Driving in the rain
I wonder how many people know about this -

~ A 36 year old female had an accident several weeks ago and totaled her car. A resident of Kilgore , Texas she was traveling between Gladewater & Kilgore. It was raining, though not excessively, when her car suddenly began to hydro-plane and literally flew through the air. She was not seriously injured but very stunned at the sudden occurrence!
When she explained to the highway patrolman what had happened he told her something that every driver should know -
NEVER DRIVE IN THE RAIN WITH
YOUR CRUISE CONTROL ON .
She thought she was being cautious by setting the cruise control and maintaining a safe consistent speed in the rain.
But the highway patrolman told her that if the cruise control is on when your car begins to hydro-plane and your tires lose contact with
the pavement, your car will accelerate to a higher rate of speed making you take off like an airplane.
She told the patrolman that was exactly what had occurred.
The patrolman said this warning should be listed, on the driver’s seat sun-visor –
NEVER USE THE CRUISE CONTROL WHEN THE PAVEMENT IS WET OR ICY,
along with the airbag warning. We tell our teenagers to set the cruise control and
drive a safe speed – but we don’t tell them to use the cruise control only when the pavement is dry.
The only person the accident victim found, who knew this (besides the patrolman), was a man who had had a similar accident, totaled his car and sustained severe injuries.
NOTE: Some vehicles (like the Toyota Sienna Limited XLE) will not allow you to set the cruise control when the windshield wipers are
on.
If you send this to 15 people and only one of them doesn’t know about this, then it was all worth it. You might have saved a life.

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Beacon is a generic risk score developed by Equifax and Issac Fair that predicts the likelihood that an account will become seriously “delinquent” in the next 24 months. “Delinquent” can mean:   

 Beacon is a non-judgmental tool.

 Since Beacon is predicting the future, the most predictive variable is your recent (12-24 months) credit behavior!    

• Beacon looks to see how long it has been since the most recent 60 day (or worse) delinquency.   
• Beacon looks to see what the highest level of delinquency reached in the last year.    
• Beacon looks to see the number of months since the most recent derogatory public record.
• Charge-off: A new Charge-off bears more weight than an old charge-off.
• Paid/Unpaid Collection Items: Beacon does not care if a Collection Item is paid or unpaid. As far as Beacon is concerned, an account that has gone to Collection status is considered to be as bad as an account can get.    2. Current Level of Indebtedness:

 Beacon does not have the luxury of knowing what a consumer’s debt to income ratio is. Therefore, Beacon concentrates on the level of debt (especially Credit Card debt) that a consumer has.      

•    Beacon weighs heavily against credit card debt due to the fact that credit card debt is unsecured.To help increase your Beacon score:

 Make sure that you are never over 50% maxed out on any one credit card.3. Amount of time credit has been in use (Credit Stability): 

“File under Review”

A file with no tradeline          

No updated tradelines in the last 6 months. (Beacon is unable to predict the future if it can’t see how a consumer has paid their bills in the last year).Beacon will ignore the following tradelines:

Child support tradeline    

Family Support tradeline   

Returned check items    

Rental AgreementINVISIBLE INQUIRIES – Inquiries that do not affect the Beacon score:

 Consumers requesting a copy of their credit report from Equifax  

 (Promotional) Inquiries – Consumers receiving promotional credit card offers in the mail.

•  (Account Review) Inquiries – Credit grantors reviewing their customer’s credit file. Companies review their “loan portfolio” in order to determine if they should close the account (if Beacon has decreased) or increase the Credit Limit (if Beacon has increased).
•    EMP (Employment) Inquiries – Credit report pulled for Employment purposes.
   
• Note: Inquiry de-duping – For a 45 day period multiple auto inquiries are treated as one  and multiple mortgage inquiries are treated as one.      

Obtain a copy of your Credit Report. Address any discrepancies with all 3 Credit Bureaus.   

Pay your bills on time. Delinquent payments on mortgages, automobiles, and national credit cards can have a major negative impact on a Beacon Score.    

Pay down high outstanding balances. Keep balances low on unsecured revolving debts like credit cards. High outstanding balances can affect a score negatively.    

Do not take on new debt. Apply for and open new credit accounts only as needed.

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A flashy new car with all the bells and whistles parks next to a beaten-up 20-year-older.                                            

Which one is more attractive to a car thief?     

Guess again.

The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) today released its Hot Wheels 2008 auto theft report for vehicles stolen in 2007, and similar to previous years, thieves prefered to steal older-model vehicles. The top 10 most stolen vehicles in 2007 included 20-year-old models like the 1988 Toyota Pickup (No.9), as well as some other oldies, such as the two Hondas that topped the list: the 1995 Civic (No. 1) and the 1991 Accord (No.2).  

What may be a piece of junk to you–and to the insurance company–is pure treasure to professional car thieves. The car itself isn’t worth much, but the seats, sound system, airbags and other parts, each sold individually, are worth a lot on the black market, says Jack Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst at Kelley Blue Books. Believe it or not, at the moment car thieves can make better, faster cash from the banal, not the bling.  

“Parts of new cars are not as desired as older models. Look at this as like a wish list of professional car thieves,” says Nerad. “Organized gangs, and there are a lot of them, are pretty methodical about what they want to steal.”

 Despite some newer models finding their way onto the list as well, such as the 2007 Toyota Corolla (No.10) and the 2004 Dodge Ram  (No. 7), the FBI’s preliminary Uniform Crime Report data reveal that overall motor vehicle theft may have declined 8.9% in 2007 compared with 2006. The final data will be released later this year. 

Sweatin’ For The Oldies

The reason older models are ripe for the lifting is that vehicles that were hot sellers as new cars a few years ago now need replacement parts–especially Ford’s F150 and GM’s Chevy C/K 1500 pickups, both popular selling trucks in the 1990s. Parts and components such as catalytic converters and other engine components are in great demand since some automakers, like Honda (nyse: HMC – news - people ), use parts that will fit various models, says Brian Gluckman, an auto analyst at Autotrader.com. So engine parts in a Civic will fit several Civic models as well as Accords–this makes those cars that much more worth stealing.  

“When your 20-year-old car needs a replacement part, the service technician is looking for the cheapest part available,” says Gluckman. Where your technician gets the part is usually of little interest to most owners–they just want the car fixed as cheaply as possible. 

So don’t think for a moment that your old but tired vehicle matters only to you. Your clunker is cash money to professional thieves.  

Where Not To Park

Of course, there are certain measures you can take to prevent your car from being stolen, such as installing an alarm, a steering-column collar, wheel locks or immobilizing devices like kill switches and fuel-pump disablers that prevent thieves from moving your car to a location where he or she can strip out the parts. But what it really comes down to is the odds, and owning a model popular among thieves in cities where they thrive.  

The NICB tracks metropolitan statistical areas for vehicle theft rates. The rate is determined by the number of vehicle theft offenses per 100,000 inhabitants using the 2007 U.S. Census Population estimates, the most current figures available.  

The good news is, if you live on the east coast, there are no cities in the top 10. That’s not to say you should leave your keys in the ignition and the doors unlocked, but you’re at an advantage since California, Arizona and New Mexico are the hot spots for thieves. This is probably because they steal old cars and cross the border to sell vehicles or parts to buyers in Mexico, says Nerad.  

Four of the top 10 hot spots for auto thefts are in California, with all four of those in the top five. Modesto, Calif., ranks at No. 1, with San Diego/Carlsbad/San Marcos, Calif., in the third spot; Stockton, Calif., in fourth; and San Francisco/Oakland/Fremont, Calif., in fifth place. The city in third place, the only one in the top five not in California, is Las Vegas/Paradise. 

Although auto thefts, in general, may be on the decline, thieves will continue to change their game as different models’ parts come into high demand. So if you are thinking about buying used instead of new because thieves might find your ride less appealing, think again. Your old car may be worth more to a thief than a sparkling new one. 

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1. Brakes – these should have the capability to stop the vehicle within the ideal distance at any given speed. The tires must not lock to avoid swerving. Under any load, the brakes should be capable of stopping the vehicle without the brakes overheating. Brake fluid level must not go below minimum and no leaks, brake pads or linings must be in good condition, brake discs or drums must not be scoured and rubber cups well maintained. The hand brake or emergency brake must be fully functional.


2. Seatbelts and Airbags – seatbelts harness should be used at all times when driving. To test seatbelts, give it a sudden jerk to see if works on emergency or sudden stops. Release button should work easily and effortlessly so in case of an accident, passengers and driver could get out at the soonest time possible. For airbags, make sure that it has not been removed in place of an accessory, especially on the front passenger side and doors.

3. Shock Absorbers – should be firm and bounce only once or twice when installed and tested in the car. Springs and torsion bars assist only on the smooth ride of the vehicle. It stabilizes the up and down movement of the car. Worn out shock absorbers will make a car bounce uncontrollably.

4. Springs and Torsion bars – should not sag under normal laden weight of the car. It helps ease the load and prevent excessive movements on the shock absorbers.

5. Tires – should have at least one-fourth tread life for proper traction. It should not have been through several vulcanizing and has minimal sidewall damage. Tire sidewalls are weaker and more easily punctured. It does not have the same ply as the tire treads. Tread wear should be even, no feathering and/or cupping. Finally and most importantly would be the right tire pressure on all tires. This could cause the car to wander and uncontrollable under some circumstances.

6. Steering Assembly the steering wheel should not have a free-play of more than one (1) inch. For power steering, steering fluid must be checked and topped at all times. Fan belt for steering pump must be in the correct or manufacturers specifications.

7. Ball Joints, Tie-rod ends and Bushings these should always be checked for looseness as it will affect the steering and handling of the car. If one or any comes loose while driving, control over the car is lost. Worn out bushings are sometimes not easily detected and needs disassembly to check on their condition. They easily contribute to the wear and tear of ball joints, tie-rods and shock absorbers.

8. Electrical wiring and Fuses should always be neat and easily identifiable for troubleshooting. Bare spliced or chafed wires should always be covered to avoid short-circuits or other electrical problems.

9. Fuel Tank and lines should always be checked to ensure non-leakage. Remember, it is not the liquid state of gasoline that easily catches fire, it is the fume mixed with air that is easily combustible.

10. Front Hood and Door Latches should always be made sure to be aligned and close properly. There are safety measures for them not to just open but under some driving conditions they could just open and cause accidents.

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First, you must learn to pronounce the city name. It is DAL-LUS, or DAA-LIS depending on if you live inside or outside LBJ Freeway. Next, if your Mapsco is more than a few weeks old, throw it out and buy a new one. If in Denton County and your Mapsco is one-day-old, then it is already obsolete and really, there is no good reason to be in Denton in the first place.

Forget the traffic rules you learned elsewhere. Dallas has its own version of traffic rules… There is no such thing as a dangerous high-speed chase in Dallas. We all drive like that.

All directions start with, “Get on Beltline,” which has no beginning and no end. (It REALLY DOESN’T!!!)

The morning rush hour is from 6 to 10. The evening rush hour is from 3 to 7. Friday’s rush hour starts Thursday morning.

If you actually stop at a yellow light, you will be rear-ended, cussed out and possibly shot.
When you are the first one on the starting line, count to five when the light turns green before going to avoid crashing with all the drivers running the red light in cross-traffic.

Construction on Central Expressway is a way of life and a permanent form of entertainment. We had sooo much fun with that, we have added George Bush Freeway and the High Five to the mix.

All unexplained sights are explained by the phrase, “Oh, we’re in Fort Worth or maybe Denton!”

If someone actually has his or her turn signal on, it is probably a factory defect.

Car horns are actually “Road Rage” indicators – and remember,
it’s legal to be armed in Texas …

All old ladies with blue hair in a Mercedes have the right of way. Period. And remember,
it’s legal to be armed in Texas …

Inwood Road, Plano Road, NW Highway, East Grand, Garland Road, Marsh Lane, Josey Lane, 15th Street, Preston Road all mysteriously change names as you cross intersections (these are only a FEW examples).

The perfect example is what is MOSTLY known as Plano Road . On the south end, it is known as Lake Highlands Drive, cross Northwest Highway and it becomes Plano Road, go about 8 miles and it is briefly Greenville Ave, K Ave, and Highway 5. It ends in Sherman…

The North Dallas Tollway is our daily version of NASCAR. The minimum acceptable speed on the Dallas North Toll Road is 85 mph. Anything less is considered downright sissy. It also ends in Sherman .

If asking directions in Irving, SE Dallas or Garland (Garlando), you must have knowledge of Spanish.

If in central Richardson or on Harry Hines, Mandarin Chinese will be your best bet.

If you stop to ask directions on Gaston or Live Oak, you better be armed… and remember,
it’s legal to be armed in Texas.

The wrought iron on windows near Oak Cliff and Fair Park is not ornamental!!

A trip across town east to west will take a minimum of four hours, although many north/south freeways have unposted minimum speeds of 75.

It is possible to be driving WEST in the NORTH-bound lane of EAST NORTHWEST Highway . Don’t let this confuse you.

LBJ is called “The Death Trap” for two reasons: “death” and “trap.”

If it’s 100 degrees, Thanksgiving must be next weekend.
If it’s 10 degrees and sleeting/snowing, the Fort Worth Stock Show is going on. If it has rained 6 inches in the last hour, the Byron Nelson Golf Classic is in the second round (if it’s Spring) or it is TMS weekend- and it is the Texas State Fair if it’s Fall.

If you go to the Fair, pay the $8.00 to park INSIDE FairPark . Parking elsewhere could cost up to $2500 for damages, towing fees, parking tickets, etc.
If some guy with a flag tries to get you to park in his yard, run over him.

Any amusement parks, stadiums, arenas, racetracks, airports, etc., are conveniently located as far away from EVERYTHING as possible so as to allow for ample parking on grassy areas.

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In some places sleeping in a car may be a dangerous practice, as there could be a possibility of being mugged or even killed. If you can find a safe place, however, sleeping in your car can be an extremely useful option when making road trips. On a weekend excursion it can allow you to save money that would otherwise be used to pay for a hotel room, and it can also remove the possibility of driving unsafely after a good night on the town. It may also be necessary to sleep in one’s car for a variety of unforeseen reasons – when broken down and awaiting rescue during daylight hours perhaps, when you’re so completely lost you can’t even find a town (let alone a B&B), or when you’ve locked yourself out of the house (or someone else has locked you out), or when very bad weather has forced you to stop, or, in extreme circumstances, when you don’t have anywhere else to sleep.

Select a Spacious Car to Sleep In. If you attempt to sleep in a vehicle such a Ford Ka, you are unlikely to get a good night’s sleep. Such a vehicle is small and has thin doors that do not keep the heat in very well. A larger vehicle with a more spacious interior, such as the Ford Cortina, will offer superior comfort.

Park strategically. Park the car with the morning in mind. If you want to be up with the roosters and don’t have anything blocking out the sunlight, park facing east, where the sun rises. Otherwise, face your car west.

Install a tension curtain rod. Put your blackout curtains on the tension rod and secure it between the driver’s side and front passenger windows to block the view through the windshield.

Make your bed. Arrange your bedding into a cozy sleeping space. Adjust the seats to give you the most room, and tuck any seat belts you can into the cushions, so they don’t poke you.

Dress for rest. Change into something that’s as soft and unrestrictive as pajamas, yet socially acceptable to wear in public. A sweat suit and thick gym socks is a good choice.

Remember Where Your Car is Parked. This is not an easy task, especially if you decided to drink alcoholic beverages before attempting to sleep in your car. This is doubly true if you are in a city that you are unfamiliar with. So, in order to avoid wandering around at 5am on the streets of Luxembourg searching for your vehicle-cum-bedroom, you need to remember where your car is parked. A good way to do this is to get a map from the city’s tourist information centre.

Keep your cellphone with you. Keep your cellphone nearby just in case.

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What happens when one fine morning you are all set for work, walk out to your car and find out that your front, right tire is completely flat? I know it will be very annoying and will spoil the whole day’s mood! Now that you are in a hurry, you can’t wait for a garage guy to come all the way to your place and change the tire. It is the time to do it yourself quickly. What? You don’t know how to change the flat tire? Well, don’t worry; we are here to help you with our tips to change the flat tire quickly. Here’s how.

Before you get ready to shoot the work, make sure that you have all the necessary equipment required to replace the tire. The immediate things you need are a car jack (for raising the vehicle), a tire iron and a spare tire. Now, raise the tire iron to loosen the lug nuts which are attaching the tire to the car. Use the car jack to raise the car so that the flat tire is raised two inches above the ground.
Once the tire if completely off the ground, remove the flat tire and the lug nuts. Now, replace the flat tire with the spare tire and then replace the lug nuts. Make sure the lug nuts are on securely before lowering your vehicle and then use the tire iron to make sure that the lug nuts are completely secure. Now, your car is ready with the replaced tires.

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Okay, okay, it’s enough boasting about wheels! Let me come to the point what I want to convey you.  Since wheels are vital organs of your vehicle (here, let us talk about Cars), you should be rather very choosy while selecting the wheels. Remember, the car’s overall performance to a great extent depends on the type of wheels you deploy in the vehicle.  Here are some tips about choosing the right pairs of wheels for your car.

The very important aspect about wheels is their sizes, which are crucial in determining the level of performance of your vehicle. Wheels are available in the stores in various sizes. Many people’s desire is to make their cars look unique on road. So, if you are among them, look for the sizes of the wheels to create funky looks for your car. Replace the smaller with the bigger wheels. Make sure that the ratio of the wheels to the size of the car is not too abnormal.

Some people turn the whole thing even more creative by adding accessories to the wheels such as wheel covers. I tried one and man, it really looked dashing! Go and do the trick!

So, choose the one you want and make your wheels as your car’s “style statement”!

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Car jack:  It is the most important tool to possess. Car jack is used to elevate your car to tighten some nuts or to change a tire. A jack stand will assist you to get the job done. If the tires are flat, get them replaced by elevating the car using the car jack.

Oil wrench: An oil wrench will help you whenever there is a requirement to change the oil. The purpose of an oil wrench is to take off the oil filter. The tool makes it easier to change the oil. 

Socket set: If there is an urgent need to tighten or loosen any bolt, then a socket set will prove to be very useful. Make sure that you have a 3/8-inch socket set.

Grips: Grips help to hold different car parts. Some parts will not come loose initially. There applies the function of a grip- to catch hold of the car parts. 

Bucket, funnel and rags: You need not go to a garage to get the oil maintenance thing done, if you have oil wrench, a bucket, a funnel and some rags.

This way, you can easily fix your car, even when it breaks down in the remotest of the areas.

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