Does Car Color Matter?

What kind of car you drive can say a lot about the person driving it and their personality. Does the color of the car also affect how people or police officers may or may not perceive you? There are myths that red colored cars tend to get pulled over more often for speeding. Is this myth actually a reality? Does the color of your car really matter? Are certain colors better for warm or cold climates? Here are some examples of car color and what people say about it.

According to some studies, the red car myth is false. A lot of people believe that red colored cars are usually pulled over for speeding because the bright color attracts the notice of police officers and is an attention grabber. Studies have shown that speeding red cars get pulled over just as often as other colored speeding cars or trucks. However, most sports cars have a higher chance of being caught for speeding than a truck or SUV.

A study published in the *British Medical Journal from December of 2003 reports that car color can matter when it comes to car accidents. Certain color cars are more prone to being in accidents. Brown, green, and black cars have higher chances of being involved in an automobile accident. If you want to be safe and not sorry you should drive either silver or a white car. Silver cars were reported as the safest color. They believe this to be true because colors that are lighter in color are more visible on the road.

If you live in an area that is hot with high temperatures, it is better to drive a lighter color car or truck. Darker colors heat up faster than lighter colors. This is also true with the interior of the car. The sun can also fade the color of your vehicle. You may notice that people who live where it is hot most of the time drive white cars with a light interior. This is not true for all people though. Even if you drive a blue car in a hot climate it will still heat up.

The color of your vehicle can also say something about your personality. This is not true in all cases however. Some people choose a certain color for practical reasons or maybe they will choose blue if it is their favorite color. Here are some rare colors for cars and what it could mean about your personality. If you drive an orange vehicle it can mean that you like to be the center of attention and that you seek attention. Pink is also not common and could mean that you like to comfort people and also need comfort in your life.

*Original Article http://bit.ly/buRA9l

About the Author: Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgeable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable Austin used cars and is known as one of the best used cars austin dealers. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.

What Is A Flex-Fuel Vehicle

You may have seen the sticker Flex Fuel on the back of new vehicles. But what does it mean? According to professionals, a Flexible Fuel Vehicle or FFV is an alternative fuel vehicle with an internal combustion engine designed to run on more than one fuel, usually gasoline blended with either ethanol or methanol fuel. Both fuels are stored in the same common tank. Flex fuel vehicles are different than bi-fuel vehicles in that with bi-fuel, there are two tanks, each that stores the separate type of fuel. Bi-fuel vehicles can run on compressed natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas or hydrogen.

Many ask whether their vehicle will burn ethanol or E85 fuel even though it isn't designated as a flex fuel vehicle. The answer is yes and no. All gasoline vehicles are able to operate on gasoline and ethanol blends of up to 10 percent. Most pumped gas sold in the United States has approximately that amount of ethanol to meet clean air or emissions regulations. These low percentage blends are not classified as alternative fuels. But to use E85 you must have the right engine. If your vehicle isn't a designated Flex Fuel vehicle, check with your manufacturer as many vehicles were made as early as 2002 that can burn E85 safely.

If your vehicle is not made for ethanol or is non-E85 ready, it could cause iron components in your vehicle to corrode. Ethanol can also negatively affect electric fuel pumps by increasing internal wear, cause improper spark generation and cause erroneous fuel quantity indications.

Is Ethanol more fuel-efficient? Not really. Studies have shown that using 100% ethanol fuel decreases fuel-economy by 15 to 30 percent over the use of 100% gasoline. On the flip side, the benefits of ethanol are that it reduces America's dependence upon foreign oil and reduces greenhouse emissions.

The cost of ethanol can vary, according to where you live. It can also be difficult to find, again, depending on what state you live in. If you are from the Midwest, where corn is grown in plenty, ethanol stations are everywhere and the price is lower than that of regular fuel. If you live outside of the Midwest, it can be more difficult to find and the price can be considerably higher. There are nearly two thousand filling stations in the US that sells E85 and there are websites that can help you find a station near you.

Another benefit of buying a vehicle that burns flex-fuel is the tax incentives offered by the Federal Government.

If E85 is of no interest to you, there is also B100 or biodiesel. Biodiesel is manufactured from numerous products including vegetable oil, animal fat, recycled restaurant grease and more. Biodiesel produces less air pollutants and is biodegradable. B100 is blended with petroleum diesel. Common blends include B2, B5, and B20 - the number next to the B indicates the percentage of biodiesel. B2 and B2 can be used in most vehicles that have diesel engines. Manufacturers do not recommend using blends greater than B5 as it can cause engine damage. Again, biodiesel has a lower fuel economy and is currently more expensive - meaning it is having the same problems as Ethanol.

Vehicles that run on natural gas are growing commercially in numbers. Natural gas is also better for the environment, producing 60 to 90% less smog pollutants and 30 to 40% less greenhouse gas emissions. It is also less expensive than gasoline. The downside is that it is hard to find and very few vehicles are made that use it.

The same goes with propane or LPG. Vehicles that run of off LPG have not been commercially produced in the US since 2004. Some vehicles can be retrofitted to run on LPG. This gas is stored in high-pressure fuel tanks and again is difficult to find in filling stations, in contrast to gasoline and diesel.

There are pros and cons to almost every fuel. Do you research before buying your next vehicle and decide what it is you find most important.

Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable used cars in Austin and the surrounding area. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.

Cars and Personalities

Deciding what car, truck, or SUV to purchase for you can be a challenging task. There are many factors you have to consider when making your decision. Those factors include choosing a brand, style, color and features for example. Do you like small fast cars or do you prefer a rugged, hefty truck? What kind of vehicle you choose can say a lot about your personality. Now, of course there are not any scientific findings with the association. Here is a fun way to look at cars and personalities. What does your vehicle say about you?

There are conditions that control how you choose a vehicle to drive. You may need to consider your budget, how many people will be in your vehicle like kids, parents, or friends, and location. Small cars are not as functional in the hill country as trucks or SUV’s are for instance. On the other hand, smaller cars are perfect for city living and narrow roads. Some of these conditions may also affect what your car says about your personality too. For example, maybe you like fast paces and large crowds so you probably own a smaller car because you live in the city.

Driving a luxury car such as Lexus, Mercedes, or BMW can mean that you enjoy the finer things in life, work hard for what you have, and prefer a high end style. You are flashy and like to be the center of attention sometimes. You want the best of the best and do not settle for anything less.

A small fast car such as Honda, Acura, or Nissan means you like fast paces and love speed! You find roads that are curvy and have a strong sense of adventure. You are probably competitive in nature and find yourself racing other cars on the road, even if that means being the first to accelerate at a green light.

Or perhaps you prefer to drive a big rig like an SUV or a truck. You like big vehicles that are dependable and can be used in any work situation. You most likely enjoy the outdoors, working hard, or the country way of life. You most likely live outside of the city or grew up in the hill country or mountains.

If you are driving a used vehicle you are most likely sensible, smart, frugal, and dependable. You recognize the value of a dollar and appreciate the earnings from your hard work. You may be a bargain shopper and are always on the lookout for the best deals in life.

About the Author: Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgeable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable Austin used cars and is known as one of the best used cars austin dealers. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.

Half Ton Truck - What Does That Mean?

When shopping for trucks, you probably have encountered the terms half-ton, three-quarter ton and one ton. What do each of these terms mean? And if you buy a half-ton truck does it mean your truck weights 1,000 pounds?

A half-ton truck actually does not refer to the weight of the truck. Half-ton pickups actually weigh more than a ton. The weight of a truck is actually described in terms of its 'curb weight'. According to Edmunds, a 2007 half-ton pickup would normally have a curb weight of around 9000 and 11000 pounds. The term half-ton then refers to the truck's payload capacity. Payload therefore means the truck's carrying capacity of both cargo and passengers. And yet, statistically, most modern half-ton pickups can actually carry more than 1000 pounds. Early model trucks could carry only max loads of 1000 pounds, but this was back in the 1960s. Yet, the term half-ton has stuck, even though it doesn't mean exactly that. But in terms of classifying trucks, it helps to differentiate the half-ton from the larger three-quarter-ton and one-ton vehicles.

So, if you are looking to see how much your truck can haul, you will want to check out the truck's specs within the manual or online. Remember that also when looking for hauling capacity, you are only looking at the weight carried, not towed. Towing capacity is completely different than hauling capacity.

In towing capacity there are again more terms to be familiar with. One is Gross Combined Weight Rating or GCWR and the other is Gross Vehicle Weight Rating(GVWR). GCWR is the maximum weight of a truck, including the truck itself, cargo, passengers, fuel, trailer and trailer cargo. The GVWR is just the maximum weight of vehicle including passengers, cargo and tongue weight.

Many people will measure these weights by taking their loaded truck and trailer to a scale to find its weight. To determine the safe towing capacity of a loaded truck, one would take the GCWR and subtract the curb weight and the weight of everything in the truck, including passengers and cargo. They would then, take the GVWR and subtract the curb weight of the truck. Many manufacturers do not advertise these details and only promote the towing capacity of a truck based on only one driver whose weight is approximately 150 lbs. Realistically, your vehicle would have other passengers and cargo as well - all of this adds up.

Other considerations when looking at purchasing a truck for towing capacity is looking at variables such as the engine, transmission, quality of brakes and rear axle.

Although terminology of trucks isn't completely accurate, it is still pretty much known that a half-ton truck is known for light duty and towing capacity while the three-quarter-tons and one-tons have bigger frames, firmer suspension and more powerful engines for pulling larger loads.

In the automotive industry, it can be difficult for consumers to accurately compare truck towing performance as there is little to no criteria. This is expected to change as the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) has created a committee that is working on a standard for measuring towing capacity. Until then, do your homework, ask questions and evaluate your needs before purchasing your next truck.

Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgeable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable Austin used cars and is known as one of the best used cars austin dealers. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.

How to Test Drive a Used Car

When you are purchasing a vehicle, whether it is new or used, the most important thing to do while on the lot is to ask the seller for a test drive. You want to make sure that the car or truck is easy to drive and fits your needs as the driver. There are a lot of components that your should check while you are taking the prospective vehicle for a test drive. New and used cars should be tested differently because used ones have had previous owners and most likely repairs and replacements unlike a new one. Here are some things you should remember when test driving a used car.

The most important thing to remember to ensure your safety is to perform a vehicle check. You should check to make sure there are proper fluids in the car or truck including break, steering, and windshield washing fluid for example. All of the lights should be in proper order such as the brakes, reverse lights, and signals. It is imperative to check the tires because bad or badly worn tires can make the driving experience feel completely different if the tires are in bad shape.

When you are test driving a used car do not be afraid to take your time. Do not feel rushed by the seller or used car dealer. You need to feel comfortable with the feel of the car and how it operates. Be sure to test the blinkers, the radio, the air condition, heater, and windows for example. It is really important to feel how cold or hot the air condition and heaters are. If you are living in an area where it gets really hot in the summers such as Austin, you want your Austin used cars to have cold air. If you live in a very cold area in the winter like in the east, you would want the heater to be in perfect working order.

It is also very important to have an open mind while you are test driving used cars or trucks. You may have your mind set on a certain model or brand, but keep your options open. Used cars run just as good, if not better, than new cars. If you are looking for a new vehicle, do not count out a used car as an option. There are many advantages of buying a used car, and you should take the time to test drive a few used models.

About the Author: Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgeable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable Austin used cars and is known as one of the best used cars austin dealers. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.

Advantages of a Used Car for your Teen

Choosing the first car for your teenage driver can be a difficult decision. You want a car for them that is practical, safe, and something they will enjoy driving. Unfortunately, most teens want a brand new car that is expensive and in style. However, you should buy a car that is safe and practical for a first time driver. First time drivers are still processing that driving is a responsibility and a privilege. A lot of car accidents are caused by teens that are inexperienced. There are many advantages of buying a used car rather than a brand new one because of those reasons.

One of the best advantages of buying used rather than new is there will be less worry from the parent about damage. New cars are very expensive and even more expensive to fix. Used cars cost less, yet run just as great as new, and the repairs are usually less expensive. If you buy an older used car that you plan on having your teen only drive through high school, you will be less likely to worry about any minor damages from backing up too quickly or not making the smoothest of turns. There are bound to be small nicks and dings from a new driver. You can always sell or donate the car and not lose a lot of money since the car was used and not brand new.

Another great advantage of a used vehicle is the cost factor. Used cars have less depreciation as a newer car and cost considerably less. Insuring a teenage driver is also very expensive, and the new the car the higher the rates. Older cars are more affordable, and you have to calculate for insurance being more expensive at the start because of the age of the new driver. There is no reason for a 16 year old to be driving a $70,000 vehicle and pay hundreds of dollars every month in insurance. You can purchase a used one for much less money that is still safe and properly functioning.

Older vehicles are usually a little bigger and safer. It is common for a new driver to get into a minor fender bender or back into something. Your teen will be safer in a bigger vehicle and will be likely to only damage the car and not themselves. Older cars still have the same safety features as new cars such as dual air bags. A lot of new cars are made with light, thin materials so they will go faster. Speed is not so great for a new driver as it is for the more experienced.

Used cars are great because if anything was wrong with it, the previous driver would have gotten it fixed. New cars are unpredictable and can have a lot of repairs because it is the first time they are being driven. If your teen is paying for the maintenance of the vehicle, they will save money by owning a used one. Properly maintained used cars run just as smooth as a new car and cost half the price.

About the Author: Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgeable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable Austin used cars and is known as one of the best used cars austin dealers. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.