So, you are in the market for some vinyl signs but are confused about where to look, well look no further as soon all of your questions shall be answered. Your best bet is to ask around and see who family and friends or even acquaintances have used in the past for their vinyl signs. See if they had any problems, if they found the company reliable, and if they felt their pricing was fair. Word of mouth is any businesses best friend and they love referrals. With many companies relying more on out of the box advertising methods, vinyl signs are categorized as such.
Vinyl signs which include magnetic signs, banners, and even vinyl decals are all in the same family and can easily be ordered online in addition to purchasing them at your local sign shop. The great thing about vinyl signs is that they can be used both indoors as well as out, they are reusable, they last a long time, they require no installation, and they are affordable. They also come in various colors and sizes. Most vinyl signs are created by using digital printers and screen printers. When you are comparing prices for your vinyl signs you need to be aware of the fact that for this particular business, speaking solely about vinyl signs, not electric or any other type, companies do not use a cost based approach for vinyl signs. Although the materials for vinyl signs is cheap enough and the labor does not require too much effort, the initial cost of the machine that helps to create the vinyl signs in extremely expensive and this is why the pricing strategy is the way that it is.
Whether you decide to shop online or in person you will be able to view some of the samples that are available and often you can see an image in advance of what your signs will look like. Without someone guiding you in the right direction you really have no way to know for certain if the company that you are about to conduct business with is a good company or a bad one. You can call the Better Business Bureau of your area and see if there are any negative ratings about the company that you are contemplating doing business with. You can shop around and make some price comparisons to see if the pricing for vinyl signs are comparable.
Sign companies know that it is extremely important to begin the customer relationship with your first purchase and they want you to prosper as much as you want to prosper as that means more work for them as you expand. You will also come in contact throughout your journey, more business owners who may ask you where your signs came from or if you have any suggestions and this is how their sign company will continue to grow and thrive. So just be wise but do not be cheap because remember you get what you pay for.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
How To Choose Motorcycle Luggage
For many of you who love travel by motorcycle may absolutely understand the importance of motorcycle luggage which makes you a lot comfortable during the trip. Travel by motorcycle is completely different from travel by any other kind of transportation. This is because you will have very limited space to keep travel luggage as well as you need some kind of extra security to make sure that luggage will not be lost when you carry them and ride motorcycle. According to reason described above, now there are luggage that specially made only for motorcycle trips. Of course you need this kind of luggage to keep the personal things in a safe and comfort.
Motorcycle luggage today is not only limited on one or two function and design, but there are hundreds of them available for you to choose from. They are available in both hard case and soft case materials. Generally, you may find that hard material is usually more expensive than the soft luggage. Even though the soft motorcycle luggage may cheaper than the hard type, but soft luggage also has limited space and capacity. They may be suitable for some of you who has not many stuff to carry and has limited budget. But for those who may be able to afford hard luggage and bigger luggage, you may buy hard luggage as they can serve you needs very well in a long run. The most common type of motorcycle luggage are tank luggage, side luggage, roll-tool bags and cruiser cases.
When choosing motorcycle luggage, there are some key criteria that you need to consider. One is you need to decide about the size and capacity that you need. This is very important factor, because it relates to the budget. Choosing as large as you budget can afford to make sure that you gain maximum value of money. The second thing is you have to know what kind of motorcycle that you have whether it could support which kind of motorcycle luggage it should fit perfectly with the type of the luggage so you can use it effective. In may case I found that there are many people who just bought the motorcycle luggage that could not be used with the bike and they have to ask for refund. However, the motorcycle luggage available today, most of them can be fit to any type of motorcycle so you may do not have to worry about this too much, but just to make sure that the luggage could be fully fix to the bike and locked securely. The last criteria that you have to consider are whether the luggage that you buy is easy to install. This is because sometimes installation can cause trouble and take a lot of time to complete if you choose the type that not easy to install.
Generally, motorcycle luggage require very low care and maintenance but you still have to look after them from time to time, especially if you have leather motorcycle luggage, which you have to keep them away from chemicals and scratch and you have to polish the surface sometimes. If you have luggage that made from other material, then you can rest assure that they require much less care than leather and this is strongly suggest having ones.
Motorcycle luggage today is not only limited on one or two function and design, but there are hundreds of them available for you to choose from. They are available in both hard case and soft case materials. Generally, you may find that hard material is usually more expensive than the soft luggage. Even though the soft motorcycle luggage may cheaper than the hard type, but soft luggage also has limited space and capacity. They may be suitable for some of you who has not many stuff to carry and has limited budget. But for those who may be able to afford hard luggage and bigger luggage, you may buy hard luggage as they can serve you needs very well in a long run. The most common type of motorcycle luggage are tank luggage, side luggage, roll-tool bags and cruiser cases.
When choosing motorcycle luggage, there are some key criteria that you need to consider. One is you need to decide about the size and capacity that you need. This is very important factor, because it relates to the budget. Choosing as large as you budget can afford to make sure that you gain maximum value of money. The second thing is you have to know what kind of motorcycle that you have whether it could support which kind of motorcycle luggage it should fit perfectly with the type of the luggage so you can use it effective. In may case I found that there are many people who just bought the motorcycle luggage that could not be used with the bike and they have to ask for refund. However, the motorcycle luggage available today, most of them can be fit to any type of motorcycle so you may do not have to worry about this too much, but just to make sure that the luggage could be fully fix to the bike and locked securely. The last criteria that you have to consider are whether the luggage that you buy is easy to install. This is because sometimes installation can cause trouble and take a lot of time to complete if you choose the type that not easy to install.
Generally, motorcycle luggage require very low care and maintenance but you still have to look after them from time to time, especially if you have leather motorcycle luggage, which you have to keep them away from chemicals and scratch and you have to polish the surface sometimes. If you have luggage that made from other material, then you can rest assure that they require much less care than leather and this is strongly suggest having ones.
Monday, September 27, 2010
How To Choose The Right Automobile For Your Family
In this day and age most families could not fathom doing without the convenience of an automobile, which makes the buying process an important one. When attempting to choose the right car for your family, it’s important to consider a variety of factors that will help to make sure your ride is a smooth one.
First and foremost, you will need to ensure that your family’s automobile is a safe one. As a consumer, you can check the results of government crash test and/or safety ratings online or by asking your local dealership for further information. If purchasing an SUV, for instance, it may be especially important for you to consider the rollover capability. If you are like most, you will also find it beneficial to learn how the automobile held up in crash test ratings.
If you have children, interior space is likely to be a priority on your list of auto amenities. Whether it’s storage space for toting sports equipment, musical instruments for band practice or just a little extra room for a special trip to the toy store, it’s a good idea to consider comfort in terms of available space, movability and leg room.
Whether you are purchasing a new or used automobile, a warranty is an important consideration. New vehicles typically come with a manufacturer’s warranty, while previously owned automobiles may have a portion of the manufacturer’s warranty remaining or possibly even one that is offered directly from the dealership. If the original manufacturer’s warranty has expired, there may be an option of purchasing an extended warranty from the manufacturer upon request. This is typically only available on newer model vehicles, but it is a consideration for those investing in a previously-owned ride.
If you purchase a used automobile, it’s advisable to ask the seller for the VIN number and/or Carfax report. If the dealership or private owner doesn’t have a Carfax report, you can obtain one yourself using the VIN number. This information is helpful in determining the vehicle’s actual mileage, accident record, service or repair history and more. Additionally, a Carfax report can let you know whether or not the automobile has ever been involved in a recall and/or reported as stolen, both of which are important to know when choosing a vehicle for your family.
For new cars it is possible to request to see the invoice for the car, which will tell you how much the dealership had to pay for the vehicle at their wholesale cost. Many car dealers will bargain to a price within a thousand dollars or so of this invoice price if you negotiate with them. This of course doesn't apply to some companies like Saturn, which does business at sticker-price only.
Be aware that any "factory rebates" are technically reimbursements from the manufacturer, not the dealer. As such, it isn't entirely uncommon to be able to purchase a car for BELOW the invoice price if there are a lot of factory incentives available for the model car you are purchasing and the dealer is being particularly flexible on pricing.
Last but not least, the cost of operation for an automobile is a significant consideration when choosing the right vehicle for your family. Gas mileage and the cost of auto insurance are both important in terms of affordability. In general, an SUV uses more gasoline and will carry a higher cost of auto insurance. The age of an automobile also plays a role in the cost of auto insurance, which is typically more expensive on new vehicles than on earlier models.
First and foremost, you will need to ensure that your family’s automobile is a safe one. As a consumer, you can check the results of government crash test and/or safety ratings online or by asking your local dealership for further information. If purchasing an SUV, for instance, it may be especially important for you to consider the rollover capability. If you are like most, you will also find it beneficial to learn how the automobile held up in crash test ratings.
If you have children, interior space is likely to be a priority on your list of auto amenities. Whether it’s storage space for toting sports equipment, musical instruments for band practice or just a little extra room for a special trip to the toy store, it’s a good idea to consider comfort in terms of available space, movability and leg room.
Whether you are purchasing a new or used automobile, a warranty is an important consideration. New vehicles typically come with a manufacturer’s warranty, while previously owned automobiles may have a portion of the manufacturer’s warranty remaining or possibly even one that is offered directly from the dealership. If the original manufacturer’s warranty has expired, there may be an option of purchasing an extended warranty from the manufacturer upon request. This is typically only available on newer model vehicles, but it is a consideration for those investing in a previously-owned ride.
If you purchase a used automobile, it’s advisable to ask the seller for the VIN number and/or Carfax report. If the dealership or private owner doesn’t have a Carfax report, you can obtain one yourself using the VIN number. This information is helpful in determining the vehicle’s actual mileage, accident record, service or repair history and more. Additionally, a Carfax report can let you know whether or not the automobile has ever been involved in a recall and/or reported as stolen, both of which are important to know when choosing a vehicle for your family.
For new cars it is possible to request to see the invoice for the car, which will tell you how much the dealership had to pay for the vehicle at their wholesale cost. Many car dealers will bargain to a price within a thousand dollars or so of this invoice price if you negotiate with them. This of course doesn't apply to some companies like Saturn, which does business at sticker-price only.
Be aware that any "factory rebates" are technically reimbursements from the manufacturer, not the dealer. As such, it isn't entirely uncommon to be able to purchase a car for BELOW the invoice price if there are a lot of factory incentives available for the model car you are purchasing and the dealer is being particularly flexible on pricing.
Last but not least, the cost of operation for an automobile is a significant consideration when choosing the right vehicle for your family. Gas mileage and the cost of auto insurance are both important in terms of affordability. In general, an SUV uses more gasoline and will carry a higher cost of auto insurance. The age of an automobile also plays a role in the cost of auto insurance, which is typically more expensive on new vehicles than on earlier models.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
How To Compare Auto Insurance Quote Online
When you get car insurance quote online from an insurance company, always keep in mind to compare it with quotes issued by other companies with the same car insurance policy features. However, since this is a challenging task, with results often being prone to mistakes and miscalculations, here are some tips that can help you simplify the process.
The first thing you need to do when you get car insurance quote online is to assess your current auto insurance policy, and consider every feature it incorporates, such as limits for property, bodily injury, uninsured motorist and underinsured motorist; what the deductibles are; if you’re willing to pay for towing and rental care reimbursement; and if you have comprehensive coverage or just collision.
Determine if you are still going to need those features in your car insurance, and make note of any changes. For example, there’s no point opting for comprehensive coverage on an old car that has severely decreased in value. Therefore, getting only collision coverage might be able to save you a few hundred dollars on your car insurance premium.
Your second, particularly important step when you get car insurance quote online is to gather specific information about your cars, and the people who drive them. Be prepared to list down information regarding:
1. Drivers license and Social Security Numbers for each driver
2. Year, make and model of each vehicle to be insured
3. Average mileage for each day, and whether it's used for business or pleasure
4. Safety features such as Anti-lock Brakes (ABS), alarms, air bags etc for each vehicle
Always make an effort to get at least three or more car insurance online quotes for your auto insurance from various sources, because rates are liable to differ between car insurance companies. Put down each online quote on the same sheet of paper, along with comments for each company you’ve listed.
When looking for a cheap car insurance quote online, you must also bear in mind the importance of good value, such as financial stability, fast claims service and good customer service.
When you’ve tracked down the car insurance quote online that meet your requirements, keep it under scrutiny for a couple of days in order to be certain that you’ve got the right insurance coverage for your car.
Don’t hesitate to ask a lot of questions if you’re doing business with an agent or representative, who could probably be able to help you save a decent amount on your insurance. It’s also always a good idea to check if there’s a customer service contact on the insurer’s website when you get car insurance quote online.
The first thing you need to do when you get car insurance quote online is to assess your current auto insurance policy, and consider every feature it incorporates, such as limits for property, bodily injury, uninsured motorist and underinsured motorist; what the deductibles are; if you’re willing to pay for towing and rental care reimbursement; and if you have comprehensive coverage or just collision.
Determine if you are still going to need those features in your car insurance, and make note of any changes. For example, there’s no point opting for comprehensive coverage on an old car that has severely decreased in value. Therefore, getting only collision coverage might be able to save you a few hundred dollars on your car insurance premium.
Your second, particularly important step when you get car insurance quote online is to gather specific information about your cars, and the people who drive them. Be prepared to list down information regarding:
1. Drivers license and Social Security Numbers for each driver
2. Year, make and model of each vehicle to be insured
3. Average mileage for each day, and whether it's used for business or pleasure
4. Safety features such as Anti-lock Brakes (ABS), alarms, air bags etc for each vehicle
Always make an effort to get at least three or more car insurance online quotes for your auto insurance from various sources, because rates are liable to differ between car insurance companies. Put down each online quote on the same sheet of paper, along with comments for each company you’ve listed.
When looking for a cheap car insurance quote online, you must also bear in mind the importance of good value, such as financial stability, fast claims service and good customer service.
When you’ve tracked down the car insurance quote online that meet your requirements, keep it under scrutiny for a couple of days in order to be certain that you’ve got the right insurance coverage for your car.
Don’t hesitate to ask a lot of questions if you’re doing business with an agent or representative, who could probably be able to help you save a decent amount on your insurance. It’s also always a good idea to check if there’s a customer service contact on the insurer’s website when you get car insurance quote online.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
How To Cut Car Insurance Costs By More Than 10%
Fact: To drive legally in the UK, you are required to have car insurance to protect yourself and other drivers. It's one of the unavoidable expenses of owning and driving a vehicle on the road.
Whilst car insurance is a fact of life, high premiums are not. There are many ways to control the cost of your motor insurance premiums and even reverse recent increases in some cases. Here are just a few tips that can save you well over 10% on your car insurance this year.
1. Search online for the best quotes.
Often, car dealers work with a specific insurer "for your convenience". Before snatching the first motor insurance policy you find, do some research and shop around. Use a price comparison site to compare multiple policies side by side. Car insurance quotes can vary by hundreds of pounds for the exact same cover.
2. Buy online at the insurer's site.
Many, if not most, insurance companies offer hefty discounts when you buy your cover online. Why? They save money on time and agent commissions that way. It's standard to offer a 10% discount when you buy your car insurance online. While not everyone can buy online, there can be significant savings if you can and do.
3. Review when you renew.
Don't simply renew you policy when the time rolls around. Go over it to make sure that it still meets your needs and circumstances - and then request a new quote. Insurers will nearly always offer a lower quote when you're shopping around for policy than when they think they have you hooked.
4. Secure your car.
Since your premium is based on the risk of damage or loss of your car, every step you take to make your car more secure and safe will reduce your premium. Park it off street or in a garage, add a steering lock or an alarm and see your premiums go down.
5. Drive less.
The less you drive, the less your chance of being involved in an accident. If your mileage is lower than the norm, inform your insurer and find out if they offer a low mileage discount.
6. Be honest on your application.
While this technically will not lower your insurance premium, it can make a huge difference when you make a claim. It may be tempting to claim your auntie's suburban address as your garaging site and knock a few pounds off your premium - but if you need to make a claim, the insurance company could find out. If they prove you misrepresented the facts on your application, your claim will be declined and may end up liable for any damages from the accident to boot.
7. Pay in full at the start of the policy.
Check with your insurer to find out if you're charged more for paying in installments. In essence, when you pay in installments, you're taking a loan from the insurance company for your premium, and paying them back - with interest.
8. Pay by direct debit.
If you do choose to pay in installments, find out if your insurer discounts your premium when you pay by direct debit. Since direct debit greatly decreases the likelihood of late and missed payments, most insurers are happy to knock a few quid off the premium when you pay that way.
9. Add an extra driver to your policy.
In some cases, adding an additional driver to your policy will lower your premium, especially if that driver is older, female and has a good driving record.
10. Take a defensive driving course.
Many insurance companies will discount your premium if you complete a course in safe or defensive driving. In general, anything that reduces your accident or loss risk may lower your car insurance premiums.
Whilst car insurance is a fact of life, high premiums are not. There are many ways to control the cost of your motor insurance premiums and even reverse recent increases in some cases. Here are just a few tips that can save you well over 10% on your car insurance this year.
1. Search online for the best quotes.
Often, car dealers work with a specific insurer "for your convenience". Before snatching the first motor insurance policy you find, do some research and shop around. Use a price comparison site to compare multiple policies side by side. Car insurance quotes can vary by hundreds of pounds for the exact same cover.
2. Buy online at the insurer's site.
Many, if not most, insurance companies offer hefty discounts when you buy your cover online. Why? They save money on time and agent commissions that way. It's standard to offer a 10% discount when you buy your car insurance online. While not everyone can buy online, there can be significant savings if you can and do.
3. Review when you renew.
Don't simply renew you policy when the time rolls around. Go over it to make sure that it still meets your needs and circumstances - and then request a new quote. Insurers will nearly always offer a lower quote when you're shopping around for policy than when they think they have you hooked.
4. Secure your car.
Since your premium is based on the risk of damage or loss of your car, every step you take to make your car more secure and safe will reduce your premium. Park it off street or in a garage, add a steering lock or an alarm and see your premiums go down.
5. Drive less.
The less you drive, the less your chance of being involved in an accident. If your mileage is lower than the norm, inform your insurer and find out if they offer a low mileage discount.
6. Be honest on your application.
While this technically will not lower your insurance premium, it can make a huge difference when you make a claim. It may be tempting to claim your auntie's suburban address as your garaging site and knock a few pounds off your premium - but if you need to make a claim, the insurance company could find out. If they prove you misrepresented the facts on your application, your claim will be declined and may end up liable for any damages from the accident to boot.
7. Pay in full at the start of the policy.
Check with your insurer to find out if you're charged more for paying in installments. In essence, when you pay in installments, you're taking a loan from the insurance company for your premium, and paying them back - with interest.
8. Pay by direct debit.
If you do choose to pay in installments, find out if your insurer discounts your premium when you pay by direct debit. Since direct debit greatly decreases the likelihood of late and missed payments, most insurers are happy to knock a few quid off the premium when you pay that way.
9. Add an extra driver to your policy.
In some cases, adding an additional driver to your policy will lower your premium, especially if that driver is older, female and has a good driving record.
10. Take a defensive driving course.
Many insurance companies will discount your premium if you complete a course in safe or defensive driving. In general, anything that reduces your accident or loss risk may lower your car insurance premiums.
How To Decide What Used Car To Buy
The majority of people who wish to buy a used car have a clear picture in their mind of the type of car that they want, or at the very least some idea of whether they want a saloon or a hatchback. However by the time they have visited the showroom they can leave the forecourt driving away something very different from what they envisaged.
The reason behind this could be the salesman persuading you away from what you know is the right choice or you simply buy on impulse only to realise your mistake later. Here are some practical tips to help ensure you don’t make a big mistake when it comes to purchasing your car.
The first thing you should take into account is the size of the car; factors to take into consideration here are the size of your garage or drive and whether or not you have a family. If you have a family then purchasing a small two seated model is probably not the right choice. The same applies if you have limited space as then you aren’t going to be able to fit a big car into it.
The size is also determined by the build you are, for example if you are a tall person then you will have to ensure that you have adequate room, you don’t want to have to open the sunroof and stick out your head in order to see where you are going.
Take into account what it is that you need the car for. Are you going to be towing a caravan or attaching a trailer to it on a regular basis? If you are then you should consider a car with a bigger engine such as a four wheel drive. If you only want something to run about in the city then your choice might be better suited to a smaller hatchback model. The car you choose should fit in with your lifestyle.
Another important factor that you should always take into account when considering the type of car is how much it will cost to insure. The size, make and model of the car are all factors that are taken into consideration when it comes to determining the quote for your premium for the car insurance.
Finally, you have the choice of going for a petrol or diesel model; there are many advantages to choosing a diesel model rather than petrol. The diesel engine is considered to be more reliable and the fuel is more economical. However there are bad points too and these include the engine of the car being worked harder which means a major overhaul. Cars that run on diesel are also often overpriced and they aren’t considered to be environmentally friendly when compared to petrol engines.
The reason behind this could be the salesman persuading you away from what you know is the right choice or you simply buy on impulse only to realise your mistake later. Here are some practical tips to help ensure you don’t make a big mistake when it comes to purchasing your car.
The first thing you should take into account is the size of the car; factors to take into consideration here are the size of your garage or drive and whether or not you have a family. If you have a family then purchasing a small two seated model is probably not the right choice. The same applies if you have limited space as then you aren’t going to be able to fit a big car into it.
The size is also determined by the build you are, for example if you are a tall person then you will have to ensure that you have adequate room, you don’t want to have to open the sunroof and stick out your head in order to see where you are going.
Take into account what it is that you need the car for. Are you going to be towing a caravan or attaching a trailer to it on a regular basis? If you are then you should consider a car with a bigger engine such as a four wheel drive. If you only want something to run about in the city then your choice might be better suited to a smaller hatchback model. The car you choose should fit in with your lifestyle.
Another important factor that you should always take into account when considering the type of car is how much it will cost to insure. The size, make and model of the car are all factors that are taken into consideration when it comes to determining the quote for your premium for the car insurance.
Finally, you have the choice of going for a petrol or diesel model; there are many advantages to choosing a diesel model rather than petrol. The diesel engine is considered to be more reliable and the fuel is more economical. However there are bad points too and these include the engine of the car being worked harder which means a major overhaul. Cars that run on diesel are also often overpriced and they aren’t considered to be environmentally friendly when compared to petrol engines.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
How To Detect A Flood Damaged Vehicle
Flooded Vehicle - is considered, a vehicle that was damaged by water level raised to seating level. Most flood damaged cars, trucks and SUVs are sent to a salvage yard, but some are cleaned up and put into the auto market where they'll be bought by unsuspecting buyers who think they're getting a great deal.
Flooded water leaves long lasting damage. Electrical and mechanical components will probably fail early. Mold and mildew can also create a serious problem. Any remaining warranty is voided. While buying a used car be on the lookout for these cars even if you don't live in a flooded area, because dishonest people move them around. Here are some tips and points to detect flooded vehicles.
I) Get a Vehicle History Report
Enter the vehicle's VIN number to get a history report. Carfax does a great job of researching a vehicle's background, but a clean slate is not a 100% guarantee that the car or truck hasn't suffered water damage. You can also contact CarSnaps and ask them for advice or request a vehicle background report.
II) Look for Moisture.
Look for moisture within the lights. Check the glove compartment, console and trunk and inspect them for any sign of dampness moisture or the dirt that looks like a leftover from a flood. Look under the hood for accumulated dirt or signs of rust. Check under the seats for signs of moisture.
III) Take a deep Sniff
This can really help in detecting flooded vehicles. Do you smell a sour, mildewy-like odor? Soaked seats, carpeting and other components are difficult to dry in a hurry, so there's plenty of time for mold and mildew to grow, especially if the flood occurred in a hot and humid location.
IV) Look for Mismatched Interior Components
Does the carpeting look brand new or mismatched or too new for the vehicle? Do seat covers seem out of place with the carpeting? Components that don't match-up might have been changed in a hurry after the vehicle was pulled from flood waters.
V) Request free advice from CarSnaps
Contact CarSnaps.com and request free advice from their qualified technicians who are there to help and it is free so there is nothing to lose.
VI) Let Your Technician Examine the Vehicle
Take the vehicle to a technician if possible and ask for a thorough examination. Experienced auto technicians see evidence of flood damage more often than most individuals do, so they know exactly what to look for.
VII) Turn it On and Go for a Drive
Turn the car on and check every electrical system possible, including the exterior and interior lights, the gauges, the clock and the audio system and the dash lights that display air bag and seat belt information. Go for a drive and test electrical components again to make sure they work correctly. 90% of the time you will be able to suspect an electrical problem with flooded vehicle unless it is repaired or electrical parts are not damaged which is very rare though.
Flooded vehicles should be avoided as much as possible even if seller tell you about the manufacturer warranty because warranty voids when a car goes through a flood. If you suspect a flooded vehicle walk away from it. Flooded vehicles are not worth the hassle they provide.
Flooded water leaves long lasting damage. Electrical and mechanical components will probably fail early. Mold and mildew can also create a serious problem. Any remaining warranty is voided. While buying a used car be on the lookout for these cars even if you don't live in a flooded area, because dishonest people move them around. Here are some tips and points to detect flooded vehicles.
I) Get a Vehicle History Report
Enter the vehicle's VIN number to get a history report. Carfax does a great job of researching a vehicle's background, but a clean slate is not a 100% guarantee that the car or truck hasn't suffered water damage. You can also contact CarSnaps and ask them for advice or request a vehicle background report.
II) Look for Moisture.
Look for moisture within the lights. Check the glove compartment, console and trunk and inspect them for any sign of dampness moisture or the dirt that looks like a leftover from a flood. Look under the hood for accumulated dirt or signs of rust. Check under the seats for signs of moisture.
III) Take a deep Sniff
This can really help in detecting flooded vehicles. Do you smell a sour, mildewy-like odor? Soaked seats, carpeting and other components are difficult to dry in a hurry, so there's plenty of time for mold and mildew to grow, especially if the flood occurred in a hot and humid location.
IV) Look for Mismatched Interior Components
Does the carpeting look brand new or mismatched or too new for the vehicle? Do seat covers seem out of place with the carpeting? Components that don't match-up might have been changed in a hurry after the vehicle was pulled from flood waters.
V) Request free advice from CarSnaps
Contact CarSnaps.com and request free advice from their qualified technicians who are there to help and it is free so there is nothing to lose.
VI) Let Your Technician Examine the Vehicle
Take the vehicle to a technician if possible and ask for a thorough examination. Experienced auto technicians see evidence of flood damage more often than most individuals do, so they know exactly what to look for.
VII) Turn it On and Go for a Drive
Turn the car on and check every electrical system possible, including the exterior and interior lights, the gauges, the clock and the audio system and the dash lights that display air bag and seat belt information. Go for a drive and test electrical components again to make sure they work correctly. 90% of the time you will be able to suspect an electrical problem with flooded vehicle unless it is repaired or electrical parts are not damaged which is very rare though.
Flooded vehicles should be avoided as much as possible even if seller tell you about the manufacturer warranty because warranty voids when a car goes through a flood. If you suspect a flooded vehicle walk away from it. Flooded vehicles are not worth the hassle they provide.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
How To Drive Safely In Winter
Weather can vary considerably over a very short period of time and distance. Winter can often strike suddenly and severely, leaving motorists unprepared for the conditions. This is an essential guide to driving safely in winter from GEM Motoring Assist, the leading UK driver based road safety association.
Winter driving checklist
Before winter weather arrives, check that your vehicle:
• is properly maintained and serviced
• tyres have plenty of tread depth, are in good condition and correctly inflated (don’t forget the spare)
• radiator contains anti-freeze and the cooling system is free from leaks
• battery is in good condition (many garages / battery suppliers will carry out this check free of charge)
• windscreen wipers and washers are working effectively
• washer bottles are full and contain anti-freezing / cleaning additive.
Before driving in winter weather check that:
• all lights are clean and working properly
• all windows and mirrors are clean and clear from snow and ice.
Winter driving tips
• use dipped headlights in poor visibility
• reduce your speed compared to ‘normal’ driving conditions
• keep a safe stopping distance behind the vehicle in front. It takes much longer to stop in wet or icy conditions
• avoid harsh braking, acceleration and steering
• keep a careful watch out for other road users especially motorcyclists, pedal cyclists and young pedestrians.
Plan your journey
Before setting out on a journey during winter weather conditions make the following checks:
• is the journey absolutely necessary?
• check the local and national weather forecasts
• obtain travel information and road conditions from local and national radio
• ensure that the vehicle has a full fuel tank
• give an estimated time of arrival at your proposed destination
• take the appropriate equipment with you. Consider the following: mobile phone, warm clothing / footwear, torch, shovel, hot drink, food, fluorescent / reflective tabard / jacket, warning triangle, and a mat or sacking for extra grip in deep snow
• finally ask yourself again if the journey is necessary.
Once on your way
• if you get into trouble, try not to abandon your vehicle, stay with it until help arrives
• if you are forced to leave your vehicle make yourself visible by wearing a fluorescent / reflective tabard / jacket.
Winter driving checklist
Before winter weather arrives, check that your vehicle:
• is properly maintained and serviced
• tyres have plenty of tread depth, are in good condition and correctly inflated (don’t forget the spare)
• radiator contains anti-freeze and the cooling system is free from leaks
• battery is in good condition (many garages / battery suppliers will carry out this check free of charge)
• windscreen wipers and washers are working effectively
• washer bottles are full and contain anti-freezing / cleaning additive.
Before driving in winter weather check that:
• all lights are clean and working properly
• all windows and mirrors are clean and clear from snow and ice.
Winter driving tips
• use dipped headlights in poor visibility
• reduce your speed compared to ‘normal’ driving conditions
• keep a safe stopping distance behind the vehicle in front. It takes much longer to stop in wet or icy conditions
• avoid harsh braking, acceleration and steering
• keep a careful watch out for other road users especially motorcyclists, pedal cyclists and young pedestrians.
Plan your journey
Before setting out on a journey during winter weather conditions make the following checks:
• is the journey absolutely necessary?
• check the local and national weather forecasts
• obtain travel information and road conditions from local and national radio
• ensure that the vehicle has a full fuel tank
• give an estimated time of arrival at your proposed destination
• take the appropriate equipment with you. Consider the following: mobile phone, warm clothing / footwear, torch, shovel, hot drink, food, fluorescent / reflective tabard / jacket, warning triangle, and a mat or sacking for extra grip in deep snow
• finally ask yourself again if the journey is necessary.
Once on your way
• if you get into trouble, try not to abandon your vehicle, stay with it until help arrives
• if you are forced to leave your vehicle make yourself visible by wearing a fluorescent / reflective tabard / jacket.
How To Ensure Good Performance Of A Very Fast Car During Extreme Weather
Although driving fast during extreme weathers is not really a good idea, there are times when circumstances would push us to test the limits of our very fast cars. If you happen to be one of those people who are always in a hurry to get somewhere even during bad weathers, you should make sure that your car is in top shape all the time. Always remember that very fast cars can be quite difficult to control during extreme conditions and if you are not prepared for these things, you could end up in a hospital a bed. To help you keep your very fast car in top shape, here are some things that you need to consider.
Buy The Right Tires
When it comes to very fast cars, changing tires regularly is a must. Never take the tires of your very fast car for granted or you will pay for your negligence dearly. Aside from changing tires regularly, you should make sure that you have the right type of tires for your car. According to experts, you need to use different types of tires to match with the season. For instance, during the summer, you need to install summer performance tires that provides good grip during warm weather. After the summer, you need to switch to another type of tires that are suitable for snow and ice. Always remember that summer performance tires perform really badly during the winter so you should never use them during this season. If you are not very familiar with these types of tires, go to your favorite tire dealer and ask about these types of tires.
Check Your Engine Power
If you are planning to drive very fast cars in extreme weather conditions, you better check the engine power first. Although powerful engine can be a lot of fun to have on very fast cars, they are not really very safe especially on slick roads. According to experts, high powered engines can make your very fast car skid on the ice causing you to lose control of the vehicle. This situation can be very dangerous especially if you are driving on the express lane. There have been a number of recorded cases of pile ups in the fast lane due to skidding vehicles so be very careful. You do not really want to risk hurting yourself and others. To help you control the power of your very fast car, look for a feature in the car that gives you more traction control.
Buy The Right Tires
When it comes to very fast cars, changing tires regularly is a must. Never take the tires of your very fast car for granted or you will pay for your negligence dearly. Aside from changing tires regularly, you should make sure that you have the right type of tires for your car. According to experts, you need to use different types of tires to match with the season. For instance, during the summer, you need to install summer performance tires that provides good grip during warm weather. After the summer, you need to switch to another type of tires that are suitable for snow and ice. Always remember that summer performance tires perform really badly during the winter so you should never use them during this season. If you are not very familiar with these types of tires, go to your favorite tire dealer and ask about these types of tires.
Check Your Engine Power
If you are planning to drive very fast cars in extreme weather conditions, you better check the engine power first. Although powerful engine can be a lot of fun to have on very fast cars, they are not really very safe especially on slick roads. According to experts, high powered engines can make your very fast car skid on the ice causing you to lose control of the vehicle. This situation can be very dangerous especially if you are driving on the express lane. There have been a number of recorded cases of pile ups in the fast lane due to skidding vehicles so be very careful. You do not really want to risk hurting yourself and others. To help you control the power of your very fast car, look for a feature in the car that gives you more traction control.
Monday, September 20, 2010
How To Get The Right Car At The Right Price
Sometimes finding the right used car can be quite a hassle. However, finding the right car and at the right price can be that much harder. With a little knowledge though it is possible to get the car you have seen which is just a little over your budget, down to the price you can afford or are willing to pay.
As a starting point, sometimes you can get the price reduced if there are small defects on the car that you spot which the seller hasn’t pointed out to you such as tiny nicks where a stone has been thrown up from the road or a small dink.
These are things which are not serious enough to warrant not buying the car but which reflect on its appearance. By pointing these out you could knock the seller down a little to a price that is within your budget.
When buying from a car dealer the majority of dealers will expect you to haggle a little over the cost of the car and indeed many will even add a little onto the cost in the first place expecting to give in and reduce it after haggling. In fact, if you don’t haggle, they will be disappointed!
Even if there aren’t any problems with the car and you are buying it privately rather than from a car dealer you can often get something knocked off the asking price by haggling or even saying that its a little more than you are willing to pay so will have to give it some thought.
The most important thing to remember when purchasing a second hand car is to not be tempted to go over your budget and never be afraid to haggle. After all if you don’t ask, you don’t get and the worse thing that can happen is the seller won’t budge.
As a starting point, sometimes you can get the price reduced if there are small defects on the car that you spot which the seller hasn’t pointed out to you such as tiny nicks where a stone has been thrown up from the road or a small dink.
These are things which are not serious enough to warrant not buying the car but which reflect on its appearance. By pointing these out you could knock the seller down a little to a price that is within your budget.
When buying from a car dealer the majority of dealers will expect you to haggle a little over the cost of the car and indeed many will even add a little onto the cost in the first place expecting to give in and reduce it after haggling. In fact, if you don’t haggle, they will be disappointed!
Even if there aren’t any problems with the car and you are buying it privately rather than from a car dealer you can often get something knocked off the asking price by haggling or even saying that its a little more than you are willing to pay so will have to give it some thought.
The most important thing to remember when purchasing a second hand car is to not be tempted to go over your budget and never be afraid to haggle. After all if you don’t ask, you don’t get and the worse thing that can happen is the seller won’t budge.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
How To Haggle With Your Used Car Dealer
You have finally found the used car of your dreams, it ran beautifully on the test drive and you want it. However don’t just sign on the dotted line without doing a little haggling first – it is expected!
Consider the price the dealer is asking for the car as just a starting point on which the two of you will be able to come to some amicable agreement. In fact, all dealers will be more than ready to haggle and will expect you to do so. Some might even have added a little extra onto the price knowing that you are going to try bringing it down a little, so don’t disappoint them.
Always make sure you go into the deal with all the information you need to haggle. Ensure that you have looked around at many different sources and know what price others are asking for a similar deal. The more confident and knowledgeable you sound about the car’s value, the more seriously the salesman will take you.
Never be intimidated by the dealers patter. Don’t forget that this is what they do for a living, they haggle and barter and give the same patter everyday to their customers. If the sales person says that they can offer you a “special deal” but only if you sign on the bottom line today, then take this with a pinch of salt. This is nothing more than just a tactic to get you to buy today rather than give you time to walk away and think about it.
When haggling over the price and you seem to get yourself a great deal - perhaps a deal which is too good to be true - then it could be. If this is the case then watch out for the dealer catching you with the trade-in price for your car. Many dealers will re-coup by under valuing on the price they will give for your car to make up for what they knocked off the one you are buying.
Consider the price the dealer is asking for the car as just a starting point on which the two of you will be able to come to some amicable agreement. In fact, all dealers will be more than ready to haggle and will expect you to do so. Some might even have added a little extra onto the price knowing that you are going to try bringing it down a little, so don’t disappoint them.
Always make sure you go into the deal with all the information you need to haggle. Ensure that you have looked around at many different sources and know what price others are asking for a similar deal. The more confident and knowledgeable you sound about the car’s value, the more seriously the salesman will take you.
Never be intimidated by the dealers patter. Don’t forget that this is what they do for a living, they haggle and barter and give the same patter everyday to their customers. If the sales person says that they can offer you a “special deal” but only if you sign on the bottom line today, then take this with a pinch of salt. This is nothing more than just a tactic to get you to buy today rather than give you time to walk away and think about it.
When haggling over the price and you seem to get yourself a great deal - perhaps a deal which is too good to be true - then it could be. If this is the case then watch out for the dealer catching you with the trade-in price for your car. Many dealers will re-coup by under valuing on the price they will give for your car to make up for what they knocked off the one you are buying.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
How To Identify Your New Car Safety Ratings
One of the most important considerations you should never overlook when buying a new or used vehicle is its safety features. Safety has become more important to everyone in recent years; let’s face it we spend a lot of time in our cars and with our families so car safety should outrank any cosmetic preferences. Now there are very specific government and auto industry standards to keep you and your family safe so let’s take a look at what to look for.
One of the best car safety indicators of overall safety is the government crash test rating. All new vehicles will have these ratings readily available and it is a great place to begin understanding what you new car safety rating is. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or NHTSA which you can find at www.nhtsa.dot.gov/ is your first stop. The NHTSA uses two methods of crash testing in determining the safety of the vehicle, full frontal impact and side impact. The NHTSA uses a five star rating scale, the higher the number of stars the safer the vehicle is, the lower the number of stars the more dangerous the vehicle. You can find an outline of these car safety ratings and grades at www.safercars.gov.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is another great resource to help with learning about your car safety rating as well. The IIHS is a research group which conducts crash tests as well but more for the insurance industry. The one important difference about their frontal crash testing is that they use a more realistic offset testing method. Instead of crashing head on, which is extremely rare in frontal accidents, the crash test runs the vehicle into a deformable barrier meant to simulate another vehicle moving at 40 M.P.H. and the barrier only covering the portion of the vehicle in front of the driver. Most head on accidents are usually offset somewhat which usually results in worse damage due to torque and structural weakness. The IISH car safety tests cover this and help us understand the reality of a true head on collision. The IISH scores or ratings in their tests are rated by Good, Acceptable, Marginal, or Poor.
Now that you have a better idea of what your car safety rating is, you will also want to know what type of air bag system the vehicle has. All new vehicles are only mandated by law to have dual front airbags but many manufacturers realizing the important of safety have begun to offer side and rear airbags as well which is even more important in multi passenger vehicles like vans and SUVs. The side curtain airbags that drop down from the headliner offer greater head protection from the side and are highly recommended. Some vehicles now even have weight sensors as well that disable the airbag if a person below a certain weight is sitting there. This improvement came about from the first airbags that injured shorter people in the front seat due to headshots and airbag release pressure. You will start to see these improved safety sensors more and more from new vehicles.
Another very important consideration is the rollover rate of the vehicle as well. Vehicles with a higher profile are more likely to turn over. SUVs are up to three times more likely to roll over than passenger vehicles. The majority of all SUV fatalities have been due to rollover. Most SUVs come with options of 4 Wheel Drive or All Wheel Drive giving owners a false sense of security. Drivers of these vehicles think that because they have these options are invincible and push the envelope then expect the vehicle to perform whatever situations drivers put them in. Unfortunately, although they might have better traction in adverse weather and road conditions, these vehicles have more of a possibility of tipping when sharp cornering is attempted.
Antilock brakes have been around awhile and are a proven safety device, which is why insurance companies give you a discount if your vehicle has them; we highly recommended that you buy a vehicle with ABS. Although many who use ABS the first time hate the feeling of not stopping like they used to, ABS does prevent the wheels from locking up during a hard stop, something that can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle. ABS almost always provides shorter stops, but, even more importantly, the system helps keep the vehicle straight and allows the driver to maneuver during a panic stop.
Obviously child safety is what most of us really care about first off and for good reason. If you do have infants always make sure you look for a new technology called LATCH which stands for Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children. This universal system was designed to make it easier and safer to attach car seats due to the fact that many car seats are incompatible with the vehicle’s safety belts. You’ll also find more and more automobile manufacturers are adding build in car seats to ensure even more safety for our children which you might see this prominently in Mini Vans right now.
One more thing I’d like to touch on is the power features in a car. You should be sure that if the vehicle has power windows and door locks, which is basically a standard feature on most models now, it also has disabling locks that you can control to keep children from accidentally opening doors and windows and creating unwanted chances for injury.
As you can see there are many issues when discussing new car safety and these are just a few of the main safety features to look for. There are many other Consumer Reports and car safety reviews that provide even more information and provide good source for comprehensive car safety information.
Gregg Hall is a business consultant and author for many online and offline businesses and lives in Navarre Florida with his 16 year old son. For quality car care products go to http://www.stopwaxing.com
One of the best car safety indicators of overall safety is the government crash test rating. All new vehicles will have these ratings readily available and it is a great place to begin understanding what you new car safety rating is. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or NHTSA which you can find at www.nhtsa.dot.gov/ is your first stop. The NHTSA uses two methods of crash testing in determining the safety of the vehicle, full frontal impact and side impact. The NHTSA uses a five star rating scale, the higher the number of stars the safer the vehicle is, the lower the number of stars the more dangerous the vehicle. You can find an outline of these car safety ratings and grades at www.safercars.gov.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is another great resource to help with learning about your car safety rating as well. The IIHS is a research group which conducts crash tests as well but more for the insurance industry. The one important difference about their frontal crash testing is that they use a more realistic offset testing method. Instead of crashing head on, which is extremely rare in frontal accidents, the crash test runs the vehicle into a deformable barrier meant to simulate another vehicle moving at 40 M.P.H. and the barrier only covering the portion of the vehicle in front of the driver. Most head on accidents are usually offset somewhat which usually results in worse damage due to torque and structural weakness. The IISH car safety tests cover this and help us understand the reality of a true head on collision. The IISH scores or ratings in their tests are rated by Good, Acceptable, Marginal, or Poor.
Now that you have a better idea of what your car safety rating is, you will also want to know what type of air bag system the vehicle has. All new vehicles are only mandated by law to have dual front airbags but many manufacturers realizing the important of safety have begun to offer side and rear airbags as well which is even more important in multi passenger vehicles like vans and SUVs. The side curtain airbags that drop down from the headliner offer greater head protection from the side and are highly recommended. Some vehicles now even have weight sensors as well that disable the airbag if a person below a certain weight is sitting there. This improvement came about from the first airbags that injured shorter people in the front seat due to headshots and airbag release pressure. You will start to see these improved safety sensors more and more from new vehicles.
Another very important consideration is the rollover rate of the vehicle as well. Vehicles with a higher profile are more likely to turn over. SUVs are up to three times more likely to roll over than passenger vehicles. The majority of all SUV fatalities have been due to rollover. Most SUVs come with options of 4 Wheel Drive or All Wheel Drive giving owners a false sense of security. Drivers of these vehicles think that because they have these options are invincible and push the envelope then expect the vehicle to perform whatever situations drivers put them in. Unfortunately, although they might have better traction in adverse weather and road conditions, these vehicles have more of a possibility of tipping when sharp cornering is attempted.
Antilock brakes have been around awhile and are a proven safety device, which is why insurance companies give you a discount if your vehicle has them; we highly recommended that you buy a vehicle with ABS. Although many who use ABS the first time hate the feeling of not stopping like they used to, ABS does prevent the wheels from locking up during a hard stop, something that can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle. ABS almost always provides shorter stops, but, even more importantly, the system helps keep the vehicle straight and allows the driver to maneuver during a panic stop.
Obviously child safety is what most of us really care about first off and for good reason. If you do have infants always make sure you look for a new technology called LATCH which stands for Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children. This universal system was designed to make it easier and safer to attach car seats due to the fact that many car seats are incompatible with the vehicle’s safety belts. You’ll also find more and more automobile manufacturers are adding build in car seats to ensure even more safety for our children which you might see this prominently in Mini Vans right now.
One more thing I’d like to touch on is the power features in a car. You should be sure that if the vehicle has power windows and door locks, which is basically a standard feature on most models now, it also has disabling locks that you can control to keep children from accidentally opening doors and windows and creating unwanted chances for injury.
As you can see there are many issues when discussing new car safety and these are just a few of the main safety features to look for. There are many other Consumer Reports and car safety reviews that provide even more information and provide good source for comprehensive car safety information.
Gregg Hall is a business consultant and author for many online and offline businesses and lives in Navarre Florida with his 16 year old son. For quality car care products go to http://www.stopwaxing.com
Friday, September 17, 2010
How To Import A Car Into Canada
The purpose of this article is to explain the steps necessary to properly import a car from the United States into Canada. First it must be stressed and overly emphasized that you have to follow the rules exactly. If you do not follow the Canadian and American rules for importing and exporting a vehicle you may well have very expensive auto, truck or S.U.V. south of the border that you cannot import or drive into Canada. Your vehicle may well be stuck in limbo, with you unable to drive it. In that case you will either be forced to sell your vehicle, at cost and inconvenience to yourself, to a person in the United States. It cannot be overemphasized that you have to do proper research, check and either recheck the rules, and then follow the auto importation rules exactly and to the letter.
Many Canadians have saved big money importing cars from the U.S. into Canada. Do not let the rules scare you. Simply and exactly follow the rules. Again if not sure, ask. It’s only a phone call – most likely toll free or an email away.
You may have heard many, if not dozens, of mythical stories of Canadians who saved vast amounts on car purchases by importing cars from the U.S. into Canada. You may have seen or heard similar stories on your local TV. Or radio station programs. You may have read of such savings of consumers in the columns of your local newspapers. However when either your local car dealer of manufactures are asked the answers you receive are not the same, if not downright scary. The savings (except for the highest end luxury cars) are minor. The cars are not the same. The manufacturers will not honor new car warranties on new cars bought in the U.S. and imported / shipped into Canada. These answers are either false or mistruths taken out of context.
You will save a fair chunk of cash. This is true in many, if not most cases. All that matters in pricing out your car is what it costs delivered to your door – with all taxes and charges included. Even after including all of the Canadian taxes and extra costs involved, in most cases, you will save a bundle. To the largest degree currency fluctuations have made this so. The rise in the Canadian dollar has made this so. It may also be argued that the retail car industry in the U.S. is much more competitive than in Canada reducing prices by competition. In terms of warranty coverage it is true that manufacturers do not cover warranties on U.S. cars imported into Canada. However the vast majority of car makers do cover the warranties. It’s up to you to do your homework. Again either phone or email. It’s always best to get the answer in writing.
You may consider that it is wrong, unethical or immoral to import a U.S. car into Canada. True most people like to be loyal to their local merchants. However under the NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) cars are shipped back and forth among the NAFTA trading area (the U.S.A., Canada and Mexico) without extra tariffs and taxes. This has benefited the car makers greatly – allowing for reductions in costs due to specialization of factories and economies of scale. Before NAFTA each car maker has different factories in each separate country manufacturing select models and car lines. With NAFTA that can be scaled back to only several, larger and more efficient factories – each producing a certain model or car line for the entire NAFTA trading areas. If the car makers can benefit from the economies of scale of NAFTA why not you as a consumer? You cannot have your cake and eat it too.
Interestingly enough the humour is that same car, which you are importing into Canada, May very well, have been manufactured in Canada, for the North American car market. You are in effect repatriating that vehicle home. If the car is not made in Canada, but in the U.S. or Mexico, the same person and people will have their jobs regardless of whether you purchased the car in Canada or in the U.S. The one person or organization that gets left out of the loop is your local car dealer. True. However, it may be surprising for you to discover, that most of the profits of a car dealership are from service work of your vehicle, not the sale. In this day and age of computerized, technically difficult to repair automobiles, who are you going to take your car to for service, both warranty and non warranty related. The answer is that your service work, in most cases, will be done by your local dealer, whom you wish to support.
The basic rules in importing a car into Canada are as follows. First consult the Government of Canada site – Officially the “Registrar of Imported Vehicles “, also called Riv. This can be done by phone, email or both.
Transport Canada issues a comprehensive “List of Vehicles Admissible from the United States”. This is your initial bible to consult – both in terms of admissibility and inadmissibility. Note that certain model years may have different rulings. It is up to you to do a thorough a complete job of research. Again phone, email to check and recheck if you are unsure or doubtful. .
It is wise to check with the manufacturer of the car in terms of warranty coverage. If coverage is not available perhaps third party coverage can be purchased, if the overall cost savings warrant it.
Before exporting the car from the United States, you will have to fax U.S. customs the relevant documents 72 hours in advance. Next you will have to follow the procedure outlined at the Riv site of “What to do at the Border”. This involves documentation, the paying of certain fees and taxes and within a set time an “Imported Vehicle Inspection” and certification by an approved automobile service agency. If modifications need to be done to bring the car into line with Canadian standards, these must be done. Certification again must be done by the approved repair facility.
Lastly remember that cars manufactured within the NAFTA trade zone do not pay extra duty. However extra duties on cars manufactured outside the U.S., Canada or Mexico may be demanded. By Canada Customs. Again it is your responsibility to do your homework.
This is a basic explanation of the steps required to import a car into Canada from the U.S. There may be additional steps involved, in your specific case. Rules may change over time, either overall or in specifics.
It cannot be overstated that you must do a thorough and complete job of research – either by phone, email or both.
Written documentation is most preferential over verbal. Check and recheck. If in doubt phone or email.
At this point in time, many many Canadians have purchased a car in the United States and imported that vehicle into Canada. These smart consumers have found that the cost savings on purchasing their vehicle well outweigh their investments in time, efforts and extra work involved.
Many Canadians have saved big money importing cars from the U.S. into Canada. Do not let the rules scare you. Simply and exactly follow the rules. Again if not sure, ask. It’s only a phone call – most likely toll free or an email away.
You may have heard many, if not dozens, of mythical stories of Canadians who saved vast amounts on car purchases by importing cars from the U.S. into Canada. You may have seen or heard similar stories on your local TV. Or radio station programs. You may have read of such savings of consumers in the columns of your local newspapers. However when either your local car dealer of manufactures are asked the answers you receive are not the same, if not downright scary. The savings (except for the highest end luxury cars) are minor. The cars are not the same. The manufacturers will not honor new car warranties on new cars bought in the U.S. and imported / shipped into Canada. These answers are either false or mistruths taken out of context.
You will save a fair chunk of cash. This is true in many, if not most cases. All that matters in pricing out your car is what it costs delivered to your door – with all taxes and charges included. Even after including all of the Canadian taxes and extra costs involved, in most cases, you will save a bundle. To the largest degree currency fluctuations have made this so. The rise in the Canadian dollar has made this so. It may also be argued that the retail car industry in the U.S. is much more competitive than in Canada reducing prices by competition. In terms of warranty coverage it is true that manufacturers do not cover warranties on U.S. cars imported into Canada. However the vast majority of car makers do cover the warranties. It’s up to you to do your homework. Again either phone or email. It’s always best to get the answer in writing.
You may consider that it is wrong, unethical or immoral to import a U.S. car into Canada. True most people like to be loyal to their local merchants. However under the NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) cars are shipped back and forth among the NAFTA trading area (the U.S.A., Canada and Mexico) without extra tariffs and taxes. This has benefited the car makers greatly – allowing for reductions in costs due to specialization of factories and economies of scale. Before NAFTA each car maker has different factories in each separate country manufacturing select models and car lines. With NAFTA that can be scaled back to only several, larger and more efficient factories – each producing a certain model or car line for the entire NAFTA trading areas. If the car makers can benefit from the economies of scale of NAFTA why not you as a consumer? You cannot have your cake and eat it too.
Interestingly enough the humour is that same car, which you are importing into Canada, May very well, have been manufactured in Canada, for the North American car market. You are in effect repatriating that vehicle home. If the car is not made in Canada, but in the U.S. or Mexico, the same person and people will have their jobs regardless of whether you purchased the car in Canada or in the U.S. The one person or organization that gets left out of the loop is your local car dealer. True. However, it may be surprising for you to discover, that most of the profits of a car dealership are from service work of your vehicle, not the sale. In this day and age of computerized, technically difficult to repair automobiles, who are you going to take your car to for service, both warranty and non warranty related. The answer is that your service work, in most cases, will be done by your local dealer, whom you wish to support.
The basic rules in importing a car into Canada are as follows. First consult the Government of Canada site – Officially the “Registrar of Imported Vehicles “, also called Riv. This can be done by phone, email or both.
Transport Canada issues a comprehensive “List of Vehicles Admissible from the United States”. This is your initial bible to consult – both in terms of admissibility and inadmissibility. Note that certain model years may have different rulings. It is up to you to do a thorough a complete job of research. Again phone, email to check and recheck if you are unsure or doubtful. .
It is wise to check with the manufacturer of the car in terms of warranty coverage. If coverage is not available perhaps third party coverage can be purchased, if the overall cost savings warrant it.
Before exporting the car from the United States, you will have to fax U.S. customs the relevant documents 72 hours in advance. Next you will have to follow the procedure outlined at the Riv site of “What to do at the Border”. This involves documentation, the paying of certain fees and taxes and within a set time an “Imported Vehicle Inspection” and certification by an approved automobile service agency. If modifications need to be done to bring the car into line with Canadian standards, these must be done. Certification again must be done by the approved repair facility.
Lastly remember that cars manufactured within the NAFTA trade zone do not pay extra duty. However extra duties on cars manufactured outside the U.S., Canada or Mexico may be demanded. By Canada Customs. Again it is your responsibility to do your homework.
This is a basic explanation of the steps required to import a car into Canada from the U.S. There may be additional steps involved, in your specific case. Rules may change over time, either overall or in specifics.
It cannot be overstated that you must do a thorough and complete job of research – either by phone, email or both.
Written documentation is most preferential over verbal. Check and recheck. If in doubt phone or email.
At this point in time, many many Canadians have purchased a car in the United States and imported that vehicle into Canada. These smart consumers have found that the cost savings on purchasing their vehicle well outweigh their investments in time, efforts and extra work involved.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
How To Install Truck Running Boards
If you are a pick up truck or SUV owner, one of the most popular accessories for these types of vehicles are running boards. Running boards are particularly useful as they allow easier access to your truck’s cabin in addition to simply “lookin’ good”. You can outfit your vehicle yourself with running boards by following three simple steps. Depending on the brand of running board you purchase, the procedures involved may vary somewhat.
Lund running boards are industry hot sellers and the company helps make installation a breeze by outlining how to get the job done:
1. Insert the square head bolts into the extruded channels on the underside of the board, then attach the Multi-Fit brackets loosely with supplied washers and nuts.
2. After determining mounting position on the truck, the end caps and step pads are attached with matching black rivets.
3. Mounting methods vary slightly with application. Multi-Fit Running boards are bolted in place with clip nuts and bolts at factory holes. Tighten after determining alignment is correct.
That’s it! Before you know it your running boards are securely in place and ready for use.
When shopping for running boards, please note that the quality of the products marketed can vary. A top of the line running board such as those sold by Lund or Westin running boards is typically made out of tough polymer materials or diamond plated aluminum and will, therefore, adequately hold your weight and resist deterioration. You can order running boards that light up, choose boards that have a wide step area, and even select running boards that allow you to paint the shell yourself.
Running boards are made for SUVs from the Kia Sorento to the Ford Expedition, and for trucks from the Toyota Tacoma to the GMC Sierra Denali. Mounting kits are usually sold separately, so before completing your order make sure that all the parts as well as instructions are included with your shipment.
By shopping with a reputable online retailer and installing the running boards yourself you can save plenty of money and have the satisfaction of knowing that you did the installation.
Lund running boards are industry hot sellers and the company helps make installation a breeze by outlining how to get the job done:
1. Insert the square head bolts into the extruded channels on the underside of the board, then attach the Multi-Fit brackets loosely with supplied washers and nuts.
2. After determining mounting position on the truck, the end caps and step pads are attached with matching black rivets.
3. Mounting methods vary slightly with application. Multi-Fit Running boards are bolted in place with clip nuts and bolts at factory holes. Tighten after determining alignment is correct.
That’s it! Before you know it your running boards are securely in place and ready for use.
When shopping for running boards, please note that the quality of the products marketed can vary. A top of the line running board such as those sold by Lund or Westin running boards is typically made out of tough polymer materials or diamond plated aluminum and will, therefore, adequately hold your weight and resist deterioration. You can order running boards that light up, choose boards that have a wide step area, and even select running boards that allow you to paint the shell yourself.
Running boards are made for SUVs from the Kia Sorento to the Ford Expedition, and for trucks from the Toyota Tacoma to the GMC Sierra Denali. Mounting kits are usually sold separately, so before completing your order make sure that all the parts as well as instructions are included with your shipment.
By shopping with a reputable online retailer and installing the running boards yourself you can save plenty of money and have the satisfaction of knowing that you did the installation.
How To Lease A New Car?
Whether you lease a car to get into the latest models or have better purchasing flexibility, getting a good deal is always bound to give you a lift. Use these guidelines to help you spot one:
Check incentives: be on the look-out for factory –subsidized lease deals. Car manufacturers realise that consumers who lease vehicles from them are more likely to be repeat customers than those who simply purchase vehicles. Through their leasing companies, they adjust the residual value and offer low financing charge. Other auto-manufacturers are also starting to give incentives on leasing, called leasing subventions. They offer these subsidies to put slow-selling models on the street, saving you even more money.
Set up a competitive: bidding environment to get the lowest price. If you already have an idea in mind of the make, model and trim level of your desired car, attempt to calculate your own lease payment before you go shopping to avoid paying through the roof. Check online comparison tools or use a lease calculator to check your lease payment based on purchase price. This gives you greater negotiation leverage as you solicit quotes from various leasing companies.
Make sure you know all the fees involved at the beginning of your lease: you may have to pay fees for licenses, registration and title. Other fees include acquisition fees, freight fees and local or state taxes. At lease-end, you may have to pay a disposition fee and charges for extra mileage and any excess wear. Be aware that some of these fees – like acquisition and disposition fees – are negotiable.
Know your mileage needs: almost all leases limit the number of miles per year by imposing typically 10 to 20 cents per excess mile over 15,000 miles a year. If you are the kind of high-commuter who puts 40,000 miles a year on his car, then you might end up running thousands of dollars in hefty penalties at the end of your lease. Be smart and negotiate a higher-mileage limit or pad you excess miles at the beginning of your lease to avoid robber tax rates for excess miles.
Almost all leases limit the number of miles per year by imposing fees typically 10 to 20 cents per mile over 15,000 miles per year. If you are the kind of high-commuter who puts a lot miles on his car, then these costs can add up quickly. Negotiate
Include GAP coverage: make sure your lease includes GAP coverage. This covers you in the event of the vehicle getting wrecked, stolen or totalled. Without GAP insurance, you leave yourself wide open to thousands of dollars in leased obligations. Check if the GAP coverage is included so you don’t pay it twice.
Check incentives: be on the look-out for factory –subsidized lease deals. Car manufacturers realise that consumers who lease vehicles from them are more likely to be repeat customers than those who simply purchase vehicles. Through their leasing companies, they adjust the residual value and offer low financing charge. Other auto-manufacturers are also starting to give incentives on leasing, called leasing subventions. They offer these subsidies to put slow-selling models on the street, saving you even more money.
Set up a competitive: bidding environment to get the lowest price. If you already have an idea in mind of the make, model and trim level of your desired car, attempt to calculate your own lease payment before you go shopping to avoid paying through the roof. Check online comparison tools or use a lease calculator to check your lease payment based on purchase price. This gives you greater negotiation leverage as you solicit quotes from various leasing companies.
Make sure you know all the fees involved at the beginning of your lease: you may have to pay fees for licenses, registration and title. Other fees include acquisition fees, freight fees and local or state taxes. At lease-end, you may have to pay a disposition fee and charges for extra mileage and any excess wear. Be aware that some of these fees – like acquisition and disposition fees – are negotiable.
Know your mileage needs: almost all leases limit the number of miles per year by imposing typically 10 to 20 cents per excess mile over 15,000 miles a year. If you are the kind of high-commuter who puts 40,000 miles a year on his car, then you might end up running thousands of dollars in hefty penalties at the end of your lease. Be smart and negotiate a higher-mileage limit or pad you excess miles at the beginning of your lease to avoid robber tax rates for excess miles.
Almost all leases limit the number of miles per year by imposing fees typically 10 to 20 cents per mile over 15,000 miles per year. If you are the kind of high-commuter who puts a lot miles on his car, then these costs can add up quickly. Negotiate
Include GAP coverage: make sure your lease includes GAP coverage. This covers you in the event of the vehicle getting wrecked, stolen or totalled. Without GAP insurance, you leave yourself wide open to thousands of dollars in leased obligations. Check if the GAP coverage is included so you don’t pay it twice.
How To Make Biodiesel To Save The Environment And Your Wallet
It is a rare night that the evening news is not telling viewers about a new horrible effect that pollution is having on people, animals, and the environment. From cancer to acid rain and famine to smog, the culprit to blame is fossil fuels. Would it not be great if there was a viable, clean alternative fuel? There is. By learning how to make biodiesel fuel, people can provide themselves with all the energy they require and not harm the environment or their health.
Yet it is not just the environment that fossil fuels are harming. Year after year the fuel costs are on the rise, and each time they increase by a steeper percentage. These increases have hit merchants hard, and consumers even harder. Airlines have had to add fuel surcharges, shipping companies have increased their rates, and even taxis have felt the pinch. Of course, as shipping rates increase the price of goods also goes up. This means that consumers’ dollars don’t go as far and they are unable to purchase as many products. It is clear that this is bad news for the economy.
Of course, learning how to make biodiesel can solve this problem as well. By switching just one car to biodiesel fuel, the driver can save $30 per fill up. Considering that the average household owns two cars, and that each car is filled at least three times per month, this can lead to outstanding savings. In addition, heating a home with biodiesel rather than oil saves $75 per 500 liters. Consider how many more Christmas presents could be purchased next winter. Finally, using a diesel generator for peak electricity can save the average household $500 per year, which could be used for better food, nicer clothing, or even a much needed vacation.
When we consider the amount of money that could be saved, it is amazing that anyone would not want to discover how to make biodiesel. Instead of that money going straight to the coffer of an oil company, it would be dispersed throughout the global economy. The money would circulate and encourage growth, creating all the benefits of a healthy economy such as improved social services, increased productivity, and advancements in technology.
The production of biodiesel is not as complicated as it may sound. This technology has been used on farms around the world for many generations, but is only now gaining popularity in the mainstream. With the right information, this process can be easily established and anyone can start reaping the financial benefits of producing their own fuel. Using simple tools, easy to find ingredients, and uncomplicated techniques, learning how to make biodiesel is a lesson anyone can master.
A good place to get all the information you need is at http://www.ultimate-biodiesel-guide.com. Ultimate Biodiesel Guide is currently providing a comprehensive manual and over 200 pages of bonus material at a discounted price. While visiting the site, you can also subscribe to the informative newsletter, “Alternative Energy,” that provides ongoing updates on the world of alternative fuels.
Yet it is not just the environment that fossil fuels are harming. Year after year the fuel costs are on the rise, and each time they increase by a steeper percentage. These increases have hit merchants hard, and consumers even harder. Airlines have had to add fuel surcharges, shipping companies have increased their rates, and even taxis have felt the pinch. Of course, as shipping rates increase the price of goods also goes up. This means that consumers’ dollars don’t go as far and they are unable to purchase as many products. It is clear that this is bad news for the economy.
Of course, learning how to make biodiesel can solve this problem as well. By switching just one car to biodiesel fuel, the driver can save $30 per fill up. Considering that the average household owns two cars, and that each car is filled at least three times per month, this can lead to outstanding savings. In addition, heating a home with biodiesel rather than oil saves $75 per 500 liters. Consider how many more Christmas presents could be purchased next winter. Finally, using a diesel generator for peak electricity can save the average household $500 per year, which could be used for better food, nicer clothing, or even a much needed vacation.
When we consider the amount of money that could be saved, it is amazing that anyone would not want to discover how to make biodiesel. Instead of that money going straight to the coffer of an oil company, it would be dispersed throughout the global economy. The money would circulate and encourage growth, creating all the benefits of a healthy economy such as improved social services, increased productivity, and advancements in technology.
The production of biodiesel is not as complicated as it may sound. This technology has been used on farms around the world for many generations, but is only now gaining popularity in the mainstream. With the right information, this process can be easily established and anyone can start reaping the financial benefits of producing their own fuel. Using simple tools, easy to find ingredients, and uncomplicated techniques, learning how to make biodiesel is a lesson anyone can master.
A good place to get all the information you need is at http://www.ultimate-biodiesel-guide.com. Ultimate Biodiesel Guide is currently providing a comprehensive manual and over 200 pages of bonus material at a discounted price. While visiting the site, you can also subscribe to the informative newsletter, “Alternative Energy,” that provides ongoing updates on the world of alternative fuels.
Monday, September 13, 2010
How To Make Great Savings On You Car Insurance
As anyone who has a motor car knows, car insurance can be expensive. However there are many ways in which you can save money when it comes purchasing for the first time or renewing your car insurance. Here are some simple ways that you can make some small and some substantial savings.
The premium you pay for your car insurance can vary a lot from company to company so it is in your best interests to shop around. You can do this yourself by trawling the internet or get a specialist broker to do it for you.
Work out what type of insurance you want, be it third party, fire and theft cover or fully comprehensive. If your car is an older model, for instance, then consider just taking third party, fire and theft car insurance.
Once you have determined the level of cover that you need, then get at least three separate quotes from different companies.
Getting a quote online will vary from company to company and you do need to compare quotes on a like-for-like basis.
One great way to lower your premiums is to offer to pay more for the voluntary excess you would pay if you were to make a claim. By doing this you can make savings.
If you choose to go with an insurance company that does home cover, sometimes if you take your household insurance cover along with your car insurance then you can make noticeable savings.
Finally, if you have taken advanced driving lessons or have no claims bonus for a number of years then it is worthwhile asking about any special considerations you might be entitled to receiving. While the majority of insurers ask about things such as this when filling in an enquiry regarding car insurance, it is also worthwhile mentioning if they don't.
The premium you pay for your car insurance can vary a lot from company to company so it is in your best interests to shop around. You can do this yourself by trawling the internet or get a specialist broker to do it for you.
Work out what type of insurance you want, be it third party, fire and theft cover or fully comprehensive. If your car is an older model, for instance, then consider just taking third party, fire and theft car insurance.
Once you have determined the level of cover that you need, then get at least three separate quotes from different companies.
Getting a quote online will vary from company to company and you do need to compare quotes on a like-for-like basis.
One great way to lower your premiums is to offer to pay more for the voluntary excess you would pay if you were to make a claim. By doing this you can make savings.
If you choose to go with an insurance company that does home cover, sometimes if you take your household insurance cover along with your car insurance then you can make noticeable savings.
Finally, if you have taken advanced driving lessons or have no claims bonus for a number of years then it is worthwhile asking about any special considerations you might be entitled to receiving. While the majority of insurers ask about things such as this when filling in an enquiry regarding car insurance, it is also worthwhile mentioning if they don't.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
How To Make Your Car Unattractive To Thieves
In the US, a car is stolen every 24 seconds. Could yours be next? How do you protect your vehicle from the chop shop? There are many recommended techniques that experts say help to deter thieves. None are a guarantee that your car will be safe, but you can decrease your chances of becoming a victim of auto theft.
One important thing to know about auto theft is that thieves target specific cars for their resale value, as parts. They do not steal cars as a personal attack against the owner. They profile a vehicle for its value and evaluate the difficulty of stealing the model. If they find few deterrents, they may steal your car. If they find that breaking in will take too much time or potentially attract attention, they will look for another car to target.
Here a few ideas to help make thieves want to pass your car by.
When shopping for a new car, check with your local police department to get a list of the most frequently stolen models. Try to avoid purchasing one of these high profile vehicles.
Park your vehicle in a locked garage or behind a locked gate. Most vehicles are stolen when parked on the street or in a large parking area. If you must park in a lot, park in a well lighted area near the entrance of a building or alleyway. He idea is to keep your vehicle in a highly traveled area that will provide less of an opportunity for a thief to have enough time to break in unnoticed.
Never leave your car running unattended, not even for a few minutes. This is like an open invitation to a thief. By leaving the engine running without an owner in sight, you are making a their job easy.
Don't leave items on the seat or floor. Keep all valuables out of sight. Lock your purse, briefcase and laptop in the trunk. Some thieves will break into your car just for a few bucks lying on the dash or a collection of CD's on the seat.
Don't leave your vehicle registration or other personal identification in the vehicle. This gives a thief easy access to your home address and phone number, leaving you open to attacks at your home. A thief can take your personal identification information and wipe out your bank account, obtain loans and generally wreak havoc with information like your date of birth and social security number.
Don't leave a second set of keys in the car. Thieves know all the best hiding spots and will check them for easy access to your vehicle.
You can also investigate the possibility of purchasing a theft deterrent product. The effectiveness of many anti-theft devices is questionable, so use discretion when shopping. While no one can completely protect their vehicle against being stolen, you can help improve the chances that yours will be passed over. Always use common sense and make sure your car offers any potential thief as little temptation as possible.
One important thing to know about auto theft is that thieves target specific cars for their resale value, as parts. They do not steal cars as a personal attack against the owner. They profile a vehicle for its value and evaluate the difficulty of stealing the model. If they find few deterrents, they may steal your car. If they find that breaking in will take too much time or potentially attract attention, they will look for another car to target.
Here a few ideas to help make thieves want to pass your car by.
When shopping for a new car, check with your local police department to get a list of the most frequently stolen models. Try to avoid purchasing one of these high profile vehicles.
Park your vehicle in a locked garage or behind a locked gate. Most vehicles are stolen when parked on the street or in a large parking area. If you must park in a lot, park in a well lighted area near the entrance of a building or alleyway. He idea is to keep your vehicle in a highly traveled area that will provide less of an opportunity for a thief to have enough time to break in unnoticed.
Never leave your car running unattended, not even for a few minutes. This is like an open invitation to a thief. By leaving the engine running without an owner in sight, you are making a their job easy.
Don't leave items on the seat or floor. Keep all valuables out of sight. Lock your purse, briefcase and laptop in the trunk. Some thieves will break into your car just for a few bucks lying on the dash or a collection of CD's on the seat.
Don't leave your vehicle registration or other personal identification in the vehicle. This gives a thief easy access to your home address and phone number, leaving you open to attacks at your home. A thief can take your personal identification information and wipe out your bank account, obtain loans and generally wreak havoc with information like your date of birth and social security number.
Don't leave a second set of keys in the car. Thieves know all the best hiding spots and will check them for easy access to your vehicle.
You can also investigate the possibility of purchasing a theft deterrent product. The effectiveness of many anti-theft devices is questionable, so use discretion when shopping. While no one can completely protect their vehicle against being stolen, you can help improve the chances that yours will be passed over. Always use common sense and make sure your car offers any potential thief as little temptation as possible.
Friday, September 10, 2010
How To Maximize Your Vacation Experience While Minimizing Your Car Rental Costs
When you plan to take a family car trip, there are several aspects you must consider. Whether you already live in Sydney, Australia or plan to visit, your first consideration will be your means of travel. This, of course, raises the question of whether you should use your car or simply rent one. If you are traveling to Sydney, you will most likely rent a car, as this would probably be the most feasible and practical option.
Sydney, Australia is one of the most traveled cities, offering a wealth of activities sure to please everyone in your family. That is where obtaining discount car rentals can help you to better plan your trip and optimize your time and expenses. Finding such a deal in Sydney is both easy and economical.
It pays to conduct thorough research before actually planning your trip. Since you will probably be spending a lot of money on the various activities you choose to take advantage of while you are there, saving money on your car rental will really serve you well. The Internet is a great place to start. Many companies offer web sites with information about how you can save money and where to look. You will also be able to find specific quotes and compare prices from different companies.
Another factor to consider is the location of the company you choose. You want to be sure you will be able to pick up and return the car without much hassle, so this is another important consideration. This may also depend on the sights you wish to see, but either way, there are many options available to you.
There are several discount car companies available in Sydney, so finding what you need should not be a problem. There is also an array of specialty vehicles that are designed to suit various activities. For example, if you plan to head for the outback, you would probably want a more rugged vehicle than if you just planned to stay in town. Through the online options, you will be able to learn about how your rate will be guaranteed, will be able to confirm your reservation both quickly and easily, and choose the type of vehicle you wish to rent while in Sydney.
If you are traveling a good distance to reach Sydney, you will probably want to ask about any policies concerning changes or cancellations should they be necessary. Be sure to explore all the options available to you, and take great care in choosing the right one.
Sydney, Australia is one of the most traveled cities, offering a wealth of activities sure to please everyone in your family. That is where obtaining discount car rentals can help you to better plan your trip and optimize your time and expenses. Finding such a deal in Sydney is both easy and economical.
It pays to conduct thorough research before actually planning your trip. Since you will probably be spending a lot of money on the various activities you choose to take advantage of while you are there, saving money on your car rental will really serve you well. The Internet is a great place to start. Many companies offer web sites with information about how you can save money and where to look. You will also be able to find specific quotes and compare prices from different companies.
Another factor to consider is the location of the company you choose. You want to be sure you will be able to pick up and return the car without much hassle, so this is another important consideration. This may also depend on the sights you wish to see, but either way, there are many options available to you.
There are several discount car companies available in Sydney, so finding what you need should not be a problem. There is also an array of specialty vehicles that are designed to suit various activities. For example, if you plan to head for the outback, you would probably want a more rugged vehicle than if you just planned to stay in town. Through the online options, you will be able to learn about how your rate will be guaranteed, will be able to confirm your reservation both quickly and easily, and choose the type of vehicle you wish to rent while in Sydney.
If you are traveling a good distance to reach Sydney, you will probably want to ask about any policies concerning changes or cancellations should they be necessary. Be sure to explore all the options available to you, and take great care in choosing the right one.
How To Maximize Your Vacation Experience While Minimizing Your Car Rental Costs
When you plan to take a family car trip, there are several aspects you must consider. Whether you already live in Sydney, Australia or plan to visit, your first consideration will be your means of travel. This, of course, raises the question of whether you should use your car or simply rent one. If you are traveling to Sydney, you will most likely rent a car, as this would probably be the most feasible and practical option.
Sydney, Australia is one of the most traveled cities, offering a wealth of activities sure to please everyone in your family. That is where obtaining discount car rentals can help you to better plan your trip and optimize your time and expenses. Finding such a deal in Sydney is both easy and economical.
It pays to conduct thorough research before actually planning your trip. Since you will probably be spending a lot of money on the various activities you choose to take advantage of while you are there, saving money on your car rental will really serve you well. The Internet is a great place to start. Many companies offer web sites with information about how you can save money and where to look. You will also be able to find specific quotes and compare prices from different companies.
Another factor to consider is the location of the company you choose. You want to be sure you will be able to pick up and return the car without much hassle, so this is another important consideration. This may also depend on the sights you wish to see, but either way, there are many options available to you.
There are several discount car companies available in Sydney, so finding what you need should not be a problem. There is also an array of specialty vehicles that are designed to suit various activities. For example, if you plan to head for the outback, you would probably want a more rugged vehicle than if you just planned to stay in town. Through the online options, you will be able to learn about how your rate will be guaranteed, will be able to confirm your reservation both quickly and easily, and choose the type of vehicle you wish to rent while in Sydney.
If you are traveling a good distance to reach Sydney, you will probably want to ask about any policies concerning changes or cancellations should they be necessary. Be sure to explore all the options available to you, and take great care in choosing the right one.
Sydney, Australia is one of the most traveled cities, offering a wealth of activities sure to please everyone in your family. That is where obtaining discount car rentals can help you to better plan your trip and optimize your time and expenses. Finding such a deal in Sydney is both easy and economical.
It pays to conduct thorough research before actually planning your trip. Since you will probably be spending a lot of money on the various activities you choose to take advantage of while you are there, saving money on your car rental will really serve you well. The Internet is a great place to start. Many companies offer web sites with information about how you can save money and where to look. You will also be able to find specific quotes and compare prices from different companies.
Another factor to consider is the location of the company you choose. You want to be sure you will be able to pick up and return the car without much hassle, so this is another important consideration. This may also depend on the sights you wish to see, but either way, there are many options available to you.
There are several discount car companies available in Sydney, so finding what you need should not be a problem. There is also an array of specialty vehicles that are designed to suit various activities. For example, if you plan to head for the outback, you would probably want a more rugged vehicle than if you just planned to stay in town. Through the online options, you will be able to learn about how your rate will be guaranteed, will be able to confirm your reservation both quickly and easily, and choose the type of vehicle you wish to rent while in Sydney.
If you are traveling a good distance to reach Sydney, you will probably want to ask about any policies concerning changes or cancellations should they be necessary. Be sure to explore all the options available to you, and take great care in choosing the right one.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
How To Mount Number Plates On UK Cars
Having spent hundreds or even thousands on a personalised registration number many people put very little thought into how to fix the physical number plates to their car if this is not done correctly the appearance of their pride and joy can quickly go downhill. In the past number plates were drilled and fixed to the car with self tapping screws , with the advent of plastic bumpers and double sided tape plates are now usually stuck to the car.Both methods have advantages and pitfalls which will be discussed here. Drilling the plates and fixing with screws gives a good solid mounting but sometimes the screw heads can alter the look of the registration number if they land close to or in a digit , also water can seep into the holes and separate the reflective and acrylic over time, ruining the number plate. Before deciding to drill , work out where the screw heads will be and if you do drill ,start from the front face and stop just as the drill breaks through , then flip the plate over and drill from the back , this will prevent seperation of the reflective from the acrylic.To ensure that the plates are level and postioned correctly tape the old plates over the new ones and drill through the holes in the old plates to mark the positions on the new ones. If you do find that the screw head has gone through a digit , a touch of black paint on the screw head will improve the appearance , if the screw heads land in a blank space, there are available screw head covers you can use so they blend in with acrylic , these are available in both white and yellow for font and rear number plates.You can also get white and yellow plastic bolts and nuts although these are less useful on the new style integrated bumpers and valances used on modern cars.
The main problem with sticking the plates onto the car is one of them falling off ! The trick here is to thoroughly clean the surface where the plate is going and de-grease it with a solvent , then use a reputable make of sticky fixers and use lots of them they come in pakets and you may as well use them all up.
There is a third option , you can use mounting frames , these are screwed to the car and then the number plate clips into the frame giving the advantages of both systems of fixing , if you change your car often these would be a worthwhile investment as you could keep your plates when you sell the car and transfer them to your new car when you transfer the registration number.
The main problem with sticking the plates onto the car is one of them falling off ! The trick here is to thoroughly clean the surface where the plate is going and de-grease it with a solvent , then use a reputable make of sticky fixers and use lots of them they come in pakets and you may as well use them all up.
There is a third option , you can use mounting frames , these are screwed to the car and then the number plate clips into the frame giving the advantages of both systems of fixing , if you change your car often these would be a worthwhile investment as you could keep your plates when you sell the car and transfer them to your new car when you transfer the registration number.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
How To Pass A Car Inspection
Passing a yearly car inspection is mandatory for many people in certain states. These car inspections are for the safety of those who are driving and riding in the car. During an inspection, the brakes, exhaust system, headlights, brake lights, and other systems will be checked to make sure they are in working order. If the car does not pass the inspection, the parts that failed with have to be replaced. This can be costly depending on the repairs that have to be made. Once the repairs have been made, the car will receive a passing grade, an updated sticker, and the driver will be allowed to drive the car.
It does not matter where these replacement auto parts come from as long as they will fix the problem. You will be able to buy brand new parts, or you can find used parts from junk yards, salvage yards, or online. You can replace the parts yourself and then take the car to be inspected, which will save you money, or you can take the parts to the auto body shop. Auto parts can also be expensive if you can’t find them used. Brand new parts may also take a few days to receive, which means your car may be in the shop for a week or longer.
The purpose of an auto inspection is to make sure the car passes emissions tests as well. In an effort to reduce harmful chemicals from entering the air, car exhaust systems must follow certain regulations. An oxygen sensor is also important. As the technology improves, cars have not been emitting as many chemicals as they once have. This has helped reduce smog and other air quality issues. Air filters that help to keep pollutants from getting inside the car must also be in working order before the car will pass inspection.
Other parts including mufflers, shocks, cold air intakes, and performance parts will also be checked. It is important to take care of your car by replacing parts that need to be replaced as soon as possible. This will save you money in the long run. You should also buy car covers if you don’t have a garage to house your car. Too much rust and your car will not pass inspection. Other auto accessories may make your car look good, but they will not help the car pass inspection.
Once your car has passed inspection, you will not have to worry about it for another year. If you need to have any other repairs made to the car, you should do so and avoid having to pay more during the inspection. A basic car inspection will cost you money, so you want to pass it without having to worry about other repairs.
It does not matter where these replacement auto parts come from as long as they will fix the problem. You will be able to buy brand new parts, or you can find used parts from junk yards, salvage yards, or online. You can replace the parts yourself and then take the car to be inspected, which will save you money, or you can take the parts to the auto body shop. Auto parts can also be expensive if you can’t find them used. Brand new parts may also take a few days to receive, which means your car may be in the shop for a week or longer.
The purpose of an auto inspection is to make sure the car passes emissions tests as well. In an effort to reduce harmful chemicals from entering the air, car exhaust systems must follow certain regulations. An oxygen sensor is also important. As the technology improves, cars have not been emitting as many chemicals as they once have. This has helped reduce smog and other air quality issues. Air filters that help to keep pollutants from getting inside the car must also be in working order before the car will pass inspection.
Other parts including mufflers, shocks, cold air intakes, and performance parts will also be checked. It is important to take care of your car by replacing parts that need to be replaced as soon as possible. This will save you money in the long run. You should also buy car covers if you don’t have a garage to house your car. Too much rust and your car will not pass inspection. Other auto accessories may make your car look good, but they will not help the car pass inspection.
Once your car has passed inspection, you will not have to worry about it for another year. If you need to have any other repairs made to the car, you should do so and avoid having to pay more during the inspection. A basic car inspection will cost you money, so you want to pass it without having to worry about other repairs.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
How To Pay For Emergency Car Repairs
Your car has broken down, and now you need to pay for towing, and repairs. Sometimes these repairs cost unexpected hundreds or thousands of dollars. What are your options?
1. Be Prepared
The best way to avoid an emergency is to be prepared for an emergency. If you can set aside a little bit of money each month in case of any emergency (be it medical, automotive, or accident), then you will be able to manage any unexpected situations. However, if the time has come and you haven’t planned ahead, there are still some ways that you can get money.
2. Stay Calm
One of the most common mistakes that is made during emergencies is to lose your cool. If you lose your cool, you might forget to use common sense. Use your common sense to shop around. Even if you need a tow right now, consider calling a few places for quotes before having them send someone over. The ten minutes that it takes you to make some comparisons might save you twenty dollars or more. That makes the use of time well worth your money. Remember, you will be late anyway, so take your time in getting there.
When the tow truck driver arrives, be sure that you know where you want to have your car towed. You should also do some comparison shopping for this. You can even call a friend and have them make some of your phone calls for you. If you don’t know what is wrong with your car, have it taken to a mechanic or dealership that you trust. They will tell you what’s wrong, and you then be able to decide how much (it might be all) of the work you want to have done.
3. Review your Options
When you buy a car, you often get a warranty. You might be signed up for AAA or CAA. Your insurance company might cover some of the repairs needed for your car. Before you go about paying for all of the repairs out of pocket, find out what repairs are covered. Then get approval from the institution that will help you pay. It is easier to get them to pay upfront than to get them to reimburse you.
Consider keeping a membership for CAA or AAA. This means that you will have free towing if you are ever in an accident or if you ever have a breakdown. There is an annual fee, so you would have to weigh the pros and cons of membership. I, personally, find that I have gotten a lot back from my membership, including a peace of mind knowing that I am covered while I travel.
4. What NOT to do
If you need to pay for your emergency repairs, do not get a pay day loan. Pay day loans have exorbitant interest rates and will make it hard for you to get back on top of your debt.
5. Get the best interest
Find out where you will be able to get the best interest rates for the money that you will have to spend. If you take out a loan, then you will be able to pay it back in small pieces throughout the year, rather than taking an upfront loss. This also works if you cannot pay for your car.
If you put the car repairs on your credit card, remember that you will probably be paying a higher interest rate than if you got a car repair loan, or if you went to a bank or credit union. Check the interest rates that varying places offer, including at the dealership if you are having your car repaired there.
6. In the meantime
While your car is in the shop, be smart about how you get around. Don’t take taxis everywhere if you can’t afford them! Ask friends for lifts; they will understand if you are in need because of unexpected car repairs for a few days. Take the bus for a few days. Walk or bike, if possible. Set up a temporary carpool with a co-worker (this could even work for you when you get your car back!). Don’t let the expense of car repairs get larger because you don’t have your car.
1. Be Prepared
The best way to avoid an emergency is to be prepared for an emergency. If you can set aside a little bit of money each month in case of any emergency (be it medical, automotive, or accident), then you will be able to manage any unexpected situations. However, if the time has come and you haven’t planned ahead, there are still some ways that you can get money.
2. Stay Calm
One of the most common mistakes that is made during emergencies is to lose your cool. If you lose your cool, you might forget to use common sense. Use your common sense to shop around. Even if you need a tow right now, consider calling a few places for quotes before having them send someone over. The ten minutes that it takes you to make some comparisons might save you twenty dollars or more. That makes the use of time well worth your money. Remember, you will be late anyway, so take your time in getting there.
When the tow truck driver arrives, be sure that you know where you want to have your car towed. You should also do some comparison shopping for this. You can even call a friend and have them make some of your phone calls for you. If you don’t know what is wrong with your car, have it taken to a mechanic or dealership that you trust. They will tell you what’s wrong, and you then be able to decide how much (it might be all) of the work you want to have done.
3. Review your Options
When you buy a car, you often get a warranty. You might be signed up for AAA or CAA. Your insurance company might cover some of the repairs needed for your car. Before you go about paying for all of the repairs out of pocket, find out what repairs are covered. Then get approval from the institution that will help you pay. It is easier to get them to pay upfront than to get them to reimburse you.
Consider keeping a membership for CAA or AAA. This means that you will have free towing if you are ever in an accident or if you ever have a breakdown. There is an annual fee, so you would have to weigh the pros and cons of membership. I, personally, find that I have gotten a lot back from my membership, including a peace of mind knowing that I am covered while I travel.
4. What NOT to do
If you need to pay for your emergency repairs, do not get a pay day loan. Pay day loans have exorbitant interest rates and will make it hard for you to get back on top of your debt.
5. Get the best interest
Find out where you will be able to get the best interest rates for the money that you will have to spend. If you take out a loan, then you will be able to pay it back in small pieces throughout the year, rather than taking an upfront loss. This also works if you cannot pay for your car.
If you put the car repairs on your credit card, remember that you will probably be paying a higher interest rate than if you got a car repair loan, or if you went to a bank or credit union. Check the interest rates that varying places offer, including at the dealership if you are having your car repaired there.
6. In the meantime
While your car is in the shop, be smart about how you get around. Don’t take taxis everywhere if you can’t afford them! Ask friends for lifts; they will understand if you are in need because of unexpected car repairs for a few days. Take the bus for a few days. Walk or bike, if possible. Set up a temporary carpool with a co-worker (this could even work for you when you get your car back!). Don’t let the expense of car repairs get larger because you don’t have your car.
How To Pay For Emergency Car Repairs
Your car has broken down, and now you need to pay for towing, and repairs. Sometimes these repairs cost unexpected hundreds or thousands of dollars. What are your options?
1. Be Prepared
The best way to avoid an emergency is to be prepared for an emergency. If you can set aside a little bit of money each month in case of any emergency (be it medical, automotive, or accident), then you will be able to manage any unexpected situations. However, if the time has come and yo...
Keywords:
break down,emergency,car,auto,automotive,repair,fix,cost,loan,expense,unexpected,accident,collision,
Article Body:
Your car has broken down, and now you need to pay for towing, and repairs. Sometimes these repairs cost unexpected hundreds or thousands of dollars. What are your options?
1. Be Prepared
The best way to avoid an emergency is to be prepared for an emergency. If you can set aside a little bit of money each month in case of any emergency (be it medical, automotive, or accident), then you will be able to manage any unexpected situations. However, if the time has come and you haven’t planned ahead, there are still some ways that you can get money.
2. Stay Calm
One of the most common mistakes that is made during emergencies is to lose your cool. If you lose your cool, you might forget to use common sense. Use your common sense to shop around. Even if you need a tow right now, consider calling a few places for quotes before having them send someone over. The ten minutes that it takes you to make some comparisons might save you twenty dollars or more. That makes the use of time well worth your money. Remember, you will be late anyway, so take your time in getting there.
When the tow truck driver arrives, be sure that you know where you want to have your car towed. You should also do some comparison shopping for this. You can even call a friend and have them make some of your phone calls for you. If you don’t know what is wrong with your car, have it taken to a mechanic or dealership that you trust. They will tell you what’s wrong, and you then be able to decide how much (it might be all) of the work you want to have done.
3. Review your Options
When you buy a car, you often get a warranty. You might be signed up for AAA or CAA. Your insurance company might cover some of the repairs needed for your car. Before you go about paying for all of the repairs out of pocket, find out what repairs are covered. Then get approval from the institution that will help you pay. It is easier to get them to pay upfront than to get them to reimburse you.
Consider keeping a membership for CAA or AAA. This means that you will have free towing if you are ever in an accident or if you ever have a breakdown. There is an annual fee, so you would have to weigh the pros and cons of membership. I, personally, find that I have gotten a lot back from my membership, including a peace of mind knowing that I am covered while I travel.
4. What NOT to do
If you need to pay for your emergency repairs, do not get a pay day loan. Pay day loans have exorbitant interest rates and will make it hard for you to get back on top of your debt.
5. Get the best interest
Find out where you will be able to get the best interest rates for the money that you will have to spend. If you take out a loan, then you will be able to pay it back in small pieces throughout the year, rather than taking an upfront loss. This also works if you cannot pay for your car.
If you put the car repairs on your credit card, remember that you will probably be paying a higher interest rate than if you got a car repair loan, or if you went to a bank or credit union. Check the interest rates that varying places offer, including at the dealership if you are having your car repaired there.
6. In the meantime
While your car is in the shop, be smart about how you get around. Don’t take taxis everywhere if you can’t afford them! Ask friends for lifts; they will understand if you are in need because of unexpected car repairs for a few days. Take the bus for a few days. Walk or bike, if possible. Set up a temporary carpool with a co-worker (this could even work for you when you get your car back!). Don’t let the expense of car repairs get larger because you don’t have your car.
1. Be Prepared
The best way to avoid an emergency is to be prepared for an emergency. If you can set aside a little bit of money each month in case of any emergency (be it medical, automotive, or accident), then you will be able to manage any unexpected situations. However, if the time has come and yo...
Keywords:
break down,emergency,car,auto,automotive,repair,fix,cost,loan,expense,unexpected,accident,collision,
Article Body:
Your car has broken down, and now you need to pay for towing, and repairs. Sometimes these repairs cost unexpected hundreds or thousands of dollars. What are your options?
1. Be Prepared
The best way to avoid an emergency is to be prepared for an emergency. If you can set aside a little bit of money each month in case of any emergency (be it medical, automotive, or accident), then you will be able to manage any unexpected situations. However, if the time has come and you haven’t planned ahead, there are still some ways that you can get money.
2. Stay Calm
One of the most common mistakes that is made during emergencies is to lose your cool. If you lose your cool, you might forget to use common sense. Use your common sense to shop around. Even if you need a tow right now, consider calling a few places for quotes before having them send someone over. The ten minutes that it takes you to make some comparisons might save you twenty dollars or more. That makes the use of time well worth your money. Remember, you will be late anyway, so take your time in getting there.
When the tow truck driver arrives, be sure that you know where you want to have your car towed. You should also do some comparison shopping for this. You can even call a friend and have them make some of your phone calls for you. If you don’t know what is wrong with your car, have it taken to a mechanic or dealership that you trust. They will tell you what’s wrong, and you then be able to decide how much (it might be all) of the work you want to have done.
3. Review your Options
When you buy a car, you often get a warranty. You might be signed up for AAA or CAA. Your insurance company might cover some of the repairs needed for your car. Before you go about paying for all of the repairs out of pocket, find out what repairs are covered. Then get approval from the institution that will help you pay. It is easier to get them to pay upfront than to get them to reimburse you.
Consider keeping a membership for CAA or AAA. This means that you will have free towing if you are ever in an accident or if you ever have a breakdown. There is an annual fee, so you would have to weigh the pros and cons of membership. I, personally, find that I have gotten a lot back from my membership, including a peace of mind knowing that I am covered while I travel.
4. What NOT to do
If you need to pay for your emergency repairs, do not get a pay day loan. Pay day loans have exorbitant interest rates and will make it hard for you to get back on top of your debt.
5. Get the best interest
Find out where you will be able to get the best interest rates for the money that you will have to spend. If you take out a loan, then you will be able to pay it back in small pieces throughout the year, rather than taking an upfront loss. This also works if you cannot pay for your car.
If you put the car repairs on your credit card, remember that you will probably be paying a higher interest rate than if you got a car repair loan, or if you went to a bank or credit union. Check the interest rates that varying places offer, including at the dealership if you are having your car repaired there.
6. In the meantime
While your car is in the shop, be smart about how you get around. Don’t take taxis everywhere if you can’t afford them! Ask friends for lifts; they will understand if you are in need because of unexpected car repairs for a few days. Take the bus for a few days. Walk or bike, if possible. Set up a temporary carpool with a co-worker (this could even work for you when you get your car back!). Don’t let the expense of car repairs get larger because you don’t have your car.
Monday, September 6, 2010
How To Read Your Tires And Avoid Car Troubles On The Road
Practitioners of traditional Eastern medicine have long used the tongue as a mechanism for diagnosing malfunctions in every part of the body. For your vehicle, a tire is as good as a tongue. Of course, wear and tear on your tires won't tell you much about the battery or other electronic components, but all sorts of suspension problems can be diagnosed simply by looking at the way in which the tires are wearing down.
Your tires may be worn in four basic ways. First, if there is simply too much wearing of your treads, yet the treads are wearing evenly on the entire width of the tire, as they should be, simply replace your tires. If you can see your tread bars – if there is wire or metal showing on your tire – you are long past needing to change the tires of your vehicle.
If you would like to keep a closer eye on your treads, you can perform a regular penny check by sticking Abe Lincoln's head into your tread where it is the lowest. If any part of the president's head is down in the tread, then your tires are all right.
If the treads are wearing unevenly, that can signal deeper problems with your vehicle. For instance, if the treads on only one side of the tire are worn, this can signal a need for wheel realignment. The very need for this realignment, however, can signal different things like worn ball joints or arm control bushings. Worn treads on one side may also indicate sagging springs, so this type of wearing means that someone competent should check your suspension system.
Wearing of inner and outer treads without wearing of the inner treads can be a sign of chronic under-inflation. However, if you have been using care to keep your tires properly filled with air using a tire pressure gauge, this type of wear may be a sign of a bent or worn steering component. Your wheels may also need alignment. If you consistently put too much air into your tires, you will get wear down the center of the tire. This wear pattern may also indicate that you've put enormous tires on narrow rims, in which case you can replace either the tires or the rims.
Other strange wearing patterns include feathering, which means that each tread becomes round on one side and sharp on the other. Experts suggest that you look for this pattern with your hand, as you will be able to feel the sharp edges before your tire's condition is visually apparent. Second-rib wear and cupping are other wearing patterns that indicate deeper problems, such as the wrong size of steel-belted radials and worn or bent suspension parts.
In order to keep abreast of these problems before they get too far and cause further damage to your vehicle, it is a good idea to get to know your tires by walking around your car and looking at them each day. You should also run your hand along their surfaces and do the penny tread test once or twice a week.
Your tires may be worn in four basic ways. First, if there is simply too much wearing of your treads, yet the treads are wearing evenly on the entire width of the tire, as they should be, simply replace your tires. If you can see your tread bars – if there is wire or metal showing on your tire – you are long past needing to change the tires of your vehicle.
If you would like to keep a closer eye on your treads, you can perform a regular penny check by sticking Abe Lincoln's head into your tread where it is the lowest. If any part of the president's head is down in the tread, then your tires are all right.
If the treads are wearing unevenly, that can signal deeper problems with your vehicle. For instance, if the treads on only one side of the tire are worn, this can signal a need for wheel realignment. The very need for this realignment, however, can signal different things like worn ball joints or arm control bushings. Worn treads on one side may also indicate sagging springs, so this type of wearing means that someone competent should check your suspension system.
Wearing of inner and outer treads without wearing of the inner treads can be a sign of chronic under-inflation. However, if you have been using care to keep your tires properly filled with air using a tire pressure gauge, this type of wear may be a sign of a bent or worn steering component. Your wheels may also need alignment. If you consistently put too much air into your tires, you will get wear down the center of the tire. This wear pattern may also indicate that you've put enormous tires on narrow rims, in which case you can replace either the tires or the rims.
Other strange wearing patterns include feathering, which means that each tread becomes round on one side and sharp on the other. Experts suggest that you look for this pattern with your hand, as you will be able to feel the sharp edges before your tire's condition is visually apparent. Second-rib wear and cupping are other wearing patterns that indicate deeper problems, such as the wrong size of steel-belted radials and worn or bent suspension parts.
In order to keep abreast of these problems before they get too far and cause further damage to your vehicle, it is a good idea to get to know your tires by walking around your car and looking at them each day. You should also run your hand along their surfaces and do the penny tread test once or twice a week.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
How To Remove A Personalised Number Plate From Your Car.
When it comes time to remove your personalised number plate so the car displaying it can be sold or traded against another or even scrapped you basically have two options.Before explaining these it is worthwhile pointing out that if you are trading in your car against another at a car dealership the car dealer will most likely be able to transfer your registration number from the old car to the new one at the time he taxes the new one and changes it into you name so you can pick up your new car with your registration number already on it.
The first type of transfer is called vehicle to vehicle and will cost you £80.You will need to complete form V317 available from your local DVLA office and you submit it with the following documents , V5C registration document ( log book ) , M.O.T. certificate ( if the cars are old enough to require them ) , cheque made payable to DVLA swansea for £80 ( write the registration number you are transferring on the back ) and it also helps to include photocopies of each tax disc. You should hear from the office within 10 days with either an appointment date to have either or both vehicles inspected or they may just send you replacement tax disc and M.O.T certificates.You will also receive forms V948 which are authorisation to have number plates made up which you take with proof of I.D. ( drivers licence,uitilty bill,bank statement) to a motorists accessory shop to purchase new number plates. This type of transfer has one big drawback in that you need both cars simultaneously , if you let the old car go to a new owner before the transfer is complete you have let the registration number go with it, conversely if you transfer the number to a car not yet registered in your name you have given your number away.
The second option is to put your registration number on retention.Although this costs £105 there is only one car involved – the donor car.You will need to complete form V778/1 available from your nearest DVLA local office and submit it with your V5C registration document,M.O.T. certificate ( if applicable ) , cheque for £105 made out to DVLA Swansea ( write the registration number on the back ) and also a photocopy of the tax disc if possible.Again you should here back within 10 days , either an inspection date or a replacement tax disc ,M.O.T. and V948.The retention document ( V778 ) should arrive from Swansea about 10 days after the tax disc. The V778 lasts for 12 months and can be used to assign the number to a car registered in your name with no transfer fee to pay.One tip is to fill in the nominee section at the time of application with your wife’s, husband’s or other suitable persons name , it is free at application time and means you could put the number on their car instead. Change of nominee costs £25 after the V778 has been issued.
This covers the straight forward transfers , it can be more complicated ( N.Ireland transfers for example ) but these would need individual advice.
The first type of transfer is called vehicle to vehicle and will cost you £80.You will need to complete form V317 available from your local DVLA office and you submit it with the following documents , V5C registration document ( log book ) , M.O.T. certificate ( if the cars are old enough to require them ) , cheque made payable to DVLA swansea for £80 ( write the registration number you are transferring on the back ) and it also helps to include photocopies of each tax disc. You should hear from the office within 10 days with either an appointment date to have either or both vehicles inspected or they may just send you replacement tax disc and M.O.T certificates.You will also receive forms V948 which are authorisation to have number plates made up which you take with proof of I.D. ( drivers licence,uitilty bill,bank statement) to a motorists accessory shop to purchase new number plates. This type of transfer has one big drawback in that you need both cars simultaneously , if you let the old car go to a new owner before the transfer is complete you have let the registration number go with it, conversely if you transfer the number to a car not yet registered in your name you have given your number away.
The second option is to put your registration number on retention.Although this costs £105 there is only one car involved – the donor car.You will need to complete form V778/1 available from your nearest DVLA local office and submit it with your V5C registration document,M.O.T. certificate ( if applicable ) , cheque for £105 made out to DVLA Swansea ( write the registration number on the back ) and also a photocopy of the tax disc if possible.Again you should here back within 10 days , either an inspection date or a replacement tax disc ,M.O.T. and V948.The retention document ( V778 ) should arrive from Swansea about 10 days after the tax disc. The V778 lasts for 12 months and can be used to assign the number to a car registered in your name with no transfer fee to pay.One tip is to fill in the nominee section at the time of application with your wife’s, husband’s or other suitable persons name , it is free at application time and means you could put the number on their car instead. Change of nominee costs £25 after the V778 has been issued.
This covers the straight forward transfers , it can be more complicated ( N.Ireland transfers for example ) but these would need individual advice.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
How To Ride A Motorcycle: Beginner Guide
No Claims Bonus is a term used to describe the number of years you have had Car Insurance without making a claim. Put simply, if you have had Car Insurance for 4 years and you have not made a claim in that time, then you have 4 years No Claims Bonus.
Check your tire pressure once a month. This simple maintenance check can add up savings at the gas pump!
Taking lessons will greatly improve your chances of staying safe and accident free since providing you retain what you have been taught, you will be probably better than many motorists who have been driving for considerably longer. Lack of sufficient training, or even no training at all which is common in Ireland, will inevitably lead to accidents at a very early stage in the driving career.
How to Ride a Motorcycle
Riding motorcycles is a puzzle for many people. While millions know how to drive a car, a smaller fraction of the population knows how to ride a motorcycle. However, riding a motorcycle isn't really a complicated matter once you know the basic principles. It may be totally different from driving a car, but it is definitely something which can easily be learned. Perhaps one most important things that a rider should learn is turning the head. You need to turn your head when you pull out to a road or when you change lanes in order to see what is behind and beside you. You don't have a rear view mirror when riding a motorcycle and thus this habit could be a life-saving one.
Once you have the engine started and the motorcycle is in neutral, you need to pull the clutch in using your left hand and then click the gear onto the first gear. Slowly release the clutch and gently wind the gas throttle in your direction, this is just enough to prevent stalling. Now you need to wind your throttle a little bit more and then soon enough the bike will start moving.
In 2000, the year that the Focus was introduced, Ford Motor Company had high hopes for the car that was created to replace the popular, but aging Escort. Instead, numerous minor quality problems plagued the vehicle and it soon became the butt of jokes throughout the industry. Want QUALITY bike products from a trusted source? See Salehoo and my Salehoo reviews.
Is there a little stain or a drop of fluid under your vehicle? It may mean absolutely nothing. But you do want to check the wet spots immediately - just to make sure. If, in the early days of your working life you are unlucky enough to find yourself jobless through either, takeovers, cutbacks or closures, a full Driving License will enable you to pick up an interim job very quickly while you regroup and examine your future options.
Now you need to know how to stop. Pull in the clutch while gently pushing your throttle away from you, and then pull the brake in with your right fingers. Keep on practicing moving and stopping so that you will be in control of the motorcycle. Just remember to grip the bike’s fuel tank using your knees to secure yourself during the ride, and keep your body relaxed.
Practice until you feel that you are confident enough to increase the motorcycle’s speed and use higher gears. During the ride, keep your head upright so that you are aware of what is happening around you. Don't keep on looking at the handles because they will distract you from seeing what is ahead.
When you are braking, it is important to apply more stress to the brake in the front than the one in the back. The rear brake mainly assists the front brake. The stopping power is really at the front. You might need extra assistance from the rear break during wet weather, though. It is actually really simple to ride a bike. The most important thing if for you to combine all the principles together in a very harmonized manner while keeping yourself upright and being attentive to your environment.
Gas prices are getting more and more ridiculous. And it’s going to keep increasing with no limit in sight! For the new car owners out there, do you know that a gallon of unleaded gasoline used to cost only $1.25? SaleHoo is the leading source for qulity bike products at real wholesale prices. See http://www.honestreview.info/salehoo/index.html
The 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander is available in three models: LS, XLS, and Limited. All come with the 160-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. Most models come standard with an automatic, but the base models come with a five-speed manual. Each is available with front-wheel drive (2WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD).
The cost of your policy is directly related to this amount. Many people, particularly those who have had their insurance policy for a long time, have never considered whether they ought to vary their deductible. If you have a good driving record and are prepared to increase the risk of paying a larger amount in the event of a (hopefully unlikely) claim you can save money by increasing your deductible.
Check your tire pressure once a month. This simple maintenance check can add up savings at the gas pump!
Taking lessons will greatly improve your chances of staying safe and accident free since providing you retain what you have been taught, you will be probably better than many motorists who have been driving for considerably longer. Lack of sufficient training, or even no training at all which is common in Ireland, will inevitably lead to accidents at a very early stage in the driving career.
How to Ride a Motorcycle
Riding motorcycles is a puzzle for many people. While millions know how to drive a car, a smaller fraction of the population knows how to ride a motorcycle. However, riding a motorcycle isn't really a complicated matter once you know the basic principles. It may be totally different from driving a car, but it is definitely something which can easily be learned. Perhaps one most important things that a rider should learn is turning the head. You need to turn your head when you pull out to a road or when you change lanes in order to see what is behind and beside you. You don't have a rear view mirror when riding a motorcycle and thus this habit could be a life-saving one.
Once you have the engine started and the motorcycle is in neutral, you need to pull the clutch in using your left hand and then click the gear onto the first gear. Slowly release the clutch and gently wind the gas throttle in your direction, this is just enough to prevent stalling. Now you need to wind your throttle a little bit more and then soon enough the bike will start moving.
In 2000, the year that the Focus was introduced, Ford Motor Company had high hopes for the car that was created to replace the popular, but aging Escort. Instead, numerous minor quality problems plagued the vehicle and it soon became the butt of jokes throughout the industry. Want QUALITY bike products from a trusted source? See Salehoo and my Salehoo reviews.
Is there a little stain or a drop of fluid under your vehicle? It may mean absolutely nothing. But you do want to check the wet spots immediately - just to make sure. If, in the early days of your working life you are unlucky enough to find yourself jobless through either, takeovers, cutbacks or closures, a full Driving License will enable you to pick up an interim job very quickly while you regroup and examine your future options.
Now you need to know how to stop. Pull in the clutch while gently pushing your throttle away from you, and then pull the brake in with your right fingers. Keep on practicing moving and stopping so that you will be in control of the motorcycle. Just remember to grip the bike’s fuel tank using your knees to secure yourself during the ride, and keep your body relaxed.
Practice until you feel that you are confident enough to increase the motorcycle’s speed and use higher gears. During the ride, keep your head upright so that you are aware of what is happening around you. Don't keep on looking at the handles because they will distract you from seeing what is ahead.
When you are braking, it is important to apply more stress to the brake in the front than the one in the back. The rear brake mainly assists the front brake. The stopping power is really at the front. You might need extra assistance from the rear break during wet weather, though. It is actually really simple to ride a bike. The most important thing if for you to combine all the principles together in a very harmonized manner while keeping yourself upright and being attentive to your environment.
Gas prices are getting more and more ridiculous. And it’s going to keep increasing with no limit in sight! For the new car owners out there, do you know that a gallon of unleaded gasoline used to cost only $1.25? SaleHoo is the leading source for qulity bike products at real wholesale prices. See http://www.honestreview.info/salehoo/index.html
The 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander is available in three models: LS, XLS, and Limited. All come with the 160-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. Most models come standard with an automatic, but the base models come with a five-speed manual. Each is available with front-wheel drive (2WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD).
The cost of your policy is directly related to this amount. Many people, particularly those who have had their insurance policy for a long time, have never considered whether they ought to vary their deductible. If you have a good driving record and are prepared to increase the risk of paying a larger amount in the event of a (hopefully unlikely) claim you can save money by increasing your deductible.
How To Save Money At The Petrol Pump
You may be surprised to find that there are many ways which you can help yourself to cut down the cost of running your car. But we are not talking about shopping around for car insurance or trading in your flashy sports model for a little run-around - we are talking about fuel!
By paying a little attention to your car and treating it correctly you can save money at the petrol pumps. Here are some excellent tips to help you get on top and start cutting down on the cost of your fuel.
First of all, make sure that you get your engine tuned on a regular basis. By keeping your engine in tip-top shape you can help to save yourself money. The most important part when it comes to saving on fuel this way is the oxygen sensor, this alone can increase or decrease your car’s efficiency by as much as 40%.
Always make sure that you keep an eye on your tyres. A once a week check is ideal. Inflate them when necessary as under inflated tyres force your car to work harder on the road. So always make sure that when you fill up your car that the tyres are optimal for the recommended pounds per square inch.
Using the right motor oil in our car can help to save you money too. Using the correct motor oil can help to make your car run much more efficiently which in turn saves you money.
Getting rid of any extra weight that doesn’t need to be in your car can help greatly to reduce the amount of fuel which your car uses. So this means that its time to clear out the boot of your car and get rid of the junk!
Finally, sign up to a website that has fuel price alerts - they can tell you the cheapest fuel prices near to your postcode.
By paying a little attention to your car and treating it correctly you can save money at the petrol pumps. Here are some excellent tips to help you get on top and start cutting down on the cost of your fuel.
First of all, make sure that you get your engine tuned on a regular basis. By keeping your engine in tip-top shape you can help to save yourself money. The most important part when it comes to saving on fuel this way is the oxygen sensor, this alone can increase or decrease your car’s efficiency by as much as 40%.
Always make sure that you keep an eye on your tyres. A once a week check is ideal. Inflate them when necessary as under inflated tyres force your car to work harder on the road. So always make sure that when you fill up your car that the tyres are optimal for the recommended pounds per square inch.
Using the right motor oil in our car can help to save you money too. Using the correct motor oil can help to make your car run much more efficiently which in turn saves you money.
Getting rid of any extra weight that doesn’t need to be in your car can help greatly to reduce the amount of fuel which your car uses. So this means that its time to clear out the boot of your car and get rid of the junk!
Finally, sign up to a website that has fuel price alerts - they can tell you the cheapest fuel prices near to your postcode.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
How To Sell Your Second Hand Car Online
There are many websites where you can list your car for sale and the internet allows you to reach a vast amount of potential customers looking for the perfect used car.
The first step to take is to find the right place to advertise your vehicle for sale. You can do a search using one of the popular search engines and this will provide you with a huge list of sites for you to choose from on which to place your advertisement.
Check them out and see what they offer along with what they charge. Site fees and terms and conditions do vary so take your time to look around. Some will offer to keep posting your advert for a flat fee until it is sold and of course this can save you a huge amount of money. Certain sites will post your advert to around 200 other sites for a one-off fee.
Once you have made your choice then it takes just a few minutes to sign up for an account which will ask you for a few details. Most sites make the sign up process quick and easy.
Of course when listing your car there is some preparation beforehand required. This however is only common sense. Make sure that you have prepared your car to its best advantage, give it a good clean inside and out to show it off to its best advantage. Get a good camera and take a lot of shots at different angles. Most websites will allow you to post up to five photos of your car and postings with lots of photos are likely to grab the most attention.
Write a good description of your car and boast about its good points, such as it having one careful owner or low mileage or the fact that it has air conditioning. Think about what makes your car stand out from the rest and write it down.
The first step to take is to find the right place to advertise your vehicle for sale. You can do a search using one of the popular search engines and this will provide you with a huge list of sites for you to choose from on which to place your advertisement.
Check them out and see what they offer along with what they charge. Site fees and terms and conditions do vary so take your time to look around. Some will offer to keep posting your advert for a flat fee until it is sold and of course this can save you a huge amount of money. Certain sites will post your advert to around 200 other sites for a one-off fee.
Once you have made your choice then it takes just a few minutes to sign up for an account which will ask you for a few details. Most sites make the sign up process quick and easy.
Of course when listing your car there is some preparation beforehand required. This however is only common sense. Make sure that you have prepared your car to its best advantage, give it a good clean inside and out to show it off to its best advantage. Get a good camera and take a lot of shots at different angles. Most websites will allow you to post up to five photos of your car and postings with lots of photos are likely to grab the most attention.
Write a good description of your car and boast about its good points, such as it having one careful owner or low mileage or the fact that it has air conditioning. Think about what makes your car stand out from the rest and write it down.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
How To Shop For Car Tires Quotes
The automobile has been our friend ever since the Frenchman, Nicolas Joseph Cugnot, built the first car in the year 1769. It was a steam powered, three wheeled vehicle with a top speed of six kilometers per hour that was built in the French Arsenal for the purpose of moving cannons. Cars have come a long way since then and a lot has changed about them but one thing remains the same; They save us a lot of tread on our shoes. Unfortunately, they do use some tread on their tires, and to safely drive your car, you need to add fresh tires on occasion. When the time for new tires arrives, it is time to get the bet price by shopping for a car tires quote at various dealers.
What Should Your Quote Include?
The first thing to look for in any car tires quote is the number of tires included in the quote. Does the quote include a whole set of tires and, if so, does it include the fifth tire for a fresh spare or is the quote merely on a per tire basis. Paying attention to what may seem a trivial detail in your car tires quote here can save you a lot of money and trouble down the road.
The next thing to consider is the tread type to be used on the vehicle you are getting a car tires quote for. Do you travel mainly on paved streets or muddy back roads? Do you live in an area that rarely sees rain or do you look out your second story window and stare a Sherpa in the eye? The conditions you travel in effect your choice of tires and treads and will thus change your car tires quote accordingly. A set of street radials may have a very sweet looking price tag but paying the towing service to pull you out of a snow drift every few days would probably show you that the mud and snow tires might have been a better value.
Another very important thing to look for in a car tires quote is the cost of labor and warranties. Does the price include removing your old tires, mounting and balancing the new tires and installing them on your vehicle? Is there a fee to leave your old tires with the shop for disposal or a surcharge to take them with you for your own disposal? Is there a road hazard policy covering such things as punctures and flat repair or warranties against blow outs or defects?
In conclusion, shopping for car tires quotes does require a bit of research and asking questions of your prospective dealer but you will find that the investment of time you make while researching car tires quotes will pay off with a great deal on your new tires and the added safety it will provide for you and your loved ones.
What Should Your Quote Include?
The first thing to look for in any car tires quote is the number of tires included in the quote. Does the quote include a whole set of tires and, if so, does it include the fifth tire for a fresh spare or is the quote merely on a per tire basis. Paying attention to what may seem a trivial detail in your car tires quote here can save you a lot of money and trouble down the road.
The next thing to consider is the tread type to be used on the vehicle you are getting a car tires quote for. Do you travel mainly on paved streets or muddy back roads? Do you live in an area that rarely sees rain or do you look out your second story window and stare a Sherpa in the eye? The conditions you travel in effect your choice of tires and treads and will thus change your car tires quote accordingly. A set of street radials may have a very sweet looking price tag but paying the towing service to pull you out of a snow drift every few days would probably show you that the mud and snow tires might have been a better value.
Another very important thing to look for in a car tires quote is the cost of labor and warranties. Does the price include removing your old tires, mounting and balancing the new tires and installing them on your vehicle? Is there a fee to leave your old tires with the shop for disposal or a surcharge to take them with you for your own disposal? Is there a road hazard policy covering such things as punctures and flat repair or warranties against blow outs or defects?
In conclusion, shopping for car tires quotes does require a bit of research and asking questions of your prospective dealer but you will find that the investment of time you make while researching car tires quotes will pay off with a great deal on your new tires and the added safety it will provide for you and your loved ones.
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