A Lady Driver's Point of View 

Mazda MX-5 vs Pontiac Solstice: Let the Battle Begin!

Will Pontiac Solstice overtake the top racer Mazda MX-5? Well, the Solstice has been speeding up towards the finish line with its impressive sales of 1000 two-seater examples in 41 minutes and 7000 too good to be true units in the next ten days. Mazda MX-5 on the other hand has been known as one of the most sought after sports cars ever since its first entrance in the US auto arena in 1989. They have been on top for several years and I think they will not give up the fight that easily.





The latest 2006 Mazda MX-5 formerly named as the Miata comes throttling with its redesigned ragtop and spacious trunk together with truly muscular exteriors and the boosted energy supply of 170 horsepower at 6,700 rpm and 140 pound-feet of torque at 5,000 rpm coming from a normally aspirated 2.0-liter, double-overhead-cam four-cylinder engine.

The Solstice also prepared for the race with its sporty mesh grills and menacing headrests. It comes off with added 7 hp and 26 lb-ft coming from the 2.4-liter Ecotec four-cylinder which is also .4 inches bigger than the MX-5 engine. But I think the added size and power are meant to match the extra 350-pound weight which could otherwise prove to be a disadvantage if it is fitted with Mazda’s power train.

You can also join the race by pampering you car with the best performance parts and accessories like fenders, grille, hubcaps, catalytic converters, bumper cover, shocks and starter straight from Auto Parts Online. Let the battle begin!

Ford Land Rover Parts: Emblem of Stand-Out Style, Performance and Quality

Drive in style may it be on the road or off the road with the powerful Land Rover vehicles from Ford Motors Company. Land Rover is made up of parts which stand as an emblem of innovative style and performance as reflected from its first production until the recent and the hottest makes like Land Rover. Three exquisitely crafted models; the Range Rover, LR3 and Freelander can surely spark up anyone's wildest dreams.

Freelander is available in three door and five-door body types both packed with features for added comfort and style. The five door SE comes with a premium package together with an 18 inches alloy wheels, steering wheel and seats in leather trims and an upgraded audio and entertainment system. Standard features are permanent all-wheel drive, hill descent control and four wheel electronic traction valve. Bold exterior style, stylish lighting system, easy cargo access and responsive performance – these are just a few of the stand-out traits of a Ford Freelander.

The award-winning Land Rover LR3 is the 2005 Motor trend winner as the Sport Utility of the year. Available models are SE and HSE equipped with either a 4.4-litre V8 wih 300 HP or a 4.0-litre V6 capable of producing 216 hp. Seven adults can be comfortably accommodated together with adjustable seats that can be manipulated to suit the preferred position of the passengers. The car's interior gives an atmosphere of elegance and latest technological enhancements. Unique glass roof, integrated Bluetooth system, touchscreen navigation system and body grooving audio system, these are just an overview of what's in store for anyone who wants to have Land Rover LR3 and OEM Land Rover parts.

Luxury sport utility vehicle enthusiasts can include the breath-taking Range Rover on top of their list. Two power sources are offered, the naturally aspirated V8 that can produce 305 hp and the supercharged V8 capable of exerting 400 hp. The Range Rover is considered as the most desirable luxury vehicle with its world-class safety, security, style and performance features. A standard Bi-Xenon headlight can provide greater visibility of the road ahead especially when driving at night. The Adaptive Front Lighting System can be moved in whatever direction for efficiency in purpose. Power washers and wipers are also offered for added safety.

In case you want to savor any of the Land Rover parts or Ford parts mentioned above, Auto Parts Online is there to make your desire a reality. Visit the site now and enjoy hassle free selection and purchase.

Defining Classic Cars

I was browsing the Internet when I got hooked with this site that features a 1948 Buick convertible shown at a SEMA show in Las Vegas last 2004. I’m not a die-hard classic car enthusiast but this car just got my attention. If you equate “classic” with “old and boring” well this car will prove you wrong. In my humble opinion, it surpasses high auto design standards of today’s modern time. It has stunning paintwork, highly sophisticated interior and a totally grand package. It’s simply awesome, a true hotrod.

And oh—it costs $250,000! You probably are convinced now it’s no ordinary old car. It’s a CLASSIC!

What make a car a classic, anyway? I’ve found online lots of definition on what a classic car is. Classic Car Club of America defines classic car as “a fine or distinctive automobile, either American or foreign built, produced between 1925 and 1948. They are also sometimes called "Full Classics," or just plain "Classics" (with a capital "C"). Generally, a Classic was high-priced when new and was built in limited quantities. Other factors, including engine displacement, custom coachwork and luxury accessories, such as power brakes, power clutch, and "one-shot" or automatic lubrication systems, help determine whether a car is considered to be a Classic.”

On the other hand, Antique Automobile Club of America defines it as an antique car, “a car that is over 25 years old.” They say that it is extremely rare for someone to own a vehicle that old without considering its being a “classic.” A car over 25 years old is difficult to maintain as most of its parts would be hard to replace and obtain from common car parts suppliers.

For me a classic is simply a car that still maintains the same feeling of enthusiasm and excitement you had when you were driving it back in the old days. The year the car has been made isn’t much important. This is precisely the reason why classic enthusiasts prefer to still own and drive antique, old or classic cars and choose to live with the difficulty of driving and keeping their car in good shape.

Anyway, you might want to check these cars: 1948 Pontiac Streamliner, 1959 Chevrolet Impala, 1965 Ford Mustang and Porsche 356B 1960. These are excellent definitions of Classic cars for me.

That’s it for now, I still have to go to Auto Parts Online to buy new headlights, floor mats and wheels for my BMW M3. It’s New Year, give your car a fresh new look, too! Check out Auto Parts Online’s wide variety of Ford parts, BMW parts, Toyota parts, Chevy parts and more.

Cars To Debut In The Detroit Auto Show

New Year is coming; in the auto industry, this means more new cars are about to come. The Detroit Auto Show, which will take place in January shall be staging new cars from various automakers across the globe together with the latest edition of past models like the Hyundai Santa Fe, Jaguar XK Convertible, Lincoln Aviator crossover SUV, Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder convertible and Toyota Camry.

Here are some of the cars to look forward in 2006. Some of these will have their debut in the NAIAS:

* Acura RDX Prototype – this is a close production of the RD-X Concept shown last year at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). Acura has not yet given details about this new model; however it said that it remains close to the one shown last year at the NAIAS.

* BMW M Roadster and Z4 Coupe – BMW shall unveil 2 new cars in Detroit, the BMW Z4 M Roadster and the BMW M Roadster. The new BMW M Roadster, powered by the same engine found in the BMW M3, can accelerate from 0-60 mph in less than five seconds, says BMW. Also making its debut is the Z4 Coupe Concept. Although earlier introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the BMW Z4 Coupe Concept shall have its first appearance in North America in the Detroit auto show.

* Dodge Challenger Concept – To be introduced in January is an all-new dodge Challenger Concept. “This concept possesses the heritage and classic forms of the original Dodge Challenger," said Trevor Creed, senior vice president of design at the Chrysler Group. "However, the ability to use the Dodge Magnum, Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 series architecture as the concept's foundation allowed us to bring a new level of quality and fit-and-finish to a muscle car icon.”

* Ford Edge – this is the newest crossover SUV from Ford, which calls it a “CUV.” Its styling is based on the new Ford Fusion however Ford still has to disclose more details about this latest model. Says Peter Horbury in MSN Autos, “the new Ford Edge will inject a healthy dose of American design and personality into the hot crossover market.”

* Honda Fit - this new model from Honda is quite similar to the Honda Jazz sold in Europe. It is a small four-door hatchback that brings to us memories of the old Honda Civic wagon that was sold in the U.S. in the late 1980s. Like other automakers, Honda does not disclose yet details about this new model.

For more information on new cars to debut in the North American International Auto Show in January, you can go to the NAIAS’ official site or you can check out each automakers’ web site.

Meanwhile if you want to know the latest deals and the hottest replacement auto parts available for your old Ford, BMW, Mercedes Benz, Toyota car or other cars, you can visit Auto Parts Online. Offered in the store are great variety of auto parts such auto lights, wheels, mirrors, a/c condensers, bumpers, grilles, [link=hhttp://www.partstrain.com/ShopByDepartment/Floor_Mat]floor mats[/link] and floor liners, exhaust manifold among others.

Importance of Tires

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 41,471 fatal crashes last year and in an estimated 3.56% of these incidents, a total of 1,476, failure of a vehicle component or auto part was a contributing factor. In most cases it's not known whether the component was defective or the driver was negligent. Either way, maintenance goes a long way toward preventing an accident.

Your car’s tires are one of the most important pieces of safety equipment on your car. It won’t matter how well the engine, transmission, suspension, or even the brakes work if the tires cannot grip the road properly. No tire traction = no control.

So what are the warning signs that you should look out for when it comes to your car’s tires?


If you are experiencing any of the following then you are or soon will have tire trouble:


• A side-to-side "waddle" at slow speeds.
• An increased shimmy or vibration at highway speeds.
• A sharp pull to the side.
• Weaving or fishtailing.


Maintaining proper tire pressure, observing tire and vehicle load limits (not carrying more weight in your vehicle than your tires or vehicle can safely handle), avoiding road hazards, and inspecting tires for cuts, slashes, and other irregularities are the most important things you can do to avoid tire failure, such as tread separation or blowout and flat tires. Quality replacement auto parts including wheels can be found at trusted online auto parts stores like Auto Parts Online which offer BMW parts, Honda parts, Nissan Parts, Ford parts, and any car make of your choice at prices that won’t leave you flat.

The Right Way to Use your Lights

Many times we fail due to negligence and even ignorance. It’s either we don’t know what to do or we fail to do something and so accident happens. This is specially true to driving and in maintaining a vehicle. Problems occur because we are not able to do the right thing. Simple things such as failing to properly align the wheels or aim the auto lights may bring us to life-threatening situations.

Here are some tips about the proper use of auto lights. If you don’t have daytime running lights to make you vehicle more visible during the day, you may follow these tips and make yourself a more responsible driver:

1. Turn on your low beam headlights, even if you are not sure whether they are seen by other road users or not. Remember that vehicles using headlights will always be visible than those with unlit headlights. It would always make a difference if you turn your lights on.

2. Don’t use fog lights during the day, unless visibility is poor. Fog lights produce stronger, more focused and lower beam of light that is intended for foggy and harsh weather conditions. Likewise, don’t use headlights when driving through thick fog as these lights may produce glare that could temporarily blind the driver on the receiving end of the light.

3. Do not use parking lights when moving. These lights are intended for PARKING, as the name implies.

4. Never leave your headlights on when parking. To check if your alarm is functioning, turn on the headlights and get the key out of the ignition. Be sure you hear an alarm when the moment you open the door.

5. If your car’s lighting system has automatic on and off feature, just leave the headlights on all the time for added security.

Should you need replacement auto lights, go to Auto Parts Online for a wide selection of altezza lights, backup lights, clear corner lights, fog lights, headlights, parking light, side marker lights, side reflector, tail lights, turn signals and a whole lot more. Find the best deals on top quality Ford parts, BMW parts, Toyota parts and Chevrolet parts here at Auto Parts Online as well.

Incandescent to Go Extinct?

New kinds of lights are emerging in the market today. They are known as LED and HID lights, “the technology of the future for automotive lighting.” These lights are small in size however they emit powerful illumination that increases your vehicle’s visibility even at the worst driving conditions. They also have low energy requirement, which means that you can cut electricity consumption with these.

In the United States, the use of LED headlamps is already allowed while in some parts of Europe, they are still prohibited. This is because of the dangers of the use of these lights expressed by some motorists. The strong beam of light often causes temporary blindness to the person receiving the light. This is already being addressed upon by LED and HID lights manufacturers, however. By 2008, new regulations about the appearance, the size and the performance of LED headlamps will be enforced. This shall make these lights perfect for car application for good.



Auto lights are very important to your safety; thus the use of auto lights is required by law. Headlamps are among the most important lights since they provide illumination for you to drive by. Tail lights are also essential so your vehicle would be clearly visible for drivers behind your car.

Replacing the lights with high-output and stylish lights such as the new projector lamps from Auto Parts Online can be a great way to modify your car’s looks while you keep your vehicle safe. Just go to Auto Parts Online to locate the best replacement headlamps, taillights, clear corners, side marker lights and fog lights for your car.

Tire safety

A flat tire is the last thing you need when you’re already late for that all important appointment. But causing you to be late is definitely not the worst thing a flat tire can do to you – if your tire flattens out while you are driving, can cause your car to spin out of control into another car, a barrier, or off the road entirely. Whether you’ll be lucky or not is something you’d rather not have to answer, for sure.

There are many things you can take to prevent your vehicle from getting a flat. Tire care is extremely important, yet it is often ignored. Take the time to ensure the reliability of your tires and you could save a life (yours or somebody else’s).

Check your tires. Check your tires regularly. It is important that the tread, or the ridges in the rubber, wear evenly. You can either visually inspect your treads or invest in a tread-depth gauge for $20. Make sure that the treads on the outer edges and in the center of the tires are even and at least half an inch deep. A simple way to measure this is to stick a penny in the grooves. If you can see Lincoln's head, it is time to replace your tires. Quality tires for your Honda, GM, Volvo, or Toyota can be easily found in trusted online auto parts stores like Auto Parts Online. If the wear in your tire is uneven, you can try adjusting the pressure. If there is more wear down the middle of the tire, let some air out. If the inside and outside edges are more worn, add air to the tires. While you are inspecting the treads, look out for any cuts, holes, or objects lodged in the tire.

At least once a month, be sure to check the pressure in all of your tires. And yes, don’t forget to check your spare too, which can lose air over time even if it's not in use. You can buy a gauge at any auto supply store and at many hardware stores. The recommended tire pressure is listed in your vehicle's manual, stamped on the side of the tire, and often printed on a sticker on the inside of the driver's side door. Usually it is 32 pounds per square inch.

What to Check Under the Hood

Make it a habit to regularly check parts underneath the hood. Those parts are among the most critical parts of a vehicle, particularly the engine. Doing regular under-hood checks can help you detect problems early on so you avoid spending too much on repairs or costly car part replacement.

Here are the things you need to periodically check under the hood:

1. Engine oil level
2. Transmission fluid
3. Brake fluid
4. Power steering fluid
5. Coolant (Antifreeze) level
6. Battery

Among these, the very important is checking the engine oil level. Remember that the oil is the lifeblood of the vehicle so make sure the engine gets sufficient oil to be burned with air.

Likewise, it is very important to check the coolant level since this is the one that absorbs the heat from the engine parts. Without the coolant and the entire cooling system especially the radiator, your engine will overheat and become inutile in an instant. This is because it produces great amount of heat as it burns the air and fuel mixture in the cylinder.

The battery as well as the alternator and other electrical parts are very important parts car parts as well. These auto parts take charge of providing for the vehicle’s various electrical needs, including starting of the engine. Keep these parts clean to prevent early corrosion and formation of rust.

Should you notice problems that may require replacement you can go to Auto Parts Online for quality engine parts, electrical parts and other replacement and aftermarket auto parts. This store offers great variety of Ford parts, Toyota parts, Mercedes Benz parts, BMW parts and Chevrolet parts.

Fuel Economy Tips

With gas prices surging to a high of $3, fuel economy is on everyone’s minds. The first obvious step to saving money at the gas pump is to have a fuel-efficient car. Small, light cars tend to be stingier with fuel than larger vehicles. Also, choosing a four-cylinder engine rather than a V6, or a V6 rather than a V8 can help reduce fuel costs. Coupled with properly maintaining your vehicle – doing scheduled maintenance tasks, constantly checking for damaged or worn auto parts that need repairing or replacing – all of these can make significant difference to your gas mileage. Reliable online auto parts stores like Auto Parts Online is just a click away for your Toyota wheels, Ford engine parts, Chevrolet A/C condensers and other auto parts needs.

To further help you save money on your vehicle, here are more fuel-economy tips from Consumer Reports:

No loitering. Don't let the engine run at idle any longer than necessary. After starting the car in the morning, begin driving right away; don't let it sit and "warm up" for several minutes. An engine actually warms up faster while driving. With most gasoline engines, it's more efficient to turn off the engine than to idle for any longer than 30 seconds.

Easy does it. Driving smoothly and steadily makes the best use of your fuel. If you can, avoid hard acceleration or braking. Once up to speed, maintain a steady pace in top gear. Varying your speed a lot wastes fuel. A vehicle's gas mileage decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph. Smooth acceleration, cornering, and braking not only save fuel but also extend the life of the engine, transmission, brakes, and tires.

It's a drag. At highway speeds, more than 50 percent of engine power goes to overcoming aerodynamic drag. Try not to add to the drag by carrying things on top of your vehicle. A loaded roof rack can decrease a car's fuel efficiency by 5 percent. Even driving with empty ski racks wastes gas. In addition, if you have air conditioning, use it only when you really need it. Running the air conditioner robs power from the engine and uses additional fuel.

Stay warm. An engine runs most inefficiently when it's cold. It not only uses more fuel but also creates the most exhaust emissions and suffers the most wear. Avoid many short, separate trips--and unnecessary cold starts--by combining as many errands as possible into one trip.

Getting regular. If your car specifies regular fuel, don't buy premium under the mistaken belief that your engine will benefit. Most cars are designed to run just fine on regular gasoline. Furthermore, many cars that recommend premium fuel also run well on regular. Check your owner's manual to find out if your engine is designed to handle either grade. And consider buying off-brand gasoline, which is most often identical to what is sold at franchised gas stations.

Watch the tires. Keep your tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires require more energy to roll, which not only wastes fuel but also wears the tires faster. According to the EPA, a tire that is underinflated by only 2 pounds per square inch can cause a 1 percent increase in fuel consumption. Underinflated tires can also build up excess heat, which can lead to tire failure. Check your vehicle's tire pressures at least once a month, when the tires are cold. Also, check the tires before and after long road trips. The recommended tire pressure is found on a label inside the car--usually in a door jam or inside the glove-box lid.

Stay tuned. Running a car in poor mechanical condition can dramatically lower your fuel economy. A poorly maintained engine can cut gas mileage by 10 to 20 percent. A clogged air filter alone can cause up to a 10 percent increase in fuel consumption. Be sure to follow the recommended maintenance schedule in your owner's manual, and have the car promptly serviced if you sense any unusual sounds, smells, or vibrations.