All posts in Auto Maintenance

5 Things You Can Do To Save Money on Your Auto Repairs

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/04/01 in Auto Repair with Comments Off

Saving money on auto repairs is a combination of taking a little do-it-yourself initiative as well as being savvy about where your repair money goes. Of course, the very first step to saving money on auto repairs is to be serious and proactive about maintenance. Keeping up on maintenance helps eliminate potentially more expensive repairs. Here are five ways to get started saving money on auto repairs.

1.Get A Code Reader

Auto code readers are now as simple as getting a Bluetooth scan tool paired with a smart phone app. This will enable you to find out what that check engine light is really saying, and whether it’s a big repair or something small like a faulty sensor. However, this method only works with newer cars, usually those newer than 1996.

2.Learn To Shop At Salvage Yards

A good way to find inexpensive parts is to go to an auto salvaging yard. Often these contain cars totaled in wrecks that still have plenty of working parts on them. There is usually a pull fee and then you are on your own to remove the part from the car. Getting parts from places like these usually end up saving you money based on the fact that they’re used and that you’re pulling the part yourself.

3.Do It Yourself

Learning to do simple repairs yourself is one of the best ways to save money. The biggest portion of a repair bill is the labor of the mechanic. If you can change fluids and filters yourself, the supplies cost very little. Even brakes are not terribly difficult to learn and brake parts themselves are not very expensive.

4.Find A Trustworthy Mechanic

For the big jobs or if you do not have the time to be a do-it-yourselfer, finding a trustworthy mechanic is important. There are a few different methods for this. Ask for referrals from people you know, read reviews on sites such as Yelp, or even find out mechanics who do side work apart from their regular jobs.

5.Shop Around

If a big repair bill is looming on your car, the best way to lower the cost is to shop around. Ask different shops for estimates and even mention what another shop will do it for. You might also consider providing your own parts for the job.

There are many different ways to save money on car repairs. Start with good maintenance habits and finish by doing your own research and learning to fix some items yourself. Try to make visiting the mechanic a last resort.

Author Bio: Chaleigh is a freelance writer that lives in NYC. She enjoys writing, cars, and lifestyle photography. In her free time, you might be able to find her at an auto scrap yard looking for parts for her 1971 Chevy Nova, or taking pictures while people watching in the city.

Looking to Save on Fuel? The Top 6 Most Fuel-Efficient Cars You Can Buy

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/03/26 in Saving Fuel with Comments Off

Because of fluctuating gas prices many people are fed up with pouring their life savings into gas guzzlers and are now on the hunt for more fuel-efficient cars. If you drive a lot, gas prices are not doing your wallet any favors. Investing in a more fuel efficient car will really pay off in the end, whether you drive a lot or not. If you need a little help finding a fuel efficient car that also fits your needs, preferences and lifestyle, the following are the top 6 fuel-efficient cars out there.

Lexus RX 450h

This midsize crossover is for drivers who want performance as well as great gas mileage. It features a combined 30 MPG in combined highway and city driving. The resale value is high at 60 percent in 3 years. At around $45,000, the Lexus RX 450h offers a stylish, dependable car with great gas mileage. The size isn’t to shabby either. If you’re worried that buying a more fuel-efficient car means you’ll have to downsize, think again. There are plenty of options that can hold your family, or the soccer team, or a carseat or two.

Ford C-Max Hybrid

With a combined 43 MPG for both city and highway, the Ford C-Max provides a reasonable amount of passenger space for a car its size. It’s priced from approximately $26,000 to $34,000. The C-Max has been touted for its quiet, comfortable ride, so if you’re the type of driver that prefers a smooth, serene drive to work, this may be the choice for you.

Lincoln MKZ Hybrid

For those who can afford to spend a little bit more on beautiful styling yet still want a vehicle that’s fuel-efficient, the MKZ Hybrid may be the perfect car. It’s estimated at 45 MPG combined city and highway. The car starts at $36,190 and features a panoramic sliding roof and a quiet ride. If you’re trying to maintain luxury while still saving on gas, the MKZ can help you achieve both goals.

Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid

At approximately $30,000 the Jetta delivers 42 MPG in the city and a substantial 48 MPG on the highway. It gets great marks for rear legroom and good performance. While the spacious cabin is a draw for small families, the Jetta also gets good safety ratings which also makes it another attractive buy. For those who need safety, comfort, and lower gas prices, the Jetta offers the whole package.

Honda Civic Hybrid

This sleek looking hybrid averages 44 MPG in the city and 47 MPG on the highway. With a starting price of about $25,000 the Civic offers consumers front and side impact air bags and room for five. The Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid is considered its top competitor. For those deciding between the Jetta and The Civic, initial price may play a role. However, both cars are an excellent choice for those seeking to cut down their gas bill.

Toyota Prius

The Prius has not only a stylish, futuristic design, but provides room for a family of four. It also delivers 50 MPG city and highway combined. Ranging between $25,000 and $31,000, it’s easy to see why the Prius is a favorite for many drivers looking for a fuel-efficient vehicle. With the same average MPG, Toyota also makes the Prius c. The Prius c is a small compact car starting at just under $20,000 for those couples who want a little car to zip around in, but is also a friendly option for small families who are trying to save on fuel.

While there are plenty of choices when it comes to fuel efficiency, you shouldn’t have trouble finding a model that offers you and your family everything you need. Whether you’re looking for luxury, room for your family, or simply a fun ride, there’s a fuel-efficient vehicle available for almost everyone. Remember to compare MPG’s while car shopping, and you’re sure to find the perfect car for your lifestyle, that also fits better into your financial plans.

AUTHOR BIO: This article was written by Dixie Somers, a freelance writer who loves to write about business, finance, women’s interests, and technology. Dixie lives in Arizona with her husband and three beautiful daughters. Information for this article was provided by the auto professionals of Speedy Brake and Apollo Muffler, who provide head gasket repair in Calgary.

Subtle Ways Your Car is Telling You It’s Time for a Tuneup

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/03/19 in Auto Maintenance with Comments Off

Your car communicates with you in a number of subtle ways to indicate that it’s not running as well as it should and needs a tuneup. One does not have to be an expert mechanic to recognize the sights, sounds and smells of a vehicle that needs some attention. However, recognizing them and taking it in for regular maintenance can extend the life of the car and in the process save you plenty of money.

Keep an Eye on Those Indicators

Most modern automobiles are equipped with a host of gauges and warning lights to indicate that something is not functioning properly. Some indicators such as a "service engine" light may point to a general problem, while others may address a specific concern, including low coolant or engine oil levels. Warning lights need to be addressed as soon as possible. Another indicator that is more subtle but equally important is the odometer, which can be used to determine the mileage traveled since the engine was serviced.

The Vehicle Does Not Run Properly

The most common sign of trouble is that the car does not start properly or stalls after it gets running. This can be an indication of trouble in the fuel delivery system. The car may not deliver enough power during acceleration, which may indicate that it needs new spark plugs. Occasionally, an engine will continue to run after the ignition is switched off. Known as dieseling, this can be a sign of improper fuel combustion.

The Sounds and Smells of Trouble

Knocking sounds often point to a combustion problem, or that a higher grade of gasoline needs to be used. Grinding noises when turning or stopping can be an indication of trouble with the power steering or braking systems. A bad smell emanating from the exhaust can point to trouble with the catalytic converter. Pay attention to these subtle signs and make the needed changes to keep your car running properly.

Regularly Check Your Mileage

It’s wise to check your gasoline mileage, which can be done simply by recording the distance on the odometer since the last gasoline purchase. Poor mileage can be an indication of a number of engine problems, or something as simple as low tire inflation.

The Importance of Regular Maintenance

Even if your car is running properly, you should periodically visit a maintenance center for regular servicing. Professionals at Speedy Brake and Apollo Muffler say that doing regular maintenance on your car can save you from paying for costly repairs.

It’s important to recognize the signs that your car needs a tuneup and care for it on a regular basis. When your car sounds and feels right, it’s telling you that it’s in good shape.

The Auto Biz – Can You Make A Living Fixing And Selling Cars?

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/03/18 in Auto Maintenance with Comments Off

When going on craigslist or other resell sites, it is easy to see plenty of good deals on used cars. When finding these deals, many think they can flip them and make more money. While it is possible, it is wise for a person to consider the implications of every transaction. Not only that, one should look a little more deeply. When doing so, a person can discover it is possible to make a lot of money fixing and selling cars. Here are four things to consider with this business venture.

Money

First and foremost, when you want to start this business, you will have to spend a lot of money. Think about it, it, not only will you need a large garage with a lot of tools, but you will need to buy the cars. This can easily cost you thousands of dollars. Of course, if you can resell the cars at a profit, you will make a lot of money and can justify this cost easily.

Space

As mentioned, when you want to fix up cars, you will need plenty of space. Not only will you need an outdoor area, but you will probably want an indoor garage. For this reason, if you want to resell cars and make money, you need to have a lot of free space. Ideally, if possible, you should do this at your house as you can, with ease, fix cars without getting bothered by neighbors. On the other hand, if you have to rent a place, you will have a hard time as it is not easy finding a cheap place to work on cars.

Parts

Now, when you buy a broken down car, you will need to get new or used parts to fix the problem. These usually do not come cheap, and you must shop around and look for the best deals. Either way, when thinking about profits and losses, you should factor parts. You could also buy cars just for the parts, and sell the parts to other car repairmen. You’ll need to package the parts and ship them, though. Look into the cost of parts bags for auto dealers, boxes, and shipping costs.

Risk

When unloading cars, you will always take a bit of a risk. For starts, you will put out a lot of your own cash on the transaction. Furthermore, when you buy a car, you may discover more issues when looking at it more deeply. For this reason, you should factor this into your business plan.

If you want to make money buying and reselling cars, you can make a lot of money. This comes at a risk. But, with enough research and hard work, you can make some serious cash.

Recycling the Pollution Paradox at driving around in a New ECO Electric Car

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/03/17 in Saving Fuel with Comments Off

The pollution situation is so densely grim, that urgent decisions are imperative. The abrupt and huge climate change patterns are visible everywhere. From the tsunami in Japan to the cyclone in Philippines, only a few minutes of the disaster resulted in huge destructions. The US continues to endure the most of extreme cold in the polar vortex phenomena. Meanwhile, earthquakes gave rise to a few new islands across the world. They call the one at Pakistan as the Jwaljala Island. Recently, the deserts of Egypt received snowfall after more than 100 years! It is impossible to close your eyes to the rapid shift in climatic patterns.

Personal agency is necessary

It is critical to take steps at personal levels. Every person on earth can contribute by minimizing the carbon footprint. Besides, recycling is also highly critical. Although plastic waste is non-biodegradable, metallic junk items still have some recycling value. You can play your part by switching over to an ECO car. It is an extremely time-efficient decision. The pollution from petroleum and coal has been the main culprit in the climatic unbalance. In addition, the earth now has to bear radioactive contamination as the broken Fukushima nuclear plant continues to spew waste in the Pacific Ocean. Situations are seriously grim all over the world.

The need for recycling

Recycling is urgently necessary. Otherwise, the stuff just accumulates as a corrosive default on earth. Start with your current car. You need to sell your fuel vehicle to make garage space for the new ECO car. Finding a good dealer can fetch you a nice amount even. Look up suitable services online. Find a company paying cash for junk cars. Usually, the salvage car dealers offer a better deal than the usual professionals do. Check the dealer website into understanding its credibility. Call up the service when you find the user experience convincing.

The wave of transition

The automobile industry is currently undergoing a major shift. Manufactures know well that petroleum dependent cars cannot survive for long. The supplies are dwindling. It is precisely the reason the prices are rising so rapidly. It is also the main cause behind countries continuing to wage war in an already violent earth. In such perspective, the situation seems apocalyptic at its best. It is not an illusion. Signs of the apocalypse are evident everywhere. Immortality holds no value nowadays. It is easily accessible in abundance as plastic waste. However, efforts to rectify the situation are also at full-swing. The ECO cars play the symbolic role of the driving force in the transition. Do you want to be at the controls of the driving power? Get cozy in a Green Vehicle now.

Save fuel cost

In the tight financial conditions nowadays, any savings opportunity should be most welcome. Buying an electric car can be a masterstroke move. You straightaway eliminate all fuel expenditure on transport. The cost of petroleum has no chance of coming down. The market conditions make it an unrealistic proposition. Extraction companies have to invest heavily in advanced equipments as the oil level continues to decline. As a trickle-down effect, the price of per liter petroleum continues to rise. You can cancel all these calculations by simply buying an electric car. It can actually help you to get your life back on track. The transition from petroleum to electricity has a certain relaxing effect on the mind.

Considering all these aspects, purchasing a Green Automobile should be a spontaneous decision. You can take the decision only when you are mentally ready for a completely new experience. Most drivers are still heavily reluctant to accept the reality. However, the change is mandatory. Whether you like it or not, the ECO cars are the future vehicles. In this understanding, it is definitely advisable to shift your mode of transport.