All posts in Auto Maintenance

Recent Car Accident? Six Secrets Your Auto Insurer Might Not Be Letting You In On

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/06/03 in Auto Accident with Comments Off

You pay for insurance for peace of mind and protection when you are put in a situation where you need to file a claim. While many insurance companies are dedicated to fair and timely claims processing, some adjusters are taught specific tactics that are designed to reduce the amount of the settlement. Car insurance adjusters are paid to keep an eye on claims settlements and to reduce the company’s obligation as much as possible. While adjusters can be helpful and friendly, they are known to keep secrets from claimants so that they can close a claim as quickly as possible. Here are 6 secrets that you should know about if you’ve recently been in an accident:

Your Statements At the Scene Can Be Used Against You

Immediately following an accident, it is almost second nature to apologize or explain your case. Make sure that you do not make statements to witnesses or the police that can be used by the other party’s adjuster to justify fault. It is best to check to see if everyone is okay, and then shut your mouth and leave the investigation to the professionals. What you say can and will be used against you.

Speak Up About Your Injuries

Many people fear reporting an injury because they are worried that their claim will be investigated for fraud. It is important to be honest with your adjuster and with yourself. If you are experiencing pain days following the accident, tell your adjuster about your injuries and see a medical professional. In addition to the physical costs, you also need to consider the actual costs. You may need medical attention, but your injuries could also lead to lost wages, the need for child care and for help around the house. These are all things that may be covered by your insurance.

You Will Be Rushed to Settle

The faster a company can get you to settle following your accident, the less they typically have to pay. Do not be rushed to accept the offers you are extended to fix your car and pay for your injuries. Injuries can arise over time, and you do not want to sign away your rights because you accidentally signed the release forms you did not review.

You Do Not Have to Use a Preferred Auto Repair Place

All too often, claims adjusters recommend a shop to vehicle owners that is considered "preferred". The reason for this is to keep the cost of the claim down, but can you trust this shop? You want your vehicle to be repaired properly, not temporarily. Be sure to choose a mechanic that you can trust and don’t be pressured to use a "preferred" shop.

A Total Loss Is Not Always a Total Loss

Insurers will pay to total your vehicle or repair it, but you can request to have a third party estimation done if you do not agree with the decision. If your car is deemed a total loss, be sure to have an appraiser representing you draft a report so that you are not cheated.

You have the Right to Mediate

Many insurance adjusters present an offer and have a "take it or leave it" attitude. This makes you leery of challenging them, and keeps costs down. If you do not agree with the offer, you can dispute it and go through the process of mediation. Because insurance companies want to avoid lawsuits and jury verdicts, they are likely to sweeten the deal.

If all consumers knew claims secrets then the industry would not be a multi-billion dollar one. Be a wise consumer and do not jump at the first offer. Exercise your rights and know your duties so that you can get the compensation that you deserve.

In a Car Accident? 5 Ways to Make it Look Like Your Car Crash Never Happened

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/06/02 in Auto Accident with Comments Off

It would be great if car accidents never happened. However, chances are if you drive frequently you will at least encounter a small fender bender in your lifetime. Whether you have a small scratch or a large amount of damage to your car after an accident there are a few things you can do to make your car look like new. A few ideas for "erasing" the accident are below.

Get Repairs Done Immediately

When you think about repairing your car after an accident and making it look brand new again you might think the most important thing to do is paint the car, or remove any dings and scratches. However, time itself is the most important factor when it comes to making your car look like the crash never happened. Many people wait to get their car serviced after an accident, particularly if the damage isn’t too bad. But the sooner you get your car serviced and repaired, the easier it will be for your mechanic or body shop expert to get your vehicle looking outstanding again.

Wash Your Car

It might seem overly simplified, but washing your car can actually do a lot to improve the look of your car after an accident. During an accident there are a lot of things that happen that can make your car look dirtier or more damaged than it truly is. Taking the time to wash (and maybe even wax) your car after an accident can help you determine what was just dirt and easily removed paint scratches and what is truly in need of repair.

A New Color

If your car’s paint was scratched up in the accident getting it touched up might seem like an obvious course of action. But if there are significant areas of paint you’ll need to get touched up you might want to choose a whole new color for your car. The reason for this is because it is very hard to match old and new paint, even if it’s the exact same color. The combination can make it the newly painted areas stand out and make the repairs very obvious. However, getting your entire car painted gives your vehicle a consistent, brand new look that can go a long way to erasing the "wrecked and repaired" look of the car.

It’s All in the Details

After an accident most people know to get the paint redone and any major damage restored or fixed. However, paying attention to details like hubcaps, tires, grills, and other areas of your car can also help your vehicle look brand new after an accident. For instance, if you have brand new paint and a scuffed up grill it’s still obvious you were in an accident. Mismatched or missing hubcaps, scratched or non-working tail or headlights, and other details are also giveaways of an accident. Focusing on these details can help you make your car look brand new and nearly erase the signs of a crash.

Masking Damage with Accessories

Sometimes no matter how hard you try there are small areas of damage that can’t be restored to "like new" condition. If you have a small dent in your bumper or an area of your rear view mirror that is scuffed and can’t be repaired, use accessories to mask the damage. A well-placed bumper sticker or a lei around the rear view mirror can quickly and inexpensively mask minor damage, making it look like the accident never happened.

Following these tips can help you make your car look brand new again after a crash. Remember to always get your repairs done as soon as possible, and beware of using used parts. Not only do used parts often not match the parts you currently have, but they may have internal flaws that will cause you to spend more money later. Using a little creativity you can find ways to restore your car and cruise the roads with pride again in no time.

My name is Lizzie Weakley and I am a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. I went to college at The Ohio State University where I studied communications. I enjoy the outdoors and long walks in the park with my 3-year-old husky Snowball.

Lizzie found the information for this article from Collision One. They are the number one service based on independent customer service.

The Six Most Economical New Pickup Trucks

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/05/30 in Auto Maintenance with Comments Off

In the past, owning a pickup truck meant that you had to deal with extremely poor fuel economy. Today’s automakers have taken major steps to improve the gas mileage of their pickup trucks. Certain pickup trucks are actually able to surpass the fuel efficiency of some cars. The best part is that these trucks are also very affordable—the following is a list of the most economical of the newest pickup trucks:

Dodge Ram 1500

Very few trucks can match the Dodge Ram 1500’s rare combination of brute strength and efficiency. The new EcoDiesel engine rewards the owner with a highway fuel economy rating of 28 mpg on the highway. However, the V-6 version of the truck is a tad bit cheaper to buy.

Toyota Tacoma

A brand new Toyota Tacoma can be obtained for less than $20,000. While its four-cylinder engine is not capable of pulling extremely heavy loads, it is perfectly suitable for light-duty applications. The driver will certainly appreciate the Tacoma’s gas mileage rating of 21 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.

Chevrolet Silverado 1500

The Chevy Silverado’s new 4.3-liter, V-6 engine helps it to average 24 mpg on the highway. Amazingly, the base Silverado is still able to tow a commendable 7,200 pounds. The entry-level Silverado has all of the basic essentials, including a six-speaker sound system, air-conditioning, and Bluetooth phone connectivity. The 2014 Silverado, due to these features and its combination of high performance and high safety ratings, has been declared the 2014 Truck of the Year at the North American International Auto Show.

Ford F-150

While the Ford F-150 offers several engine choices, the 3.7 engine is the most cost-efficient option. The 302-horsepower engine revs with enthusiasm while returning a fuel economy rating of 17 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the freeway. You will be hard-pressed to find a better pickup truck for $24,200. The F-150, as one of the most popular models on the current market, is both easy and inexpensive to repair, as you will experience no shortage of experienced Ford mechanics and replacement parts.

GMC Sierra 1500

Based on the same platform as the Silverado, the GMC Sierra offers great fuel economy and unmatched durability. Although you will have to forgo options, such as a rear-view camera and remote starting, the Sierra can be obtained for as little as $26,000. One of the 1500’s best, most economical new features is its considerable lightness compared to other pickups in its class. This has significantly improved fuel economy, making the Sierra one of the most efficient vehicles on this list.

Nissan Frontier

The Nissan Frontier’s base price of $18,850 is very economical. When equipped with four-wheel drive, the Frontier transforms into one of the most capable pickup trucks on the market. The rear-wheel drive model, according to a Drayton Valley truck body specialist, is able to deliver an impressive 23 miles-per-gallon when traveling on the open road.

Becoming the owner of a pickup truck does not have to be a financial burden. Each one of these capable pickup trucks offers great gas mileage and an attractive price tag.

Informational Credit to Western Truck Body Mfg

5 Tips to Help You Make Your Old Car New Again

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/05/29 in Auto Maintenance with 1 Comment

Is your old vehicle starting to feel a tad bit outdated? Contrary to popular opinion, you do not have to shell out thousands of dollars for a new vehicle. There is no need to toss your old vehicle to the side if it is still in relatively good mechanical condition. Here are five tips to make your old car new again. The upgrades that we’ll be talking about will not only make your drives are more leisurely, but safer as well.

Clean the headlights

A set of faded headlights can ruin the entire curb appeal of a vehicle. Although you could purchase a brand new set of headlights, the most cost-efficient approach would be to clean them yourself. With a tube of basic toothpaste and a few soft rags, you can remove virtually all of the oxidation from the headlights. Not only will this increase the aesthetics of your car, but it will also make driving at night much more safe based on increased visibility.

Update the electronics

Technology is advancing faster than ever before. If your vehicle is more than five years old, the electronic features are probably already outdated. With a budget of around $500, you can install a high-end car stereo and navigation system. Not only will your daily commute be more pleasurable, but the cockpit will also look so much more modern and sophisticated. There are systems out there now that can sync up with your smart phone, ipods etc.. Some of these can obviously get a little more pricey, but will definitely make your drives more fun and entertaining.

Install new shock absorbers

The suspension system is one of the most neglected components on a vehicle. After taking abuse for thousands of miles, the wear and tear eventually begins to take its toll on the shock absorbers. You can easily find a quality set of replacement shocks for less than 300 bucks. If you really want your car to deliver a more inspiring on-road performance, you can opt to install a sports-tuned suspension system. With suspension systems, whether they’re after market or stock, it would be good to consult with a professional before replacing or upgrading.

Upgrade the Wheels & Tires

The combination of a good set of high-performance tires and sporty wheels will make your vehicle handle better than it ever did from the factory. The key is to find a set of wheels that enhance the exterior style of your vehicle without compromising the ride quality. Although chrome rims may look tempting, their extra weight can have a negative impact on the driving dynamics of your vehicle. Make sure that you consult a professional about your wheel and tire choice before purchasing though. Getting the wrong size, make or model, could cause problems in transmissions, differentials etc..

Replace worn engine components

Far too many car owners do not pay attention to their vehicle‘s scheduled maintenance. Your car’s performance could be suffering greatly due a set of worn spark plugs or clogged fuel injectors. Depending on the type of part, there are places that will actually provide lifetime warranties to the customers. Make sure to do some research online on those warranties, to make sure that you make the best decision when replacing parts. Doing this will also increase your fuel efficiency, and save you money in the long run when you’re filling up at the pump!

Do not waste your hard-earned cash on the purchase of a new vehicle. Your old ride is just a diamond in the rough that is waiting to be revamped.

Chaleigh is a freelance writer that lives in NYC. She enjoys writing and lifestyle photography. She writes about anything from getting cheap car parts from DCP Online so that your car restoration isn’t too costly. Other topics include: paving your driveway, or how to properly fix your slice in golf. In her spare time she likes to take pictures, snowboard, golf, and play ice hockey.

Inspection Smarts: Tips to Stay on Top of Your Car Maintenance

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/05/26 in Auto Maintenance with Comments Off

Expensive automobile repairs can be avoided by applying street smarts in the care and maintenance of your vehicle. You don’t have to wait for the next giant breakdown to get some work on the car done. Simple techniques and routine tasks by the owner can keep any vehicle in excellent condition. Use these preventative and maintenance measures to keep your car in good shape for any kind of road.

Checking Under the Hood

Always check the oil level, brake reservoir, power steering fluid, coolant level, and transmission fluid every week. Routine maintenance under the hood can save auto owners costly repairs. Check under the auto where it is parked for leaks. Make a habit of raising the hood during fuel stops to check for low fluid levels. Make sure you are regularly getting oil changes in north Vancouver or a local shop that can check all the parts of your car and do updates and inspections at a discount. Make sure you also make time to get these refills done before any long road trip.

Excessive Tire Wear

Keep the tire pressure at correct PSI levels for the auto. Many vehicles list the appropriate amount of tire pressure inside the driver-side door panel. Hot and cold conditions can make the pressure in tires vary over time leading to increased tire wear and fuel costs. Tires with low tread cost the automobile owner more money in gasoline mileage and excessive wear on brakes, including rotors. Checking air pressure in tires once a week will save vehicle owners money. Replacing older tires with low tread wear will help make driving the vehicle safer. This is a step that can be done every other time you get gas to make sure your tires aren’t being deflated.

Abusive Driving

Driving a vehicle extremely fast is tough on standard automobile engines. Many cars boast high horsepower output but in reality, the vehicles are simply designed for normal driving. Drivers that abuse the vehicle by driving at high speeds on the highway, jackrabbit starts, and quick stops at city red lights are adding additional costs from excessive wear on the vehicle. Learn to control the urge to treat the vehicle as a racecar.

Read the Owner’s Manual

The booklets supplied with the vehicle contain important information on that model. Always study the material in those handy booklets for additional information about the auto. These manuals give detailed information on driving, maintenance, and exterior care of the vehicle.

Additional Tips

Every car owner should know what warning lights show on the vehicle. Most autos have temperature, brake, oil pressure, battery or alternator and check engine warning lights. Learn where these lights are in the manual supplied with the vehicle. Replace old windshield wipers once they show signs of wear, including streaking on the windshield. Losing a wiper during a thunderstorm can be hazardous.

Keeping vehicles in excellent operating condition can add many years to the life of the auto. Make routine maintenance a weekly ritual to increase value and dependability of the vehicle.

This article used information from Minit-Tune & Brake Auto Centres about tire care and checking for tire wear.