Motoring on the Information Super Highway: Car Clubs Online
by ANDREW REGAN
As information and the speed at which we receive it becomes increasingly more important, the internet has become the ideal place to find data, and exchange ideas and views; and it seems that the world of cars is no exception.
A few years ago, a Haynes manual or the local garage was the main sources of mechanical information and repairs. Magazines and television provided news on the latest cars, Exchange and Mart and similar classified magazines covered the world of second hand cars, and to compare insurance quotes required a day to be taken off work in order to pound the streets or phone around all the insurance companies.
These days it is possible to find information on anything and everything to do with cars by going online. Information and opinions are easily accessible and readily available, from both experts and amateurs alike - no matter how obtuse the subject may be.
The internet has proved to be the ideal medium for anyone wanting to discuss diverse motoring issues, and this has led to the rise of some useful tools like petrol price comparison sites or the heavily advertised insurance aggregator services. These have made it easy to compare the cost of what is on offer and enable drivers to potentially save large amounts of money.
Other internet sites, such as the many car forums also demonstrate the power of the internet as a medium by providing easy and convenient accessibility in real time to online car clubs; with members from all around the world who have similar interests in car tuning, importing, drifting, formula one, off-roading, environmental issues, or any other automotive subject, no matter how extreme or main-stream it may be.
Car forums also provide a means of talking with others about matters that affect drivers and who might have had similar experiences. Everything is available whether it is how to replace the starter motor on a Ford Ka; what the best aftermarket intercooler would be for a Nissan Skyline R33; how to best add pinstripe decals to an American muscle car; what SatNav system has the most comprehensive UK coverage available or whether there is a safety issue with a particular model of car or tyre.
The whole car scene has changed immensely over recent years as the internet has made it possible for car owners to get in touch with other like minded individuals, see what others from across the globe have done, and what is possible to do. This has taken interest and knowledge in cars to an all time high and as yet shows no signs of stopping.
