April 7th, 2011 by Hal Moses
When it comes time for you to test-drive a car, you need to be aware of a few things. After all, this will be one of your most important drives ever, so make sure to get the most out of it.
First, make sure you test-drive the exact model that you’re thinking of buying. There may be big differences in various models, such as transmissions and engines, tires and suspension, and features in the cabin that will largely affect the way a vehicle handles and feels.
If the salesperson is talking a lot, ask him to please be quiet. You need quiet to properly evaluate a vehicle. This will allow you to hear how the vehicle operates. It might make things easier to tell the salesperson in the showroom that you might need some quiet driving time.
Request a specific test route of your liking if you are familiar with the roads. You are the only one who knows what kind of driving you will be doing and on what roads.
It is easy to get excited when test-driving a car, but don’t forget these important tips. They could save your from purchasing a car that might not end up liking. Also, do your homework to get a good deal. You’ll need to factor in the price of maintenance costs, an auto warranty, and auto insurance.
April 6th, 2011 by Hal Moses
Never buy a used vehicle without having it scrutinized by an independent mechanic. You never know the true state of a used vehicle until a professional has examined it. Failure to do this could have you calling for emergency roadside assistance.
A dealership shouldn’t object to you having a private inspection if you leave a photo I.D. If they tell you an inspection has already been done, insist that you would like the car looked at by a shop of your choice.
The technician should put the car on a lift to inspect the undercarriage. The cost of a thorough diagnostic should run you about $100, but ask in advance. You can request a written report that will give you details of the vehicle’s condition. The negotiation may come in handy when you negotiate with the seller.
If you’re unsure of a good repair shop, try to find a referral from someone you trust. You could also go to your local auto-parts store to ask for a good mechanic. Try not to just pick a name out of a phone book; it’s better to use someone you are familiar with.
Buying a used vehicle is a great way to save money, however, you want to make sure you aren’t getting a lemon. Putting in the extra time to take the car to a mechanic may save you numerous road service calls down the road. Also, buying used car warranties will give you peace of mind.
April 2nd, 2011 by Hal Moses
Many people maintain their car under the hood but neglect their car’s exterior. To freshen up your car and make it look brand new, follow these simple tips.
To care for your car’s exterior start by giving it a comprehensive washing. You’ll want to remove all of the mud and grime that has built up on your car.
Make sure to use a pH balanced wash on your car. You should avoid harsh detergents because they will strip off the car wax on your vehicle.
After a good car washing, make an evaluation of the surface of your vehicle. You can do this by rubbing your hand along the surface of your vehicle. If the surface feels rough on your hand, chances are you have bugs, tar, or water deposits. These things need to be removed before you wax your car.
After doing these things it is time to put a car polish and wax on your car to protect it’s finish from harmful elements.
Make sure to be proactive when it comes to taking care of your car. This includes maintenance, washing, waxing, and buying an auto warranty.
April 1st, 2011 by Hal Moses
Ford Motor Company is doing research to develop two new technologies for safety belts. This is a step that could greatly reduce injury in car crashes.
One of the safety belts that is a possibility is a four-point design that would incorporate a belt and suspenders system. This is in lieu of the three-point seat belt that people are familiar with. A second safety belt that is a possibility for the future has an air bag incorporated into the actual belt.
There are certain challenges technically that must be worked through in order for these safety systems to be useful, but this is a great beginning to what might one day be a safety enhancement.
Recent research with customers demonstrated to Ford that many consumers believe four-point safety belts are more comfortable and safer than three-point belts. Consumers are becoming more and more concerned with issues such as safety, and new technologies. Drivers are also becoming more responsible and purchasing an auto warranty to protect their vehicles that feature the latest advancements in technology.
April 1st, 2011 by Hal Moses
It can be difficult to find a car that is suitable for the needs of a family. In fact, consumers can often feel overwhelmed with all of the choices. So, what are some necessary considerations when purchasing a family car?
First, most families are in search of an affordable vehicle. This typically means that the sticker price is under $30,000 and comes with a good auto warranty. There are many good quality vehicles out there that go for less than $30,000, so if you are looking at a company that can’t produce a good vehicle for this price, you’re searching with the wrong company.
One very important feature for a family car is comfort. Five people should be able to fit into a vehicle comfortably, otherwise no one will be happy. Also, make sure that you have sufficient cargo space for groceries, hobbies, etc.
Safety is essential in a family vehicle. Many of the new car models have innovative safety features capable of saving people’s lives. For instance, the Chevrolet Malibu incorporates the OnStar system of communication, which has the Advanced Automatic Crash Notification.
Try not to get overwhelmed with the shopping process when looking for a family vehicle. Just take these tips into consideration and make sure purchase an auto warranty in case of unforeseen repairs.
March 31st, 2011 by Hal Moses
The perks of purchasing a used car are the low initial price, property taxes, and insurance costs. The “downs†are that it isn’t new, which means there’s no auto warranty and you are more vulnerable to car problems. However, you can reduce your exposure to risk by taking these precautionary measures.
First, shop for used vehicles that are newer, which might still have a portion of their new car warranties left. Most late model cars have three-year/ 36,000-mile basic auto warranty coverage, so you could get a year of coverage if you look for cars less than three years old. Otherwise, you should purchase an auto warranty to cover your used vehicle.
Next, check the background of the make and model car that you are looking at. Go to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administrations website to check out recall and safety information. Also, it never hurts to take a look at Consumer Reports to see if the particular car you like is problematic.
Also, you should always have a mechanic look at the car you are thinking of buying. This will let you know if the vehicle has been well maintained or has any major problems.
Used cars are a great option for people who don’t want to pay for the instant depreciation associated with new cars. Just make sure to protect yourself by doing your research and purchasing an auto warranty and auto road service.
March 30th, 2011 by Hal Moses
Many motorists struggle to find a repair shop that they feel is trustworthy. While some motorists feel comfortable taking their car to the dealership, others prefer going to an independent repair shop. So, which one is better?
You will find several advantages to going to the dealership for repairs. First of all, dealerships pay for their technicians to have special training, and they provide them with special tools and equipment. Dealerships also have a years worth of proprietary information on new vehicles that they have sold. This information is important for making repairs and diagnosis, yet only the dealer has access to it. Finally, dealership service departments only work on the specific makes and models that they sell, so they are good at diagnosis and repairs.
Independent shops also have advantages. Because independent facilities try to serve the neighborhood that they are in, customers can benefit from a more personal customer service. Also, independent repair shops provide more versatile services on a wide range of cars. Also, top-notch repair shops will offer an auto warranty through the supplier of the parts. Finally, prices are usually better at independent repair shops.
There are advantages to both dealerships and independent repair shops. Consumers should find a repair shop that they feel comfortable with, regardless of what kind it is. The important thing is to find a shop so that car maintenance can be performed regularly and in case you need to be towed by roadside assistance.
March 26th, 2011 by Hal Moses
Unfortunately, mistakes often happen when you’re in an unfamiliar place. A recent survey reported that people driving in RV’s often make expensive blunders. More than 1,000 RV drivers were surveyed, revealing some interesting mishaps that they have had.
The blunders that were the most common are as follows:Â backing up into something, failing to connect taillights in a correct manner, running out of fuel, driving out of a parking lot with the steps still out, and not judging clearance well.
Also discovered was that just over 50 percent of RV drivers spend at least a month out of the year traveling, and over 40 percent travel over 500 miles in a trip.
Although often you can find humor in blunders, they can mean big money in damages and repairs. This is why it is so important to purchase good insurance and an auto warranty on you RV. After all, you want to get back out on the open road quickly after a mishap.
March 25th, 2011 by Hal Moses
You know that the trend for green cars has come of age when Hummer and Lamborghini get in on the picture.
The manufacturers of supercars for $400,000 and high-end SUV’s have realized that they need to keep us with small, efficient car models. People desire lightweight, economical vehicles as opposed to heavy gas-guzzlers.
Lamborghini has an updated version of its Gallardo at $222,000. Its new design is more “green†because it emits less CO2. This is the greenhouse gas that is responsible for the change in the climate.
However, cutting 20 kg off of a 202 mph vehicle is not exactly radical. This is why leading manufacturers, such as Toyota are making a big impact in the car industry. It is hard to truly make a supercar or SUV green, although it is impressive that Hummer and Lamborghini are making a large attempt.
Green or not, whatever car you buy; make sure that you have an auto warranty to protect your investment. You don’t want to find yourself paying unnecessary expenses for auto repairs.
March 24th, 2011 by Hal Moses
Due to the poor economy, electric and hybrid cars are in great need these days. However, these cars also will come at a cost. They will strain scarce resources for water, according to a new study.
Every mile that is driven using electricity consumes approximately three times the water than a car using petrol. Sciencedaily reported this.
Michael Webber and Carey King calculated the usage of water, consumption, as well as withdrawal during refining of petroleum and generation of power in the United States.
This does not mean that the impacts on sources of water make the shift undesirable. Instead, the increase in the usage of water resources should be a consideration when people are planning for an automotive economy that is plugged-in.
Every technological advance has potential downfalls. Vehicles that lack petroleum are good in many ways for out environment, and our wallets. Also good for your wallet, is an auto warranty that protects you in case new technology fails. Also, it brings drivers peace of mind.