Many are saying yes to hybrids and small cars

As gas prices has now been projected to reach an average of $3 per gallon, many are now considering hybrids and small cars over other the gas-guzzling vehicles. The sky rocketing fuel costs have seriously impacted the automotive industry. As with the car-buying public there's also a significant change in their buying strategies.

Based from the latest Consumer Reports Auto Pulse Survey, 37 percent of consumers are considering replacing their current vehicles with more fuel-efficient ones due to the continued rise in gas prices.

Out of all the consumers that wants to replace their vehicles, half of it are considering for gasoline-electric hybrids while 38 percent are considering diesel vehicles or flexible-fuel ones. Those who wouldn't opt for hybrids will buy smaller cars instead.

Consumer Reports Top Pick vehicles for 2006 which are the Toyota Prius and Toyota Highlander is reflective of the fact that hybrids seems to be practical choice for the fuel-dependent public.

According to Robert Gentile, director of Consumer Reports' Auto Price Services, "High gas prices are not just an inconvenience anymore… They are forcing people to reconsider what and how they drive, even the way they live their lives."

True enough, many families chose to stay at home this summer season and sacrifice their annual trips due to high fuel costs that continue to bruise their family budget. Many car buyers are also opting to compromise a vehicle's luxury, space and comfort in exchange for a more economical fuel-saving one.

In these trying times we need every help we could get just to save a few bucks. Still with regards to our vehicle's pampering needs, it is comforting to know that Auto Parts Inner continues to strive to be the number one provider of quality auto parts and accessories that won't cost you that much.

The glitzy and dazzling diamond-covered Mercedes Benz SL550

The limited edition Mercedes Benz SL550 was launched to celebrate the SL's legend that started 50 years ago. And probably to further highlight that 50-year presence in the automotive scene, a diamond-covered SL550 was spotted at an auto show in Dubai.

That's the kind of car that would literary dazzle in your eyes!

The diamonds are probably fake ones but still it is sure to attract a whole lot of attention when driven around town. Information as with regards to its price and whether it will be out in dealerships soon are not yet disclosed.

This car will certainly cost a fortune though and celebrities like Paris Hilton would most likely be the first to be interested in driving such. Well, that would surely complement the glitz and glamour of the showbiz world where she belongs. Seems like 50 Cent's Lamborghini Murcielago has now found its much more appealing match.

By the way, your car doesn't need precious gems for it to become a head-turner, you just have to give your own vehicle some upgrades by ordering top of the line Mercedes Benz parts from Auto Parts Inner.

Women are more car-care savvy than men

From a national survey sponsored by Jeff Lube International, 64 percent of women and 69 percent of men think men know better than women when it comes to car issues, but their answers to basic car-care questions may be a contradiction to that.

Basing from the results of 524 men and 522 women surveyed, you be the judge whether men or women has a better understanding in terms of car-care:

67 percent of men and 45 percent of women incorrectly answered that a vehicle's proper tire-inflation pressure information is located on the tires' sidewalls while 22 percent of women and more than the 16 percent of men realized the correct tire pressure is not on the tire sidewall, wheel rim or wheel well.

Two-thirds (67 percent) of men and 46 percent of women incorrectly assumed simply switching from conventional engine oil to synthetic oil enables the number of miles between oil changes to be safely extended.

While about half of the men and women polled (54 percent and 49 percent) knew that the normal life expectancy for many windshield wiper blades is six to 12 months, nearly 40 percent of them (39 percent and 38 percent) answered anywhere from one to five years.

47 percent of men versus 27 percent of women knew cabin air filters clean the air passengers breathe.

78 percent of men versus 56 percent of women knew the primary purpose of antifreeze/coolant was to help control the temperature of a vehicle's engine.

It seems that compared to women men were able to correctly answer only a few of the car-care questions. Women out there should now think twice before consulting men regarding car-care issues.

When it comes to car-care and maintenance, it is however important for all vehicle owners, men and women alike to be equipped with the necessary and correct information. Luckily, Auto Parts Inner can be a trusted source not just of reliable parts but of automotive information as well. They feature useful automotive articles and provide in-depth discussion on various automotive systems comprising a vehicle.

Staying out of harm's way when stranded

Even if you are confident that your car is in good running condition many factors might still cause you to be stranded while on the road. Being stranded can be an annoying situation and a dangerous one too. It is however important that you stay calm during these situations and maintain presence of mind.

Avoid any panic-inspired maneuvers. Signal and pull completely off the road onto the shoulder. You should avoid pulling over in a dangerous place such as on a roundabout, round a corner or over a brow.

Once you're safely off the road don't forget to turn on your emergency markers. When getting out of the car, be sure to exit from the passenger side to avoid being dangerously close to passing traffic.

Use your phone or any communication device that is available. Provide your exact location, including the highway or any major landmark in the area.

Set up signal devices like flares or reflectors to alert passing motorists as quickly as possible.

In case of a severe car breakdown, do not attempt to fix your vehicle yourself. Call for service and assistance.

While waiting for assistance, stay in your car, lock all the doors and roll up the windows. In case you happen to be stranded during winter, run the engine and heater to keep warm.

Remember that it is better to stay in the vehicle where you can be protected from the wind and cold.

Be patient to wait for awhile, since towing companies are typically busy and service is usually slow.

To avoid any road mishaps such as car breakdown that might have caused me to be inconveniently stranded, I see to it that my vehicle is regularly checked. Before traveling, I always perform routine checks including checking for properly inflated tires, proper functioning brakes and adequate water levels. Having my auto parts replacements sourced from a reliable store like Auto Parts Inner also ensures that my vehicle won't fail on the road and that I'll be able to arrive at my destination safe and stress-free.