On Your Own: Guide to Owning Your First Car

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/11/26 in Auto Buying Tips with Comments Off on On Your Own: Guide to Owning Your First Car

Whether you are living at home or you are on your own, the first car you own is a big responsibility. A car is an investment and you’ll want to make sure your money goes to good use and your car stays in shape. Learn these tips for keeping track of your car’s well-being, and making it last as long as you can.

Get to Know the Owner’s Manual

Every car is different, and the place where you start to learn about your car and how to keep it running, is in the owner’s manual. The owner’s manual will teach you what every light and switch in the car means, and will also tell how you can do some minor repairs. Remember that keeping basic DIY repair manuals on hand will also go a long way in maintaining the vehicle through all the seasons you and your car face.

Top It Off

It feels like it goes without saying, but keep your gas tank full. It is far easier to fill up the tank than it is to run on fumes, and it is also important when you want to keep your car in good shape during the winter. The last thing you want is to run out of gas on the highway, so why chance it? Gas is pricy, so budget accordingly.

Learn to Check the Tire Pressure

With good care, regular rotation, and careful attention, your tires can last for quite some time. Make sure you are aware of how much wear you put on your tires. Learn to check the tire pressure at the gas station, and keep an eye out for tacks in the tires, and wear on the walls. If possible, try to get new tires before each winter.

Get Insurance

Car insurance is required often and is not a luxury item. Get insurance, and pay for as much as you can. This is what will keep you safe in the event of an accident and give you money to get by if something happens. Keep the proof of insurance in your glove box, and be ready to present it if you need to.

Drive Responsibly 

Drive the car you have, not the one you wish you had! Don’t push the car faster than it can go, and respect the limitations you may have with your model. Stay safe, and always be aware of any problems, no matter how trivial. If your car does not have four wheel drive, try not to take it into rough territory.

Learning to take care of a car is an important part of living on your own, so be diligent in checking every part, especially during the harder months.

Ways To Prevent Cracks In Your Windshield

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/11/24 in Windshield with Comments Off on Ways To Prevent Cracks In Your Windshield

If you own a vehicle, at some point in time you will have a cracked windshield. Not only can these cracks obstruct your vision, they can also spread as you drive and make your drive all the more hazardous. While it is not possible to avoid cracked windshields all together, there are ways to prevent cracks from happening. Here are 4 tips to avoid a crack or a chip that will become more than just an eyesore.

Park Under a Carport

Did you know that direct sunlight can be just as bad for your auto glass as it is for the interior of your car? The seal that surrounds the windshield can absorb heat and then transfer this heat to the glass itself. The high temperatures makes the glass more prone to cracks around the perimeter when you hit a bump or if you have a minor impact. To prevent the damaging UV rays from doing damage, park under a surface.

Avoid Sudden Temperature Changes When Possible

Direct sunlight can be damaging, but going from hot to cold rapidly can also affect your auto glass. If you are parked in the heat, the glass expands. When you turn your car on and blast your air conditioner, the glass will then contract. This can lead to a weakened structure which causes cracking. To avoid this, avoid the significant temperature changes by using your AC or heater moderately.

Inspect for Small Chips

You can have a very minimal chip and not notice it for a great deal of time. This is why it’s important to inspect your windshield closely on a regular basis so that you can identify the unnoticeable cracks or chips that are minor now and can later become major. If you do spot a chip, it’s wise to get your chip repaired before it spiders and you need a windshield replacement according to Speedy Apollo Auto Service Centres, a company that provides windshield replacement in Calgary.

Steer Clear of Bumpy Roads

If you do not have many routes that you can take to and from a location, it might not always be possible to avoid roads with not-so-pleasant driving conditions. Bumpy roads, gravel roads, hair pin turns, and roads that cause your vehicle to jump can cause the windshield to jar. This jarring can flex the windshield beyond its capabilities and lead to cracking. When rough driving conditions can be avoided, take the smoother and less straining road.

You may not be able to avoid glass breakage in all instances, but these tips can help you reduce the likelihood. Be sure to choose an auto glass repair company that you can trust when you do need repairs, and stay safe on the roads.

Four Incredible Cars That You Can Be Paid To Drive

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/11/21 in On the Road with Comments Off on Four Incredible Cars That You Can Be Paid To Drive

Driving is fun. Strap on the safety belt, rev the engine, and off you go. But then reality hits and the gas gauge is nearing empty, the insurance is due, and there’s a sound coming from the engine that can’t possibly be good. As fun as it is, regular driving can really cost you. If you love nothing more than the feeling of being behind the wheel, you should consider a career path which will both put you in a great car and pay you to drive it!

Race Cars

Drag racers, stock car racers, even dirt track racers at the track on Saturday night get to drive competitively at breakneck speeds. All those stickers covering race cars aren’t free—sponsors pay the race team to advertise their name on the side of the car so spectators see the product. The better the driver, the more the sponsors pay to have their name go around and around on that particular car.

Fire Truck

At some point, it’s every kid’s dream to get in the driver’s seat of a big, usually red fire truck and blare the sirens.  As a firefighter, you could get the opportunity to not only drive this amazing firefighting vehicle, but use it to help the public and save lives. With other motorists yielding to the siren and the ability to manipulate street lights, you couldn’t ask for a better driving experience.

Police Vehicles

Police patrol cars have all the bells, whistles, switches and goodies. The officer behind the wheel gets respect when cruising down the road. Even the slickest, fastest sports car will hit the brakes when they catch a glimpse of a squad car. Police vehicles are a special breed—with lower, tighter suspension and beefed-up engines, these brutes reach top speeds and can command just as much attention as fire trucks. If you think you can handle the rigors of police work, a recruiter with a UF degree in Criminology says there are several law enforcement positions which can put you behind the wheel.

The Google Car

Even the name gets a smile. The Google Street View cars are those that scour the countryside with swivel turrets on top to record every house, domicile, garage and deep dark corner of a neighborhood. The Maps Street View Car is a hard one to miss, with colorful stripes and a large, roof-mounted camera on top.

With a little planning and forethought, you don’t have to drive without being paid again. Delivery truck drivers get paid. Taxi cab drivers get paid. The open road is a money maker—are you ready to cash in?

5 Things Every Dad Should Teach His Kids about Automobiles

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/11/19 in Auto Maintenance with Comments Off on 5 Things Every Dad Should Teach His Kids about Automobiles

When it comes to teaching children about life lessons, there are many morals and basics to cover to ensure that they develop well. For fathers, teaching children about automobiles will ensure that they learn how to properly care for their own cars in the future and learn the basic steps of maintenance. When it comes to deciding what to cover with cars, there are a few skills that are essential.

1. Change a Tire

Every driver has experienced a flat tire at some point while on the road, making it important to learn how to install a spare instead of waiting for help. Teach your kids how to loosen the nuts and lift the vehicle off the ground before installing the spare tire. Teaching your kids how to properly change a tire can spare them undue stress if they ever find themselves on a lonely, long stretch of highway with a flat tire.

2. Change the Oil

Changing the oil on a vehicle is a basic part of maintaining the quality of the engine and can extend the lifespan of the vehicle if done regularly. Kids can enhance their automotive knowledge by seeing their dad pull the plug, remove the oil filter, add fresh oil, and recycle the old oil that is drained out. A mechanic from National Transmissions can also show them how to perform the task.

3. Check the Fluids

It’s essential to check the fluids on a vehicle at least once a month to ensure that the car continues to run well. The fluids you need to check include motor oil, transmission fluid, antifreeze and brake fluid. Yet unfortunately, this is a common oversight amongst car owners and something that can eventually lead to the deterioration of the car. Kids can learn the preventative maintenance step at an early age, which includes measuring the engine oil, transmission fluid, coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid.

4. Inspect the Brake Pads

To ensure that the vehicle is safe on the road, the brake pads should be inspected for signs of wear by looking through the wheel. A small slot in the middle will also work as a wear indicator and should be replaced if it’s almost nonexistent.  Few things are as scary as your breaks failing you, which make this one of the most essential items on the list.

5. Check the Tire Pressure

Kids will enjoy using a tire pressure gauge to properly track the air pressure to ensure that the tires have even wear on the tread. You can then show them how to refill the air to the instructed amount at a local gas station. You can even buy your child a cheap tire gauge of their own so they can check the tire pressure every once awhile on their own.

When it comes to learning about life skills, caring for automobiles will prevent common issues and repairs from occurring for children who are exposed at an early age. It will not only make for a fun lesson, but can enhance the bond that the parent has with the child.

Electric Cars Growing in Popularity – What are the Benefits?

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/11/17 in Auto Buying Tips with Comments Off on Electric Cars Growing in Popularity – What are the Benefits?

Electric vehicles have continued to grow in popularity across the nation in both urban and rural areas, due to the numerous advantages electric vehicles have over traditional internal combustion vehicles. This trend is certain to continue to grow among new and old car buyers alike as electric vehicle prices continue to fall. You might think that electric cars are only for those who are trying to “go green” and protect the environment, however, there are some far reaching benefits that are attracting the masses. The following advantages can make an electric car an excellent choice for individuals who are seeking a safe, fuel-efficient and attractive form of transportation:

Freedom from the Gas Pump: Electrical Charging Systems

Electrical vehicles can obtain a charge from a variety of sources, including fixed and household charging stations. Electrical charging stations are becoming increasingly common in America, making it possible to charge the vehicle while the owner is working or shopping. However, the greatest advantage of this system is the ability to charge the car whenever the owner is not using it. By doing so, the owner never has to worry about making a trip to the gas station, knowing that his or her car will be ready when it is needed.

In addition, unlike the cost of gasoline or diesel fuel, electricity rates are very stable. This means that an electrical car will have a very stable operating cost. This can be especially important for people who commute or otherwise make frequent use of their vehicle. In addition, electrical cars make use of regenerative braking systems, transfer power back to the battery, thus extending the vehicle’s range. This ensures that electrical cars are far more efficient in urban areas where frequent stops are required due to traffic conditions.

Safety Considerations

Electrical cars have a number of safety advantages over conventional vehicles. Most importantly, the lack of a gasoline or diesel fuel tank reduces the potential for a vehicular fire, either due to an accident or a refueling mishap. According to Las Vegas personal injury lawyers at the Tanner Law Firm, this can be extremely important, as many injuries and deaths have been causes by the burning fuel of a conventional vehicle. In comparison, an electrical cars battery and power system is designed to ensure that the car’s occupants will never be shocked by the system even after an auto accident. For example, all modern electrical vehicles include safety systems that will automatically cut off power if a short or other malfunction is detected.

A final advantage is the lack of any poisonous exhaust. Carbon monoxide poisoning due to defective exhaust or heating systems can lead to death or severe injury for the occupants of a conventional vehicle. There is no such danger to the occupants of an electrical vehicle, making these vehicles especially attractive for use in colder climates.

Driving and Comfort Considerations

In addition to being fuel-efficient and safe when compared to other vehicles, electrical vehicles provide a pleasant driving experience. An electric motor is almost soundless when operating, eliminating the unpleasant noise that is so common in a conventional vehicle. In addition, the lack of an exhaust means that bystanders, drivers and passengers will not have to endure the smell and discomfort produced by a conventional vehicle’s exhaust. This can be especially beneficial to individuals who store their vehicle in a garage or car park.

Ultimately, electrical vehicles are superior to conventional vehicles in terms of fuel-economy, safety, and comfort. This, coupled with the falling price for modern electrical vehicles, ensures that they will become an increasingly common sight on America’s roads.

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