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Brandsport Blog

Prepare for Mischief Night

August 27th, 2010

October is just around the corner.  When we think of October, a lot of things come to mind:  Jack O’ Lanterns, ghosts, haunted houses, pumpkin pie, trick-or-treating, scary costumes, spooky stories, and bizarre creatures lurking in the shadows.  We also can’t forget the culmination of October:  Halloween.

However, it is not only Halloween that we want to remember, it’s also the night before.  October 30th is widely known as “Mischief Night.”  This is the night when little ghouls and goblins go out egging houses or cars, throwing toilet paper in trees, smashing pumpkins, and a host of other mischievous tricks.

Although antics are normally associated with the aforementioned tricks, there are occasions where extremely evil spirits may attempt something much more sinister to your parked vehicle.  Therefore,  we wanted to remind you to order protective items for your car now, so that it has time to ship to your house before all the demons come out to play.

Items that may be of interest in terms of protection are wheel locks, car covers, or door sill protectors.

Best of luck scaring off all those who go out on Mischief Night.

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Stay Alert in the Fall

August 18th, 2010

[caption id=”attachment_93″ align=”alignright” width=”240″ caption=”Photo courtesy boff2, sxc.hu”][/caption]

As unfortunate as it is, the end of the summer is slowly approaching.  The warm summer days will soon melt into the windy days of autumn.  We will trade our shorts for jackets.  We will start to watch football.  We will get the Halloween decorations out.

But one thing to constantly keep in the back of your mind is that as fall approaches, there maybe more debris on the roads.  The autumn winds become more prevalent and have the ability to knock down tree branches.

When you’re driving this fall, take care and keep your eyes peeled for this type of debris.  Something as small as a fallen tree branch can put a scrape in your car’s paint scheme.  A road covered with leaves during a drain storm can be as slippery as winter ice.  Drive with caution.

If you find that fall debris does put scratches in your paint, you can easily cover up the imperfection with some automotive touch up paint, which you can find at Brandsport.com.

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Automotive Dealers Need More Inventory

August 12th, 2010

The full effects of the recession and suffering economy may not yet be realized, especially when it comes to the automotive industry.  Making cars is expensive and with all of the major vehicle manufacturers losing money, they needed to find a way to save some cash.

They finally have found that way.

A recent report states that many Automotive dealerships across the country are reporting depleted inventories.  This means that when customers go to buy a new car that the options they have in terms of color, features, etc. may be extremely limited if not non-existent.  It maybe difficult for people to find the car that they really want and may have to pay more if the only thing available is the more expensive model of the same car.

The reason for this shortage?  Car manufacturers are starting to kick the habit of making more cars than are sold.  Normally they produce extra cars so that there is a surplus.  In order to save money, they are only trying to produce the exact number of cars that are needed.  Although this is good for both the planet and our economy, it is not good for the consumer in terms of options and pricing.

Since you may not be able to find the car of your dreams on a lot it is even more important to keep the car you have now protected.  That is possible with the help of one of our car covers available at Brandsport.com.

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Summer Waxing Tips

August 6th, 2010

Keeping you car’s paint and exterior safe and looking new is a sure fire way to keep your vehicle looking impressive.  Nobody wants a dull and dinged up paint job.  Below are some tips that you can use while waxing your car for the summer months:

1. Pour soap in one bucket creating suds.
2. Fill another bucket with fresh water.
3. Try to keep your vehicle in a shady place because the sun will allow the soap to dry which will create water spots.
4. Spray the car before you begin washing as this will remove loose particles and cool the paint for cleaning.
5. Spray the wheels and wheel wells to remove over spray from the undercarriage.
6. Use a soft sponge or preferably a sheepskin mitt.
7. Start at the top of the vehicle working your way down, do one panel at a time rinsing as you go to keep the suds from drying.
8. After each panel, make sure to rinse out your glove to get rid of collected dirt particles.
9. Use a soft and absorbent terry-cloth towel to dry your car and minimize scratches.
10. The front of the vehicle usually sees the most dirt from bugs and over spray, so spend some extra time scrubbing in the front of the car.
11. Next polish your car’s paint using a polish as this will keep the paint clean.  Smooth the surface in preparation for waxing.
12. Lastly, wax the surface of your car so that you can seal and protect your paint.

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Congress Passes Bill to Make Electric Cars

July 22nd, 2010

One of the problems that’s been facing this country for many years is its dependency on foreign oil.  Our economic and military policy has been dominated by this need for decades and has arguably contributed to the financial debt that we now find ourselves in.  But we are not here to have a political debate; we are here to bring you news from the automotive world.

That is why we were surprised to see that Congress passed a bill that would require half of the cars in the United States to run off of electricity by the year 2030.  The bill approved putting almost 3.9 billion dollars into communities that would research, design, and produce infrastructures that will be capable of letting a car run off of electricity.

Senator Byron Dorgon, the bill’s chief sponsor, said that this bill will, “Decrease our dependency on foreign oil by one-third, improve our national security, and improve the air we breathe.”

We will continue to keep our on the development of this bill and how it relates to electronics for cars.

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Toyota Releases Statement About Unintentional Acceleration

July 14th, 2010

Over the past few months, there have been a number of reported incidents of Toyota Vehicles suddenly accelerating to dangerous speeds without input from the driver.  These incidents have lead to a number of accidents, some of them extremely serious.  An article posted on National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website on May 26, 2010 claims that the death toll from these cases has reached 89.

These occurrences caused Toyota to initiate a massive recall to inspect and resolve the issue.  As reports continued to flood in, 6,200 reported in the same article mentioned above, people have been demanding to know what Toyota’s response was on the issue.

On July 14, 2010, Toyota released a statement that can be found on AutoNews.com.  Toyota claims that after investigating the various crashes caused by unintentional acceleration, that they have concluded that “virtually all” of the incidents were driver error.  Most complaints maintain that when a driver would step on the brake, that their car would suddenly accelerate.  Toyota spokesman, Mike Michels, claims that in virtually all of these cases, the driver stepped on the accelerator by mistake.  Michels also states that no evidence of electronic malfunctions has been discovered as of yet.

What do you think?  Have all these cases been driver error?  Or is Toyota overlooking something?  Let us know in the form of a comment!

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Toyota Adds Engineers to US Offices

July 9th, 2010

Although at BrandSport.com we like to provide you with the very best in terms of Toyota auto accessories, we also like to bring you the latest news from the auto world:

The Toyota company is working to address its quality control effort in the United States by adding technology and engineering specialists to seven of its major field offices.  These specialists will be tasked with investigating customer complaints in the wake of the claims of Toyota vehicles that have unintentionally accelerated over the past year.

Each office will have three to five engineers added to its ranks and will work to spot, report, and resolve customer concerns before they grow to a larger scale.  Each office that is receiving this additional man power will also focus on a single issue.  The New York office will focus on corrosion.

The field staff will also help to accelerate the process of reporting quality problems to the Toyota headquarters located in California and Japan.  This is designed to help fight complaints that Toyota has not worked fast enough to complaints made by regional affiliates.

What do you think of this move from Toyota?  Let us know in the form of a comment!

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Fireworks Warning

July 2nd, 2010

This weekend is the time of year when we celebrate the independence of our nation.  Most people do this by attending fireworks displays.  In case this was something you were considering, we wanted to make sure that you kept your car’s safety in the back of your mind, to avoid any damages.

When it comes to fireworks, there are two instances where your car is in danger.

The first is at a public fireworks display.  If you are attending a planned and sanctioned fireworks display, it probably means that they are going to be some big-time fireworks.  You want to make sure that you park your car far enough away that the embers from the fireworks don’t fall onto your vehicle.  The sparks can cause burn or scorch marks.  If that happens, just visit our exterior car supplies page to find the tools you need to fix any type of damages.

The second area of concern is amateur pyrotechnicians.  This can be teenagers, inexperienced individuals, or individuals under the influence of alcohol who think they know what they are doing.  When something goes wrong, a rogue bottle rocket or roman candle can find its way to your vehicle.  Therefore, on July 4th, you might want to park your car in a garage, carport, or at the very least:  Off the street.

Be safe and have a happy 4th of July!

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Protect Your Floors, Too

June 28th, 2010

?If you are someone who really cares about your car, and keeping it looking nice, we applaud you.  Having a car that looks great is truly an asset.  But when you sit down and think about it, there are a lot of things out there that can make your car look less than stellar.  One example:  Dirt.

Looking great also means looking clean.  It doesn’t matter what kind of accessories you have on your car if they are all grimy.  People also won’t be impressed if they get into your car and see that it is dirty.

Therefore, we wanted to recommend that you also strive to keep your car’s interior nice and clean.  One area that gets overlooked is the floor.  It is easy for dirt, gravel, and other things to slowly accumulate on the floor of your car.  Want an easy cleaning tip?  Get a tailored floor mat.  Not only will they add a little extra to the look of your interior, but all you need to do to clean  your floor is to lift the floor mats out of your car and shake them out.  Nice and easy.

See the various types of floor mats we have at BrandSport.com.

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Saudi Arabia Unveils its First Domestic Car

June 18th, 2010

On Tuesday June 15, 2010, Saudi Arabia unveiled its first domestically made car.

Named the Ghazal 1, which is also the name of a dexterous desert deer that lives in the country, this car is a Sports Utility Vehicle that is intended to match the nation’s tough desert terrain.

The interesting thing about the Ghazal 1 is its design team:  College students attending the engineering program at King Saud University.  The vehicle’s costs have not been disclosed and there was no announcement made pertaining to whether or not the vehicle would be mass produced.  However, Professior Darwish, who helped oversee the engineering project was quoted by the Saudi-based Arab News as saying that the planned production will be 20,000 vehicles per year.

For anyone who may be interested in purchasing the Ghazal 1, remember that a tough desert terrain can play havoc on the vehicle’s tires.  You don’t want to risk having the tire separate from the car.  With the help of wheel locks, at BrandSport.com, you can drive through any terrain with ease of mind.

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June is National Drive Safe Month

June 10th, 2010

As the summer months arrive, the desire to roll down the windows and cruise down the open road becomes stronger and stronger.  But with the temptation to drive fast also comes the dangers of the road.

June is National Drive Safe Month, and we at Brandsport.com wanted to give you all a couple of tips that you can use to help keep safe driving as the focal point of the month.

1) Don’t Drink and Drive:  Although this one is quite obvious, some people still need to be reminded that drunk driving can ruin not only your life, but the lives of others.

2) Put Away the Cell Phone:  Don’t talk on your cell phone while you are driving.  No mater how “good” you may think you are at doing two things at once, it is a distraction and you never want to be distracted while you’re driving.  Same goes for texting.

3) Keep Your Passengers Calm:  Passengers in your car can also be distracting.  Ask them please sit calmly so that you can keep your focus on the road.  Also, don’t turn around to try and see what they are doing in the back seat.

4) Turn Down the Radio:  We know that blasting your favorite song is a part of summer driving, but it also makes it hard for you to hear the sirens of emergency response vehicles who need to pass you to get to their destination.  Likewise, you will be unable to hear the horns of motorists trying to alert you to something of importance.

5) Wear Your Seat Belt:  They actually do save lives.

6) Slow Down:  The place you are trying to get to will still be there regardless of if you drive 20mph or 80mph.  If you want to get their quicker, just leave earlier.  Speeding is a major cause of traffic accidents and traffic violations.  Save your money and your life all at the same time by slowing down.

If we all can observe these simple tips, we all will be able to enjoy National Drive Safe Month.

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Protect Your Ride This Summer

June 3rd, 2010

The summer means that it is time to let loose and enjoy life.  We can wear shorts, go swimming, and put the tops down on our cars.

The summer is an excellent time to show off your car.  If you are visiting BrandSport.com, then you are clearly a car person.  You probably spend your summer days washing and waxing your car to make sure it looks nice.  Having a car that looks great can really attract some attention from the opposite gender.

But we wanted to make sure to give you one caution about your car concerning the summer:  Thunderstorms.  We sometimes forget the danger that a storm presents during the summer months.  We would hate to see something happen to your ride, just because Mother Nature reared her ugly head.

Therefore, when you are parking this summer, be extra sure to take note of your surroundings.  You don’t want to park under any trees or other objects that could break and fall during strong winds.  Also, if you can park in a garage or under a carport, you will be able to protect your car from hail or other debris that a storm can blow around.  So just make sure to be aware of both the weather forecast, and where you are parking, so that you can keep your ride protected this summer.

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Show Thieves No Mercy!

May 26th, 2010

If you have invested your time and hard earned money into nice tires for your car,  you want to keep them safe from thievery.  One way to do this is by using wheel locks.

Wheel locks are one of the most important things you can find on BrandSport.com. But we felt perhaps we should take the time to explain them a little more, just in case you had questions.

Wheel locks are a lot like lug nuts in the sense that they keep the tire on the vehicle.  But they are also designed to keep thieves at bay.  They are uniquely designed so that a common tire iron or lug wrench can not remove a wheel lock.  Instead, they come with their own keys, which ensures that you are the only person who can remove them from your vehicle.

So if you want to make sure that you show thieves in your area no mercy, make sure to use wheel locks that you can find at BrandSport.com.

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Toyota to Recall Over 11,000 Lexus Cars

May 19th, 2010

At Brandsport.com, we like to keep you up to date on the most recent news out of the automobile industry.  We have recently learned that Toyota is planning on recalling 11,500 Lexus cars from around the globe.  Since we are proud to provide you with Lexus accessories, we wanted to to make sure that you stayed in the loop if you are a Lexus owner.

The company plans on recalling 3,800 vehicles from the U.S., and 7,000 vehicles overseas, including 4,500 units from Japan.  The reason for this recall is that a number of Lexus drivers have reported issues related to steering.  Drivers stated that after making turns, the steering wheel would not return back to the original position, which has lead to some of these vehicles swerving into and out of different lanes of traffic.  A spokeswoman for the company has stated that the problem is both mechanical and software related.

There are four Lexus models that are involved with this recall:

LS 460
LS 460 L
LS 600h
LS 600h L

If you own any of these models, it is advised that you speak to your Lexus dealership to see if your vehicle falls under the jurisdiction of this recall.

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Pack Your Car for Summer

May 14th, 2010

The summer months are just about here.  The best thing about summer is the opportunity to be outdoors.  When the weather cooperates, we can enjoy the sunshine and the warm summer breeze.

But the key is to always be ready to take advantage of the nice weather.  You can use your vehicle to stay ready for an outdoor activity.

If you, or your friends, love to be outdoors, why not keep everything you need right in your car?  If you like to play sports, your trunk can act like a sports chest.  You can keep a football, baseball bat and glove, basketball, Frisbee, or other items right in your trunk.  If you are a fishing enthusiast you can keep a tackle box and fishing pole in your car, so that you’re good to go at any time.  Does your loved one enjoy picnics?  Why not keep a few blankets in your backseat so that you can always be ready to go if you are in the mood for a picnic.

Hopefully, with these tips, you can use your car to help you better enjoy the summer.

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Chrysler Offers Special Deal in May

May 10th, 2010

Thinking about buying a new car?  Not looking forward to the car payments that will follow?  Searching for a way to save some money?

Then consider shopping for a Chrysler-brand vehicle.  For the entire month of May, Chrysler has announced that it will offer 0% financing on most 2010 models, through GMAC Financial Services.

The financing offer will vary by brand and model:

-Dodge customers can choose between 0% financing for 36 months or a rebate of up to $3,000.

-Dodge Avenger, Grand Caravan or Nitro, may choose from 0% for 60 months or up to a $4,000 rebate.

-Dodge Charger buyers can select 0% for 72 months or $3,000 cash.

-Journey and Caliber buyers can pick from 0% for 36 months or a rebate up to $1,500.

-Jeep customers get the option of 0% for 36 months or a rebate of up to $4,000.

-Customers who buy a Jeep Liberty, Grand Cherokee, or Commander can choose between 0% for 60 months or  up to $5,000 in rebates and bonus cash.

-Ram truck customers may pick between 0% for 60 months or a rebate of up to $3,000.

These offers are good through the first of June.

If you’ve taken advantage of the deal, let us know! We want to hear about the experience and if Chrysler really holds up to their promo.

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Home Car Repair

May 9th, 2010

We all love our cars.  We also all love to save some money whenever we get the chance.  That is why sometimes it is better to try and tackle some of the simple issues that arise with car repair and car maintenance on our own.  It is important to always remember to learn from someone who has experience with these issues.  There are also some problems that you should always leave to the mechanic.  But for some of those simple and little things, if you can fix them yourself, you can keep some extra dollars in your pocket.

Here is a list of the top ten jobs that, with proper instruction and practice, you can easily fix by yourself:

1)      Changing your oil

2)      Changing your air filter

3)      Replacing your fuel filter

4)      Replacing your spark plugs

5)      Changing your battery

6)      Replacing your disc brake pads

7)      Replacing your drum brakes

8)      Replacing your ignition coils

9)      Replacing your electric fuel pump

10)   Jump starting a car

These ten jobs can save you a lot of money if you learn how to do them correctly.  But anything past these issues, you might want to call in the help of a professional.

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AAA’s Top 10 Reliable Cars of 2010

May 9th, 2010

For those of you who need to commute to work each day, having a car that you can rely upon is extremely important.  You need to know that your car is going to be there for you so that you can get to the places you need to be.  You also want your vehicle to be efficient, comfortable, environmentally friendly, and safe.

Therefore, in March, AAA released a list of the top ten cars available to commuters based upon their practicality, safety, comfort, fuel efficiency, and affordability.

Honda Insight—Key Feature:  As a hybrid, this is the most fuel efficient car on the road, for a reasonable price.

Ford Fusion—Key Feature:  4 Cylinder version offers a great combination of power, comfort, and handling competence.

Volkswagen Jetta TDI—Key Feature:  The latest design of diesel engine is in this vehicle and is vastly different from its counterparts.  It’s quiet and very economical for a diesel engine.

Hyundai Elantra—Key Feature:  35 miles per gallon.  It also comes with a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty, which suggests that the car was built to last.

Subaru Legacy/Outback—Key Feature:  Increased fuel economy, with enhanced leg room, plus all-wheel drive, makes this car stand out.

Honda Civic—Key Feature:  This car is the total package when it comes to affordability, dependable, economical sense, and comfort.

Chevrolet Malibu—Key Feature:  The 4 Cylinder version allows for good fuel economy, while the increased cabin space allows for a lot of passengers.  This is a great vehicle for carpooling.

Honda Accord—Key Feature:  This is a 4 Cylinder car as well, and when this version is utilized, the driver will be sure to see some savings at the gas pump.

Mazda 3—Key Feature:  This car has extremely crisp handling and decent fuel economy.  Might not be for passengers who don’t like bumpy rides.

Mini Cooper—Key Feature:  Extremely safe, fuel efficient, and fun to drive.  But also very small and very pricy.

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Fixing Up Those Little Marks

May 7th, 2010

We at BrandSport.com know that you love your car.  We also know that you want it to look its absolute best.  There are a lot of things you can do to make sure that your baby stays shiny and new.

However, there are some things you just can’t control:  someone opening their door into your car, a small stone kicked up by a passing vehicle, a tree branch sticking out into the road.  All of these minor little occurrences can lead to little scratches or marks on your car.

Rather than spend a lot of money and take your car to a body shop for something small, why not fix it up yourself?  With the help of touch up paint, you can cover up those little imperfections, for a fraction of the cost.  Plus, it is a project that you can take on yourself, if you are the kind of person who likes to work on their car.

Make sure to visit BrandSport.com for a large selection of items that you can use to get your car in to tip top shape.

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Hyundai Claims Most Efficient Hybrid

May 5th, 2010

The Hyundai Motor Company has released a statement recently that claims it’s U.S. Hybrid will have cost and performance advantages over gasoline-electric models from competing car manufacturers.

The model in question is the 2011 Sonata Hybrid.  The Sonata Hybrid uses a lithium-polymer battery that is 20 percent lighter than models from other companies.  A lighter battery will allow for a lighter car, which means that there will not be as much demand on the car’s fuel and energy system when accelerating.  Which means that less gas will be used; making the car more efficient.

A spokesman for Hyundai says that the Sonata Hybrid will average 38 miles per gallon in combined city and highway driving.  This is the highest average miles per gallon rate in the United States.  Many automakers have attempted to increase their miles per gallon ratio in attempts to keep gas prices from once again reaching the record highs of 2008.

At BrandSport.com we are happy to see that there is a continuing effort to help reduce the amount of gasoline that is consumed and the amount of harmful emissions being cast into the atmosphere.

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Get Your Ride Ready

March 26th, 2010

car

We all know that things happen, but when they happen to your car, they can’t be neglected. Chances are, if you’re like most people, there are probably a few little fixes you’ve been putting off because they’re a pain to fix or you just don’t have time for it. However, making those little, low-cost fixes can actually make a huge difference in your car. Parts that are broken don’t just look bad – they can also be dangerous.

Take some time while the weather is nice to go through your car and think about any parts that need to be replaced. Chances are, you can find replacement lug nuts, accessories, and more at Brandsport.com that are great for getting your car back in to tip top shape. Plus, with our selection, you can always be sure that you find exactly what you need for your car at a price that makes it easy and accessible to do the fix yourself.

Replace those broken knobs and buttons and really take care of your car this spring by making those little fixes you’ve been putting off. It’s one of the best things you can do to preserve the look, feel, and value of your vehicle.

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Update on the Toyota Recall

March 26th, 2010

As we all know, the Toyota company has been experiencing a large number of issues with vehicles suddenly accelerating, unintentionally.

The company has been issuing a large number of recalls and has been the subject of a lot of media speculation the past couple of weeks.

On March 23rd, British consultants, who hold doctorate degrees in engineering, have completed an investigation that may help start to explain the cause of the unintentional acceleration.

The British consultants claim that the break and pedal system in the current models of Toyota vehicles are susceptible to electromagnetic interference, or EMI. EMI can come in the many forms including electrical storms, high volumes of in use wireless devices, such as cellphones, and phenomenon that occur in the sun known as “sun spots.” The EMI actually causes delays in the break and pedal system, which trick the car into thinking that you want to accelerate.

Toyota has received the most complaints about unintentional acceleration out of all automakers over the past decade. Toyota maintains that their break and pedal system is not the cause of the issue and that all car manufacturer’s products are in danger of EMI.

Investigations are still underway from both Toyota and other outside consultants to determine the cause of the unintentional acceleration issues that are being reported all over the country.

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A Better Windshield?

March 19th, 2010

Uncomfortable driving at night when it is more difficult to see?  Find yourself panicking in heavy snow, rain, or fog?  Well the technology might soon be available to help you out in these less than perfect driving conditions.

According to Autonews.com, General Motors is currently developing technology that can assist drivers in poor conditions.  This system would work by installing vehicle sensors and cameras to the car so that it could capture and interpret data in terms of driving conditions, location of the road, and potential obstacles.

As the car’s computer analyzes the data, it transmits the data to a projector that places information on the windshield.  The windshield will then highlight the edges of the road, or attempt to outline other obstacles, such as deer, before they cross the road.

Although this system is still only in development, GM has said that it would like to slowly start implementing elements of this system in upcoming vehicle models.

You can view the entire article here.

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Cleaning Your Interior

March 12th, 2010

As the warmer months approach you are going to want to give your car a good cleaning.  Most people start with the exterior and think that is all they should do.  But it is important to not forget about the interior as well.  Dust build up can be a huge hassle that makes your ride look dull. Not to mention, it can also make you sick, which is never fun.

Here are a few tips to remember when cleaning your car’s interior:

1)      Vacuum:  Using a vacuum will get rid of all the debris that accumulates near your pedals.  Make sure to remove the floor mats and vacuum and shake them out separately.   Don’t forget to vacuum under the seats.

2)      Cleaning Seats and Upholstery: The first thing to remember is to never use water.  Water could collect, cause mold, or damage electronics.  For the seats and upholstery, you’ll want to find an upholstery cleaning agent.  Spray the cleaner on the seat, rub vigorously, and then wipe away with a dry cloth.

3)      Cleaning the Carpet: Using a carpet cleaner, spray the cleaning agent on the carpet, rub vigorously, then wipe away with a dry cloth.

4)      Cleaning the Dashboard: Wipe away dust and grime with a barley moist cloth.  If there is a stain on a dashboard, you can mix a little laundry detergent with warm water, but make sure to thoroughly ring out the cloth.  Wipe away with a dry cloth. Use a protectant or polish to add a nice shine.

Hopefully, with these tips you’ll have your car looking clean and new in no time.  Does anyone else have any car cleaning tips?  Share in the comments!

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Audi Has a Very Cool New Concept Car

March 5th, 2010

So, at the Geneva Auto Show, Audi unveiled a very cool new prototype that features a very eco-friendly take on the A1 model. Here’s the scoop:

Audio just unveiled the A1 E-Tron concept car which is the smallest model Audi out there, but it looks pretty sleek. The new car features E-Tron technology (electric) which puts it into the hybrid category along with other models like the Chevy Volt. This smaller version, however, features a torque-rich 45 kilowatt electric motor, which delivers about 60 horsepower. For shorter, more powerful bursts though, the electric motor can produce up to 75 horses and Audi says that it can go from 0-60 mph in about 10 seconds. Not too bad for a little hybrid.

The only downsides we’ve seen so far are the top speeds (80 mph) and the charging. It travels about 31 miles on electric power alone, which isn’t exactly stellar, but for an extended range of 124 miles, the battery pack in the car can be charged by an onboard 20-horsepower single-rotor Wankel engine, fed by a 3.17 gallon tank.  This equates out to about 123.8 miles per gallon when you calculate using both operating modes. Factor in the recharge only takes less than 3 hours and you’ve got a keeper – though you need a 380-volt circuit to do it.

The A1 E-Tron is being developed for countries around the globe, including North America, and could be in limited production by 2012.

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Get Your Car Ready for Spring

February 26th, 2010

Right now your car is probably all geared up for the snow. Depending on what part of the country you live in, snow might be the only thing you’ve seen for the past couple of months. But don’t worry; even though it may not feel like it, spring is on the way. What better way to get out of the winter slump than to start thinking about getting your car ready for spring? Below is a list of ten tips that you should keep in mind while you make the transition from cold weather to warm weather.

1) Get rid of road salt on the undercarriage—This can be done by using a simple garden hose with a lot of pressure. Removing road salt helps prevent the corrosion of your vehicle.


2) Check tires—
Changing temperatures can alter the air pressure in tires. Make sure to check your owner’s manual to see what the appropriate amount of pressure is for your car’s tires.

3) Check wiper blades—They may have been damaged as they removed ice and debris throughout the winter. Don’t forget to refill your washer fluid reservoir as well.

4) Rotate tires—This goes a long way in making the treads of your tires last a lot longer.

5) Change oil and oil filter—Some manufacturers recommend that you change your oil and dirty oil filter as the temperature changes.Your owner’s manual will fill you in on what type of oil you should use during what time of year.

6) Change the air filter—It is a good idea to change an air filter every six months. This is especially true after the winter months, since you tend to roll down your windows less, which allows for dust to naturally exit the vehicle.

7) Flush and fill your cooling system—Air conditioning and hotter temperatures in general call for a brand new round of cooling fluid. This will help extend the life of your car as well.

8) Check radiator and gas caps—Changing temperatures may cause these to come loose. Make sure to tighten these two caps to make your car more efficient.

9) Check battery and spark plugs—Spark plugs need to be replaced every so often. After all, most people go on long vacation drives during the summer. This would be a bad time for a spark plug to fail.

10) Clean the cabin—This helps get rid of the dust and debris that’s build up all winter, making your car a cleaner and fresher environment.

Many of the cleaning and car care products that you need to accomplish all ten of these tips can be found in the Car Care section at Brandsport.com.

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Brand Spotlight: Gorilla

February 24th, 2010

Here at Brandsport.com, we supply products from one of the best lug nut companies out there: Gorilla. Gorilla is a well-known supplier of lug nuts and wheel locks that help keep your hubcaps securely situated on your tires. But that’s not all they do. Just take a look at the history of Gorilla as a company and you’ll see why they offer so much more.

Gorilla’s reputation has been built upon 30 years of service. They have operated under the mission of, “Make it easy for our customers.” Priding themselves on innovation, teamwork, and an unwavering commitment to quality, Gorilla has launched themselves to the top list of competitors when it comes to the automobile accessory industry.

Gorilla’s primary focus in terms of product is the lug nut. These lug nuts are of high quality and can easily make any car stand up amongst the rest. Gorilla offers lug nuts in chrome, stainless steel, and aluminum. You can also find a wide array of accessories to help you with all of your lug nut needs.

The second item of focus for the company is the wheel lock. Gorilla offers three different variations of wheel locks that provide you a number of options. Whether you are looking for extra security or for a sleek and beautiful design, Gorilla has got you covered.

So trust in the reputation that Gorilla has built for itself. Make sure to take a look at all their products that we carry, and let Gorilla make it easier for you.

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The 2010 New York International Auto Show

February 22nd, 2010

Mark your calendars – the New York International Auto Show is going to be coming back to the “Big Apple” with hot new vehicles, great features, and even more details on the newest cars and trucks from some of the world’s best manufacturers. This year’s show, which will be held April 2 – 11 in the Javits Convention Center, is sure to be a hit amongst all car and truck lovers, no matter what make and model you may be a fan of.

From 2010 and 2011 production models to concept vehicles that will reshape the way we drive, the NY Auto Show is sure to be a jam-packed 9 days of vehicle heaven.  Tickets are on sale now, so be sure to reserve yours as soon as you can. You’re not going to want to miss out on the opening day ceremonies on Saturday, April 3 – or all of the previews, accessories, and more making their debut at this year’s event.

The New York International Auto Show is one of the premier events for auto-enthusiasts in the US. If you love cars and trucks, this is a must-see event. For more info, visit AutoShowNY.com.

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Welcome to the Official Brandsport.com Blog!

February 18th, 2010

When you want to find out about how to best care for your car, hot new rides, and what’s happening in the auto industry, you’ve come to the right place. At Brandsport.com, we provide great car parts to help you get your ride looking and performing its best. On our blog, expect us to provide you with the tools you need to stay in the know when it comes to your ride. From news to care care tips, we’ve got what you’re looking for.

Besides shining a spotlight on some great tips, tricks, news, and products, we’ll also provide you with store news and information on some HOT new deals going on at Brandsport.com.

Stay tuned!

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About

January 14th, 2010

This is an example of a WordPress page, you could edit this to put information about yourself or your site so readers know where you are coming from. You can create as many pages like this one or sub-pages as you like and manage all of your content inside of WordPress.

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