Auto Magazine

5 Tips to Help you Protect your Windshield

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/07/07 in Windshield with Comments Off

Protecting your windshield and car windows is imperative for obvious purposes like safety. Research shows that 90% of driving decisions are dependent upon good vision, so it only makes common sense to invest in taking care of the windshield in particular.

Other reasons for maintaining your windshield is that it is the biggest target for the sunlight and in hot months, heats up your car interiors which in return damages them, when your car is parked for long periods of time. Additionally, if you are intending to sell your car, the windshield and wiper blades are a good gauge of how well maintained the vehicle was.

Most people maintain various parts of their cars but forget that the windshield too needs to be protected and maintained on a regular basis. Below are some tips on how to protect your windshield, so that when you are on the road, you are as safe as possible.

Clean your Windshield on a Regular Basis

The simplest and most effective way to protect your auto glass is by cleaning it on a weekly basis, both on the inside and the outside. If a piece of gravel strikes a clean windshield, its smooth surface prevents energy transfer and bounces off. However, if it strikes a dirty auto glass, the friction allows for more energy transfer that may lead to a chip or even worse, a shattered windshield.

Clean your Windshield Wipers Regularly & Replace them with New Ones when Necessary

Dirty windshield wiper blades leave streaks and simply spread dirt built up on your auto glass, leading to the same problem of a likely chip in your windshield if gravel or stones hit it when you are on the road. When you notice that your wiper blades are not doing an efficient job of providing good visibility, chances are that they are no longer doing their job well and it’s time to replace them with new ones.

Request an Extra Coating of Windshield Protection

When buying a new car, request for an extra coating of windshield protection. While some cars already come with this extra coating, most don’t. In the long run, the investment will pay off in the unfortunate event of an accident or flying glass hitting your windshield. Called shatterproof glass, this is a good option for a new purchase.

Use Invisible Polyester Films to Reinforce the Safety of your Glass

There many consumer products in the market today that can be used to protect your car windshield. Most of them are used to protect against cracks from stones, hail and harmful UV rays, so fret not if your existing car hasn’t been reinforced with an extra coating of windshield protection.

Remove Ice from your Windshield without Causing Damage

When winter comes around, it is more than likely that you will encounter a layer of ice forming on your windshield at some point. It may be tempting to pick any old item like a knife or a spatula to remove the ice. This increases the chances of scratching your windshield or damaging your auto glass. Instead be patient and use a plastic ice scrapper. Other options include using a de-icer spray to melt the ice and you may not even need a plastic ice scrapper.

Follow the tips above religiously and you will be well on your way to preserving and maintaining your car windshield for a long time to come. However, if you happen to find yourself with a damaged windshield, be sure to get a quick windshield replacement quote on glass.net.

3 Things Insurance Companies Don’t Always Tell You

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/07/03 in Auto Insurance with Comments Off

Finding the great combination of insurance is a goal for many savvy consumers. Whether it’s home, auto, or health-related, the process of filing a claim or even the application process can be daunting. Many insurance agents use a variety of calculations to come up with rates and claim procedures. There are a few things that consumers should be aware of with insurance.

Demographics and styles can play a key role in rates

Believe it or not, the town you live in and the style of car or home can dramatically change premium rates. Many insurance companies use statistics that determine areas that are higher risk for theft or crime. They also assess areas prone to flood. Many areas that are not labeled as a flood zone can be rated by a claims adjustor after recent flooding for home insurance. Different occupations or marital status can play a role in the financial aspect of calculating rates.

Car makes and models also play a role the type of insurance premiums available. For example, a rear-wheel drive vehicle can be considered a sports car and carry a higher premium. It is in the best interest of consumers to research neighborhoods or vehicles before making that purchase.

There are many discounts that consumers forget about

Many Calgary insurance companies include several perks and insurance incentives to people such as students or senior citizens. Some of the more hidden features are good driver discounts or rate reductions for energy efficient vehicles. Many insurance agencies can provide additional benefits when requested.

Bad driving of any car occupant can affect premiums

A positive driving record can have a cumulative effect of lowering premiums and enhancing the stability of insurance. Inversely, it can cause premiums to go up and stay high for a considerable length of time. Many consumers do not realize that even a friend or relative driving the vehicle can raise your rates if they get into an accident.

The Bottom Line

It pays to do research in advance and inquiring about services with a local insurance company. Insurance companies can sometimes have vague or arbitrary language that makes it difficult to file a claim properly. Consumers can work with this language by claiming ambiguity and allowing more leverage for getting a claim filed more quickly. The insured should also make detailed note of exactly what is insured and place a sticker price on everything in that package. Using good detective skill and maintaining communication with an agent can help decipher the mystery of insurance.

Article credit: Calgary insurance company Thomson Schindle Green Insurance & Financial Services Ltd,

5 Post-Car-Accident Mistakes that Will Cause You to Lose Out on Money You Deserve

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/07/01 in Auto Accident with Comments Off

Involvement in a car accident can be very chaotic. The event itself is traumatic, but your actions after the accident may have the most impact on the outcome of your claim for compensation. Although you’ll be a little shaken up immediately following the experience, you’ll need to be prepared to take action (and avoid other actions) in order to keep yourself protected from a law suit or other problems further down the road. Knowing what not to do after an accident occurs is just as important as knowing what to do, so read on to learn about the biggest post-car-accident mistakes that you definitely want to avoid at all costs.

Admitting Any Fault

It is human nature to assume at least partial responsibility for an accident. Never admit any responsibility to the accident to law enforcement or anyone else at the scene of the event. Simply reply that you are not sure what happened or provide information about your reaction to events. Most states have laws governing compensation benefits based on responsibility. Let the attorneys use evidence to determine fault. Obviously, you want to be honest, but most likely you won’t be thinking clearly after the accident because of the adrenaline, so be sure that you don’t reveal too much since you might be confused about what really happened.

Not Seeking Immediate Medical Care

While most auto insurance policies provide you with up to seven days to seek medical care for an accident, most insurers will start to question the conditions after about 12 hours. Many claims are automatically denied because the insurer feels the injury is not related to the event. You should seek medical care immediately, even for minor injuries. If an EMT comes to the scene of the accident, take their advice, especially if they suggest that you go to the hospital. They might be able to see some potential problems, and again, you’ll be full of adrenaline, so you might not feel the full measure of the pain yet. Even if you feel something slightly painful or abnormal, you’ll want to consult a doctor, just in case.

Failing To Hire An Attorney

You should hire an attorney as soon as you can once you sense any trouble after the accident. Many people will not take issue with the accident if it was a mutual mistake, but be prepared for the other party to sue or the insurance company to expect a settlement from you. The insurance company will begin pushing for you to make a settlement or agreement with them as soon as possible. Avoid making any statements or agreements with the insurer prior to speaking to an attorney. Additionally, an attorney will be familiar with all of the benefits you are entitled to because of the accident. Many times the insurance company “forgets” to disclose these benefits. With an attorney on your side, you’re more likely to get what you deserve, and get it in proper time. If you wait until months after all of the events have transpired, it will be much more difficult to get what you want at that point.

Not Following Medical Care Instructions

It is very important that you follow all medical care instructions and keep all appointments. Missed appointments or refusal of treatments is seen by the insurance company as a sign that you no longer need medical care. If you are not happy with the medical care you are receiving, speak to your attorney about having a second opinion conducted. The worst thing you can do is ignore a doctor’s recommendations or orders. As mentioned, you can switch doctors if you don’t agree with their treatment style or recommendations, but ignoring medical care instructions could disqualify you for coverage later down the road which could be a huge problem if your condition caused by the accident worsens.

Posting Too Much Information

You should refrain from posting too much information on your social sites about the accident. Keep any information you post as basic. Never admit fault on your pages and never disclose the legal issues you have discussed with your attorney. The insurance company will be monitoring your site, and postings on your social media sites could be used as evidence against you if you aren’t careful. Be careful with emails and electronic communications as well since these can often be obtained and used against you. Just as you don’t want to admit fault at the scene of the accident, you don’t want to say too much about your involvement in the accident—even if you’re just posting on the internet.

By understanding these five mistakes, you can avoid problems with your compensation claim and receive the full amount you deserve for your losses. As mentioned, you’ll likely be frazzled and overwhelmed immediately following the accident so be careful that you don’t make a mistake just because you are confused or shaken up. If you know the best steps to take before an accident ever occurs, then you’ll know exactly what to do when that unfortunate time comes.

AUTHOR BIO: This article was written by Dixie Somers, a freelance writer who loves to write for business, finance, women’s interests, and technology. She lives in Arizona with her husband and three beautiful daughters. Dixie got her advice for this article from the legal professionals at the Law Offices of Stanley Pasternak who practice law in Toronto.

Brake Signs: Six Ways to Know It’s Time to Fix Your Brakes

by Kara Masterson on 2014/06/30 in Brakes with Comments Off

Besides being a safety hazard, bad brakes can result in costly repairs if you let the problem go unresolved for too long. Identifying a brake problem early can save you a lot of money on future repairs. The following signs could indicate the need for brake repair or replacement.

The Tell-Tale Grind

Noise is the most obvious sign that something’s amiss with your brakes. Whether it’s a grinding or a clicking sound when you come to a full stop, mysterious sounds almost always spell trouble. Inspect your rotors for deep grooves that typically indicate the need for new pads.

Longer Braking Distances

Another dead giveaway that your brakes are failing is increased braking distance. Even if you don’t hear any weird noises, a car that takes longer than usual to stop under normal circumstances probably needs new pads at a minimum. You may need to swap out rotors as well.

Increased Pedal Travel

If your brake pedal goes all the way to the floor or nearly there when you’re stopping, there’s a good chance that you have a hydraulic problem. This could mean that you’ve got air in the brake lines or that your car is low on brake fluid.

Shaky Stops

A car that shakes when coming to a stop probably has one or more rotors that are warped from excessive heat or improper installation. It might also indicate the need for new brake pads. A pulsating sensation when you hit the brake pedal with moderate force should be investigated.

Lazy Acceleration

If your vehicle feels like it’s being held back when accelerating and it’s not the engine, it could mean that your brakes are responsible. Possible explanations include brake shoes that need to be adjusted or stuck calipers. Regardless of the cause, it’s time for brake repair.

Pulling to One Side

Pulling to one side in a noticeable fashion could be the result of uneven wear on brake pads. Poor alignment, unevenly inflated tires and suspension issues could also be the culprits. If your car is pulling and you suspect the brakes, look for uneven pad or rotor wear.

The need for brake work can be the result of a number of causal factors that are sometimes difficult to diagnose. If you know what to look for, you can save a lot of cash by having your particular brake problems addressed early by a mechanic.

Kara Masterson is a freelance writer from West Jordan, Utah. She graduated from the University of Utah and enjoys writing and spending time with her dog, Max.

Drive A Motorcycle? 5 Things You’ll Want To Remember Before You Saddle Up

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/06/27 in Motorcycles with Comments Off

Some people simply cannot resist the sheer thrill of riding a motorcycle. However, a motorcycle is a powerful machine that must be respected at all times. If you do not take the necessary precautions, you are at risk of being seriously injured. Here are four things you’ll want to remember before saddling up.

Never assume that a motorist sees you

Never make the mistake of assuming that a driver sees your bike. Even if you keep your headlights on and use the proper hand signals, there is no guarantee that the other motorists will notice the presence of your bike. The small stature of a motorcycle can easily become camouflaged in a driver’s blind-spot. Before attempting to pass a vehicle on the road, always look twice to check your surroundings.

Practice makes perfect

While confidence is always a good trait to have, being overconfident on a motorcycle could cause you to lose your life. It is always a good idea to take a training course prior to purchasing a motorcycle. These training courses are taught by experts who have years of motorcycle riding experience. Even if you have experience in riding dirt bikes, riding a motorcycle on the road is a totally different ball game. The best part is that the training program provides all of the essentials including the bike, helmet, and riding gear.

Find a good motorcycle accident attorney

When it comes to riding a motorcycle, it is always best to err on the side of caution. In the unfortunate event that you are involved in a collision, you may need to file an insurance claim. Insurance companies are often difficult to deal with, it certainly helps to have a knowledgeable motorcycle attorney in your corner. A motorcycle attorney’s primary goal is to make sure that you are fairly compensated.

All motorcycles are not created the same

Aside from obtaining the proper training, choosing a motorcycle is the most important aspect of motorcycling. The size and performance of a motorcycle can vary greatly from one model to the next. A high-powered sport bike is definitely not appropriate for a newbie. If you are a first-timer, you may want to consider the purchase of a used bike. Ideally, you should select a bike that suits your body type.

Choose the right gear

All too often you hear about someone being killed on a motorcycle because they weren’t wearing a helmet. Some type of helmet is better than no helmet, but there is definitely a difference between a helmet you spend 20 dollars on, and one you spend 100 dollars on. Read the reviews, talk to someone who knows motorcycle gear well, and make sure you’re prepared for the worst. Some motorcyclists choose to wear protective jackets, pants etc… There are lots of things out there that can make your new hobby more enjoyable.

Owning a motorcycle can be a very gratifying experience if you put your safety first. Save the high-speed maneuvers and dangerous stunts for the professionals.