The Car Monomaniac 

America, Are You Buckled Up?

Buckling up your seat belts may be something that you despise doing. But did you know that many passengers and drivers have been saved from losing their lives because they simply put on their seat belts?

Now, Chevrolet is joining once again the national partnership that is focused on reminding America to buckle up their safety belts. What Chevrolet would be doing as part of this campaign would be to sponsor an advertising campaign and it would be all part of Memorial Day. They will use various forms of media like print, broadcast, and electronic advertising.

It really is important for people to buckle up. Yes, auto manufacturers make sure that the vehicles provide optimum safety for passengers. Even car parts stores like Auto Parts Fast make sure that they provide parts that would keep passengers and drivers safe. However, there is still some responsibility left in our hands to also protect ourselves by simply putting on our seatbelts. Just a couple of seconds to do that.

According to Ed Peper, the general manager for Chevrolet, “As America’s number one brand, it is important that we urge everyone to buckle up. Safety belts are the most important equipment that we offer in Chevrolet cars and trucks. We encourage everyone driving and riding in vehicles to use their safety belts and to properly secure their young children in child safety seats. And children 12 and under should be properly restrained in a rear seat.”

So, America. Are you now buckled up?

Wash Tips

So you think your car needs a quick wash? Go ahead. You can do that.

Have some newspaper and water. They do well in cleaning glass in your car. All you need to do is sprinkle a small amount of water and pat the area dry with the newspaper.

When it comes to your wheels, do not wash them while they are still hot or you will get cracked wheels. Also, if you are washing your car, start with your wheels first. When it comes to your tires, do not use bleach. Bleach makes your tires look dull.

Be organized. Wash the car from top to bottom.

While washing, you should also use this opportunity to check for any worn out parts. If there are, you do have to replace them. One store I usually get my parts from is Auto Parts Fast and I surely am satisfied with the Pontiac carpets that they offer.

Best Diesel Car Picks for 2006

The global demand for diesel cars has been soaring to new heights not only because of its fuel- and cost-efficient features but also because of the wide availability of models, types and designs to choose from.
In the Unites States alone, demand increased from 301,471 units in 2000 to 543,777 units in 2005. J.D. Power

Automotive Forecasting even reported that the global demand for diesel-powered cars is expected to double in the next ten years. I’m sure Auto Parts Fast will also increase their auto body parts and engine parts for various diesel-powered makes and models to go with the demand.

Tiscali.com posted a list of Top Ten Diesel Cars for 2006. You can check out their site on your own in case you are interested to purchase units or you simply would want to satiate your thirst in knowing the latest and hottest diesel cars around. Included in the line-up are:

• Fiat Punto Grande
• Lexus RX 400h
• Fiat Multiple 1.9 JTD Dynamic
• Mitsubishi Grandis 2.0 DI-D Classic
• Alfa Romeo 159
• Renault Scenic II 1.9 dCi
• Toyota Yaris 1.4 D-4D
• Ford Mondeo ST
• Audi A4 Cabriolet 3.0 TDI quattro
• Nissan Navara King Cab Outlaw

GM Tags New Price for Chevrolet Avalanche

General Motors revealed the new prices of the Chevrolet Avalanche, the sport utility truck well known for its tough and rugged looks as well as its adrenaline rushing performance. You can have a taste of the full-packed power features from Chevy Avalanche LS at a price of $32,490. Experience the commanding stance and handling of the mid-grade LT model at a pocket friendly price of $33,170. Add in an extra $6,735 and you’ll have the sporty Avalance LTZ. You can also try the four wheel drive versions though you may have to spend $35,490 for the LS, $36,170 for the LT and $42,905 for the LTZ.

The redesigned truck is best for heavy duty hauling and towing with its responsive automatic transmission, antilock four-wheel disc brakes, and smooth Stabilitrack antiskid system standard for all models. Added cargo can be packed with ease on the spacious cargo bed. Six passengers can seat in comfort and pleasure on the soft adjustable seats. You can wrap the seats up in a soft vinyl cover priced at a price of $600. You can also match it with new Chevrolet floor mats and Chevrolet carpet from Auto Parts Fast.

Optional for all models are power adjustable pedals, sunroof, leather upholstery, heated front bucket seats, satellite radio, rigid 3-piece cargo bed cover, rear DVD entertainment component, navigations system with touch screen and GM’s Onstar Assistance.

Toyota’s Hidden Fears Exposed

Behind Toyota’s reputation for quality is a deep-seated fear of failure as what autonews.com reported. Amidst Toyota Motors Companys success is its anticipation for things that might go out of hand. "We are kind of paranoid," said Dennis Cuneo, senior vice president of Toyota Motor North America Inc.

As of now Toyota is considered as one of the top gainers in the US market, even going beyond the sales of Ford and GM for the past years. Quality and reliability are the trademarks of Toyota models ranging from Toyota Camry, Toyota Corolla and Toyota Tacoma, Toyota Prius, Toyota Celica and Toyota Supra. But until when will they stay on top?

Toyota Motors has gone a long way before they were able to reach the position they are in right now and they’re determined to stay in the limelight as what Cuneo mentioned. “We got on top of it…we knew we had to stay on top of it, or we could lose this leadership in quality that we have."

Several programs are used by the company to maintain and further improve their status quo. They establish their new production support center in Georgetown, Kentucky to determine the track performance of the suppliers when it comes to customer service. They used the distinct Toyota standard in the US plants and companies which accounts to the same level of quality, performance and style of Toyota models in various auto markets. You can also have a taste of the unique Toyota feel and performance by using Toyota parts and accessories for you car from Auto Parts Fast. But better check out your car’s specs first before placing your orders.

Volkswagen Concept A: Child of the New Era

Introduced as “the child of the new era,” the Volkswagen concept A will most likely be cruising our streets and highways in the next few years. The concept embodies Volkswagen’s vision for a crossover vehicle that can be one of the trend setters in the industry. It is a combination of the power, style and handling dynamics of a coupe and a compact SUV merged with the latest European state of the art technology.

Stand-out from its features are muscular 20-inches wheels matched with 295/40 tires, opposing open wind doors, DSG transmission and 4Motion all-drive system. Four passengers can comfortably sit on the luxuriously designed leather seats. Cargoes and packages can be stuffed on the spacious cabin adorned with a concertina-style soft-top without causing discomfort to the passengers.

The car reflects an over-all aura of power, aggressiveness and optimum performance emphasized by the assertive front grilles that shield the sporty bumper and LED headlights. It has features quite similar to the Auto Parts Fast I’ve seen in VW lights. On the rear area under the LED light clusters is a hatchback tailgate similar to the fold down rear section of a pick-up.

Under the hood is a 150 hp TSI engine in line with a six-speed DSG transmission crafted using the turbo + supercharger technology. I am excited to see the concept in the flesh. Wish I can lay my hands on its steering wheel and experience the distinct VW feel and control.

Hottest Cars for This Week

Yahoo Autos post a new list of the top 10 most popular cars for different categories. Considered for the ranking is the number of users that seek information regarding reviews, forums, specs and features or view the car’s pictures and galleries.

Included in the sedan category are the following:
1. 2006 BMW 3 Series Sedan
2. 2006 Toyota Corolla
3. 2006 Honda Accord Sedan
4. 2006 Dodge Charger
5. 2006 Toyota Camry

Line-up for top coupe models is:
1. 2006 Ford Mustang
2. 2005 Ferrari F430
3. 2006 Audi A4
4. 2006 Honda Civic Coupe
5. 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse

Most sought-after SUVs are:
1. 2006 HUMMER H3 SUV
2. 2006 Toyota 4Runner
3. 2006 Honda Pilot
4. 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
5. 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid

Sports car lovers can take their pick from:
1. 2006 Ford Mustang
2. 2006 BMW 3 Series Sedan
3. 2005 Ferrari F430
4. 2006 Toyota Corolla
5. 2006 Dodge Charger

So that’s it for now. We’ll keep you posted on what’s hot and what’s new for this year. And also, you can go to Auto Parts Fast in case you need new components for your car like Cadillac Parts, Chrysler Parts, Honda Parts, Mercedes Parts, Nissan Parts and whatever aftermarket and OEM replacement that you might need.

A Sneak Peek at the 2006 Ford Fusion Ad

“Because a car shouldn’t just use energy. It should create it. Introducing the mid size Ford Fusion. More innovation from Ford for a life in drive.”

That is the statement that the [link=hhttp://www.fordvehicles.com/cars/fusion/]2006 Ford Fusion[/link] ad communicated with the use of an impressive scene as well as a good message. You can check the ad out yourself at the Ford Fusion microsite in flash format.



Ford is indeed on its way to change their image to get closer to customers and buyers. Recently, it used Kermit the Frog to promote their hybrids, as well as to project Ford’s green, environment-friendly image. This time, the Ford Fusion is meant for customers targeted to customers within the age group of 25 to 35. That is perhaps the reason why the advertising group that was headed by the J. Walter Thompson agency in Detroit used those images and models. Aside from these ads, there are also 15 second teasers which compare the usual life with the life in the company of a Ford Fusion. These ads are available at the site I mentioned.

After checking those ads, you can drop by at Auto Parts Fast for auto parts and accessories that you can use as replacements or restyling add-ons for your Ford. This online store has one of the widest arrays of parts not only for the Ford Focus but also for other Ford makes and models like the Ranger, Ford Taurus, Falcon, and Sunliner.

DaimlerChrysler: Mitsubishi's Knight in Shining Armor

Good thing DaimlerChrysler served as the knight in shining armor that saved the damsel-in-distress Mitsubishi Motors from their loss in the market which was expected to pile up in sky rocketing degrees had it not been for the helping hand offered by the German automaker.

The Mitsubishi “i” is the product of the partnership expected to bring back the market share they lost as part of their venture. It was designed by Oliver Boulay who is known as the designer of the successful Eclipse which sold quite well in the Japanese market. It will be formally launched in the US market at the mid-part of this year so it’s still too early to determine if it will really boost Mitsubishi’s sales.

I’ve seen the photo of the latest mini car and I myself was impressed by the curves and lines flowing from one side to the other. The spacious rooms is matched with the extra space of the 660 cc three cylinder turbo-charged engine positioned on the mid-ship area.

I’ll be on stand by for its release and I hope the real model is just as great as the photos. Meanwhile, you can focus your time making the most of your car while waiting for the Mitsubishi “i” release by mounting new Mitsubishi parts and accessories that will boost its maximum potentials like a new pair of wheels, center caps, hubcaps, shocks, grille, headlamp and a lot more straight from Auto Parts Fast, the one stop shop that you can surely trust.

Safety Belts and Airbags: How Important Are They?

Your car's safety belt and air bag are two of the most important safety features that every make or model must possess. It is a must if you want to ensure protection against fatal injuries that can be caused by crashes and collisions.



What are Airbags and how does it work?

From the word itself, airbags are literally bags with air to prevent the head, neck and chest from hitting the steering wheel, dashboard or windshield in cases of front end crash and collisions. The automatic inflation of the air bags is traced down to the sensors that send an electrical signal to spark up the production of harmless nitrogen gas. You may notice a somewhat kind of smoke once it inflate but don’t worry, it is just a nontoxic powder to prevent the surfaces from sticking together.

How true Is It that air bags are dangerous?

The so called “danger” is just an effect of the impact once the air bag is inflated. Upon activation, it will automatically bubble up as fast or even faster than the blink of an eye that is why the occupant may be caught off guard and boom! However it can be prevented by properly wearing the seat belts. Take note: properly wearing the seatbelt to stay away from the unsafe effects of the safety air bags.

How About Safety Belts?

The safety belts and air bags must supplement each other in ensuring safety and protection against crash and collisions. However it just depends on you, on us, to maximize its use.



Both straps of the belt must be fitted snugly in place at all times since you may not know when an accident or collision might take place. You may be a good cautious driver but there are wolves that are ready to devour the sheep, that is, there are bad drivers around that can put your life in danger.

The possibility of being thrown outside the car is one of the incidents prevented by seatbelts. You don’t even have to worry of discomfort since there are newly improved features added on the belts for easy and hassle free use.

Aside from airbags and seatbelts, it is also a must that your car is equipped with excellent quality parts may it be the wheels, bumper, mirrors or auto lights coupled with constant check up, repair and maintenance to know if there are defective components that need new replacement. Auto Parts Fast is one of the stores that you can trust together with other equally reputable sources in the net.