People often wonder if they should be using synthetic oil in their new vehicles. Synthetic oil is better than regular oil for many different reasons: it’s a better lubricant; maintains integrity at high temperatures; is fairly pure; and rarely turns into sludge, even when it’s abused. To many people, the obvious benefits of synthetic oil lead them to conclude they should start using it ASAP. However, despite synthetic oil’s benefits, it really depends on how you take care of your car.

To start with, do you change your oil regularly? Oil needs to be changed before it breaks down and puts your engine at risk. But if you’re good at changing your oil on time every 3-5k miles, you’ll never experience one of the benefits of synthetic oil. Synthetic is resistant to breaking down, even after extended use. For instance, if you forget an oil change, or even if you just put one off for a few weeks, synthetic is the best oil to have in your engine. But if you’re changing your oil regularly and at the proper mileage, you’ll never be in a situation where your engine is at risk from worn-out oil.

One of synthetic oil’s biggest perks is that it doesn’t deteriorate until after a long time. Regular oil starts to break down after 6 months, and all oils should be replaced after 5K miles. If you’re someone who drives less than 5K every 6 months, then mileage-wise, you’re replacing your oil more often than you need to. Using synthetic oil will let you change your oil less frequently, so you can get greater mileage out of each oil change. This might save you some money, and definitely will save you on time.

Other than synthetic’s breakdown resistance and long life, there’s one other common reason you should consider using synthetic. As natural oil gets hot, it starts to breakdown. The longer it stays hot, the worse the breakdown. So if you regularly operate your vehicle in such a way that the engine temperature is always high, you should run synthetic. Letting your vehicle idle for hours at a time, such as on a jobsite, will overheat the engine. So will driving in high ambient temperatures, like in the desert, or altitudes of over 10k feet. As a rule, high temperature desert air doesn’t cool your engine very well, and neither does “thin” mountain air. If you live in these areas, consider running synthetic oil. Finally, synthetic oil is often used in high performance vehicles. If you are utilizing your vehicle like a high-performance car (high speeds, fast turns, you know who you are) then synthetic is a smart choice.

There are lots of people who will recommend synthetic oil to you, even if you don’t need it. For instance, synthetic is recommended for drivers who have to drive in stop-and-go traffic. However, almost everyone drives in this type of traffic at some time, and not everyone needs synthetic oil. It’s really only necessary if you’re stuck in stop-and-go for long periods of time, and on a regular basis. Synthetic might also be recommended to people who only drive on short trips, as a means for protecting the engine. But only driving for short trips will damage your engine regardless of what oil you choose, so the recommendation is redundant. Your engine is designed to perform for 20 minutes or more. There might be a slight benefit to running synthetic for short trips, but the difference is negligible.

If you determine that one of the above situations applies to you, take care when you purchase synthetic oil. Many places will suggest a synthetic blend as a way to save money (instead of full-synthetic), but the “blend” is oftentimes a mystery. Maybe you’re getting a 50-50 blend, or maybe you’re getting 1% synthetic and 99% regular oil. My recommendation is to go full synthetic or not bother with it – unless the blend suggested is provided and produced by your vehicle’s manufacturer.

You might be wondering what your vehicle manufacturer recommends for your vehicle. Most manufacturers will say that “any oil that meets API standard specifications can be used in your vehicle.” So normal is perfectly alright for most situations. Drivers will usually enjoy great performance from their new cars for a long time even without the extra benefit of synthetic oil, so long as they take proper care of their vehicles.

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No matter the reason for a travel you can be assured there is a recreational vehicle for you. Motorhomes can be used for overnight stops to a trip around the United States. Anyone can live the life on the road in a Motorhome.

In your pursuit for your perfect recreational vehicle make sure you have all the information you need to make the best decision for buying a recreational vehicle. It is important that you take as much time as you need in deciding if you want to buy a recreational vehicle as well as if your going to live in it, it takes commitment. There is unlimited information out there for recreational vehicles on the Internet, you are urge to take some time and do some research online (i.e. search engines, newsletter, RV forums), as well do some leg work visiting manufacturers, dealerships, and campgrounds. You may even start a conversation with a current owner they are usually willing to talk about their experiences and the pro and cons they have found in the living or traveling in a recreational vehicle. Research should include do you want a new or used recreational vehicle, then the make, model, length, accommodations needed.

Before investing in a motorhome you need to set a budget. Motorhomes are homes for some people and for others a home away from home. Buyer’s need to think about all their options they have regarding motorhomes, some run on gas or diesel fuel. Motorhomes come in several different makes, models, color, and price. There are Class As, Class Bs and Class Cs motorhomes.

In the process of making a budget you need to decide how much you can afford to spend, how much of a down you will need and can afford, as well as the payment, and how long do want to make payments. Do you need financing, recreational loan are easy to come by even if you bad credit.

You can get financing from either the dealership you purchase your motorhome from or online as well as your bank, the application process is a simple one, the loan officer will assist you along the way. It is normal that the process of financing a used motorhome take a little longer so don’t worry.

The reason for this is the depreciation of the motorhome lowers as soon as you drive it off the lot. In a new motorhome you have the option to add as many upgrades to better personalize it to your needs, as well as increase the value.

You have lots of ways to choose your motorhome from the manufactures, like Winnebago, Airstream, or Monaco. With each manufacturer their are models, and then there are styles as well as options each one has. Manufactures take alot of time designing and building the best motorhomes they can from suggestions that customers give them. They take pride in their work. You have the elite line and you have a economical line just like in automobile industry.

Please make the time to read the owners manual, you will find it offers lots of information, and warranties in it. It will also explain how to operate appliances, electrical systems, and plumbing. If you have safety questions there is an area for that too.

Dreamy motorhomes/a> are everywhere. But, hassle free RV Sales dealers are hard to find. Go straight to the most popular dealers on the web from Clint Westfall’s most voted for companies.

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Just what is a scooter anyway? Currently the word ???scooter??? is used for a number of different vehicles which causes considerable confusion. There are ???mobility scooters??? used by handicapped people. There are a variety of ???sidewalk scooters??? for use by kids – stand-up scooters either with or without an engine, small sit-down scooters, etc. They don’t travel at much over 10 miles an hour. There are electric scooters which generally do not travel very fast.gt;>> A. They’re economic. Replacing car trips with an electric bike saves on insurance, purchase price, and related registration fees. Furthermore, on average cars cost about $.10 per mile in fuel and parts. You can substitute an electric bike for a car or reap incredible savings by utilizing one less car. An electric bike can effortlessly travel over 10 miles at nearly 20 mph. Also, you don’t need a license to drive an electric scooter. They reduce pollution.

What inclines can the MOTORINO scooter handle? The MOTORINO electric scooters are equipped with 500W high torque brushless motor and CPU controller estimating the pitch of the hill and increasing the motor torque accordingly. They can handle hills of 15 degrees with a load of 170Lb. However if the hill is steeper and the speed drops to 15 km/hr the pedals may be used for recovering the speed.gt;>> A. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is a federal bureau delegated the task of enforcing American laws governing air, water and land pollution.

What is a limited-speed motorcycle? A limited-speed motorcycle is also known as a “motor scooter.” You can usually tell a limited-speed motorcycle by its “step through” design – you don’t have to straddle the seat. Motor scooters can be either electric or gas powered and have a maximum speed of 70 km/h and a minimum speed of over 32 km/h. Most motor scooters have automatic transmissions, with a maximum engine displacement of 50 cubic centimeters.gt;>> A. There is a very important technical distinction between engine designs in the scooter world.

What maintenance is required? The MOTORINO electric scooter is designed to be maintenance free. Considering the fact that this scooter has no combustion engine, no transmission, no belts, no chains, no clutch, no ignition plugs, no carburetor, and uses no gasoline and no lubricants it requires no maintenance too. Modular designed components are practically maintenance free.The MOTORINO electric scooter is designed to be maintenance free.

Just what is a scooter anyway? Currently the word ???scooter??? is used for a number of different vehicles which causes considerable confusion. There are ???mobility scooters??? used by handicapped people. There are a variety of ???sidewalk scooters??? for use by kids – stand-up scooters either with or without an engine, small sit-down scooters, etc. They don’t travel at much over 10 miles an hour. There are electric scooters which generally do not travel very fast.A limited-speed motorcycle is also known as a “motor scooter.” You can usually tell a limited-speed motorcycle by its “step through” design – you don’t have to straddle the seat.

How much maintenance does an electric scooter require? Electric scooters require a minimum of maintenance. These scooters have no combustion engine, no transmission, no belts, no chains, no gasoline, no lubricants, no ignition, no spark plugs and no carburetor. The design of the Direct Drive system and Hub Motor EVT scooters easier to maintain than any other electric or gasoline scooter available.gt;>> A. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is a federal bureau delegated the task of enforcing American laws governing air, water and land pollution.

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It is common knowledge that we need to keep our vehicle properly serviced for winter.

But what about during the summer? Believe it or not, the heat takes its toll on your car, too, so it’s important to keep your car serviced.

Service your vehicle at regular intervals. Doing this can have a large effect on not only performance but resale value also. I kept my last vehicle serviced in acccordance to the manufacturers specifications and when it came to selling it, I got more for it due to its good condition.

It is imporatant to read the vehicle owners manual. This might not be very interesting, but the information is essential for the proper maintanence. You should look through it at the very least!

Your vehicle should be serviced at the intervals recommended by the manufacturer to avoid any major problems while out on the road.

When servicing the vehicle, make sure that the air conditioning is checked. This can help avoid a huge repair bill in the future.

The most common cause of breakdowns in the summer is overheating. To avoid this happening to you, you should ensure that your cooling system is serviced and properly filled.

Have your mechanic check all of the belts and hoses for wear and tear. This task can be quickly done and repairs or replacements should not cost very much.

Oil and fluid changes should be performed every 3000 miles or quarterly.

Replace air and fuel filters as recommended.

Check your windshield washer fluid levels as these may be a low due to high winter usage.

Tyre rotation should be done every 5000 miles. Any worn tyres should be replaced.

Check the spare tire to make sure it’s inflated properly. Also, make sure you have a jack along with it!

If you get a broken transmission, it can translate into a very large hole in your pocket. Repairs are expensive but can be avoided with regular servicing.

If you notice that your brakes are less efficient, get them checked out right away.

Have your car battery inspected for life expectancy during the service.

Check all your lights to make sure that they are all functioning.

Jumper cables, torch, flares, high visability vests and a first aid kit should all be part of your vehicles tool kit.

There are some easy step that you can take to keep your car running smoothly during the summer.

Periodic checks take minutes, but can be a very important in prolonging the life of your car.

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New vehicle owners often wonder if they should be using synthetic oil. There are many advantages synthetic oil has over regular oil: it lubricates more effectively; withstands high temperatures; is relatively pure; and usually won’t turn into sludge even with heavy abuse. These clear benefits cause many people to assume synthetic oil is the obvious best choice. However, much of it comes down to how well you take care of your vehicle.

For starters, how often do you change your oil? If you’re a disciplined car owner who replaces the oil every 3 to 5K miles, then you’ll never notice a difference between regular and synthetic oils. Oil changes are meant to prevent engine damage from oil breaking down. Synthetic’s benefit here is that it resists breakdown, even after regular use. So if you tend to forget to change your oil regularly, synthetic oil is the best option for your car. But if you’re regularly replacing your oil at the recommended mileages, then synthetic oil probably won’t add any extra protection to your engine.

One of synthetic oil’s biggest perks is that it doesn’t deteriorate until after a long time. Regular oil starts to break down after 6 months, and all oils should be replaced after 5K miles. If you’re someone who drives less than 5K every 6 months, then mileage-wise, you’re replacing your oil more often than you need to. Using synthetic oil will let you change your oil less frequently, so you can get greater mileage out of each oil change. This might save you some money, and definitely will save you on time.

One of the biggest reasons why people use synthetic oil is because of its resistance to heat. Regular oil breaks down in high temperatures, and continue to break down as the heat rises. Drivers who use their vehicles in ways that create a constantly hot engine environment should use synthetic oil. So should people who live in hot climates, such as in the desert, or at high altitudes, like in the mountains. Neither high ambient temperatures nor low air pressure are ideal conditions for keeping your engine cool, so synthetic oil would give you the best performance in these areas. Finally, if you own a high-performance vehicle or just drive like you do, consider synthetic, which is the best choice for these vehicles.

There are a lot of entities that recommend using synthetic oil, even to people who don’t need it. For example, synthetic is recommended for anyone that drives in stop-and-go traffic. But since all of us drive in stop-and-go at some point, that’s a bad recommendation. You should only use synthetic if you’re driving in stop and go traffic long enough that your engine’s cooling fan turns on, and only if you’re doing so daily. Also, if you only drive short trips, people may recommend synthetic oil as a way to protect your engine. However, short trips, regardless of your choice of oil, can damage your motor. No matter whether you use synthetic or regular oil, your engine was designed run for at least 20 minutes. Running synthetic in these situations might be better, but tests have shown that the benefit is minor.

If you determine that one of the above situations applies to you, take care when you purchase synthetic oil. Many places will suggest a synthetic blend as a way to save money (instead of full-synthetic), but the “blend” is oftentimes a mystery. Maybe you’re getting a 50-50 blend, or maybe you’re getting 1% synthetic and 99% regular oil. My recommendation is to go full synthetic or not bother with it – unless the blend suggested is provided and produced by your vehicle’s manufacturer.

You might be wondering what your vehicle manufacturer recommends for your vehicle. Most manufacturers will say that “any oil that meets API standard specifications can be used in your vehicle.” So normal is perfectly alright for most situations. Drivers will usually enjoy great performance from their new cars for a long time even without the extra benefit of synthetic oil, so long as they take proper care of their vehicles.

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Are you an RV owner? If you are, you may enjoy the freedom of being able to come and go as you please. This is a nice luxury that many motor home renters do not have. Since you, as an RV owner, do have the freedom to come and go as you please, you may be interested in taking a last minute RV trip. If so, the following tips may be able to help you do so.

Properly planned trips are wise. And as nice as it is to hear that should properly plan for and prepare for your upcoming RV trip, you may be curious as to what the importance of doing so is. After all, you may only be interested in visiting the next town over for a day or two. Even in these types of situations, with short RV trips, it is still important to properly plan and prepare.

In conjunction with improving your overall satisfaction, proper planning and preparation, for an RV trip, reduces the amount of worry or concern you may have about doing so. For example, by creating a checklist in advance and going through that checklist before your trip, you can make sure that you have “all of your ducks in a row.” This is likely to provide you with a sense of comfort and security, which can help improve your chances of having a truly fun and memorable RV trip.

As for sporting events, NASCAR races are the most popular with RV owners and renters. NASCAR races operate different than most other sporting events, as ticket holders don’t just gain access to one day events. Many NASCAR ticket holders are able to get tickets for practice sessions and qualifying races, all of which are held on different days. That is one of the many reasons why NASCAR races are perfect for sports fans who love to travel by RV.

If you have a love for antiques, as well as RVs, you may be interested in attending antique shows. The good news about owning or renting a motor home is that you do not have to limit yourself in terms of distance. You have the opportunity to travel by RV all across the country to attend antique shows, flea markets, as well as other large sales. Depending on the size of your RV, you may have a decent amount of space to store all of your purchases.

Last Minute RV Trip

Before heading out on a last minute RV trip, it is important to make all needed reservations. This is particularly important during peak motor home travel times, such as spring and summer. You will not want to assume that all RV parks and public campgrounds have available spots. This is particularly the case with public campgrounds, as many are already limited on the number of spaces they have that can accommodate motor homes. Once you have a destination in mind, you can quickly examine your options, in terms of RV parks or public campgrounds, online. Get the contact information and place a call to make reservations or at least see if they are needed.

As nice as it is to be spontaneous and hop in your motor home and leave at the last minute, it is still important to be prepared. Proper preparation, even for last minute trips, is not only important for your safety, but for overall enjoyment as well.

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MOTORCYCLE CLUBS THE BROTHERHOOD MENTALITY VERSUS THE GANG MENTALITY

I want to talk about the Brotherhood mentality versus the gang mentality in the Motorcycle Club universe. Now for those of you who may be asking what is the difference? I will set up a scene to help give you a peek into the life! At a local Bar a member of a Motorcycle Club walks in he sees four Bikers playing pool, He can tell they are a bit nervous, They see his patches and they know who he is with. Now how does he act? Does he walk over to the pool table knock the 8 ball in the pocket say games over and tell one of them to buy him a beer? Or does he walk over introduce himself and let them know when they are done shooting pool they are welcome to stop over at the bar have a beer and talk with him! One is the gang way of thinking the other is the Brotherhood way of thinking! I really don’t think I need to tell you which is which!

Now one thing everyone needs to remember is all of the original Motorcycle Clubs Started out with the idea of being a tight nit group of Brothers and almost all of these Motorcycle Clubs where friendly to one another. Don’t forget many of the men who started the first MCs where returning home after serving their country during times of war. They were looking for that feeling of Brotherhood here at home that they had when they were fighting for our great country. These were good men seeking adventure, looking to ride their Motorcycles and have a great time with like minded people. Today most Motorcycle Clubs have gone back to that way of Club thinking, There are very few Clubs left that still have the Gang Mentality that was seen mostly during the 70′s threw 90′s. During the late 90′s things had just gotten too far out of hand and most Motorcycle Clubs began to realize the Gang Mentality was not the way it was meant to be and it was not the way they wanted it to be anymore, This was not what the Clubs were started for! Many Clubs who had been friends over the years were now fighting with each other. No one wanted to wear club support gear and things were just not fun anymore. These MC’s had all started their Clubs with the same ideals and ways of thinking, How and why had they grown so far apart that they now hated each other!

Well the answer to how is during the 50′s and 60′s the golden age of the Brotherhood years of Motorcycling, The Motorcycle Clubs were really big. During this great time many of the Biker Movies that came out portrayed Motorcycle Club Members as Bullies and Thugs. The Bikers in these movies would pick on those weaker then them, take over small towns and the Clubs in these Movies all fought each other just like the street gangs of the time! So of course over time many new Bikers came to believe that this was the way it was. So when New Clubs started this was how they would act and the Original Motorcycle Clubs now had members who where young kids looking to prove how tough they were by starting fights with each other. The Original Motorcycle Club Members had been threw real wars together and they were as hard as nails and had nothing to prove to no one! But many younger members felt that they had something to prove and would imitate the Biker Clubs from the Movies they had scene and soon it was Biker against Biker, Brother against Brother, MC against MC. Thus began the Dark age of the Motorcycle Gang Mentality years.

Now for the question Why did this Happen? Well When something Changes the way of thinking and being of Groups like the Motorcycle Clubs so far from their original ideals, You have to ask was it just an accident these movies did this? Or was there more to it? Was there a plan behind it? Is there someone or some group out there that would benefit from having these large groups of Motorcycle Clubs who are run in a very military fashion and are made up of many ex-Military Members fighting against each other? If these Clubs all got along and worked together the world could be a very Different place! The Motorcycle world certainly would be! Are there people out there who are afraid of this happening?

Today there are very few Motorcycle Clubs left that have the Gang Mentality. Most if not all have gone back to the Brotherhood way and the word Gang in the Motorcycle Club world has become taboo. Now as Motorcycle Clubs are beginning to get back to the way it was at the start and trying to put the past behind them, I am noticing that there are more and more Biker movies and TV shows Coming out. Will these shows show MC’s in a good way? Will they go out of their way to stir up the quarrels of the past? Will they show us as mindless thugs or bullies much as the Movie Wild Hogs did? Most Important will we let them influence who we really are? Or have we learned from our mistakes? If all continues to go well we could soon be making our way into the Second Golden age of Motorcycle Club Brotherhood back to where it all Started !!!

All Bikers need to ask themselves one question, “Am I part of the Problem or part of the Solution?”

I am Your Bro

LJ James with AmericanBikerX.com

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A vehicle is composed of several interrelated systems whose functions are necessary to its efficient performance. One of the systems that are often overlooked but are essentially important to the vehicle’s maximum efficiency is the exhaust system.

The exhaust system has and number of uses. It carries harmful exhaust fumes away from the engine as well as being important in ensuring good fuel consumption. It is also crucial to smooth and satisfactory driving.

What difference does a healthy exhaust system make to the efficient running of your vehicle?

There are a few different components that make up a complete exhaust system and they all have an important and distinct function. The main parts are the muffler, manifold, exhaust pipes and catalytic converter.

The exhuast system is designed to safely channel away waste gases produced in the combustion chambers of the engine, like carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, the unburned hydrocarbons, sulfur dioxide, lead and other metals.

These gases can not be sent straight out of the vehicle because they are harmful to both humans and the environment. They must first be cleaned by the catalytic converter. When servicing your vehicle, the exhaust system must be inspected for cracks and damage that may stop it functioning properly.

Exhaust system fall into two categories. These categories are the Dual or Twin Exhaust System or the Emission Control System.

The Twin Exhaust System

A Twin Exhaust system allows for faster expulsion of the exhaust gases. Having a twin exhaust system can have significant effect on a vehicles horsepower, by expelling more of the gases from the combustion chamber at a quicker rate on every stroke.

An Emmision Control System

The purpose of the emission control system is just that; it controls the emissions and exhaust from your vehicle. Some emission control exhaust systems are designed to prevent the formation of pollutants in the engine itself while the other type of emission control exhaust systems turn the harmful gases into harmless ones through the use of a catalytic converter.

Parts of an Exhaust System

1. Exhaust Manifold – this part is attached to the cylinder, usually constructed of cast iron, which is used to conduct the exhaust gases from the combustion chambers to the exhaust pipe.

2. The Catalytic Converter – This component has the job of turning the harmful gases in safe ones like water vapour and carbon dioxide.

3. Muffler – this part helps in reducing noise in the exhausts system. Some mufflers are made of fiberglass to absorb the sound energy as the gases flow through it.

4. Exhaust Pipe – this part carries the gaseous waste out of the tail pipe. It is usually made of steel or stainless steel.

Have your exhaust system checked every time that you have a car service. If there are any damaged parts, get them replaced immediately as they can have a serious effect on performance and safety.

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Vehicle safety is something of a puzzle for automakers. Improved vehicle safety technology have made cars safer than ever, yet the number of vehicle-related deaths in the U.S. has remained steady at 40 000 fatalities each year. Why haven’t all these new vehicle safety measures made us safer? One company has hypothesized that the problem lies not with the cars, but rather, with the drivers.

Robert Bosch LLC has come out with new research that found two out of three drivers don’t hit the brakes with enough force just before an accident. This isn’t because the driver wants the accident – it’s because the overload of information and stimuli, from multiple warning systems, distracting passengers, and the mental load of processing events on the road, all compete for mental resources, and slow down the decision-making process by a few vital milliseconds. The result is the driver hitting the brakes just a moment too late, or not quite hard enough.

The solution, according to Bosch, is a predictive brake-assist technology that will detect an anticipated accident and react by activating the brakes. The system will continuously monitor the surroundings on the road to determine stopping distance. With these calculations constantly running in the car’s computer, the hydraulic brake is properly engaged for full-force braking once an impact is evident.

Although there’s not enough research yet to know for sure, it’s reasonable to think the predictive brake-assist technology will be useful in preventing some of the over 2 million front-end collisions that occur every year. However, some argue that this technology might actually decrease safety, because drivers might not fully understand how the system works and erroneously believe it will do most of the braking for them. They then might not try to stop the car themselves, increasing their risk of accident. This argument seems inane, but shouldn’t be completely dismissed. More research and testing are needed before this system can be made mandatory.

Some manufacturers are already using predictive braking technology. Mercedes Benz has implemented the system in their SL550. Based on the amount of pressure the driver places on the brake pedal, the car is able to sense an emergency and apply the maximum power boost. Many other manufacturers, such as Toyota, Volvo, Cadillac, and BMW are also testing the technology.

The predictive brake-assist technology is only one new electronic system to improve automotive safety. In addition to Bosch’s proposed predictive brake assist technology, there’s also something called “lane departure notification.” Simply stated, lane departure notification uses an electric eye to determine if the car is driving outside the lines. This system would most benefit drivers who may be falling asleep, as driving outside the lane will trigger an audible warning.

In keeping with the idea that drivers themselves can be a safety issue, Bosch has also proposed modifying current vehicle safety ratings to include a sixth star. The sixth star will be used to rank a vehicle’s accident avoidance systems, such as predictive braking and lane departure notification. It’s a good way for consumers to compare a vehicle’s complete safety rating, rather than just its crashworthiness.

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So, you’re planning an outing with the family this summer and you’ve chosen to tour some of the best national parks the United States and Canada have to offer. However, you cringe at the thought of the crowds you are about to encounter and the accompanying lack of privacy. Don’t despair. If solitude is your thing, these six parks may just be the answer:

1. Arches. This gem can be found in the southern landscape of Utah. It’s best known for its stunning sandstone arches, two of which are Delicate Arch and Landscape Arch, the park’s largest. Because of the sheer beauty the park has to offer, along with the landscape, hiking remains the most popular activity.

2. Badlands National Park. What makes this park so unique has to be the terrain. At one point, you’ll notice the grassy prairies. Yet not far away, you see numerous canyons and buttes. There’s no shortage of wildlife to see, as you’re sure to spot bison, bighorn sheep, coyotes, and rabbits, among others.

3. Big Bend National Park. This is truly the park for the water enthusiast. Located in western Texas, river rafting on the Rio Grande is a popular attraction. Canoeing and kayaking are perfect ways to take in the breathtaking views. The park, situated on more than 3/4 of a million acres, got its name because of the very large bend in the river.

4. Biscayne. Primarily accessible by boat only, Biscayne National Park is located about 20+ miles from Miami as part of a coral reef. Anyone with a love of marine life will feel right at home viewing the many varieties of fish, turtles, stingrays and more in the crystal clear waters. Many of the keys that make up the park are perfect for fishing, camping, and hiking.

5. Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Looking for different experiences at different times of the year? This Nova Scotia wonder is just the ticket. Believe it or not, depending on the time of year, this is one place where you can hike in the fall, play on the beach in the summer, or even ski in the winter. Once home to Alexander Graham Bell, Cape Breton offers breathtaking views of the highlands and coastlines regardless of the time of year.

6. Congaree. South Carolina’s Congaree National Park is among the newest of parks, earning its status in 2003. The park boasts the largest floodplain forest in North America. More than 70 tree species adorn the landscape housing numerous animals that can be viewed from literally anywhere in the park.

So if you’re looking to experience the excitement of camping without the headache associated with large crowds, these places are for you. These six lesser-known gems will provide you with hours of enjoyment, not to mention memories that will last forever.

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