Auto Parts Magazine 

Honda is the best Sipper!

Last week, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its 2006 fuel economy guide, and surprise, surprise – Toyota’s hybrid poster child, the Prius - did not emerge as the most fuel-efficient vehicle on the market. That honor actually went to the less popular Honda Insight (maybe the spaceship-y feel doesn’t make the customers feel all that warm and fuzzy enough inside). Appearances aside however, and on paper at least, Honda's Insight became the clear winner, scoring the same remarkable 60 miles per gallon in city driving as the Prius achieved, BUT edging out the Prius in highway mileage by a 20%, as calculated by EPA.

Other interesting tidbits from the EPA report:

Volkswagen is actually the most fuel-efficient of all car companies, with four of its vehicles landing on the top-10 list of "Highest Overall Fuel Economy Models." Volkswagen's secret? All four of its winners are diesels.

The fifth most fuel-efficient vehicle in the world is surprise, surprise again - an SUV. Specifically, it's Ford's Escape hybrid, in the front-wheel-drive configuration.

If you count repeats, Ford tied Volkswagen for most fuel-efficient car company. Not only did the front-wheel drive version of the hybrid Escape place on the top 10 list, but it also had multiple entries in the eighth-place slot: the four-wheel drive version of the hybrid Escape, and its kins -- 4WD hybrid versions of the Mercury Mariner and Mazda Tribute.

But then again, if you count the repeats it would actually seem to be a three-way race because Toyota sneaked four winners into the top-10 list, too (I mean really, Toyota takes this fuel-efficiency business really seriously, you know). In addition to the ever popular Prius, the hybrid variants of Toyota's luxury Lexus SUV and its slightly downmarket Highlander twin tied for ninth place. Toyota also has the distinction of manufacturing the only non-hybrid vehicle to place in the top 10: the stick-shift version of its Corolla sedan.

With gas prices still hovering over the $3 per gallon mark, fuel efficient vehicles really are the call of the times (despite some claims that Americans still refuse to give their gas-guzzling SUVs up). People are now more than ever, paying attention to their decisions when it comes to the second biggest investment they make in their lives - their vehicles. And while hybrids may be extremely popular these days, many experts recommend that those considering them should try to wait until next year, when the tax breaks really kicks in. And if you’ll be taking their advise and will be putting off buying a new car until next year, your current car can still serve you best given the right amount of care and maintenance. Regular checking and replacement of auto parts as soon as possible when necessary will not only keep you safe but will also save you a lot more than gas money. If in need of quality auto parts like Chevrolet fog lights, Pontiac bumpers, Dodge doors, Ford truck tailgates and more, visit trusted online auto parts like Auto Parts Deal.

The World’s Oldest Automobile Manufacturer Soon to Retire?

In the news: Chrysler and Mercedes Partnership is currently on the rocks.

Is that true? This was my first reaction when I read the news about DaimlerChrysler’s dismal state.

While Chrysler enjoyed some success in the auto industry in the recent years, Daimler on the other hand was spending millions of dollars reviving its former prestigious name but was unfortunate in its efforts. This consequently, affects the status of Mercedes Benz, the world’s oldest car maker—and yes, one of the most notable luxury cars.

DaimlerChrysler is in need of a new CEO for Mercedes Benz; but unfortunately, nobody seems to be willing to accept responsibility of restoring Mercedes Benz’ original luster. Recently, the company had been beset by low sales and quality problems. In fact Reuters news says Mercedes Benz is now left far behind by BMW. BMW gained 11.4 percent increase in sales in September while Mercedes Benz managed to get only 4.9 percent increase in sales, although this has been Mercedes Benz highest sales increase for this year so far.

If such occurrence will prevail or get worse, Mercedes Benz’ life will definitely be in danger. For a Mercedes Benz owner like me, this is quite depressing. But anyway, I don’t think an icon in the industry such as Mercedes Benz will just vanish in an instant.

Mercedes Benz cars are still among the best sellers in the luxury segment nowadays. In its official web site, Mercedes Benz reports that the world premier of the Mercedes Benz S-class at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt was very successful. Only one week after the market launch, these new models have already gained great response from buyers. The B and R-Class market launch last June is likewise showing positive results now. On the other hand, Mercedes Benz had sold more than 200,000 units of the second generation Mercedes Benz A-Class since its launching last year.

As a Mercedes Benz owner, I still feel a sense of pride driving a car that is recognized as a symbol of technical excellence, superb engineering and luxury. I love my Mercedes Benz for I had wonderful memories with it. If Mercedes would eventually lose its once glorious name, I’d still be a proud owner of a Mercedes car.

So that’s it for now. I still have to do some shopping for replacement Mercedes Benz parts. I want to replace my Mercedes Benz tail lights with more stylish ones I’ve seen from Auto Parts Deal. I’m planning to resize my rear Mercedes Benz wheels as well to make it appear like those of a sports car. Okay, got to go now.

Oh, by the way, just a sec.

I just thought keeping your Mercedes Benz in good shape and perfect driving condition is a great way to preserve Mercedes Benz’ exalted image. Whether Mercedes Benz would eventually lose its high standing in the industry or not, seeing old Mercedes Benz cars still confidently driving through modern city streets and highways would always remind us what Mercedes Benz used to be.

High-Tech Headlights: Bright Safety Ideas for Your Car

More and more variety of lights are coming out in the market today, but are all of them safe to use?

Headlights are considered among the most essential safety parts in your car as they light up the road at the same time keep your vehicle visible to other drivers and pedestrians as well; however, many complaints about the use of HID or high-intensity discharge headlights have been received by [link=http:/www.nhtsa.dot.gov/]National Highway Traffic Safety Administration[/link] (NHTSA) recently. Drivers complain that these lights produce much glare and thus, cause temporary blindness. While the one using them takes advantage of the bright light emitted by these headlamps, the drivers on the receiving end are not delighted by the glare.

LED (light-emitting diodes) lights on the other hand, are increasingly used nowadays. Volkswagen, for one, uses for the first time, LED lights in the new Volkswagen Passat. This type of lights compared to bright xenon and halogen headlamps, are more compact, durable and efficient. A LED light can last for 10,000 hours, which is like saying you would never have to replace your headlights. The Volkswagen Passat has LED in the brake, position and turn signal lights. Today, more and more vehicles come with LED headlights, rear-window brake lights, and fog lights.

These newer auto light alternatives provide auto users higher level of safety while driving and even parking. They are designed to last longer than most auto lights so changing your headlights should not be a problem. However, if you want to change your car’s looks, changing your headlights, fog lights, tail lights and other lights can be of great help. There’s one store that offers excellent deals on auto lights and other replacement and aftermarket parts, Auto Parts Deal. You can check on this store for your high quality and affordable auto light needs.

The Last of the Honda Type R

If you’re one of those who own a Honda Civic Type R, have made it stand out from the crowd with your personal choice of bumpers or maybe spoilers from Auto Parts Deal, you might want to give your ride a loving look just about now.

The last version of Honda’s hugely popular Type R of the current model Civic recently rolled off the line at Honda’s British production line, marking the end of one of the decade’s defining hot hatches.

The world said goodbye to the 197-horsepower, 2.0-liter car credited with almost single-handedly changing the image of Honda in Britain – achieving a near cult status among British fast car enthusiasts and becoming a favorite transport among fast, cool, trendy urban sophisticates.



In its final year, the Civic Type-R ended its reign with a flourish: rear ‘privacy’ glass for the rear side windows and tailgates; red carpets adorning the cabin, plus genuine Recaro seats and Momo steering wheel, replacing the standard Honda items fitted previously. The latest model also benefits from a raft of revisions introduced last year, including a lightened flywheel (shaving 0.2 sec from the 0-62 mph time), new front and rear light clusters, revised bumpers and Accord-style door-mounted indicator repeaters.

The Brits and any car-loving enthusiast will surely miss this popular hot hatch. But – word is a Type R version of the all new Civic is under development. Bets are that a concept car is likely to be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March, with a production car likely to follow in fall 2006.

Fogging Up Your Car's Windows?

Sure, sure, sure. Everybody has done it, if not, planned to do it at least once in their lives.

Car sex. In many parts of the world having sex in public is illegal -- but people do it anyway. For starters, there's nothing like the thrill of the thought that you may get caught doing the nasty. It's spontaneous, and, not to mention, doing it in the car does save you money on hotel (or motel) expenses. Besides, it's been glamorized so much in the media it comes close to being fashionable. Who can forget Leo and Kate fogging up the windows in the movie Titanic?

But, before you get down on it -- here are a few helpful tips to make the experience more ugh, pleasurable:

1.Clean car. Any woman (well, not unless she's drugged, incoherent, or just plain fearless) or man, for that matter, would be apprehensive about removing her or his clothes and getting down in a car that has McDonalds wrappers on the floor, soiled gym clothes and smelly shoes in the back or a sticky dash. Make sure the inside of your car is spotless.

2.Parking Brake. You wouldn't want to forget to do this simple little action. Hold on to your horses and make sure that your car's parking brake is on. This is very important. Make sure your auto wheels don't betray you. Other wise the two of you could end up naked in a ditch -- that would really ruin the experience, wouldn't it?

3.And yes, make sure that your car's other auto parts are working. Really now, if your car cannot even start properly, how can you even get to that perfect spot? Come on, clicking for replacement auto parts at Auto Parts Deal isn't that hard.

And finally, whatever happens, don't do it if you are in Jakarta or other exotic locale in Indonesia. Just recently, the Indonesian parliament's new anti-porn proposal included a prohibition on kissing on the mouth in public, which it puts in the same category as public nudity, flashing, erotic dancing and sex parties. Get caught and you could enjoy the comforts of an Indonesian jail for 5 years and leave the country $29,000 lighter. Imagine if you get caught doing more than just kissing!

What is Unique About Hybrid Cars?

At the wake of the government’s threatening to increase fuel economy standards, there’s talk again among major manufacturers of producing hybrid SUVs to help improve their economy. A lot of them would like to duplicate the success of Honda and Toyota, the only two companies who have actually brought hybrid cars to the market.

Exactly what is a hybrid car and what makes it so special?

A hybrid car or hybrid electric vehicle is a vehicle which relies not only on batteries but also on an internal combustion engine which drives a generator to provide the electricity and may also drive the wheels directly. The hybrid car is a cross between a gasoline-powered car and an electric car. You might wonder, yeah okay – it’s “plus electricity power” - but what’s all the fuss about when I’m perfectly happy with my gasoline-powered car? The answer here is twofold: the first is that hybrid vehicles reduce tailpipe emissions (meaning it is environment-friendly) and the second, is that they improve mileage.

The 2003 Honda Civic Hybrid is one such example. Developed by Honda, the leading car manufacturer of Hybrid vehicles, the 2003 Honda Civic Hybrid is currently the most popular subcompact car in America. This is a car that makes sense for owners interested in great fuel economy and low emissions. If you think that driving a hybrid vehicle will make you feel like you’re driving an alien spaceship – think again. For the most part, driving this gas-electric Civic is just like driving a regular gas-powered Civic.

So do these hybrid vehicles also come with auto parts that are easy to find, you might ask. Fortunately, their makers stand by their products and makes sure that their owners would not be hanging out on a limb looking for hybrid car parts. Owners would especially find it a relief that auto parts for these models are also now available in their trusted online auto stores like Auto Parts Deal – one of the country’s top auto parts suppliers where you can find a vast array of auto parts from all of your favorite car makes. Be it Ford parts, Toyota parts, Jeep parts, BMW parts, Dodge parts, Volvo parts, Audi parts, Chrysler parts, Volkswagen parts – you name it, yes, they got it. Best of all, you can find replacement and performance Honda Civic Hybrid auto parts at Auto Parts Deal, at the best deals you can imagine.

Where to Find Durable and Stylish Fenders

During accidents, the body parts usually suffer the most critical damages; among them is the car fender. This body panel is located above the tire and just below the hood. It is used to cover and protect the side part of the vehicle. Although it is the car bumper that takes the brunt of the collision, the fender is also often bent that is why small car accidents are called “fender benders.”

If your fender has been damaged due to an accident, you can easily replace it with an aftermarket and OEM-quality fender. You can find it at online stores like Auto Parts Deal. Getting a replacement fender or any other auto part from a trusted source is necessary to ensure the parts’ superior quality. Premium quality fenders are usually made of urethane and fiberglass. These materials are lighter but they are very durable. Compared to other kinds, fenders made of these materials are more stylish so they can enhance your car’s appearance.

For your high quality fender needs, visit only Auto Parts Deal, your one-stop shop of quality auto parts. You don’t have to search everywhere just to get durable and premium quality replacement parts that you need. You can also find here other quality exterior and body parts like spoilers, doors and door handles, mirrors, lights, tailgate, wheels, grills, bumpers and bumper covers.