Rear View Camera’s, Are They Needed?
Many larger SUVs and cars bought new today come with a rear view camera built somewhere into the rear bumper or tailgate. Some people think this accessory is overkill while I think it’s worth the extra cost. Many women, I mean people, have difficulty backing out or backing into tight places. A rear view camera will help people tremendously with this problem because they will never even have to turn around to see behind them. Instead a dash mounted monitor will show everything behind them when they shift into reverse.
These cameras also save people money. For people who live in the city where parallel parking is a must, you know what your front and back bumpers look like after a year in the city. With the cost of repainting a bumper at $250 minimum, a rear view camera can easily help prevent that extra body shop cost.
I believe that rear view cameras area also good for safety. Say for instance you have four young children and 3 dogs. When you back out of your driveway it can be easy to miss them, but with a rear view camera you can ensure that no one is in the way of your car. And most cars also come with a beep or chime built into the system when the car comes to close to object.
As you can see I am a firm believer of the rear view camera system.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Snap on vs. Craftsman
Snap On vs. Craftsman
vs.
Many people who begin to work on cars ask the age old question: Do I need truck branded tools? First for a little background. The term truck branded tools comes from the practice of a tool guy who delivers trucks to a mechanics shop or a dealership. Brands such as Snap On, Matco, Mac, Cornwell, and Sk are the most well known truck branded tools. We will talk about Snap On in this article since they are the most well known truck tool brand. Craftsman on the other hand is not a truck tool. Craftsman can be found at your local Sears and is the number one tool brand in the United States. While all these tool companies offer life time warranties on their hand tool products, one of them carries it out best. There are also many differences between the tools.
There are some major differences between Snap On and Craftsman. The first major difference is the price. A set off 12 Craftsman wrenches will set you back around $40 for the really good kind. A set off 12 Snap On wrenches will set you back about $290. While some people argue the quality of Snap On is considerably greater, can it be over four times greater like the price suggests. But hey, you get your tools delivered on a cool truck, right?
One convenience of truck tools is the tools come to you. While you’re at work making money the tool guy will personally come up to you and see what you need. While this may save you a trip to Sears once a week, is it worth the extra cost? Snap On hand tools offer a lifetime warranty and so does Craftsman but what if you break a tool three hours after the Snap On guy left your shop? You’re screwed until he comes back the next week. On the other hand if you break a Craftsman socket you can go to Sears any time of the week and get it exchanged.
Another reason mechanics buy Snap On tools is the masculine factor. Every guy wants the biggest and baddest tool box. But when guys spend eighteen grand on a Snap On tool box, when they could be out getting more tools with that money is when they realize their mistakes. A tool box won’t make you money, tools will.
As you can probably tell I stay away from Snap On trucks unless only they sell the tool I need, otherwise I’m off to Sears.
vs.
Many people who begin to work on cars ask the age old question: Do I need truck branded tools? First for a little background. The term truck branded tools comes from the practice of a tool guy who delivers trucks to a mechanics shop or a dealership. Brands such as Snap On, Matco, Mac, Cornwell, and Sk are the most well known truck branded tools. We will talk about Snap On in this article since they are the most well known truck tool brand. Craftsman on the other hand is not a truck tool. Craftsman can be found at your local Sears and is the number one tool brand in the United States. While all these tool companies offer life time warranties on their hand tool products, one of them carries it out best. There are also many differences between the tools.
There are some major differences between Snap On and Craftsman. The first major difference is the price. A set off 12 Craftsman wrenches will set you back around $40 for the really good kind. A set off 12 Snap On wrenches will set you back about $290. While some people argue the quality of Snap On is considerably greater, can it be over four times greater like the price suggests. But hey, you get your tools delivered on a cool truck, right?
One convenience of truck tools is the tools come to you. While you’re at work making money the tool guy will personally come up to you and see what you need. While this may save you a trip to Sears once a week, is it worth the extra cost? Snap On hand tools offer a lifetime warranty and so does Craftsman but what if you break a tool three hours after the Snap On guy left your shop? You’re screwed until he comes back the next week. On the other hand if you break a Craftsman socket you can go to Sears any time of the week and get it exchanged.
Another reason mechanics buy Snap On tools is the masculine factor. Every guy wants the biggest and baddest tool box. But when guys spend eighteen grand on a Snap On tool box, when they could be out getting more tools with that money is when they realize their mistakes. A tool box won’t make you money, tools will.
As you can probably tell I stay away from Snap On trucks unless only they sell the tool I need, otherwise I’m off to Sears.
The 2008 Saab 9-3 Aero
2008 Saab 9-3 Aero
The all new, redesigned, 2008 Saab 9-3 is very different from its last generation brother. It has received a complete facelift. The body lines are completely different. This years Saab also has the futuristic look going for it. The 2008 9-3 Aero has a very wide five spoke wheel pattern with very contemporary led taillights. The interior is also redone with brushed aluminum trim all around. The newer navigation with on star was also a nice touch. The leather seats were also done with special piping and trim which made this vehicle look unique.
Now for the test drive. First off, like the older 9-3, these brakes grab. Once you press them, you’re stopped. I also don’t believe I’ve seen a car with a better wheel alignment than this one. I let go of the wheel (don’t try this on your girlfriend’s car) for at least a half mile on golf and this car steered as straight as possible. This turbocharged v-6 really can throw you back in the seat also.
Now for the only complaint: As I was idling at a traffic light near Maine East High School the car sputtered and then stalled. For a one week old car this is a very big inconvenience. After waiting three days to get the car back from the dealer who supposedly fixed it, the car did it again. After getting really mad and calling Saab corporate they sent a master technician representative to the dealer who fixed the car in one day.
Don’t get me wrong but this is a great car, especially when it’s priced just under $40, 000. Saab is also one of the leaders in the automotive industry for safety, which makes this car an even better buy.
The all new, redesigned, 2008 Saab 9-3 is very different from its last generation brother. It has received a complete facelift. The body lines are completely different. This years Saab also has the futuristic look going for it. The 2008 9-3 Aero has a very wide five spoke wheel pattern with very contemporary led taillights. The interior is also redone with brushed aluminum trim all around. The newer navigation with on star was also a nice touch. The leather seats were also done with special piping and trim which made this vehicle look unique.
Now for the test drive. First off, like the older 9-3, these brakes grab. Once you press them, you’re stopped. I also don’t believe I’ve seen a car with a better wheel alignment than this one. I let go of the wheel (don’t try this on your girlfriend’s car) for at least a half mile on golf and this car steered as straight as possible. This turbocharged v-6 really can throw you back in the seat also.
Now for the only complaint: As I was idling at a traffic light near Maine East High School the car sputtered and then stalled. For a one week old car this is a very big inconvenience. After waiting three days to get the car back from the dealer who supposedly fixed it, the car did it again. After getting really mad and calling Saab corporate they sent a master technician representative to the dealer who fixed the car in one day.
Don’t get me wrong but this is a great car, especially when it’s priced just under $40, 000. Saab is also one of the leaders in the automotive industry for safety, which makes this car an even better buy.
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