Two years ago, BMW started what they termed the BMW On Demand rental service. The automaker is so pleased with the results that it’s now set to offer the same service in the United States. BMW of Manhattan will inaugurate the unique rental service next month. A fleet of 100 new BMW 328i motor vehicles will be available for anyone who is ready to throw cash down.

Using the title that BMW chose might be helpful in its own right. Many services are offered on demand these days. Internet users watch on demand videos. Cable and satellite providers offer on demand programming choices. Affluent younger consumers like to relate to the products that they’re purchasing, and it seems that BMW understands their market. This isn’t a traditional rental service, and it isn’t necessarily designed to attract the same sort of people that would go to a regular rental service.

Some consumers might view that as arrogant, but it’s important to remember that BMW is a luxury brand that attracts a certain type of clientele. Interestingly enough, the service allows people to rent vehicles on an hourly basis as well as by days or weeks. Sales literature offering this perk is probably rather eye-catching to those who are touring a city for only a day or so. People in New York on business might want to rent a car for a few hours to get to where they need to go and then return it afterwards. That’s considerably more flexible than ordering a traditional rental package.

Clearly taking advantage of the opportunity for marketing, BMW has chosen the 3-Series on purpose. They do plan to include other models in the fleet in the future, however. X3, X5 and 7-Series motor vehicles will probably be included in the near future. M models might also be included in the near future.

Whether or not this will actually boost sales among consumers remains to be seen, but it will certainly make many of these cars more visible than they were before. Some people certainly do buy cars after having rented similar models, and BMW could capitalize on this fact if they play their cards right.

While most drivers are concerned about their vehicles being stolen or broken into, the fact is there’s a new wave of crime that’s on the rise: parts thieves. As metal prices have given rise to recycling centers paying top dollar for certain metals which are commonly used in vehicles, thieves have begun to hit vehicles for components such as catalytic converters, mufflers and more. Unfortunately, many drivers don’t realize that their vehicles have been affected by these thieves until they go for an inspection, a tune-up, or they experience problems with operation. Even worse, at that point effected drivers often have to face expensive repair and replacement costs to fix stolen component problems.

Another component which thieves strike is the airbag of a vehicle. Used airbags can often be sold for hundreds of dollars to a junkyard or used car lot, and many thieves will break into a vehicle simply to steal this component. Stealing an unused airbag not only leads to expensive repairs, but it can also lead to unsafe driving conditions, as an airbag is a device used to save lives in the event of an accident. Driving without an airbag may also result in malfunctions within a vehicle’s electronics and computer systems, leading to difficult driving, unnecessary wear and tear, and accidents.

To make matter worse, if you try to sell a vehicle after it has been victimized, you may find that your prospects are slim. Many private buyers will want to see a full vehicle history report, including when oil changes were done, when tires were rotated and any criminal activity the vehicle has been involved in. Having components stolen, even with an accompanying police report, can make selling your vehicle to a private buyer difficult.

Additionally, a dealership will often offer much less to drivers who are offering a vehicle which is missing components, as the dealership knows that it will need to make those replacements and repairs. These dealerships may also offer less to vehicle owners who have had a history of component theft, as the dealership will need to explain this to the next owner. Car buyers, on the other hand, can often see past the damage done by a component thief, and they can generally offer vehicle sellers a price that is fairer. This is because these companies understand that crime happens, and they can also replace the missing components with ease and efficiency.

It happens to virtually everyone at some point: you lose your keys. Losing your vehicle keys can be both frightening and unnerving. The fact is, your keys not only start your vehicle, but they also lock and unlock doors. To make matters worse, if you’ve lost your keys, they may even be in the hands of a vehicle thief, meaning your vehicle could be a sitting duck. Additionally, if you plan to sell your vehicle, you’re almost certain to need the keys in order to get a fair price.

If you’ve found yourself in this situation, the first thing to do is remain calm. All too often, the first reaction most people have is to panic. When people panic, they tend not to think straight, and this can make finding lost keys even more difficult. Try to stop whatever you’re doing and focus before trying to find your lost keys.

Next, you should make a mental note of the last time you had your keys, and then make a list of all of the places you have visited since then. Once this is done, you can then retrace your steps to find your keys. This process may include calling places which you visited recently, looking in places where your keys may have dropped and speaking with any friends, loved ones or coworkers who were with you during the time in which you lost your keys.

If you still can’t find your keys, try looking under and behind things. Many times, objects such as keys get tossed around, meaning they could have fallen between car seats, couch cushions or between objects such as a refrigerator and a counter top. While searching, remember to remain calm and take your time. Searching too fast can result in you looking directly at your keys, but tossing them aside in the frenzy.

When you’ve exhausted all of your resources, it may be time to contact a dealership or a locksmith. These entities will generally be able to cut a new key for your vehicle, but keep in mind that this route may be costly. Additionally, you will need to have your title or registration, as well as identification, in order to have a new key made.

While all states have implemented a series of traffic laws to keep drivers, pedestrians, automobiles and property safe, the fact is, some laws are simply outdated. It’s important to remember that, during the dawn of mass automobile production, the world was a very different place. As a result, many states enacted laws which corresponded to the circumstances of the day, and over time, these laws have simply been forgotten; except that many are still on the books. Here’s a look at some strange, and sometimes funny, traffic laws from around the United States.

California – California drivers are not allowed to sleep on or plant rutabagas on a highway, nor can they spill a Margarita on the street.

Kansas – In some areas of Kansas it is illegal to squeal your tires while driving. In Topeka, drivers cannot transport dead birds on Kansas Avenue.

Maryland – In Rockville, drivers who swear in their vehicle can be cited with a misdemeanor.

Nevada – Nevada drivers are not legally able to place a bench or chair in the center of a roadway.

North Carolina – In Dunn, NC, drivers cannot enter or drive through a cemetery unless they are there to dig a grave or attend a funeral.

Oregon – In some areas of Oregon, drivers can be ticketed for leaving a vehicle’s door open for too long.

Rhode Island – Scituate, RI residents are prohibited from transporting beer in their vehicles, even if the beer is unopened.

South Carolina – In South Carolina’s Hilton Head Island community, a law is on the books which makes it illegal to store trash in one’s car.

West Virginia – It is, in fact, legal in some areas of the state to collect roadkill for the expressed purpose of consumption.

As you can see, the United States still has some very strange traffic laws on the books. While most law enforcement officers won’t enforce these bizarre laws, even if they are aware of them, it’s important for all drivers to know and understand each law that applies to them or their specific area. There have been instances in which some law enforcement officers have used these outdated and strange laws to force people into paying fines for activities which the driver was unaware were illegal. For more on the traffic laws of your area, please visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles, Department of Transportation or local law enforcement office.