Auto Magazine

How To Keep Your Nice Cars In Good Shape In The Winter

by Carsurfer Admin on 2013/12/16 in Uncategorized with Comments Off

Winter can be a rough time on cars. Temperature extremes, poor road conditions and the presence of corrosive materials on the roads can all add up to problems. Fortunately, there are a number of things that car owners can do to keep their rides in great shape through the cold months of winter.

Washing and Waxing

Keeping a car washed and waxed does more than make it look good. Washing removes dirt and other debris that can scratch paint and waxing provides a protective layer to protect a car’s finish from damage from sand, cinders and other objects on the road that are thrown up by other cars. Washing and waxing is especially important during the winter months when there is more debris on the road surface that can end up on a car.

Underbody Washing

While maintaining a clean and well waxed exterior is important, winter is also a time to focus on the underbody of the car. Road salt and other corrosive materials are constantly being splashed under a car onto frame components, CV joints, brake lines and other parts. Left alone over time these materials will cause parts to corrode and fail. For this reason, it is important for car owners to thoroughly clean the underbody of their cars during winter. It is important to spray off the bottom of the car as well as focusing on the wheel wells, bumpers and other areas that collect debris.

Tires

If a car owner plans to drive his or her car during the winter months, a tire inspection is mandatory. Tires should have at least 50% of its original tread depth for safe winter driving. An even better idea is to purchase winter tires to be used only during the cold months. Studded tires are still available in most areas, but modern winter tires that do not use studs perform better in most winter driving conditions. Car owners who choose to buy winter tires can have them taken off when warm weather returns in the spring and stored until next winter.

Storage

Car owners who want to protect their cars from all of the problems that winter can present should consider renting storage units to protect their car during the cold months. This is a particularly good idea for those people who do not have access to off street parking. Parking on the street in winter is especially hazardous for a nice car as snow plows, sliding cars and the splash of salty street slush provides an unending array of hazards for a parked car.

Five Easily Preventable Car Troubles and How to Avoid Them

by Carsurfer Admin on 2013/12/12 in Auto Maintenance with Comments Off

Car ownership can often be a pain for some people. Now, usually, one can take steps to prevent problems and save money in the process. In fact, here are five easily preventable car troubles and how to avoid them.

Windshield cracks

While driving down the highway, a lot of people end up with smashed windshields. This is usually not the driver’s fault. However, to protect the vehicle, one should avoid driving behind a semi or other large trucks or vans. If one does not heed this advice and ends up with a cracked windshield, they should look for a windshield repair kit of some sort such as Tri Glass Windshield Repair Kits. With this, one can fix the problem and enjoy a crack-free windshield.

Dead battery

Sometimes, when in a parking lot, a driver will walk out to a dead battery. This leaves a person unable to move his or her car. Luckily, when carrying jumper cables, one can fix the issue and drive the car safely. Of course, to avoid this in the first place, a car owner should try to avoid leaving the lights on and other electronics while he or she is not driving.

Flat tire

Now, it is impossible to prevent getting a flat tire. With that being said, a smart driver who keeps his or her tires inflated properly can avoid this problem. Furthermore, when driving on the highway, one should avoid emergency lanes as plenty of glass and nails sit on the side of the road.

Electrical problems

Some European cars have electrical problems. However, this is preventable should a driver opt to change out the fuses and avoid overusing electronic devices such as refrigerators and computers. Otherwise, a car owner will spend thousands of dollars fixing the issue.

Leaks

When driving a car off the road, one will end up with problems. Often, the biggest problem one will encounter is leaks. With this, a vehicle owner may experience problems and end up messing up his or her engine. To avoid this, one should watch out for leaks by looking on the ground. If a driver notices anything out of the ordinary, he or she should take it to a mechanic and get it looked at immediately.

A car owner must take a proactive approach and avoid problems from occurring in the first place. Otherwise, he or she will spend a lot of time and money trying to fix seemingly minor issues that will get out of control in the long run.

How To Find The Best Used Car For Your Money

by Carsurfer Admin on 2013/12/10 in Used Autos & Trucks with Comments Off

With the economy still being in such bad shape, more and more consumers are starting to reap the benefits of purchasing a used vehicle. Although most used vehicles are substantially less expensive than brand new vehicles, the majority of motorists still have a desire to get the best possible deal. Here are some important tips on how to find the best used car for your money.

Do not show your hand too soon

Whether you are trying to negotiate with a used car salesman or a private seller, it is essential that you maintain a poker face at all times. If the seller perceives you to be overly eager to purchase a particular vehicle, they will be less likely to lower the asking price.

Fear the unknown

Even if the seller of the vehicle seems to be very honest, it is always best to err of the side of caution. Unknowingly making the purchase of a vehicle that has been involved in a flood or car accident could mean major trouble in the long run. The best approach is to always spend the extra money for a vehicle history report.

Consider all sources

Although a private seller may offer a lower price, some dealerships also have great bargains. Reputable dealerships such as Premier Mazda thoroughly inspect each vehicle before deeming it to be worthy of a spot on their lot. Some used cars Kansas City dealers also warranty their vehicles for a certain period of time.

Check the reviews for each prospective vehicle

When it comes to purchasing a used vehicle, car reviews become very valuable sources of information. Car reviews are important because they can alert shoppers of any red flags before making a final decision. For example, a specific model could have trouble-prone transmissions. By reading the reviews, the potential owner can be prevented from making an expensive mistake.

Monthly payments or cash

If the customer is seeking to purchase a used vehicle from a dealership, they usually have the option to pay for the vehicle in full or to make monthly payments. Although monthly payments allow more financial flexibility, prospective buyers need to pay close attention to the fine print. High interest rates could cause to final cost to rise substantially.

When searching for a used car, remember to avoid getting too anxious. If the proper steps are taken, you could end up saving lots of hard-earned cash in the process.

Get Your Car Winter Ready With These 5 Tips

by Carsurfer Admin on 2013/12/02 in Auto Maintenance with Comments Off

It’s always a good idea to keep your car in top shape. People spend more time in their vehicles than they may realize, and a broken down car can leave you stranded. The condition of your car is especially important in the wintertime. The best time to get ready is long before the first snow falls. A little bit of preparation before the temperature drops will give you a peace of mind when you’re on the road. Here are five tips to get your car ready for winter driving:

Check Your Tires

Snow, sleet and ice can make for slick, treacherous conditions. It’s vital that your car have a good set of tires; they are the one part of your car that has direct contact with the road. The National Highway Transportation Safety Board advises that a tire’s treads should be at least 1/16th of an inch deep. If you’ve been meaning to get new tires, there’s no better time than before the winter weather hits.

Give Your Car a Checkup

While you’re looking into your tires, have your mechanic can make sure your vehicle is ready for winter driving. Have him check your battery, belts, hoses, spark plugs and other parts that need to be in top shape to handle the extra stress of winter weather.

Antifreeze and Oil

The two most important liquids in your car after gasoline are its antifreeze and oil. Antifreeze prevents freeze ups. If your coolant is too old, it might not stand up to the cold. The oil you use in the summer months may not work as well colder temperatures. Synthetic oil is designed to do just that. Check with your mechanic to see what oil would work best for your car.

Wiper Blades

Winter weather can wreak havoc on wiper blades, affecting your visibility. Visibility is essential to safe driving. Although drivers depend on their vehicles’ wiper blades to clear away rain, sleet and snow, many wait to replace them until they need them the most. Most blades should be replaced every 6 months but winter weather blades are specifically designed to function sever conditions.

Emergency Kit

Despite all the preparation, sometimes getting stranded is unavoidable and can happen at any time, whether your car is new or old. A range of problems can cause it, from a tire failure or mechanical breakdown to running out of fuel. Make sure your car is stocked with a few do-without items to help you get through a stay in a cold car.

Blankets
Extra gloves, boots and hats
Flashlight with extra batteries
Ice scraper and small shovel
Jumper cables
First aid kit
Flares

Winter weather can be unpredictable. Severe weather can be both frightening and dangerous for travel. Drivers should know the safety rules for dealing with winter road emergencies. Repairs for trucks and cars can mount during the winter months, but a little prevention beforehand can save time and money.

Car Totaled in an Accident? 5 Tips on What to Do Next

by Carsurfer Admin on 2013/11/29 in Auto Accident with Comments Off

A totaled car is one that has been destroyed in an accident. There is extreme damage to the front, back or side that is caused by a heavy collision. Handle your totaled vehicle quickly and effectively. There are certain steps involved in handling this situation. After you experience this accident, know five steps that you must take next.

Submit a Claim Immediately

It is not good to sit on any claim. A day or two after the accident, submit your documents to the insurance provider. The process could take a month or more, depending on the severity of the accident, so immediacy is important. Also, know if you car is even totaled. The repairs will cost more than the current value. Check over the vehicle and submit accurate information in your claim.

Tow the Vehicle Right Away

Contact a towing company right after the crash. The specific company does not really matter because the car is only being stored. The storage fees are usually high, so it is important to remove the vehicle immediately.

Know the Current Value of the Vehicle

To pay for repairs, know the current value of the vehicle. A claim is determined by the actual cash value instead of the repair costs. Review the numbers in the Kelly Blue Book and recent auto listings. Make sure that the insurance provider is working with fair prices. Know that you are receiving the right payouts.

Find the Title

Keep hold of your car title when it is needed. Otherwise, file for a lost one immediately. The insurance provider may require that you sign it over. To keep the car, you may have to file for a salvaged title. Reselling the car may be harder, but you can resell the parts.

Submit the Documents Immediately

Filling out numerous documents is included the total claims process, but you must submit them before the deadlines. It could take months before you receive results from an insurance company or lawyer. Jeffery C. Metler, a personal injury lawyer, always urges his clients to submit any necessary paper work as quickly as possible after the accident so that they will have the best chance of getting what they need from the insurance company. The process starts with your fast actions, which affects the chances of restoring your vehicle.

Communication and fast acting are important factors when you deal with a totaled car. Review the five tasks that you must fulfill to deal with this accident. Communicate closely with the adjuster. Most of all, act quickly before your benefits run out. Work through an efficient process of handling a totaled vehicle.