Auto Magazine

In a Car Accident? 5 Ways to Make it Look Like Your Car Crash Never Happened

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/06/02 in Auto Accident with Comments Off

It would be great if car accidents never happened. However, chances are if you drive frequently you will at least encounter a small fender bender in your lifetime. Whether you have a small scratch or a large amount of damage to your car after an accident there are a few things you can do to make your car look like new. A few ideas for "erasing" the accident are below.

Get Repairs Done Immediately

When you think about repairing your car after an accident and making it look brand new again you might think the most important thing to do is paint the car, or remove any dings and scratches. However, time itself is the most important factor when it comes to making your car look like the crash never happened. Many people wait to get their car serviced after an accident, particularly if the damage isn’t too bad. But the sooner you get your car serviced and repaired, the easier it will be for your mechanic or body shop expert to get your vehicle looking outstanding again.

Wash Your Car

It might seem overly simplified, but washing your car can actually do a lot to improve the look of your car after an accident. During an accident there are a lot of things that happen that can make your car look dirtier or more damaged than it truly is. Taking the time to wash (and maybe even wax) your car after an accident can help you determine what was just dirt and easily removed paint scratches and what is truly in need of repair.

A New Color

If your car’s paint was scratched up in the accident getting it touched up might seem like an obvious course of action. But if there are significant areas of paint you’ll need to get touched up you might want to choose a whole new color for your car. The reason for this is because it is very hard to match old and new paint, even if it’s the exact same color. The combination can make it the newly painted areas stand out and make the repairs very obvious. However, getting your entire car painted gives your vehicle a consistent, brand new look that can go a long way to erasing the "wrecked and repaired" look of the car.

It’s All in the Details

After an accident most people know to get the paint redone and any major damage restored or fixed. However, paying attention to details like hubcaps, tires, grills, and other areas of your car can also help your vehicle look brand new after an accident. For instance, if you have brand new paint and a scuffed up grill it’s still obvious you were in an accident. Mismatched or missing hubcaps, scratched or non-working tail or headlights, and other details are also giveaways of an accident. Focusing on these details can help you make your car look brand new and nearly erase the signs of a crash.

Masking Damage with Accessories

Sometimes no matter how hard you try there are small areas of damage that can’t be restored to "like new" condition. If you have a small dent in your bumper or an area of your rear view mirror that is scuffed and can’t be repaired, use accessories to mask the damage. A well-placed bumper sticker or a lei around the rear view mirror can quickly and inexpensively mask minor damage, making it look like the accident never happened.

Following these tips can help you make your car look brand new again after a crash. Remember to always get your repairs done as soon as possible, and beware of using used parts. Not only do used parts often not match the parts you currently have, but they may have internal flaws that will cause you to spend more money later. Using a little creativity you can find ways to restore your car and cruise the roads with pride again in no time.

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 found the information for this article from Collision One. They are the number one service based on independent customer service.

The Six Most Economical New Pickup Trucks

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/05/30 in Auto Maintenance with Comments Off

In the past, owning a pickup truck meant that you had to deal with extremely poor fuel economy. Today’s automakers have taken major steps to improve the gas mileage of their pickup trucks. Certain pickup trucks are actually able to surpass the fuel efficiency of some cars. The best part is that these trucks are also very affordable—the following is a list of the most economical of the newest pickup trucks:

Dodge Ram 1500

Very few trucks can match the Dodge Ram 1500’s rare combination of brute strength and efficiency. The new EcoDiesel engine rewards the owner with a highway fuel economy rating of 28 mpg on the highway. However, the V-6 version of the truck is a tad bit cheaper to buy.

Toyota Tacoma

A brand new Toyota Tacoma can be obtained for less than $20,000. While its four-cylinder engine is not capable of pulling extremely heavy loads, it is perfectly suitable for light-duty applications. The driver will certainly appreciate the Tacoma’s gas mileage rating of 21 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.

Chevrolet Silverado 1500

The Chevy Silverado’s new 4.3-liter, V-6 engine helps it to average 24 mpg on the highway. Amazingly, the base Silverado is still able to tow a commendable 7,200 pounds. The entry-level Silverado has all of the basic essentials, including a six-speaker sound system, air-conditioning, and Bluetooth phone connectivity. The 2014 Silverado, due to these features and its combination of high performance and high safety ratings, has been declared the 2014 Truck of the Year at the North American International Auto Show.

Ford F-150

While the Ford F-150 offers several engine choices, the 3.7 engine is the most cost-efficient option. The 302-horsepower engine revs with enthusiasm while returning a fuel economy rating of 17 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the freeway. You will be hard-pressed to find a better pickup truck for $24,200. The F-150, as one of the most popular models on the current market, is both easy and inexpensive to repair, as you will experience no shortage of experienced Ford mechanics and replacement parts.

GMC Sierra 1500

Based on the same platform as the Silverado, the GMC Sierra offers great fuel economy and unmatched durability. Although you will have to forgo options, such as a rear-view camera and remote starting, the Sierra can be obtained for as little as $26,000. One of the 1500’s best, most economical new features is its considerable lightness compared to other pickups in its class. This has significantly improved fuel economy, making the Sierra one of the most efficient vehicles on this list.

Nissan Frontier

The Nissan Frontier’s base price of $18,850 is very economical. When equipped with four-wheel drive, the Frontier transforms into one of the most capable pickup trucks on the market. The rear-wheel drive model, according to a Drayton Valley truck body specialist, is able to deliver an impressive 23 miles-per-gallon when traveling on the open road.

Becoming the owner of a pickup truck does not have to be a financial burden. Each one of these capable pickup trucks offers great gas mileage and an attractive price tag.

Informational Credit to Western Truck Body Mfg

5 Tips to Help You Make Your Old Car New Again

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/05/29 in Auto Maintenance with 1 Comment

Is your old vehicle starting to feel a tad bit outdated? Contrary to popular opinion, you do not have to shell out thousands of dollars for a new vehicle. There is no need to toss your old vehicle to the side if it is still in relatively good mechanical condition. Here are five tips to make your old car new again. The upgrades that we’ll be talking about will not only make your drives are more leisurely, but safer as well.

Clean the headlights

A set of faded headlights can ruin the entire curb appeal of a vehicle. Although you could purchase a brand new set of headlights, the most cost-efficient approach would be to clean them yourself. With a tube of basic toothpaste and a few soft rags, you can remove virtually all of the oxidation from the headlights. Not only will this increase the aesthetics of your car, but it will also make driving at night much more safe based on increased visibility.

Update the electronics

Technology is advancing faster than ever before. If your vehicle is more than five years old, the electronic features are probably already outdated. With a budget of around $500, you can install a high-end car stereo and navigation system. Not only will your daily commute be more pleasurable, but the cockpit will also look so much more modern and sophisticated. There are systems out there now that can sync up with your smart phone, ipods etc.. Some of these can obviously get a little more pricey, but will definitely make your drives more fun and entertaining.

Install new shock absorbers

The suspension system is one of the most neglected components on a vehicle. After taking abuse for thousands of miles, the wear and tear eventually begins to take its toll on the shock absorbers. You can easily find a quality set of replacement shocks for less than 300 bucks. If you really want your car to deliver a more inspiring on-road performance, you can opt to install a sports-tuned suspension system. With suspension systems, whether they’re after market or stock, it would be good to consult with a professional before replacing or upgrading.

Upgrade the Wheels & Tires

The combination of a good set of high-performance tires and sporty wheels will make your vehicle handle better than it ever did from the factory. The key is to find a set of wheels that enhance the exterior style of your vehicle without compromising the ride quality. Although chrome rims may look tempting, their extra weight can have a negative impact on the driving dynamics of your vehicle. Make sure that you consult a professional about your wheel and tire choice before purchasing though. Getting the wrong size, make or model, could cause problems in transmissions, differentials etc..

Replace worn engine components

Far too many car owners do not pay attention to their vehicle‘s scheduled maintenance. Your car’s performance could be suffering greatly due a set of worn spark plugs or clogged fuel injectors. Depending on the type of part, there are places that will actually provide lifetime warranties to the customers. Make sure to do some research online on those warranties, to make sure that you make the best decision when replacing parts. Doing this will also increase your fuel efficiency, and save you money in the long run when you’re filling up at the pump!

Do not waste your hard-earned cash on the purchase of a new vehicle. Your old ride is just a diamond in the rough that is waiting to be revamped.

Chaleigh is a freelance writer that lives in NYC. She enjoys writing and lifestyle photography. She writes about anything from getting cheap car parts from DCP Online so that your car restoration isn’t too costly. Other topics include: paving your driveway, or how to properly fix your slice in golf. In her spare time she likes to take pictures, snowboard, golf, and play ice hockey.

Battle of the Compact Cars: Which Mighty Mini Reigns Supreme

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/05/28 in Auto Manufacturers with Comments Off

Different families will look for various features when they shop for a new compact car. However, some elements are consistent for almost every vehicle in the category. This size car appeals to many young people, those living in urban areas, and those on a budget. The most important features in this class include fuel efficiency to keep costs down, low emissions to meet urban regulations, and size to account for small streets and difficult parking conditions.

Top Choices

One of the leading choices for this model year is the Mazda 3. The company has integrated the SkyActiv engine package which results in a responsive and fun-to-drive vehicle with outstanding gas mileage. Several trim packages are available, but most of them have the same 2.0 Liter four-cylinder engine that cranks a zippy 155 horsepower. The engine is tuned to get about 30 miles per gallon in the city and 40 on the highway. Considering the car costs a thousand dollars less than its competitors, it is an excellent value.

Alternative Options

The Honda Civic continues the company’s tradition of well-built, highly affordable cars. One of the first things drivers will notice is how smooth the ride is. At the cost of a smaller 1.8 L engine that turns 143 hp, the list of options in the vehicle is impressive. It also is a little less efficient than the Mazda 3, getting only 28 miles per gallon in the city and 36 on the highway, which further reinforces the value of the class-leading car. Despite the loss in fuel efficiency, the 2014 Civic remains a financially viable option for sedans of its class, starting at a reasonable $18,390. Its advanced safety features have attracted the attention of those looking for a small family car and the Civic regularly scores well on safety ratings.

The Driver’s Choice

The Ford Focus is one of the more powerful cars in the category, with 160 horsepower. It gets its power from a 2.0 L motor that trades some fuel mileage for extra horses. Many drivers will be happy with the 26 city and 36 highway miles per gallon the car gets, considering the extra power it has available. An interesting option available on the ST, according to a Langley truck parts specialist, is a turbocharger that boosts power to a breath-taking 252 hp. The Focus demonstrates quite an impressive amount of power, for a five-door hatchback. Though reports of its unreliability are common, the Focus remains a popular choice, offering a little bit of everything for drivers who want speed and space in their compact car.

The Final Score

The best value in the current market may very well be the Mazda 3. It consistently meets expectations, and its price is simply too good to pass up. The Civic continues to get attention from those who want to have all the latest technology options in their car. Drivers who enjoy their time behind the wheel will be glad to invest in any of the above vehicles, depending on their individual needs and preferences.

Informational Credit to 99 Truck Parts & Industrial Equipment Ltd.

Beating the System: 6 Keys to Reduce Your Car Insurance Rate

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/05/27 in Auto Insurance with Comments Off

One of the most perilous things that we can do is a drive a car. It can become a very severe or expensive situation if one driver makes a mistake. This potential high cost is transferred to car insurance premiums. There are many factors involved when it comes to determining car insurance rates. Insurance customers have no control over that part of it. There are some things that you do have control over. There are ways that you can reduce your car insurance rates.

Switch Vehicles

Every vehicle is assessed a different risk variable. This depends on a number of factors. This includes cost of replacement parts, crash test rating, classification, price, how often the model is stolen, and horsepower-to-weight ratio. You should avoid newer vehicles, expensive vehicles, sports cars, and those that are not considered top class when it comes to safety. These are generally smaller vehicles. Insurance make and model comparisons are reported every year. Every insurance company will share similar information if you ask for it.

Pay Up Front

If you pay for the year ahead all at once instead of paying a monthly payment, some insurers will offer a discount. You should pay up front if you have the cash on hand. If you switch insurers, you don’t have to worry about losing your cash. Your insurance company is required to pro-rate you the total bill. They will refund you for the days that you will not be covered under them.

Drive Safely

Your driving record is still considered to be one of the top factors that insurance companies look at. An accident or a traffic violation within the last few years can have a major impact on your premium. Some insurance companies look back about three years. Others look back further than that. You can also reduce your premium the longer you drive without any accidents or citations. There are also driving training courses that you can take as well. This can help reduce your car insurance. Some car companies have begun installing functions into their vehicles which automatically track avg mileage, driving patterns, speed patterns, and braking patterns among others. These features which are directly reported to insurance companies help them evaluate your risk to them. It is a potential savings option if you are confident in your driving.

Reduce Miles

If you drive less miles, a number of auto insurance companies will offer you a lower premium. You may want to consider moving closer to your job. This can save money on fuel and commute time. It will also reduce your car insurances rates. You can reduce your miles by doing this. There are pay-by-the-mile programs that are offered by insurance companies as well. This can cost you less if you rarely drive.

Improve Credit Score

Credit history is being looked at lot more by insurance companies. It is a much highly valued variable that helps insurance companies evaluate your financial standing. Financial standing holds a strong correlation to potential insurance loss. It is important to remember that the less you come across as a liability to insurance companies the cheaper your rates will be.

Purchase Vehicle With Theft Device

You can buy a vehicle with a theft device or you can have one installed. This is important to insurance companies because the liability factor of them having to cash your insurance decreases substantially.

There are plenty of ways to reduce your car insurance rates. Some of these options may vary in different states. You can also look into deductibles, safer car benefits, and sponsored programs to try to get a discount on your car insurance as well.

Informational credit to Drayden Insurance Ltd., an Edmonton car insurance company (free quotes).