Auto Magazine

Keeping it Up: Six Habits to Maintaining Your Car

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/06/17 in Brakes with Comments Off

Besides car washes and quality gas, it’s important to practice a few other steps to increase the longevity of your vehicle. It will not only lead to less mechanical issues, but can also increase the overall value of the car. Use these habits of maintaining your car for better performance value.

Replace the Fluids

Check the transmission fluid with the engine running and replace it every 100,000 miles or when the oil becomes murky or dark. The brake fluid, coolant, and windshield wiper fluid should also be checked at the same time and replaced when low. You can find all these liquids at your local auto parts store. Consult your owner’s manual or sales associate to make sure you get the best product for your particular vehicle.

Change the Oil

Change the car’s oil every 3,000 to 3,500 miles to maintain a clean and efficient transmission. The oil is often considered the blood of the vehicle, making it important to refill if the level drops below the line on the dipstick. You can change the oil yourself with proper instruction, or take it to the mechanic for oil change and tune up.

Detail the Vehicle

The interior of the vehicle should be maintained with frequent cleaning and vacuuming once a week. Both the interior and exterior should be detailed once a year to remove minor scratches, stains, and grime that has built up with use. The nicer your car looks, the easier it will sell.

Replace the Brakes

To maximize your brakes’ efficiency, have them replaced by a professional once they begin to wear or squeak. The brakes should be checked at least once a month to prevent them from failing. If you start to hear strange squeaking or grinding noises, or have to stop farther back, it is time for the breaks to be inspected.

Check the Tire Pressure

Check the tire pressure once a week with a tire gauge when it’s cold outside to prevent heat expansion with the air. Look in the owner’s manual for the recommended PSI that is specific to the vehicle. If you’re tires are low, you can typically fill them with air at your local gas station. If your tires are regularly low, there may be a leak that needs repair.

Replace the Air Filter

Replacing the engine’s air filter is crucial to protecting the engine from debris, while also providing enough oxygen. Inspect the air filter every few months and replace it when it begins to look clogged to ensure it still works to efficiently catch bugs and leaves that get close to the engine.

With some extra TLC, it’s possible to extend the life of your car and improve the overall condition. By staying up-to-date on the fluids and checking the tire pressure, it’s possible to ensure a smooth ride and get more out of your car for a clean and efficient vehicle.

Information credited to Honda Barn Hampshire Honda service.

Eight Preventative Measures to Stop Auto Theft

by Hannah Whittenly on 2014/06/16 in Auto Security with Comments Off

Preventing auto theft is one of the top priorities for any car owner. Cars are always vulnerable to thieves who know what they are doing. We spoke to auto insurance experts from Anthony Clark Insurance Brokerage in Calgary about good habits that will counter auto theft. They shared with us 8 positive things to always do:

Always Lock Your Car

Locking your car doors is a routine habit for many people. This basic preventative measure makes it so much harder for a criminal to break into your car and steal your belongings. If this isn’t a habit yet, make it a top priority!

Turn off Your Car when You Leave

Although it can be convenient to leave your car running when you make a quick stop at a gas station, avoid this habit at all costs! It would take a criminal a split second to open your door and drive off without you knowing. Spending a few extra seconds to restart your car is worth it in the long run.

Never Leave Your Keys in Your Vehicle

Similarly to the tip above, leaving your keys in your car is giving criminals a very easy way to drive off in your property. Make sure to take the keys with you when you leave, don’t just put them under the mat!

Avoid Parking in the Street

It is much more likely that a car will be stolen out of the street than from someone’s driveway. If possible, park in a driveway or garage to reduce the risk of becoming an auto theft victim.

Park in a Well-Lit Area

If you must park in the street, make sure to pick a well-lit area so that it is less tempting for a criminal to pursue your car for theft purposes. Auto thefts are much more likely to occur in a dark area than in one that is well-lit so choose your parking space wisely!

Conceal Items Left in your Car

If a criminal is able to see all of your purchases from the window, he or she is much more likely to attempt to break into your car. Hide packages in the trunk or underneath a blanket, when possible.

Ask your Neighbors to Watch your Vehicle

A cautious eye is one of the main keys to preventing auto theft. Make sure neighbors are aware when you are out of town so that they can keep an eye on your vehicle. They will alert you if any suspicious activity occurs while you are away.

Install a Car Alarm

Finally, a car alarm can be a perfect sound deterrent for any robbery. Anything that attracts attention to the scene of the crime is the last thing a criminal wants, which means it should be the first thing that you install.

Automobile theft is all too common, but with these simple tips you will be able ensure it is far less likely to happen to you.

This article was written with help from auto insurance experts at Anthony Clark Insurance Brokerage in Calgary, Alberta.

Five Of The Best Companies To Buy Car Insurance From

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/06/13 in Auto Insurance with Comments Off

The average person spends a total of 101 minutes driving per day, making it a common activity that is often necessary to maintain a career and fulfill daily responsibilities. With a significant amount of time spent on the road, the type of insurance used is often just as important as the type of vehicle that is driven. Although there are thousands of companies to purchase insurance from, there are a few in particular that offer the best services.

State Farm Insurance

State Farm Insurance continues to grow due to the easy and professional claims processing that it offers. They have a high level of coverage options, as well as strong financial strength ratings. The company’s rates are also based off of mileage and how frequently the driver is on the road for fair pricing options.

Farmers

Farmers Group offers accident forgiveness and new car replacement to its customers with a number of discounts that reward drivers for their vehicles and driving performance. 30 percent of their current customers were recommended to the company through a friend due to the high level of customer service and overall value of the policies.

USAA

USAA is well-regarded for its 12-month auto insurance policies that it offers and a no-drop promise for drivers who have accidents or traffic violations. According to Anthony Clark Insurance Brokerage, a company that offers auto insurance in Calgary, USAA is most recommended for their affordable policies and variety of discounts that are available.

Nationwide

This company has high levels of customer satisfaction due to the coverage options that include vanishing deductibles, accident forgiveness, and a convenient mobile app to use on the go. Customers report great customer service with an easy process when filing a claim.

Geico

Perhaps one of the most popular car insurance companies, Geico offers competitive prices with their policies and an abundant amount of discount options to drivers. Since 1936, it’s continued to grow as a company and also offers coverage for RVs, ATVs, motorcycles, and even boats.

Although finding the right policy can be a challenge due to inexperience with certain companies, the reviews of customers often prove to be effective when ranking the top insurers. With accidents and injuries that commonly occur while behind the wheel, it’s crucial to choose a quality insurance company that will offer an easy and convenient process after filing a claim.

Savannah Coulsen is a freelance writer. She lives in Raleigh. Savannah loves to read and write and she hopes to write a novel someday. Savannah also loves learning and is a self-proclaimed health guru. Savannah got information for this article from Anthony Clark Insurance Brokerage, a company that offers auto insurance in Calgary.

First Time Renters? 5 Things not to do When Renting a Car

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/06/12 in On the Road with Comments Off

If you plan on traveling at any point in your life, you will have to master the skill of renting a car. People tend to think that it’s an easy experience but those people are most certainly not getting the best deal they possibly can. Here are a few things not to do when you rent cars – it is expensive enough without making mistakes.

Do not rent from the first company that you call.

Automobile rentals are getting more expensive by the year. However, you may be able to leverage a better car for less money if you are willing to call around before you actually have to make the trip. This type of shopping around can end up saving you tons of money.

Do not rent your car at the airport when you land.

Airports have the highest prices on cars. They know that when you land, you have very little choice about your transportation situation. There are too many options for renting cars online – make sure that you avail yourself of these resources so that you do not end up paying the convenience premium at airline hubs charge.

Do not rent the most expensive thing that you find.

If you have a certain budget for automobile rentals, do not pop it out on the base price of your vehicle. You will most certainly need extra money for the maintenance of the car as well as possible insurance, depending on where you are traveling. Also, let’s not forget gas money! The larger car you get, the worse gas mileage you will receive. You never know if you’re going to be stuck in traffic or lose your way around town. Give yourself a money buffer.

Do not ever choose the option to let the automobile company refill the tank.

Automobile companies makes quite a bit on consumers who allow them to fill the tank upon returning the vehicle. They will sometimes charge 2 to 3 times the amount per gallon that gas costs on the marketplace. Always refill the tank yourself before you take the car back in.

Do not buy insurance if you already have rental car insurance coverage from your own auto insurance company.

Make sure you know if you have coverage for rental cars on your own automobile insurance policy. If you do, then you do not need the overpriced insurance that rental car companies try to sell you at every turn. Policies that you may already have available will often cover you even if upgrade to a “better” or more expensive car than the one you are currently covering.

Renting a car can be quite expensive ordeal; however, it does not have to cost you an arm and a leg. Follow the tips above for the best experience in renting a car, and be safe on the road while you are driving.

Meghan Belnap is a freelance writer who enjoys spending time with her family. She also enjoys being in the outdoors and exploring new opportunities whenever they arise as well as researching new topics to expand her horizons. You can often find her buried in a good book or out looking for an adventure. Meghan recommends renting a vehicle from Jamieson Car and Truck Rental to make your renting experience exceptionally easier.

5 Key Components to Restoring Your Old Truck

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/06/11 in Auto Restoration with Comments Off

Restoration can be very time consuming, not to mention somewhat costly. You should always make sure you are willing to put in the time and effort before deciding to do something, such as restoring your old truck. Restoring a truck is not only about bringing it back to life, but shows your passion and the talent you possess in creating something unique. The make and model of your truck will play a huge role in determining how much time and money you will spend in restoration.

MONEY

Money plays a key part in the restoration process. The price to restore your old truck can vary greatly. It would be wise to focus on restoring certain aspects of the truck first. If there is something you really want to restore now and if it is within your budget, you might start with that particular part or area and only focus on that aspect of your truck restoration until that particular area is completed. This will allow you to stay focused and help you manage your finances for the project all at the same time. It would also be wise to set a budget for each step in this process to secure that you stay on track and to help you see if fixing the truck is really worth it or not.

TIME

The process of restoring your truck will also take a lot of time. You will be rebuilding your truck and depending in what kind of shape it is in, it can even take years to complete. Not to mention that it might be difficult just to find parts needed for your truck. Also, if you ever heard the phrase, “time is money,” then you understand that the less money you have to invest in restoring your truck, the more time it will take.

REPLACE WORN OR DAMAGED PARTS

Many people will take their truck to a restoration company to secure that necessary components such as the body and engine are done properly. One major issue that can slow down the restoration process is rusted or frozen bolts. If this is your first time restoring a vehicle, it might pay off in the long run to have professional s handle the vital restorations.

NEW PAINT JOB

Sanding and a primer should be done to smooth the truck body before paint is applied. The key paint ingredients for your truck are pigments, binders, and solvents. You can even add some flames or stripes going up the hood. Choose your color carefully and make sure you read all the instructions and warnings included with the paint.

INSTALL UPGRADES

Upgrade your truck by installing a new sound system or a USB cable for IPods, IPhones, etc. Get some new rims for your tires, maybe ones that light up. Upgrades are great, but make sure the truck is safe and workable before spending money on accessories.

Remember that deciding to restore your truck is an important decision that shouldn’t be made on a whim. You need to consider things such as cost and if you have the time, dedication and passion to put into your truck. Is it worth it?

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 99 Truck Parts & Industrial Equipment Ltd., who specialize in truck parts and repair.