Auto Magazine

Three Decisions You Need to Make Before Going to the Car Dealership

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/02/12 in Auto Buying Tips with Comments Off

When you have decided to buy a brand new car from one of the many dealerships in your city, it can be a very exciting time. People are often anxious to run out and find the car of their dreams right away. However, it is important to slow down and secure a few things in your mind before visiting the actual dealership. Having some facts and figures in mind before meeting the first salesman can allow you to get better deals, be happier with your purchase over time, and lessen the actual amount of time that you spend on the lot.

Understand What You Want

Dealers make it their business to try to meet the needs of their customers while simultaneously making the most profit possible for their dealership. Many times this practice leads to a dealer attempting to “up-sale” the customer to a larger vehicle, better trim, or a newer model. In order to take this kind of worry out of the picture, buyers should have a definite idea of the make and model of vehicle that they want. Coming into the situation with this idea in mind makes it easy to avoid temptations presented by the salesman. Even if you can’t settle on one specific type of vehicle, at least outline concrete needs that you have from your vehicle that include items such as cargo space, fuel efficiency, and numbers of passengers.

Look at the Numbers in Advance

It is a very bad idea to walk onto a lot without any idea of what kind of cost should be associated with the vehicle you want. Shopping around beforehand in order to understand the kind of price range you should see on the vehicle gives you some leverage when dealing with salesman in addition to providing you with protection against dealers attempting to gouge the price. According to experts at Mazda dealers in Kansas City like Premier Mazda, research the MSRP value on top of getting some round figures that reflect what the final cost should be after taxes and other fees. Decide on a price range and stick to your decision.

Make Your Own Decisions about When to Buy

Smart shoppers will avoid buying a vehicle on the first visit. Use this time to get a feel for the car you want, and gather some information from the dealership about what they can offer you. With this information in hand, you can do further comparisons and research. Schedule an actual appointment with a sales manager when you are ready to buy. These two actions let the dealer know that you are serious and will not be pushed around when it comes to closing the deal.

Keeping it Real: 4 Tools for Original Car Restoration Projects

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/02/10 in Uncategorized with Comments Off

When it comes to planning and completing your own original car restoration projects, the first thing you’ll certainly need is the right set of tools for the job. After all, no two cars on the market, past or present, are ever the same. With each make and model of car that you restore, you’ll need a different selection of tools. However, with a bit of planning, you can easily have all the tools you need on hand to complete your restoration project. What follows is a list of some of the more commonly used restoration project tools.

3/8" Professional Air Ratchet

You’ll certainly need a professionally balanced air ratchet for nearly every original car restoration project that you undertake. The 3/8" model is capable of delivering a torque of up to 50 pounds. The slimmer, more portable 3/8" design is also especially handy because it will allow you to reach fasteners in crowded, inaccessible spaces that the regular impact wrenches simply cannot. This is one item that will definitely need to be on every car restorer’s list.

Dual Action Air Sander

Another item that no qualified car restoration expert can afford to be without is a dual action air sander. You’ll need a sander that employs dual action for the simple reason that sanding the body of your car is not a one time process that smooths down only one type of surface on your car. Therefore, you’ll need a sander that can handle varying surfaces, such as metal, fiberglass, and others, without causing damage to the body. A dual action sander will give you the best results in this tricky situation. Unlike larger sanders, this still gives you the quality and detail control without giving up efficiency.

Portable Abrasive Blaster Kit

A portable abrasive blaster kit is an excellent addition to your personal garage. This handy instrument is equipped with a blast gun, 15 ft. of hose, and a 50 pound hopper. It’s the ultimate tool for removing paint, rust, graffiti, and previous restoration errors! These tools might seem expensive for the scope of the project you’re working on, but spending months with a small sander trying to take the paint and bad welding lines off of your restoration project is also time consuming. Save your valuable time and get yourself a fun tool in the process. Even if you don’t choose to restore another car after you’re done, this handy tool is great for all sorts of home improvement projects, and could be lent out to help with community service projects, like an eagle scout project to remove graffiti.

2000 PSI Pressure Washer

Before you can really consider your car restoration project complete, you’ll need to clean it up. A 2000 PSI pressure washer is the instrument most restoration experts recommend to accomplish this goal. It contains the recommended amount of pressure needed to fully clean a newly restored vehicle in a safe and convenient fashion, perfect for most personal home garages. This is a must have before you paint. If you paint over shavings and dust from your sanding, it will destroy that coat of paint, and any additional layers you add to it. A pressure washer can ensure that the body of your vehicle is clean and dry before you attempt to paint.

Whether you are interested in learning more about these and other car restoration tools, or looking for a a good place to source affordable parts, there are plenty of handy online resources available to you. YouTube has thousands of helpful how-to videos for repairs on all types of vehicles. Your car restoration project might not be as far away as you think, and it might just be the perfect excuse you need to stock up on some fun new tools.

Author Bio

Marlena Stoddard writes on antique cars and auto repair. Originally from Senoia, GA, Marlena lives in Santa Rosa, CA with her husband and 2 children. For help finding parts for classic restorations, Marlena recommends established sites like 99 Truck Parts.

Image credit: http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/Cars_Buses_and_Truck_g71-Vehicle_Engine_p31193.html

Five Cars That Are Great for Both Highway and Off-Road Adventures

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/02/07 in On the Road with Comments Off

If you are an adventure seeker that craves the excitement of an off-road journey, the average sedan is just not going to get the job done. You will need a vehicle that is rugged enough to withstand the rigors of an off-road trail. Here are five cars that are great for both highway and off-road adventures.

Volkswagen Touareg TDI

The curvaceous exterior design of the Volkswagen Touareg TDI misleads some people to believe that it is limited to street-use only. Surprisingly, the Touareg TDI is specially engineered to carve through the occasional off-road trail. With its muscular diesel engine and adaptive air suspension, the Touareg easily churns through deep snow and gummy mud holes. On road, the Touareg’s handling ability is on par with a true sports sedan.

Jeep Grand Cherokee

The majority of Jeep Grand Cherokees never even touch the dirt. Most owners rave about the unmatched comfort and practicality of the Grand Cherokee. However, taking the Grand Cherokee on an off-road journey transforms it into an entirely different animal. The SUV’s legendary four-wheel-drive system and sturdy chassis definitely comes in handy when tackling rough terrains.

Nissan Xterra

For over a decade, the Nissan Xterra has remained one of the best family vehicles on the market. Whether the family is taking a trip to the beach or heading to a ski resort, the Xterra treats the passengers to a comfortable ride and plenty of cargo room. If you prefer to take the Xterra on an off-road excursion, the SUV is properly equipped to handle the task. Its beefy suspension setup and rugged chassis enable the Xterra to handle a variety of different environments.

Subaru Outback

The wagon design of the Subaru Outback allows the owner to haul anything from hiking equipment to a pair of skis. The Outback’s excellent fuel economy makes it the perfect vehicle for taking a cross-country trip. The aftermarket is full of Subaru Outback parts, so you can easily upgrade the chassis if you are a serious off-road enthusiast.

Chevrolet Silverado Z71 Crew Cab

The crew cab version of the Silverado Z71 provides able room for the entire family. It is a big highway cruiser that can easily tow a boat if needed. When outfitted with a set of off-road tires, the Z71 can topple virtually any obstacle in its path.

There are numerous places in the country that are just waiting to get explored. All of these vehicles are certainly capable of fulfilling your hunger for adventure.

Five Tips To Getting Good Deals On Your Race Car Parts

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/02/05 in Auto Parts with Comments Off

If you own a race car, you know that it is an expensive hobby. Each time you head to the track, there is a good chance that you will need to order more parts at the end of the day. Unless you have an endless supply of money, you will want to use savvy to find the parts you need at a reasonable price. Here are five tips to getting good deals on your race car parts.

Go Wholesale

There is no doubt that wholesale companies are going to give you a better deal. Take your time and do some comparison shopping. When you search online, you will be provided with the most popular picks first. Dig a little further and you could be pleasantly surprised. Some companies offer special promotions, such as free shipping or an excellent discount. You can find a wide variety of essentials, including american racing wheels, tires, and engine parts. Pay attention to the location. If you find a company in your area, you could avoid shipping fees by picking up parts on your own.

Think Used

Whether you go by word of mouth, the newspaper, or online, you can find a host of used race car parts that may seem like an absolute steal. You can have parts shipped from any part of the company, but you take a risk when you make purchases without inspecting them first. If you restrict your search to your own locale, you can check out the parts to see if they are up to par and coming from a reputable source.

Check Out Racing Garages

Where there are race tracks, there are bound to be garages devoted to racing. You will find teams of a considerable size, the one man show, and everything in between. Don’t be afraid to call around when you are looking for parts. There is a good chance someone else is trying to move some parts to make room for something new.

Hit the Swap Meets

Anyone who knows cars knows that swap meets can be a gold mine of opportunities. This is the place where everyone congregates for a day or a weekend, rounding up a vast assortment of new and used parts. From vintage to classic and modern parts, racing items are sure to make an appearance as well. If you’re in luck, you will find a swap meet that is devoted to racing.

Try Online Forums

There’s a forum for everything under the sun when you hit the Internet. Ask about race car parts, used or news, and you’ll be led in the right direction. From people who are experts on all things racing to those who actually have items for sale, you’ll open the door to opportunity every time you knock.

A sea of racing car parts are out there. It’s up to you to do your homework and do a thorough search to find the best prices. Don’t jump at the first site or source that comes along. Make sure you are buying racing car parts that will stand up to the test.

Auto Pain: Five Questions You Must Answer After a Car Accident

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/02/03 in Auto Accident with Comments Off

Car accidents can happen in the blink of an eye. After the impact, your world could be turned upside down–figuratively and literally. Once your head stops spinning and your mind is clear enough to think about what just took place, you must act quickly before the whole thing takes a turn for the worse. Ask yourself these five questions immediately following involvement in a vehicular collision.

1. Am I Hurt?

The first thing that you must determine after a crash is whether or not you’ve been injured. Motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of injury and death in many parts of the world, so scan your body for any apparent wounds. If you can’t find any or don’t feel any excruciating pain, you should be okay for the moment, but sometimes car injuries don’t fully present until a little later. If you are badly hurt, do everything in your power to stay alive while calling for help. You may have to fend for yourself until help arrives.

2. Did I Hurt Someone Else?

If you’ve hit another vehicle, ensure that the other driver and all passengers are alright. The other driver may be fine, and if so, exchange personal details so that insurance companies can handle the technical stuff. If the other driver is injured, seek help immediately. You may be criminalized in a court of law if you are determined to be responsible for the injury or death of another individual.

3. Where Am I?

A car crash can cause you to become disoriented for a certain length of time. You may have been pushed off the route that you were previously taking. When you come to your senses, try to figure out where you are so that emergency services can reach you in a timely manner. If you don’t know the road names, describe the surrounding environmental features in detail so that help can pinpoint your location.

4. What Happened?

Again, disorientation is common after a car accident. You might even get knocked unconscious for some time. As soon as you can, try to understand the situation so that you can explain what happened to first responders. Taking notes and photos of the car damage, any injuries, and the immediate environment can prove to be invaluable to your existence, the survival of other victims involved, and reaching a favorable settlement in court.

5. Do I Have A Lawyer?

It’s very possible that the other party involved in the crash will sue you. If that’s the case, you’ll want to hire an attorney to help you sort things out. Contact Cummings Andrews Mackay LLP. if you are in Edmonton, or research a local auto accident lawyer for advice on how to proceed.

As the victim of a motor vehicle accident, a lot of things go through your mind. The shock of the whole situation can be numbing, especially to a first-time victim, but you must try to remain calm. Logical thinking is what saves many people from their impending doom and potential future legal struggles.