Auto Magazine

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Is your old vehicle starting to feel a tad bit outdated?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 If your vehicle is more than five years old, the electronic features are probably already outdated.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).

Inspection Smarts: Tips to Stay on Top of Your Car Maintenance

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/05/26 in Auto Maintenance with Comments Off

Expensive automobile repairs can be avoided by applying street smarts in the care and maintenance of your vehicle. You don’t have to wait for the next giant breakdown to get some work on the car done. Simple techniques and routine tasks by the owner can keep any vehicle in excellent condition. Use these preventative and maintenance measures to keep your car in good shape for any kind of road.

Checking Under the Hood

Always check the oil level, brake reservoir, power steering fluid, coolant level, and transmission fluid every week. Routine maintenance under the hood can save auto owners costly repairs. Check under the auto where it is parked for leaks. Make a habit of raising the hood during fuel stops to check for low fluid levels. Make sure you are regularly getting oil changes in north Vancouver or a local shop that can check all the parts of your car and do updates and inspections at a discount. Make sure you also make time to get these refills done before any long road trip.

Excessive Tire Wear

Keep the tire pressure at correct PSI levels for the auto. Many vehicles list the appropriate amount of tire pressure inside the driver-side door panel. Hot and cold conditions can make the pressure in tires vary over time leading to increased tire wear and fuel costs. Tires with low tread cost the automobile owner more money in gasoline mileage and excessive wear on brakes, including rotors. Checking air pressure in tires once a week will save vehicle owners money. Replacing older tires with low tread wear will help make driving the vehicle safer. This is a step that can be done every other time you get gas to make sure your tires aren’t being deflated.

Abusive Driving

Driving a vehicle extremely fast is tough on standard automobile engines. Many cars boast high horsepower output but in reality, the vehicles are simply designed for normal driving. Drivers that abuse the vehicle by driving at high speeds on the highway, jackrabbit starts, and quick stops at city red lights are adding additional costs from excessive wear on the vehicle. Learn to control the urge to treat the vehicle as a racecar.

Read the Owner’s Manual

The booklets supplied with the vehicle contain important information on that model. Always study the material in those handy booklets for additional information about the auto. These manuals give detailed information on driving, maintenance, and exterior care of the vehicle.

Additional Tips

Every car owner should know what warning lights show on the vehicle. Most autos have temperature, brake, oil pressure, battery or alternator and check engine warning lights. Learn where these lights are in the manual supplied with the vehicle. Replace old windshield wipers once they show signs of wear, including streaking on the windshield. Losing a wiper during a thunderstorm can be hazardous.

Keeping vehicles in excellent operating condition can add many years to the life of the auto. Make routine maintenance a weekly ritual to increase value and dependability of the vehicle.

This article used information from Minit-Tune & Brake Auto Centres about tire care and checking for tire wear.

Foreign vs. American – Which Cars Are The Best For Your Money

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/05/24 in Auto Buying Tips with Comments Off

If you are buying a new car, you may be stuck in wondering whether to purchase a foreign or American vehicle. You may be attracted to the design of Smartcars, but you may feel guilty for straying from the classic design of the American automobile. You may feel a sense of patriotic duty to support the auto industry in America. Whatever the case, your decision may come down to purchasing the vehicle that offers the most value and has the best quality. Here are some factors to consider in determining whether an American or foreign vehicle is best for you.

Quality of the Car

Foreign cars are known for their great quality. While American manufacturers have been racing to catch up to their competitors in other countries, the fact remains that American cars are still sub-par in quality to foreign cars. In the last couple years, however, American cars have made great improvements in their quality as compared to previous years.

Price of the Car

If you are looking for the cheapest car to purchase, you will want to consider an American vehicle. American cars tend to be less expensive than foreign cars. It can also be expensive to have a vehicle shipped from another country.

Style and Fuel Efficiency

Foreign cars are known for their modern and sleek designs. They also have technological features that cannot be found in American cars. Foreign cars are also known for achieving better fuel efficiency than American cars. The Smartcar is one example of a foreign vehicle that has great fuel efficiency. On the other hand, a Mercedes look great while not being so fuel efficient.

Size

American cars tend to offer more room than foreign cars. The Smartcar can only fit up to two people inside of the vehicle. If you prefer to have a small car, then you may be attracted to foreign vehicles. If you require a car with space for your family members, then you will likely want to choose an American car.

Reliability

The Smartcar and other modern foreign cars have yet to prove how reliable they are. Only time will tell whether these vehicles can last for the number of years that a Honda Accord or other American classic cars can last. American cars are known for their reliability and ability to provide a driver with many years of use.

These are the top factors that a person should consider in comparing foreign and American cars. The car that is better will depend on the facts of one’s particular case. Both American and foreign cars have great benefits to offer drivers on the road. Doing your research and knowing what you want ahead of time can save you money and time when buying your next car.

Anita is a freelance writer from Denver, CO and often writes about home, auto, family and finance. A mother of two, she enjoys spending time with her family when she isn’t writing. Informational credit to G & G Autohaus.