Open Discussion Blog

Question by Hasan A: I am in the process of starting a car rental business please provide ant tips that could help?
i am starting a rental car business in a country were the competetion is not that strong so please give any tips that would lead me to be the market leader in the future. any information would be apreciated.

Best answer:

Answer by Dont_taze_me_bro
Identify all of your risks and costs.

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Question by Tara H: What are some discounts that many auto insurance companies offer that might help save some money?
10pts to best answer. Question about auto insurance policies?

I just earned my drivers liscence. My father is dreading the cost of adding another driver to the family auto insurance policy. What are some discounts that many insurance companies offer that might help save my dad some money when the premium is due?

Best answer:

Answer by Amy E
good grades
some offer programs you can do to become a good driver..that gives a discount.
Don’t be put as the primary driver on the newest vehicle..

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Question by ..shy<3: How do I go about starting a home based business? What are some grants that I can apply for to help me?
I am interested in starting a home based business, at least home based for now. I want to design and sell plus sized clothing. Do I need a business license? What about financial assistance? Also if its needed it will be located in middle TN.

Best answer:

Answer by Stephen T
You will need a state tax ID number for sales tax purposes. If you need a city license you need to check with the local city clerk. Also make sure you can operate a home-based business in that area by contacting the zoning department. You probably won’ get a SBA grant to start that particular business but I’m sure if you asked around you could get a low-interest loan. Good luck.

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Car Accident Help Book
Proven techniques for those involved in car accidents to deal with insurance company adjusters to get the most value for their damaged vehicle, recover lost rental fees, how to mitigate damages, ect…
Car Accident Help Book

Question by mil: What are good home based business ideas to help employ teenagers?
I have three sons, two are summer working able at 16 and 13 and my father is fairly able bodied and retireing this spring. I am trying to think of a home based business we can start that will use these three as employees.

Best answer:

Answer by lornalmnopqr
Ebay is always a good one…buy to sell on there..can be a lot of work,

Or perhaps offer a ‘business services’ of typing things, finding best deals on business cards and so on…

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Car Maintenance: Will it Really Help Gas Mileage?

As gas prices continue to rise, the auto industry is out in full force touting the benefits of car maintenance. Many repair shops even have custom “fuel saver” services. While maintaining one’s car is indeed important, does it really save gas? Before we answer this, let’s step back and look at auto maintenance for today’s cars.

The first question we need to ask is – what does my car need (according to the manufacturer) for it to be considered “maintained.” Today’s cars no longer have distributor caps, rotors, points, and a variety of other ignition components – so these don’t need maintenance. Many vehicles now come with extended service parts such as 100,000-mile platinum spark plugs and life-time fuel filters. Oil change intervals have been extended to 5,000 miles or more. The 3,000-mile oil change is ancient history. Coolant flushes and transmission services aren’t needed until 100,000 miles if at all. Yet, even if we performed all the above services, will they increase fuel efficiency? Probably not. Unless your vehicle is misfiring (i.e., not running on all cylinders), you’re gas mileage is likely fine.

So what part of car maintenance adversely effects gas mileage for the average driver of a late model vehicle? Three things: tire pressure, air filters, and excess carbon.

Tire Pressure: Setting your tire pressure is free, and is the best maintenance service you can perform to maintain maximum fuel efficiency. It’s that simple.

Air Filters: Air filters can indeed get plugged after a considerable amount of driving and can then restrict air flow, which will not allow your fuel to burn efficiently. This can also cause excess carbon build-up, which can reduce miles per gallon. The good news: air filters are cheap ( to ), are easy to install, and usually only need replacement every 30,000 miles.

Excess Carbon: There is another auto maintenance service that “can” help gas mileage. It’s called a fuel system cleaning service. Some repair centers call it fuel injector auto maintenance, or a fuel injection service. Simply, chemicals are added to your fuel system through a variety of orifices to clean out excess carbon deposits on your valves, pistons and intake manifold. This naturally forming carbon (in excess) is not good for gas mileage. Excess carbon absorbs gasoline, which would otherwise be used to power your vehicle. However, before you run out and spend the 0 + to have this service performed, there is one important consideration – the service will only work for vehicles that need it. In other words, yes the stuff works, but you’re vehicle may not have any excess carbon build-up. You wouldn’t wash clean clothes – right?

When you see those “fuel saver” services for 0 to 0, they’ll likely include an air filter, tire pressure check, and a fuel system cleaning service. If you’re wondering whether or not your vehicle needs it, ask yourself the following:

Do I use quality gasoline consistently?

Have I replaced my air filter at least every 30,000 miles?

Have I checked my tire pressure recently?

If you can answer these questions affirmatively, you’re probably ok. Buying cheap, no-name gas once-in-awhile is ok. Replacing the air filter and setting your tire pressure is common sense. Also, if you drive like grandma, get out on the highway and press the vertical pedal at your right foot “all the way to the floor” until your vehicle accelerates to speeds at which you’re not all too entirely comfortable. Then repeat a few more times. This will help clean out excess carbon – FREE – less the cost of fuel. Be careful. Watch out for cops.

In summary, follow your manufacturer guidelines for your car’s maintenance – not ones designed by those who stand to benefit most. Use name-brand fuel, set your tire pressure now and again, pop in an air filter, according to your car’s recommended interval, and don’t be afraid to drop the hammer now and again.

Related Car Maintenance Articles

Question by daydreamer: what kind of home based business can I do to help my family?
Is there any legitimate home based business for Stay at home mom. I am stuck in the house the whole day since we do not have a second car. I do not have money to invest. What kind of home business do you guys do? Anyone willing to share ideas would be appreciated. Thank you

Best answer:

Answer by JoAnn
I love the home business I got involved with 7 months ago and it’s been great for me because I can stay home with my 2 1/2 year old. We don’t have “startup” cost but we do pay a monthly overhead fee of only .00, which covers everything we receive from the Company. If you like, please take a look at our website www.freedomathometeam.com/2workathome and request an interview if you would like additional information.
JoAnn

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