Auto Magazine

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.

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.