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(ARA) - Every fall, many families pack up the car to travel to see fall foliage. Cooler temperatures and vivid colors make fall the perfect time to get outside and enjoy nature. Most regions have an area known for a vivid display of fall foliage, so families don't have to travel too far to enjoy autumn colors.

This fall, keep these tips in mind to get the most enjoyment from your fall foliage excursion:

* Research specific regions.

Many private and public parks offer trails for visitors, as well as camping accommodations and the opportunity to rent off-road vehicles or other recreational products. Be sure to ask for trail maps of the area to get the lay of the land and determine the appropriate trails for your family's experience level.

While flexibility is key to seeing the best colors, if you plan to camp or are visiting an area popular for fall foliage viewing, it is always best to check camping or hotel availability.

* Prepare for the weather.

Be sure to stay tuned to local news weather forecasts, Internet sites or contact the local tourism bureau to help predict the best time to plan your trip. Most foliage starts to change colors from mid- to late September and can last through the first part of November.

* Be part of the action.

Why stay stuck in the car or on foot to experience fall foliage? Riding down trails on an all terrain vehicle can give your family a whole new perspective on fall colors. The new two-passenger machines, like the Polaris Sportsman Touring and Polaris X2, give you the opportunity to share the views with the family.

As part of preparing for your trip, it is also important that your ATVs are in good working order so you can fully enjoy your trip without unforeseen pit stops. Have your machine serviced at a local dealership or change the oil, clean the air filter, check tire air pressure, and examine the brakes, all electrical wiring and bodywork to ensure nothing has come loose. It is also a good idea to carry a tire patch kit in case of a puncture from a rock or stump, and extra gas so you can fill up on the go.

Also be sure to pack all appropriate ATV safety gear including helmets, goggles, gloves, long-sleeved shirts, pants and boots for all members of the family to ensure a fun and safe adventure to experience the wonders of nature.

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(ARA) - The government backed "Cash for Clunkers" rebate program helped dealers sell off 2009 models, and a wave of new vehicles is coming in anticipation of the federal mandate that cars average 35.5 mpg by 2016. If you haven't updated your vehicle in years, it will be more important than ever to analyze your needs and wants before you buy.

The choice is much more complicated than simply picking a small, mid-size, or large vehicle. If you're considering a hybrid, you might be happy to hear the reality behind some common myths about the dependability of dual-powered vehicles.

Fleets of Toyota Prius and Ford Escape hybrid taxis in Vancouver, San Francisco, and New York City have reliably been in service for more than 200,000 miles. The first generation Toyota and Honda hybrids were introduced more than a decade ago and there are definitely thousands of satisfied hybrid owners.

Another misconception of gas-electric hybrid vehicles is that they are expensive to maintain. With the exception of the hybrid's battery system, there is some crossover in parts between hybrids and gas-powered vehicles.

The batteries in a hybrid or electric vehicle don't get better with age. No one expects the batteries in a 15-year-old electric razor to still hold a charge, and the same will probably be true for a 15-year-old hybrid vehicle. Hybrid batteries are typically covered by at least an eight-year warranty. The replacement cost for new nickel-metal hydride Prius batteries keeps dropping, but a new battery pack still costs around $2,000.

A check of the RockAuto.com online auto parts catalog shows hybrids often share fuel injectors, oxygen sensors, water pumps, brake pads, shock absorbers, air conditioners and other commonly replaced parts with conventional, gasoline-powered models. Hybrids do have unique and expensive parts like the Prius' $3,700 power inverter, but RockAuto.com shows routine repairs and maintenance for a hybrid do not always have to cost more.

The RockAuto.com Repair Index automatically pulls prices from the company's vast auto parts catalog based on year, make, model and type of part. It's a quick, easy way to compare parts costs for different models and the results can be surprising.

While some cars may be appealing because they are better for the environment or great on gas savings, for the average driver some fully electric cars may not be worth the cost to purchase or maintain.

A new lithium ion battery pack for the fully-electric Tesla Roadster - with a sticker price of $101,500 - costs around $36,000. New 100 percent electric vehicles by Chevrolet, Chrysler, Nissan and Mini will have lithium battery packs that cost more than $10,000. A battery pack's limited shelf life means a fully electric or even a gas-electric hybrid might not be the best choice for a retiree planning to drive 3,000 miles a year for 20 years and then pass the vehicle down to a favorite grandchild.

For more information on the availability of parts without the expense of getting repairs done only at the dealership, go to www.rockauto.com.

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(ARA) - With gas prices soaring and the emphasis on preserving the environment, more and more people are becoming eco-friendly. From the influx of hybrid cars, energy-saving appliances and even more efficient light bulbs, Americans are taking notice of the environment and saving money in the process. Here are some trends in transportation that are helping save the environment.

For years, the gas and oil industries have been challenged with providing more environmental-friendly vehicles. Several car manufacturers have introduced fuel-efficient or hybrid vehicles which have been positively received by consumers. With some vehicles hitting 50 mpg, consumers are conserving fuel, saving money and helping the environment.

Scooters have become all the rage with their ease of use and incredible gas mileage. Available in gas, hybrid and electric models, scooters come in a variety of sizes to fit each individual's needs. Smaller cubic centimeter (cc) gas scooters are great for city dwellers staying on local roads and do not require a motorcycle license. For longer commutes on highways, the larger cc engines are needed with a motorcycle license.

One of the trends seen in many retirement and gated communities is the use of electric vehicles known as "neighborhood vehicles," in lieu of cars to get around. Many of these vehicles are your typical golf cart that gets around 35 miles between charges and can hold multiple passengers, making them great for a trip to the store or around the community.

The use of electric power also is expanding to the off-road community. Known traditionally as gas-and-oil machines, all-terrain vehicles and side-by-sides are starting to go green. Recently, Polaris Industries introduced their new Ranger EV, a side-by-side built specifically for clean and quiet operation. With a 50-mile range, the electric vehicle operates at about $0.035 per mile versus $0.09 per mile on a comparable gas vehicle, making it not only more eco-friendly, but more economical.

With the continued consumer demand for alternative-powered vehicles, the use of electric and hybrid vehicles should continue to grow which is good for the consumer and great for the environment.

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(ARA) - With more than 2.5 million half-ton pickups sold annually, these trucks are beloved for their versatility and durability. Whether they're being used to pull a trailer or haul a heavy load, half-ton pickups work hard and are fun to drive. And now, almost every half-ton pickup truck can also serve as an efficient, effective snow-clearing machine.

This is good news for homeowners and small business owners who are looking to maximize their existing equipment in an effort to save time and money.

Taming winter's fury

As daylight fades and winter weather gets closer, homeowners and small business owners in the north turn their attention to snow removal options. While many will maintain snow removal contracts or perhaps purchase a new snow thrower, others will investigate the benefits of outfitting their pickup truck with a snowplow.

One of the most essential benefits to equipping your truck with a snowplow is the amount of time that is saved. Depending on the size of your driveway or parking lot, a snowplow will get the job done in a fraction of the time it takes to remove snow with a snow thrower.

Another key benefit is cost-savings, especially if you contract with a snow removal professional. Handling your own snow management ensures that you can easily maintain lots and driveways, and often the initial snowplow investment can pay for itself in savings over one or two winters.

Independence is another factor that draws many homeowners and small business owners to investing in a snowplow. By being responsible for your plowing needs, you no longer have to wait for a contractor. When there's a snowstorm, simply hop in your truck and take care of your own snowplowing, on your own schedule. This is often especially important for retail business owners with liability concerns.

Another benefit is health and safety. Each year, health-related injuries occur as a result of snow removal. Muscle and back problems are common occurrences while, luckily not as frequent, some individuals even suffer heart attacks. Using a snowplow allows you to move snow with less stress, all from the comfort of your own vehicle.

Making the most of your half-ton

Until recently, homeowners and small business owners couldn't seriously consider a legitimate snowplow for their half-ton pickup. That's because in an effort to maximize fuel economy, manufacturers began building half-ton trucks with lighter axles, frames and suspension. While these lighter packages helped to increase miles per gallon, standard size commercial snowplows were too heavy and exceeded truck manufacturers' gross vehicle weight limitations.

Fortunately, snowplow manufacturers recognized these manufacturing improvements and responded with new lines of full-sized, full-featured snowplows designed for light commercial, institutional and home use specifically for half-ton truck owners.

Each of these plows offer similar features as their larger counterparts, including rugged steel construction, fast and easy mounting systems and hydraulics, and important safety features.

The plows are available at local truck equipment dealers and snowplow dealers who specialize in snowplow installation and set-up. Dealers can also provide accessories, parts and service as well as plowing information and tips for new plowers.

For more information on the new full-sized, full-featured snowplows built specifically for half-ton trucks, or to view a dealer directory, visit these manufacturers' Web sites: www.westernplows.com, www.fisherplows.com and www.blizzardplows.com.

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(ARA) - In economic times like these, everyone needs to make the most of their investments, and your personal vehicle is one of the largest investments you'll ever make.

Danny Lawrence, the assistant chief engine builder and trackside engine department manager for Earnhardt-Childress Racing Engines and the No. 29 Shell-Pennzoil Chevrolet, has more than a little experience working with car engines, both in the shop and at home. He notes that by taking extra steps to help keep your car's engine performing at its best, you can help extend the life of your vehicle.

"Because of my role in building engines at work, it's embarrassing if something is wrong with one of my cars at home," says Lawrence. "I probably have way more cars than I should, but I regularly maintain all of them. The key is the engine. I have a Chevy S-10 truck, a four cylinder vehicle with 223,000 miles on it, and it's still running strong because I take the time to maintain the engine."

Lawrence points out that many drivers at home lose track of regular maintenance activities, and he recommends keeping a log on your computer, phone, or with notes in your car.

"Transmission maintenance, a lot of people will forget. Most people won't maintain the belts and fuses on their engines properly," he says. "Antifreeze, oil changes, changing the air filter - these are all things that make a huge difference. Keeping track of what you are doing for your engine helps you keep on top of maintaining your vehicle."

By following the instructions in the user's guide provided by car manufacturers, says Lawrence, drivers can make sure they are doing everything they need to keep their vehicles in top shape.

Using the right motor oil is another key to maintaining an engine.

"Oil is like the lifeblood of the engine," says Lawrence. "It's not only used for lubrication. It cools engine parts, dampens valve springs, cools pistons -- it serves many purposes. Have you ever put a glove on when you're hitting a baseball to take the shock away? Oil does that to valve springs."

He adds that although many people don't draw the connection, using a high-quality fuel can pay big dividends for a vehicle's engine.

In particular, using a gasoline that contains a cleaning system to help remove gunky build-up on critical engine parts, such as Shell Nitrogen Enriched Gasolines, can make a big difference. The patented Nitrogen Enriched Cleaning System has an active cleaning molecule engineered to seek and destroy performance-robbing carbon deposits - more commonly known as "gunk" - that can be left by lower-quality gasolines. Having gunk build up on critical engine parts, specifically intake valves and fuel injectors, can cause the inefficient mixing of air and fuel necessary for proper combustion. This can rob your engine of performance.

For more information about how the Shell Nitrogen Enriched gasolines work, visit www.passionate-experts.shell.com.

Making sure that you are properly maintaining your engine can help your car last longer, says Lawrence. "Nowadays all cars are made well - how long your vehicle lasts comes down to how you maintain and take care of it."

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