynamic truck like a Kenworth T2000, Kenworth T600, Peterbilt 387, Freightliner Century, Freightliner Columbia or any other aerodynamic truck and you can get all of the interior features and sleeper configurations that you can get in a truck with a hood. What you get by switching to a more aerodynamic truck is INCREASED fuel mileage. Take a look at these conservative calculations.

Single Truck Owner Operator - Poor Fuel Mileage
•Run one truck that averages 5.0 miles per gallon 100,000 miles per year at $2.50 per gallon.
-20,000 gallons of fuel purchased
-20,000 gallons x $2.50 per gallon = $50,000 yearly fuel cost

Single Truck Owner Operator - Improved Fuel Mileage
•Increase your fuel mileage to 6.0 Miles per gallon, running 100,000 miles per year at $2.50 per gallon.
-100,000 miles/6.0 Mpg = 16,667 gallons of fuel purchased
-16,667 gallons x $2.50 per gallon = $41,667 yearly fuel cost.

Single Truck Running Team - Poor Fuel Mileage
•Running one truck as a team and average 150,000 miles per year, average 5 miles per gallon at $2.50 per gallon
-30,000 gallons of fuel purchased
-30,000 gallons x $2.50 per gallon = $75,000 yearly fuel cost

Single Truck Running Team - Improved Fuel Mileage
•If you increase your fuel mileage by 1 to 6.0 miles per gallon and you run 150,000 miles per year at $2.50 per gallon
-150,000 miles/6.0 Mpg = 25,000 gallons of fuel purchased.
-25,000 gallons x $2.50 per gallon = $62,500 yearly fuel cost.

Total Savings
•100,000 miles per year
-5.0 Miles per gallon = $50,000
-6.0 Miles per Gallon = $41,667
-$50,000-$41,667 = $8,333 SAVINGS
•150,000 miles per year
-5.0 Miles per gallon = $75,000
-6.0 miles per gallon = $62,500
-$75,000 - $62,500 = $12,500 SAVINGS

Added Benefits
•By having increase fuel mileage that means you can go farther on a fuel load, which allows you to go farther for cheaper fuel. What happens if you purchase fuel for $2.48 per gallon or just .02 per gallon under the average.
•100,000 miles per year = $41,333 per year for a savings of $8,667 a extra $300 in your pocket.
•150,000 miles per year = $62,000 per year for a savings of $13,000, a extra $500 in your pocket.

By increasing your miles per gallon with the purchase of a more aerodynamic truck you can expect to increase your profit margin by $8500 to $15,000 per truck depending on how many miles you run per year. Please note that my example only increase your fuel mileage by 1 miles per gallon. Do the math and you will see that while your competitors are out there running trucks with a hood, you can run a more aerodynamic truck and put more money in your pocket. With the fuel savings alone, you can almost make your truck payment for the year, now wouldn’t that be nice.

To realize these savings, contact Marc Hess at http: http://www.besttruckskc.com

The latest marketing campaign from Saab cars traces the automaker’s origins back to the days to when the company was formed from a Swedish aircraft maker. One ad mentions that 16 aircraft engineers designed the first cars, which were based heavily on aerodynamic aircraft design. Apparently, the “born from jets” slogan is meant to convey to the public that the same quality that goes into building jets goes into building their cars. What isn’t mentioned is that the company that built its first automobiles in 1949 is now part of General Motors, the largest automaker in the world. The Saab jet division is separate, still owned by the Swedes. Are the ads misleading? Perhaps, or maybe Saab is attempting to distance itself from General Motors and to stand on its own four wheels. Let’s take a look at Saab then and at Saab now.

After observing several ads about Saab, I decided to conduct a little research into the company. What I learned is a fascinating account of how a small, Nordic nation turned out not just one, but two high quality car lines. The other company is, of course, Volvo. This is simply amazing in that even today the country numbers just over nine million citizens; truly Swedish engineering is as advanced as any country on the face of the earth.

Saab, itself, got started in 1937 just before the outbreak of the Second World War when reconnaissance aircraft were built for the Swedish Air Force. After the war, the aircraft maker kept pace with the emerging military jet industry and developed sophisticated aircraft including fighter jets which also became part of the NATO fleet. On the air carrier side of the house, high performing Saab regional jets found a market in the US and throughout the world.

In 1949, the first Saab 92 rolled off of the assembly line, beginning a lengthy history of producing high quality and uniquely engineered cars. Indeed, the original Saabs incorporated an aerodynamic design to lessen wind drag, resulting in higher fuel economy for drivers. This concept was then carried over to all subsequent Saab cars; to this day not too many vehicles on the road can match the 92’s or modern day Saab cars’ low coefficient of drag.

Beyond making economical cars, Saab - much like Volvo - began to produce cars that were truly safe and innovative. Technological advances brought about self repairing bumpers; side impact door beams; self cleaning headlamps; turbo charged engines; cabin air filters; and other design features that were later copied and picked up by auto manufacturers the world over.

With the growing and expanding global economy, Saab during the 1980s began to find itself hard pressed to keep up with the changing demands of a new world market In order to successfully compete long term, new models would have to be developed and new markets explored. Ultimately, the decision was made in 1990 to spin off the automobile unit from the parent company and into a separate entity that was quickly bought out by investors including General Motors who secured 50% of the business.

Today, Saab has expanded its line up to include its first ever SUV and all car models have received regular and well needed updates. Critics worry about GM’s growing influence - indeed, the 9-7X SUV borrows heavily off of GM technology - and if the company can truly maintain some semblance of independence. Some fear that the division will go the way of Saturn and become fully incorporated into the GM fold, while others wonder if the division can provide enough of a distinction to strong European brands including Volvo, BMW, and Mercedes to attract new customers.

For what it is worth, Saab’s born from jets heritage may be the strong reminder needed to keep the line distinct and viable. Let’s hope that the motto is more than just a marketing ploy.

Copyright 2005 — Matt Keegan is a contributing writer for Auto Parts Canada, a wholesaler of fine Saab parts and Saab accessories for your Saab car or SUV.

The Swedish Asthma and Allergy Association has just chosen their very first vehicle to meet their standards. And among all vehicles out in the market, the vehicle that they chose was the Volvo S80 which is a new vehicle from Volvo Cars. After all, this new vehicle from Volvo has a Clean Zone Interior Package which is shortened as CZIP and this package actually is a new technology that gives clean in-car air as well as a pleasant driving and riding experience for all.

The project manager at Volvo Cars and also the specialist in car interior environments, Anders Lofvendahl, had something to say about the CZIP. He says, “The criteria for the Asthma and Allergy Association’s product recommendation specify low levels of formaldehyde, particles, various irritants, volatile hydrocarbons, and odors.” This is actually a good thing, after all, asthma and allergies have become quite common problems at present. These are not just problems among children but are also problems of adults as well. With Volvo S80’s CZIP, this vehicle actually offers a safe and healthy climate and environment for those people who are quite sensitive.

What is inside the Clean Zone Interior Package? This package actually includes a remotely controlled automatic cabin ventilation system. When the car door is unlocked, the CZIP stars up. It starts to effectively expel any emissions or strong odors that may have built up inside the parked car. As the substances, particles, and other components are dispelled and dispersed, the CZIP starts to decrease in power. Lofvendahl explains, “In hot climates, volatile hydrocarbons evaporate from plastics and textiles. These substances can serve as irritants to over-sensitive people, so to meet the criteria of the Asthma and Allergy Association an automatic ventilation system was a necessary precondition.”

Lofvendahl continues, “Volvo’s interior air quality system consists of a filter and a sensor. The sensor registers the existence of substances such as nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbons in the surrounding air and shuts the air intake if the concentration is too high. Our close cooperation with the Swedish Asthma and Allergy Association has given us a far better picture of the needs of people with asthma and allergies. One example is that of dust accumulation, which is a far greater problem than we believed when we launched the project. That is why we have made the interior of the new S80 as easy to clean as possible and have avoided dust-collecting surfaces such as textile carpets. Instead, we use allergy-tested natural rubber coverings in both the passenger cabin and luggage compartment. They are easier to clean and keep free from dust.”

Volvo Parts and Used Volvo Parts discount Volvo 960 parts and S90 parts are just a click away at its online store. Just simply visit Volvo Parts and Used Volvo Parts and you could access its large array of Volvo parts.

As a former news correspondents for an auto-related websites, Kevin has gathered extensive knowledge and experience in the automotive inddustry. This 34 year old father of three from Pennsylvania is a genuine car lover.