Beauty on Wheels

DUI stands for driving under the influence. This is a kind of charge given to someone who is suspected of drunk driving. This kind of behavior is not tolerated well in any states, and it is fraught with punishments from every angle. Some people assume that you cannot get insurance with a DUI because of all of this, but that is not the case. You can get a policy with a DUI in your history, even if you do not think you can. You just have to know what to look for. Here is a look at some of the situations that would permit you to get coverage.

If you are going to be granted a limited license through your state to travel to work or school, you will actually have to get insurance with a DUI. This will give you a chance to be protected on the roads if the state is letting you back behind the wheel. Some people do not lose their license at all after their DUI, so do not assume that will be your fate. You may be able to get insurance as if the DUI never happened.

You can get insurance with a DUI even if you do not own a car. This is called a non owner’s insurance policy, and it gives you a chance to drive another person’s car with protection even if you are not the owner of it. In this case, you would not have to worry about the other person’s insurance covering you in the event of an accident. You would have your own source of insurance in hand. This is required by law in some cases, but it is the kind of coverage you need if you are going to drive someone else’s car. The last thing you want to do is cause your friend to pay for the damages.

You have to look around for insurance with a DUI if you want to find a good deal on it. There are plenty of companies out there to look into, so all you have to do is see where your options lie. You will be able to find a company to provide you with coverage if you keep your eyes peeled for a good deal. Pretend that you are looking for no essay scholarships and do a lot of research into the coverage you can get. Do not let your DUI stop you from getting the coverage you need. Just focus on finding the right source of insurance for you. That company is out there.

People spend a ton of money on their rims, with some spending even more on wheels than they do on their actual cars. You don’t have to spend your entire minority scholarship on rims just to take pride in them. You could do the same with your stock wheels. I take pride in every inch of my car, from the headlights to the tailpipes and anything in between. Thus I know how to care for rims just as much as anything else. Follow my tips below if you want to make your car stand out, and it is sure to be a show stopper.

Avoid Curbs

One of the easiest ways to mess up your rims is to run them along a curb. I have admittedly done this once or twice, and I hated myself for it every time. Curb rash is impossible to remove, and it can make a clean car look ghetto in no time at all. When you’re going around a corner or parking, make sure that you remain a couple inches away from the curb – just enough to keep your rims safe without being a danger to others. You can make your rims look a lot better if you do this all the time.

Quick story: I went to go put some new rims on my Pontiac G8 GT when I had it, and the guys that put the rims on ran into a curb when they pulled my car out of the driveway. The owner of the facility ended up paying for a new rim from WheelFire, but I still had to drive around with mega curb rash until the new rim came in. I was so pissed off because the rims I bought weren’t exactly cheap, and everyone that looked at me thought I was a crappy driver. If you want to preserve your reputation, stay away from the curb. Trust me.

Clean the Rims Regularly

I clean my rims every time I wash my car, which is about once a week. To do this, I first wash them off with the tire cleaner at the carwash to get the bulk of the dirt off. Then I use some Eagle One Wheel and Tire Cleaner to actually get the rims looking shiny and new. This stuff has a waxy chemical in it that protects the rims from getting dirty, and it eliminates stuck-on dirt that won’t come off in the carwash. It’s awesome I tell ya.

To use this spray, I squirt a thin layer all over the rim with one sweeping motion. The product has a tendency to leave streaks if you use too much of it, so be careful about that. I let it sit on the rim for just a second, and then I scrub it all off. Then I go over the rim with a barely damp cloth, just to get rid of any streaks or problems that may be left behind. The result is a shiny set of rims that I am proud to call my own.

Avoid Mud

My final piece of advice for rim care is to avoid muddy areas while you drive. Mud is a lot harder to get off than dirt and brake dust, and it will make your rims look ten times worse in an instant. If you have a car that you don’t care about, use that to drive in the mud instead. Save the car you love for not-so-messy moments in your life. If you can do that and follow the tips above, you should be able to keep your rims looking clean every time.

Are you tired of slaving away as an administrative assistant with no foreseeable future for your career? If so, you may consider working as a mechanic. This may not be the easiest line of work to get into, but it is if you have the right education. You just have to make sure that you know enough about cars to work on them on a daily basis. If you can do that, you can make a great career out of automotive repair. Here are some tips to help you find a job, should you decide to pursue this line of work in the future.

Choose the Right Industry

You may want to specialize in an area of auto repair to increase your chances of finding a job. This may mean that you have fewer jobs to apply to, but it will increase your chances of being hired over someone without a specialization. Think about what you really like to learn about and use that as a driving force for your career. Possible industries include:

• Car Dealership
• Automobile Repair and Restoration
• Electrical & Mechanical Repair
• Automotive Engines
• Car Buying Service
• Automotive Systems and Components

Get the Right Certification

It may also help to have a certification related to your field of study. This will show other people that you know that you are doing and that you can take on the challenges of the job. You can get a college education initially, but then you need to get certified in the field to ensure that you will get a job. Possible certifications may include:

• ASE Steering and Suspension
• ASE Master Technician
• ASE Engine Repair
• ASE Brakes
• Safety Inspections Technician
• HP Accredited Systems Engineer
• Air Conditioning Service Certification
• Comptia A+ Service Technician

Find the Right Employer

Once you have the tools you need to find work as a mechanic, you need to go to the right employers. You can work for an automotive shop or a car dealership, depending on what you want to do. All you have to do is make sure that you are qualified for the job. Possible employers may include:

• Company
• Contract
• Federal Government
• Franchise
• Private Practice
• Self-Employed
• State & Local Government
• Team

Start Making Money

With all of that out of the way, you can start making money as a repair tech. You may not make much at first, but that will change over time. The chart below shows how your salary may change based on your experience in auto repair so you can get a true feel of what is in store for you.

• Less than 1 year of experience: $21,699 – $50,684 per year
• 1-4 years of experience: $18,060 – $59,800 per year
• 5-9 years of experience: $23,726 – $64,026 per year
• 10-19 years of experience: $28,712 – $71,982 per year
• 20 years or more of experience: $26,854 – $83,032 per year

If you have a passion for cars and a knack for fixing them, being a mechanic may be the perfect option for you. Look for a tech school in your area to help you be all you want to be, and then you will be able to find a job when you are ready to start your career. You could be on your way to a fresh start in no time.

I have owned a lot of fast cars in my day, and every one of them had traits that I loved and hated. One feature that I have always found fascinating about vehicles is the way they make their power. Some of them do it with the assistance of a supercharger, and others do it all on their own. The cars in the second group are the ones I have the most respect for. Naturally aspirated vehicles are a joy to own and drive, and they come with many perks that you just can’t get out of forced induction. Here is a list of some of the main reasons why I love naturally aspirated cars.

Feeling Like a Badass

Having a fast, naturally aspirated car is sort of like getting a well-paying job without applying for it. There is a rush that comes from knowing the car is just that good. I always feel like a badass when I can tell them that a car puts down a certain amount of horsepower with just the motor. There is a sense of pride that comes along with that. My BMW M5 had a V10 in it that put out over 500 hp without any form of assistance. I loved that car, and it made me feel cool knowing that my car was that fast all on its own. If you have a fast naturally aspirated car, you may know what I’m talking about here.

Having Room to Grow

With a naturally aspirated car, you can always make it faster with the addition of forced induction. If you already have forced induction on the car, all you can really do is forge the internals of the motor, tune it, and upgrade the turbos or supercharger. There is room to grow either way, but I think it is easier to get more horsepower out of a naturally aspirated car than it is to do so with another option. It may not be cheaper to do this, but I do think it is a simpler process as a whole.

Owning an Engineering Feat

When you think about the amount of power coming out of your car naturally aspirated, you may get taken aback by just how much engineering must have gone into that motor. My husband and I were actually talking about this the other day in relation to our old M5. It made significantly more horsepower per liter than our supercharged GT500 or S55 AMG do now. Those cars have more hp overall than the M5, but the M5 had more to brag about. This is kind of like getting multiple graduate school scholarships from one application. You’re just getting more out of your time and energy.

Sounding Like a Beast

I love the whine of a supercharger and the whistle of a turbo system, but I can’t help falling head over heels for the grunt of a naturally aspirated motor. There is just something about the sound of pure power that makes me feel truly proud of a car that I own. If you have forced induction in your car, people can tell right away when you take off. With natural aspiration, the only way they can tell how powerful your car can be is by watching your back bumper driving off into the distance.

I don’t want to take anything away from forced induction. It is nice to have. I think I just prefer having a naturally aspirated engine to call my own, even if it eats up more fuel. There is no greater feeling than being able to take pride in something that you own. I can do that with a naturally aspirated car.

Black cars are beautiful to look at when they are clean, but they do not stay that way for very long. Black is by far the hardest vehicle color to keep clean because the slightest bit of dirt makes the whole car look dusty. If you have a black car of any kind, you need to clean it on a regular basis to keep it looking impressive. Otherwise, you will look like you don’t give a sh*t about your baby. I have owned three black cars so far in life, and I have learned how to easily care for them and keep them looking shiny. Here are a few tricks you could use to keep your black car sparkling and new.

Never Use Automatic Car Washes

As tempting as it may be to just let an automatic car wash do the work for you, you really need to go through a manual washing process. That will allow you to spray off the stubborn dirt on the car, and it will help you protect the finish of the paint. If you are going to use an automatic car wash, at least go to one that is brush free (sometimes referred to as touchless or touch free). That may not do quite as good of a job as you would do by hand, but at least it will not touch your paint.

Soap, Wax, Rinse, Spot Free Rinse

If you are taking your car to an actual car wash, start with the soap all the way around the car. You could use pre-soak or tire cleaner before this if you wanted to, but I tend to use Eagle One tire cleaner when I get home. It works much better than the stuff at the car wash. After you have gone over the whole car with soap, rinse it off with the wax. If the wax is pretty thin, you can jump straight to the spot free rinse. Otherwise, you may have to use the high pressure rinse to get all of the wax off the car’s body. Finish off with the spot free, and you will at least have the washing process out of the way.

Hand Dry the Car

You can’t rely on the air to dry off your black car. The dust from the air will combine with the water, and your vehicle will instantly look dirty again. If you live a few blocks away from the car wash, you can drive home to let the car somewhat air dry. Then you can take care of the rest when you get home. Otherwise you may have to just wipe the car down right there. Use microfiber rags when you do this because those will be the nicest on your paint. Go over the whole car once to get the bulk of the water off, and then go back over it with a barely damp rag. This needs to be just enough to gloss the surface and take off any dirt that may be on it. Rub the towel in somewhat firmly, and move in quick, straight lines to avoid streaking. This may take some getting used to, but it will help you get off all the dirt.

Wax Again

I know I said to use wax at the car wash, but that stuff kind of sucks. You may want to go over the paint with a real coat of wax, just to give it that extra wow factor. I’m kind of lazy about this part, so I just use a spray wax that I can wipe down really easily. You can use real wax and buffer the car if you have the time to do that. I once spent four hours waxing my ’04 Cobra with a Meguiar’s black wax kit. It looked amazing, but I don’t think the result was significant enough to justify the time.

Once you start taking care of your car, you will get into a rhythm that makes the washing process go by really quickly. It usually takes me about 10 minutes to actually wash the car, but then it takes roughly an hour to detail it inside and out. That is a small sacrifice to make for an immaculate looking vehicle. If you take a few moment’s out of your police officer training to detail your car, you will be able to enjoy its beauty a lot longer. Show your black car a little love, and you will be able to preserve the paint for years to come.

If you want to get cheap car insurance, you are not alone. The economy is far from perfect at the moment, and insurance companies are really stingy about who they give bottom dollar rates to. Nevertheless, choosing the right car may be able to help you find a good price for your premiums. Whether you are in need of a new car because your other one was totaled or you are simply looking for a different vehicle, a little research into insurance rates could help you save money in the end. Here is a look at some of the factors that may go into finding the right cheap car insurance for you.

Safety Features

You need to think about the safety features in the vehicle you want to buy. Cars with high crash test ratings or vehicles that have many airbags installed in the cab will be less expensive to insure because they are not as likely to cause serious damage in an accident. You can get a low rate on your car insurance because the insurance company will not be as likely to cover serious damages in a claim. Think about safety above power when you start shopping.

Theft Protection

Look for vehicles that have theft protection systems, like a car alarm or an entry code you have to use to get in. If the car is not likely to be stolen, the insurance company will not be in as much risk to repair the car when someone else takes it. This can allow you to get cheap car insurance because it will ensure that your car is as safe as possible. If you have a car that can easily be broken into, the insurance company is probably going to charge you more to protect it.

Repair Costs

Expensive cars cost more money to insure because they cost more money to repair or replace. Thus you may want to see about trying to reduce the amount of money you pay for the car because that will subsequently reduce your premiums. Cheap cars can still be expensive to insure, so be careful. If you drive an older BMW with a lot of miles on it, you may pay a lot in insurance because the parts are expensive. That is why it is important to know your expected insurance rates before you buy a car. What you may assume to be a cheap car to insure could turn out to be an expensive one in the long run.

Horsepower Ratings

Fast cars tend to cost more money to insure than slow cars because people who drive fast cars tend to be more reckless drivers. If you are driving a slow car, you will not necessarily have the power to be dangerous. You could still cause serious harm, but it would not be as likely. I have to pay a lot more for car insurance on my Mercedes because it is an AMG, not a standard model. The performance package on it makes it considerably more expensive to insure. If you are debating between the base model and the performance model of a certain car, weigh in the differences in insurance premiums before making a final decision about the purchase.

In the end, insurance companies give out cheap insurance when they feel that a person’s vehicle has the least amount of probability to be involved in an accident. If you have a safe car that is cheap to repair, you will have a good shot at getting a low rate on your insurance policy. Use that knowledge to determine what you want to buy whenever you start shopping for cars.

Do you think that you are paying too much for your auto insurance? We all go through that phase at some point in time. Insurance rates are through the roof across the board, and it is natural to wonder if you are getting a good deal or not. With that in mind, there are some factors that may influence your rates for better or worse, and you need to take those into consideration when assessing your decision. You may be paying just the right amount for your coverage based on your life in general. Let’s take a look at some of the elements that may go into determining what you pay for insurance every month.

Driving Record

One of the biggest influencers for auto insurance is your driving record. If you have a history of bad driving, you will inevitably pay more for your car insurance. At the very least, you won’t be able to get the good driver discounts that most insurance companies offer nowadays. My husband and I were in a car accident a year and a half ago that wasn’t our fault, but the cop could not determine for a fact that it was the other person’s fault either. Thus we were left with a mark on our record, and our insurance rates went up accordingly. If you want to have the lowest rate possible, you need to abide by the laws of the road at all times.

Age

You are going to pay a higher rate for your car insurance until you are 25 years of age. I’m 22 at the moment, and I am counting down the days until that age comes. The amount of money I pay a month for car insurance is more than my 63 year old father pays for six months. It sucks. It sucks really bad. Nevertheless, that is what all us “youngens” have to deal with for now. The reason why younger people pay more money for car insurance is because they have less driving experience. Thus they are more likely to get into a car accident because they are not familiar with the road. I don’t think I became a “good” driver until this past year or so, so I don’t blame the insurance companies for charging me up the wazz for my coverage. It still stinks though.

Car

The car you drive will also have an impact on your insurance rates. You’re going to pay a lot more to insure a brand new BMW than you will to insure an old beat up Honda. I recently owned an ’07 Shelby Mustang GT500, which cost about $38,000 when I bought it (<750 miles on it). I now have an ’05 Mercedes S55 AMG that was $27,000, and I actually pay more money to insure it than I did the Mustang. Age and price don’t always matter. The cost of your insurance will be based on the cost of potential repair if something went wrong. Just keep that in mind as you go car shopping because it will make a difference in your bills every month.

If you’re tired of using all of your income just to pay your car insurance every month, you need to look at your situation. If you’re a young, not-so-great driver with an expensive car, you’re going to have to pay a lot of money for car insurance. That is just the way of the world. Compare rates from different insurance companies until you find the cheapest option possible. There has to be an affordable rate for you out there somewhere.

Mercedes Benz has long since been a name in high-end luxury vehicles that stand the test of time. While most of us associate this manufacturer with comfort and dependability, few people realize just how much Mercedes has done for the automotive industry. There is a reason why the cars holding this esteemed name cost so much money. It is because they are engineered to be well ahead of their time. As Mercedes likes to put it, they have a “History of Innovation,” paving the standards that other car manufacturers follow decades later. Here is a look at just some of the many inventions that have put Mercedes on the map.

A History of Innovation

• 1886 – The first car (a three-wheeled, self-propelled “Motorwagen”)
• 1886 (also) – The first female driver (Bertha Benz, Carl Benz’s wife)
• 1894 – The first auto race
• 1901 – The first honeycomb radiator
• 1906 – The first electric-powered car
• 1910 – The first multivalve engine
• 1921 – The first supercharged engine
• 1931 – The first 4-wheel independent suspension
• 1936 – The first diesel passenger car
• 1939 – The first passenger-car safety development
• 1949 – The first conical-pin door lock
• 1951 – The first crumple zone (series production: 1959)
• 1958 – The first crash testing program
• 1963 – The first gated shifter
• 1970 – The first Antilock Braking System (ABS)
• 1973 – The first offset-frontal crash test
• 1982 – The first multilink suspension
• 1985 – The first 4MATIC all-wheel drive (AWD)
• 1991 – The first CFC-free climate control
• 1992 – The first Controller Area Network (CAN)
• 1995 – The first Electronic Stability Program (ESP®)
• 1997 – The first SmartKey
• 2002 – The first Pre-Safe®
• 2006 – The first Distronic Plus with Pre-Safe Brake
• 2010 – The first Attention Assist

Key Notes from History

If you barely skimmed over the timeline above, let me point out some key information for you. Mercedes made the first electric powered car back in 1906, almost a century before this became a popular way to save fuel. If you plug your car in at night to charge, you can thank Mercedes for giving you that opportunity. They also created the first climate control options, giving drivers and passengers a chance to set individual temperatures to maintain their own comfort levels. This may not be a necessity, but it is certainly convenient. For most cars, it is considered a luxury. For Mercedes, it’s just standard.

Mercedes also created the first crash testing program, which now ensures that cars are put out only after they are completely safe to drive. Think about the safety hazards that would happen in the modern world if we didn’t have that. I guarantee the death rate would be a lot higher than it is right now. Combine that with the invention of ABS, and you can easily say that Mercedes made the world a safer place to live in.

There is a good reason for the high prices behind Mercedes automobiles, so don’t get sticker shocked if you ever think about buying one in the future. The innovations in today’s Mercedes cars won’t even make it to American vehicles for another decade or more. When you want the latest and greatest, you have to be willing to pay the money for it. Now that you know just how Mercedes-Benz has revolutionized the auto industry, maybe you’ll show a little more respect to the little old lady from your neighborhood with the E350. At the very least, show respect to her car…okay?

My husband and I bought a Mercedes S55 AMG about a week ago, and I have absolutely fallen in love with the car. It took us about a month to fill out all the paperwork for it because the car was several states away. After all of that though, this beauty was well worth the effort. I adore every inch of my car, and I felt like sharing some of its badass features with you so you can ooo and ahhh with me. What do you say? Shall we admire the wonder that is an S class Mercedes? I think so…

The Seats

One of my favorite features of the car happens to be the seats – all of them. The driver and passenger seats up front are heated, ventilated, pulsated, and incredibly comfy. That means you can use them to cool your back, heat your ass, or massage something in between if you every wanted to. The leather on the seats is to die for. It just feels like money – I swear. Add the fact that there are three memory settings for both of the front seats, and you can easily see why I love them so much.

The Safety

I was in a really bad car accident about a year and a half ago, and it was in an ’04 Mustang Cobra. That was far from the safest car in the world, with nothing more than a front airbag and some seat bolsters to keep someone secure in a wreck. Ever since that experience, I have been super paranoid about the safety of any vehicle that I buy. There are tons of airbags in this car, and the car itself is really easy to drive. The suspension makes the car feel like it is floating on air, which only adds to its stability. This is the safest car I have ever ridden in, and I’ve been around the block a few times.

The Driving

If you want to have a truly pleasant driving experience, Mercedes is the way to go. I can literally turn the steering wheel of my car with one finger, and I can go over bumpy roads without feeling a single dip. The turns are tight and seamless, despite the fact that the car has a ton of room in it. Whether you’re an awesome driver a forensic psychology student just learning to control the wheel, you could enjoy taking charge of this bad boy.

The Power

I am no stranger to powerful cars. My GT500 has been upgraded to more than 650 horsepower at the engine. Nevertheless, I am pretty amazed at how easily the S55 just gets up and goes. The car comes stock with 500 hp and 520 tq, which is not something you would expect out of a luxury sedan. It has a 5.4 liter supercharged V8, just like my Cobra. For being pretty darn heavy and incredibly comfortable to drive, it is definitely a weird feeling to put the accelerator down and actually fly down the road.

The Room

I have never been in a car with this much leg room all over the place. The trunk space is fantastic, and there are storage compartments hidden all over the car to improve the vehicle’s overall usability. You can fit just about anything in there, including four fat adults (I say this lovingly because that represents my family).

As a whole, the car is amazing, and I’m so fricking happy to have it. Now all I have to do is keep the thing clean, and I’ll be able to get use out of it for years to come.

I think that mechanics are a little underappreciated in the modern world. As a car enthusiast (and a female one at that), I understand the true value of good workmanship when it comes to taking care of a car. The right mechanic can make all the difference in the way a car project turns out, and not everyone is cut out for this kind of work. If you like cars and you think you may want to work on them for a living, you need to make sure you research the career before you commit to it. Here we will assess the qualities of a good mechanic so you can determine if you fit the bill.

The Makings of a Good Mechanic

Anyone can be a mechanic, but it takes a special type of person to be a “good” mechanic. Here are some of the qualities prevalent in the best mechanics in the world:

• Extensive knowledge about vehicle repairs
• A clear understanding of how a car operates
• The ability to solve problems quickly
• Good time management skills
• A willingness to learn new skills
• The ability to assess an issue and come up with a plan to fix it

Mechanics have to serve their customers, and that is something that a lot of people have a problem with. If you can’t respond to the needs of your customers, you will never make it in the industry. Think about all of this before you jump into this career.

The Earnings of a Good Mechanic

Mechanics have the potential to make good money, depending on the kind of employer they end up working with. My brother in law has a job with the Lexus corporate office, and he makes a whole lot of money every year. What you make will be determined by the circumstances surrounding your job, so you just need to assess the stats and see what you could earn. Here are some numbers to keep in mind:

Salary by Years of Experience

• Less than 1 year: $21,699 – $50,684 per year
• 1-4 years: $18,060 – $59,800 per year
• 5-9 years: $23,726 – $64,026 per year
• 10-19 years: $28,712 – $71,982 per year
• 20 years or more: $26,854 – $83,032 per year

Salary by Industry

• Car Dealership: $26,776 – $77,877 per year
• Automobile Repair and Restoration: $24,062 – $61,719 per year
• Electrical & Mechanical Repair: $19,825 – $63,155 per year
• Automotive Engines: $29,590 – $69,810 per year
• Car Buying Service: $21,852 – $110,738 per year
• Automotive Systems and Components: $18,709 – $55,960 per year

Salary by Certification

• ASE Master Technician: $30,979 – $76,214 per year
• ASE Steering and Suspension: $20,769 – $63,673 per year
• ASE Brakes: $20,273 – $61,547 per year
• ASE Engine Repair: $24,588 – $53,582 per year
• Safety Inspections Technician: $14,707 – $58,723 per year
• HP Accredited Systems Engineer: $32,400 – $70,000 per year
• Air Conditioning Service Certification: $23,839 – $41,271 per year
• Comptia A+ Service Technician: $37,426 – $76,302 per year

Salary by Employer Type

• Company: $24,019 – $72,907 per year
• Franchise: $24,679 – $77,947 per year
• Self-Employed: $18,132 – $78,044 per year
• Private Practice/Firm: $16,442 – $59,033 per year
• State & Local Government: $24,000 – $74,000 per year
• Federal Government: $20,537 – $73,504 per year
• Contract: $33,017 – $50,868 per year
• Team: $35,860 – $57,500 per year

If you love what you do, the money won’t matter. You just have to figure out if you have what it takes to be a good mechanic. If so, all you have to do is get the education you need to be a success.

The Shelby GT500 is basically the cream of the crop when it comes to Mustangs, and I happen to own one. I have had mine for a little over a year now, and I bought it with only 750 miles on it. 12,000 miles later, I can honestly say that I have gotten acquainted with the car. I know the good the bad, and everything in between about it. Now I am sharing my experiences with you. If you have been looking into buying a GT500 or you just want to know if it is all it’s cracked up to be, keep reading. I’ll try to share all the information I can with you.

The Performance of the GT500

The “500″ part of the GT500 name comes from the fact that the car produces roughly 500 horsepower straight out of the factory. I have actually modified mine to about 650 horsepower, and I can tell you right now that this thing is a beast. The stock tires that come on the car don’t really accommodate for the hefty horsepower, so I don’t normally catch traction until second or third gear if I’m flooring it. Nevertheless, this is certainly the fastest Mustang I have ever owned, and it has enough torque to blow your face off.

The Comfort of the GT500

When it comes to comfort, the Shelby GT500 is severely lacking. I happen to have a car with the leather interior upgrade, which means that the dashboard and the steering wheel have leather wrapped around them. That is about the only “luxury” in the car though, and I can’t even really consider that a luxury. If you’re a legal assistant trying to impress your attorney boss, this may not be the car to do it in. The back seats are worthless, to the point that I have to put my legs in the seat if I ever ride in the back. There is no navigation in most cars, and there is no memory seating. The whole car feels cheap and cheesy on the inside, but that may not matter to you. If you are just looking for power without the comfort, the GT500 could be a perfect fit for you.

The Look of the GT500

As a whole, I think the GT500 looks sexy as hell. It has clean lines and an evil front façade that just screams, “Don’t even think about it.” I’m not a huge fan of the stripes that come on the car from the factory, but a lot of people are. I actually took off all the stripes on my GT500 and blacked out all the cobra badges to blend in with the car. I think it looks damn good with blacked out lights as well, but I’m a partial judge of course. This is certainly a car that can put fear in the eyes of anyone that happens to drive by it.

The Price of the GT500

This is not the most affordable car in the world, especially if you are just looking to upgrade from a Mustang GT. I bought mine for $38,000, and that was when it was already three years old. Starting prices go from $48,000 to $50,000+, depending on the options you want on the car. For most people, that just isn’t feasible in this economy.

Do I think the car is worth the money? Not really, if I’m being honest. I have had far too many problems with the vehicle since I purchased it, and it had almost no miles on it at all. I think there are much better cars out there for the same money, but they aren’t Mustangs. Id that is what you are fixated on getting, this may be the best option for you. There are good and bad features about this car, but at the end of the day, it is still something I am proud to say I own.

I have seen some pretty ugly cars through my daily internet browsing, but I felt like sharing the story of the ugliest car I have ever seen in person. This is one of those situations where a guy made an already ugly car even uglier, and then he just couldn’t stop. I realize that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but there comes a time when you have to think a beholder is mentally ill for ever liking the way something looks. This is one of those times. Let’s take a look at the transformation, shall we?

Step 1 – The Foundation of the Ugly Car

Everything started with this innocent red Honda. It was pretty old and abused, but there was no reason to chop its balls off and throw it in the trash. Here is what the car looked like from the beginning…

The guy didn’t have a picture of it without the black hood, so just picture that in red. He painted the car with flat black Walmart spray paint, if that shows you how much he cared about his baby. He didn’t even use enough spray paint to fully cover the color of the hood. He just used as many cans as it took to make the car look like it had been poorly vandalized.

Step 2 – The Purple-fication Process

According to the car’s owner, he essentially walked into Walmart and picked a purple color to put all over his car. Again, he didn’t put enough spray paint on it to fully cover the car. He just coated it enough to give the illusion of a full paint job. Notice that he kept the red on the wheels, which looks like crap with the purple:

Sexy eh? The guy that drives the car is a pretty big dude, so it was pretty funny to see him come out of this Tinky-Winky purple vehicle. Nevertheless, he was proud of it at this stage, just like he had been previously.

Step 3 – The Ghetto-fication of the Hood

With the ugly color in place, the owner of the car decided that he wanted to make it look sportier. To do that, he cut out the scoop from an Evo VIII hood and riveted it to his own hood. Yes, I said riveted people.

In his own words, the new scoop was “almost center” on his car. He didn’t even bother to line the thing up properly. That wouldn’t have mattered much, but still. Take some pride in your shotty work if you’re going to try to rock it.

Step 4 – The Sharpie-fication of the Exterior

In order to take his car to the next level, the owner wanted to draw all over it with Sharpies. If you have ever heard of the Sharpie Lamborghini, you know that this can in fact look pretty cool. Somehow though, this guy managed to make it look like total white trash.

You can’t really see the sharpie marks from afar, although they do look halfway decent up close…

I just wish they had been executed a little better, or perhaps the background had allowed them to show up a little more. As a whole, this car just didn’t make me smile. It made me wish that there were laws in place about how crappy someone could make his car look. Maybe that’s just me though. You may think this is the best looking car in the world. If so, I wish you all the best at the asylum, my friend. Seriously.

When I first started dating my husband, I didn’t know the difference between the engine and the exhaust. After four years with him though, I can now tell you the difference between the heads and the headers and everything in between. I consider myself pretty fluent in car speak, but that is also because I am a fast learner. If you want to be a real car enthusiast, you need to have a decent vocabulary to pull from. I put together a list of words that I feel all car guys and girls should know. Read on if you want to enhance your vehicabulary (yes, that was my feeble attempt to come up with a new word)…

Boost: Any modification used to enhance the power of a car, such as a supercharger or NOS.
Crank horsepower: The power that comes out of the engine, which is an inaccurate way to measure the power of a car. Nevertheless, this is the number most people refer to when they say “horsepower.”
Fart can: A large muffler that does not add any power to a car. It just makes the car sound like it is farting.
Nav: Short for navigation, which is not to be confused with GPS. Navigation is a mapping unit built into a car’s dashboard. A GPA system is a separate device that you may use in your car.
NOS: A power additive that instantly cools the air in the engine and allows it to go faster for a limited amount of time. NOS can be dangerous to engines, so it is not always recommended for long term power.
Rear wheel horsepower: The amount of power from the engine that actually makes it to the tires. Most cars have a 15% to 20% horsepower loss because of the drive train, so a 300hp car may only put 240 to 255 rwhp to the ground.
Ricer: An Asian import that has been cheaply modified, usually with a large spoiler, extravagant body kit, and a fart can.
Supercharger: A modification to an engine that causes the belt on the engine to spin faster, thereby creating more power.
Torque: The amount of force a car pulls with. Trucks usually have a lot of rear wheel torque so they can pull heavy loads, but sports cars can have it to launch off the line too.
Tranny: The transmission of a car, mainly categorized as a manual or automatic. There are hybrid transmission types out there though, like a shiftable automatic or a semi-manual gearbox.
Turbo: A modification to an engine that allows it to suck in cold air, creating more power.
V6, V8, SRT-8, SRT-10: Different types of engines where the number at the end represents the amount of cylinders in the engine. A V8 is usually faster than a V6, and an SRT-10 is usually faster than an SRT-8.

I could keep going, but I think that gives you a rough idea of some of the terms you need to know. You may not find online college degrees featuring car talk as a primary learning module, but it cannot hurt to learn how to speak with car enthusiasts if you want to be one. It doesn’t matter if you’re a girly girl, a burly boy, or something in between. You could be fluent in car if you just put your mind to it. Hopefully the list above will at least provide you with a starting point to build on in the future.

While most view publishing or journalism as a communications or writing industry, which takes a certain skill set. Now while this is true, it is also an industry that is combined with art. How? Graphic design.

Graphic design is needed in many areas of publishing. Graphic design is also one of the fastest growing careers in the country. It is a an artistic and creative career that is also rewarding. Many publishers or publishing houses or vendors need graphic artists to do their Production work, create boiler plates, and even design covers and custom covers. There are many possibilities available.

So how do you become a graphic designer? It is relatively simple. A four year degree is most common, but of course you can pursue a higher level of education as well. Your courses are mainly in technology. You should enjoy and be able to do the bulk of your work and projects on a computer. Interestingly enough, there is also some legal knowledge that is involved, such as copyright laws and how to avoid them in your designs.

Luckily, if you choose to become a graphic designer for a publisher, publishers typically have their own Rights/ Permissions and Licensing departments that will research images, existing designs, and other art for you or to make sure that there is no infringement on any cover designs or products. However, knowledge of these situations is pertinent for all potential graphic artists entering any industry.

Getting your foot in the door for any magazine, publisher, or marketing firm is easy…especially with the huge growth in media today. Most companies or firms require a six-month to a year long internship, in order for you to learn the industry, company, and test your skills. Once you gain this experience, you can write your own ticket. It is also smart to create a portfolio to show off to any potential job or internship opportunities, so they see where your strengths lie.

Another important strength a well-rounded and good graphic designer must possess is the ability to use their artistic strengths in order to reach a company or firm’s target audience in appropriate and unique ways. While this may require some background or experience in marketing, there is a lot of room for creativity.

Despite popular belief, there is a lot of potential for art in the publishing industry. There is a lot of room for creativity and unique ideas to design books, magazine covers, page layouts, as well as other artistic ways to reach the target audience.

© Michele Loftus | Dreamstime.com

One of the greatest parts of owning a car is the fact that you can do whatever you want to with it. You can truly make a car your own, but some people go a little overboard with the customization of their automobiles. I’m all for accessorizing your car, but if you’re going to do that, do it tastefully. There are some car accessories that are best left in the warehouse. Here is a list of good and bad accessories you may be considering so you can select the ones that will do the most for you in the end.

Good Accessories for Cars

The best accessories for cars are the ones that protect various parts of the car from dirt and stains. These accessories can be removed when you trade the car in so that it looks as pristine as possible. Here are some of my favorite automotive accessories, along with information about why I like them so much:

• Seat belt covers: Seat belt covers go around seat belt straps and prevent them from cutting into your neck during a sudden impact. I was in a bad car accident a little over a year ago, and my seat belt covers almost saved my life.
• Steering wheel covers: A steering wheel cover can protect the material on your steering wheel and prevent it from running away or fading. It can also give you an extra place to grip on the wheel, which may make you a better driver in the end.
• Bras: No, I’m not talking about a 38 DD here. I’m referring to the bras that you can put on the face of a car to protect it from bugs, rocks, and other possible problems that may destroy the paint. Since your car’s front is going to get the most abuse on the road, an accessory like this could keep it protected in the future.
• Floor mats: Floor mats come standard in most cars, but I always encourage people to buy their own. That way they can get them as dirty as they want to and still have the stock ones to trade with the car.

Bad Accessories for Cars

• Bumper stickers: Bumper stickers are incredibly tacky, and they can ruin the paint on a car over time. The paint under the bumper sticker will always be darker than the paint on the rest of the car, so you will ever get rid of the evidence. That is why it is best to avoid bumper stickers from the start.
• Overt body kits: I don’t mind some body kits, but I have a problem with triple layer fins and front ends that look like they’re trying to sneeze. Let’s keep the exterior mods to a minimum people, okay?
• Chrome accents: Chrome is cheap, and it can actually pose as a threat to drivers on the road when it reflects sunlight into their eyes. Avoid an accident and keep it off your car from the start.
• Tacky rims: Once rims get above 20 inches or so, they’re just tacky. I’m tired of seeing people with $2,000 rims on $200 cars. Keep your rims to a tasteful level if you want to gain respect from other drivers on the road.

For more information about some of the accessories and modifications you can add to your car, check out these other articles from another one of my blogs:

• Modifications that Hurt a Car’s Value
• Modifications that Help a Car’s Value

I adore luxury vehicles, and there are some aspects of them that I just can’t see myself living without. Simple advancements in technology make driving a truly enjoyable experience, and they enhance the safety features of a vehicle on the road. No matter how much I love luxury cars though, I cannot deny that there are some aspects of high end luxury that are more inconvenient than they are convenient. These are things you need to keep in mind before you invest in a top of the line vehicle. In some special cases, it is better to have a simple car than it is to have a fancy-schmancy one. Here are some inconveniences you may come across with innovative automotive luxury.

High Maintenance Costs

Maintaining a luxury vehicle obviously costs more money that it does to maintain a run of the mill car or truck. You have to make sure the car gets checked over once or twice a year to ensure that everything is running properly. You have to update the navigation disks every year and renew your satellite radio service if you choose to use it. All of these little expenses will add up over time. You will also probably spend a lot of money detailing a luxury car because you want it to look its best. You need to make sure you have room in the budget to do so. Some people devote their entire accounting careers to budgeting automotive maintenance costs. Luxury cars are the ones that keep them busy.

More Possible Problems

If you have a luxury car with a lot of electrical components, you are going to have a greater chance of something going wrong. I’m getting ready to buy a Mercedes S55 AMG, which is one of the best Mercedes models you can buy. However, it is also one of the models that have the most reported problems with electrical components. I always try to do my research before I buy a new car because I want to make sure I get a good deal. I have already put away money for potential problems that can happen in the near future. With great luxuries come great responsibilities. In this case, that means you may have to get your car fixed a little more often than normal. There is just too much that could go wrong with the car.

Increased Component Complexity

There is such a thing as having a car that is too engineered for its own good, making it impossible to operate. Check out this review that the guys from the original Top Gear did on a BMW M5 and you will see what I mean…

I have actually owned an M5, and I can vouch for the fact that it is a bit difficult to operate. That is something you just have to expect out of a luxury car. You have tons and tons of options to choose from, and you have to be familiar with all of them if you want to get the most out of your car. Otherwise you might as well go without them in the first place.

How to Avoid the Inconvenience

If you want to enjoy the luxury of a car without being inconvenienced by it, you need to do your research before you buy a car in the first place. Check out some reviews of the vehicle and read forums about problems people have had in the past. If you think you can handle whatever the issues may be, try to get a warranty to cover some of the maintenance costs that you will encounter. That will minimize your out of pocket expenses and still give you a chance to enjoy the car of your dreams.

When it comes to choosing the car you want to drive, you have the option of choosing between luxury and speed. Well, you could opt to not have either option, but then you’ll be driving in a POS Honda, or something along those lines. Who wants that? Let’s assume that you’re at least looking for something that will be worthy of the road, which means that you need to choose between a sports car and a luxury car. Which one is better? Let’s find out..

Benefits of Having a Fast Car

I’ve owned four Mustangs in my adult life, two of which were Cobras. Needless to say, I like my speed. Having a fast car can be a lot of fun, especially if you know how to drive it properly. I’m a crappy driver behind the wheel of an automatic, but for some reason I turn into Danica Patrick whenever I get in control of a manual transmission. If you like to feel the power of a vehicle when you’re driving, a sports car is the most logical option for you.

Speed is beneficial for more than just fun though. It can help you get from point A to B quickly if you’re late for whatever is going on at point B. It can also help you avoid accidents and pass slow people on the road as needed. The only thing that sucks about having a lot of power is that you are going to be more susceptible to the eyes of a nearby police officer. That’s when you just speed into a neighborhood and park in the alley though, right? Okay, maybe not the best advice in the world. Moving on…

Benefits of Having a Comfortable Car

Having a luxury car definitely has its perks as well. If you have to drive a lot for work or school, having a luxury car will be able to get you around town without having to worry about your ass going numb from the seats. You can have navigation, heated seats, automatic lights, and anything else you want in the car. If you want a vehicle that provides a high class status, this is definitely the way to go. With a sports car, you’re going to get ricers at every stoplight wanting to race you. You won’t have to worry about that in a luxury car.

The Best of Both Worlds

For the most part, you can’t get horsepower and luxury in the same car. There are a few exceptions though. Mercedes offers several luxury vehicles that have 400+ horsepower, like the 55, 65, and 600 models from almost classes. BMW offers similar options with their M series vehicles. I owned an ’06 M5 at one point in time, and that was literally the most comfortable car I’ve ever been in. It still had a powerful V10 engine in it though, and it could hit 200+ mph without the governor. You don’t necessarily have to sacrifice speed for luxury. You just don’t get the option to have both all the time.

The only way to truly tell which option is going to be best for you is to test out a few cars on your own. See if you like the feel of a sports car or if you prefer the status symbol of a luxury car. Try to come up with a happy medium that is going to suit your wants and needs at the same time. This is a delicate balance, but it is something you can find with the right experimenting. Hopefully your car hunt leads you to the perfect car.

For the most part, Hyundai is known as one of the cheapest automobile manufacturers in the world. There are other manufacturers out there that offer lower priced vehicles, but Hyundai has never been seen as a “luxury” brand by any means. That term is reserved mainly for German vehicles, like Mercedes and BMW. Why then would this typically affordable car company be launching a vehicle with a base price of $58,750? Say hello to the 2012 Hyundai Equus…

Features of the Hyundai Equus

In order to justify a nearly $60k price tag, Hyundai had to create a car that has the luxury of an S Class Mercedes without the $100,000+ sticker price. To do this, Hyundai inserted an extensive amount of options in the Equus that come standard for every car. The heated and cooled front seats are 12 way adjustable, and the back seats have built in recliners for your guests. Navigation and parking assist are included in the car, as well as a refrigeration unit in the back center console. With a rear entertainment system, deluxe 17 speaker stereo, and built in 3.5 inch LCD monitor between the gauges, this is definitely not your typical Hyundai.

If you’re looking for power, the Equus features a 5.0 liter V8 engine comparable to the new Mustang GT. This 429-hp monstrosity is powered by an 8 speed automatic transmission that pushes the power right to the rear wheels. In case you decide to push that motor a little too far, the Equus comes with nine airbags and vehicle stability management to ensure your safety at all times.

The Downsides to the Hyundai Equus

While the features of the Equus do come across as impressive, you can’t judge a car by its appearance. The function of the Equus just isn’t up to par with the luxury cars it is trying to compete with. The interior seems cheap, even if it is made with high end materials. The reclining back seats are only usable when the front seats are pushed all the way forward, which is not going to happen very often. The car doesn’t have the room it needs for people to feel like they’re truly driving in luxury. It’s still just as cramped as any other Hyundai. When you get down to it, this thing just isn’t what it’s cracked up to be.

Is the Equus Worth the Money?

Think about the status you get from a Hyundai compared to the status you get with a Benz or Bimmer. If you’re going to pay that much money for a car, you need something that’s going to make you look like a million bucks. The second people see that Hyundai emblem on the front, they’re going to assume you’re driving a $20,000 automobile. It doesn’t matter if you have a doctorate in forensic psychology. You will look like someone from the middleclass in a Hyundai.

The Hyundai Equus does come with an array of features that would support its $60k price tag. That doesn’t mean it’s worth the money though. At the end of the day, you still have to look at yourself in the mirror knowing that you paid close to sixty grand on a Hyundai…a…Hyundai. Personally, I wouldn’t be able to justify that. You can get a used S Class Mercedes for the same money, and you will have a much better car as a whole. It may not have a refrigerator in the back, but it will have an incredibly reliable motor and well-built interior. Sounds like a winner to me.