Here is just a short list of the different kinds of tires out there. Hopefully with just a little bit of information you’ll be better able to know the kind you need.

If you mostly drive on paved roads and highways you’ll want to have a good set of all-season tires. They are the best all around tire that can grip the road in rain or shine. When winter hits however you’ll need a good pair of winter tires. Winter tires are made of a much softer rubber so that they can grip to snow like nothing else.

Another decent asphalt tire that could be a good choice for some people is the All-Weather Tires. They have a soft rubber inner thread to help grip winter snow, with a harder rubber on the outer edge for better cornering.

So the next time you head to your closest tire dealership do your research and find the best kind of tire for your specific region. Also, remember to always recycle your old used tires. They can be made into a variety of products like door mats and sidewalks.

Image: Uprooted.com (by Jessica Reeder)

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Tire Troubles?

2010 Toyota Avalon

Built around Toyota’s all new 268-hp 3.5L V6 the Avalon will never be short of power. Though powerful, the Avalon comes with the highly coveted Dual Variable Valve Timing system that makes the car a super fuel efficient monster. Dubbed the “Japanese Buick” the third generation Avalon offers a very comfortable ride for everyone on board.

The Avalon also tested very high in the crash test ratings, receiving nearly perfect scores except for one star was deducted for it’s ability to roll-over. Rolling over however isn’t usually an issue as it happens in high speed collisions.

If you like you big American sedans but want the engineering of Toyota you may like the Avalon. Personally though nothing truly beats the Cadillac… There I said it.

Image: Toyota.com

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2010 Toyota Avalon

2010 Hyundai Veracruz

The powerful 3.8L V6 engine is both smooth and aggressive. You may not be able to tow a boat, but you can take her and six other passengers out on the highway with ease.

The Veracruz was made for the daily commuter in mind. That’s why it comes with some great standard luxury features like the all inclusive stereo system. You can play and listen to all of your old cassettes and new MP3’s on your daily commutes.

The Veracruz comes in three basic trims: The GL, GLS and Limited. With a base price of around $37,000 the Veracruz will appeal to those looking for the style of a BMW but with the affordability only afforded by Hyundai.

Image: Hyundai.com

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2010 Hyundai Veracruz

Flickr image by hradcanska

Here are just a few helpful tips that will ensure you’ll have a functioning vehicle this winter.

• Test the antifreeze: The antifreeze in your car helps keep your car cool and prevent the engine from overheating. On the flip side the coolant could freeze, making it nearly impossible to start cold. Keeping your car plugged in at night helps, but testing your coolant is more important. Have a technician test the density of the coolant to ensure it doesn’t freeze.
• Install a warming blanket around the battery: Most newer cars have special warming blankets installed around the battery already. If you have an older vehicle installing one would be a good idea. When a battery gets cold it looses its power significantly. It’s also a good idea to have a technician check to make sure your battery passes electrical load tests.
• Install winter tires: Winter tires are specially designed to grip to ice and snow thus giving you more control over your car. They can do this because the tires are made of a softer rubber that doesn’t become hard in cold weather. The treads are also specially grooved to get a better grip. Because the rubber is softer you have to replace them with all-season tires in the spring or else the tread will wear out quickly.
• Change the oil: most cars use either 10W30 or 5W30. If your car gives you the option between two different kinds of oil choose the one with the lower number for the winter as it is lighter and will be able to reach all of the engines parts quicker without needing to be heated first.

I hope these suggestions help. Though the most important tip I could give is to take it slow on the roads and be careful.

Image: Flickr.com (hradcanska)

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Are You Ready For Winter?

2010 Dodge Ram 3500

The new Dodge Ram 3500 comes with the industry’s highly coveted 5.7L HEMI V8 that won the “10 Top Engines” from Ward’s AutoWorld. The “hemispherical” firing chamber delivers more power than one that is typically slanted or miss-shapened. The Hemi takes up more engine space which is why engineers don’t usually make engines that way. However, when you’re atalking about mounting an engine on a full-size pickup frame you’re not going to be concerned about space under the hood.

The 5.7L V8 delivers an astonishing 383-hp and 400 pound-feet of torque. If you think this is overkill think again because this truck was made to be the best of the best and it is. It outbeats the Ford in power and can deliver more power when needed. So if you need to tow that yaht to the beach or if you like to haul around your camper this is the best and only workhorse you’ll ever need.

Image: Dodge.com

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2010 Dodge Ram 3500

2010 Chevrolet Colorado

The Colorado shares it’s frame with the GMC Canyon. Both trucks come in a variety of trims to best suit any need. Buying the right truck could be tricky. You first need to assess whether or not you’ll need to have crew seats. Most mid sized trucks only have two seats so this could be a big inconvenience if you need to carry more passengers. The next thing you need to consider is whether or not to go for the extended bed. 6 foot beds are standard but you may need more room if you plan on hauling stuff around.

Image: Chevy.com

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2010 Chevrolet Colorado

2010 MG TF 135

The MG comes equipped with a very light but powerful 1.8L I4 engine that can put out an impressive 135 hp. Not bad for a little car. If that doesn’t impress you, you may enjoy the fact that the car can get 46mpg. But don’t go rushing for the MG if you are a Tree-Hugger, the MG was not made to save gas, it’s true nature is revealed when it’s placed on the track. With a take off rate of 0-60 in just 8.4 seconds and with top speeds of 127mph you’ll be sure to win any drag races.

The new MG comes in two basic trims: The TF 85 (85th Anniversary Edition) or the TF 135.  The TF 85 is a special edition MG so expect to pay a little more, around $30,000. The 135 is price a little lower at just $27,000. Which isn’t too bad considering. The only problem about getting into an MG in North America is finding one that was built with the steering wheel on the left side.

Image: MGMotor.co.uk

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2010 MG TF

GMC Terradyne Concept

The Terradyne was designed to be the ultimate truck for anyone who works hard. It was supposed to come with the 6.6L V8 300-hp Duramax engine, that was powerful enough to tow well over 6,000 lbs. One of the most remarkable things about the truck was that it was supposed to come equipped with a 5,000W generator. That’s enough to power a house if needed. This could have been a practical feature for those who need to use power tools in remote areas.

Not only was the Terradyne supposed to be tough it was designed to be durable too. The interior was designed in such a way that it could be sprayed down with a simple garden hose. The truck bed could also be extended to accomidate larger loads. One of the most notable features on the Terradyne was that the doors would slide to the side like doors on a minivan.

Maybe this is long overdue but I am pleading with GMC to have the Terradyne produced. This is exactly the kind of truck people want and need. I would pay top dollars for a truck that I knew would last and be reliable. Bring back the Terradyne and prove once again that GMC makes the best trucks.

Image: GMC.com

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GMC Terradyne Concept

2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid

If you can’t wit till 2040 you’ll just have to settle for a top of the line, super fuel efficient hybrid vehicle. Able to use electric and gas engines hybrids are seen as the best comprimise using todays limited technology. One of the best Hybrid-Vehicles out there is the 2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid.

The Nissan Hybrid technology is the same as that on all Toyota Hybrid cars. The sharing of information between the two companies have helped develop Hybrid Technology in general. The fourth generation Altima comes equiped with everything you’d expect from a modern 21st century vehicle. Bluetooth capability, mp3 player, dynamic sound system and a truly remarkable driving experience.

Test drive a 2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid today.

Image: Wikipedia.com

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2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid

Chevrolet Orlando Concept

The all new Chevrolet Orlando Concept is one of those cars that will hit North American consumers by storm. The car was designed to be a compromise between a SUV, minivan and station wagon. The first ever Multi-Purpose Vehicle for Chevy has high hopes for the industry.

Chevrolet Orlando Concept Interior

The Orlando boasts the interior space needed to accommodate a three row seating arrangement with the option of folding the rear seats for more cargo space.

No word yet on when they plan on releasing the Chevrolet Orlando but it shouldn’t be too far into the future. With Dodge making the Caravan without much competition other companies are on the lookout for something that could topple it superiority.

To find out more about the Chevrolet Orlando Concept enter to receive free newsletter updates from the GM website.

Image: GM.com

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Chevrolet Orlando Concept