Happy Holidays are coming—but hey, drive safely!

As expected all roads will be busy once again comes holiday season. There are those rushing to the mall for their last-minute shopping and to the grocery stores to buy food for their cocktail parties. Some are heading to family reunions and other special gatherings.

I’m pretty sure you’re looking forward to it as well. But before you get excited for the holiday season, keep in mind the importance of driving safely. And as much as possible, don’t drink and drive. If that ain’t possible, always remember: TOO MUCH OF SOMETHING IS BAD ENOUGH.

Road accidents are most likely to happen during this time of the year. Last year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported 16,694 alcohol-related fatalities across United States. This time, we have to be cautious to prevent the worse or the worst.

Here are common alcohol consumption myths and facts from 21st Century Insurance. Go and take a look, it won’t cost you anything but you can be saved knowing these:

1. Myth: As long as party-goers stick to beer and wine, instead of hard liquor, the intoxicating effects are minimized.

FACT: One 12 oz. can of beer, 5 oz. glass of wine or 12 oz. wine cooler contains the same amount of alcohol as 1 1/2 oz. of hard liquor.

2. Myth: Someone who has had too much to drink will show visible signs of intoxication.

FACT: Physical appearance can be misleading. Just one drink can impair one's ability to drive safely, because judgment and motor skills are the first things affected by alcohol consumption.

3. Myth: Drinking coffee sobers up someone who has had too much to drink.

FACT: Time is the only solution to intoxication. It takes approximately one hour to oxidize each drink consumed.

It would be better to prepare your vehicle long before the holidays commence. A regular check-up is essential to easily detect problems that could lead to fatal accidents. Should you need to replace some parts of the car, don’t think twice about replacing them. There are so many auto parts stores offering quality parts nowadays so you can easily find the parts that you need.

One of the best stores that offer great variety of auto parts is Auto Parts Discount. Top quality Ford parts, Chevrolet parts, BMW parts, Mercedes Benz parts, GMC parts, Toyota parts and a whole lot more are available in this one-stop auto parts store. Explore their site to know their latest deals and offers.

Ford Soon to Unleash New Crossover Utes in Detroit Auto Show

To all Sport Utility Vehicle enthusiasts, here’s something to look forward to—the 2007 Ford Edge and the 2007 Lincoln Aviator from Ford’s luxury division.

The said crossover utility vehicles shall be formally unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show in Michigan in January. Here are some facts about the new models:

1. The two are powered by an all-new 3.5L, 250-hp 240 lb-ft 24-valve DOHC V6 engine.

2. Ford intends to equip its future models by 2010 with this new engine, which is capable of accommodating hybrid technology, direct gasoline injection and turbocharging.

3. The two feature a freshly minted six-speed automatic transmission (for front-drive application).

4. Ford joined efforts with General Motors in coming up with the new automatic transmission that can also be used in all-wheel-drive models.

5. The new automatic transmission can handle up to 300 horsepower and 280 lb-ft torque.

Ford is a recognized top manufacturer of the best selling sport utilities, including the Ford Explorer, the best-selling SUV for many consecutive years now. With these new vehicles Ford Edge and Lincoln Aviator, Ford once again reaffirms its expertise in making tough, reliable and safe vehicles. Like earlier SUVs, this vehicle will surely make their way to the top in no time.

While you wait for these models at the nearest Ford dealer near you, you can upgrade your old car, SUV or truck. Whether it’s a Ford, Chevy or GMC, you can find top quality auto parts for your vehicle at Auto Parts Discount. Great discount deals are offered for top of the line Ford parts, GMC parts, Toyota parts, Chevrolet parts and so much more at this one-stop auto parts store. Explore the site and see yourself great variety of auto parts for virtually all kinds of vehicles.

Changing Lanes: Americans Choosing Smaller Cars over SUVs, Trucks

Smaller cars are fast becoming the preferred vehicles by new car buyers in the US. The continued slide in SUV and truck sales and the increase in smaller cars sales highlighted this current trend in the automotive industry. A recent Washington Post report noted that smaller cars have been outselling sport utility vehicles for many months now.

New trucks and SUVs sit longer on dealership lots while smaller cars like the Toyota Corolla and the Honda Civic are practically bought off the truck. Small car sales are lifting the Japanese automakers while Detroit’s Ford Motor Co. and General Motors Corp. are having a hard time in terms of sale for their SUVs and Trucks which once were the industry’s cash cows.

This reversal of fortunes in the auto industry can be attributed to a handful of factors. Foremost among these is the continued increase in fuel prices. SUVs and Trucks are widely criticized for being gas-guzzlers and are becoming increasingly impractical considering the increase in gasoline prices.

Meanwhile, the best selling small cars are known for their fuel efficiency and excellent gas mileage. The hybrid gasoline-electric Toyota Prius leads the list of bestselling hybrid cars. The Corolla, one of Toyota’s smallest and most fuel-efficient passenger cars are continuously selling briskly while Honda is struggling to keep up with the escalating demand for its Civic.

However, this surge in interest on smaller cars has caught GM and Ford unprepared. They continued to invest on profit margins and poured money into the once-profitable SUV segment and neglected small cars. Although, because of this greater interest in smaller cars, the Ford Focus saw a 10 percent growth in sales last September.

New buyers of smaller cars and those who have switched from big, gas-guzzling SUVs and Trucks are hoping to cut some costs on their fuel consumption. Fuel efficiency can also be achieved by maintaining a healthy engine in good working condition. Keeping the engine as well as the other essential auto parts in good condition is the best way to maintain a car, small or otherwise.

Replacement auto parts are necessary when maintaining a car in good working condition. You should use only the best quality engine parts, exhaust parts, AC system parts and other important and indispensable parts for your vehicle. You can find top quality replacement parts, collision parts and auto body parts from Auto Parts Discount, one of the best online suppliers of auto parts today.