Motorcycle or Car – Which One Is Really Safer?

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/05/23 in On the Road with Comments Off on Motorcycle or Car – Which One Is Really Safer?

When compared to motorcycles, the safety of cars has been hard to argue with over the years. A large number of features and protective gear are found in cars. Because of the demand for cheap transportation and the nostalgia for the open road, experienced motorcyclists have challenged the perceptions of safety issues. Important changes suggest that the safety of motorcycle riding can be managed. This has made the use of motorcycles a real option for many people.

Motorcyclists can point to many tactics that allow riders to get out of tough spots quickly. A motorcycle is only a fraction of the size of cars and the small size lends it a real advantage in traffic. Motorcyclists skirt lanes, jump curbs and otherwise speed out of the path of accidents long before they happen.

The driver’s awareness increases on a motorcycle, and motorcyclists take care of the business of driving better than motorists. Motorcyclists see everything while in traffic. They read other drivers and they don’t rely on rules of the road to save them. They take care to communicate with other vehicles and are more cautious moving in and out of lanes.

The public campaign to start seeing motorcycles has produced dividends in safety. Motorists’ growing awareness of motorcycles has contributed to fewer accidents. In addition, operating lights increase visibility, and though it annoys the public, increasing the noise the exhaust augments “visibility.” For the defensive driver, these benefits help make motorcycles safe.

The only drawback for the motorcyclist – and it is significant — is that motorcyclists are exposed to more harm than motorists are. Motorcycles offer virtually no barriers during collisions. There are no side panels, air bags, seat-belts, bumpers or engine bulk to protect a motorcyclist. By contrast, motorcyclists have helmets but not much else.

While automobile accidents result in injuries to the occupants 20 percent of the time, an accident on a motorcycle usually results in personal injury to a driver, a rider or both, according to sources. Ninety-five percent of accidents involving motorcycles leave the rider injured. If you happen to be involved in a motorcycle accident, you’ll want to get in touch with lawyer to help you get a fair settlement for your injury.

If a rider believes an accident is likely in the future, the motorcycle is not the vehicle to use. If a motorcyclist believes driving defensively will make life accident-free, then a motorcycle is the safest vehicle. To many, It’s a matter of perception. Looking at the odds, you would have to give the nod to the car, it’s the safer vehicle, but the argument for motorcycle safety continues to gain ground.

Automobile-Wildlife Collisions: The Danger, Costly Damage, and Prevention

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/05/22 in Auto Repair with Comments Off on Automobile-Wildlife Collisions: The Danger, Costly Damage, and Prevention

Too many auto accidents happen on roads where wild animals roam. The costs vary from a single $2,000 repair to a $100,000 medical bill. Protect your car and yourself by learning more about automobile-wildlife collisions. Learn about the problems that you could face and the ways to prevent these accidents.

There are certain dangers that occur when your car collides with animals in the wild. Wildlife can be life threatening in 2 ways:

  1. Deer and moose can weigh hundreds or even thousands of pounds. That is a LOT of weight. A collision with one of these big mammals can result in hundreds of pounds shooting through the through the windshield and into the driver. Often times, this results in fatality. In many cases, glass from the windshield can cause injury to the driver and passengers.
  2. The biggest danger with animals on the road is when a driver tries to avoid hitting the animal. An over adjustment in your driving will result in loss of control of the vehicle. Too many people have rolled their car in a swerving attempt to dodge some small creature on the road.

As for your vehicle, D & T Body Shop, Inc. informs that there are a  wide range of damages that can affect your vehicle after an accident with wildlife. Obviously, body damage is the most common damage associated with wildlife collision. Some other common damages that occur to the vehicle are windshield damage, radiator damage, vehicle misalignment, and a damaged undercarriage. If you run over a big enough animal, the casing that protects the belly of your vehicle can jar loose. I had this happen and the undercarriage dragged on the road for months after wards.

Prevent your car from colliding with wildlife by following a few tips. The most important tip is to drive slowly, especially in areas where animals are known to wander onto the road. Watch out for forests where animals pop out suddenly. Reducing your speed will reduce the dollar bills on your repairs. In addition, nighttime driving is very dangerous. Always use the bright settings on the headlights if you plan to drive at night.

If you find that you are headed for a collision with wild life, don’t swerve to miss the animal. For your life’s sake, it is better that you hit the animal than roll your vehicle. The proper course of action is to slow the vehicle as much as possible and try to slightly adjust your angle to hit less of the animal, but not enough to leave the road.

Stay informed about the dangers of driving into a wildlife area. Whether you drive by a forest or jungle, the chances of a collision increase. Colliding with wildlife will cost you thousands of dollars in damages or cost you a life. Follow good driving tips like driving slowly, switching on headlights and watching out for herds of animals. They are not going to pay for your car repairs or medical bills, so interact with wildlife properly.

This article was written with information from D & T Body Shop, Inc. who regularly handles many different vehicles damaged in wildlife collisions.

5 Ridiculous Reasons You Pay More for Car Insurance

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/05/21 in Auto Insurance with Comments Off on 5 Ridiculous Reasons You Pay More for Car Insurance

There is a good chance you may be wasting money on car insurance. This is not because you are a bad driver or a high risk. Sometimes people tend to overlook the best way to save money. There are some reasons why you may be paying more for car insurance.

Failing To Comparison Shop

You could be the kind of driver that sticks with one insurance company for years. This is fine in some cases. If you have a great history with an insurance company, that is probably the best bet. However, it doesn’t hurt to shop around. You may save a lot of money by going to another provider. There may also be some insights gained. An outside agent may find some holes in your coverage that were overlooked. It is a good idea to take a yearly look around to see what is available. This is the best time to do this because your policy is up for renewal around this time. Drivers can search for better rates anytime of the year.

Not Combining Policies

Most insurance companies provide deep discounts. This is done if you have car insurance and home insurance with the same provider. If you can, combine multiple policies with same provider. A lot of insurance advertise multi-policy discounts. These discounts can save you 10 percent or more off of your premium. You can save more when you package everything together.

Keeping Deductibles Too Low

Your premium may be too high if your deductibles are small. Your premium can be lowered by about 20 percent if you increase your deductible from $200 to $500. Make sure you have enough money to pay your deductible if you raise it. This helps if you should ever need to make a claim. You should keep the money in an emergency savings account. If you do not file a claim, then you can keep the savings. You will not waste money on a higher premium either way.

Not Asking For Discounts

Discounts for car insurance are given to teen drivers with good grades. There are members of some organizations that receive discounts as well. Those organizations include AARP or a college alumni association. An organization like AAA does not have a guarantee that membership will save you money on car insurance. Many members do find savings, discounts on shopping, emergency road assistance, and other benefits. You can talk to your insurance agent to see if you qualify for special car insurance discounts.

Paying Unnecessary Fees

Some auto insurance companies will charge you a service fee. They charge this fee every time you make a monthly payment. This amount is generally between $1 and $7 every month. These figures add up. Look for insurance companies that do not charge extra for monthly payments to lower your auto insurance rates. You can also try to save up and pay the whole premium when it is time to pay it. This eliminates monthly charges as well.

There are a lot of reasons why you pay may more for car insurance. Most drivers wind up paying more than they should when they purchase car insurance. Sometimes it can seem overwhelming and complicated. You can take your time and do a bit of research to review insurance quotes, drivers will be able to find the right policies at a reasonable price.

Factors Which You Need To Take Into Consideration When Buying A Used Car

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/05/20 in Used Autos & Trucks with Comments Off on Factors Which You Need To Take Into Consideration When Buying A Used Car

Buying a car is a daunting task. A used car is comparatively cheaper than a new car. You can save a great deal of money if you opt for a used car. An HPI report will inform you about the car’s history and the repairs which have been done on the vehicle. At a lower price you will be able to buy a nicer model. Registration fee for a used car is lower than that of a new car. Insurance for a used car is cheaper than insuring anew and expensive vehicle.

In this primer some vital tips are shared which will help you to buy a used car.

  • If the car which you intend to buy has run for 15,000kilometerrs to 50,000 kilometers it is a good buy. Check the car for signs of accident. A reliable dealer will conduct tests which will help you to ascertain the history of the car. Door panels can show signs of accident.
  • It is important that you check the engine. Check the petrol consumption and air conditioning of the car. Check the exterior of the car for scratches and damage. Make sure that the model year mention in the registration papers matches the year of manufacturing. You can use a second hand car for at least 3 to 4 years.
  • When you buy a used car you can maximize your savings. If you have set your mind on buying a used car make sure that you opt for a popular model which is in presently in production. A popular model will be easy to sell and depreciate much lesser over the years. Buy a used car from a large manufacturer who provides strong back-end service.
  • Do your homework well before buying a used car. Before you make the purchase read on the recent trends in the auto industry. Plan a budget and figure out how much you want to spend on the car. It is a wise idea to survey the market before buying a used car. This will give you an idea of which vehicle you will be able to afford within your budget.
  • It is essential to check the history report of the car. Conducting an HPI check is very important. It will provide you information on the correct mileage and background of the car. Make sure that the paperwork of the car is up-to-date and complete. This will be of great help when the car is transferred to your name.
  • Conduct a test drive is very important. You can learn about the used car by carrying out a test drive. Check out for unusual vibrations in the car. Ensure that the brakes are smooth. Go for a drive on a bumpy road to make sure that there are no unusual vibrations and noise in the car. Take the car to a mechanics and inspect the underbody of the car.
  • Check all pros and cons before finalizing the deal. If you are not happy with the price you can walk out. Do not fall into traps of a Teflon coating or purchase accessories which the dealer may try to sell to you. After the deal is closed drive away with a car which is insured. All repair work must be carried out before the car is delivered to you.

When buying a used car your goal should be to find a well-maintained car which is in good condition. Value of a used car will depend on its condition and certain other factors. A car with strong reputation and reliability will not lose its value quickly. You must check the mileage and safety ratings before purchase.

Author Bio: Camille Gomez works in a private bank and wants to buy a used car. She has contacted a dealer who is offering an HPI check free. Before buying a used car she has decided to survey the market and check the trends.

Ways To Keep Your Car In Tip Top Shape Year Round

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/05/19 in Auto Care with Comments Off on Ways To Keep Your Car In Tip Top Shape Year Round

Every year, the elements are working against your vehicle to fade your paint and to affect your vital system components. During the summer, UV radiation combined with increased summer heat and pollutants will eat away at your car’s beautiful finish. During the winter months, where temperatures are blistering cold, the sudden drop in temperatures can lead to glass breakage and to unnecessary wear on your tires and internal components. Investing in preventative maintenance all year long is vital if you want to avoid damage and preventable repair bills. Here are some tips to protect your car during the Summer, Fall, Winter and Spring:

Prepare Your Car For Colder Seasons

Winters can be harsh on vehicles. Just like you protect your skin from the blistering cold, you should protect your vehicle’s finish. There are several steps that car owners should take to winterize their vehicles. Be sure to check the antifreeze level in your battery so that your vehicle always starts, and have brake fluids checked before storms hit. In addition to this, All-West Glass Ltd., a company specializing in auto glass in Edmonton, recommends that you swap out your windshield wiper fluid with a liquid that will not freeze during freezing conditions.

Protect Your Car’s Finish From the Elements Year Round

To protect your finish from the road salt that is laid to combat the snow, you should invest in a good was and a fresh wax that will prevent corrosion caused by the sodium within the salt. Doing this will ensure that the wheel wells will not accumulate with salt either.

Prepare Your Car For Warmer Seasons

Spring will bring April showers that give way to May flowers and then blistering summer temperatures. Preparing your car for the Summer heat should start in Spring. Check the liquid in your heat to avoid evaporation which can drain your battery of power. You should also check your cooling system and add coolant to your radiator so that your engine is running at an optimal level.

Seasonal Tires to Avoid Hazards

As the temperatures rise, check your tire pressure monthly so that you can avoid over-inflation and blow outs. The rising temperatures can lead to blow outs as the air in the tires expand. Be sure to inspect the wheel well of your tires for defects before the asphalt gets hot, or you can face hazards on the roadways.

Go Easy When You’re Stuck

When stuck don’t repeatedly throw your car from forward to reverse. Spinning your tires at high speeds can cause a lot of heat and possible ruin your transmission, clutches, and differentials. If you are really stuck call a tow truck so you don’t end up spending a lot of money on repairs from working your car to hard to get it out.

Winterizing and summerizing your vehicle are essential steps that you must take to prolong the life of your fine piece of machinery. Be sure to keep your vehicle clean, inspect your car from top to bottom, and invest in preventative maintenance if your want your car to stay in tip top shape. The money that you spend will ultimately save you in the future.

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