In an unprecedented move, never before done in the history of America, Obama announced his plans to get government control of private businesses. The two companies in question are GMC and Chrysler. He announced his plans in a televised speech on Monday, March 30th. This is after forcing the retirement of longtime CEO of GMC, Rick Wagoner. He did not, however, force the retirement of the head of the auto union who has greatly impacted GMC’s financial problems. Although Obama repeatedly said he does not want to have the government running the auto industry, this is exactly what he is doing. In fact, he is getting into micromanaging GMC by such actions as the government guaranteeing GMC’s service contracts.

Wagoner has worked all his life, 40 years, for GMC. He knows the business inside out. Obama’s beef is with him. Wagoner is too old-fashioned, wanting to continue to produce gas-guzzling pick-ups and SUVs. GMC has to change and produce light-weight green cars for tomorrow’s future. Apparently, in Obama’s book, pick-ups and SUVs have to go. Guess what? In 2008, the two top selling vehicles in America were GMC’s pickups and SUVs. No green car of any description made the top 10 list. Also, the Chevy Malibu was voted car of the year, 2008. Going further, twenty of GMC’s vehicles showed profits in 2008. Eleven of these were pickups and SUVs, and GMC vehicles are very popular overseas.* It doesn’t sound to me like Wagoner has done so badly. But this apparently does not faze Obama. Come hell or high water, and in spite of what Americans want, carbon-fueled vehicles have got to be replaced with green. SUVS AND PICKUPS ARE NOT IN AMERICA’S FUTURE REGARDLESS OF WHAT THE AMERICAN BUYERS WANT.

Thus, Obama has taken it upon himself to gain control of American auto industries and FORCE THIS CHANGE! He is also forcing Chrysler, an American company, to join with Fiat, a foreign company, again a first in American history. This is in spite of the fact that Obama has pledged to bring back to America’s shores as much of America’s overseas business as possible. It seems to become clearer and clearer that Obama’s promises mean nothing. Chrysler has been given thirty days to comply and GMC sixty days. If they don’t, it’s bankruptcy. Chrysler and GMC should have done this first and avoided the middleman, the inefficient, bureaucratic, power-hungry United States Government. Can you name even one thing that the government runs efficiently?

Do you know what the scariest words are in the English language? “I’m from the government and I’m here to help you.” Wake up America. One by one, Obama is toppling our freedoms like dominos in a line. Once we lose them, it will be hard to get them back.

Please give me your opinions about the government running America’s privately-owned auto industries.

*Facts from Rush Limbaugh, 3/31/09

Often times when we are thinking of auto interior accessories for our vehicles, we are thinking of adding a color or theme to our car. It is generally about making the car more appealing to look at. But let’s not forget that many auto interior accessories can be added to enhance function.

Car seat covers are an easy example as we can all identify those with ease. But you may not be thinking that covering the seats of your car may serve any real function. On the contrary. When that new baby starts to throw food all over the car, and spill it’s drinks, you are going to be thinking that if the seats were covered in vinyl, it would be a lot easier to cover that up.

You might have worn out floor mats in your car, and you replace them cause they have holes worn in them, but they are designed to trap dirt and preserve your carpet. Maybe this time, you find something a little more heavy duty, that will both last longer and truly keep the floor of your car cleaner.

Adding mirrors to a car can almost always be smart addition. Whether we are talking of new bigger mirrors all together, or adding mirrors to what the car came with, anything that can give you a wide field of vision, cutting down on that pesky blind spot, is going to make for a safer experience.

It is hard to imagine a car purchased to day that doesn’t have cup holders in it. But some vehicles still neglect the back seat. And not all of us are driving around in new cars. In a society where we are messing with our iPods, putting on lipstick, fussing at the GPS device, and talking on the phone, the least we could do is put our drinks down. Make sure you find a sturdy cup holder. One that when you hit the breaks, you are going to be thinking about how that might fall over.

If you are looking at adding auto interior accessories to your car, think not just their appearance, but how that same addition might make your car riding experience easier and safer.

You can easily get a free auto repair manual for whichever repair need you might have. You need an internet access and have to follow a certain procedure searching for auto repair manuals, but when you have done this procedure a few times it will be very easy to find the right instructions for do it yourself auto repair and it won’t cost you a dime.

There are four types of automotive description documents that you will need to choose from when you want to do a repair;

General manuals Diagnosis descriptions Repair manuals Maintenance manuals
General Manuals

In addition to some general manuals, most of these are related to the make. Here you can get step by step guidance on how to repair most of the makes in the vehicle market. Let’s say you have a Honda Acura 2002 model and you want to find a manual for that make and model. What you do is perform the following search in a search engine: “free car manuals+Honda Acura+2002″. Then you will have a long list of sites that provide you with all kinds of descriptions for your Honda Acure 2002 model, and you can choose what you want.

Diagnosis descriptions

Automotive diagnosis manuals can also be sub-divided by make and model. But it can also be divided by the area of the vehicle that is affected, for example engine intake problems, brake problems, cooling problems, exhaust problems, start or stall problems, transmission problems etc. Let’s say you have a start problem. Your search would be “car diagnosis manual+ start problem”, then you should get more than enough repair information to choose from. You can even get diagnostic trees where all options are covered for nothing.

You have probably more than one time heard some annoying noise from somewhere in your vehicle, without finding the source of it. This is one of the most ***** situations to run into because you don’t know if it is a serious signal or just a small thing. Some websites gives you the opportunity to diagnose vehicle problems by the noise, sound and vibrating signals – and that is great. The sooner you find it the sooner you can fix it and then you can relax. When you search, you can describe the sound, for example “whine noise” or “shifter knocks” or “driveline vibration” plus car diagnosis manual plus eventually the make.

Repair Manuals

In addition to regular manuals you can also get very instructive and detailed descriptions in other internet document or websites like articles, etc. The natural way to sub-divide such repairs before searching, is by the area of the vehicle that is going to be repaired, for instance body repair, exhaust repair, suspension fix, interior repair and even general car repair.

You do the search the same way as above; “car repair manual (or description) + the area of repair and go through the list of resources you get.

Maintenance manuals

Though vehicle maintenance is closely related to your vehicle make and model, there are some maintenance issues that are pretty much common whether you have a Cadillac, VW or a Mercedes, for example changing oil, changing air filters, engine wash, fluid maintenance, tier maintenance etc. You can get access to maintenance descriptions by searching for the kind of maintenance plus “car maintenance manual (or description)” plus eventually your make and model.

I think you’ll be amazed of the amount of automotive repair free stuff online.

Looking for auto insurance rankings? Want to find the best companies with the best rates? Here’s how …

Best Auto Insurance Companies

Here are three websites that rank auto insurance companies:

Your State’s Department of Insurance Website

All states have a department of insurance website, and most publish consumer complaints that have been filed against insurance companies. Most companies have complaints filed against them, but if a company has a lot of complaints compared to other companies, you should avoid them.

A.M. Best (ambest.com)

A.M. Best publishes insurance companies financial and credit ratings. These ratings give you an idea about an insurance company’s ability to pay its claims. You should go with a company that has a B+ rating or higher.

Epinions (epinions.com)

At Epinion’s, customers rate companies by customer service, website experience, response to claims, and price confidence. Customers also write reviews about each company. These reviews range from “The best insurance we’ve ever had!” to “The WORST customer service you could imagine.”

Best Auto Insurance Quotes

Here’s how to get the best auto insurance quotes:

Comparison shop – Because insurance quotes can vary by $1,000 or more from one company to another, the first thing you need to do is go to an insurance comparison website. You’ll fill out a simple form so you can get quotes from a number of A-rated companies, then all you do is pick the company with the cheapest quote.

The best insurance comparison sites have an online chat feature and an “800″ number so you can talk with insurance experts to get answers to your insurance questions.

Consolidate your insurance – Insurance companies will give you a 10% to 15% discount if you purchase your auto insurance and your homeowners or renters insurance through them.

Raise your deductible – Raising your insurance deductible from $250 to $500 can save you as much as 30% on your premium.

Drop collision and comprehensive coverage – If your premium plus your deductible is more than your car is worth, consider dropping your collision and comprehensive coverage.

Get safety and security discounts – Insurance companies give good-sized discounts if you have air bags, anti-lock brakes, car alarms, and anti-theft devices installed on your car.

Auto accident personal injury settlements offer the compensation amount for the injured victim in an auto accident when the claim is handled through insurance. The increasing rate in the amount of more motor vehicle accidents in the United States makes auto accident insurance settlements one of the most prolific types amongst the insurance settlements. Settlement offers you negotiation for personal injury claims.

According to Bureau of Transportation statistics, at least five million motor vehicle accidents are recorded every year on the nation’s roadways, two million people are injured, and at least 20,000 people die. Auto accident personal injury settlements are also possible in various injury and property damage auto accident situations.

Other statistics, however, report that over 40,000 people die in car accidents every year, every minute there are 5 deaths and 5 serious injuries caused by the motor vehicle crash. Auto accidents are the leading cause of death for people under 30. Approximately 6,000 pedestrian deaths and 100,000 pedestrian injuries are recorded every year. More importantly, one third of Americans will be involved in an alcohol-related traffic accident. Collisions with motor vehicles result in about 800 deaths of people riding bicycles every year.

A professional attorney can help you with auto accident personal injury settlements by ensuring the victim’s claim. The victim’s rights are protected through proper negotiations. The first step of an auto accident settlement is to file the claim with the insurance company, which should be done soon after the accident. A claim adjuster then verifies the facts in order to determine the liability and the incurred amount of damages. The verification provides you the amount of the personal injury which can be claimed.

Through auto accident personal injury settlements, it is possible that you can receive reparations for the medical expenses, loss of wages, pain and suffering awards, and property damages. A legal professional can help you in receiving legal and fair compensation for your injuries in an auto accident settlement.

Choosing your auto insurance company is a bigger decision than you may think. From company to company, you will find significant differences in philosophy, customer service, policies, rates, and target market. With such wide ranging differences there is a distinct advantage for you if you can choose the insurer that best fits your specific needs. You will find that you can save more money, receive better customer service and have a policy that gives you the coverage you need without any fluff.

Choosing Your Auto Insurance Company: An Insurer You Can Trust

Trust is of the utmost importance when it comes to choosing your auto insurance company. You want to know that company will be there when you need them most. The last thing you need when dealing with the stress of an auto accident is an insurer that cannot be reached, will not answer questions and may give you the run-around when it comes time for them to pay a claim. So, do a bit research-it doesn’t take much time or effort-concerning prospective car insurance companies to learn about their company history, philosophy, financial ratings and customer service ratings.

Choosing Your Auto Insurance Company: Be There Target Market

Most auto insurance companies target specific market segments with their policies and their customer service methods. For instance, GEICO targets military and government personnel while The General targets high risk drivers. There are companies that are better suited for older drivers, some for younger drivers, some for families, some for farmers, some for luxury cars and some for people who want to also insure their home, boat, RV or other valuables.

You first want to know the target market within which you reside and then seek out companies that cater to you. The reason this is important is that those insurers have policies, rates and customer service methods in place to serve your sector specifically. You can generally find lower rates and get better overall service if you find the company that has the knowledge and commitment to serve your specific needs.

Choosing Your Auto Insurance Company: What Can They Offer You

While it is a requirement to purchase car insurance, that doesn’t mean you don’t have the bargaining position when it comes to choosing your auto insurance company. The options are virtually endless for most shoppers, so you should take advantage of your position. When evaluating companies, look at the “added-value” options they can offer you. For instance, access to 24-hour customer service and local claims representatives can be extremely helpful in an emergency. Also, are there incentives such as good driver bonuses that result in lower premiums, cash back or a vanishing deductible. These little things can help you make your final choice if the decision is a tough one.

Choosing Your Auto Insurance Company: An Insurer With the Best Rates

Rates are important and they get the most attention by far with consumers. However, it is still best to consider the above factors before getting your rate quotes. The above factors help you to narrow down the long list of companies to those you feel comfortable giving your hard-earned money to. From this list, you can then choose the most affordable option for you. Again, this can be done rather easily by gathering online rate quotes. In 15 minutes, you can have a handful of quotes from the top car insurance companies in your area. As you can see, choosing your auto insurance company has never been easier.

Auto insurance rates can be a tricky thing and if you are like many, you don’t really understand how car insurance companies determine your premiums. The truth is there are a great many variables that go in to calculating your rates. Each company has slightly different methods of computing risk and accompanying costs. To help you with your shopping, it is good to understand, in general, how insurance companies decide how much to charge you.

Auto Insurance Rates: Items Out of Your Control

We begin with the bad news first. There are a few things, when it comes to auto insurance rates, which are out of your control. Some of these can work in your favor and some will work against you. Your age and *** will affect your car insurance rates. Younger drivers will pay more than older drivers. Males will pay more than females, especially if you are younger. Where you live, this means city and state will be figured into your rates; their may also be differences from neighborhood to neighborhood. Cost of living, traffic conditions and crime rates are important factors associated with where you live and how that affects rates. It is also common for occupation to be considered, as some insurance companies view those employed in some industries less risky or deserving of a discount (teachers, military personnel).

Auto Insurance Rates: Items within Your Control

The good news is that there are many things within your control and that you can manipulate to control or reduce your auto insurance rates. Your driving record and credit history are very important when determining rates and you have control over them. If they are not up to the standards that qualify you for lower rates, you can improve them both over time. The vehicle or vehicles you insure will also be significant, so before you make your vehicle purchase, it is wise to see how much prospective vehicles cost to insure.

A few other items to consider that can affect your auto insurance rates include how much you drive, the type of driving you do, as well as the security and safety features of your vehicle.

Take Advantage of Discounts for Lower Auto Insurance Rates

Discounts can significantly reduce your car insurance payments and each discount that you qualify for piggybacks on the others to further increase your savings. While some of these discounts may be small, such as one or two percent, others are more significant and they all can add up to big savings. Some common discounts may stem from organizational discounts, students getting good grades, purchasing multiple policies from the same company and bundling your car insurance with your homeowners insurance.

Comparing Auto Insurance Rates Can Save You Hundreds

You may be aware that not all car insurance companies are equal when it comes to rates, but you may not realize how significant the differences can be. The way a company determines an individual’s risk along with the rate structure of that company results in differences of hundreds of dollars per year in premiums. When comparing car insurance rates, be sure to get quotes from at least 5 reputable companies. This will greatly increase your chances of finding the lowest possible auto insurance rates.

When you need to buy a new or used car in today’s economy, you might be afraid of making the kind of financial decision that you could end up paying for years into the future. If you are hoping to be relieved from this fear, you should know that the bad news is that this is a perfectly rational fear. The truth of the matter is that the economy is more volatile than it has been for decades, and the banks and major lenders are feeling the stress. People just like you are also feeling the stress, since they fear that they might lose their jobs at any moment. The thing about a car, however, is that if you need one immediately, there are really no reasonable substitutes. Public transportation doesn’t work all of the time, especially if you have a family with children. This means that you are going to have to give your auto loan financing some serious thought.

To begin with, the first step when you are planning your auto loan financing is to get your own finances in order. Now, this can mean different things to different people. Some people are going to have thousands of dollars in credit card debt to pay off. Others are going to have virtually no credit but steep day to day expenses. Whatever your situation is, it’s important that you understand that you first have to add up your monthly household income. The next thing you have to do is figure out your monthly expenses. Don’t forget to put money aside for living and lifestyle costs. Only you can know what you really spend on luxuries and the like in a month.

Once you have a number for your auto loan financing, you will be more empowered to make the smartest decision. The last thing you want to do is lie to yourself about the kind of money you make. Remember that your money has nothing to do with your perception. It’s all about the cold hard numbers. Once you have this number, you are an empowered consumer who can make the smartest possible decisions. Your next step then is going to be to find a lender. The answer to this problem is probably going to be something you don’t expect.

Instead of going to a bank or major lender for your auto loan financing, you need to go online. The internet, believe it or not, is the best place to find the best deals on monthly car loan payments. Not only will you find affordable payment plans online, but you will also be able to find out if your application is accepted almost immediately. You will enjoy the speed, the convenience, and the low monthly payments.

Hydrogen fuel cell technology has become one of the environment-friendly alternatives that many companies and individuals have explored to put in place of the existing fuel that may also face depletion of its sources in the future. The existing fuel sources are even contributing big time to the world’s pollution problem and this can also be one of the problems that hydrogen fuel cell technology can address.

If you are one of the many who think that cars powered by hydrogen fuel cell can be a great alternative, and you are interested in converting your car into something that uses hydrogen, then you may want to know and learn what advantages will these give you.

- Does not contribute to air pollution. Probably one of the biggest advantages of having your car run in hydrogen fuel is the fact hydrogen is a clean source of energy and does not give off emissions that can contribute big time to air pollution. This is one of the biggest things that also make this technology very appealing and as hydrogen cars grow in number, this could improve the quality of air that we have today.

- The are a lot of sources for hydrogen and that means depletion may not be a problem. Hydrogen can actually be produced from natural gas, oil, carbon and can even be produced from waste. Water, wind and sunlight can also be used in producing the element hydrogen for the hydrogen fuel cell technology that can be used for cars.

Of course, efficiency is another advantage of hydrogen fuel cell technology. Hydrogen is found out to be an efficient source of fuel and can even allow your car to travel far distances with the same amount of fuel from gasoline.

With hydrogen fuel, the dependency on fuel sources will also be avoided as you can actually find a lot of sources of hydrogen for fuel. In fact there are natural sources such as wind and water. With it, you can actually produce the fuel you need without even importing it from other countries, thus lesser in cost. Indeed, any country can also produce this type of energy without even importing something. Aside from that, it is also a clean source of energy which of course, is preferred over the current sources of fuel.

However, if you are interested in using this new technology in running your car, it is important that you also have to learn everything about the technology. You can also get your car converted into something that can use hydrogen fuel cell technology as getting a brand new hydrogen powered car in these times may still cost a lot.

As the technology is fairly new, one downside of this technology is that, it may cost you, but of course, with its efficiency and being environmentally friendly, you can actually get more than what you pay for.