Do It Yourself: How To Prepare Your Car For Winter

by Carsurfer Admin on 2015/01/28 in Auto Maintenance with Comments Off on Do It Yourself: How To Prepare Your Car For Winter

Preparing your car for winter is important. The last thing you want is to be stuck somewhere in the freezing cold with a big problem on your plate. In winter, tow trucks seem to be too busy and getting assistance is a long, cold wait. With proper preparation your car will can safely get you through this coldest of seasons and you can avoid the problems which can spring up due to weather.

Take Care Of The Engine

Making sure your engine will start, and continue to run during the winter is a major priority. Your battery must be fully charged for good starting power. Just as you and your pets must be inside when it gets cold, your car engine needs protection from freezing. Sufficient anti-freeze in your radiator will stop the water in your engine from turning into ice. Take this step to make sure your engine gets through the winter.

Good Tires

Proper tires to handle snow and ice on the roads is a safety factor to consider when winterizing your vehicle. Good tread on your tires will also help with slipping and sliding. If your area has a lot of snow, then snow tires could be the best addition to your vehicle as the cold approaches. Snow tires have knobs on the tires themselves to assist with gripping the road, even one covered with snow. You can even find chains to take on and off as the roads clear. Staying on the road is the best way to arrive safely at your destination this winter.

Tools for Vision

An ice scraper should be an important tool in your car. Overnight your windows can turn into a winter wonderland of ice particles. Visibility on iced up windows can be a safety hazard. Preventing some of the icing up process is possible if you clean your windows with an anti-fog cleaner. While not always 100% guaranteed, an anti-fog cleaner will help prevent the windows from re-fogging once cleaned and de-iced.

Transmission Servicing

If you are stuck, you might need a lower gear to move your vehicle. Make sure your transmission is up to the task by having it serviced. According to National Transmissions, a transmission repair in Calgary, this is the most overlooked part of preparing a car for winter, so make sure it’s on you list.

Winterizing a car has many components to it. Your engine must remain unfrozen, and your battery will need power to start the engine. Good tires for the road conditions are a must. Take the time to not only de-ice the windows, but prevent fogging, and make sure your transmission is up to the task of getting you moving in a lower gear if necessary.

The Big No-No’s of Car Insurance: A Look at the Biggest 5 Mistakes You Can Make

by Carsurfer Admin on 2015/01/26 in Auto Insurance with Comments Off on The Big No-No’s of Car Insurance: A Look at the Biggest 5 Mistakes You Can Make

While car insurance is a requirement, paying an arm and a leg in monthly premiums is not. Each year, thousands of consumers across the country purchase car insurance blindly, without finding out the best ways to maximize monthly premium savings. Before you hand over your hard earned cash for car insurance, avoid the following five biggest mistakes you can make when getting quotes from agents:

Rushing the Process

Because the process of shopping and buying insurance can cause massive headaches, consumers understandably want to get it over with as soon as possible. Like any other major purchases, rushing through the process can be a mistake. Be prepared to answer a variety of questions and complete some tasks that can save you money prior to getting quotes.

  • Get a printout of your driving record from the DMV. You’ll be able to have an accurate picture, and may be able to dispute any records that appear when you apply for insurance.
  • Take defensive driving course. If you have a poor driving record, this will greatly reduce your monthly premium.
  • Always ask for discounts. There are many discounts that both you and the insurance agent are likely overlooking. Remind them to look at any potential discounts that might be missing.

Choosing the Wrong Deductible

The deductible you choose plays a large part in how high or low your monthly premium will be. Choosing a higher deductible means your premium will be lower, but you’ll have to shell out more cash if you’re involved in an accident. A lower deductible means a high premium payment but will require less out-of-pocket money after a collision. Be sure to consider how the price of your deductible will work into your monthly budget before signing on the dotted line.

Always Read Before You Sign

Like any other contract, signing an insurance contract binds you to its terms and conditions. Take time to read through the paperwork. While it may take several minutes to complete, it could save you money in the long run. Finding out later after you’ve been involved in an accident that you’re not covered because of a clause in your contract can lead to a huge, unexpected dent in your expenses.

Buying Too Much Coverage

How much do you really care for your old beat up car? Do you really need full coverage or a large deductible? Buying too much coverage for your car is a mistake people make every day. If your car is more than a decade old, you’ll likely only need the minimum amount of insurance required under state law. Double coverage is also an issue that can cost you hundreds of dollars every year. Towing and vacation coverage clauses aren’t needed if you’ve got those covered when using your credit cards.

Everything Must Be in Writing

Some agents might promise everything under the sun, but may forget to leave some details out of the contract. Get everything in writing before you sign on the dotted line. Not doing so could potentially leave you open for financial headaches down the road.

Saving money while getting enough coverage should be your top priority when purchasing car insurance. Ask for a policy and cost breakdown so you have a better chance of cutting out coverage that you don’t need. The more informed you are about your own policy, the more likely you are to save money.

The information for this article was provided by the professionals at Steers Insurance Limited, who provide car insurance in Corner Brook.

5 Inside Tips for Anyone Buying a New Car in 2015

by Carsurfer Admin on 2015/01/23 in Auto Buying Tips with Comments Off on 5 Inside Tips for Anyone Buying a New Car in 2015

Each year, vehicle designers, developers, and marketers make changes and improvements to models that have been around for decades in order to enhance the driving (or riding) experience. While many new features merely act as marketing gimmicks, there are some new features that can actually be beneficial. If you’re in the market for a new car, the following insider tips will help you narrow down your choices and find the perfect car in 2015.

Search for Technology that Suits Your Needs

Do you live in a major city that offers only the smallest of parking spaces? Where will your new sales job take you this year? Do you spend most of your days driving kids to school, violin lessons, and karate? The main use of your vehicle will help determine what technology to look for when car shopping. One of the most sought after tech features of 2015 is Internet connectivity. Cars such as the new 2015 Audi A3 and brand new Chevy Silverado 1500 both offer a wireless Internet connection. Whether you’re on a long road trip with the kids, or want access to all your files or information remotely, Internet access has many benefits.

For those stay-at-home moms or busy families that are always on the go, cars like the 2015 Kia Sedona SX-L are a great option. Like the Ford Escape, the rear door opens automatically if you approach the vehicle with an armful of bags. Known as the Smart Power Liftgate, similar technology is fast becoming standard on SUV, crossovers and minivans from many auto manufacturers.

Purchase a Car with New Safety Features to Keep Your Insurance Rates Down

If you’re looking to keep your insurance premiums to a minimum in 2015, consider buying a car with exceptional safety features. The 2015 Hyundai Genesis Sedan offers a number of improved safety features that will both save your life and keep your pocketbook happy. The lane keeping assistant, radar cruise control and emergency auto braking feature have all been available on luxury cars in previous years, and Hyundai has now brought them to a car that the average American can afford. Consider these features when purchasing a new car if you plan on driving long distances with your family or friends.

Check New Prices for Luxury Vehicles

Prices have declined for some of the major luxury car models in the past couple years, and this year is no different. A brand new Mercedes Benz C Class Sedan used to come with a sticker price of more than $45,000. Now, middle class consumers can afford an entry level model for less than $39,000. Other new cars, including the Audi A3 and Buick can be purchased for less than $30,000.

Look for New Technology in Sports Cars

Sports cars have come a long way in recent years. If you’re a two door enthusiast, don’t be surprised to find an abundance of technology features packed into your dream ride. The 2015 Ford Mustang is a great example. From an advanced navigation system to an integrated mobile apps feature, this is a prime choice for spontaneous cross-country drivers.

Determine Your Insurance Premium by Purchasing the Right Car

While purchasing a vehicle with new safety features is a great way to save on monthly insurance premiums, you can save even more by researching which car models can significantly reduce the money that comes out of your pocket for coverage. Before you purchase a car, compare insurance rates on multiple models to see which one fits your budget.

2015 will be a great year for new car models, especially when you consider the new technology that will be introduced by many of the brands. When shopping for a new car in 2015, be sure to consider your monthly budget, technology needs, safety preferences, and you’ll be more satisfied with your purchase.

The information for this article was provided by the professionals at Registrations Are Us who offer Spruce Grove license renewal and vehicle registration.

Drunk Driving Statistics and What’s Changing on the Roads Today

by Carsurfer Admin on 2015/01/21 in On the Road with Comments Off on Drunk Driving Statistics and What’s Changing on the Roads Today

Although drunk driving has decreased in recent years, it remains a serious problem in our country. During the average hour, about 30 people suffer injuries caused by intoxicated drivers. According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving such accidents killed 10,076 Americans in 2013. Various estimates indicate that these crashes cost the nation $60 to $200 billion per year. About 2.3 percent of the victims are children under 15 years old.

Improvements

The good news is that fatalities have decreased by more than 50 percent since 1980. Government figures show that the number of people killed in 2013 was about 250 less than the statistic for 2012. While alcohol continues to play a role in about 29 percent of highway deaths, this compares well with rates reported during the 1960s and 1970s. Intoxication caused about three out of five fatalities in that time period.

Enforcement

State and local authorities have become more serious about enforcing drunk driving laws. Gone are the days when police would ignore all but the most serious cases of driver intoxication. Stricter laws and sobriety checkpoints have also made a difference. For example, KOMO-TV reported that three counties in Washington State introduced new laws during 2014. Drunk drivers with multiple convictions must undergo daily alcohol tests.

Awareness

Shifting attitudes and greater awareness of the problem have helped to reduce intoxicated driving as well. Media outlets and schools across the nation regularly educate the public about the risks associated with this dangerous behavior. Public service messages on radio and TV often starkly illustrate the consequences. More people realize that it’s a crime with serious medical, legal, and financial repercussions.

Safety

General improvements in highway safety are also helping to decrease fatalities and injuries. Cars have become safer in recent years, and most vehicles on today’s roads feature multiple air bags. Additional exterior lights make modern vehicles more visible to other drivers and pedestrians. Increasing numbers of cars now incorporate backup cameras. As a recent Star Tribune news article pointed out, emergency personnel are responding to accidents more quickly as well.

It’s appropriate to celebrate this progress, but more needs to be done. About six Americans die in traffic accidents involving alcoholic beverages every four hours, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. This is still far too many. Even if you don’t drink or own a car, you can help solve this problem by discouraging others from driving intoxicated.

If you become involved in an alcohol-related collision, be sure to seek the assistance of a Blumenauer Hackworth lawyer.

Creative Car Care: What to Think About with an Outdoor Car This Winter

by Carsurfer Admin on 2015/01/19 in Auto Maintenance with Comments Off on Creative Car Care: What to Think About with an Outdoor Car This Winter

When the winter months roll around, it is crucial you prepare your outdoor car for the frigid temperatures. After all, the way you would winterize your home or garden, your car needs protection from the weather as well. While it may seem like a hassle at the time, it is definitely worth all the energy, time, and money you’d have to spend otherwise.

Visit Your Mechanic

The first step you should take in preparing for winter driving is taking your car to the local mechanic. There, you should get your battery, brakes, heater, defroster, thermostat, and antifreeze levels checked. Each of these parts of the car are vital for getting around in the winter, and the last thing you want is any of those systems to be malfunctioning. You also want to take a look at your tires. Tires should have a good amount of tread left on them. If they appear worn, though, get rid of them, and put in new snow tires so you have better traction and can take on whatever kinds of severe weather conditions are thrown your way.

Lights

Another important measure you must take is inspecting your automobile’s lights. These lights allow you to see clearly no matter how much snow, hail, and rain is coming down. If they’re not working properly, you’re putting yourself and those you love in harm’s way. As part of this step, you must make sure that both the front and rear lights are in top shape. This includes your car’s flashing hazard lights.

Windshield Fluid

Oftentimes in the winter, the windshield fluid in your vehicle freezes up. While some may choose to just deal with this issue in the spring, you can’t. You need the windshield fluid while driving, so instead exchange the fluid with one that is ideal for freezing conditions. In fact, there are some windshield fluids that are made specifically for spraying in below freezing temperatures.

Locks

Lastly, it’s very common for doors to get frozen shut in the winter months. Not only this, but a lot of times car owners have trouble getting their keys into the locks on the door. To avoid these types of issues altogether, you should hire a locksmith in Newmarket to take a look at your vehicle. This way they can perform the lock services needed so that you experience no difficulty throughout the winter. According to Affordable Lock Services Inc, you can even spray them with anti-freezing agents to get in easier each morning.

When it comes to your car, it is important that you employ the proper care in the winter. This will help you in so many different aspects so your car runs properly. Don’t wait until it’s too late, instead protect your car before anything happens.

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