Its going to be Halloween soon time for trick-or-treating and of course parties. But despite the celebration let us not forget that anything in excess is bad especially drinking. AAA which is North America’s largest motoring and leisure travel organization has once released tips on how partygoers can remain safe this Halloween and these are as follows:

•    Do not drive. If you have been drinking; be sure to use a designated driver.
•    If you have been drinking, call a cab or have a sober friend or relative drive you home.
•    If you cannot find a safe ride home, stay where you are until you are completely sober.
•    If you are hosting a party, make sure your guests do not drive impaired.
•    When driving, be sure to watch your speed. Motorists should slow down as they drive through neighborhood areas, preferably five miles per hour less than the posted speed limit.
•    Watch carefully for children crossing the street. Children may not be paying attention to traffic and might cross mid-block or between parked cars. Motorists should scan far ahead in traffic to watch for children and try to anticipate their actions.
•    Look out for children in dark clothing. Children may be difficult to see if they are wearing dark costumes or masks. Be aware that masks may hinder a child’s peripheral vision, and they may not be able to see a vehicle.
•    Pay close attention to all traffic signs, signals and markings.

Follow these tips from AAA and have a Happy and Safe Halloween. For more info on AAA simply visit their web site at www.AAA.com.

Mercedes-Benz USA or MBUSA has recently unveiled a version of its E320 BLUETEC which is a diesel sedan that will be made available in limited numbers to California customers through a special two-year/24,000-mile lease. The unwrapping of the 320 BLUETEC was done at the Mercedes-Benz FashionWeek at Smashbox Studios.

The new E320 BLUETEC which is distinguished as “2007 World Green Car” by international panel of journalists earlier this year has been able to meet California’s stringent emissions requirements that have kept new diesel automobile models off the market of California for most part of a decade.

The BLUETEC technology makes use of state-of-the-art engine and exhaust technology that produces the cleanest diesels available on the market today. And by utilizing this technology, the V6 powered E320 BLUETEC diesel is able to deliver a powerful torque likened to a large V8 engine with low fuel consumption of a four-cylinder compact.

According to Dr. Leopold Mikulic, Head of Powertrain Development at Mercedes-Bnez Cars, "In order to be able to provide the power and economy of diesel technology throughout the world, we had to make the diesel version as clean as the gasoline model. With BLUETEC, nitrogen oxides can be reduced to such an extent that our diesel vehicles will satisfy the strictest emission regulations in the world -- even in the future. This makes Mercedes-Benz the first manufacturer in the world to fully bring all exhaust gas components under control."

The E320 BLUETEC was made available last October 15 under the two-year/24,000 mile lease program through Mercedes-Benz Financial Services. And compared to the E350 the E320 is less costly.

The special limited mileage lease program is just the initial step in the company’s plans to offer consumers with diesel alternatives in all 50 states. MBUSA will also offer diesels across its SUV model lines in later part of next year and will further add to its powertrain offerings.

Beyond the fuel efficiency, the BLUETEC vehicles are the cleanest diesels available in the world today. Basically since diesels burn less fuel than gasoline vehicles plus they also produce significantly lower emissions of carbon dioxide. In addition, in BLUETEC vehicles the particulate levels are reduced to levels comparable or much better than that of the gasoline powered vehicles. The best part of the BLUETEC technology is the fact that NOX emissions are reduced to meet even the strictest exhaust limits in the world.

Technical Specifications of the 2007 E320 BLUETEC

Powertrain
Engine: 3.0L V-6 208 HP
Transmission: 7-spd TouchShift w/OD
Alternator: 115 amp
Axle Ratio: 2.47
Fuel Type: diesel
Fuel Tank: 21.1 gal.
Exhaust: dual stainless steel
Drive Type: rear-wheel
Traction Control: ABS & driveline

Steering and Suspension
Electronic Stability:stability control
Front Suspension: multi-link
Front Anti-Roll Bar: front anti-roll bar
Front Springs: coil
Front Shocks: gas-pressurized
Rear Suspension: multi-link
Rear Anti-Roll Bar: rear anti-roll bar
Rear Springs: coil
Rear Shocks: gas-pressurized
Steering: rack & pinion
Brakes: Sensotronic 4 wheel disc
Vented Disc Brakes: front and rear
Wheels: 16.0 " silver alloy
Front Tires: P225/55HR16.0BSW AS
Spare Tire and Wheel: compact steel

Seating and Interior  
Seating Capacity:5
Front Seat Type:bucket
Heated Front Seats    Available:
driver and front passenger heated-cushion, heated-
Front Headrests:power adjustable w/tilt
Front Armrests:center w/storage
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls: (8-way power)
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls: (8-way power)
Rear Seats: bench
Rear Headrests:power adjustable w/tilt
Rear Armrests: center
Memory: driver and passenger seats
Seat Trim    
Standard:
leatherette
Available:
leather
Door Trim: leatherette
Headliner: full cloth
Floor Trim: carpet
Floor Mats:carpeted front & rear
Dashboard Insert: genuine wood
Gear Shift Knob Trim: leather/genuine wood

Comfort and Conveniences
Sunroof
Vanity Mirrors
Auxiliary Visors
Rearview Mirror
Glove Box
Dome Light
Reading Lights
Floor Console
Overhead Console
Cup Holder
Instrument Panel Storage
Seatback Storage
Refrigerated Box
Door Bins
Rear Door Bins
Cargo Floor Trim
Trunk Lid Trim
Cargo Tie Downs
Cargo Light
Front Air Conditioning
Climate Control
Air Filter
Rear Heat Ducts
Automatic Air Recirculation
Radio
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
CD(in-dash mounted single)
MP3 Player
CD(in-dash mounted 6-disc)
Speakers
Amplifier
Radio Theft Deterrent
Antenna
Cruise Control
Door Locks
Remote Keyless Entry
Trunk/Hatch/Door Release
Remote Fuel Flap Release
Rear Child Safety Door Locks
Fuel Filler Door Release
Cell Phone
Power Outlets
Driver Foot Rest
Retained Accessory Power
HomeLink Wireless Control System
Smokers Package
Lighter Elements
First Aid Kit
Emergency SOS
Instrument Display
Tachometer
Water Temp Gauge
Clock
Exterior Temperature
Systems Monitor
Check Control
Trip Computer
Trip Odometer
Park Distance Control
Navigation System
Steering Wheel
Steering Wheel Material
Front Windows
Rear Windows
1-Touch Open
Tinted Windows
Sun Blinds
Front Windshield Wipers
Heated Front Wipers
Rain Detecting Wipers
Sun Visor Strip
Rear Defroster
Rear Blinds

Safety
Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)
Daytime Running Lights
Center High Mounted Stop Light
Front Impact Airbags
Driver Side Impact Airbags
Passenger Side Impact Airbag
Overhead Airbag
Occupancy Sensor
Rear Side Airbag
Side Impact Bars
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Ignition Disable
Panic Alarm
Tracker System
Security System

Dimensions and Capacities  
Door Count: 4 doors
Maximum Cargo Volume: 15.9 cu.ft.
Exterior Length: 189.7 "
Exterior Width: 71.3 "
Exterior Height: 57.2 "
Wheelbase: 112 "
Front Tread: 61 "
Rear Tread: 61 "
Turning Radius: 18.7 '
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 5,015 lbs.
Curb Weight: 3,835 lbs.
Payload: 1,157 lbs.
Drag Coefficient: .27
Front Legroom: 41.9 "
Rear Legroom: 35.6 "
Front Headroom: 37.4 "
Rear Headroom: 37.7 "
Front Hiproom: 52.4 "
Rear Hiproom: 53.8 "
Front Shoulder Room: 56.4 "
Rear Shoulder Room: 56.1 "
Passenger Volume: 97 cu.ft.
Interior Cargo Volume: 15.9 cu.ft.

Exterior Features  
Bumpers: body-colored with chrome insert,
Bodyside Moldings: body-colored
Bodyside Insert: chrome
Grille Moldings: chrome
Paint: clearcoat monotone
Exterior Mirrors: dual heated, power remote driver, power remote w/t

Winter is fast approaching and the experts at NADAguides.com have recently released their Top Ten Go-in-the-Snow Vehicles to guide car owners on the best rides to meet old man winter. The leading vehicle pricing and information site has based their selection of cars, trucks, SUVs and crossovers on a variety of inclement driving situations that includes snow, ice, sleet, and rain as well as on vehicles that provide plenty of equipment suited for cold weather.

And here is the complete list of NADAguides.com’s Top Ten Go-in-the-Snow Vehicles sourced from The Auto Channel:

•    2008 Audi A4 Sedan with price at $28,900 Base MSRP

The A4 features optional cold weather package with heated front and rear seats, a removable ski sack, retractable headlight Washers and an optional Quattro® permanent all-wheel-drive system. It is also one of NADAguides.com’s favorite Go-in-the-Snow Vehicles due to its superb handling in a variety of road conditions aside from its long list of cold-weather equipment. It also features all season tires, rain sensors, and heated exterior mirrors.

•    2008 Cadillac STS priced at $42,390 base MSRP

The 2008 Cadillac STS was able to impress the editors at NADAguides.com for its combination of luxurious styling coupled with excellent handling capabilities in bad weather. The STS features optional all-wheel-drive, all speed traction control, a computer-controlled stability control system and ABS brakes with brake assist. It also features a rear-window defroster, a heated exterior, rearview mirror and a remote vehicle starter system for cold mornings.

•    2008 Chevy Tahoe priced at $34,095 base MSRP

The 2008 Chevy Tahoe features a powerful 5.3 liter V8 with 4WD and an AutoTrac system that helps the Tahoe adjusts to varying road conditions. It also features heated exterior mirrors, a remote vehicle starter system for chilly mornings, halogen fog lamps and StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control that improves the Tahoe’s handling during emergency maneuvers such as loss of traction.

•    2008 Ford F-150 priced at $17,345 base MSRP

The Ford F-150 is perfect for any types of weather. It is 4WD, with a powerful 4.6 liter Tritonâ„¢ V8, an optional snow plow prep package, rear window defroster, heated exterior mirrors, fog lamps, rack-and-pinion steering and the largest towing capacity in its class of a maximum 11,000 pounds. The F-150 is always ready to go with or without the trailer in-tow and no matter what the weather is.

•    2008 Hummer H2 with a tag price of $55,510 base MSRP

The Hummer H2 was chosen due to its solid build and beyond-confident handling capabilities in various driving situations. The Hummer H2 is equipped with a 325 horsepower V8, a 2-speed electronically controlled full-time 4WD system and traction control. It also has a dual zone heating, triple-sealed doors, heated exterior mirrors, hitch/winch receiver, all terrain tires and heated exterior mirrors.

•    2008 Jeep Wrangler with price of $18,660 base MSRP

It has a remote vehicle starter, electronic stability control, all-speed traction control and an electronic roll-over protection system which are ideal to counter Mother Nature’s at her worst. The Wrangler is equipped with a 202 horsepower 3.8 liter V6 and drain plugs for easy interior cleaning of winter’s mud and sludge. It also has a Command-Trac® 4WD, which is a system that distributes equal power to all four wheels especially when traction is needed such as in slick driving conditions.

•    2008 Land Rover LR3 with base MASRP of $48,525

This vehicle is prepared for any bad weather driving conditions. It features 4WD, a rollover protection system, cornering brake control, emergency brake assist, and anti-lock brakes, rack-and-pinion steering, stability control and a Cold Climate Package with heated front and rear seats, a heated windshield and heated windshield washer jets. It also has a Terrain Response for added performance in snow and mud as well as front and rear fog lamps.

•    2008 Subaru Outback with base MSRP of $21,995

It is also one of the NADAguides.com editor’s choices due its Symmetrical-All-Wheel-rive system that sends power from the engine to each wheel at once to provide superior driving performance as well as to enhance traction on any road condition. It is also equipped with tire pressure monitoring system, a digital computer equipped with ambient temperature information and road surface freeze warnings, all season tires, Vehicle Dynamics Control, traction control, heated seats and heated mirrors.

•    2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser with base MSRP of $22,545

It is available with Active Traction Control and locking rear differential that improves traction and performance as well as 4WD, water resistant seats, a rubber-type floor and a deck mat for easy cleaning when it comes to mud, dirt, snow, and sleet. The 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser has easily made the NADAguides.com Go-in-the-Snow vehicles list due to its fully-stocked emergency and first aid kit, a roof rack with ski and snowboard attachments and all weather mats.

•    2008 Volvo XC90 priced at $36,210

It is available with AWD, front and rear fog lights, an anti-skid system that enhances driving stability especially in slippery conditions. Its Roll Stability Control helps to prevent accidental rollovers. Its other features include a rear window defroster, heated mirrors, heated seats, rain sensing wipers and rear door intermittent wipers.

Despite the fact that all models listed on NADAguides.com’s Go-in-the-Snow Vehicles are designed to handle a variety of weather conditions the leading vehicle pricing and information site would like to stress the importance of having an emergency preparedness kit present in your vehicle at all times whether driving on good or bad weather conditions.

And aside from emergency kit NADAguides.com also recommends to equip vehicles with the proper tires for the season to further refrain from accidents.

The Fabia Scout design concept car will again be introduced at the 9th Days of Design-Designblok’07 which is an exhibition that is going to take place in Prague from October 2 to 7, 2007. The vehicle will have its Czech introduction on October 2, 8 PM at Jan Palach Square in front of Rudolfinum.

The Fabia Scout concept car first made its debut at the Frankfurt International Motor Show where the vehicle received favorable response from both consumers and industry experts.

The Fabia Scout concept car follows the Scout design line that Skoda Auto already offers for its mass-produced Roomster Scout and Octavia Scout. The only difference of the brand new vehicle is the fact that it’s a standard estate with visual off-road features but in terms of design it is similar with the Roomster Scout and Octavia Scout since it also include model-specific accessories and equipment items that are typical or common to SUV vehicle such as large plastic body protection covers that is unique to the Fabia Scout.

The new vehicle will also offer a number of popular smart solutions such as the pop-out hooks to hold shopping bags, a boot roller-cover with a control system that is identical with the one equipped on the Octavia Combi. Likewise, trekking enthusiasts will definitely love the useful pop-out bench that is exclusively designed for the new concept vehicle.

Volvo the Swedish-based subsidiary of Ford is renowned the world over in terms of its high quality vehicles due to their unmatched safety features. And to add to its long list of quality and safe vehicles Volvo will present a much better XC70---the redesigned 2008 XC70 Cross Country.

The redesigned 2008 XC70 will showcase an improved luxury, safety, and driving performance. It also makes use of the same Ford EUCD platform employed for the S80 sedan and the Land Rover LR2 but with an additional 2 inches in wheelbase and 4-plus inches for the length.

The engine gained a cylinder but loses the turbo. Likewise, the standard gearbox that was previously five-speed was changed to six-speed automatic. Inside the XC70 the interior was made more plush and more high-tech with the addition of technical features.

To know what to expect from the 2008 XC70 Cross Country just checkout the details and specs sourced from the official web site of Volvo Cars:

Engine
Engine: 3.2
Engine Type Description: In-Line Six-Cylinder Engine
Power Train: All-wheel drive
Number of cylinders: 6
Engine Displacement: 194.8 cu.in.
Engine Bore: 3.31 in.
Engine Stroke: 3.78 in.
Horsepower: 235 hp
Horsepower rev: 6200 rpm
Torque: 236 lb-ft
Torque rev: 3200 rpm
Fuel type: Gasoline

Performance
Fuel consumption (city)
Six-speed Geartronic transmission: 15 mpg
Fuel consumption (highway)
Six-speed Geartronic transmission: 22 mpg

Capacity
Fuel Capacity: 18.5 gal.
Cargo Capacity: 71.4 cu.ft.
Towing Capacity: 3307 lbs.

Weight
Total Weight: 4092 lbs.

Exterior Dimensions
Height: 63 in.
Length: 190.5 in.
Width: 73.3 in.
Wheel base: 110 in.
Track Front: 63.5 in.
Track Rear: 62.2 in.
Turning Circle (curb to curb): 37.7 ft.

Interior Dimensions
Head Room Front: 38.8 in.
Head Room Rear: 38.6 in.
Shoulder Room Front: 57.4 in.
Shoulder Room Rear: 56.5 in.
Leg Room Front: 41.9 in.
Leg Room Rear: 34.6 in.
Hip Room Front: 54.8 in.
Hip Room Rear: 55.1 in.

Misc
Environmental Classification: ULEV-II

Safety    
Preventive safety
Warning triangle     
Rear Fog Light with Auto-Off     
Snow chains     
High Positioned Rear Brake Light     
Daytime Running Lights (Halogen Semi-Sealed with Replaceable Bulb)     
Anti-locking Brake System with Electronic Brake Assistance (EBA)     
DSTC Anti-skid System     
Emergency Brake Lights (EBL)     
Active Bi-Xenon™ Light (ABL)     
Front Fog Lights     
Side marker lights

Protective Safety
First-Aid Kit  
Reinforced Passenger Compartment   
Energy-absorbing Frontal Structure   
Side Impact Protection System (SIPS)   
Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS)   
Head Restraints for all Seats   
Safety Belts with Pre-tensioners   
Anti-submarining Protection   
Dual-stage Airbags, Driver and Front Passenger   
Dual-chamber Side Airbags   
Inflatable Curtain (IC)   
Collapsible Steering Column   
Energy-Absorbing Interior   
Lower Front Cross-member

Security
Towing Rope     
Lockable Wheel Bolts     
Rear Window Deactivation     
Power Operated Tailgate     
Jumper Cables     
Rear-Door Child-Safety Locks     
Standard Warranty: Four Years or 50,000 Miles, whichever occurs first     
Homelink™ Remote Garage Door Opener     
Personal Car Communicator (PCC)
Remote-controlled Central Locking System     
Private Locking     
Immobilizer and Theft-protected Locks     
Level Sensor     
Approach and Home Safe Lighting
Door Mirrors with Puddle Lights
All around laminated windows     
Volvo On Call Roadside Assistance: Four Years

Child Safety
Child safety seats
Booster Cushion and Backrest     
Dual Integrated Child Booster Cushions, Two-stage     

Child safety equipment
Play Table     
Mirror     
ISOFIX/Latch Attachment System     
Activity Bag     
Comfort Upholstery and Head Support     
Passenger Airbag Cut-off Switch

Comfort
Driver's support
Two Entry Lights (in Front Door Foot Wells)      
Reading Lights - Front/Rear     12 Volt Power Outlet     
Overhead-Mounted Seatbelt Reminder Lights     
Tilt/Telescopic Steering Wheel with Illuminated Cruise and Audio Controls     
Rainsensor
Windshield Wipers     
Power Windows, Front and Rear (one touch up, one touch down)     
Remote Audio Controls in Steering Wheel     
Parking Assistance Camera     
Driver Information Display     
Luggage/Cargo Area Lights     
Tire Pressure Monitoring System 2-Speed Windshield Wipers with Intermittent Cycle     
Interior Lighting 
Rear-Door Intermittent Wiper (with automatic function when transmission in reverse and front wipers on)     
Rear-Window Defroster with Automatic Timer     
Heated Windshield Washer Nozzles     
High-Pressure Headlight Cleaning          
Grocery Bag Holder     
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)     
Cruise Control     
Blind Spot Information System (BLIS)     
Park Assist Rear and Park Assist Front     
Electric Parking Brake     
Electrically Adjustable Heated Outer Rear-view Mirrors     
Automatically Dimmed Rear-view Mirror     
Automatically Dimmed Rear-view Mirror with Compass     
Illuminated Vanity Mirrors     
Trip Computer     
Ambient Temperature Gauge

Communication
Bluetooth® hands-free system

Seats
Memory for Power Driver's Seat
Power-Adjustable Passenger Seat, 8-Way with Lumbar Support
Seat cover
Manually Folding Rear Head Restraints
Comfort pillow
Ergonomically Designed Seats
Power Driver’s Seat and Manual Height Adjustable Passenger Seat
Heated Front Seats
Flat-Folding Front Passenger Seat
Flat-folding three-split 40/20/40 rear seat

Textile/T-tec upholstery
Duved Off black in Anthracite Black interior (F500)
Duved Mocha Brown in Sandstone Beige interior (F514)

Leather upholsteries
Leather Off black in Anthracite Black interior (F100)
Leather Soft Beige in Sandstone Beige interior (F112)

Climate
Tinted Rear Windows
Sun Screen, rear windows
Mud flaps, front and rear
Electric heater
Cabin Filter
Electronic Climate Control (ECC)
Interior Air Quality System (IAQS)
Humidity Sensor
Adjustable Air Vents, Rear
Tinted windows
Power Glass Sunroof

Storage
Table, rear seat
Sun glass holder, roof
Business bag as organizer
Illuminated Lockable Glove Box
Front Door Panel Storage Pockets
Front Seat-Back Storage Pockets
Front Center Armrest
Rear Armrest-Mounted Dual Cupholders

In-car Entertainment
Audio
Audio systems
High Performance audio system     
Premium Sound Audio System

Audio equipment
Steering Wheel Remote Controls
Rear Seat Audio Console
1-CD Player with MP3/WMA Functionality
Integrated 6-CD Changer with MP3/WMA Compatibility

Entertainment
iPod® Music Interface
Rear Seat entertainment System with Dual DVD players
Sirius Satellite Radio with 6 month complimentary subscription
Satellite Radio Preparation - Sirius
Volvo Dual Screen Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) System

Design
Interior styling
Other interior styling
Illuminated instep plates

Mats
Textile mats, Grey
Textile mats, Mocha Brown
Rubber mats, Off black
Rubber mats, Mocha Brown
Tunnel mat

Trims
Classic Wood Inlays
Dark Fineline trim

Gear knobs
Leather-clad gear knob, Charcoal, Geartronic
Leather-clad gear knob, Soft Beige, Geartronic
Classic wood gear shift knob with Charcoal leather
Classic wood gear shift knob with Soft Beige leather

Steering wheels
Leather-clad steering with Soft Beige
Leather-clad steering wheel, Charcoal
Classic wood steering wheel with Soft Beige leather
Classic wood steering wheel with Charcoal leather

Leather upholsteries
Leather Off black in Anthracite Black interior (F100)
Leather Soft Beige in Sandstone Beige interior (F112)

Textile/T-tec upholstery
Duved Off black in Anthracite Black interior (F500)
Duved Mocha Brown in Sandstone Beige interior (F514)

Exterior styling
Wheels
Cecino 7''x 16'' Alloy Wheels w/215/65/R16 Tires
Minos 7.5x18'' Silver Bright
Sargas 7.5'' x 17'' Alloy Wheels w/235/55/R17 Tires

Exterior colors
Black
Ice White
Ruby Red Metallic
Barents Blue Metallic
Willow Green Metallic
Oyster Grey Metallic
Electric Silver Metallic
Seashell Metallic

Body styling
Valve Stem Caps
Moonroof Wind Deflector
Front and Rear Skid Plates
Front Fog Lights
Mud flaps, front and rear
Silver cross bars
License Plate Frames
Roof spoiler
Aluminum Roof Rails

Performance
Engines
Six-cylinder engine (3.2)

Transmission
Six-Speed Geartronic Transmission
All-wheel Drive with Instant Traction™

Chassis & Steering
DSTC Anti-skid System
Hill Descent Control (HDC)

Environment
Inside
Cabin Filter
Interior Air Quality System (IAQS)

Pack & Load
Roof boxes
Cargo Box ''Mountaineer''

Sport equipment holders
Ski/snowboard holder, aluminum
Ski Holder Hitch Mounted
Windsurfing board holder
Snowboard holder
Ski/snowboard holder, sliding
Ski holder
Canoe and kayak holder
Ski holder, diagonal

Load carriers
Load carrier, rails / cross bars
Silver cross bars
Roof rack basket
Aluminum Roof Rails

Bike holders
Bike holder, steel
Bike holder, aluminum
Bike lift
Advanced Trailer Hitch Bike Carrier
Basic Trailer Hitch Bike Carrier     
Bike holder, fork-mounted

Tow bars
Trailer Hitch     
Caravan mirrors     
Automatic levelling

Load compartment
Load compartment mat, reversible and foldable
Flush-fitting load area cover
Seat cushion
Grocery bag holder
Electric cooler and heater box
Load liner
Bag, textile
Load compartment mat, reversible
Load compartment mat, plastic
Attachment panel with hooks
Cargo divider
Side net
Cargo cover

Load securing
Load straps, roof     
Safety net     
Steel Cargo Barrier     
Load securing straps     
Luggage net

Packages    
Packages
Climate Package     
Dynaudio Package     
Premium Package     
Convenience Package

During the recent nationwide clinics conducted by AAA, North America’s largest motoring and leisure travel organization and its affiliated repair facilities, they found out that the number one vehicle problem is tire pressure. This conclusion was not just invented by AAA but based on the inspections conducted on around 6,082 vehicles by 25 different AAA clubs.

NAPA, a leading automotive solutions source has also partnered with AAA to provide answers and solutions to some of the most common vehicle problems encountered by car owners. Kit Johnson, the 2007 NAPA Technician of the Year from East Helena. Mont. provided the answers on some of the car problems that were discovered during the AAA events

The following are what the AAA inspectors have discovered during the event:

• The second most common vehicle problem by car owners pertains to clog air filter. And according to Kit Johnson it is important to consult the owner’s manual in order to know how to properly maintain and replace air filters. You see air filters are very important since they help improve engine performance resulting to more power and better fuel mileage.

• The third most common car problem is insufficient tire tread depth. Mr. Johnson recommends 3/32â€� tread depth to obtain sufficient traction. He also added that you can use a coin to know the tread depth. If you can see Lincoln’s head then this means that you have to replace your tires. There are also tires with built-in tread wear indicators that make it easier for car owners to know when it is time to replace the tires.

• The fourth common problem was engine oil. Dirty oil hastens engine wear while a low level of oil can cause vehicles to overheat since lubrication is lost. It is advised to regularly change oil to prolong the longevity of the engine.

• Worn-out windshield wiper blades are the fifth item that is often neglected by car owners. Torn wiper blades affect driving visibility especially when driving in rain and snow. Mr. Johnson suggests replacing them once a year or sooner if streaking starts.

Aside from the above mentioned other areas that were seen in need of attention during the inspections include the transmission fluid, engine coolant, antifreeze protection, battery cables/clamps/terminals and windshield washer fluid.

With the recent problems in housing and financial markets, it's not going to be surprising if purchasing a car is at the very bottom of the "things to buy" list of consumers. This is also the perfect time to reflect on the adage that says "be content with what you have" since we really don't have any choice at the moment but to cut down on our expenses in order to save every penny that we can.

And since we won't be doing any car shopping for the time being it would help to simply maintain the car that you have now. Aside from that, maintaining your car can help increase its resale value once you decide to sell it in the future.

The experts at NADAguides.com which is a leading vehicle pricing and information web site has released helpful tips that will guide car owners on how to maintain the value of their vehicle during the lifetime of ownership:

Here are the tips:

1.    Less is moreâ€"this pertains to the car's mileage. Usually cars with lower recorded travel figures or mileage commands higher resale value as compared to one with excessive mileage.

2.    Service with a smile and a receipt. NADAguides.com said that subjecting your car to a regular maintenance service can help to keep the vehicle's good running condition. And usually with these services are receipts which should be kept since it serves as records of the maintenance and repairs done on the vehicle. This can also help in increasing your car's value at resale or trade-in.

3.    Beware of wear and tear, the everyday use of your vehicle can cause wear and tear. It is expected and normal for anything that is regularly used however excessive wear and tear should be avoided when it comes to your car since it reduces your car's resale value. If you can avoid driving along rough roads or driving at excessive speeds, riding the clutch or the brakes, then please do so since it can severely damage your vehicle's engine.

4.    Keep it clean- nothing beats cleanliness, according to NADAguides.com if you want to keep the value of your car then keep it clean. Have it detailed on a regular basis covering the interior and exterior. And avoid making your car an extension of your dining table never eat, drink or smoke in your car.

5.    Keep it covered- when not in use cover your car. This will keep it safe from aesthetic or mechanical damage and also from the elements.

For more tips on vehicle maintenance as well as info on new cars and used cars, simply checkout the Tips & Advice Section of nadaguides.com.