Jeep Hard Top Versus Jeep Soft Tops

Most Jeep owners with hard tops prefer to go without it in the summer. They actually have three choices and each choice has several pros and cons going for it.

1. Remove hardtop and place nothing on top of your Jeep – let us start with the pros. First, you do not spend on anything. You will likely enjoy the open-air feeling when driving your Jeep. You do not worry about fiddling with anything or setting up anything since you do not have a top. People will likely smile at you as you drive by because they are probably jealous. Such open-air truck is a certified person or chick magnet. Of course, there will always be cons to it and here are some. You get wet when it rains and you probably need to stop somewhere under the shade to wait for the rain to stop. You have to bundle up if the cold air comes up. When it is cold, you would wish that you do not have to bundle up too much and just have a Jeep top. People will have the tendency to laugh at you mercilessly seeing you soaked as you drive by. They are probably glad it is you and not they. Other Jeep owners with tops would see you and empathize with you.

2. Have your hard top removed and replace it with Jeep soft tops – Well, with a soft top, you still get the open air feeling just by removing your rear and side windows or have a topless experience by just folding it to the back. When it rains, gets cold or black flies and mosquitoes attack, you can easily fold it back up again, put back the windows and you will again be fully enclosed and protected from getting wet, cold or attacked by flies. The cons are that, installing a Jeep soft top might be quite expensive, depending on the model/year of Jeep you have. You need to be quite a pro at folding your top and zipping its windows in order to get the entire process down to 10 – 15 minutes only. It is quite impossible to do this process alone also if you are quite short. You need to climb all the way up the top of the Jeep or have to beg someone to help you. You also need to make sure that your windows are stored somewhere safe in a dirt-free area. If you fail to do these, your windows will soon be rendered useless – you will not be able to see through them because of the scratches. Also, if it would be the first time that you buy a Jeep soft top, remember to choose one that has all the hardware – make sure it has its bows which act as the moving frame or skeleton that will hold the fabric on. However, if you are not a first timer and already have the frame, then you can buy the replacement fabric.

3. There is a thing called Jeep summer top that you can replace with your hard top – tops for summer time are simply sheets or a tarp that connects the frame of your Jeep and covers that area above your head, leaving your sides completely open. It does not offer much protection aside from light rain or hot sun but it shades your head and eyes quite thoroughly. You can choose between two styles of Jeep tops for summer. One style is the material that is sized just enough to cover the two front seats of the Jeep. Bestop has such style of top the call the Bikini Top while for Rampage Products, they call such California Top or Brief. Brief Top is also its name for Vertically Driven Products. If it is not only you who will be riding the Jeep and you are expecting passengers and want to be considerate of them, then you can have the style that also covers not just the front seats but also those in the back seat. Since this is a larger sized top, Bestop call it the Safari Tops, Rampage Products calls theirs as Island Topper or Combo Brief and Vertically Driven Product has named them Full Brief. Every manufacturer has a different name for such product but the similar features of this are the coverage for both front and back seats.

If you install a summer Jeep soft top, you need to attach it from the top of your Jeep windshield unlike the attachment points of your hard top or ordinary soft top. You must buy an additional hardware – the Jeep Windshield Channel and install it on your vehicle. This hardware is but a long piece of metal that can be screwed on or clamped into the windshield and provides a channel for the top to slide into.

What are the pros and cons, you may ask? Well, as for pros, you will enjoy the true feel of open air and still avoid sunburn and getting soaked by rain. Many of such tops are usually out when folks are aware that they will be out driving under the sun all day and want ample protection. Of course, you can only be safe from light rains and not from sudden rage of stormy rain. You also need to be bundled up if you run into cold weather and attacked by mosquitoes. Upon removing the top to replace it with a soft or hard top, you also need to remove the windshield channel since such is useless when using the latters.

Kay Zetkin writes information about anything on four wheels. Learn more information and where to get the best deals on Jeep tops and affordable Jeep soft tops for your vehicle.

Best 10 Green and Hybrid Cars of 2011

Now as we all realized that the world is not going to end in 2012 still we all must accept the hard truth that one day it would because of Global Warming issues. Cars are the need of our day-to-day life for commutation but it also produces a lot of pollution that harms the atmosphere and hence strengthens the global warming. This is the time for everyone to opt for Green Cars to get rid of pollution and lessen the fuel consumption.
Here’s the list of Top 10 Green Hybrid Cars of 2011:

1. 2011 Nissan Leaf:
May be in terms of range, room or price, the 2011 Nissan Leaf is proved to be the best all-electric car for the masses. Apart from the fuel-efficient factor, the Nissan Leaf is manufactured using recycled materials made from home appliances, plastic bottles and old car parts which are used extensively throughout the vehicle. The 2011 Nissan Leaf offers an equivalent Gas mileage of 99 mpg overall though its electric mileage is 73 miles per charge.

2. 2011 Chevy Volt:
There have been always a debate on which car is greener, the hybrid Chevy Volt or the all-electric Nissan Leaf. According the technical specifications of the car, the Chevy Volt rides on electric motor for the first 35 miles and when the electric reserves are consumed, the car shifts to the Gas engine which extends the range for 379 miles. The 2011 Chevy Volt offers a Gas mileage of 93 mpg overall.

3. 2011 Toyota Prius:
The first and foremost option for a hybrid car, the 2011 Toyota Prius is the original hybrid for the masses and still reigns as the best hybrid car in terms of fuel efficiency. The main issue with most of the hybrid cars is that you need to adjust the driving style to get the most out of the vehicle’s fuel-saving technologies whereas in Toyota Prius, it doesn’t require any adjustments and you can drive as you do normally and still get great fuel efficiency the car promises. The 2011 Toyota Prius offers a Gas mileage of 50 mpg overall, 51 mpg in the city and 48 mpg on highway.

4. 2011 Lexus CT 200h:
It may be the quickest car similar to Toyota Prius in the market today, but still offers responsive resistance and is very athletic. Drive the newest and affordable sport version of the 2011 Lexus CT 200h and you won’t feel you are driving a hybrid on twisting back roads. The 2011 Lexus CT 200h offers a Gas mileage of 42 mpg overall, 43 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on highway.

5. 2011 Honda Insight:
Now talking about the top 10 Green Hybrid cars of 2011, we can’t miss out on the 2011 Honda Insight, the most affordable hybrid on the market. This car has got even cheaper reducing $1,000 from last year’s price and now is available for a maximum price of $24,000 with additional features. Apart from the affordability of this car, the 2011 Honda Insight also stands out third being the most fuel-efficient hybrid on the road. The 2011 Honda Insight offers a Gas mileage of 41 mpg overall, 40 mpg in the city and 43 mpg on highway.

6. 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid:
The main factor responsible to enter this list is the fuel efficiency and the 2011 Ford Fusion makes it into the list because its outstanding fuel economy. Apart from the fuel efficiency, the Ford Fusion is also known for its driving dynamics and comfort which makes the ride smooth and endearing, including SYNC and navigation features in addition to a LCD gauge cluster. The 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid offers a Gas mileage of 39 mpg overall, 41 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on highway.

7. 2011 Volkswagen Golf TDI:
Volkswagen Golf has acclaimed many fans around the globe for the European driving experience, hatchback utility and interior quality which is best among other cars in the same segment. The 2011 Volkswagen Golf consists of 2-0 liter turbo diesel engine and retains great acceleration hence offers a great 42 miles per gallon mileage on highway. The 2011 Volkswagen Golf TDI offers a Gas mileage of 34 mpg overall, 30 mpg in the city and 42 mpg on highway.

8. 2011 Hyundai Elantra:
Nowadays it is very rare to find a compact car that offers a fuel, economy of 40 miles or more on the highway. But the 2011 Hyundai Elantra offers such a mileage for every trim. The all new Elantra doesn’t beat the market for its amazing fuel efficiency but also for its stylish interior, bold sheet metal and attractive list of standard and optional features. The 2011 Hyundai Elantra offers a Gas mileage of 33 mpg overall, 29 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on highway.

9. 2012 Fiat 500:
Coming back into the US automotive industry after a 27-year hiatus, Fiat 500 is all charged up to offer a great driving experience better than other Fiat cars. Though Fiat 500 is smaller and less powerful than the Mini Cooper but it still offers a great personality that can beat even Toyota Yaris. The Fiat 500 also offers a surprising combination of European heritage and sub-compact practicality. The 2012 Fiat 500 offers a Gas mileage of 33 mpg overall, 30 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on highway.

10. 2012 Ford Focus:
The main reason for the entry of 2012 Ford Focus in the top 10 list of hybrid cars of 2011 is its impressive fuel economy, great European style interior, excellent handling, Ford’s Sync entertainment and communication system. The 2012 Ford Focus also comes with an option to equip the Focus with Ford’s auto-park feature. The 2012 Ford Focus offers a Gas mileage of 31 mpg overall, 28 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on highway.

For More Information Visit: CarCluster.com

List of Top 10 Sedans of 2011 – Part 1

The year 2011 has been of lots of ups and downs. This year wasn’t the best in terms of economic or financial growth. So 2011 was a tough year to buy new cars and many people opted for used cars. Here are the top 10 list of Used Sedans of 2011.

1) 2011 Hyundai Sonata
Though the previous Sonatas were a solid contender but the 2011 Hyundai Sonata was among top of the class.

The previous Sonata was a solid contender, but for 2011, the Hyundai Sonata vaults itself to the top of the class. A midsize family sedan was launched in 2011 available in GLS, SE and the Limited trim levels. The standard equipment in the base GLS model included air-conditioning, cruise control, keyless entry system, 16-inch steel wheels, full power accessories, heated side view mirrors, a tilt-and-telescoping steering system, a 60/40-split rear seatback, a trip computer, a six-speaker stereo system and Bluetooth with phonebook download functionality.

The Sporty SE features 18-inch steel wheels instead of 16-inch steel wheels in the base model. The other additional equipments in the SE version are fog lights, leather/cloth upholstery, sport suspension, leather-wrapped steering wheel, a dark chrome grille and a shift knob. If you opt for turbocharged engine, then it will automatically add dual-zone automatic climate control. There is also an option to install a navigation system with premium speaker and a sunroof.

The plush Limited trim of 2011 Hyundai Sonata features all the SE equipments except the 18-inch wheels, sport suspension and cloth/leather upholstery and instead adds a sunroof, leather upholstery, side mirror turn signal repeaters, dual zone automatic climate control, heated seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, an upgraded audio system and unique interior accents.

Pros
Smooth ride, high fuel economy, comfortable and handsome cabin, spacious trunk, capable handling, impressive value, strong safety scores, and lengthy warranty.

Cons
Some consumers may miss V6 option, rough ride in SE trim, can be tight on headroom.

2) 2011 Toyota Camry
Though it’s not considered very exciting to drive, but the 2011 Toyota Camry has proved itself to be a champ on the highway with its optional V6 engine. There are no doubts on why the Camry remains one of the top family sedans in the auto industry.

The 2011 Toyota Camry offers four trim levels – base, LE, SE and XLE. The low-end base model of Camry comes with a four-cylinder engine, while all the other trims offer a choice between the four-cylinder and a V6.

The base model of Camry comes with 16-inch steel wheels, power windows for all 4 doors, air-conditioning, a six-speaker CD audio system with an auxiliary input jack, 60/40-split-folding rear seat, full power accessories, cruise control and a tilt and telescoping steering wheel. Whereas the Camry LE features keyless entry system and an eight-way power driver seat.

The sporty model of the 2011 Toyota Camry, SE model comes with a sport tuned suspension, 17-inch alloy wheels and special interior and exterior styling details while the luxurious XLE version goes back to the LE’s softer suspension settings with 16-inch wheels providing a satellite radio, Bluetooth phone, music connectivity, automatic dual-zone climate control, a power passenger seat, an upgraded JBL-branded sound system with an in-dash CD changer, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, recliner rear seats, a moon roof, wood-tone accents and leather seating for V6 models. Though both the SE and the XLE model have a center pass-through, they don’t offer foldable rear seats.

Most of the XLE’s upgrades are offered on the lower trim levels as options. Other major options, depending on trim level, include a sunroof, a navigation system, keyless ignition and entry and heated front seats.

Pros
Roomy cabin, extraordinarily refined and fuel-efficient V6, quiet and cushy ride, excellent crash test scores.

Cons
Spotty fit and finish, spiritless handling.

For More Information Visit: CarCluster.com

Quick Overview on Types of Tonneau Covers

In the past tonneau covers look like a flattened wagon. But as technology progresses, tonneaus have little by little improved.

Today, these covers are more than a security device, but have also added to the styling statement of a pickup truck. But next to these improvements come the difficulty in choosing which tonneau cover best fit your truck. There are practically wide choices these days, from color to style you’ll surely have a hard time deciding. The important thing to remember though is how you will use the cover. Would you be hauling oversized cargo all the time? Are you after the security or style issue? Whatever you decide on it will all boil down to your personal preference and expectation.

In most instances though the important question to ask is how easy it is to use the cover. Today, truck tonneau covers are more about easy installation. People are looking for covers that can clamp-on in just a few minutes with no drilling required and uses only simple tools. With the different types of tonneaus these days, which is the best type to use? This just makes it more difficult to decide on the best tonneau for your truck.

Here is an overview of the different types of tonneau cover:

• Roll up cover. This is often seen in soft types. The roll up type allows for quick and easy access of the truck bed. Often made of vinyl or cloth, this type of cover uses a snap based system that supports that cover to keep it firmly in place. The latest version of roll ups are designed with integrated support that allows the latch to roll up neatly with the cover.

• Tri-fold covers. This type of cover folds up in 3 sections. It is easy to install and remove.

• Retractable cover. This type of cover is often made from plastic, aluminum or vinyl. It is installed in front and on the sides which automatically rolls up and retracts from the tailgate to the front of the cab where the storage box is placed. It has also a lock to keep cargo safe in place. Although a bit expensive, the retractable tonneau cover can offer you the security of the hard top and the accessibility of the soft top.

• Hinge top. Both the hard top and soft top features this style. The hinge cover allows for easy access of the truck bed as it is easy to lift and cover.

Some of the covers take up a lot of storage space. For instance, the fold up cover extends some two feet when folded and some roll up cover has side rails that can take some space in the truck bed, thus, reducing the usable cargo space. So, be sure to decide wisely depending on your truck need and cover purpose.

Kay Zetkin writes information about everything on wheels. Get help in purchasing tonneau covers or truck tonneau covers for your vehicle.

Choose From Among Different Varieties of Tonneau Covers

Are you aware that the truck bed cover that you use is also widely known as tonneau covers? It is a protective cover for your truck bed.

If you are going to shop for a tonneau for your pickup truck, you have to learn that there are quite a lot of tonneau cover varieties being sold in the market today – both online and not. There are those that are made of vinyl, which is quite familiar to the look of leather. Even then, this type holds up quite well even if exposed in different kinds of weather especially under the UV rays of the sun. Meanwhile, there are some composed of fiberglass, aluminum and plastic. Some of the soft tonneau covers made of vinyl also have aluminum bows and frames, giving it a slight arch, strong enough against loads of snow. This also make the water runoff from the surface. Indeed, a tonneau cover is designed for every cargo area of whatever model of pickup truck you may have.

There are some types that can be closed up along its edges with the use of snaps, while others can be closed up with Velcro tape of the rugged kind. There are also several models that use hinges as opening and can be lifted up from the back of the truck just like the trunk cover of a car. This type is known as the hinged tonneau cover. Meanwhile, there are also tonneau manufacturers that have made a name for themselves, producing soft covers. Extang produced the FullTilt tonneau and Lund Genesis is the manufacturer responsible for producing the hinged types.

Tonneau Masters have manufactured what they have called hinged slantside. A couple of hinged models made up of fiberglass was also made by Gaylords and these are called X2000 and Traditional. These models have a speedstur wing as an optional accessory. Another hinged model made of ABS plastic is called Undercover.

Soft tonneaus are quite practical to use since they can be folded up quickly and gives you easy access to the contents of your truck bed. There have also been manufacturers that produced hard types of tonneaus. One is made by Bak Industries made of plastic material and was called the Bakflip. The Tri-Fold, on the other hand, is a soft type that can be folded thrice over. Extang produced the Trifecta, also a soft folding type. Another folding lid produced by Reds Beds is made from diamond tread plate and their aluminum made type is available in painted or polished. As an added accessory, Reds Beds also produced two editions of tonneau covers that are specifically intended for toolboxes.

There are many other types of truck bed covers to choose from. There is the roll back or retractable ones, which is also very practical. Many manufacturers have produced this type, Pace Edwards being the manufacturer with the most variety.

Kay Zetkin writes information about everything on wheels. Get help in purchasing tonneau covers or truck tonneau covers for your vehicle.

Which is Best, Hard or Soft Tonneau Covers?

Your buddy just bought a tonneau cover. He tells you it is a great addition to his truck and brags about how the cover is the best among others in the market.

Now, you are trying to decide whether a tonneau is best for your truck as well. Basically, tonneaus are used in trucks to cover the truck bed. They secure the truck bed from rain, sun, and other weather elements. They also protect your cargo from being stolen. It is also said that truck tonneau covers improve the aerodynamic properties of your truck, which in the end perk up gas mileage. As the air gushes over the front end of truck and veers off to the hollow truck bed, this generates an opposing force that helps lower air resistance. This means less drag and faster drive.

A tonneau can be made from different materials ranging from vinyl and fiberglass to ABS grade plastic and aluminum. The choice basically depends on your style and performance need. However, despite the numerous choices of tonneau these days, they all fall into two categories: the soft covers and the hard covers.

Soft covers:
• Roll-up. This type is basically designed from soft materials such as vinyl and attaches to the truck bed with Velcro or snaps. If you want an affordable cover for your truck, this is the best choice for you.

• Snap. This is the most classic type that features a snap design. No drilling is required. It attaches easily; just attach the snap bar and you are good to go.

• Snap less. This is an improvement to the snap design. Attachment is through Velcro.

• Hinged. This cover is hinged in front of the truck bed and is made from hard or soft materials. It is lightweight and remarkably strong to give you easy access to your truck bed.

Hard covers:
• Retractable. This is an innovation in design. This type of cover features a smooth and modernized appeal. The tonneau rolls up in front of the truck when opened to give you free access to the back of your truck.

• Hard folded. This type folds into two or more panels for quick and easy access of the truck bed.

In deciding whether to choose a soft or hard, there are simply, two things you need to consider, one, cargo security and quick next, convenient access of the truck bed. Choose carefully to ensure you are making the most out of your investment and to ensure you enjoy the countless benefits of this truck accessory.

Kay Zetkin writes information about everything on wheels. Get help in purchasing tonneau covers or truck tonneau covers for your vehicle.

Advantages To Sell Used Cars Online

Why to sell used cars online is one of the questions that everyone has, so in order to know about it, look here.

It is a fact that today when the world is moving on the way of up gradation, there are several technologies that are being introduced daily. If we look around us we shall find that almost every technology is dependent on Internet.

Here we shall discuss brief aspects regarding how beneficial it is to sell used cars online. If you are a car owner and have second hand cars for sale then you can surely go for selling it online. There are several websites present over Internet that facilitates you with easy way to sell your car. The advantages that you can have from the option to sell used cars online are as follows:

Competitive prices: With the help of Internet you can offer competitive prices. Online method reduces some of the extra costs that you might have to incur if you would have preferred physical or online sale. Reduction in costs actually leads to gaining in terms of money.

Better Options: Through Internet you can have a large number of buyers. These days most of the people approach online way to purchase the second hand cars. The reason behind the same is very clear and that is they can make a better deal.

Convenience: It is always convenient to sell used car online. You get the list used cars online, so you can make your selection as per the preference and make a profitable deal.

Less time consuming: It is true that you do not need to go here and there to sell the second hand car through internet. What you need to do is to just place the description and required information and thereby you will be provided with the interested buyers.

So now if you want the second hand cars for sale then just go for it online and get all the benefits of used cars for sale online.

As every coin has two distinctive sides, same is applicable to the option of buying or selling used cars online. As there are thousands of websites available over the internet, it becomes essential that we have a proper research of the dealer or company chosen. You can reach onto a better selection with the prudent exploration of all the major options available in front of you. If you are trying to reach the right results via the search engines then it is suggestive not to click the one or two top results rightly visible in front of you.

You have your own requirements and a website that can simply match up with all the demands is the right one for you. Try to measure the results recommended to you on various yardsticks provided above. It is an authentic deal in the used cars that you truly deserve in the market. With the selection of right source, you will never regret about the same at all!