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.
Monday, September 6, 2010
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.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
How To Spot A Good Car Lease
Leasing has been lauded as your cheapest ticket to keep up with the industry’s hottest vehicles and trends. The jury, however, is still out on leasing: with the industry long on hype and short on detail, it is difficult to distinguish between a genuinely good deal and a downright up-selling exercise.
So how do you spot a good deal?
First, you need to find out if there are any down payments on the lease. A down payment refers to the lump sum amount that you pay upfront, either in cash, non-cash credit or trading allowance, to reduce your monthly payment. You should think twice before putting money down on a lease: not only are you getting a rough deal, as you’re essentially forfeiting the general rule of leasing: not putting any cash upfront, but the money is not recoupable at the end of your lease. There is another big disadvantage: in the event of your car getting damaged or stolen, you insurance and the gap cost will not cover the loss.
Mileage Limit
Most leasing companies allow you a limit of 45,000 free miles over the length of a 3-year lease. This may seem like a good deal at first sight, but when you consider it only comes to 15,000 miles over a 12 month period it’s not difficult to foresee why it might be difficult to stay within this limit. Even people working from home have little trouble putting 15,000 miles on their cars. If you exceed the mileage limit, the penalty for each excess mile can be as high as 20 cents. This can add up quickly over the length of your lease: an additional 4,000 miles a year over the length of a 3-years lease contract, will end up costing you an extra $2,400 in excess mileage charges! Be realistic about your mileage needs, especially if you have to regularly commute over long-distances, before you sign the contract. Consider padding the miles that you expect to use since it is less expensive to contract for the extra before you sign than it is to pay the extra charges at end of your lease.
Sales Tax
Sales tax is usually capitalized and added to the monthly payments. However, some dealers choose not to include it in their calculations to drive the advertised lease payments even lower. What they do instead is state in the small print that the monthly payment excludes “sales tax”. Make sure you carefully read the fine print for any extra, hidden costs not included in the advertised monthly payment. Unscrupulous fees that typically slip through the cracks include sales tax, registration and title fees.
So how do you spot a good deal?
First, you need to find out if there are any down payments on the lease. A down payment refers to the lump sum amount that you pay upfront, either in cash, non-cash credit or trading allowance, to reduce your monthly payment. You should think twice before putting money down on a lease: not only are you getting a rough deal, as you’re essentially forfeiting the general rule of leasing: not putting any cash upfront, but the money is not recoupable at the end of your lease. There is another big disadvantage: in the event of your car getting damaged or stolen, you insurance and the gap cost will not cover the loss.
Mileage Limit
Most leasing companies allow you a limit of 45,000 free miles over the length of a 3-year lease. This may seem like a good deal at first sight, but when you consider it only comes to 15,000 miles over a 12 month period it’s not difficult to foresee why it might be difficult to stay within this limit. Even people working from home have little trouble putting 15,000 miles on their cars. If you exceed the mileage limit, the penalty for each excess mile can be as high as 20 cents. This can add up quickly over the length of your lease: an additional 4,000 miles a year over the length of a 3-years lease contract, will end up costing you an extra $2,400 in excess mileage charges! Be realistic about your mileage needs, especially if you have to regularly commute over long-distances, before you sign the contract. Consider padding the miles that you expect to use since it is less expensive to contract for the extra before you sign than it is to pay the extra charges at end of your lease.
Sales Tax
Sales tax is usually capitalized and added to the monthly payments. However, some dealers choose not to include it in their calculations to drive the advertised lease payments even lower. What they do instead is state in the small print that the monthly payment excludes “sales tax”. Make sure you carefully read the fine print for any extra, hidden costs not included in the advertised monthly payment. Unscrupulous fees that typically slip through the cracks include sales tax, registration and title fees.
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