The Features Of Lightbars That Makes Them Versatile

Lightbars, both of regular size as well as of a mini size are available for those who are looking for emergency lighting that conserves energy and is highly effective. The LED bars are usually known for their low power consumption, being assembled of 1W and 0.5W LED bulbs that hardly consume any power. At the same time, these LED lights arranged in linear fashion are intense and do not let you compromise with the quality of light at any point of time. These light bars are sleek with a beautiful design that is attractive to behold especially when all the LED bulbs are glowing.

One of the features of the construction of lightbars is their aerodynamic design that saves plenty of energy without lowering the quality of the brightness of light. Usually these light bars come along with a 10 foot cord and a cigarette plug switch that can be used to turn on or turn off the lights as and when required. The mounting brackets are also available with the kit. The light bars also offer plenty of flexibility in terms of where you install them and in what angle.

An important feature of the lightbars is the control box which allows the user to manipulate the flash patterns depending upon his preferences. The light bars come with plenty of flash patterns especially when there is room for more than 2 or 3 colors. It is common to find LED bulbs in red, blue, amber and green, used with alternating flash patterns that look really beautiful. The ease with which these flash patterns can be changed and manipulated adds to the popularity of these light bars, both for emergency vehicle lighting as well as for decorative lighting.

The lightbars offer many different options for those looking to conserve energy without cutting down on the brightness. Usually 3 or 4 LED modules are assembled together and the equipment comes laced with as many as 10 or even more flash patterns. The 40lb magnetic mount brackets are good for support. One of the good things about these LED modules is that they usually have an epoxy coating which keeps moisture away. LED modules on light bars are known for being resilient to harsh weather conditions thus permitting their use in all kinds of scenarios.

There are interesting flash patterns available with the lightbars that add to the operational flexibility. The controls allow you to operate only the front or the rear portion of the bar when light is needed only in one direction. Outer edge LED bulbs and flashing take downs are other varieties that are offered by several companies manufacturing light bars. The light bars are also used along with colored lenses to emit colored light which is enhanced to a great extent. Compression fit gaskets are used to resist the moisture adding to the ease of use of these light bars. A lot of light bars also allow you to vary or upgrade the LED bulbs with ease.

Extreme Tactical Dynamics is a one-stop shop for Lightbars and many other items like Flashlights, Deck Lights, police lights, etc. Please visit the site for more details of various items available - http://www.extremetacticaldynamics.com/

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The Benefits of Using Car Strobe Lights

Car strobe lights are extremely important for driving safety. When you are driving on a highway and are used to cranking up the speed, visibility is imperative and you must have the brightest possible lights on your car. It is not difficult to get the best set of lights for your car, with LEDs being used increasingly at the front as well as in the rear. The strobe lights are usually dash-mounted using generation III LED technology. These lights are extremely slim and use total internal reflection technique to maximize the visibility.

Car strobe lights offer a great deal to drivers, considering that they are cheap and conserve a lot of energy too. They don't use up a lot of battery charge. This is more the case when LEDs are used although it is quite possible to find effective lights using xenon and halogens. The lights can be switched on and off with ease and are usually assemblies made of arrays of mini lights. The super brightness makes them ideal for long drives when you need all the light that is available. When it is hazy or foggy outside, these lights are very influential in avoiding accidents not only by allowing drivers to see better through the haze but ensuring that approaching vehicles can spot your lights and hence your vehicle.

The dimensions of the LEDs usually vary, with a length of 10 - 12cm. Car strobe lights with adjustable brackets allow easy angling of the lights if required based on where they are mounted, whether it is the windscreen or the dashboard. The long-lasting lights using LEDs enhance the brightness and wide-angle visibility with the use of reflectors and lenses. This is the improvisation that has made strobe lights extremely popular with car owners presently. The use of LEDs ensures that a lot of energy isn't wasted away. Costs too are kept at a low.

High intensity car strobe lights are made up of 1W and 0.5W LEDs which shine brightly without consuming a lot of power. The intensity of these lights especially when several arrays are combined could be highly effective on highways. Even 3W LED modules are sometimes used in varying colors, although amber is widely used for these lights. In fact, the lights can be plugged in with cigarette lighter charger of 12V. A lot of young drivers use these lights to make the vehicles look extremely attractive.

One can also go for heavy-duty car strobe lights which come with varying flash patterns. These patterns can be flipped on and off with a switch. One can also go for hideaway lights which come with LEDs that save energy without compromising on the intensity or the brightness of light. The strobe lights are also waterproof in most cases which allow you to mount them on the dashboard without worrying about the rain or snow. These cost-effective strobe lights come in attractive flash patterns and can make the vehicle look really beautiful.

Extreme Tactical Dynamics is a one-stop shop for Car strobe Lights units and many other items like Flashlights, Deck Lights, police lights, etc. Please visit the site for more details of various items available - http://www.extremetacticaldynamics.com/

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Tips To Pick Appropriate Emergency Lighting

There is a reason why some types of lighting are called emergency lighting. It is because, they are highly reliable and amongst the few sources that can be trusted in an emergency situation. The definition of emergency has changed quite a bit in recent times and lighting for emergency has to stay up to date with it as well. When you are thinking of investing in such lighting there are some things that you need to keep on top of your mind.

The first thing about emergency lighting is the ease of their use. They shouldn't comprises of overly complicated circuits. The lighting equipment should be extremely portable, which will allow you to carry it easily, wherever it is required. Along with portability, the ease with which the lighting can be manipulated or customized is an important usage factor. For example, LED modules are usually seen handled by a control circuit that is simple and quite easy to use. These control boxes allow you to have several flash patterns that can alternately be used. Some LED light bars come with as many as 15 flash patterns with alternating colors that not only enhance the brightness, but also are more attention-grabbing, which is an important quality for lighting to be used in emergencies.

Another important feature of emergency lighting is the power consumption. This is expected to be as low as possible. This is also the reason why light emitting diodes are preferred instead of halogen or xenon lights. LEDs hardly waste any energy in the form of dissipation of heat. Also sufficient brightness is provided by simple 1W LED bulbs which can be used in arrays to provide intense light with low beam temperature. Low power consumption will also allow you to carry less batteries or power sources especially on emergency or camping expeditions when such lighting can be used. This is one reason why LED emergency light bars are used more often these days compared to normal flashlights, in crisis situations like floods or other natural disasters.

Emergency lighting should also be good for use in different weather conditions. It is common to find, LED modules which are epoxy coated to save them from the effects of moisture. Similarly, polycarbonate coating is also used in some cases, to diminish the effects of harsh weather. Lighting used in emergencies has to function in exactly the same way in bad weather conditions as it does normally. Lighting used on ambulances, fire engines, highway patrol cars and cop vans should be luminescent and effective in all situations. Brightness of lighting is also important especially under hazy and foggy conditions, where visibility is of prime importance.

Apart from low power consumption and intense brightness, emergency lighting should also be picked for longevity. This lowers the cost of the lighting which is important. Thermoplastic surfaces of the LED modules allow them to be resilient. Chrome deflectors and lenses are used along with these to enhance the visibility of the lighting anyway. These developments in construction offer good choice for those selecting lighting for emergency situations.

Extreme Tactical Dynamics is a one-stop shop for Emergency Lighting and many other items like Flashlights, Deck Lights, police lights, etc. Please visit the site for more details of various items available - http://www.extremetacticaldynamics.com/

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Are You Looking For Speed?

Movies like "Fast and the Furious", and games like "Gran Turismo" or "Grand Theft Auto" attract a lot of attention and give birth too many new racing enthusiasts. As they become more serious as car and racing hobbyists, they slowly learn that there is way more to the craft than just pushing hard on the gas pedal.

A great sports car is not merely limited to fantastic body paint or a powerful engine the same way a true racer is not defined merely by his hunger for speed. To achieve great speeds, one must necessarily have the makings of a speed daredevil, and of course, a great car too.

Racing aficionados know that speed and skill are an inseparable and extremely effective combination. So, how then can one achieve this perfect mix?

1. Body - exterior. Most racing enthusiasts are familiar with the line "pimping" a ride. This refers to the physique of the vehicle itself, where talks of body paint, stickers, lights, and accessories come in. Although a great ride should be appealing in form, racing cars should, more importantly, have lightweight body exteriors whose materials and designs are in sync with the entire physics and dynamics of speed.

2. Body - interior. Due to the nature of this career, and the admittedly inherent danger that comes along with it, safety features are a top-priority among racers. Heavily cushioned and padded seats to start with, and airbags for collisions and other contacts, are but a few of the necessary precautions any racing aficionado must take into heart. Other modifications on the interior that play a huge role in the actual race include the steering wheel and gear covers, and even pedal textures. Leather or rubberized covers naturally provide more grip and friction which help greatly in the handling of the car; while a ribbed, spiked or any textured pedal for that matter provides better contact with the foot as opposed to a smooth pedal.

3. Engine and car parts. The engine and car parts need regular maintenance to ensure maximum performance so it is necessary for an enthusiast to be well versed with the car parts - From the ignition and electrical parts to the downpipe, turbo, cold air intake systems and muffler - and at the same time, ready to troubleshoot when necessary.

The best cars are not manufactured perfect, as is. What makes a ride great are the accessories, modifications and every bit of detail added to it? But even with all of these achieved, a great car will just be another car without a skilled and experienced driver. Discipline, control and focus are only some of the many important traits a true racing enthusiast must have because at the end of the day, the entire car will only be just another accessory to the great man driving it.

To know more information about downpipe and cold air intake system visit RacelandUS.com

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Increase Your Car's Speed Using Exhaust Headers

If you have ever been to a movie theater in recent years, you may have noticed the rising popularity of automobile and car culture films. These films clearly depict the extravagant and high-stakes lifestyle of these racers, detailing how thrilling their lives are and how famous they can be. And lo and behold, it resonated with a lot of people as these films went on to make hundreds of millions of dollars all throughout the globe. And, not long after, almost every other form of media followed suit, with video games and TV shows suddenly focused on providing their markets with other opportunities to get their car culture fix. Suddenly, everyone is a car lover, and if you were, you were very, very cool and hip.

Pretty soon, though, this fantasy will become a reality, as more and more people started to do to their real-life cars what they only saw in movies and video games before. All of a sudden, there was this surge in popularity for car modification. We saw how cars increasingly started to feature more and more add-ons as time went by, their owners obviously determined to set their cars apart from the rest. Being unique was no longer optional, it seemed like it was the norm. And if you weren't able to relate to it, then you were just not cool enough.

First, it started off innocently enough, with most enthusiasts focused more on just the external appearances of their cars. What mattered more to them was what the color of their car was and if they used high quality paint. They also looked around to find the perfect hue, and pretty soon started putting on decals and full-body stickers to really stand out from the rest of the crowd. You surely must have noticed more and more cars sporting unique and snazzy colors and designs.

Next, they started focusing on obtaining the fastest speed possible. It was not enough for them their vehicles could drive a maximum of 200+ miles; they wanted to be able to start faster, paying so much attention to stuff that can make their car go just a teensy bit faster. And so, they started adding all sorts of equipment, such as spoilers and exhaust headers, to speed up their car. Some also add mx5 luggage rack for more appeal.

Clearly, we can see how these films have almost single-handedly created a new culture. It is definitely amazing to see these cars on the street, looking like they mean business and acting like they are the only one of their kind. And for the most part, they're right.

To know more information about mx5 luggage rack and exhaust headers visit RacelandUS.com

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Mobile Car Washing - Dealing With Angry Fixed Site Carwash Competitors

There is quite a bit of competition in industry, and there is quite a bit of animosity between various companies doing their businesses slightly differently in the marketplace or competing in the same sector using different business models. Take for instance a mobile carwash and a fixed-site mechanized carwash. Obviously, the fixed site carwash has $1 million invested; well over $200,000 in equipment, $300,000 in a building, and let's not forget the $500,000 value of the land which sits underneath the carwash.

Yes, that's a good chunk of money, and that will represent a large number car washings to ever reach a return on investment. Now then, when it comes to a mobile carwash chances are the mobile carwash operator - including all the equipment, vehicle, and everything all combined - has less than $30,000 invested. And therefore, their return on investment is much easier to attain, and thus, they can charge a lower price. Because of that, a fixed site carwash owner might get very angry if mobile carwashes are running around washing all the cars and taking their business away.

Further, there are all sorts of rules and regulations that fixed site carwashes must deal with constantly. With mobile car washing, there are only a few rules and regulations they must consider. Another reason that fixed site carwashes don't appreciate their mobile competition. This anger and animosity between the two types of businesses in the carwash sector causes tremendoes of friction. But, sometimes it is better to cooperate than to compete. Let me explain, and I have four points of I'd like you to consider;

1. Advertise
2. Co-Market
3. Water Purification
4. Zone Marketing Cooperation

First off, there are some vehicles that carwashes cannot wash because of their size and shape. There are also fleet vehicles whose business owner doesn't want to pay their employees to drive over to the carwash. It makes sense to co-market and co-brand, even co-advertise with a carwash and allow them to sell washes on location for motor homes, and fleets of vehicles. Allow them to do the billing, and charge them a reduced rate. Those customers belong to the carwash owner, but he contracts with the mobile carwash to do the cleaning.

Next, I'd like you to consider water purification. Did you know that fixed carwashes use reverse osmosis water for their spot free rinse? Wouldn't it be nice for the mobile operator to fill up every morning with spot free water? Why not buy that reverse osmosis water for a couple cents per gallon to fill up the mobile operator's tanks? It's an added revenue stream for the fixed carwash, and it makes the mobile carwash's job much easier.

Lastly, I'd like you to consider that the average trading area for a carwash is about a 5 to 10 mile radius and the carwash may have customers that are beyond that point, and fleets of vehicles, where the customers don't want to drive to the location based carwash. Why not let them hire the mobile carwash. Indeed I hope you will please consider all this and think on.

Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, and now runs the Online Think Tank. Lance Winslow believes writing 24,222 articles by July 22, 2011 at 2:22 PM is going to be difficult because all the letters on his keyboard are now worn off now..

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How to Select Best Pressure Washers for Mobile Auto Detailing Business?

Auto detailing businesses have the potential to earn competitive rates as long as they have the right equipment. Mobile auto detailing, where the auto detailer travels with their equipment to the client's location, is one of the fastest growing small businesses in the US. In addition to great income generation potential, mobile auto detailing also allows enormous flexibility with regard to scheduling and work hours. The owner can take up mobile auto detailing as a part time business while dedicating most of the week to their regular job, schooling, or other priorities.

No matter how lucrative the business opportunity, you need the best car wash equipment if you plan to make a substantial income off this venture. One of the most important pieces of equipment is a pressure washer. There are many different variations of pressure washers on the market, making the selection process difficult. Here are a few tips to assist you in the task.

Auto Detailing Machines Are Powerful and Long Lasting

Many pressure washers sold on the market are not built to withstand high temperatures and pressure levels. Without the use of heat and adequate pressure levels, vehicle cleaning is incomplete. Many auto cleaning machines exceed the recommended pressure levels of 1500 psi for cleaning vehicles, creating risk for vehicle cleaning. Look for machines sold through reputable dealers who retail pressure washers specifically for auto detail cleaning. If other car detailing businesses are happy with their pressure washers, it is likely that you will also enjoy using their car wash machines.

A car pressure washer should have sturdy, corrosion resistant parts. Stainless steel heating devices are far stronger than aluminum ones. Similarly, the auto detailing machine housing should be built of stainless steel (powder coated steel is corrosion-proof and does not chip). The nozzle should also be constructed of stainless steel and the hose should be specially designed to withstand high pressure (garden type hoses will not last).

High Temperatures Are Recommended

High temperature dissolves grease, petroleum derivatives, soapy scum, and many types of dirt. Therefore, you should invest in a car pressure washer that utilizes water at high temperatures. There are some car wash machines that can generate temperatures as high as 250°F.

Mobility

A mobile car wash requires machines that can be transported to the work site easily. These pressure washers should be compact, lightweight, and should easily fit on a trailer.

Power Method

Fixed location car wash businesses usually prefer electric car wash machines. Mobile car wash businesses, however, need to consider the fact that electricity is not always available at work location. They can choose a gasoline, propane, or diesel powered pressure wash machine. The only drawback is that these machines cannot be used indoors without sufficient ventilation. However, if most of the work will be done outside, this is not a concern.

The advantages offered by auto detailing pressure washers make them the best investment for a car wash business. Only purchase from reputable suppliers to ensure you get the best products for your needs.

Daimer Industries is a leading supplier of auto detailing equipment. Daimer provides a complete range of car wash machines including car pressure washer, mobile car wash equipment and many more.

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Used Car Prices Dropping?

There has been a sudden drop in the prices of used cars across America in the month of June. This has been a sharp drop after 3 years of unsustainable price rise in the segment.

The drop seems to be in direct proportion to the drop in new vehicle sales. A supply shortage of used vehicles due to drops in repossessed and off lease vehicles. It was also noted that some consumers found it real difficult to qualify for the new vehicle financing. There has also been a rising trend among consumers to shift from gas guzzling trucks to more fuel-efficient cars. This has resulted in an uneven demand across all segments.

Some experts also attribute the drop in used-vehicle prices on the pullback of gasoline prices. Japanese automakers have resumed normal production after the devastating earthquake, which may also be one of the major contributing factors.

According to Kelley Blue Book's June "Blue Book Market Report", the average used-vehicle price fell by $100 in May. Price of subcompact fell by as much as $25 and used compact and hybrid car prices fell by as much as $50 in the first week of June.

According to Black Book, which keeps a track on the price trends in the vehicle auction market has reported a sharp overall decline in the prices in the past four months in the second week of June. Ricky Beggs, Managing director of Black Book had commented that entry-level car sales price fell an average of $44, prices of SUV's fell an average of $122 and prices of full-sized crossover fell by $147.

Most of the used car dealers seem to be seeking used vehicles more aggressively but many of them admit that they have slowed their acquisitions after the Japanese earthquake from a frenzied level. There is also a note of caution among the dealers. Most of them don't want to get caught in this buying bubble and end up loosing money when the bubble bursts. Some also complained that wholesale prices are as high as retail transaction price

Almost half the vehicles offered in auction lanes in late May were being bought. In the wake of the earthquake in Japan 80 percent of vehicles offered were purchased due to shortage of new-vehicles, which typically is about 60 percent.

Most dealers have pulled back from acquiring vehicles fearing a bubble in auction prices. Most of them are finding it difficult to acquire vehicles at reasonable rates. Also they don't see the retail prices falling anytime soon. Very few dealers think that prices may fall in coming weeks.

Many feel that the prices of small car retail will stay at the current levels. This they attribute to the flow of cars expected from Japan. Some feel the prices will rise where as a small percentage of dealers feel there is a genuine chance for the prices to fall in the next four weeks.

The US is seeing a alarming drop in Used car prices all over the country. Many experts believe its just a bubble ready to burst.

TT Cars is one-stop portal for buying second hand cars online. Cheap deals on luxury cars, pickup trucks and other pre-owned cars by owners and used car dealers await you. Find used cars in your local area with TT Cars.

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Porsche Performance Upgrades for Speed Junkies

It is difficult to improve upon perfection - but it is not impossible! If you have a Porsche automobile, you probably appreciate great engineering, sleek handling, sporty curves and, of course, having the best of the best. And you probably like to see what your car can do. Speed and performance upgrades can help you get more power from your Porsche, helping boost speed without detracting from drivability or performance. Consider these performance-enhancing upgrades if the out of the box model is not quite enough.

Performance Chips. Performance chips are ideal for Porsche owners because they do not require permanent installation. Not only does it make installation costs virtually nil, it doesn't make any changes you can't undo easily and quickly. Stage 1 chips boost horsepower by optimizing air-to-fuel ratios and timing; stage 2 chips tweak O2 parameters to give bigger boost and low end torque; stage 3 combines these features.

A stage 3 chip is adjustable and allows you to change parameters set by your Porsche's ECU to deliver great acceleration, increased HP and torque, lower quarter mile times, and increased throttle response. Some chips can improve engine output by as much as 20 percent and increase higher top speeds.

Supercharger. With some supercharger systems, you can gain 15 to 30 HP. Installed on your air intake line, the supercharger is connected via switch to the inside of your car, and when you want more power, all you have to do is flip the switch. At the same time, more air is forced into your engine, which makes it denser. This increases fuel efficiency as well.

Performance Clutch. When you make performance upgrades to your Porsche, parts like the brakes and clutch often need to be replaced as well so they can handle the increased power and speed. A performance clutch offers a faster response time and longer life than a stock clutch. It won't slip when accelerating and will not overheat. There are different styles, including street racing, drifting, rally driving, and drag racing. One thing to be aware of, though, is that these are made for "high performance cars." No problem, you have a Porsche. But they are also harder to engage, so they're not ideal in city driving.

Porsches are gorgeous, but they are really made to perform. You can improve your driving excitement and boost your Porsche's power, acceleration, and speed with these and other upgrades.

Enid Glasgow is an automotive enthusiast and writer. Find performance Porsche parts and accessories.

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Car Customization - Improving Performance

Getting a few extra MPH is big business these days. Take a look on the internet for modifications to give your car a little extra speed - the list is endless.

Keeping your engine running in peak performance does not mean that you have to install high-end performance parts. Trying to keep your engine running with no missing or shuddering when you give it gas can be more of a challenge. Many people know about the basic car maintenance but do not take the time to make sure their car is taken care of before they drive it. Many problems can occur just by not checking out some basic things on every car before you drive it. Before you get behind the wheel and start driving your car, here are some simple things that you can do to increase the performance of your car and make sure it is going to be around for some time to come.

Everybody knows that you need to check the oil in the car but to increase the performance; you can add an oil cooler. This will decrease the temperature of the oil before it enters back into the engine. The cooler you can keep your engine while it is running, the more performance you can get from it. An oil cooler is easy to install and takes about 30 minutes but you will notice the performance the next time you drive your car.

Another thing that you can do is to add a cold air induction system to your car. This forces cold air into the carburetor, which cools down the air-fuel mixture before it enters the cylinders. The same principle is behind this as the oil cooler. The cold air induction system can add up to 22 more horsepower to any engine. You can purchase this product at any automotive parts stores but call first to make sure they have the style for your car before you get down there.

The best thing that you can do for your car is to make sure you keep up on your oil changes and other maintenance on your car. The basic tune-up to any engine can maintain the performance of your car and give the car some life as you drive. Keep this in mind the next time you are looking for ways to increase the performance of your car without spending a lot of money.

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Air Horn and Train Horn

Everybody wants to decorate their cars with different accessories. Some of these products may be simply decorative, while others may serve more important functions. There is no shortage of car accessories on the market today. One of the most important accessories is car alarm system or a car horn. It serves a very useful purpose in that it creates a noise when they are used. It can be used as a warning signal to the safety car. It is primarily used as a warning signal for pedestrians and other vehicles on the road, so that accidents should be avoided.

We can install these horns in our cars, if we want to add security. There are many types of car alarms available on the market, and we can choose the one that meets our requirements to the hilt. All that we need to look at those horns in the purchase is that they must loudly and clearly that can warn passers-by in front of our vehicle. The whole point of the air horn gets defeated if it's not entirely clear. His sound has to go to the appropriate distance in order to effectively warn people. If the sound comes from a great distance, it ends all chances of an accident.

The importance of antlers has increased significantly, as the roads are becoming more and more crowded, due to the large population and transport boom. There are more cars on the roads and the road is much busier than ever before. Population growth has led to less space on the roads of our country. This fact makes the presence of horns is almost a necessity. You can also install a train horn, which is very useful for providing signals to slow down drivers who run in front of the car. You can make a loud signal that the car in another lane. But to have a real effect, always buy the horns from the well-known manufacturers of accessories automatically. If you buy cheap horns, he will not serve any purpose because its sound is loud and quite effective.

Currently, you can get a car horn from different organs, different prices and types. You'll be surprised to see that loud air horns are available at very low prices, and you can get the real value of money by buying these horns. Currently, these horns are designed with all types of vehicles, and you can place them at many positions in the car, both in the front bumper, a bumper or the side of the engine.

Customizing a vehicle with specialty parts has never been easier. At Assured Automotive, we are your one-stop source for air horns, billet doors, exhaust products, on board air systems, air suspension kits, racing gauges and more.``

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Police Lightbars - Instructive Lights During Emergencies

Police cars are probably the first to arrive at an emergency situation and help bring the situation under control. They should be equipped with special security devices and emergency lighting to aid them in their special duties. Police Lightbars are probably the most used emergency lighting systems not just in police cars but with larger emergency vehicles. Towing trucks, fire trucks, construction vehicles and ambulances are comparatively larger in size than police cars, and so need larger lighting systems to highlight the emergency. Lightbars that can be programmed into multiple flashing patterns can be discernible from almost mile, so they are apt for usage with larger vehicles.

The lightbars are available in many sizes which makes it easy to use them with vehicles with different requirements. Police lightbars that are small in size can be used for unmarked cop cars that do not need to be identified on the roads. These small size lightbars can also be used as tail lights and dash lights when the emergency vehicles are parked. It is important to illuminate all sides of the parked vehicle in emergency areas, to avoid accidents and alert the traffic. Larger lightbars are usually mounted on top of the vehicles and can be visible from a long distance so that the incoming traffic is advised. Lightbars can also be used in case of traffic signal breakdowns and other road emergencies in rough weather like rain or snow. Lightbars used in these situations usually have traffic advisers inbuilt, so that they can replace the broken traffic signals. They can either be mounted on top of the card, or can be mounted atop a stand at the back of the trucks.

Lightbars can be programmed to flash in a number of patterns which can be used efficiently to communicate the emergencies to the oncoming traffic and general public. Police lightbars are available in a number of colors, which makes it easy to understand the diversion and deduce the signs. Larger lightbars are made of combination of individual strobe lights and they can contain as much ten individual strobe lights. Combining different colors in one lightbar makes it more efficient with flash patterns. A single lightbar can multitask as traffic advisory, steady light source of different colored lights, and also indicate the emergency and demand the right of way.

Police lightbars need to be calibrated carefully, since there are regulations set for the intensity of the light, and flash pattern frequency. LED lights can be harmful for people with certain preexisting medical conditions, so the LED lights used in the lightbars should conform strictly to the rules set. Although there are many dealers to choose from, buying the lightbars from licensed vendors is the safest. The lightbars must have guarantee of performance and quality of the LED lights used. Good quality LED bulbs used can last for a long time without burning out. Even when bulb replacements are required for the lightbars, buying the replacements at authentic stores is important. Lightbars are life savers on roads, and shows the way to avoid confusion.

Extreme Tactical Dynamics is a one-stop shop for Police Lightbars and many other items like Flashlights, Deck Lights, police lights, etc. Please visit the site for more details of various items available - http://www.extremetacticaldynamics.com/

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Buy My Car and Car Recycling

You've heard of the many cash for gold services kicking around the internet by now most likely and you're no doubt aware of just how useful these can be in helping you to easily exchange gold that you have lying around your house for money. Well what you might not have known is that a similar service also exists for cars, and that you can easily sell your car to companies with none of the hassle attached to normally disposing of a car or selling one. Here we will look at why it's so useful to use these services.

If you are getting a new car, then selling your old one and getting cash for it is one of the number one ways to ensure that buying the new vehicle is much easier. You will this way be able to choose a much nicer and safer car and it will be longer before you need to replace it again - so it's more than worth doing. Even if you aren't buying a new car though, and you're just ceasing driving altogether by selling your old one, then it's still useful to have some additional income to help you in your day-to-day expenses or just so that you can treat yourself to something potentially.

The option then is to sell your car to a private individual, or to a friend, or to sell it to one of these car buying services. The latter is the far quicker, easier and more practical way to sell your car for many reasons and while you might not get quite the same amount of cash for it, you will save money in other ways and certainly a lot of time.

The fact of the matter is that if you sell your car to a buy my car service then they aren't likely going to care about the tax or the MOT, and they won't care that it hasn't been cleaned in days. If they're reselling it then they're going to have to go through a valet service anyway and have it serviced so it makes no difference to them whether you've done that previously. If they are planning on recycling the car or using it for parts then they will not even care about the service history or any faulty suspension etc. This then means that you don't need to spend any money on the car before you sell it and you can simply take it in as is and then leave with a profit. While the cost of the car might be less then, you will still get the same overall profit and with a lot less hassle.

Of course the speed of all this is much quicker too and the whole process is painless and professional. If you are selling your car in the neighborhood alternatively then that will mean leaving the car outside with a price on the window - where it is just begging to be vandalized or stolen, and where it will be getting damaged by the weather anyway. Then you have to invite strangers into your home and take the time to demo them the car only not to hear back from them... so selling your car automatically is far preferable.

If you are looking for Car Recycling then Advantage Motors can help. We also have a "Buy my Car" service, where we give you Cash for Cars. Take a look at our website for more information.

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Basics of Window Tinting

In any region where there is heat and sun, window tints can be very helpful. Window tints are customized pieces of film that are applied to windows in order to reduce the amount of sunlight that passes through. The tint will even make the window appear darker than a typical transparent window. Acting as a filter, the film will soak up some of the sunlight passing through. This filter effect brings about several benefits, most importantly a reduction in overall temperature, which can eliminate the use for air conditioners and save energy. These films can be applied not only to cars but to houses as well.

Window tints have become widespread and popular over the years. They can be purchased online and at almost any auto part store. There are also specialized service businesses that can sell and install the film for you. If you want your car tinted, many auto body shops and windshield replacement companies will do the job also. When buying window tints from a store, they are sold in tint kits. These tint kits come with simple instructions so that you can do the install yourself. This makes for simple self installation to any kind of window.

One important thing to do before buying the window tint is to thoroughly measure the size of the window(s) you will be tinting. Knowing the dimensions of your windows will give you a good idea of what size and how much tint to buy. Use a tape measure to get the exact size of the width, because that measurement will be more important than that of the length. Knowing the width ahead of time will prevent you from having to overlap the tint, which gives a careless, unprofessional appearance. Overlapping may not be a bad thing if you are tinting your windows only with the goal of filtering sunlight; but if you want your windows to look good, you should try to avoid overlapping the film.

Other than tint kits, window tint can be bought in larger quantities such as a roll. This can be used for general tinting of household windows or windows at a workplace. Purchasing a roll of a hundred feet or more can be used to tint many windows at a time. The instructions that come with these rolls should be paid attention to closely. Take your time and read them carefully so that you don't botch the job. If you order your tint online, there will be good printed instructions along with detailed pictures somewhere on the seller's website. If bought in an offline store, the window tint will come with instructions; you will also be able to ask a clerk for tips and advice.

Mitchell Baines specializes in writing on automotive topics. He is writing on behalf of a service specializing in window tinting (Atlanta) vehicles. He enjoys reading and camping in his free time.

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Police Lights For Sale - Finding The Sale Items

Are you interested in knowing more about Police lights for Sale? If so, you have come to the right place. The information provided here should hopefully be able to provide you with the right place to go to in order to figure out whether or not you are able to get the ideal items that are on sale. There are people out there with somewhat different ideas pertaining to this. Perhaps knowing what to expect should hopefully help make your decision and be able to provide you with the options that you can make use of in order to get the best bang for your buck.

One of the places that you might be interested to go to in order to get some of the best Police lights for Sale would probably be the internet. With this, you should be able to easily figure out whether or not you are getting your money's worth and if necessary, go to the sale to look at the items in person. Sometimes, you might also be able to buy the items online and have it shipped to you, since online sites typically do provide this option to many people out there.

Another alternate approach that you could perhaps make use when looking at Police lights for Sale would be to look at the different flyers and posters that you might be able to make use of. In this way, you can easily figure out what all you do require and whether or not the sale has the items that you need. Since these lights are categorized in many different ways, the flyers should hopefully be able to shed some light on whether or not you have the right options to go in for. This could really play a big role in the long run and could potentially help you understand what all are the things that you might be able to put your money down on.

Sometimes, Police lights for Sale are also provided in regular auto stores that deal with lights and other accessories. In this way, you can easily buy what you need when it goes on sale. Many of these auto stores regularly change the items that they have on sale so it might be advisable to keep a look at the different items just to be aware when something you do need goes up on sale. Needless to say, this is a very important thing that might probably want to keep in mind if you are determined to buy these lights at a discounted price.

Do keep in mind that there are a number of rules and regulations that you might want to probably think about with Police lights for Sale. Therefore, you might not be able to make use of these lights even if you do buy them if you don't have the authority to do so. Don't break any laws and you won't be severely penalized in the process. This is the thing that you might want to keep in mind which could help avoid unnecessary penalties that might come with the lights.

Extreme Tactical Dynamics is a one-stop shop for Police Lights for sale and many other items like Flashlights, Deck Lights, police lights, etc. Please visit the site for more details of various items available - http://www.extremetacticaldynamics.com/

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Police Car Lights - Why They Tend To Be So Effective

If you have ever noticed in the past, you might have observed that the police car lights installed in vehicles tend to be really good at what they can do. In fact, it has actually been observed that these lights are amongst the most effective kind of emergency lights present on the road today. This is not without reason, and you might probably be interested in knowing more about these lights and what exactly makes them such a good option compared to all the different options that are out there.

The first thing that most people are bound to observe would be the brightness. Compared to the other type of lights, these lights tend to be quite bright, which automatically makes them command more attention when turned on. This is a very important quality that ultimately makes the police car lights the ultimate lights compared to all the other lights in the other cards that are out there on the road. The high intensity is not by accident as it is a result of the use of high intensity discharge (HID) bulbs in select locations in conjunction with LED bulbs on the emergency systems mounted on the vehicle.

Also, you might be interested to know the fact that police car lights are put in place in order to ensure that people see them and hear them in tandem. The siren and the lights are symmetrically designed so as to ensure that the people who do hear these lights will make way and ensure that there is room for the emergency vehicle to pass by. This is a very important quality that will ultimately help in ensuring that the lights are able to command the most attention thanks in part to the siren on the vehicle as well.

Additionally, the police car lights are also restricted to official use. Therefore, they tend to be somewhat more advanced than the other models that are available for general use. This is because the lights are normally expected to do their job and command as much attention as necessary to warn the other drivers to get out of the way. Therefore, to get the job done, the lights are expected to be bright and effective, often working to ensure that they are able to work flawlessly even in the toughest of conditions. Reliability is heavily built into these systems.

Finally, the location of these lights on the vehicle is also another thing that makes them a very important aspect to think more about. Compared to some of the other options out there, it appears that police car lights are the brightest and most effective by quite a large margin. This is essentially what makes them one of the smarter and more thought after options compared to the others on the road. It is therefore a good thing then that this is something that requires permission in order to obtain and not something that anyone and everyone can simply opt in for.

Extreme Tactical Dynamics is a one-stop shop for Police Car lights and many other items like Flashlights, Deck Lights, police lights, etc. Please visit the site for more details of various items available - http://www.extremetacticaldynamics.com/

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Auto Detailing - Mistakes to Avoid When Ordering and Purchasing Professional Detailing Supplies

Indeed, I probably had the best time of my career running a mobile car washing and detailing business. It was quite exhilarating and fun, and our customers loved us. You see, out in California everyone loves their car, and being able to take care of someone's pride and joy and make it sparkle puts a smile on everyone's face, and quite a few tips in the hands of my crew. Okay so, let's say that you are considering starting a mobile detailing company. I don't blame you, it's a fun thing to do, but I suppose I should give you a little bit of advice on which products you buy and use.

First, I hope you won't fall for any of those products on television because very few of them live up to their promises, and most are just gimmicks and trinkets. Next, I hope you don't buy your detailing products from the retail shelves just because it has the manufacturer's name that you most prefer. You see, many of these companies have strong brand names, but they also have consumer-based products, and they are not the same as the Professional Detailing Supplies they sell to the industry.

Yes, they have the same brand name, and nice packaging, perhaps even more enticing packaging that you get from the professional detail supply warehouse, or the mobile brand which sells products for auto detailers, but still, they are not the same. Next, if you hire detailers to work with you that have experience, chances are they have certain types of products they like to use, and they use them in such a way to get the best results.

You'd be surprised that if you put five exceptional detailers in a room, all of which have been in the industry for over a decade, every one of them will prefer different types of products and supplies. This is quite common, and you should understand that. Using the wrong type of product; for instance waxes and leather, rubber, and vinyl dressings will not give you the results you're hoping for. Indeed, it can cause you to use more product than you need to, and let's not forget these products are quite expensive.

In fact the prices have increased over the last two decades almost triple, and I don't see where they might be coming down in price anytime soon. I hope you will take these tips, suggestions, and advice and consider it when ordering and purchasing your detailing supplies for your new company. Please consider all this and think on.

Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, and now runs the Online Think Tank. Lance Winslow believes writing 24,222 articles by July 22, 2011 at 2:22 PM is going to be difficult because all the letters on his keyboard are now worn off now..

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Used Cars - Restoration

As a car fanatic, one of the most fulfilling ventures has to be car restoration. Nothing brings you closer to your vehicle than the time spent working on a car restoration job. Although this can be quite an expensive hobby, if cars are your passion then a project like this can be extremely rewarding.

First thing you want to consider is work space. Do you have a garage or shed large enough? Will this need to be purchased also? Is there a garage space you can rent or use free of charge? You will need a space that can comfortably house your vehicle as well as offer space for additional parts and tools.

As with my other post on buying new or used cars, when first starting a car restoration project it is important to consider and set a budget. This should include whether you are going to be fixing up you current car or if you are going to buy a used car? If buying a used car you should look for a model that doesn't require too much inner attention. An old Porsche may be appealing but if it's going to cost close to the price of a new car to get it up and running, this isn't going to be a sensible move.

Also investigate the car's interior, as this can be what makes an old or used car bounce back to life. Make a list of anything that requires attention, any fixtures that are missing or need fixed. Prioritise your list, putting thought into what really needs purchased and what can be fixed or attended to with minimal costs.

Once you have your lists of repairs and purchases, research costs. This can be easily done online and will help you to calculate and maintain your budget. Simply put down the cost of each item on your list and make note of which dealer or site you so the price. This will help you when you come to source all your parts.

With your work space, vehicle and your plan of action (parts lists) set, you should now be ready to start your project. You should always start with major jobs first. Hopefully you have purchased a car that require minimal major tasks, but any issues with engine, brakes, gears and tyres should be tackled first. This is simply due to the fact that these will be the most expensive and time-consuming. However it is these mechanical jobs that are usually the most fun, allowing you to get acquainted with the workings of your new car, allowing you to learn about the inner workings. If you are not confident enough to tackle these jobs by yourself, seek help or get a professional mechanic to complete this step for you.

Once the car is running to a high level you can get to work, personalising your vehicle. This includes paint jobs, alloys, exhausts and interior features. Try to be tasteful, the most attractive vehicles are those that haven't been over personalised, a mistake often made by boy racers!

Finally, an important rule is to take your time. Car restoration can be a fantastic hobby, and a very time-consuming one, often taking years to complete. You should enjoy your new project and look forward to working on it. This time and love will show in the end result and will last a lifetime.

Through car restoration it is easy for one to transform old or used cars into high quality, reliable and stunning vehicles. Car restoration is a true venture that all car enthusiasts should experience, heightening your respect and bringing you closer to your beloved cars.

Steve Colins has been an avid car writer and enthusiast. He enjoys writing about car news, motor sports and new car reviews.

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Must-Have MINI Accessories for MINI Enthusiasts

The MINI Cooper was named as the second-most influential car of the 20th Century, behind only the Ford Model T. This distinctive vehicle has captured the imagination of car enthusiasts all over the world, and with innovative, performance-enhancing and aesthetic features, the best just keeps getting better. Now owners can choose from a wide variety of accessories that can do everything from boost power to customize the style. Here are some must-have MINI accessories for enthusiasts.

Sprint Booster.

There is no doubt that the MINI is a snappy little car, designed for speed and terrific handling. If you want to push it a bit further, though, a Sprint Booster Power Converter can help. Your MINI has an electronic throttle control that can contribute to poor throttle control or lag. The Sprint Booster monitors the signal sent from the ECU to the accelerator pedal, and then modifies it to give you better responsiveness. Most people will probably enjoy driving a MINI as is; if you want more control and a more precise ride, though, this is a great investment. It is non-permanent, easy to install, and usable whenever you want.

Cold Air Intake System.

Most cars have a thermostatic air intake system which brings cool air into the engine when it's hot, and warm air when it's cold. When the engine is at a proper temperature, it helps optimize performance and improve fuel efficiency. A cold air intake system, on the other hand, delivers cooler air to the engine. This increases "volumetric efficiency" because cool air has greater oxygen content than warm air. The end result is a boost in power and efficiency.

One note of caution: an aftermarket cold air intake system could possibly void your MINI warranty, so make sure to check that before installing anything.

Short Shift Adapter.

A short shifter doesn't change anything about your car's performance. So why bother? Because it can change something about your performance. The shorter shifter reduces shifter throw so you can move through the gears more quickly. It has a racier feel and can help you get up to speed faster. These are typically easy and quick to install.

Outdoor Car Cover.

Rain, moisture, sun, humidity, dust, dirt, birds, and pedestrians can all wreak havoc on your paint job, as well as your interior. A cover will protect it from the elements and keep your MINI looking pristine if it needs to be stored outside. Look for one with a custom fit made to suit your specific model, as well as one with grommets on the bottom edge for locking.

These accessories, and many more on the market, can help you get even more enjoyment from your MINI Cooper.

Enid Glasgow is an automotive writer and MINI enthusiast and you can now find MINI accessories online!

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Headlights and Corner Lights: Available in Different Styles and Designs!

Headlights and corner lights all have their special significance while driving a car. Whether you are driving Toyota or Subaru or any other car, lights especially the headlights and the lights plays a crucial role. Earlier versions of cars including Toyota, the parts and accessories were not that technologically advanced. If we analyze the Toyota corner light, or head light all were good but not exceptional. But now the scenario has completely changed, market has lot to offer in terms of designs, patterns and technology.

With the changing styles and tastes, there is lot of change coming in the trends and scheming of the Toyota lights as well as other essential parts. Toyota corner light or any other light, the cuts and the shapes are truly amazing which enhances the whole look of the vehicle. Corner lights in any car are considered to be a great option because they are an easy way to add a little bit more to your car. These lights add a unique touch to the whole appearance of the car and would make you a proud car owner. Whenever you will be on the streets driving your car, be ensured there will be no other car with the same looks. The Toyota light has such amazing and exclusive looks which mesmerizes the car owner completely. With these corner lights, there are bright LED lights available which burns out quickly and lasts for longer time. Another great thing about these lights is that they can be easily installed using the old wiring existing in the car. This save you lot of money which would otherwise get wasted in modification. You don't need to install anything new while installing the corner lights.

Everyone wants to upgrade their old car with the latest accessories so as to make it look new and fresh. When it comes to replacing headlights, or corner lights you have a chance to upgrade with the most innovative and stylish lights using the high tech lighting source like LED. In LED lights there are such amazing and exciting features which impress every car owner. You will definitely enjoy going through the vast range of options that are available in the market. Whether you are driving a brand like Toyota or Subaru, headlights have a tremendous range. If you want to install new headlights or corner lights, you can simply search online. There are numerous dedicated retailers who are providing authentic car accessories and parts of all major brands like Toyota, Subaru and the like.

Author has 3 years experience in Internet Marketing. If you looking for the best quality of lights for your car for cheap tail lights and checkout for many luxury cars lights like Subaru Headlights etc.

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Must Have MINI Performance Upgrades for Speed Junkies

If you've seen the 2003 remake of The Italian Job, you know that the star of the movie wasn't Charlize Theron or Mark Wahlberg. It was the MINI Cooper. The MINI handles tight corners, winding roads, and straightaways with equal finesse, and its sleek, distinctive body style is designed for speed. If you love speed, combined with superior handling, a MINI is ideal. But how can you make this high performance machine perform a little better, faster, stronger and meaner? Consider some of these must-have performance upgrades and ideas for speed lovers, thrill junkies and seekers of a more satisfying driving experience.

Turbo Kit. If you are looking for a top-of-the-line performance booster, a turbo kit may be the best answer. It can boost the power of a regular MINI so it is equal to, or more than, the power of the pricier Cooper S. An inclusive kit, like the MINI Cooper 1.6 Turbo Kit with T20 Turbo, can add to your horsepower without decreasing durability, which is always a concern for owners. It will add 5 pounds of boost, which results in a 30 percent increase in HP. These kits can cost $2000 to $4000.

Performance Chips. A performance chip is a more budget-friendly option for those who want to boost power without breaking the bank. This chip signals to the ECU to let more fuel into the injectors while modifying the air-to-fuel ratio. This increases power, combustion efficiency, and can help save fuel. It is possible to boost HP by 15 to 25, improve engine output by up to 10 percent, and optimize throttle response, low end torque, and acceleration. Instead of a few thousand, you are looking at a few hundred for a MINI performance chip.

Short Shifter. This doesn't boost speed, per se, and it can easily be used with other speed upgrades, like performance chips, power programmers, or turbo kits. While they do not make your car go faster, they do help you drive it faster. You can change gears much more quickly, which means you can get up to speed more quickly. This isn't a performance enhancer so much as a driver enhancer. These are relatively inexpensive, typically under $100, though professional installation is recommended.

Sometimes, big things come in small packages, even if they are unassuming. MINIs are made to move; why not unleash their real power and see how much they can give you?

Enid Glasgow is an automotive writer and MINI enthusiast and you can now find MINI parts and accessories online!

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Common Problems in Scheduling of Mobile Car Wash Labor

Scheduling labor for car wash operations has never been easy. For instance if someone owns a fixed site carwash they often have employees show up at 8 AM to 10 AM when the carwash opens. But if there are very few cars which show up to be washed, that labor is not needed, and to have them on the clock is quite a problem, it's quite costly, and it means you start out your day losing money for several hours.

Further, if the weather is poor fewer people will show up get their car washed, but as soon as the sun comes out that everyone shows up. If you don't have the labor there, then the lines will be long, upset customers, or they will merely drive by and decide not to stop and wait in the line.

You can understand how difficult it is to decide how much labor to schedule the day before. And obviously it doesn't make sense to schedule your labor until you look at the weather reports. Now then, let's consider the common problems in scheduling labor for mobile car wash businesses. In essence it's a similar problem as that with the fixed site carwashes, but there are other issues as well. First, there may not be enough room in the vehicle to take more than two helpers.

Secondly, much more than three helpers means that you keep bumping into each other as you work, and you become inefficient. Third, you never know when you'll be stuck in traffic for an extra 20 or 30 minutes on the way to your first job, or in between your stops. When this happens you are paying labor to sit in your truck, rather than working. The problem becomes exacerbated when your workers have sat down inside the vehicle for a long period of time in route, and finally you show up at the job site.

By this time your labor is tired, lazy, and really doesn't feel like working. Worse, it's hard to get in a groove, and stay in the work mode if the weather isn't very good, and you get stuck in traffic, and then you come to the next job site where you have lots of work and cars to clean as the sun has come out. And, consider this mixed with a rain or shine account such as cleaning a fleet of vehicles that are parked in a row. In that case you are dealing with regular citizens who don't worry about the weather, you are on a regular scheduled route.

These are some of the common problems when scheduling mobile carwash labor and these issues should be noted until you get good at it, or you will be paying more costs for your labor than need be, which can severely cut into your bottom line causing you not to reach your revenue goals for the month. Indeed I hope you will please consider all this and think on it.

Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, http://www.carwashguys.com/ and now runs the Online Think Tank. Lance Winslow believes writing 24,222 articles by July 22, 2011 at 2:22 PM is going to be difficult because all the letters on his keyboard are now worn off now..

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Mobile Car Wash Owners - How Best to Set Goals for the Number of Cars Washed Per Day

A few months ago, I was helping someone who was going to start a mobile car wash business in Hawaii. He was going to work in one of the larger cities, and it wasn't a huge city, not like Los Angeles or anything like that, but it was one of the larger cities on Oahu. He was trying to put together a business plan, and he was trying to figure out how much money he could make based on the number of cars he cleaned per day.

Now then, if you are wondering how best to set goals for the number of cars you will wash and detail each day, I have some advice for you.

First, it matters how well your crew works together, and that depends on how well they are trained. If you have a crew of two or three and you work very good with each other and you work together every single day, then eventually you will be a force to be reckoned with, and you can most likely wash 60 cars a day, detail two cars, and perhaps give an express wax to four other cars. However, first you need the business, and how much business you get and how many repeat customers you have depends on quite a bit.

You have to consider the average rainfall - how many sunny days you have, how many overcast days there are, and how many days will be intermittent or full on stormy days. Hawaii has all of those things and more. In fact sometimes it could be perfectly good weather on one side of the island, and the other side receives a downpour. Next, you have to decide what kind of mobile carwash company you were going to be and what kind of services you will specialize in.

If you're going to go to large corporations to wash cars in the parking lot that you need to know the number of large companies that are in your area, assess the competition, and divide up your market share. To do this I recommend considering that you will be able to clean 10% of the employees' cars on each visit, provided the weather is good. I think if you approach it from this aspect, when you start penciling out the numbers and using your calculator you'll be able to figure it out, and at least get close to the types of goals that you will be able to achieve, and therefore how much money you can make.

And, if the competition is already entrenched in the marketplace you will not be able to charge much more than they do, even if your quality is a good deal better until you prove yourself and gain a strong reputation. Why not use this list of criteria when setting up your assumptions and producing a pro forma on how many cars you will cleaning and how much money you will make, when calculating these numbers. Indeed I hope you will please consider all this and think on.

Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, http://www.detailguys.com/ and now runs the Online Think Tank. Lance Winslow believes writing 24,222 articles by July 22, 2011 at 2:22 PM is going to be difficult because all the letters on his keyboard are now worn off now..

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Motivating Auto Detail Shop Employees to Increase Speed Without Sacrificing Quality

Prior to retirement I'd set up a mobile detailing franchising company, and over the years I'd learned that auto-detailers take their trade and craft very seriously. Most treat it like an art more than a science, and I understand that, and so would you if you detailed cars to perfection and show room quality for a living. We all know that auto detailing isn't a rocket science, but maybe it should be closer to a science than an art, without destroying the finesse and talent it takes to get there.

Now then, I've sat in seminars and listened to automotive detail experts and gurus explain how to turn a detailing shop into a production line. And, Winslow Friedrich Taylor, the grandfather of modern management, is in my family tree, and he believed in paying people piece-meal, paying people for each unit completed, rather than a salary or per hour. That makes sense for a mobile detailing shop, and you must have goals for your production, so that you don't waste any of your bays, or any of the time during the week, and still have maximum output.

Granted, all of these things are important however when you are dealing with artists who really care about the detailing, and pride themselves in perfection, something that your customers also desire, then the last thing you wish to do is alienate them. If you push your detailers too hard, or chisel them on the amount of money that you pay them for each car they detail, they may get upset when you give them a "dog" or a totally trashed car when another detailer gets a car which is already in pretty good shape, and each person gets the same amount of bonus for each unit completed.

They won't find this to be unfair, and the "dog" could take them twice or three times as long to do a perfect job, and being a perfectionist they won't quit until it's perfect. You need to have some sort of a bonus system so when someone gets a really ugly car that is totally trashed, they get a few extra bucks. You should also take "before and after pictures" and put those in the lobby with the individual's name under it, to show how great their work is. I used to introduce them to the customer and have them thank the detail directly and perhaps even give them the tip and request them next time.

Motivation should not only be based on money, there should also be for rewards for performance, perfection, professionalism, and production. I hope you will please consider all this because it's important, and it's also the fair way to play it. Think on it.

Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, http://www.detailguys.com/ and now runs the Online Think Tank. Lance Winslow believes writing 24,222 articles by July 22, 2011 at 2:22 PM is going to be difficult because all the letters on his keyboard are now worn off now..

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Motivating Independent Contractor Mobile Car Washing Teams

Before I retired, I had built up a mobile car wash franchising company. Towards the end of my career the Internet started to become quite a factor in the business. It became a great recruiting tool and having a website made our franchisee real, and we noted that our competitors that had no website, at that time, were not taken seriously by the customers. Today, of course some dozen years later everyone has a website in the industry.

During this time concierges started to enter the industry. These folks would set up a website portal, grab all of the traffic online, and then attempt to find operators to do all the work, while taking a percentage of each job for their efforts. Many operators were angry about this because, these companies basically took the web traffic by using SEO type strategies and then sold the customers back to the actual operators. I had always told such companies where to stick it, when they contacted our company to use our franchisees to cover all of their promises to the customers who emailed in orders.

One thing I noted when dealing with concierges was that they would be quite pushy with our franchisees, demanding that they dropped whatever they were working on right then, and handle their referral customer first. This was unfortunate because our customers which we were working on at the time, were steady customers, and they were quite important us. However, the concierges would demand that their clients get first treatment, and if we didn't give them top-of-the-line priority and put their customers in advance of our own, they threaten to cut off their referral flow, and give those customers to one of our competitors.

I can tell you that if you are running a business using independent contractors and mobile carwash teams to service your clientele that this is a mistake, not only is it in bad form, it's unprofessional, and it will lead to animosity between the contractor, and the concierges. Another issue that happens is if one company has too much business it will refer its excess business to a secondary competitor or an independent contractor.

Currently with all the employment restrictions, withholding taxes, worker's compensation insurance, and now ObamaCare, it really doesn't make sense for mobile carwash owners to hire more people unless they have enough to keep a whole full rig busy. There would be no reason for them to expand their business or hire more people, therefore they either go down to the local Labor Ready and pick up a few workers, or they use an independent contractor.

When paying independent contractors, there should be a bonus for happy customers as well as immediate payment. If this occurs then all of a sudden it is worth the independent contractor's time to stop what they're doing and do your work first, if not all the threats, belligerent attitude, and demands are liable to get the concierges or the contracting company on the blacklist of the independent contractor. Indeed I hope you will please consider all these thoughts and think on it.

Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, http://www.carwashguys.com/ and now runs the Online Think Tank. Lance Winslow believes writing 24,222 articles by July 22, 2011 at 2:22 PM is going to be difficult because all the letters on his keyboard are now worn off now..

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Mistakes to Avoid When Towing a Mobile Car Washing Rig

If you are going to start a mobile car washing company or a mobile detailing company the first thing you need to decide is if you should get a trailer, or some sort of skid unit put in the back of your pickup. Most people like to tow trailers because they can unhook the trailer at the end of the day and still use the truck as their personal vehicle. That makes sense right?

Sure it does, and that's why so many people do it that way. Now then, let's talk about some of the challenges when towing a mobile car washing rig with 100 gallons or 200 gallon water tank.

It doesn't matter if you have a large water tank inside of a vehicle or on a trailer, that much water swishing around can be a problem. Water tanks on trailers and in trucks or vans are much more dangerous when they are half full, especially if they do not have any baffles. If you come to a stop and the water is still moving back and forth, it can hurt the gears in your transmission, eventually your transmission will fail.

It is also very hard on the brakes, and it takes a lot more power to stop the kinetic energy caused by the movement of the water, and the extra weight of the vehicle. Worse, when it's raining things can get rather dangerous. When the roads are slick, the stopping distance is very poor and it's easy to have a trailer jackknife or have your van or truck slide sideways. It's hard to stop in intersections and it's easy to slide on those large cross-walk markings which are very slick when wet.

Attempting to tow with a vehicle that weighs less than the trailer is not wise without trailer brakes, both surge and/or electric. Let's say you are towing a mobile detail trailer with a half ton or three-quarter ton pickup. If the trailer weighs 1200 pounds, and 200 gallons of water weighs 8 pounds per gallon, now you have 2800 pounds, plus the other equipment and whatever is in the back of your pickup truck. If your trailer isn't perfectly balanced, it could easily cause you to jackknife when turning a corner and hitting the brakes.

Sometimes it makes sense to get a tandem axle trailer which distributes the weight over a larger area, making it much safer. However there are problems with tandem actual trailers as well. Tandem axle trailers rip apart tires, and that costs money. They especially wear quickly if you are making lots of turns in parking lots or in fleet vehicle areas. Therefore, it makes sense to make sharp corners at very slow speeds so that when you are dragging the back wheels on a tandem trailer, you are not taking the tread with you.

Indeed, I hope you will please consider all this and think on it, because over the years I've seen far too many accidents, increased insurance premiums, blown out tires, dented front ends, and costly repair bills.

Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, http://www.carwashguys.com/ and now runs the Online Think Tank. Lance Winslow believes writing 24,222 articles by July 22, 2011 at 2:22 PM is going to be difficult because all the letters on his keyboard are now worn off now..

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Things to Avoid When On Your Mobile Car Washing Route

Indeed, I guess it goes without saying that your best customers are your regular customers, those people that come into your store each week, and always buy something. Yes, it's nice to get the big orders once in a while, and that sure helps pay the bills too, but it is those steady regular customers that keep your small business going. Now then, to illustrate this point, let's discuss a mobile auto service business, a mobile car wash business for instance.

There are many things you need to avoid when running this type of business. Let me give you an example. Often you will get a call from a very good detailing client, who wants you to come detail their car right now! You know that you can make $150 for a very easy job in less than an hour. Sure you could drop what you are doing and go detail that car, but don't forget you will have a minimum of 15 minutes each way plus that hour, so it's really an hour and a half for $150 or $50.00 per hour. Is that worth alienating your regular mobile car washing customers on your route?

Another issue is trying to up-sell all of your customers on certain types of services that may add a few dollars to their total bill, but will take you a lot more time to complete. Many mobile auto washers will try to up-sell everyone on a vacuum and interior cleaning - I'd advise not to push those services. If you are going to push extra add-on services, push quick-waxes or express details for $45.00 (wash, wax, vacuum, tires) or exterior wash and wax for $28 to $35.

If you are going to up-sell or suggestive-sell additional services, they should be services that are of a high profit margin, not just busy work. Now then, when it is a cloudy or rainy day a mobile car wash operator on his route may up-sell people for interior and vacuum services due to the weather. That makes sense, because anyone getting a carwash that day will realize that if they drive through the puddles of the rain their car will get all dirty again, but at least the interior will be clean.

And it's better to clean the interior than have no work at all. Thus, in that case it makes sense to give them a discount on the carwash, and charge them the regular price per the interior with a few extras. Perhaps even offer a deal on carpet shampoo, leather conditioning, or Rain-X for the window, which will keep their windshield from fogging up when they are driving in poor weather. I hope you will please consider all this because these are tips that I have learned over a 20 year period working in the industry.

Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, http://www.carwashguys.com/ and now runs the Online Think Tank. Lance Winslow believes writing 24,222 articles by July 22, 2011 at 2:22 PM is going to be difficult because all the letters on his keyboard are now worn off now..

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Setting Revenue Goals for a Mobile Car Washing Company

Last year, someone contacted me from Flagstaff AZ and he indicated to me that he couldn't find work in his area of expertise there due to the recession and was going to start his own business cleaning cars. A mobile car washing and auto detailing company, was the business that he'd convinced himself was needed in that city. Well, I've been to Flag before and surely, such a business could work there, although it would be seasonal too, since you can't wash cars outside very well when it is snowing.

It turns out he had read one of my many entrepreneurial articles about the need to put together a solid business plan, but that is where he got into trouble having never been in the mobile washing business before. They were putting together their pro forma and attempting to set revenue goals, but they didn't know where to start. Okay so, perhaps we should talk about this, and it might give you some insight in case you to have the same challenge ahead.

First, the reality is that; it depends. Indeed it depends on a lot of things. In Flagstaff Arizona they have seasonal issues which make it tough to wash in the wintertime, but the salt on the roads also mean that people eventually have to get their cars washed otherwise they will rust through. Likewise the fleet vehicle owners and businesses have no choice but to maintain the quality of their equipment; delivery trucks, trailers, and over the road trucks.

Secondly, if he and his wife planned on cleaning cars at office buildings and at large corporations, so there will be some days when no one will wish to have a carwash, because as soon as they drive their car it will get dirty again right away, due to the weather. Thirdly, their market segment and market mix between fleet vehicles and personal cars matters very much.

This is because when you're cleaning fleets of vehicles were all the cars are parked in a row you can wash quite a few cars in an hour, whereas washing one or two cars at each location means you have to travel between locations which takes up time in your day, and therefore even if you are charging more money per car, you will make less money by the end of the day.

Before you ask this question of; how much money can I make? You must ask yourself what type of mobile carwash company you wish to run; do you plan on doing personal car detailing, and cleaning cars at office buildings, or you plan on specializing in fleet washing. Once you figure out those questions and your market mix, then it is much easier to address the challenges of setting revenue goals for your first year in business. Indeed I hope you will please consider all this and think on it.

Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, http://www.carwashguys.com/ and now runs the Online Think Tank. Lance Winslow believes writing 24,222 articles by July 22, 2011 at 2:22 PM is going to be difficult because all the letters on his keyboard are now worn off now..

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How to Assess Your Mobile Detailing Competition

Before you go and start a mobile detailing company or a mobile car wash you must assess your competition. Before retirement, I was in the franchising business and I founded a company which franchised mobile detailing units and mobile carwashes in 23 states. Indeed, I would often ask franchise buyers to look around in their area and see what sort of competition they had.

The last thing I wanted to do would be to sell a franchise into a small town which had 4 or 5 operators which had been in business for 10 or 20 years, and several hand carwashes perhaps at an old gas stations within the town. It's not that I was afraid of the competition, more so I was afraid that our franchisee might have a tough time breaking into the business as an unknown. Yes, we had developed a brilliant marketing plan, but that's beside the point (besides that's my opinion, and in business you always need a reality check).

If a franchisee could only squeak in by the skin of his teeth to afford the equipment and franchising free, then he wouldn't have the extra money to market to get himself well-known fast enough to compete with entrenched competitors. Okay so, how you go about assessing the competition for your future mobile detailing business? Well, I believe this is one of the most important parts of the business plan, and I do believe you should create a business plan before you start.

First, it makes sense to find who the legitimate competitors are by going to City Hall and getting a copy of the list of everyone that has a business license in the various categories such as;

1. Auto Detail Shops
2. Carwashes
3. Mobile Auto Detailers
4. Mobile Carwashes
5. MLM Dry Wash Companies

Next, it makes sense to go into the phonebook and see who is advertising in the Yellow Pages. It also makes sense to drive by and check out your competitions facilities, and take a look at their equipment. Are they serious about running their business, do they have a line of cars waiting? Another smart thing to do is, do a survey of their customers who leave, by physically stopping them and asking them if you can ask a few questions about how they like the services they have just received.

Just because your competitor has a nice facility, or a nice rig to go out and clean vehicles, does not mean their customers like them, it doesn't mean they do a good job, and it doesn't mean they show up on time. If they don't, their best customers should be your first prospects. Whatever you do, don't just go online and assume that everyone in your area has a website and is easily findable on the Internet.

In the real world it's all about referrals and who you know, much of that word-of-mouth advertising comes from people not from the Internet. Indeed I hope you will please consider all this and think on it.

Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, http://www.detailguys.com/ and now runs the Online Think Tank. Lance Winslow believes writing 24,222 articles by July 22, 2011 at 2:22 PM is going to be difficult because all the letters on his keyboard are now worn off now..

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How to Customize Your Car and Make It Work Better for You With Remote Car Starters and Audio Systems

When you purchase a car, you try to get one that will fit your needs exactly. However, getting precisely the right combination of features is not always possible, especially if you're working within a specific price range. Yet, many of the features that you might be interested in can be installed by a professional after purchase or added to an existing vehicle that you already own. Car starters and car audio accessories are two of the most popular of these options, and both can drastically improve your driving experience.

A car starter is a device that allows you to start your car remotely. This may sound like overkill to some people, but think of the benefits of being able to start your car on a cold winter day in Albany, without going outside. Or, equally, being able to get the air conditioning going on a hot summer day before you leave the house. A device like this can save you time and hassle and can drastically improve your in-car experience. However, only late-model and high-end cars tend to be factory-available with remote starters. It's up to you to take advantage of this feature by contacting your local car electronics expert for advice and service. Whether you live in Albany, NY, or Zamora, CA, you'll benefit from the comfort and convenience of having a remote car starter installed.

In addition to physical comfort, there's also mental comfort to consider. In this day and age, music and other audio content has become a primary form of entertainment, and of staying informed and connected to the world. However, few factory-made car stereo systems offer the accessories, sound quality, and control necessary to optimally enjoy audio content. The OEM system, especially if the car is a few years old, won't typically have plug-ins for your personal music player, and the speaker quality and balance often leaves something to be desired. The good news is, you don't have to make do with the sound system and audio accessories that your car came with. Whether you're in Albany or elsewhere across the country, a mobile audio specialist can help you optimize your car stereo system to suit your needs with specific music player integration systems, new head units, and a range of speakers, amps, and equalizers. You can be as elaborate or as bare-bones as you'd like when it comes to putting in a new car audio system, but no matter what your needs, you can achieve the ideal sound for your personal preferences with aftermarket audio equipment.

Your car and all its component parts should work for you, not just for a generic customer. Installing remote starters and customized car audio systems are two simple ways that you can make sure that your car is truly serving you as an individual.

Maria Allen drives a customized Ford Mustang and is an Internet marketer for Prospect Genius, a leader in search engine optimization.

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The Myth That Fixed Site Carwashes Save More Water Than Mobile Car Washes

Most people realize that if they take their car to a fixed site car wash, that these types of businesses reclaim all of their wash water, and recycle it, so they use less water than one would if they washed their own car in their own drive-way. If this is what you believe and this is your line of thinking, you would be correct. Now then, you might also believe that someone that does mobile car washing with a pressure washer and a water tank at your office uses more water than a fixed site car wash which recycles.

However, that is not the case, it's a myth, and I'd like to clear up this misconception once and for all. Fixed site carwashes probably use about 25 to 36 gallons of water per car, and whereas they do recycle two thirds, they use one-third freshwater on each car. A mobile car wash which washes cars using a pressure washer at 1500 to 2200 PSI might use a 5 hp pressure washer putting out only 2.2 gallons per minute, and if their total spray-time is 1 to 2 minutes then they will have only used between 2.2 and 4.4 gallons.

That's well under half the water the most efficient fixed site car wash in the world use. Therefore, if your city is in a drought situation a mobile car wash will be able to save water for the local community, even better than a fixed site carwash can. Of course a mobile car wash probably can't wash every car in the city, and the fixed site carwashes obviously use a lot less water than you would if you washed your car at home and used between 75 to 150 gallons of water, even if you were very careful and used a shutoff nozzle on the end of your garden hose.

Now then, there is one more option and that is to use a "waterless carwash solution" to clean your car which supposedly doesn't use any water at all. That's a neat trick isn't it? Sure it is, however if they washed those dirty rags at home in a washing machine, they have to add the amount of water used in the washing machine to wash all the dirty rags divided by the number of cars they'd cleaned with those rags.

So, they also use water, albeit a lot less than a fixed site car wash as well. Indeed, I hope you will please consider all this and think on it as you figure out more ways to conserve water while still being able to live your life.

Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, http://www.carwashguy.com/ and now runs the Online Think Tank. Lance Winslow believes writing 24,222 articles by July 22, 2011 at 2:22 PM is going to be difficult because all the letters on his keyboard are now worn off now..

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Mobile Car Washing and Fleet Cleaning Cost Cutting Considerations

The other day, I received a question from a mobile car washing, detailing, and fleet washing entrepreneur in the South. He was happy to be busy and still in business even with our slow economy. He has been steadily expanding his company, and has trained a new crew and bought a new unit to help keep up with his new accounts.

Still, there are always cash flow issues to watch in service businesses, especially during times of expansion, with large corporate customer contract accounts that often pay slow. Okay so, lets' talk about some of the real life challenges out there shall we - the entrepreneur and mobile service operator asks:

"Dear Mobile Car Wash Man, I have some good accounts, but they are a good distance from home. I am spending a good amount on supplies as well as fuel. I am also paying employees. So the money I make is basically going out the door. What kind of advice do you have for me?"

Well, there are several things you can do to streamline your operation in this case. You see, what you need to do first, is to find some nearby "extra accounts" near those large fleets that you travel too, just a couple of smaller accounts nearby or along the way on the same schedule will help a lot, plus attempt to find some cash accounts along the way, where you can clean vehicles and be paid on the spot.

If you end up adding a lot of "billed customers" then you need to also add in some pay-in-cash customers to offset the costs until you finally receive the checks in the mail. Also, consider only taking one other employee on the jobs far away, until your cash flow improves, yes more work, but less money to pay out too.

Also, try to pull your trailer empty to and from and fill up water when you get there and dump any extra water before you return, this way you can drive on cruise control. Also make your workers bring a lunch to save additional money.

You might also find a worker who lives near those accounts to pick up and help you, thus, not have to pay them all that traveling time. Indeed, I think if you will do these things you can tighten up your outlays and costs, and increase revenue at the same time without putting you in the poor house waiting for those big checks to come in. Please consider implementing these strategies as soon as possible. Okay, next questions!

Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, and now runs the Online Think Tank. Lance Winslow believes writing 24,222 articles by July 22, 2011 at 2:22 PM is going to be difficult because all the letters on his keyboard are now worn off now..

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Mansory Porsche Panamera Turbo

The Panamera is the first sedan that Porsche has put into production. Many Porsche purists scoffed at the idea, declaring that the car "wasn't a true Porsche." The Cayenne was also initially frowned upon by Porsche enthusiasts but has since been one of the most successful models that the German automaker has ever produced. The Panamera is also enjoying successful sales, and to carve out a niche in the market, Mansory has created a complete tuning program for the Panamera Turbo that sends 690 horsepower to all four Panamera wheels.

The most inspiring aspect of the Panamera Turbo by Mansory lies underneath the hood. The 4.8-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 has been boosted with a new power pack. The pack consists of an ECU retune, larger turbochargers for more boost pressure, and a stainless steel sport exhaust system to reduce backpressure. These upgrades help the 4.8-liter produce 690 horsepower and 800 Nm of torque. Power is sent through a Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox to all four monoblock wheels, rocketing the sedan to 62 mph in just four seconds and to a top speed of 328 km/h.

If the high-powered engine isn't captivating enough, Mansory has designed a conspicuous aerodynamic kit for the Panamera. The new bodywork is made of high-strength polyurethane (PU-RIM) and Prepreg-Autoclav-Carbon. The front features a new skirt with LED daytime running lights while a carbon fiber hood exudes confidence. Each side of the Panamera has been widened with new fenders and aerodynamic side skirts for a muscular appearance. The rear wears a large carbon fiber diffuser and static carbon fiber spoiler for added downforce at high speeds.

The exterior is finished off with a new set of monoblock wheels and new tires for better performance. The stock Panamera wheels were not strong enough to handle the increased power of the 4.8-liter V-8, so Mansory replaced them with durable turbine-style monoblock wheels. At the front axle the new rims measure 9 x 22, while the rear staggers with 10 x 22s. These new 22-inch Panamera wheels are shod in sticky Dunlop SP SportMaxx 265/30ZR22 front and 295/25ZR22 rear tires for better grip.

The program wouldn't be complete unless Mansory refined the interior of the German sedan. The interior can be custom tailored by Mansory with fine woods, varnish, or carbon matched with an unlimited palette of leather colors. To improve the driving experience, new aluminum pedals were installed along with a newly designed sports steering wheel.

The entire program for the Porsche Panamera Turbo is currently available from Mansory. The price of the entire package has not been released by the German tuner.

Braxton Herring is a contributing writer at COR Wheels. COR Wheels specializes in monoblock wheels and Panamera wheels in a variety of both traditional step lip, reverse, and concave designs.

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