The Travel Trip » Automotive

Holiday Car Hire Top Tips

admin — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 20:27:36 +0000

The type of rental car you choose during a holiday can enhance or spoil your holiday memories. Especially if your trip is going to cover vast distances, comfort is of utmost importance. Other factors you will have to consider are the amount of passengers, luggage and terrain.

Distance and Comfort

Short distances can really be traveled in any car but if you are in for the long haul, it will be to your advantage to get a car with comfortable seats. Doing 600 miles in one day can tax the back and backside if seats are not comfortable. If you are going to be the only driver and travel vast distances, also seriously consider getting a vehicle with cruise control.

Reliable Car and Rental Service

If you are on holiday for, let`s say a month, you would need a reliable car from a reputable car hire company. The car should start and stop as required and if anything does go wrong on your trip, the car hire company should be able to offer you a replacement car within a few hours. It is therefore advantageous to make use of a company with several car depots across the company.

Passengers and Space

Two people, a husband and wife for example, could easily fit into a smaller car and get all their travel gear loaded as well. When the kids are tagging along, space would be an obvious issue. If children are uncomfortable due to a lack of space, they may be more irritable and whiny. Opt for a car with boot space sufficient to handle the entire luggage and allow you to lock belongings out of eyesight of possible thieves. A car which comes with a roof-rack will have obvious advantages.

Terrain and Area

It goes without saying that when traveling in snow, you will require a car that can easily be fitted with snow tires. Similarly, if the trip covers very rough terrain, a 4×4 SUV with sturdy tires and excellent road-holding is essential. In the city, a smaller car will be more maneuverable and you will be able to get into tight parking spots more easily.

Accessories

Vehicles with cup holders will prevent unnecessary spilling of liquids and allow easy access to drinks and water. Airconditioning is an essential luxury in summertime and an on-board GPS can help you get to your destination.

Fuel and Fuel Consumption

Consider the environment and rent a car as fuel efficient as possible. Not only will you be able to go further and save money, less carbon dioxide will be released into the atmosphere. Do some research about the fuel options and prices in the country you are planning to travel; you may be able to save some money if you opt for diesel rather than petrol or vice versa.

Costs

Depending on your budget, cost will be a major consideration in your choice of a vehicle. If you decide to make use of a cheap car hire company, ensure that they have a good reputation and are widely recognized. Be sure to ask about extra cost factors such as rental cost per day and per mile and insurance costs to ensure you are not in for a nasty surprise when you get the final bill.

Holiday Car Hire Top Tips is a post from: The Travel Trip

Knowing When to Get Professional Auto Repair

admin — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 00:10:00 +0000

The internet has made do it yourself more than just a now and then occurrence. Thanks to the wide dissemination of how to websites, blogs, and videos, huge numbers of people are trying their hand at everything from plumbing to automotive repair , from fixing lamps to building furniture. While it may save them money and give them a tremendous sense of satisfaction, it’s still important to know when it’s okay to DIY and when to seek out a professional.

In the case of car repair this can be extremely important. Even minor repairs can be tricky with newer model cars. With the extensive computer systems installed in cars these days, it can take more than a standard plymouth repair manual to diagnose a problem, let alone fix it. And all it takes is one slip of a tool and a simple repair can turn into a major problem requiring hundreds or even thousands of dollars in additional costs.

If you’ve taken basic car repair classes in high school or through community programs, you probably have a good handle on what you can and can’t do yourself. Otherwise keep in mind a few rules of thumb. Simple things like changing tires, replacing head or tail lights, or changing the oil are still safe bets to do own your own. You can probably change wiper blades , replace fluids, and maybe even use a manual to replace spark plugs or a battery. However, if anything in your car’s manual says to consult a profession, you’d best do so. Likewise if any repair involves a computer system it’s best to seek out a mechanic whose shop has computer diagnostic equipment.

While it’s tempting to save money by doing repairs yourself, stick to changing an air filter or interior light bulb and let the professionals handle the big repairs.

Knowing When to Get Professional Auto Repair is a post from: The Travel Trip

Buying New Tires for the Pick-up Truck

admin — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 18:04:19 +0000

I had needed new tires for so long, that it was almost a bit scary every time I had to go for a drive. The tread was worn down. I could see this just by looking at the tires, and I even did the penny test my father taught me about years ago when I got my first car. The thing is, and I was well award of this fact, the tires of one’s truck, car or motorcycle are perhaps the single most important safety feature on the vehicle. When tires are old and worn the probability of experiencing a blow out on the highway increases exponentially. This I was aware of, and what I was also aware of were two nails, one in each of the two front tires. Add all this to the fact that the hot desert environment I drove in everyday, puts aditional wear and tear on all things, especially on car tires. I wanted to make sure that I would find good tires, such as Vredestein tires I had researched online. And I also wanted to find tires that would match not only the recommendations for my make and model, a Chevy S-10, but that would match the look of my truck. There are many brands such as B.F. Goodrich and Dunlop tires , and many varying prices and sizes so I first checked my owner’s manual to find the size I needed. I then looked at how much I wanted to spend, as I did have a budget to work within and I wanted the best possible tires for what I was able to spend. I checked online for consumer reports and ratings. I new that I did not want to go for used tires, I wanted brand spanking new ones. I took into consideration that I drove mainly in the city, so while the off road all terrain tires were big, and tough looking, I did not need them for the type of driving that I did on a daily basis. I do frequently however, carry heavy loads in the bed, so I checked up on that too. In the end I found the perfect tires for my truck, and once they were mounted I knew that life just became a little bit safer for myself, for my pickup and for all the other driver’s navigating the hot, desert roads.

Buying New Tires for the Pick-up Truck is a post from: The Travel Trip

Finding a Fuel Efficient Sports Car

admin — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 16:58:58 +0000

When looking for a sports car for sale, do not be concerned with what many say is impractical about them. Most do in fact have a small trunk and only 2 seats, however there are many that do not fit that generalized description. Many sports cars do get great gas mileage, and rate right up there with more “practical” or …boring modes of transportation. Many makes and models get more than 28 miles to the gallon, which makes them more than practical for everyday use, as well as great second vehicles to take out on the weekends. The Mini Cooper gets thirty four miles to the gallon on the highway, and it has a back seat. Many are opting to buy this little gem, for driving around town…leaving the SUV gas guzzler at home. And of course there are the Audi TT Coupe and the Volkswagen GTI, both getting more than thirty miles to the gallon on the highway. Both of these models are options to consider when one is wanting to lower their monthly expenses, without sacrificing style and enjoyment.

Buying these models used is viable, economically speaking, as both Audi and Volkswagen are reputable companies and the cars just seem to run well forever. When one is looking to buy a used car, it is important to fully inspect the vehicle. Just looking at the overall appearance of the car will indicate how well it was taken care of by the previous owner. Small dents or scratches on the body is one thing, but even if a car appears to be in great condition, but was involved at one time in a serious accident, beware. As even though vehicles can be fixed, they sometimes have problems down the road relating to a previous collision, even something so simple as uneven tire wear can be an expensive problem to deal with over time. Looking at the car from a distance can say a lot about the history. If the paint does not match when viewed from various angles, chances are some repairs have been done. There are reliable used cars to find out there, just be sure to do the research necessary to find the best value and to save one’s self the headache of the car that was a great deal, but will nickel and dime one into frustration.

Finding a Fuel Efficient Sports Car is a post from: The Travel Trip

Aspects of Singapore Hotels, Restaurants and Cuisine

admin — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 04:36:16 +0000

One of the many aspects that the country of Singapore has contributed to the world and to international markets is the tourism industry, the food, the Singapore hotels, the epicurean delights. The culture of Singapore is diverse, as a result of the diversity of the people who have made the island their home. It has resulted in the perfect storm, of business, of cuisine, of art, of a country. Each day one spends in the city, they have the opportunity of experiencing something new, something…occasionally and quiet often times, exotic, and new. This is in part just due to the nature of immigration, the business acumen of the country, and is in part due to a very well constructed plan drawn up by the Singapore Board of Tourism. One of the many festivals that occur throughout the city is the annual Singapore Food Festival, taking place every July. The board has recently pumped up their efforts, ensuring that the other festivals, including Lau Pa Sat, the Sentosa Barbecue the Dish for Every Week, and a Major League Eating Competition will coincide.

During these festivals, music has become a player taking a leading role. Through demonstrations, fashion shows, and outdoor jazz and rock concerts, the Board has been increasingly attempting to reach out and to attract a variety of audience members, tourists, as well as locals, that desire a bit of the old with the new, a mix of all that is modern and contemporary with that that is traditional and has been proven to stand as well as what is innovative and on the cutting edge. Heritage food tours are regularly scheduled throughout the city, which allow tourists to experience the aspects which have given way, and continue to give way, to the harmonic differences of the neighborhoods of the city. Classes are offered in the districts of Little India, Chinatown, andKampong Glam. The classes focus on the traditional aspect of the cooking such as the making of “clay pot” favorites to the modern fusion cuisine. Chefs and restaurateurs alike, participate in the combined effort of education and marketing and bringing more people of the world to the fine experience of Singapore.

Aspects of Singapore Hotels, Restaurants and Cuisine is a post from: The Travel Trip

Shopping for Tires and Rims Easy for Husband

admin — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 20:41:21 +0000

People seem to have a belief that women love to shop and men do not. I have a different view on this subject all together. My husband loves to shop for tires. In fact, he will shop for hours and hours until he finds discount tires that he likes. He makes sure that he is getting the best deal around and that he is going to be happy with his purchase.

He will also spend hours shopping for tire and wheel packages, even if he doesn’t need them. He just loves to hunt down a good deal and he loves working on cars.

So while most people see things as I stated earlier, my family is different. My husband will spend a lot of time looking for Nitto tires, or whatever. Not all stereotypes are true I guess, but getting him to shop for furniture is not easy.

Shopping for Tires and Rims Easy for Husband is a post from: The Travel Trip

Hot Rod Hubcaps & Tires from Hot Rod Hanks

admin — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 16:41:01 +0000

Fixing up hot rods is one of my hobbies. In fact, that’s what I spend most of my free time and money on. I am working on one now and I am getting ready to install hot rod hubcaps.

I installed hotrod tires last weekend and my fixer-upper is starting to look great. Next is the paint job. I just couldn’t wait for the tires and wheels any longer.

And after the paint I’ll get any hot rod accessory that it needs and I’ll enter it into a couple of contests. I don’t expect to win too much but I want to show it off.

Hot Rod Hubcaps & Tires from Hot Rod Hanks is a post from: The Travel Trip

Tuesday Nights at the Car Club

admin — Fri, 30 May 2008 21:43:13 +0000

I am a member of a car club and we meet every Tuesday night. Last week we had a big discussion about rims. I like 20 rims. My friend David needs a new car rim and his mom needs one truck rim. They both hit a bump on their ways home and off flew a rim from each of their cars.

We ended up talking about all sorts of things and I remembered why I like the car club so much. We all have common interests and we get together just to discuss them.

Next week we’re going to discuss how to choose the right color of paint for your car. I say go with something everyone will like but others disagree because if you are not ever planning on selling your car, then you should choose any color that you want.

It should be interesting.

Tuesday Nights at the Car Club is a post from: The Travel Trip