SEMA 2007 - A Car Bling Extravaganza - Ask Patty

November 06, 2007

SEMA 2007 - A Car Bling Extravaganza

I spent last week in Las Vegas at the SEMA Show and WOW was I ever in car girl heaven! I got a sore neck with all my rubber-necking at all the BEAUTIFUL bling'd up cars, trucks, racing 'n performance displays, car care products and vehicle accessories and most of us ladies just LOVE to accessorize! Every imaginable car accessory, car care product and fully customized cars and trucks were on display.

The SEMA Show is the premier automotive specialty products trade event in the world (PLEASE NOTE: THE SEMA SHOW IS NOT OPEN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC). Lucky me, I DO get to attend each year...It draws the industry’s brightest minds and hottest products to one place, the Las Vegas Convention Center. The displays are segmented into 11 sections, and a New Products Showcase features more than 2,000 newly introduced parts, tools and components. In addition, the SEMA Show provides attendees with educational seminars, product demonstrations, special events, networking opportunities and more…

Here are a few newsy items, products, resources and must-haves I wanted to share with you:

Fix-a-Flat: Tire Inflator/Sealant

Fix-A-Flat® is a simple solution to a flat tire. It seals and inflates in minutes! Just connect the hose, inflate, and you will be back on the road in minutes. Shouldn't everyone carry a can of Fix-A-Flat® in their vehicles, just in case? Comes in three sizes and is sold at Walmart and most auto parts stores.

Fix-a-Flat requires no jacks or tools to use. Simply connect the canister to the tire valve and inflate the tire, and Fix-a-Flat’s non-flammable, proprietary rubber compound provides an emergency seal on contact with the inside of the tire. Fix-a-Flat will work whether the tire is completely flat or not; after filling a damaged tire, fill it with the proper amount of air pressure at the first opportunity.

No need to fix a flat tire with a tire iron anymore! Woo Hoo!

Rain-X Latitude Wiper Blades - Great ALL Season Wiper Blade

Rain-X® Latitude™ wiper blades are designed with a new curved-blade technology and low profile, aerodynamic frame with built-in spoiler to prevent wind lift, reduce drag and noise. Because the frame is encased in rubber, exposed metal components are eliminated – and so is ice and snow build-up. This feature also increases wiper blade flexibility and adherence, so the wiper blade hugs the windshield, even in harsh winter conditions.

Rain-X® Latitude™ wiper blades consistently deliver a smooth, clean, chatter-free wipe through its contoured design, that applies even pressure along the entire blade length. They are made with chloroprene rubber, which is harder, stronger, more durable and more thermal resistant than natural rubber. The blade is also graphite-coated to reduce friction and increase adhesion to the windshield. Rain-X® Latitude™ wiper blades are the clear choice for Canadian winters!

As part of your regular vehicle maintenance, take a few minutes to inspect your wiper blades; this is especially important during winter weather, when storms have a major impact on driving visibility. Rain-X® suggests that the best rule of thumb is to check your wiper blades every time you clean the windshield. Simply run your thumb along the rubber blades and if they’re worn, pitted or hardened, it’s time for a change. You can also tell if you need new wiper blades if your wiper blades smear, streak, screech or chatter when in use.

The Goodyear Tire Buying Made Easy Guide - Go here to take a tour. They provide lot's of tire tips, too. Here are a few to help you save on gas!

Check Your Air Pressure
Keep your tires properly inflated and you could improve gas mileage by more than $1.50 every time you fill your tank. The recommended tire pressure for your vehicle is located on a sticker inside your driver-side door or noted in your owner's manual.

Maintain Your Air Filter
Replacing a clogged air filter can increase your vehicle's gas mileage by as much as 10%.

Watch The Weight
Excess weight in your vehicle can reduce gas mileage by 1-2% for every 100 pounds, so watch what you keep in your trunk.

Know Your Oil
Improve your gas mileage by up to 2% with the proper grade of motor oil.

Keep It Tuned
Keeping up with regular vehicle maintenance can allow you to increase your gas mileage by an average of 4.1%.

Keep It Capped
Did you know about 147 million gallons of gas evaporate every year from vehicles without gas caps?

Avoid Fast Starts
Don't be a hot-head! Aggressive acceleration can reduce your gas mileage by up to a whopping 33%!

Go here to see my favorite custom car at SEMA 2007 , the Project-X '57 Chevy.

Pamela Krebs was Named Car Care Council Women's Board Aftermarket Woman of the Year during SEMA 2007! Krebs was chosen by the Women’s Board executive committee based on her longevity in the aftermarket, her career accomplishments, her leadership capabilities and dedication to the automotive aftermarket industry. Go here to read more.

So much to see and share ....more to come in my next post!

Jody DeVere
President
www.askpatty.com
www.carblabber.com