Auto Magazine

Five Critical Things to Remember When Shopping for a Used Car

by Carsurfer Admin on 2013/11/27 in Used Autos & Trucks with Comments Off

Used cars can provide great value and a solid vehicle for drivers. Buying a used car is different from buying a new vehicle. The used car has a long history that could affect future performance or maintenance costs. There are five critical things to remember when shopping for a used car.

Visually Inspect Every Area

Every area of the car should be visually inspected regardless of how attractive the chassis appears. The edges, inside of doors and underbody should be inspected for signs of rust. The area under the car should be examined for leaks. The upholstery and interior should be examined for signs of past water or body damage. Small issues like rust or a leak could make the used car difficult to maintain and expensive to repair.

Look At the Service History

The service history log provides a very detailed view of the current condition of the car. A complete service history can show consistent problems over the years that might make the car less desirable. The service history can also show whether the car sustained frame damage or water damage in the past due to an accident. Cars without a complete service history need to be scrutinized thoroughly to ensure there are no potential structural, mechanical or safety issues.

An Expert Inspection Is Always Necessary

Drivers should always have a used car inspected by an expert before making a decision. Most dealerships will allow the car to be taken to an expert before finalizing a sale. An expert mechanic can identify problems that are not visually obvious. The mechanic can also provide a detailed description about the state of the engine, transmission and electrical system. Expert inspections can prevent drivers from buying used cars with too much damage or wear.

Read Extended Warranties Carefully

Extended warranties can help to make maintenance more affordable with a used car. It is important to read the warranty carefully. Some warranties have strict rules about what is covered. Others have high out-of-pocket costs. Drivers must read and understand the warranty before deciding if it is worth the extra cost. Certified pre-owned vehicles have lower warranty costs and sometimes include a free manufacturer warranty.

Take A Test Drive

All expert dealers such as Kansas City car dealerships will allow potential buyers to take a test drive before making a decision. Test drives are very important because they can reveal comfort or handling issues with the vehicle. The test drive should include highway and city conditions whenever possible. A test drive should never be forgotten when looking at used cars.

Eight Things Every Car Collector Needs

by Carsurfer Admin on 2013/11/25 in Auto Collection with Comments Off

Collecting cars is a great way to preserve history and personal memories. Whether you have one classic car or a warehouse full of exotics, here are six things that every car collector should think about.

1. A Well-equipped Garage

Are your cars stored in a shed or leaky barn? They will lose their value if they’re not stored properly. Depending on the size of your collection, you may need to rent warehouse space or build a larger structure on your property. A well designed garage will have good lighting, plenty of room for uncluttered display of your vehicles and a full set of tools.

2. Clean Floors

If you only have a couple cars and keep them in your home garage, think about painting the floor. A painted floor is easier to clean and you’ll quickly spot fluid leaks. Choose a color that makes it quick to find dropped nuts and bolts.

3. A Personal Mechanic

You might be an accomplished mechanic, but as your collection grows you may no longer have time for regular maintenance. Find a reputable mechanic in your area and hire them on part-time. The cost outweighs the time spent keeping up your collection in its best shape. Plus, you’ll have an extra pair of skilled hands when you decide to dive under the hood.

4. A Security System

After years of work, you don’t want to lose your collection to thieves. Prevent theft by installing a security. Ensure there are plenty of motion triggered lights, alarms and cameras and your collection will stay safe. If you’re in an area that demands it, install tall fencing around your storage space and use steel framed doors.

5. Professional Photos

When you’re at home it’s easy to walk into the garage and see your collection. But, at the office or vacation home you need a reminder of it. Hire a professional photographer to take high-quality photos of your cars. Hire models or include yourself and pick out your favorite locations for the background. And, if you sell any of your cars you’ll have a nice piece of artwork to remember them by.

6. Apparel

When you’re out on the town or on the concourse, show your collector’s pride with branded automotive apparel. You can find shirts, jackets and hats from almost every brand ever produced. It’s also a way to find other enthusiasts you can share your collection with.

7. Car Insurance

One of the biggest hidden expenses of owning a car is car insurance. For car collectors with multiple cars this can really start to add up. Most car insurance companies offer coverage that is specialized for collector and antique cars.

8. Car Enthusiast Friends

Friends make anything more fun. Friends that share your same interest make it even more fun. If you don’t have any car enthusiast friends then join a club or visit a local car show to make some.

So whether you already started your car collection or you are about to start one, these are a few things that will help make your hobby, safe, fun, and worry-free.

3 Ideas For Keeping Your Dream Car Safe and Sound

by Carsurfer Admin on 2013/11/22 in Auto Protection with Comments Off

When it comes to caring for a car, some people worry about how to keep a car safe. They may carry little awareness of their options. It is possible to keep a car away from harm, and the information below may help.

1. Keep a Car Inside a Garage

If a person wishes to keep a car away from any danger, it is important to park the car inside of a garage or other storage area. If a person does not choose to park a car in a garage, the car may be visible to troublemakers. People may be able to see what is inside of the car, and they may wish to break into the car. A garage also protects a car from the elements. A person will not have to clean snow off the car in the winter.

2. Avoid Parking under Trees or Suspicious Objects

When a person chooses to park under a tree, he or she may risk damage to their car. For example, a gust of wind may force a branch from a tree to land on the car. If this is not the case, the car may become warm as a result of lack of shade from the tree. Items in the car may melt or suffer damage. A person should also avoid parking a car under an item that appears to be in poor or otherwise unstable condition. If a person is not sure about what to do, he or she should park the car in another spot.

3. Install a Car Alarm

It is not always possible to stay near a car. A person may have to leave a car in order to run errands or go to work. It is an excellent idea to consider the use of a car alarm. A car alarm gives a car owner peace of mind. The person will not have to worry about the car as they go through their daily chores.

Troublemakers will stay away from the car, and a person may protect all items inside of the car. This is something for a person to keep in mind. It is a good idea to research companies to find out more.

Car ownership implies many responsibilities. It is not enough to keep a car clean or change the tires on a frequent basis. A person should think about exercising safety, and the information above may help in some fashion.

Super Cars: Which One is Best?

by Carsurfer Admin on 2013/11/20 in Auto Manufacturers with Comments Off

There is nothing more exhilarating than getting behind the wheel of a vehicle and feeling the power beneath the hood. With many makes and models of vehicles across the world, some are simply a notch above the rest. These are the "super cars," and are reserved for the rich and famous. There are plenty of super cars around the world, each having its own special features.

Bugatti Veyron Supersport

Considered the greatest sports car in the world, the Bugatti is sought after by those with money to burn and the desire to burn rubber. The Super Sport version of the Veyron is the fastest street-legal production car in the world. Introduced in 2005, it goes 0-60 in two seconds, and reaches a top speed of just over 267 mph.

Aston Martin One 77

Known as the "Bond car," it’s only fitting this supercar was used by the world’s most renowned superspy. Priced at only 1.5 million dollars, it’s known as a car where today’s technology meets up with style and elegance to create a car any man would want to be seen with and has won several internationally renowned design awards including the Concorso d’Eleganza Design Award for Concept Cars and Prototypes, the GOOD DESIGN award by The Chicago Athenauem: Museum of Architecture and Design in North America and the "Best Design" award by the UK motoring magazine Auto Express. However, since only 77 of these were made last year, a potential owner may have to search far and wide to find this super car.

Lamborghini Aventador

When it comes to super cars, nothing says rich and famous quite like owning a Lamborghini. With a new V12 engine replacing the decade-old V10, there’s no question it’s got lots of power underneath the hood as it is also considered “the best Lamborghini ever” by Car and Driver. The most powerful Lamborghini ever to come off the production line, it’s a car that is known for pushing the boundaries and taking advantage of the latest technology.

SSC Ultimate Aero XT

Looking like a car that came from the future for a visit, this vehicle is a must-have among those who want a well-built car that can hold its own against all challengers. One of the fastest cars in the world, it can reach top speeds of 273 miles per hour, enough to satisfy any owner who has the need for speed. Of interesting note it took the Guiness World Record for fastest stock land vehicle from the Bugatti Veyron SS for only 1 week before Guiness decided to change its mind back and re-award the record to the Veyron.

Buying one of these cars is not only a sign one has arrived, but also that its owner is here to stay. With their owners including rock stars, pro athletes and actors it’s a sure thing that these vehicles are meant to be driven by those who want to see and be seen. With price tags in the millions, those of us who aren’t quite as famous can dare to dream.

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Photo image: http://hdwallpaper2013.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/New-Sports-Cars-Supercars-HD-Wallpaper.jpg

How To Know When The Right Time Is To Replace Your Windshield

by Carsurfer Admin on 2013/11/18 in Windshield with Comments Off

A loud sound permeates your car’s interior and startles you as you drive down the road. This startling sound is typically an object striking the windshield. Depending on the object’s size and trajectory, you may have an instant chip or crack across your windshield. Before you resort to replacing the entire windshield, take a look at the crack to determine if it can be repaired instead.

Chip Repair Options

Take a look at your chip, or gouge, in the glass. If it is about the size of a quarter or less, it is possible to repair it. Use a windshield repair kit to save hundreds of dollars on replacement glass. These helpful kits use specialized resins to fill the chip and maintain a strong glass surface. It is critical to repair the chip as soon as possible, however. Allowing the chip to remain untouched may cause it to grow larger. Any chips outside of quarter size indicates time for a windshield replacement.

Determining Crack Damage

Use products from www.triglassinc.com to repair 3-inch-long cracks, or smaller, for an almost brand-new glass appearance. Resins quickly fill in the crack and prevent it from spreading. Order your repair kit quickly for these cracks, especially if they are along the windshield’s edge. There is a lot of glass tension at the edges because of the connection point to the vehicle itself. Neglected cracks at the edges spread rapidly, requiring an entire windshield replacement.

Driver’s Clear View

If you have a small crack or chip along the driver’s line of sight, most professional repair companies will not advise filling the damage. Although resin is strong and creates a neat appearance when cured, it does form a slight warping at the damage site. If you must focus on cars through the filled site, an accident could occur. In these case, you will want to replace the windshield. If you try to repair the damage yourself without a professional’s help, you may cause your own accident in the future.

Ticketing Damaged Windshields

Some states actively issue tickets for damaged windshields. Do not allow your cracks and chips to grow in size. Repair or replace the windshield as needed. Police want everyone on the road to be safe and a damaged windshield increases your chances of an accident, especially at night. Lights flicker and distort through cracks, impeding your depth perception.

Take a good look at your windshield. Use a quarter and ruler to determine damage sizes for the best evaluation. If you are unsure about the damage, ask a professional’s opinion or replace the windshield.