Towing Tips After An Accident - January 30, 2007

It is best to prepare for an auto accident before it ever happens. One good idea to sign up with a company like the CSAA (AAA) to save money on towing. You should also have a cell phone so you can call the towing company if you get in an accident.

If you get in an auto accident, and you are unable to drive your car, you must move off of the road. Try to move your auto to the shoulder of the road. If you are in the middle of the road and cannot get it safely to the side of the road, leave your hood up as a sign that there is something wrong with your car. Someone will probably call the authorities to get your car safely off the road.

The next step is to call the CSAA or another auto towing company. If you do not have a cell phone, you should find the nearest call box if you can get to it safely. Ask the operator for the nearest AAA towing company. Do not call 911 just because your auto is dead. If no one is injured, a standard auto accident is not an emergency. Regardless of whether you call or not, a police officer will probably arrive on the scene. It helps if you have already called AAA or another towing company. Once a police officer arrives he will call his auto towing company, which may be more expensive than your towing company. Make sure you get the name, phone number and address of the auto towing company.

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Six Tips for Thwarting Auto Thieves with an Automotive Security System -

According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics (www.ojp.usdoj.gov) over three quarters of all crimes in the U.S. are made up of property crimes and certainly automobile theft is among the most prevalent. Automobiles are easier targets than homes in many cases as they are high dollar items, in high demand, and can be driven away within seconds leaving behind virtually no clues as to the identity of the thief.

Although manufacturers have continued to provide basic automotive security features, additional measures are needed as thieves continue to adapt to devices on the market.

For first time buyers unfamiliar with the options, the decisions related to purchasing an automotive security system can be daunting. However, there are a core set of features that should be considered which will help consumers select an effective system with less frustration.

• An automotive security system should provide a first line of defense that warns would be intruders that a particular vehicle is protected. Some type of visual reminder such as a flashing light on the dash or stickers that indicate security are simple deterrents.

• A second line of defense is audible alerts; sirens and alarms that sound when a breach is attempted. This security feature brings unwanted attention to the break in and slows the thief down in attempts to eliminate the sound. These should be sufficiently sensitive and should detect any breach. They should trigger when windows are broken, doors are opened, the hood is raised, and so forth. Motion detectors and infrared sensing are common. A good siren will continue to operate even when power from the battery is cut off in attempt to eliminate the warning. Some of the best automotive security systems will also notify the owner when a breach occurs so that they can check on the vehicle or notify law enforcement.

• Another feature of an effective automotive security system is an immobilizer or kill switch to shut off the ignition/starter or perhaps the fuel pump. Certainly, such features make driving off with the car extremely difficult. Some systems will even lock the hood when activated to prevent access to the engine and other mechanical components. At this point it is also important to consider that a device that is located so that it is difficult for thieves to find and disable can be critical as well as this can additionally delay the thief.

• As thieves have continued to adapt to newer automotive security systems, higher tech methods are employed to gain access to vehicles. Code rolling is an excellent feature that prevents thieves from picking up the codes used to gain entry to the car by using a type of code grabbing device. Code rolling changes the codes used by a driver’s keyless entry device each time it is used.

• Another option to consider is a tracking system. As far as automotive security systems are concerned these are not a deterrent but a retrieval system. This type of security system allows a vehicle to be tracked and recovered if it is stolen. Some systems are activated only once law enforcement is notified but ideally the system would activate immediately once the car is taken. Some of these systems will notify the owner by e-mail, pager, or phone when the car is moved.

• A final consideration when purchasing an automotive security system is how effective it will be in avoiding annoying false alarms. Some systems can have the sensitivity adjusted to keep false alarms to a minimum while others are able to identify malfunctioning sensors and shut them down until repaired. Newer automotive security systems also offer dual zone sensing which produce only a small chirping alarm for minor occurrences, such as a bump on the side of the car versus a full blown alarm for more intrusive occurrences.

Certainly cars are a significant investment that is attractive to amateur as well as professional car thieves but consumers can tilt the odds significantly in their favor with the addition of an up-to-date automotive security system.

Christine Peppler believes that consumers should not have to possess a technology degree to be able to choose home electronics and entertainment devices. Take advantage of the wealth of simple to understand, useful information and shopping available on her website at homemedias.info homemedias.info

Chopper Lowrider Bikes - January 29, 2007

Have you seen the lowrider bikes that have become so popular? They instantly catch your eye because they are uniquely designed and look so cool, don’t they? They are a big statement that people make and some people connect them with the hip urbanites, but they really appeal to almost anyone-no matter what your age. They not only give you the opportunity to express your personality, but they are also a very comfortable, fun ride, too. Their popularity has become so big, that you can easily find clubs that concentrate on the lifestyle of having a chopper bike.

Where did lowrider bikes come from? They were first seen in the 1960’s in California. They were not a mass-produced bike that was being made by the large companies, but they were made by teenagers who were trying to copy the customized motorcycle of the time by combining components from several different bikes. This was to show their individuality. One bicycle manufacturer noticed this new style, however, and began to make their own version of the chopper lowrider bike. This company was Schwinn and in 1963, they introduced the Stingray model, which began the love affair that many people have with this bike.

Now lowrider bikes are even more popularity, due to the increased interest in all things retro. Many people love them simply because they bring back memories of happier and simpler times for them. One of the companies who first made lowrider bikes, Raleigh, has updated the chopper lowrider bike for today and they are very popular. Some chopper enthusiasts are choosing to build their own lowriders and customize them to make them into the bike of their dreams. You can find lowrider bikes with all types of customization, including intricate paint jobs, ornaments, and even upholstery, which has made some of these choppers into an art statement.

If you are new to the chopper lowrider world, you will find that there is a great variety of different bikes available for you to purchase in all different price ranges and styles. You can choose an “off the rack” style that you can customize yourself or you can choose to have one built for you from the ground up to your specifications. A custom built chopper bike may be more expensive, but it will fit your body and will express your personality perfectly, which may be worth the extra money for you. Have fun riding!

Andrew Caxton is the author and editor of many custom bicycles articles and newsletters published at bikecyclingreviews.com bikecyclingreviews.com. Find more publications about bikecyclingreviews.com/lowrider_bikes.html lowrider bikes at his website.