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.

Important Lessons Teens Should Learn Before Getting On The Road

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/11/14 in On the Road with Comments Off on Important Lessons Teens Should Learn Before Getting On The Road

Getting a driver’s license is one of the biggest milestones in becoming an adult. Unfortunately, many teens start driving without being adequately prepared. Here are some helpful tips to make the transition to the motorway easier and safer.

Safety First

The single biggest fear that most parents have is that their children will be unsafe behind the wheel. Before you even turn the key in the ignition, make sure that your seat and mirrors are adjusted properly. You should be able to see clearly on both sides of your car, with the center rear-view covering the blind spot from the two side mirrors. Familiarize yourself with all of the car’s controls as well – the last thing you want is to be fumbling over the instrument panel in the middle of traffic.

The Basics Of Repairs

Too many teens hit the road without a basic mechanical understanding of how their cars work. It’s worthwhile to spend some time getting to know the ins and outs of a car before you even have your learner’s permit. Understanding how to change a tire, check the oil, and replace a taillight can save a bunch of money – something that teens are typically fairly short of. If you don’t have a family member who can teach you, ask around your school or trade labor at a local garage.

Control Your Anxiety

Both the written and the road test can be incredibly nerve-wracking for new drivers. Even if you’ve been practicing for weeks, anxiety can creep in and ruin everything. Before you go to the DMV, take some time to study ways to center your mind and calm yourself according to Valley Driving School, a Delta driving school. Eat a banana before taking your test, as the fruit is rich in tryptophan, a protein that releases the calming hormone serotonin.

Understand Defensive Driving

One of the most commonly-heard refrains in learning how to operate a car is "drive defensively." While it’s easy to say, it’s harder to do. Teens should not only understand how to control their vehicle in normal situations, but also what to do in case of inclement weather, heavy traffic and in the presence of emergency vehicles. Each of these situations has very specific steps to take that could save your life.

The best way for a new driver to get up to speed is to attend a high-quality driving school. Certified instructors will be able to identify your problem areas and work with you to address them. Companies like British Columbia’s Valley Driving School have been working for over half a century to help drivers. In conclusion, it’s vital for teens to be prepared before they even apply for a learner’s permit.

Recalls 101: Know What to Do When Your Car is Recalled

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/11/12 in Auto Repair with Comments Off on Recalls 101: Know What to Do When Your Car is Recalled

This year has brought its fair share of auto recalls, and this boom in recalls has been a cause for concern for many drivers. While some recalls have been a measure of extra precaution, there have also been accidents, and even deaths. As a driver, it’s scary to get a recall notice in the mail, or to see your same vehicle model on the news in a story about new recalls. While this is not a situation you want to be in, we see this happening more and more these days. 

That said, keep in mind that most recall notices are not for any serious problems. They are usually a way for car companies to prevent liability from the chance of something going wrong. The majority of all recall notices are non-serious, and are merely preventative. So the very first thing to do when you get that red-letter recall notice is to keep calm. Depending on the seriousness of the recall, you can probably still drive your vehicle without fear; however, you will want to act on it as soon as possible.

Call the Dealership

Upon receiving a notice of recall, the first thing you want to do is call the dealership. Find the dealership nearest to you that specializes in your model, and schedule an appointment as soon as possible. If the recall is widespread, you won’t be the only person trying to get the same repairs done, and the early bird always gets the worm.

Are You Eligible for Free Repairs?

The law states that a car 8 years or older cannot be recalled; however, you can still receive a recall notice for a defective part. The only difference is that you will have to pay for the repairs. If your car is more than 8 years old, any repair costs will come out of your pocket.

Can You Get a New Car?

Sometimes, if the defect is serious enough, manufacturers will replace the entire vehicle. Or, if replacement isn’t possible, they may also opt refund the purchase price. See if you’re eligible for a replacement or reimbursement of your vehicle. All of these questions can be answered by a professional at the dealership, which is why this needs to be the first call you make.

What Happens If you are in an Accident?

If you get into an accident before the recall is announced, the manufacturer is not required to reimburse you. However, you can usually get restitution from the manufacturer even in this case. In some cases, you might need to hire legal representation in order to get some form of reimbursement or restitution—and this process will take time.

Time is Money, So Negotiate

You won’t have to pay for the repairs, of course, but the time it takes to drive your vehicle to the dealership, wait for the repairs to be done, and drive back home can interrupt your work or school schedule and ultimately cost you money. Ask the dealership if they can pick up your car and drive it back to your home, or if they offer a shuttle service.

Yes, recalls are frustrating and scary for everyone involved—drivers, manufacturers and dealers. Just keep in mind that the media often exaggerates these situations to make them look worse than they are. While it is true that some recall issues have led to injuries, losses, and even death, not every situation is this serious. By contacting your local dealer as soon as you hear of a recall, you can keep your family safe and get things taken care of. If you aren’t sure whether your car (or a part) is under recall, a simple internet search will help you get all the information you need.

The information for this article was provided by the professionals at Bachus & Schanker Law who specialize in car accident cases.

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