Auto Magazine

Five Reasons to Fall In Love with a Hatchback

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/03/03 in Auto Buying Tips with Comments Off

In the United States, the most common type of car seems to be the sedan. However, you will come across plenty of people that swear by hatchbacks. Hatchbacks are continuing to gain a lot more traction in the United States. Why is that the case? Here are five reasons why you should also fall in love with the hatchback.

5. Practicality

Hatchbacks are known for their practicality. The rear seats can be folded down and this allows for a lot more cargo space than a sedan. For people that have families but don’t want to deal with the mileage costs of an SUV, hatchbacks are becoming very practical choices. Despite their relatively compact size, they have a tendency to offer a lot of space on the inside. For example, the Mazda 3 offers a whopping 43 cubic feet of cargo room. This is comparable to SUVs that take up more space and don’t get as good gas mileage.

4. Size

Generally speaking, hatchbacks are more compact than sedans and small SUVs. Since a hatchback doesn’t have an actual "trunk," it’s a lot easier to maneuver in and out of traffic and to squeeze into small parking spaces. As mentioned before, these cars still have plenty of space on the inside. Therefore, you are getting a smaller car without compromising too much when it comes to space on the inside.

3. Style

Sedans have gotten fairly run of the mill. You’ve seen one Honda Accord, you’ve seen them all. Frankly, sedans are boring cars. Hatchbacks are gaining a lot of popularity because they are stylish. Some of the most fashionable cars on the market are offered only in hatchback form: Scion xB, Nissan Cube, Kia Soul, and many others.

2. Versatility

One huge draw when it comes to buying a hatchback is how versatile they can be. For those that want a spacious hatchback for the family, they can get a Mazda 3. For those that want a compact and sporty hatchback, they can get a Honda Fit. For those that just want something completely different, they can get a Nissan Cube. No matter what you’re looking for in a car, there is a hatchback that will fulfill that need.

1. Gas Mileage

As gas prices continue to go up, having decent gas mileage has become a very important criteria for those buying new cars. The rear door of a hatchback tends to give them a wedge shape; this makes hatchbacks more aerodynamic and get better gas mileage. This is the reason why a lot of hybrids are also hatchbacks.

All in all, a hatchback can be an amazing choice no matter what you’re looking for. They combine style and practicality better than just about every other type of car out there.

About the author: A recent college graduate from University of San Francisco, Anica loves dogs, the ocean, and anything outdoor-related. She was raised in a big family, so she’s used to putting things to a vote. Also, cartwheels are her specialty. You can connect with Anica here. This article was cowritten by the automotive experts at www.overlandparkmazdacx5.com.

The Ultimate Garage: Five Ideas for Improving Your Car’s Bedroom

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/02/28 in Auto Garage with Comments Off

Contrary to popular belief, a garage does not have to be only used to store the car, the kids’ bikes or the Christmas decorations. If you are a true car enthusiast, you will want to transform your garage into an ultimate garage. Transforming your garage into an ultimate garage is not as hard as it may seem. By following a few simple steps, you will be able to create a garage that will be considered an ultimate garage.

Flooring

The first step in creating an ultimate garage is to transform the flooring. The traditional cemented porch will not work if you want to have the ultimate garage. You will want to have floor mats that are specifically designed for a garage. These floor mats may be designed in camouflage, or they could be the colors of your favorite sports team.

Work Bench

Most garages are known for having work benches in them, and your garage should not be any different. However, your work bench will not only be used for storing your tools and power equipment, but it will also be used to give you space to store things such as keys, soda cans and other items that are not expected to stay permanently. Having a few extra drawers will ensure that the keys for your many different cars will not be lost.

Cabinets

With an ultimate garage, you will probably need lots of storage space; therefore, you will want to have lots of nice cabinets installed on the wall. There are a broad range of options for storage space in garages, but it can be surprisingly affordable to get cabinetry that will really impress.

Refrigerator

What is the point of having an ultimate garage if you do not have a refrigerator stocked with beverages and food? It is important that you do not rely on the small office refrigerator, but instead, you should opt to get a full-size stainless steel refrigerator. After working all day to get your car’s engine exactly like you want it, you will definitely want to be able to grab a beverage without having to go to the kitchen refrigerator.

Entertainment System

Finally, an ultimate garage has to have a great entertainment system. An ultimate garage will be the perfect spot to hang out all day long. With a quality entertainment system, you will be able to watch the best movies and sporting events in the perfect environment.

An ultimate garage is a must have for the car enthusiast. Whether you are working on a car or simply enjoying a day to yourself, you will enjoy the ultimate garage. Using the preceding ideas and ensuring that you’ve repaired all that ails your garage, (like getting a service such as Jacksonville Garage Door Opener to help unstick that stuck door), you’ll have an ultimate garage that will really impress your friends.

What to Look for When Deciding on Your Next Car Project

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/02/26 in Auto Parts with Comments Off

Since the moment you purchased your first car, you knew that you would be spending a lot of time working on. After all, this has always been a dream of yours. Now that you’ve taken on a few projects, you’re ready for the next. What should you look for this time around?

Professional Inspiration

Deciding what exactly to do what your car can be a bit of a conundrum. Instead of just picking up some parts and tinkering around, look to car magazines for inspiration. If you have a mechanic in the family, you might ask him or her about some the hottest models that come into the shop. Some ideas will come into your head natural, but others will have to be sought out.

The Right Parts

As you embark upon your next car project, you want to make sure you have the right parts. Failure to obtain them could mean that the entire project goes under. If you don’t get the correct parts at your local shop or junk yard, then the car project might leave you with a broken vehicle or one that is simply not in as good of shape as it should be.

Assistance with the Project

Tackling a car project alone might prove to be a little overwhelming, and this is especially true if you’ve done only minor projects in the past. If you have some family members or friends who are handy with cars, then you probably want to ask these individuals. However, car projects can be an excellent way for a father and son to bond or for two brothers to build up the connection they used to have. Learning together is part of the experience.

The Value of the Car

When you are going to make changes to your car, you want to ensure that you are not hurting its value. At some point, you will probably sell it or want to trade it in for a newer model. Check out cars that have had similar projects done and see what they are selling for. Of course, cars generally depreciate in value as the years go by, so you will need to account for this element.

A Handy Guide

Perhaps you have not done too many car restoration projects, but you want to start. If that’s the case, you should look for step-by-step instructions or a guide, so that you do not cause damage to your car and so that this project can act as an inspiration for many others.

If you are a car hobbyist then having a project is surely an important priority. So before you start consider your next project take a look at this list to make sure you are getting yourself into something you will enjoy instead of a headache of a project that will take the fun out of your favorite hobby.

Author Bio: Annette Hazard is a freelance writer that usually writes about business, but occasionally dabbles in writing about her hobbies such as cars. She suggests getting items for you next project at US Auto Supply.

Why Driving School Is The Best Place To Start Your Learning

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/02/24 in On the Road with Comments Off

Though a person new to driving can always try to learn to drive from a loved one, there are reasons why it’s better to learn at a driving school. Relationships, efficiency and other factors improve when the student chooses a driving school. Here are a few reasons why:

To Have Good Relationships

Taking lessons at a driving school fosters good relationships. If a parent or a spouse uses harsh words during lessons, anger and hurt feelings may result. Driving school teachers are professionals. They know how to relate to students of different abilities and personalities.

Efficiency and Success Thrive

Reputable driving schools join a professional organization. This membership helps keep them on top of the most effective teaching methods. For instance, the North Shore Driving School Ltd., one of the driving schools in Vancouver B.C., not only operates a driving school but also trains driving instructors. It’s a member of the Driving School Association of the Americas (DSAA), an international association of driving school owners.

More Freedom For Everyone

Help loved ones conserve their energy. Why have them do driving instruction on their day off? Furthermore, driving schools will pick up and drop off the student at home, which gives the student independence. And driving schools have flexible hours.

Vehicles For Loan

If the student needs a vehicle to take the driving test, the school will lend one. Before the test, the school will let the student drive the vehicle to become familiar with its handling. In cases where the student needs a specially equipped vehicle for every lesson, driving schools have them. Driving schools have vehicles to serve the needs of all students.

Instruction For All People

Driving schools teach the elderly. They have teachers who can teach amputees, paraplegics and people with other special needs. For instance, specially trained driving instructors know how and can teach the student how to load, manage and store a wheelchair in a vehicle. They have knowledge of visual impairments, hearing impairments, a variety of other medical conditions and learning disabilities.

Instruction For Prospective Professional Drivers

Driving schools teach candidates for commercial driver’s licenses (CDL). The requirements for the written and hands-on tests for the CDL may be complicated. Though there are federal requirements, different states have different requirements. A local driving school is a must for this category of driving student.

Auto Advice: What To Do If Your Car Becomes Too Costly To Repair

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/02/21 in Auto Repair with Comments Off

When your car requires a repair that is worth more than the value of the car itself, it’s becomes time to think about other options. If your car requires some of the most expensive auto repairs, there are many alternatives to fixing it up. Instead of letting it take up space in your garage or driveway, here a few options to consider:

Sell it online

Even if your car is too expensive to repair, there are many people out there who would be interested in fixing it themselves, or selling certain parts of the car. While you may not have the time or knowledge to take the car apart and sell what is still working, someone else does. This is a quick and convenient way to get rid of your car and still get some money for it.

Trade it in at a Dealership

A dealership will take just about anything you bring to them, but they won’t always give you the best price for it. If the car is too expensive to repair, then they will have to sell it for salvage. You might not get the best deal here, but it does guarantee that you will get some return on a car that is no longer of value to you. It’s a convenient way to make some quick cash off of your car.

Sell the Parts that Work

If you know something about cars, you might want to try doing some demolition work yourself. Advertise specific parts on internet listing sites or take them to a salvage yard for some extra help. This is a great way to make a profit off of a car that isn’t worth fixing. Once you have sold the parts that work, you can get rid of everything else.

Sell it to a Salvage Yard

Let’s face it, most of us don’t have the time or skills to salvage a car on our own. Fortunately, there are companies that can handle this for you. Selling your vehicle directly to a salvage yard means that you’ll get to cut out the middleman that comes along with trading in your car at a dealership. A salvage yard is able to tow the vehicle from just about anywhere, and offer you a fair price based on the condition of the working parts and the value of the scrap metal.

No matter what you decide to do, make sure that you keep paperwork. Simply handing over the vehicle without handing over the title means that you could be inviting legal troubles down the road. Keep copies of the papers you sign and transfer along with your vehicle. Getting rid of your car may seem like a last option, but with the extra money you could potentially gain from selling it, look into the best used cars for a good price for your next automobile.