3 Olympic Takeaways When Buying Personalised Number Plates

Team GB did so well in the medal stakes as did the Irish. But hats off must go to all the volunteers, the staff and the people behind the scenes that made it all happen. Every day, we saw great things being written and said about the running of the Olympics. How smooth it all went and how the atmosphere was electrifying. Well done London; it was a fantastic show. All the hard work was worth it.

And speaking of hard work, while hats off goes to the people behind the scenes, admiration and fascination follow all the athletes who competed at this high level. Some have been training for four years; other much longer. I got to thinking about the Olympics and how many parallels exist between the sporting world and the hobby world. Buying a personalised number plate is more than a hobby for some but for many, it is a hobby. This article will talk about the hobby buyer rather than the investment buyer, so if you're a hobby buyer, read on.

Here are my three takeaways from watching the Olympics that can easily be applied to buying a personalised number plate.

1. Reap what you sow

Many hobby buyers search the listings for the perfect number plate. Often times, the one that they want is either too expensive or is taken by someone else. This personalised number plate buyer then spends time looking at the alternatives that exist out there.

If you are prepared to put in the effort, you can find the perfect plate for you. You can substitute numbers for letters, i.e., 5 makes a great substitute for S, I for 1 and lots more. You can get a personalised number plate from Northern Ireland which is much cheaper and flexible.

Just as every athlete that went to the Olympics, they put in the hard work to get what they wanted. You too can apply that same level of tenacity and get the right plate at the right price.

2. No personalised plate buyer is an island

You can do as much or as little searching for your own personalised number plate as you want but nothing beats using a reputable personalised number plate agency. A company that specialises in personalised plates will help you find what you're looking for, have the correct paperwork to hand you and basically, provide support when you need it.

They have their own database and they make transfer of ownership easy.

Every athlete that went to the Olympics went with a team. They didn't go by themselves; they used the right people behind them to support them and you can do the same when buying a plate.

3. Truly own your number plate

When you find the perfect plate, it's only right that you show it off. It is important to truly own it. Even if it's just you and your partner having a glass of something or a cup of tea when it's driven home, you need to truly own it. And by that, I mean, don't hide it away. Show it off.

Just look at the closing ceremony of the Olympics. Each athlete came back into the arena smiling and happy with their achievements. Finding the right plate at the right price can be tricky and if you've accomplished it, then celebrate it.

Three Tips When Choosing a Personalised Number Plate Seller Online

If you put the following words 'personalisednumberplateseller' into Google, you're likely to get more than 27.8 million results. If you put the UK after it so it reads 'personalisednumberplatesellerUK', you'll get 15.7 million results.

Not all of these are applicable as Google can display many sites with the individual words 'personalised', 'number' and 'plates'. While this article isn't about making better use of the Internet, it does show that there are a lot of sellers out there that sell personalised number plates.

The buyer of a personalised plate will buy for a personal reason - a birthday, an anniversary, a treat for themselves or a reward. There are lots of reasons but the main reason is personal. With that in mind, it's important that the buyer uses a reputable seller. As it exists offline as online, there are always people out there looking for a quick buck at someone else's expense.

This article gives three top tips of what to look out for choosing a personalised number plate supplier.

1. Accreditation

Legitimate plate sellers have accreditation to a number of industry bodies. Check that your supplier are members of the following:

    MIRAD - Member Of The Institute Of Registration Agents & Dealers.
    The C.N.D.A - Cherished Number Dealers Association.
    R.M.I.F - Retail Motor Industry Federation
    The R.N.C - The Registration numbers Club

2. Trading History

It's always difficult for a new company to prove how trustworthy it is. But it is more likely that a reputable company selling on the Internet has been trading for a number of years. The chances are that they have both an offline and an online presence and have more ways of contacting them than just an email or phone number.

Trading history or the longevity of a company will show a good track record and it's a great way of underlining their credentials.

3. Transparency with paperwork

A genuine or reputable personalised number plate seller will be transparent in the process that they use. As a buyer, you must ensure that the plate certification is genuine before parting with cash.

A plate certificate has a watermark on it and reputable sellers will be prepared to scan a copy of the certificate for you for checks to take place prior to purchase. Some sellers still use a fax machine and can fax a copy if you too have a fax machine. The important thing to note is that they will be prepared to give you a prior check before you part with your hard earned cash.

In summary, don't settle for the first company that you see on the listing of 15.7 million results. Do your research on each company. It will benefit you in the end.

The Basic Requirements Of A Wheelchair Vehicle Conversion

When a loved one is involved in an accident or develops an illness that leaves them wheelchair bound for the rest of their lives or indefinitely, it is important that you are able to transport them around to doctor's appointments, shopping and the like. This often calls for a vehicle conversion or two that makes a standard van or car suitable for transporting a wheelchair bound passenger - but what are the basic requirements of getting these conversions done?

    A vehicle: The first requirement for a vehicle conversion is that you have a van or car on hand that you wish to convert. Whilst you can try using your current van, this may leave you without transportation for a few weeks whilst the additions are made. For this reason it is recommended that you purchase a new or second hand vehicle for the conversions and then sell your current one when it's ready.

    A converter: The second requirement is to locate a company that will be able to do the conversion for you. You need to make sure that they will have the vehicle ready for you in the timeframe that you need it (keep in mind that they may have other clients ahead of you on their list) and that they have experience working on the sorts of additions that you are hoping to make, such as a wheelchair lift or ramp.

    A plan: The third requirement is to have a plan in place of what vehicle conversions need to be done. Sitting down with the company who will be undertaking the work is your best chance of ensuring that everything is accounted for and will be suited to the needs of the disabled person in your family. The plan can also include if other conversions will be made at a later date.

    A supplier: The fourth and final requirement is to locate a supplier who can provide you with all the equipment you need for the vehicle conversion to be completed. Whilst the company doing the make may be able to do this for you, you might be able to save some money by looking for your own supplier. Make sure that the equipment you need is in stock and can be delivered when you need it.

Once you have taken care of each of the above requirements, you will be fully prepared for your vehicle conversion to commence. Keep in mind that it will often take a number of weeks to be completed, but that once all of the work is finished you will be left with a vehicle that is perfect for transporting your loved one around with ease.

Automotive Matters Gearing Towards the Right Vehicle

So you have saved enough money to buy yourself a car but now you need to tread carefully since you do not want to use your hard earned money on something that is not worth it. Time is money therefore it is important that you get something that will stand the test of time thus the following factors when considered will help you in your quest for the right car.

Ensure that you get a car that meets your requirements in terms of space and size for luggage and passengers. You have two options when buying yourself a vehicle that is you can purchase a brand new vehicle or get yourself a used one. The cars that are manufactured today are built to last so a used vehicle might not be that bad. It all depends on what is in your pocket. You should not buy a car then end up in debt.

Is it leasing or buying that works for you. Money is what matters here. With leasing you will be able to pay in installments without feeling the financial pressure. Leasing is recommended for those who cannot make a down payment or those who like changing their vehicles after a certain period.

Use the internet to do some good research. Try and see what type of vehicle you can get with the money that you have or calculate how much more you will need to add in order to purchase your dream vehicle.

There are some people who get a loan in order to buy a vehicle. Now before you sign any form get to check your credit worthiness because no one will be willing to give you a loan if they cannot be certain that you will be able to pay back. It is also wise if you check and compare the interest rates of different financial institutions before asking them for a loan. When you find the best interest rate go for it. Ensure you get the money before getting the vehicle.

Before settling down on one seller, try negotiating a sale with several sellers. Get to see who is offering you the best deal. For those who hate bargaining, you can seek the services of an auto buying firm. Simply supply them with all the details of the car that you want and the price that you want it for and they will not disappoint.

Would You Buy a New Car?

The reality is that more white cars get tickets than red cars, but even with that said there are five times as many white cars on the road as red cars. Therefore by percentage it is true that red cars do get more tickets. Thus, one could ask why purchase such a car? If you are thinking about buying a really cool sports car, I'd like to discuss this with you if I might.

There was an interesting article in Bloomberg BusinessWeek on August 27, 2012 titled; "Ferrari: The Car That Screams Investigate Me" by Tommaso Ebhardt, which explained that "the Prime Minister of Italy hopes to raise $168 million Euro by instituting a luxury car tax on cars." Unfortunately, it isn't working as many Ferrari owners are selling their cars to people in other nation, and no one wants to buy new ones which hurts sales, jobs, and sales tax revenues.

It turns out that the police and tax evader investigators routinely stop Ferrari owners to run their records to see if they'd paid their taxes, some haven't for decades, the rest feel completely harassed with this latest attack on wealth and class warfare in Italy. Of course, if you haven't paid your taxes, the government now confiscates your car until you do, or keeps it when you don't.

Now then, with all the class warfare here the United States, you could easily see the same thing happening here at home. I can tell you that due to some of the socialistic political push in our own nation we are watching a change in attitude of the population. We seem to be attacking those who have achieved, and display signs of success. We've completely destroyed our corporate jet sector, as we made it seem somewhat evil to have made lots of money and be able to afford such toys to get around.

Will we do the same thing with luxury automobiles in the future, and if so, where will it stop? If you buy the latest BMW sports car, high-end Mercedes, or something of that nature, perhaps even an exotic car, how do you know in the future you won't be targeted by bureaucrats, police, and suspected as a tax cheat by your fellow citizens? It could happen here at home to, especially if the current administration runs things for another four years in a second term because that's the way it's leaning so far.

If you are going to buy a flashy sports car or high-end vehicle that wealthy people generally own, you might wish to rethink this strategy and go stealth. Buy some beat up old piece of crap, and then you can blend in with all of the other socialists as they drive our nation off a cliff? Who knows, maybe that's a better strategy? Please consider all this and think on it.

Tips For Maximizing Gas Mileage

With increased fuel costs, pressure growing to do our bit for the environment, and a desire to reduce the costs of motoring on our finances, it has become imperative that we maximize the fuel economy of our cars. There are some radical as well as common sense options to consider before you take your car out the drive, while driving, and improving fuel efficiency in the future.

Before you leave the house, think about your car for a few moments. If you have an old car, then you might consider buying a new one. Newer cars tend to have better fuel efficiency than older ones. Car manufacturers work hard to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. Whether you have a new car or an old one, it is best to ensure that they are kept well maintained. This includes making sure you have your tires inflated to the recommended pressure for the type of driving you are undertaking. Have your wheel alignment checked when you have new tires fitted, and try to ensure that any new tires have a low rolling resistance, as this can increase your fuel efficiency by a percentage point or two. Servicing and daily checks of your oil, coolant, air conditioning unit, spark plugs, and filters can all help keep your engine purring sweetly will reduce emissions. The heavier your vehicle, the more fuel required to pull it. Therefore, do not have items in your car that you do not need. An increase of 25 kilograms will see your fuel economy reduce by a couple of percent as well. You car is designed to be as aerodynamic as possible, so it makes sense to remove roof racks and tow bar bicycle racks when they are not in use.

After you have removed your roof rack and serviced your car, you are now ready to go out on the open road. Fuel efficiency tips apply here, too. Drive steadily, and anticipate what is happening ahead on the road so that you do not have to brake harshly. There is no need to tear off from traffic lights to beat the car in the adjacent lane. Excessive braking and acceleration is bad for fuel economy. Driving smoothly can significantly decrease your fuel use. Do not idle your engine for long periods either. You can look for cars that automatically stop and start the engine when it is stationary. Drive on major roads that limit the number of times you need to stop and start to maximize your fuel efficiency. You will get more miles on a motorway journey per gallon than on city roads. Maintaining a steady speed up to 50 miles per hour is the most economic. After 65 to 70 miles per hour, your fuel use increases by more than ten percent.

More changes that are fundamental can reduce your fuel dependency. Drive less, as many journeys are less than two miles in length. Just popping to the shops or taking children to school could be better for everyone if you walked instead of taking the car. Of course, there are many reasons why this is not always practical, so consider buying a smaller, more efficient car. How would you feel about purchasing a hybrid or electric car? There are many on the market that provides great functionality without the increase in fuel burden. If you have more than one car in the household, could you reduce their number or make sure you use the most appropriate sized vehicle for the journey.

5 Reasons You Should Lease Your Next Car

With the current economic climate being what it is, most people are putting a lot more thought into how they spend their money. And for many, this additional thought has lead to them forgoing the luxury of a new car purchase. After all, something that depreciates by up to thirty percent the second you drive it off the forecourt isn't exactly a frugal purchase.

One alternative that many people are turning to is car leasing. Despite the fact that a car lease will never actually be something that you own, car leases do actually come with a number of attractive benefits. I will now outline just what those benefits are.

Skip the Mechanical Problems That Come With Age

Cars tend to be at their most reliable during their first few years on the road. When you choose to lease a car rather than buy one, these are the only years that you need to deal with. With most car leases lasting around three years, you never have to deal with an aging car and the mechanical problems that tend to come with it. You're local mechanic won't like it but you probably will.

Forget About Depreciation

As well as mechanical problems, you also get to skip depreciation problems. As you are likely aware, a new car depreciates at a pretty astonishing rate. Many estimates suggest that new cars lose up to seventy percent of their value during their first five years on the road. When you lease a car, this becomes the dealers problem, not yours.

More Car for your Money

Unless you have quite the healthy bank balance, you are likely to find your options at the forecourt somewhat limited by what you can afford. One major advantage of car leases is that your money can take you a lot further. While you mightn't be able to afford to purchase the car of your dreams, that certainly does not mean that you cannot afford to lease it. The best cars cost a hell of a lot less to lease than they do to purchase.

Significantly Lower Monthly Payments

If you are considering purchasing a car on credit, you might be interested to learn that the monthly payments on a lease tend to be significantly lower than those associated with a car loan. In general, all other factors being equal, you can expect your monthly payments on a car lease to be half that of what you would be paying had you purchased the car.

How Customers Interact With Your Dealership's Website?

Seeking the ideal car online is usually a daunting task for consumers. But by knowing how consumers interact with your website will help you create an ideal experience for them, and make them loyal customers in the process. While creating your dealership's website it is important to keep in mind that you are creating it for your consumers and that you should be providing the said consumers with a seamless car buying experience. But the creation of your dealership's website is not a one time - set it, then forget it - experience. You must understand how consumers interact with your website, to improve your website and your consumer's experience. Here are a few tips on how you can understand your consumers' interaction with your site:

Dig Through the Analytics
To make informed decisions on how you should change your website, look into your site's analytics. It is here that you will find all of the data you need to see how people are interacting with your dealership's site once it is created. You can see what pages are attracting consumers' attention, which pages repel consumers and most importantly what pages are converting consumers. These insights will help you see what you can do to properly optimize your website, so as to attract and retain more consumers. While looking through your analytics it is important to look at a large sample of data. One day, or even one week, of activity is not enough to glean proper insights into how consumers are interacting with your site. While looking at your site's analytical data, the rule of thumb is to analyze a minimum of one month's data. The larger the sample the clearer the insights will be.

Your site's analytics will be your roadmap, guiding you to make changes to your site. Your analytics won't tell you exactly how to change your site, but you will be able to generally see what parts of your site needs improvement. Looking through your site's analytics will help you make informed and decisive changes to your website.

Create and Test New Pages/Content
Once you know where your site needs improvement, it is then time to create test and new variations of landing pages and content on your site. By creating different landing pages and by varying the content on your site you will not only keep your site fresh but you will also be able to see how your consumers interact with your site after these changes. Does new content on a page make consumers stay on your site longer? Does one landing page convert better than another page? Even the slightest changes to a page within your website can change how a consumer will interact with your website.

When creating test versions of landing pages or testing new versions of on-page content it is important to remember that you don't need to be testing for testing's sake. If you are seeing that your consumers are interacting with pages in a positive way then you probably don't need to change anything on that page. Remember to look into the analytics for your website after you have made changes to see their success.

Get your Consumer's Feedback
Sometimes, in order to truly understand how consumers interact with your website it is best to just ask. By asking for feedback from your consumers you eliminate speculation and can make improvements based upon what your actual consumers are saying. One way to do this is to create short, voluntary surveys on your website for consumers to fill out when they convert or when they are leaving your website. You could also email the same survey to the members on your mailing list or have customers in your physical store fill out the survey if they came to your dealership because of your website.

Asking consumers to give you feedback on your dealership's website will ultimately help you create the best online experience for them. Consumers can eliminate the speculative nature of creating test pages and content by telling you what they specifically liked or disliked about your website. Once you have compiled enough consumer reviews then you can make informed changes to your website.

Redesigned Car Models That Most Buyers Look Forward To

A lot of car makers are currently subjecting some of their popular car models to major and minor redesigns. Most of them are doing this in order to improve the overall features of the vehicle that they would be selling and attract a lot of buyers.

Unfortunately, not all of the redesigns that were implemented by car makers were able to obtain positive results. Some of the revisions that were made only made the vehicles less attractive. However, not all of the upgrades made on some popular car models have gone wrong. In fact, a number of upgraded cars have become more attractive compared to their predecessors and these are currently considered as the redesigned models that buyers are looking forward to. Some of the best examples of such models are the following.

1. 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe

One of the most popular redesigned vehicle models that a lot of car buyers are looking forward to drive is the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe. This is because Hyundai has included a lengthened version on the Santa Fe's lineup. The new version is expected to accommodate up to 7-passengers and this particular feature attracts more consumers who are after for vehicles with larger interior space.

In addition to that, the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe is also sporting a new look that makes it more attractive compared to the outgoing version. The revisions made on the vehicle have also increased the maximum power output it generates as well as improved its fuel economy ratings.

2. 2013 Honda Accord

A lot of car buyers are also looking forward to drive the 2013 Honda Accord. This is because the upcoming version of the Accord has a refreshed look characterized by a new grille, well-defined lines on the hood as well as on the sides, and the well-sculpted body design.

The 2013 Honda Accord's interior was also upgraded. The vehicle's interior has also obtained a number of improvements such as the increase in passenger and cargo space. A lot of car experts were actually amazed with the increase in the interior space offered by the vehicle since Honda has previously confirmed that the company's engineers has reduced the exterior dimension of the upcoming version of the Accord.

3. 2013 Ford Fusion

The 2013 Ford Fusion is also considered as one of the most popular redesigned car models that many buyers will most likely purchase. Thanks to the improvements and the upgrades that Ford has implemented on this car. Aside from that, the Fusion is loaded with a lot of standard features such as the famous Sync which is equipped with MyFord and eight standard airbags.

Tips And Advice On Driving A Car With A Manual Gearbox

Finding out how to drive a manual car isn't easy for a lot of people, but with time and practice it becomes second nature. The following tips and advice will get anyone started in the right direction.

Get a driver's licence first. You can submit an application with the DVLA (in the UK), and it usually will take two to three weeks to come through the post. Once you have received your licence, you'll be ready to start driving classes Alternatively you might get a car, some insurance and a supervising driver to try it on your own.

To begin with, getting assistance from a Driving Instructor will help make things a lot easier. To get your full licence, you must complete the theory test, then a driving test. In the United Kingdom, these are set by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA).

Within the Vehicle

To begin with, look down at the floor; you will see 3 pedals. From right to left, these are: accelerator, brake and clutch (ABC).

Look at the picture on the top of the gear stick, that will show you the location where the gears are. For most brand new vehicles, this will resemble a three-legged H. First, third and fifth gears are at the tops of the legs; second, fourth and reverse gears are at the bottoms. The crossbar of the H is neutral. If your car or truck has 6 forward gears, this will generally be across the base, with reverse moving towards the top left position.

Don't do anything that may be too quick, or abrupt. Keep calm and assess each and every scenario as it occurs. Such as, don't change lanes until you are absolutely positive the coast is clear. Driving may be a nervous experience (especially at first). It's best to take your time and do the right thing at the best time.

Practice makes permanent. Good habits (such as turning your head to check your blind spot) will stick... bad habits (ignoring mirrors and coasting) can stick as well.

How To Move A Manual Vehicle

- Press down on the clutch pedal and then move the gearshift into the neutral position.

- Start the car.

- Keeping the clutch pedal down, put the car or truck in to 1st gear by means of moving the gearshift to the top-left position.

- Start to release the clutch pedal gradually; when you hear or feel the engine speed begin to drop, slowly press down on the gas pedal as you continue to release the clutch.

- At this point, release the handbrake and the car will start to move forward.

And you're away!

Once you have passed your driving test (or if you happen to practicing in your own car) there are other things to consider:

Be prepared. If you'll be driving on a toll road or over a bridge, there may be charges, therefore ensure you have enough money.

Vehicle's Fuel Delivery System and Their Functions Have a Vital Parts

The main function of a vehicle's fuel delivery system is to provide constant flow of fuel to the engine at required volume and pressure. Various mechanical and electrical components constitute a vehicle's fuel delivery system, each of which has its own function. Proper functioning of every component positively impacts the performance of the engine, while even a little malfunction of any part could seize its operation. Hence, understanding this system enables the user to identify and fix minor issues, helping him minimize the negative impact on the engine's performance on the whole.

Main components: A typical fuel delivery system consists of various components such as tank, pump, pipe, in-filters, strainers, injectors, pressure regulators, return pipe, pulsation damper, etc. Here, we will discuss only about the vital components of the system.

• Fuel tank: A fuel tank, as we all know, stores the fuel in a location, away from the engine. These are constructed using different materials like pressed corrosion-resistant steel, aluminum, or molded reinforced polyethylene plastic. Many modern tanks incorporate slosh baffles or surge plates, which prevent the fuel from splashing around inside the unit. The tank also has a filter (to filter the fuel) and a vent system with an inlet line (through which fuel from the cap enters the tank) and an outlet line (to send the pumped fuel to the engine).

• Fuel pump: It is often called as the heart of the fuel delivery system. Its main function is to pull the fuel from the tank and to pump it to the injectors at required pressure. Many of the modern engines are equipped with electric pumps that are usually located inside the tank. We can still find mechanical pumps in the old styled carburetor engines. The basic difference between them is, electric pumps generate high pressure, whereas, mechanical pumps generate low pressure. However, there are some new models of mechanical pumps which pump at high pressures.

• Pressure regulator: Pressure regulator maintains constant fuel pressure across the lines and injectors, in order to ensure accurate fuel delivery to the engine. In simple words, it regulates the amount of fuel that is to be delivered to the engine (not all engines require the same amount). The excess amount which is not consumed by the engine returns to the tank through a return line.

• Injector: Injector is an electro-mechanical device that delivers pressurized fuel into the engine's combustion chamber. Most of the diesel injectors are made of heat-treated alloy steel and are controlled by an electronic control unit (ECU). The injectors convert the gasoline into vapor under high pressure and spray the vaporized gasoline into the engine.

• Strainer/filter: A filter is small yet important component of the system. Its function is to filter the fuel from the tank before it reaches other parts of the system. It traps the dirt, dust, and other solid contaminants and sends filtered fuel. A strainer is located between the tank and the pump to protect the pump from contaminants. Various in-line filters located in the rails protect pressure regulators and injectors, which are highly susceptible to clogging from dust/dirt.

Is Anyone Exempt From Taking a Driving Theory Test?

The theory test has over the past few years become a standard part of learning to drive, according to statistics; it has proven to be a positive introduction to the process of learning to drive. However, not everybody has to take the theory test in order to be entitled to further driving privileges.

UK License Holders

If a UK license holder wishes to upgrade to a higher category such as upgrading from a full automatic license to a manual car license, then they will not require to sit the theory exam, however, if a driver wishes to add a new category then they will have to do the entire course that category requires, including sitting the theory test. One such example is a driver with a full car license wishing to take their motorbike test.

Foreign License Holders

Holders of a driving license issued within the EEA countries are entitled to drive on their foreign license for as long as their driving permit is valid and their license must clearly state which categories the holder is entitled to drive.

Countries within the EEA are:

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Republic of Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

Driving Licenses Issued in Countries Outside of the EEA

Drivers who have a driving license issued outside of the EEA may be entitled to swap their driving permit for a UK driver's license on a like for like basis providing that they hold a full valid driving license. However, this is only a possibility and not applicable in every instance, for full clarification on the subject, driver's wishing to enquire about exchanging their non EEA Country issued driving license must refer their enquiry to the DVLA.

If an individual wishes to obtain a British driving license and is unable to exchange their non EEA country original license for a British one, then in order to be able to obtain a British driving license, they will have to do the full driving course. This includes the theory test and must be done prior to being able to book the practical exam.

Documentation for the Theory Test

Those wishing to take their theory test will have to provide certain documentation in order to be able to sit the test; failure to provide these documents will result in the DSA refusing to admit a candidate for their test and the candidate forfeiting their fee:

1) Provisional license (both parts, photo-card and paper part)

2) For those who still have the old fashioned paper license, they must present a valid passport, under normal circumstances, no other form of photographic ID is admissible.

Simply Driving Lessons is a leading Surrey driving school covering the areas of Redhill, Reigate, South Nutfields, Horley, Merstham and surrounding areas.

Offering some of the most competitive driving lessons rates in the local areas and impressive pass rates, they also have fully qualified ADI driving instructors including female driving instructors.

Some Advice for Selling or Trading in Your Old Car

So you've been having a good-old time with your current car, a total clunker. It's been with you for several years now, maybe even 10 years or so, but it's finally reached the point where you've realized that it's time to part ways with your old beauty and head on down to the dealership for new or used car.

The problem is that you now have a dilemma. Should you try selling the car to someone in your area? You could post it to online classifieds or place an ad in one of those car selling booklets. Or maybe even list the car on auction sites and see if you get any takers. Or would you rather not deal with any of that and simply get the car off of your hands immediately by trading it in?

This is one of those questions that may take you some time to decide. If you're absolutely in desperate need of getting a new car, then chances are you're better off trading the car in now and picking up a new one. If you have time to spare and want to get a better deal, then by all means try your best at selling it to someone in your area. There are plenty of resources on the web that can help you get the car in someone else's hands while collecting a decent profit as well.

To be honest, most people don't like selling simply because they don't want to deal with negotiating prices. They simply want to get the car for the best price possible! While that sounds good and dandy, it's simply not going to happen just like that. People are going to try to get the best price that they can no matter what and it's going to take you some time to negotiate a price that you're happy with.

When you're able to walk into the dealership and simply trade in the car, it immediately is off your hands and you never have to worry about it ever again. Sure you won't get as much money for it as you may have gotten from selling it to somebody else, but the car is now gone and you'll no longer have that burden. You can hop in your new or pre-owned car that you just purchased and say a last goodbye to your old clunker.

Early and Brief History of Headlamps

Just like other components of modern vehicles, the headlamp has a much longer history than the automobile itself. Its origin can be traced back to horse-driven wagons. The materials used, design and power source might have changed but the fundamental purpose remains the same.

A headlamp is basically intended to illuminate the pathway of a vehicle during low-visibility conditions such as night time and rainfall. The term headlamp is the more formal term rather than headlight. The latter refers to the light beam that is projected by the device. This light beam is typically focused by a parabolic reflector and by single or multiple glass lenses.

The earliest automotive headlamps were introduced in the latter par of the 1880's when the initial self-propelled "horseless" carriages became practical. These headlamps were fuelled by acetylene or oil. These acetylene headlamps became highly popular because of their practicality compared to other types of lamps during the early development of automobiles. Acetylene headlamps are resistant to both rain and wind.

Although engine powered automobiles were still in their development and prototype stage, they became more than mere curiosities. Consequently, the technological innovations for headlamps also went hand-in-hand with the development of automobiles.

Although the mass production of automobiles only started in 1902, the development of various components of the modern automobile has already taken shape a few years earlier. It was in 1898 that electric-powered headlamps on the Columbia Electric Cars. However, these electric headlamps were optional.

Electric headlamps may seemed to be the most cost-effective and safer option. However, there were two main factors that prevented the widespread use of electric headlamps in the early automobiles. The first main factor was the short life of the lamp filaments that were unable to adapt to harsh environmental elements such as rain, dust and fluctuating temperatures. The second main factor that limited the widespread use of electric headlights was the insufficiency of electric current due to the technical difficulties in manufacturing efficient dynamos and batteries.

By 1904, the use of "Prest-O-Lite" acetylene headlamps became the standard when majority of car manufacturers integrated these lamps in their cars. However, this was soon superseded by electric headlamps when Peerless Motor Company dominated the high-end automobile market in 1908. Meanwhile, it was also during the same year that the world's first complete set of electric car lights was introduced by Pockley Automobile Electric Lighting Syndicate. The set was comprised of headlamps, sidelights, and taillights. The set was powered by an eight-volt battery.

It took another four years before the automobile lights were integrated with the automobile ignition system. It was in 1912 that Cadillac's innovative idea paved the way for the standard integration the lighting system with the ignition system. The modern automobile electrical system was born.

Chrysler to Repair Thousands of Pentastar V6 Engines

Unfortunately, an error that was committed during the production of these Pentastar V-6 engines is expected to create delays on Chrysler's operations. This is because the error committed requires immediate correction and this requires the company's personnel to repair thousands of Pentastar V-6 engines.

Based on the information provided by Chrysler, the existing problem was basically caused by an issue involving the engine's cylinder head and this is expected to affect about 7,500 units of Pentastar V-6 engines that were produced for the last two years.

Since the error on the cylinder head might cause the engine to stall or experience different types of problems, Chrysler was forced to perform the needed repairs on the engines affected by replacing the old cylinder head with a new and more robust version. Chrysler has also stressed out that they are only repairing the affected engines and the company did not and is not planning to issue a recall order.

Although Chrysler does not consider the engine problem as a major issue, this situation has actually caused a lot of inconveniences and headaches to owners of Pentastar V-6-powered vehicles. This is because the supply of the new cylinder heads is quite limited and this prevents the dealerships to complete the needed repairs on the affected engine on time. Due to this, a lot of vehicle owners were forced to leave their cars on the dealerships and wait for the repairs to be completed. The situation literary mentioned earlier has literally left a lot of vehicle owners "car-less" for a few weeks.

To address the growing need for the new cylinder head, Chrysler has boosted its production of the said component. The increase in production has changed the supply of the cylinder head from 1300 units short to about 3,000 units of surplus. However, the company's dealerships have been placing about 500 requests each week and this could mean that the surplus supply would soon be consumed. Thus, Chrysler should at least try its best to increase the supply of the cylinder head and somehow provide an additional compensation to the owners of the vehicles that were affected.

Proper Lubrication for Machines and Equipment

It is very important to ensure that pieces of machinery are lubricated regularly to maintain the running condition and prevent corrosion. Plant managers make it a point to implement put in a methodical evaluation of equipment oiling requirements. This system helps pinpoint possible deterioration, machine breakdown and problems related to lubrication. The following are essential facts that you need to know regarding lubricants.

    Lubricants reduce heat and friction. When there is too much friction between two metal objects, the stronger material overwhelms the weaker surface which eventually cracks. This process results into the creation of tiny rough particles which produces additional abrasion and shattered chunks. The cycle goes on and could only be prevented by placing lubricant oil.

    The lubricant is not made or applied simply to make the machine components greasy. Aside from dealing with the problem of friction, it serves as preventive measure for oxidization, moderate high temperatures and prevents contamination of your machinery. One of the properties of oil substances is that it can be combined and made to fit your operational requirements. Lubricants also protect surfaces of machinery which are subjected to extreme strain.

    When you lubricate machine parts, the amount of heat produced is minimized. It is passed on to the oil which in turn is removed by a lubricant cooler. You need to consider the stickiness, different properties and content of stabilizers before purchasing one.

    Lubricants also reduce the presence of foreign particles which damages the steel parts. However, the oil film alone cannot prevent the contaminants from getting in completely. You also need filters and seals. The chemical additions to the oil take care of ensuring that these pollutants are pushed to the lubricant which transfers these unwanted items to the strainers in the system.

    Likewise, the chemical additive is responsible for preventing the metal from coming into contact with water which leads to rusting. If you use the appropriate lubricant, you can prolong the life span of bearings and the machine itself. Thus, you conserve finances, time and efforts. This means that you make operations more cost-effective.

    The performance of a lubricating substance is oxidation. The level of oxidation depends on the lubricant fluid. However, as it becomes more oxidized, the oil becomes less effective. The entirety of the acid content which becomes higher than the original value is an indication of oiling issues. This goes the same for the particle tally since it supplies information regarding the system's purity and the functioning of the filtration mechanism. If the filter shows that the particle count goes up, the lubricant needs immediate replacement.

Tips and Advice for Selling or Trading in Your Old Car

So you've been having a good-old time with your current car, a total clunker. It's been with you for several years now, maybe even 10 years or so, but it's finally reached the point where you've realized that it's time to part ways with your old beauty and head on down to the dealership for new or used car.

The problem is that you now have a dilemma. Should you try selling the car to someone in your area? You could post it to online classifieds or place an ad in one of those car selling booklets. Or maybe even list the car on auction sites and see if you get any takers. Or would you rather not deal with any of that and simply get the car off of your hands immediately by trading it in?

This is one of those questions that may take you some time to decide. If you're absolutely in desperate need of getting a new car, then chances are you're better off trading the car in now and picking up a new one. If you have time to spare and want to get a better deal, then by all means try your best at selling it to someone in your area. There are plenty of resources on the web that can help you get the car in someone else's hands while collecting a decent profit as well.

To be honest, most people don't like selling simply because they don't want to deal with negotiating prices. They simply want to get the car for the best price possible! While that sounds good and dandy, it's simply not going to happen just like that. People are going to try to get the best price that they can no matter what and it's going to take you some time to negotiate a price that you're happy with.

When you're able to walk into the dealership and simply trade in the car, it immediately is off your hands and you never have to worry about it ever again. Sure you won't get as much money for it as you may have gotten from selling it to somebody else, but the car is now gone and you'll no longer have that burden. You can hop in your new or pre-owned car that you just purchased and say a last goodbye to your old clunker.

At the end of the day, it's really all about what you want to do. Do you believe your car is worth much more than what the local dealers are offering you for a trade-in? Are you willing to spend the time it takes to sell your car? If so, then you should definitely give it a shot.

How Refinancing My Car Loan With Bad Credit?

If you are one among them, then don't worry as this article would help you to know more on refinancing my car loan with bad credit deal. There are various types of ads given on internet, television, radio etc regarding refinancing your car. Anyone who wants to lower down their monthly expense, choose to refinance their auto loan. By refinancing your loan, you can surely lower down your monthly payments and rates both. Though there are various means to lower down your expense like eating out less, taking coupons, shifting to small homes etc. But one doesn't need to do all these things; they can refinance their auto loan and thus save few dollars monthly.

Car owners are aware about car refinance loans option but they don't want to get into the hassles thus they stay out of it. The matter of the fact is refinancing auto loan is very simple and easy process, there is no paperwork required and it doesn't take much time of the car owner. It's very much similar to refinancing your home mortgage loan and it surely helps you to save a lot of amount monthly. Nowadays refinancing your car loan is very much popular and many people are choosing this option over other traditional loan options.

It's easy to qualify for refinancing my car loan with bad credit than other traditional auto loan process. But before availing any kind of refinance loan, one needs to consider whether it really makes sense or not. Few people refinance just for the sake of doing, but this should be avoided. The perfect time to refinance your car loan is given below:

    One can refinance a auto if the average auto loan rates are lower and historic low rather. This would be the best time to refinance car loan and earn profit.
    Refinancing is also considered ideal if the credit score has been improved from the time when the borrower has purchase their car.
    Refinancing is also a good move when the borrower wants to lower down his monthly payments on his car.

To get low refinancing my car loan with bad credit, borrowers need to search online. Various lenders operate online and help the needy people. The online application process is also simple and easy, it hardly takes few minutes for the approval and the borrower can get his dream car easily. Applying online is the easiest way for refinancing your car loan. So get ready to save few dollars monthly by refinancing your car loan.

Four Easy Steps in Wrapping Your Car With Vehicle Graphics

A person can express himself through his personal belongings and typically the biggest property that a person has other than his house is his automobile. If you are a car owner yourself, you can customize its interior with stereos, seat covers and colored lights. You can also make your vehicle's exterior more noticeable with custom wheels and exhaust. However, most people stop short when it comes to a new paint job mostly because of its cost. The good new is there is now an alternative to those expensive paint jobs which is more affordable and appealing.

Car wraps or custom car stickers are graphic designs which provide a unique look to any car. With it, you can customize your vehicle to fit your taste and style and make it stand out from the thousand of cars on the road. Furthermore, car wraps can also be used as an effective advertising tool for almost any company type or business. You can transform your car into the ultimate mobile advertising machine, using it to reach more potential clients wherever you go. If you want to wrap your car with vehicle stickers, follow these easy steps.

1. Prepare the car. Make sure that the car is clean and dry. Make a mixture of rubbing alcohol and water. Put the mixture on a clean cloth and wipe the surface area of the car where you are applying the wrap. The rubbing alcohol can also be used to remove any grease on the car's surface. Be aware that you should only apply the wrap on a stable and clean car surface. A car with poor paint condition can be completely pulled off once the sticker is removed.

The next step in preparing your car for wrapping is to remove its manufacturer's emblem. By doing this, your car wrap installation project can be much more professional than just covering them. Emblem removal tools vary based on the different types of emblems attached into different car surfaces. For long and horizontal emblems or side moldings, the removal tool looks like a putty knife or an ice scraper. For smaller emblems, a similar but much smaller tool can be used.

2. Measure the part of your car you want to cover. If you are covering the entire car, make sure that the wrap is big enough for it. The car wrap will come in sections which should be marked for placement such as left door, right front fender, bumper etc.

3. Apply the wrap. Remove the backing of the wrap and start installing at the rear of the vehicle going forward. Use a squeegee to smooth out air bubbles. The back of the vehicle, roof and the hood should be done last. Vinyl wraps can be stretched into place. However, make sure not pull it too much and damage or distort the pattern. Use a pin to pop stubborn bubbles and squeegee it out until smooth. For radical transitions, tight bends or rounded surfaces, a heat gun can ease the installation by warming the vinyl at certain levels. Remember not to stretch the vinyl while it's hot. Let it cool and use a tape primer.

4. Trim the excess wrapping. You can use a razor knife to do this but be careful not to cut the vehicle's paint.

Donation to a Good Charity Could Lead to a Free Car

Donating money to charity can be very rewarding. I think it gives everyone a heartwarming sensation to know that they are doing something good for a cause that is in need. The best thing about donating to charity is that there is no mandatory maximum or minimum. Every little bit can help change the world.

Do you want to make sure you are donating to a charity that is close to your heart? The more passionate you are about a cause, the less of an expense a charitable contribution seems. At charitynavigator.org, you can find several categories and plenty of charities to choose from. There are charities for everything from wildlife preservation to feeding starving children. Almost all of these charities need as much help as they can get. Majority of the proceeds go directly to the cause outlined by the organization.

Your benefits from donating to these organizations come in several varieties. The benefit that should mean the most is the opportunity to help. Another benefit that many people associate with charitable giving is tax deductions. This one is huge for those of you that are more affluent than others. A popular benefit is tickets to gala events hosted by charity organizations. Other benefits are more tangible, such as free car washes, free food, free t-shirts, engraved bricks, etc. These typically are given for those voluntarily donating miscellaneous amounts of money to the charity.

In some instances, charities have to offer more substantial benefits to get donations from more people. This pushes charities towards such things as Bake Sales, Fundraisers, Raffles, etc. This is where to find free cars. In an effort to raise large amounts of money, charities will use larger item raffles to do it. This opens up the opportunity for those of you looking for a new car the chance to win it. When a car raffle or car fundraiser is necessary, charities have to sell an inflated number of tickets to cover the cost of the vehicle and still raise money for the charity. Although the odds are high, somebody still has to win. Why not you? You could increase your odds by donating to several charities that you have a passion for that are using car raffles or car fundraisers to bring in money.

Car Dealerships For People With Bad Credit

Buy here pay here car dealerships are currently making waves as one of the best options when in need of a car even when you are currently having troubles with your credit rating. These dealers look at things differently, allowing those who have poor credit history to improve their financial situation while also acquiring a solution for their transportation needs.

However, there are those who would oppose people buying from these car lots, telling you that applying for this kind of financing scheme won't do you any good. You might find hints of truth from this advice, but they can also offer you certain advantages that are worth thinking over.

Disadvantages

Due to a lack of regulations and policies for used car dealerships such as a buy here pay here dealership, there are quite a number of them, which can turn out to be scams. These bad credit dealerships are considered as loans-for-profit while other car loans from lenders are regulated from policies for protection against fraud, providing less profit to lenders.

The rates of interest for the bad credit car loan will mainly depend on them and not on any policy that regulates the maximum amount lenders can set for the financing schemes. This might make you spend more for your weekly or bi-weekly payments compared to the total monthly payment for a regular loan from a lender following loan interest regulations.

Advantages

These car lots can be your saving grace from acquiring a car needed for daily transportation even when suffering from financial troubles. Having a bad credit rating will dim your chances of successfully applying for a car loan so a these types of car lots can be the best, or the only, solution you can consider.

There are actually some states that have put a cap on the maximum allowable interest rate for used auto sales. You should check whether these poor credit used car sellers in your area follow lemon laws and warranty rights to protect yourself from odometer fraud as well as making sure that your chosen car can provide you with the benefits you need from it.

Need Different Tyres for Different Seasons

The answer to the title can be viewed by some people differently, however, to be on the safe side, the answer should be yes. When you sit down and think about the logic of cars, you will see how important they are. The tyres are the only parts that are in contact with the road you drive on. So with that in mind taking care and looking after them should be as important as looking after your children. Everyone who has been driving knows that once the weather changes, the car that you are driving feels different.

The way you take a corner or a slight bend seems to be harder, and the reason for this feeling is your traction. Since most cars give you normal ones that are meant for dry conditions, the minute that this condition changes so will your car. This makes driving more dangerous and this will be a serious problem, if left unchecked. Some people whether there are all weather types on the market that are made for these conditions. The biggest problem with these types is that they are only made for wet or dry conditions.

If you live in a place that has four seasons, once winter comes these types become useless in ice and snow conditions. Many people think that just by driving slowly, they will be able to get away with not changing their tyres. Trying to stop a car when the roads have ice or snow on them is like trying to stop a runaway train, without the proper type, you have no control and no way to stop your car in time. This is due to the fact that no traction is being produced when your car is trying to brake.

Winter tyres are made with this problem in mind and they have small spikes on their treads to produce the traction you need. There have been tests done to prove that with the proper amount of control, drivers are able to avoid accidents even on icy conditions. Since your car is the second biggest investment you will make, there really is no reason to save money by risking your safety when the seasons change. In fact, spending a little money to give you better traction might save you more money in repairs from an accident.

Some Tips to Optimize Your Dealership's Social Media Marketing Strategy

Social media platforms are now becoming an important avenue for auto dealerships to generate ROI and good-will. According to a report given by Wildfire Interactive in 2011, 88% of marketers agreed that social marketing increases brand awareness, 85% agreed that it will increase engagement and 58% agreed that it will increase sales/partnerships.

Social media marketing plays a crucial role in an auto dealer's digital marketing strategy. Therefore, auto dealers should optimize it in the right way to get better results. Here are a few tips that will help you optimize your dealership's social media marketing strategy.

Clear Strategy
Social media marketing can improve the performance of your business, provided that you have a well-structured strategy that aligns with your business objective. In order to create a clear strategy you must first define your goals and decide how you want to benefit from social media marketing. Do you want to increase your reputation, influence, credibility, sales, traffic/page views, etc.? This will help you select the right tactics to achieve your desired results.

Network of Relevant Audience
As an auto dealership, you have a niche audience potentially interested in your product. To leverage that audience you must know to whom your product appeals to and build a network around them. Post your ads in the social profiles of those whose interests match with that of your product/service, so that the chances those people will follow you are high. Customize your social networking page to the needs of your audience accordingly. The greater your reach is and the more relevant you are to your audience, the more influential you will be on social media sites.

Schedule your Posts and Content
Posting the right content at the right time is a very crucial aspect of social media marketing. That is why it is important to schedule your posts and content about offers, deals or new services when you believe users are more likely to interact with them - for example, posting content around seasonal discounts. By updating your profile regularly with the latest offers and discounts you can make it livelier. Also, you can track what offers your followers are turning into sales and what offers your followers are responding to the least.

Engaging Content and Attractive Pictures
The content on your business' social network page should be significant. It should be able to engage the attention of your audience. The more you do so, the more it spreads on the Internet. Don't try to push commercial content on social media sites. Understand your audience and create content that compliments your business, while also concentrating on giving users a good experience. One way of doing this is by posting attractive pictures and videos of your auto brands, updating your content periodically and even posting personal content about your business - pictures of your team, corporate functions, etc.

Constantly Stay Active
The very motive of social networking is to build communication between you and your customers as much as possible. In order to build a rapport with your audience, you should be more participative. Engage in chatting live with your audience. Let them present their perspectives. Give instant replies for the queries/feedback posted by them - this makes your followers feel valued and thus, generates a positive impression on your business.

Interact More with Influencers
Not all of your followers are influencers of your business - many of them may like your business, but are less interested in promoting it to others. But influencers on the other hand can help you in viral promotion of your content, helping the message spread faster and further. This will also increase your reach to a wider audience.

Easily Shareable Content
As we pointed out earlier, content plays a significant role in social media marketing. It should be easy to share content with audiences on social networking websites as well as multiple networking sites. To do this you should use widgets and badges that make sharing content more effective. These buttons will help the user share information about your business on social networking sites, from any other site. This is an easy and fast way to promote your content.

Measure the Strategy
Finally, you should quantify the outcome of your social networking strategy. This involves measuring the percentage of your audience that shared your information, number of favorable responses, percentage of your followers converted into sales, percentage of viral promoters, increasing rate of followers, deals/offers getting promoted the most, etc.

How to Improve the Click-Through Rates of Your Auto Business' Online Marketing Strategies?

In the UK virtually all cars and light commercial vehicles over 3 years old are required by law to undergo an annual comprehensive examination known as the MOT to ensure that they are roadworthy. This testing has undergone changes since its inception in 1960. During the 1940s and 50s motor vehicles were becoming more common on the roads and many of these vehicles were produced before 1940 and were not serviced very regularly or if at all. This meant that there were many lorries on the road that were potentially hazardous with the most common faults being with the braking system, lights and steering. In 1960 Ernest Marples, the then Minister for Transport ordered that all vehicles of more than 10 years of age must have their steering systems, lights and brakes tested every year. This testing became known as the Ministry Of Transport Test, which was then shortened to 'MOT'. In April 1967 the testable age was lowered so that all vehicles over the age of 3 had to undergo testing every year.

The MOT has altered over the years to become more inclusive and it is continuing to develop. In 1968, new tyre tread regulations are introduced so that there is at least 1mm of tread across three quarters of the width of the tyre. In 1978 the test is updated to include windscreen washers, wipers, horn, exhausts, spotlights and indicators. In 1991 petrol emissions, anti-lock braking systems and rear seatbelts are included in the test. The next update comes in 1992 when a review of tyre tread is changed to a minimum depth of 1.6mm. In 1993 additional changes are introduced to include mirrors, rear fog lights and registration plates. 1994 sees diesel emissions added to the test. New changes in 2012 are set to include examination of the electronic parking brake, electronic stability control, towbar and trailer/caravan electrical socket and the function of warning lights. As our vehicles become more complex, more can go wrong with them and this is why more components are added.

From the very start, the British Government decided that the MOT test should be able to be carried out at local garages so that motorists have the handiness of a test centre near where they reside. There are about 19,000 testing stations in the United Kingdom and only the Ministry of Transport had the power to award a licence to the test station. These days the scheme is run by another government agency called Vehicle Operator and Services Agency, or VOSA but they still answer to the Secretary of State for Transport. The test has a uniform set of standards throughout the country, so whether you have your MOT done in Caithness or in Cornwall the same set of tests are performed on the vehicle. The local MOT garage is liable for the quality of the testing at that individual testing station. These garages become known as an Authorised Examiner, having been granted a license by VOSA to perform MOT tests. In turn these AEs have the authority to appoint specially trained people to carry out MOT Tests on vehicles. These MOT Testers become known as Nominated Testers. Anyone wishing to become an NT will have to train at a testing garage before attending a 2 day course run by VOSA so that they can be nominated as testers by an AE.
Pay-per-click (PPC) campaigns are an integral part of any business' online marketing strategy. These campaigns are highly effective in driving a good number of sales in a short period of time. However, businesses can reap these beneficial results only when they clearly understand how to structure and manage a PPC campaign.

Click-through rate (CTR) is the ratio of the number of clicks your ad receives to the number of impressions - the number of times your ad shows up - your ad receives. A good CTR, as such, is not very helpful to a business if they do not convert into sales. A good CTR combined with good conversion rates leads to good quality score which is very beneficial to a business. A good quality score for an ad campaign means better positioning of PPC ads in search engines at a lower cost.

Hence, a well-structured PPC campaign should aim at a good quality score. Here are a few tips which will help you improve the CTRs of your ad campaign.

Compelling, Clear and Specific Ads
To get higher click-through rates it is imperative to create effective ads that attract the attention of your target audience. The effectiveness of ad copy is measured by the relevancy of your ad and the direct and clear message that it conveys to your audience. Make the ads compelling by using customer language and by highlighting the product/service/offers in an appealing way.

Flexible Campaign Structure
While developing a PPC campaign for your business, it is important to keep the campaign as flexible as possible. By doing so, you can understand which campaigns are successful for your business and which need to be improved. The more relevant your ads are in terms of your keywords, ad groups and content in the landing page, the more successful the campaign will be.

• Experiment with Various Ad Copies and Ad Groups
Click-through rates and rankings of PPC ads vary from campaign to campaign and from one keyword to another. While creating a PPC ad campaign you need to perform good keyword research to identify all the related keywords to your business and then organize these keywords into small, tightly knit groups. Also, it is necessary to create different ad copies having different kinds of messages and presentations of offers.

• Experiment with Landing Page Content
The landing page quality is an important factor in improving the quality score of your PPC ad. If your audience, after landing on your page, is not satisfied or feels disconnected with the content/presentation, they are less likely to make a purchase. This way, you may not only lose quality leads, but also waste your money on clicks that cannot be converted into leads.

• Experiment with E-Mail Campaigns
E-mail campaigns designed to promote a specific offer by your business can be highly instrumental in driving sales, as they establish a direct contact with your targeted audience. But, not every promotional e-mail is successful in catching the attention of the audience (unattractive and vague e-mails are usually considered junk by receivers). Hence, have different templates with clear, appealing ad copies and different keywords, so as to see which campaign drives more sales.

Positioning of Ad in Search Engines
Though paid ads are displayed prominently at the top of search engine result pages, they might be ranked low or penalized if the search engines find that there are low click-through or conversion rates. As stated before, having relevant and helpful content in PPC ads leads to a better quality score, which means the search engine will automatically display your ads more often and in better positions. This translates to more exposure and reliability of your ad.

Management of Ad Campaigns
This is the most vital part in making a PPC campaign successful. Better management of your ad campaigns by: knowing the trending keywords and updating the ad copies, consciously experimenting with various ad formats and keywords, targeting different groups within your audience (based on age, income, gender, etc.) at different times and analyzing the quality scores and conversion rates of the campaigns launched. These elements combined will help increase the click-through rates of your ads.

History Of The MOT In The United Kingdom

In the UK virtually all cars and light commercial vehicles over 3 years old are required by law to undergo an annual comprehensive examination known as the MOT to ensure that they are roadworthy. This testing has undergone changes since its inception in 1960. During the 1940s and 50s motor vehicles were becoming more common on the roads and many of these vehicles were produced before 1940 and were not serviced very regularly or if at all. This meant that there were many lorries on the road that were potentially hazardous with the most common faults being with the braking system, lights and steering. In 1960 Ernest Marples, the then Minister for Transport ordered that all vehicles of more than 10 years of age must have their steering systems, lights and brakes tested every year. This testing became known as the Ministry Of Transport Test, which was then shortened to 'MOT'. In April 1967 the testable age was lowered so that all vehicles over the age of 3 had to undergo testing every year.

The MOT has altered over the years to become more inclusive and it is continuing to develop. In 1968, new tyre tread regulations are introduced so that there is at least 1mm of tread across three quarters of the width of the tyre. In 1978 the test is updated to include windscreen washers, wipers, horn, exhausts, spotlights and indicators. In 1991 petrol emissions, anti-lock braking systems and rear seatbelts are included in the test. The next update comes in 1992 when a review of tyre tread is changed to a minimum depth of 1.6mm. In 1993 additional changes are introduced to include mirrors, rear fog lights and registration plates. 1994 sees diesel emissions added to the test. New changes in 2012 are set to include examination of the electronic parking brake, electronic stability control, towbar and trailer/caravan electrical socket and the function of warning lights. As our vehicles become more complex, more can go wrong with them and this is why more components are added.

From the very start, the British Government decided that the MOT test should be able to be carried out at local garages so that motorists have the handiness of a test centre near where they reside. There are about 19,000 testing stations in the United Kingdom and only the Ministry of Transport had the power to award a licence to the test station. These days the scheme is run by another government agency called Vehicle Operator and Services Agency, or VOSA but they still answer to the Secretary of State for Transport. The test has a uniform set of standards throughout the country, so whether you have your MOT done in Caithness or in Cornwall the same set of tests are performed on the vehicle. The local MOT garage is liable for the quality of the testing at that individual testing station. These garages become known as an Authorised Examiner, having been granted a license by VOSA to perform MOT tests. In turn these AEs have the authority to appoint specially trained people to carry out MOT Tests on vehicles. These MOT Testers become known as Nominated Testers. Anyone wishing to become an NT will have to train at a testing garage before attending a 2 day course run by VOSA so that they can be nominated as testers by an AE.

Importance of Proper Seat Support for the Driver

Any sporting vehicle will benefit from lightweight sport seats. It's true that sports cars and sporting sedans come from the factory with high-bolstered seats that work almost as well as aftermarket sport seats in terms of holding a driver in place. However, OEM seats are rarely lightweight and this where a change to lightweight racing buckets benefit a vehicle with sporting pretenses.

It's unfortunate that many buyers of aftermarket sport seats obtain them for their looks and street cred. A glance through some car forums will even show opinions stating that aftermarket sports seats give you added comfort. Well, unless your car came with wooden benches, it's safe to say that most of today's OEM seats are more comfortable than the lightweight, thinly padded and rigid racing seats out on the market today. There are of course replacement seats from Recaro, Sparco or one of the other known manufacturers that are quite comfortable, even luxurious. These are not the units you normally use as replacements though, and enthusiasts more often than not will choose seats with high bolsters, lightweight padding and carbon fiber or fiberglass shells.

A seat's purpose is to locate the driver properly so that his or her sightline to the road is unimpeded, and access to the controls is comfortably accessible. With a properly-positioned racing seat, a driver is able to concentrate on the driving task at hand without being distracted by having to keep the body's position in the seat or counteract the physical forces that are generated in cornering and braking.

When considering a racing seat, look for good lateral support at the hips and shoulders. The head should also be properly supported. Some units even provide lateral support for helmeted heads. One common oversight in replacing the OEM seats with aftermarket ones is the seat support. Mounting brackets often need to be replaced when changing seats and some owners make to with fabricated brackets that do not have the strength to withstand high loads. While it's best to use motorsport-approved brackets, any experienced fabricator can do a proper set of brackets for aftermarket seats. A vehicle's seats must stay in place in the event of a crash, and poorly mounted seats can become a liability when the worst-case scenario happens. A seat that moves in a crash can put pressure on a part of the body that is ill-equipped to withstand the forces of a crash. The same goes for the multi-point harnesses that racing seats are complemented with. The anchorage points have to be strong enough to withstand the stresses of a crash.

3 Items You Should Always Have in Your Car in Case of an Emergency

Emergencies, by nature, can occur unexpectedly. Whether you are at home or on the road, it is always best to be as prepared as possible for any emergency scenario. It is much easier to be prepared for emergencies that occur at home. Most homes will likely have closet or storage space where emergency supplies can be kept. So whether your power goes out or your water stops running, you can be better prepared for an emergency in your home. It is not as easy to be ready for emergencies in your car. Given the type of car you have, you may not have as much room for supplies to be ready for every emergency scenario. But there are three items that everyone should keep in their car in case of an emergency. Read on to find out what those three items are:

Candle
This item will likely be more useful in the late fall and winter months, but it is important to always have a candle in your car in case of an emergency. A standard sized, sturdy candle, when lit, has the potential to heat your whole car for the duration while it is lit. Depending upon the size of your car you may need more than one candle to heat your entire car. A candle lit in your car can be even more effective if it is lit inside of a coffee can. The coffee can captures heat and acts like a makeshift radiator.

A candle in your car can be especially useful if you find yourself stranded on the side of the road in the winter. Whether your car has stalled or you turn your car off to preserve your car battery, you will likely find yourself without heat. During treacherous winter driving conditions it can take a long time for roadside assistance workers to reach your car, and if your car has no heat you can get very cold very quickly. That is why it is important to keep a candle in your car. With a candle you can keep your car heated, without it running, until help arrives.

Flashlight
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 46% of traffic accidents happen at night in rural areas and 55% of traffic accidents occur at night in urban areas. When an accident occurs at night it can be very disorienting and it can be difficult to get a grasp on what is happening, especially if your car's headlights go out and you have difficulty seeing. In these situations it is best to have a flashlight.

By keeping a flashlight in your car you will be better prepared for emergencies that occur at night. For example, if you are involved in an accident at night you will better able to assess the damage and whether or not the parties involved require immediate medical assistance. Or if your car stalls on the side of the road and you have to abandon it you will be more visible to passing by motorists.

Water
Water is essential to any emergency situation. Whether you are in an accident or stranded on the side of the road it is always important to keep hydrated. If you find yourself in an emergency situation in your car and you become dehydrated it can be even more dangerous for you to drive once your car is running again.

Keeping water in your car is especially important in the summer. If you find yourself in an emergency situation where your car isn't running then it is especially important to have water to keep cool. Without water you could become dehydrated and suffer from heat stroke. Water can also come in handy if your car runs out of coolant, as it can act as a temporary coolant for your car.

Should Have a Professional Change Your Oil

For many individuals, the recent economic downturn has meant trying to cut costs in any way possible. One way people have tried to cut costs has been by learning trades to cut down on the money spent on car, home or appliance repairs. Specifically, people have been learning to change their own oil. Though there are advantages to changing your own oil like convenience, there are also disadvantages. Read below to see why it is better to have your oil changed by a professional as opposed to doing it yourself:

Save your Time
Changing the oil in your car is no easy task, especially if you are not a trained professional. To change your own oil you need to first teach yourself to do it, and that takes time and effort. It is much simpler to take your car to a professional who has changed oil in cars before. To change the oil in your car by yourself you also need to set time aside for yourself in order to do it. This would require taking time out of your busy schedule, as opposed to being able to take your car in to a professional garage or dealership that has set hours and are always ready to receive your business. Most importantly, you also need special tools to change your own oil and you must also properly dispose of used oil. You cannot simply throw the oil in the trash or dump it in the back yard; you need to properly dispose of used oil. You will also need to purchase special tools to change your oil. Buying these tools and disposing of your used oil takes time and money.

Having your oil changed by professional garages and dealerships will save you time and money. These professionals are better equipped to change your oil because they are specially trained, they have the tools to do the job properly, and they have methods to dispose of your used oil. Attempting to change your own oil may seem more convenient but the hidden costs of purchasing tools, training yourself and disposing of waste add up. The general ease of allowing a professional will save you precious time, energy and money.

No Accountability for Mistakes
Mistakes can be made while changing your oil; they may be as simple as forgetting to put the oil cap back on, but even simple mistakes can be costly. If you change your oil by yourself then you will have to fix any mistakes made. And if you only know how to change oil then you may have to learn to fix these mistakes yourself or go to an outside source to help you.

If you bring your car to a professional then they are held responsible for any mistakes that they make while changing your oil. Though the chance of a mistake being made by professionals is often minimal, this accountability affords you the ease of mind knowing that if a mistake is made while your oil is being changed then it will be taken care of at no extra cost to you.

Paying for Mistakes
The extra cost that comes with mistakes being made by you while changing your car's oil is also another reason why you should allow a professional to change your oil, as opposed to doing it yourself. If you make a mistake that damages your car while changing your oil, ultimately you will have to pay for that mistake in some way, shape or form. These extra costs can, most times, be more than the cost of getting your oil changed. Or worse they can be severe damages that may result in you needing to purchase a new vehicle altogether.

You Should Call Roadside Assistance

Unfortunately there are times where your car just won't work properly. When this happens drivers can become panicked and wonder what they should do. The decision always comes down to calling 911 or roadside assistance. Often stranded motorists that are in no imminent danger will call 911. This can preoccupy already busy emergency responders and can take them away from real emergencies. There is an important distinction between when it is appropriate to call 911 and when to call roadside assistance. If you are injured or you feel you are in imminent danger then, by all means, you should call 911. Below you will see three instances when you should call roadside assistance and not emergency responders:

Dead Battery
Everyone knows what it is like to turn the key in the ignition only to have your car's engine sputter out and die - you often have a dead battery on your hands. When this happens take stock of your situation. Where are you stranded? Are you in any danger? Once you have assessed your situation and you are in no danger then you will want to call roadside assistance to jumpstart your car.

A dead battery is a situation where you need not call 911. In most situations a dead battery does not constitute an emergency and emergency responders will likely not be able to help you. Roadside assistance will be better equipped to handle the situation, as they will have the appropriate tools to get the job done. Calling roadside assistance is the appropriate thing to do when your car's battery dies.

Deflated Tire
A deflated tire is always a hassle; sometimes it can even be dangerous. If you notice that your tire is deflated you should avoid driving on it at all costs. Driving on a deflated tire can make driving your car increasingly difficult - which could result in an accident - and can often damage your tire's frame. If you do not have a spare tire you should call roadside assistance. They will be able to help you by either replacing your tire or, if they are unable to replace your tire, they will tow you to a repair shop that can replace your tire.

A deflated tire can sometimes result in accident. If your tire deflates, or pops, while you are driving and causes an accident you should call 911 even if you are, or other parties, are unharmed. These accidents can obstruct traffic and may need emergency responders to remove debris from the road and sort out any other issues that may arise.

Run out of Gas
Often times we can be so consumed with our day-to-day lives that simple tasks can go unnoticed or pushed to the wayside. When this occurs you can find yourself in sticky situations, like if your car runs out of gas. Obviously your car cannot run without gasoline so if you find yourself in this situation then you will need to call roadside assistance.

Situations where your car will not run, like running out of gasoline, are situations where roadside assistance will be better able to help you in your time of need. 911 emergency responders are not equipped to help drivers that have been stranded due to mechanical failure. Roadside assistance workers will able to either fill your car with gasoline or tow your car to the nearest gas station. If damage has occurred to your car, which can be a result of driving with low gasoline, then roadside assistance can fix your car or take your car to the nearest service station in most cases.

Engine, Chassis, Transmission and Suspension for Maserati GranTurismo S

The Maserati GranTurismo S is powered by eight cylinder, 4691 cc V90 engine developing 433 bhp at 7000 rpm and producing a maximum torque of 361 lb-ft at 4750 rpm. Two overhead camshafts per bank and four valves per cylinder control the timing with hydraulic tappets. The overhead camshafts on the aspirated side are managed by low pressure and continual phase valve timing of less than fifteen seconds. The higher displacement and the exhaust valves controlled by the driver contributed to the increase of the power and torque. When the driver pushes the "sport" button on the dash, he / she activates the valves opening allowing the exhaust to escape quicker whether the lower pressure lets the engine to reach its peak power output of 433 bhp.

The Maserati GranTurismo S' six speeds automatic transmission is developed by the German specialists ZF and it is specifically designed for Maserati. The self-adapting automatic transmission is particularly felt at low to medium revs but still grants immediate power delivery higher to the rev range allowing the changes to be made at 7200 rpm redline, a level that no other automatic transmission in the class can equal. The transmission operates in four modes: auto normal, for comfortable driving, auto sport for the clients who prefer a sporty driving experience, Auto ICE designed for low grip conditions and the Manual Mode. With this last setting, the driver chooses when to change gears through the shift paddles located on the steering column.

The Maserati GranTurismo S has an optimal weight distribution: 49% front and 51% rear, a set up that Maserati achieved by shifting the engine behind the front axle allowing the driver to feel an unparalleled level of response and balance. The car provides dynamic handling while providing a more comfortable drive.

The rear wishbone suspension has an 'anti dive' and 'anti squad' geometry which limits the front dipping under braking and the rear end squadding under acceleration.

The Skyhook system is standard in the Maserati GranTurismo S. To constantly adjust the damping rate, the technology uses shock absorbers with aluminum body.The system uses acceleration sensors to detect movements on all four wheels and the body. Skyhook allows to automatically selecting the optimal level of damping and integrates it with the Maserati Stability Program safety System as well as with the calibration of the car's automatic transmission, with the results of having a car that easily adapt to the characteristics of each driver.

Differences Should I Make When Driving in Deep Snow

It can be very scary having to drive when there is lots of snow out, but most of the time you'll have no choice. That's why it's so important that you are prepared for when snow strikes.

You'll need to make sure you have the necessary items ready for your car. Here are a few things you can do to get ready for deep snow driving, these will all help lessen the risk.

Make sure you have a 50/50 mix of water and antifreeze inside your cooling system, this needs to be done for all cars during winter months. The majority of cars have special long life anti freeze already put in the car, you can't mix this with any other kind of anti freeze. If you're not positive what type of anti freeze your car uses, stop by your dealer to find out.

Another thing you need to have ready is screen wash. With all the salt and grit on the roads your windscreen can get dirty really fast. This makes it quite hard to see while you are driving. Make sure that you have your screen wash at the right levels before driving in snowy weather.

The third thing you'll need to do is make sure that your car tyres are in good condition. You'll want to have a tread of at least 3mm for your car tyres when driving in winter weather. You'll also want to make sure that you follow your manufacturers recommended levels for your tyre pressure.

Tips For Driving In The Snow

When you are driving around in the snow you'll want to steer in a gentle, steady manner. Don't go too fast, you will want to keep an even speed if you accelerate too quickly you could lose control of your vehicle. Don't go too slowly either though, without enough speed you won't have the momentum you need.

Accelerate, steer, and break as smoothly as you can. Your breaking distances are going to be at least 10 times longer than normal you have to take this into consideration. Get used to how your breaks respond in these conditions it's not the same as in normal driving conditions. Your ABS breaking system will also suffer from some negative effects make sure to make use of your gears to slow down.

If you get stuck in the snow there are several things you can do to make sure you make it out unharmed. Keeping the following things in your car is a good first step; Spare clothing and blanket, water, food, and mobile phone. A great way to keep yourself warm is by using your car's engine. You'll only want to do this for 15 min per hour though.