Auto Magazine

Before You Panic: The 5 Most Likely Reasons Your Car Won’t Start

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/06/06 in Auto Care with 1 Comment

When dealing with a broken down car, it’s not only frustrating, but it’s time-consuming as issues will cause you to miss work or other obligations. In fact, when your car won’t start, you will need to fix the problem immediately. Often, it’s a minor problem you can fix quickly. Here are the five most likely reasons your car won’t start.

Transmission:

Believe it or not, with some newer automobiles, you will experience issues if your transmission is in need of repair. This is especially true if you drive an automatic as newer cars will have measures in place preventing your from starting the car and putting it in gear. When this happens, take it to a mechanic and you can fix the issue and use your car again.

Battery:

Without a doubt, when people can’t start their car, it’s usually caused by a dead battery. To fix the issue temporarily, whip out your jumper cables and jump start your car. If you don’t own jumper cables, borrow some from another driver or friend. Either way, once you start your car, head to a mechanic and buy a new battery.

Starter:

In older cars, the starter will eventually malfunction. When this happens, you can’t start your car and you will need to tow it to a mechanic. Then, he or she can replace the starter and you will not experience problems in the future.

No gas in the tank:

Often, a person will try to start their car when they don’t have any gas in the tank. While this seems easy to avoid, you must remember that older gas gauges will often malfunction and give you a wrong reading. To fix this, simply walk to a gas station and buy a container. Then, fill it with gas and start your car.

Electrical issues can leave you stranded:

To check this out, buy a fuse tester or take your car to a mechanic. Since this is an inexpensive solution, it’s wise to test your fuses first. Remember, it only takes a minute to replace them as you can buy them at an auto parts store or from a local mechanic. Either way, when you understand electrical issues, you can help your cause and fix your car in a few minutes.

When owning a car, you don’t want to deal with or worry about breakdowns. Fortunately, when you know the causes of most problems, you can fix your car and save money.

Chaleigh Glass is a freelance writer that lives in NYC. She writes about anything from National Transmission a company that has rebuilt transmissions in Calgary to how to baby proof your home. In her spare time she likes to golf, snowboard, and take lifestyle photos.

Defensive Driving Tips For City Dwellers

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/06/04 in On the Road with Comments Off

Defensive driving can be one of the most important skills to learn when preparing to drive. If you utilize defensive driving as often as possible, you lower your risk of being in an accident greatly. Defensive driving is especially important to those who drive in a city setting. Driving in an urban area is one of the most dangerous and frustrating places to drive. Because of amount of traffic, frustrated drivers, and other distractions that can be found in a city, defensive driving is one of the only ways to ensure you do not become a victim of another driver’s ignorance or irresponsibility.

Hazards of Driving

There are many different things that can be hazardous to drivers, especially in a city setting. Aggressive drivers are dangerous and plentiful on clogged roads. In addition to aggressive drivers, there are also distracted drivers. Distracted drivers are becoming more and more of an issue with the rise in electronic device usage behind the wheel. Unfortunately many drivers believe that they are actually able to multitask well, which can be a very dangerous practice for any driver.

How to Handle Hazards

You are never able to control other driver’s actions, but you can control how you respond to them. The most important part of being a defensive driver is being alert. When you pay attention to other drivers, you are able to anticipate problems before they happen. This allows you to react before a problem starts. This is especially important for speeders and people who cut people off recklessly. When you are dealing with an aggressive driver, your best course of action is to slow down and allow the person to pass you. Be sure to allow a good amount of space between the aggressive driver and yourself before you continue at normal speeds.

Victim of Others

If you find yourself to be a victim of another driver’s aggressive or distracted driving, be sure to gather as much information as you can, as soon as you can. Call local police to the scene, take pictures, and get information about the other driver. Be sure to note any weird or standout behaviors from the other driver. If anyone witnessed the accident, be sure to take their name and phone number. After collecting all the information you can, be sure to contact a lawyer to see what you are entitled to as a victim. Oshawa law firms can help you to determine fault and give you peace of mind as a driver.

There are many hazards that your average city driver must face day to day. Aggressive and distracted drivers make defensive driving a must for every driver’s daily commute. Be sure to be alert and pay attention to other drivers. If you have the right defensive skills you can reduce the chance of getting into an accident.

“Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. Her hobbies include gardening, hiking and biking. For this article she used Kitchen Simeson LLP lawyers as a resource. For more information contact Brooke via Twitter @BrookeChaplan.”

Recent Car Accident? Six Secrets Your Auto Insurer Might Not Be Letting You In On

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/06/03 in Auto Accident with Comments Off

You pay for insurance for peace of mind and protection when you are put in a situation where you need to file a claim. While many insurance companies are dedicated to fair and timely claims processing, some adjusters are taught specific tactics that are designed to reduce the amount of the settlement. Car insurance adjusters are paid to keep an eye on claims settlements and to reduce the company’s obligation as much as possible. While adjusters can be helpful and friendly, they are known to keep secrets from claimants so that they can close a claim as quickly as possible. Here are 6 secrets that you should know about if you’ve recently been in an accident:

Your Statements At the Scene Can Be Used Against You

Immediately following an accident, it is almost second nature to apologize or explain your case. Make sure that you do not make statements to witnesses or the police that can be used by the other party’s adjuster to justify fault. It is best to check to see if everyone is okay, and then shut your mouth and leave the investigation to the professionals. What you say can and will be used against you.

Speak Up About Your Injuries

Many people fear reporting an injury because they are worried that their claim will be investigated for fraud. It is important to be honest with your adjuster and with yourself. If you are experiencing pain days following the accident, tell your adjuster about your injuries and see a medical professional. In addition to the physical costs, you also need to consider the actual costs. You may need medical attention, but your injuries could also lead to lost wages, the need for child care and for help around the house. These are all things that may be covered by your insurance.

You Will Be Rushed to Settle

The faster a company can get you to settle following your accident, the less they typically have to pay. Do not be rushed to accept the offers you are extended to fix your car and pay for your injuries. Injuries can arise over time, and you do not want to sign away your rights because you accidentally signed the release forms you did not review.

You Do Not Have to Use a Preferred Auto Repair Place

All too often, claims adjusters recommend a shop to vehicle owners that is considered "preferred". The reason for this is to keep the cost of the claim down, but can you trust this shop? You want your vehicle to be repaired properly, not temporarily. Be sure to choose a mechanic that you can trust and don’t be pressured to use a "preferred" shop.

A Total Loss Is Not Always a Total Loss

Insurers will pay to total your vehicle or repair it, but you can request to have a third party estimation done if you do not agree with the decision. If your car is deemed a total loss, be sure to have an appraiser representing you draft a report so that you are not cheated.

You have the Right to Mediate

Many insurance adjusters present an offer and have a "take it or leave it" attitude. This makes you leery of challenging them, and keeps costs down. If you do not agree with the offer, you can dispute it and go through the process of mediation. Because insurance companies want to avoid lawsuits and jury verdicts, they are likely to sweeten the deal.

If all consumers knew claims secrets then the industry would not be a multi-billion dollar one. Be a wise consumer and do not jump at the first offer. Exercise your rights and know your duties so that you can get the compensation that you deserve.

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