Auto Magazine

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.

5 Tips To Driving Safer During The Winter Months

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/02/19 in On the Road with Comments Off

The winter months bring beautiful scenery to otherwise boring landscapes, but that means it also comes along with dangerous driving conditions. These are five ways in which you can more safely and easily get to your destination while driving.

Drive 10-20 MPH Slower than Usual

If the driving conditions in your area are exceptionally bad, take notice of the speed limit for that area and subtract 10-20 miles per hour from it. This is especially true if your vehicle is not equipped to handle rough winter conditions that leave ice and snow all around.

Take a Course from a Driving School

If you are unsure of how to handle winter conditions while driving, it may be useful to take a refresher course from a driving school. Driving schools can equip you with all the knowledge you need to make informed decisions while on the road and keep your travel experience safer overall.

Give Yourself Double the Distance to Stop

Whenever coming to a stop, always make sure that you give yourself quite a bit of distance between your vehicle and the stop to slow your vehicle. Just because you can’t see ice on the roads between your vehicle and the stop point doesn’t mean that it’s not there, so be extra slow and cautious when bring your car to a stop.

Always Use Your Headlights

When driving in snowy and foggy conditions, be sure to use your headlights at all times. Even if it is day time in the area that you are driving, it doesn’t mean that other drivers will have an easy time seeing your vehicle. This is especially true if your vehicle is neutral in color, such as gray. Keep your headlights on at all times.

Don’t Assume Your Vehicle Can Handle All Winter Conditions

Many people make the mistake of flooring their vehicles in icy conditions using the "my truck has four wheel drive" logic. Although four wheel drive will help tread icy and snowy conditions more easily, that doesn’t mean that it is a perfect mechanism or that other drivers on the road will have time to react to your aggressive driving. To stay on the safe side, always drive as though your vehicle is not equipped to handle winter conditions.

Above all, use common sense while treading the roads during the colder months. Take your time with getting from point A to point B, and always make sure your vehicle is up to operating in winter conditions by checking your tire tread, examining the battery terminals for corrosion, etc.

Five Things You Need To Know Before You Purchase Your Next Car

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/02/17 in Auto Buying Tips with Comments Off

There are very few things that cost as much as a car and with the economic pressures it is vital that you do your research and make the best financial decision when you make your purchase. You will need something that is reliable, affordable and serve all of your traveling purposes. Look at these four tips before you make a final decision.

Interest Rates

When you decide you need a new car there will be several different financial options you can make. You can either pay all costs up front and buy a used car. You can lease your new car or take a loan out and purchase it. When you talk to a bank or car dealership, make sure you take a look at the interest rates that come along with your purchase. Finding an affordable rate will make a huge difference in the payments that you make. Make sure you are getting a competitive rate and one that will work with your finances.

Reliability

It is important to do your research on the different types of vehicles. There are certain manufacturing reputations that you should be aware of when you are considering which car is for you. Research how many miles you can expect, what problems you will run into and what type of warranty will come with your purchase. Finding the right combination will lead you to the purchase that works best for you.

Additional Costs

Buying a car is not the end of your spending. You should also calculate the registration, insurance coverage and your monthly gas expenditures that you can expect. If you decide to have car payments make sure you add up everything else and determine if you can ultimately afford the car that you picked out. Once you have a final number that it will cost each month, you will be able to decide if it is worth it.

Insurance

Depending on what finance option you have chosen, that may determine what insurance coverage you may need. If you have a loan or a lease on the car you may be required by the banks policy to get full coverage insurance. If you bought the car outright you could get away with liability insurance. Talk to your insurance agent to decide what best fits your situation.

Maintenance

Each vehicle will have different maintenance requirements after you are done. There are different maintenance costs at certain checkpoints. The maintenance costs at certain mileage destinations, this is more important for used cars. The maintenance requirements will vary between cars and it will be worth it to do your research.

Buying a car is an exciting time in your life. Make sure that you do the research necessary to make the best decision for your situation and have fun in the process. Understanding what to look forward to financially will help you in the long run and make your purchase even more enjoyable.

Author Bio: Hannah Whittenly is a freelance writer from Sacramento, California. A mother of two, Hannah enjoys writing on blogs of all niches. If you run into any problems after your next car purchase make sure you contact the Law Offices of Jon Jacobs and get the help you need.

Image credit: http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/Other_g374-Man_In_Car_Showing_Key_p77124.html

Customize your Ride: The Five Best Ways to Personalize Your Vehicle

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/02/14 in On the Road with Comments Off

When you hit the highway, it’s all too easy to get lost in the crowd. The streaming mass of cars heading down the roads can become a blur of monotony if you don’t distinguish yourself. Regardless of what type of car, truck, or SUV you drive, these five customization tips will set you apart from the many plain, unadorned vehicles on the roads.

Chrome Emblems for a Personal Touch

Chrome car emblems are an excellent way to proclaim your individuality on the road. These come in all types and shapes, from the common minimalist fish symbol to pop culture references, team logos, and national flags—so you can choose whatever emblem best represents you!

Decals Are An Inexpensive Option

Decals and bumper stickers are one of the easiest ways to personalize your ride. There are thousands upon thousands of creative and affordable options out there. There is no limit as to where you put it on your car; windshields, hitch, doors, hood. You can apply racing stripe decals across your hood or hot rod flames across the sides, the possibilities are endless!

Ditch the Standard License Plate

One surefire way to make your car different is to swap out the boring, standard state-issued numbered license plate for a customized one. Are you “The Boss”? Let everyone know. A speed demon? Say, “XLR8” to those behind you. If you would rather keep the standard license plate, consider a license plate frame. You can pick whichever phrases, colors and bling suits you. Lots of tourist shops sell custom plate frames, so next time you’re on vacation somewhere and want something to remember your time by, check those out!

Air Fresheners do Double Duty

A double whammy – air fresheners come in all kinds of shapes and fragrances. Choose the classic tree-shaped “fresh pine” scent or opt for a bolder aroma like coffee or gardenia. There are even fresheners that smell like bacon or corn dogs, if you’re into having your vehicle smell like meat. Not all air fresheners have to dangle from your rear view mirror—lots of auto shops and home stores now sell scent diffusers that plug into your cigarette lighter/outlet. These are even more customizable, as you can fill them with the your own oil blends or keep a variety on hand to change up the aroma more often.

Customizable Floor Mats

Floor mats not only protect the floor of your vehicle, they can also be used to jazz up the space. Go the classy route with a fancy calligraphy monogram or show off your wild side with animal print mats. You can choose a feminine floral theme or the emblem of your favorite automobile maker. Custom Floor mats will change the entire look of the inside of your vehicle and impress those you deem worthy enough to take for a ride.

It’s always a good time to set yourself apart from the crowd. Doing so through vehicle customization not only proclaims a sense of individuality, it gives others on the road a fun sight during an otherwise boring commute or long road trip.

About the Author: Emma is a freelance writer living in Boston. When not writing, she enjoys rock climbing and board games. Informational credit to www.chromeautoemblems.com

Image credit: http://pixabay.com/en/corvette-racing-car-roadster-171419/