fun facts: US license plates

Fun facts, trivia and weird stuff about US License Tags

A lot of people collect license plates. It’s an interesting hobby, but sadly, a bit complicated for me. I live in Europe, and that’s why it’s hard for me to collect US license plates. Nevertheless, I collected the most intriguing facts and stories associated with those metal identification thingies.
Browse around, I’m sure you’ll find something interesting!
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Light Your World With Xenon Headlamps!

Lighting has certainly changed over the years...for cars, that is! No longer do drivers have to rely on halogen headlights as Xenon lighting is coming into vogue. Nor do owners have to go with stock tail lights, as European [or Altezza] lights are in fashion. Even fog lights have come a long way, baby! Let’s take a look at the newest kid on the block, Xenon headlamps, and how they can light up your world of driving.

If you could have a set of headlamps that produced twice the light of Halogen bulbs while expending only half the power, that would be a good thing, right? Yes it certainly would and that is the idea behind Xenon headlamps which are fast gaining acceptance as standard equipment on luxury vehicles from around the world as well as finding their way on certain popular, mass production vehicles too.

A key feature of Xenon headlamp technology is that they produce a clear white light closer to natural daylight, which has been proven to improve driver concentration. Lessened eye strain means that drivers can do what they need to do best: get to where they and their passengers are going, safely and securely.

It's Time To Get Your Tire Inspection Rolling

It's the season for getting our vehicles in gear for 2006. Let's begin with the only part of your car or truck that actually touches the highway-your tires.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says underinflation is the leading cause of tire failure-and tire failure can lead to accidents.

Be your own crew chief and follow these simple guidelines from the NHTSA and other experts:

LED Emergency Flashlights: The Right Equipment For A Car Emergency

The news reported this past year on several families and adventurers setting out for a camping or hiking trip in the northwest only to find themselves lost in the strange wilderness, confined to their cars waiting and hoping that someone will find them.  The loss of CNET’s James Kim brought awareness to the ease at which people can get lost while driving through the forest as well as the need to be prepared for any situation when driving in unfamiliar areas. 

It is important to have a few basic emergency supplies in your car as part of an emergency kit. Cell phones are by far the most helpful piece of equipment to have with you when you travel, even if going to remote areas.  But cell phone batteries are unreliable and many still don’t take one with them when heading into the great outdoors. Having other supplies with you in the car can make all the difference in staying alive and staying safe.

Maintaining Your Car Will Make It Last Longer

Regular maintenance of your vehicle will extend its life perhaps well beyond what you or others may think is its normal lifespan. Today’s cars can easily top the 100,000 mile mark with many cars on the road exceeding 150,000, 200,000, even 250,000 miles. Ask owners of high mileage cars how they got to that point and most will point to their own rigorous and disciplined maintenance schedules as being the chief factor. By carefully and diligently following a maintenance schedule, you can extend your vehicle’s life too. Let’s take a look at several important maintenance steps you must take in order to avoid costly repairs and to help you hold onto your vehicle longer.

Regular oil changes – The 30 minute oil change specialists recommend that you change your oil every 3,000 miles or three months, while some manufacturers state you only need to change your oil once every 7,500 miles or six months. Opt for more frequent changes than lengthy manufacturer recommended intervals, but change your oil [and oil filter] every 3,000 miles if your car is subject to hard driving.