Sporty and Spendy: This Year’s Most Expensive Vehicles to Insure

by Emma Sturgis on 2014/06/24 in Auto Insurance with Comments Off on Sporty and Spendy: This Year’s Most Expensive Vehicles to Insure

There are many cars on the road today built with just one thing in mind: speed. These are not cars taken to drive leisurely around town, or used for work and errands on a daily basis. These are the cars boasting lightning fast speeds, and also extremely high insurance rates. Nissan, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche all have these speedy models, which also come with the highest insurance rates of 2014.

Porsche Panamera Turbo S

According to insure.com, the Porsche Panamera Turbo S is fifth on the list of cars with a pricey insurance rate for 2014. On average, it costs $2970 to insure this car every year. Why such a high price tag? The Porsche Panamera Turbo S boasts 570 horsepower with turbochargers, allowing this vehicle to top out at speeds of 192 miles per hour. In addition to its ability to reach breakneck speeds, the Porsche Panamera Turbo S is also a four-seater, adding backseat passengers to its risk potential.

Mercedes-Benz CL550 4Matic AWD

The Mercedes-Benz CL550 4Matic AWD comes in next on the list of cars with the highest insurance prices of 2014. On average, this car costs $3019 annually to insure. The reasoning behind this price is simple—this car is designed to throw caution to the wind, with 429 horsepower and the ability to go from 0-60 miles per hour in 4.8 seconds.

BMW M6

The BMW M6 is the second most expensive car to insure in 2014. The 560 horsepower engine and the ability to accelerate from 0-60 miles per hour in just 4.1 seconds give this car the speed many crave, and the liability insurance companies dread. Because of this, the cost to insure the BMW M6 is $3065 annually. The coupe model of the M6 is even costlier, due to its lightweight carbon-fiber roof, which both increases its speed and makes it more prone to damage in the event of a collision. 

Nissan GT-R Track Edition

Finally, in the number one category of the most expensive cars to insure is a vehicle with a maker that might surprise you. Nissan’s GT-R Track Edition is the premier sports car for those enamored with the idea of achieving racing speeds. This vehicle, equipped with a turbocharged V-6 engine and a six-speed automatic clutch, accelerates from 0-60 miles per hour in 2.9 seconds and boasts a 545 horsepower engine. The newest model removed the back seat in order to increase the speed and performance of the car. To insure this vehicle, the annual cost is $3169.

A insurance specialist reports that car insurance companies typically assess a vehicle’s risk factor to determine the rates they will apply to that particular vehicle. The above listed vehicles all embody a certain amount of risk due to their ability to reach high speeds quickly. Because these cars are, on average, priced over $100,000 and have significant wreck potential, the insurance rates are much higher than those of an ordinary car or SUV.

How to Troubleshoot Engine Problems of Your Classic Car

by Anica Oaks on 2014/06/23 in Auto Restoration with Comments Off on How to Troubleshoot Engine Problems of Your Classic Car

Troubleshooting problems in an engine of a classic car is more of an art than a skill. Most people, when they sense a problem, will simply replace parts in the engine until the problem has been resolved. This is not a particularly effective method and has the tendency to be very expensive. Luckily, there are easier methods to figure out what is wrong with a car’s engine.

Types of Classic Car Engine Problems

There are seven different categories into which an engine problem could fall. They have their own diagnostic leads, which will make figuring out what is wrong a much smoother process.

Rough Idle:

If a car is experiencing a rough idle, then there is the chance that a carburetor has come loose. There could also be a leak in the vacuum or breaker points that could have become worn down or wrongly adjusted so that they are no longer in the correct position. There is also a chance the polarity of the coil could be wrong.

Pinging:

You can usually detect pinging when your car is accelerating quickly or when towing a load. Pinging typically means that there is some combustion problem in the engine. This is usually a result of there being an excessive amount of lead in the ignition or the combustion chambers being inundated with carbon.

Hesitation:

If a classic car is experiencing hesitation, then it is usually a result of the pump stroke of the accelerator being weak, the vacuum advance not working at all, or the screws from the idle mix being set incorrectly.

Stalling:

This could be a simple result of the idle speed being lower than optimal. It could also be a result of there being a large leak in the vacuum, a problem which needs to be addressed immediately. If neither of these two issues are the problem, then you may want to check your ignition points, and see if your engine valves are leaking.

Oil Smoke on Startup:

If there is oil smoke being produced when the engine is being started, then that usually means that the valve guides or seals have been worn down to the point where they no longer function. You may even have a problem with a blown head gasket, which allows oil to leak into the compression cylinder.

High Amount of Oil Consumption:

If the car seems to be using more oil than it used to, your car may not have oil of the correct viscosity or that the oil has been diluted with gasoline. There is also a chance that the ring on the piston has been worn and needs to be replaced.

If you need extra assistance with identifying and repairing classic engine problems, consider the help of professional engine repair services like Speedy Brake and Apollo Muffler or a shop near you. However, by using this rough diagnostic guide, it is possible to locate the source of the engine problem in a short period of time. This saves the vehicle’s functionality, as well as a large amount of money for the owner of the car.

 

About the author: A recent college graduate from University of San Francisco, Anica loves dogs, the ocean, and anything outdoor-related. She was raised in a big family, so she’s used to putting things to a vote. Also, cartwheels are her specialty. You can connect with Anica here. This article uses information from Speedy Brake and Apollo Muffler.

Tricked Out Truck: Four Serious Upgrades

by Anica Oaks on 2014/06/20 in Auto Parts with Comments Off on Tricked Out Truck: Four Serious Upgrades

If you’re considering tricking out your truck, you’ve probably considered a new paintjob and decals, but you may not know where to start your modifying and accessorizing. Tricking out your truck can enhance its performance and show your distinct style. Here are four upgrades that can take your truck to the next level.

1. Suspension

Improved suspension is one of the most essential truck upgrades, and it can be one of the most extreme. If, for example, you intend to upgrade to large, heavy-duty tires, you will need to lift your truck to allow for the bigger tires. Suspension also allows for great ground clearance, allowing you to drive your truck in harsher areas where unraised vehicles would be in danger of damaging their undercarriages.

There are three main lift options:

  • Leveling: According to Diesel Power Mag, leveling kits can be used to raise the front of the truck to match the stock level of the back. This is the simplest of the three options, as it involves less hardware. Leveling typically provides about 2” of lift.
  • Lift Kits: Lift systems and lift kits can lift your truck anywhere from 2”-10”. Custom lift kits can go even higher. Lift kits achieve this using blocks or springs.
  • Body Lift: According to Tonda 4-Wheel Drive Ltd., body lifts are inexpensive and can add height even after your suspension is maxed out. Body lifts were used before trucks came with the integrated ability to add suspension. You may need to modify your bumpers and wheel wells to hide the space between the body and the wheels if you have a body lift.

2. Lights

Adding new lights or upgrading the lights your truck already has can help you navigate back roads, or just make a statement. With alternative mounting systems to add floodlights to the roof of your truck or other enhancements for your headlights, the possibilities are nearly endless.

3. Hitches

Likely, your truck came with a hitch. However, a great way to customize and best utilize your truck is to add a fifth wheel hitch or enhance the original hitch. This will enable you to haul loads more efficiently. Just be sure to check your towing capacity—that information can be found in your owner’s manual.

4. Tires

One of the great things about trucks is the ability to install nearly any size and intensity of tires. If you decide to go with bigger wheels, whether for the tough, tricked out look, or for better performance while off-roading, you will need to raise the truck to accommodate them.

This upgrade can get you a lot of bang for your buck: look for tires that suit the way you use your truck, whether that is as a personal vehicle or for recreation. You can also choose custom rims to complete the statement.

Whether you’re tricking out your truck to increase its capacity and performance, or to make it the baddest on the block, you can’t go wrong starting with these four upgrades. From there you can get as crazy as you have money and ambition for.

 

About the author: A recent college graduate from University of San Francisco, Anica loves dogs, the ocean, and anything outdoor-related. She was raised in a big family, so she’s used to putting things to a vote. Also, cartwheels are her specialty. You can connect with Anica here. This article uses information from Tonka 4-Wheel Drive Ltd.

Is Your Car Road Trip Ready? 3 Things to Do Before You Hit the Road

by Lizzie Weakley on 2014/06/19 in On the Road with Comments Off on Is Your Car Road Trip Ready? 3 Things to Do Before You Hit the Road

Are you planning a road trip this summer? You’ve picked your destination and the places you want to stop along the way. You’ve booked a hotel, packed your comfiest clothes, and bought a new pair of sunglasses—you are ready to hit the road. But is your car?

Make sure to do these three things before you head out.

1. Stock up on Supplies

If you encounter an emergency while you are far from home, you won’t be able to call a neighbor or family member to come to the rescue. Hopefully everything goes smoothly, but you should have the following things on hand in case bad weather leaves you stranded or your car breaks down in the middle of a desert.

  • Fully-stocked first aid kit: Remember to include bandages, antibiotic ointment, scissors and tweezers, cold/heat pack, and pain killers
  • Extra water and non-perishable food
  • Flashlight
  • Jumper Cables
  • Supplies to handle a flat or blown out tire: Bring a jack, tire iron, spare tire, and a puncture repair kit
  • Basic tools: Pack some screw drivers, pliers, wrenches, and duct tape.
  • Extra engine coolant
  • Blanket
  • Map of the area
  • Cell phone and charger

2. Make a Plan

You can’t always prevent your car from breaking down, so make sure you have a plan for emergencies. If your car leaves you stranded on the open road, do the following:

  • If possible, move your car to the side of the road. If possible, coast along the shoulder until you are away from curves in the road so that other drivers will have a clear view of your stopped vehicle.
  • For your safety, and the safety of others, alert other drivers to the fact that you are stopped by turning on your hazard lights, hanging something out of your window or popping your hood. You should also turn on your hazard lights if you are moving very slowly while looking for a safe place to pull over.
  • Call for help. If you have roadside assistance they should be able to come get you and your car. If you don’t have roadside assistance, write down the numbers tow truck companies in the area you will be visiting before you leave on your trip. If you are unable to call for help, wait patiently until a highway patrol officer drives through the area. Make sure family and friends know where you are headed, so they can alert authorities if you don’t check in with them at an expected time.

3. Check the Basics

The best way to prevent car trouble is to check your car before you leave. Be sure to check and change your oil as well as check your breaks, and suspension.

After you have a professional check for the major problems, do your own inspection. Does your air filter need to be replaced? Do you have enough windshield washer fluid? Are your tires inflated to the pressure recommended in your vehicle owner’s manual? Do the tires have enough tread left?

Once you’ve checked your car for problems, take a minute to familiarize yourself with the vehicle. If you usually use your car for commuting to and from work, it is possible you’ve never needed to turn on the high-beams, fog lights, or cruise control. Make sure you know where everything is now and can easily turn things on as needed.

Do these three things before you head out on your road trip so you can enjoy the scenery worry-free.

My name is Lizzie Weakley and I am a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. I went to college at The Ohio State University where I studied communications. I enjoy the outdoors and long walks in the park with my 3-year-old husky Snowball.

Lizzie was inspired to write this article by Speedy Brake and Apollo Muffler.

Running on Liquid: Understanding the Different Functions of Car Fluids

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/06/18 in Auto Maintenance with Comments Off on Running on Liquid: Understanding the Different Functions of Car Fluids

Car fluids, in addition to the components that use them, are the lifeblood of any car. Without them, motors burn up, transmissions stall and other unwanted things go haywire. Know the difference between automotive fluids, their characteristics and functions. And most importantly, know how and when to check and replace these fluids. Hence, here is a brief rundown of the most common and important automotive fluids. 

Transmission Fluid

Right up there with oil and gasoline in terms of importance, transmission fluid is the critical substance that provides hydraulic power for shifting gears while simultaneously lubricating them. Do you know when and how to check it? 

Like checking the oil level, it’s a good idea to have the engine running and warm when checking tranny fluid. Start by taking the transmission fluid dipstick out (don’t confuse it with the oil dipstick), wipe it clean, reinsert it and take it out again, taking note of the level on the stick. Unless the car’s gears are not switching smoothly (in which case you should check the fluid even more often), always check the transmission fluid at least once a month. 

Coolant

Engines get hot, there’s no way around it. That’s where coolant–often a mixture of water and antifreeze that resides in a reservoir alongside the engine–comes into action. Antifreeze, used more in climates with colder winters, protects against both extreme heat and severe cold. 

Oil

Even people who know absolutely nothing about cars or how they work know (or should know) that oil is the single most important thing in an engine. Not only does it provide lubrication for moving parts, it protects against rust by staving off metal oxidation and collects dirt via the oil filter. Let’s put it this way, with too little oil, the engine is going to wear down exponentially faster; with no oil, your engine’s dead in no time. 

Oil should be checked about every three weeks (more often on older and/or higher-mileage cars). Also, check it just like you would the aforementioned transmission fluid–just don’t get the wrong stick. 

Power Steering and Brake Fluid

These fluids, like transmission fluid, provide hydraulic pressure to help the driver brake and steer with little effort. However, they are different beasts than other coolants like oil and coolants in one major aspect: cars typically don’t deplete them. If there’s a problem, say with a leak in the power steering fluid container, yes, issues will generally start popping up everywhere. Generally, though, these liquids should be checked once every two to three months. 

Windshield Washer Fluid

Contrary to what most non-mechanics think of window washer fluid, it’s more than just pretty blue water. Washer fluid contains several chemicals like methanol and ethylene glycol that break down things like bug guts splattered across your window quicker and more efficiently than soapy water. Check it once a month or so.

Article Credit:
According to National Transmission, a Calgary bearing and transmission company, checking your transmission fluid frequently will save the operator extravagant repair bills due to wear and tear.

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