12 Ways to Prevent Auto Theft

by Carsurfer Admin on 2013/01/25 in Auto Security with Comments Off on 12 Ways to Prevent Auto Theft

According to the FBI, a car is stolen every 23 seconds in the United States. In the city of Los Angeles, about 30,000 cars are ripped off each year, accounting for approximately one-quarter of all property crimes. You can avoid becoming part of the statistical carnage by employing both commonsense and forward-thinking anti-theft strategies. Read on and we will look at 12 ways that you can keep your car out of the hands of thieves.

1. Just lock it. Always lock your car. Turn your car off, remove the keys and lock the doors. Activate the alarm system if you have one.

2. Park in public, well-lit areas. Certainly, your car can get stolen in broad daylight. But, why make it easy on thieves by parking it in a dark, obscure place that invites a theft? The more local movement, the less likely thieves will feel comfortable about taking your car.

3. Employ driveway sense. A trick of thieves is to pull up in a tow truck and hitch your car for a quick getaway. You can thwart crooks by backing your rear-wheel-drive car into your driveway and positioning your front-wheel-drive face in. Engage your parking brake too.

4. Turn on your alarm. If you have an alarm system, turn it on when you are parked. Use it or risk losing it…your car, that is.

5. Install a hood lock. Thieves can quickly disengage your alarm by popping the hood and disconnecting the battery. You can thwart this attempt by installing a separate dead bolt hood lock.

6. Know your vehicle’s popularity. Just because your car is old does not mean that it any less attractive to thieves. The 1994 Honda Accord and the 1998 Honda Civic are the two top most stolen cars in the country reports the National Insurance Crime Bureau. Older versions of Ford’s F-150 truck and the Toyota Camry are also popular targets for their parts.

7. Use vehicle tracking. Buy a new car and there is a greater likelihood that it will come equipped with a vehicle tracking device. GM’s OnStar is one such system and its current packages include "stolen vehicle slowdown" for easier law enforcement apprehension.

8. Take your belongings with you. Okay, maybe thieves don’t want your car. But, those Christmas packages or other goodies you have left in your car are certainly appealing. A smashed window and a quick grab and snatch is all that it takes to rip off your belongings, so take these prized possessions with you.

9. Your hidden keys. How smart of you to hide a key underneath your car! After all, this is a practice that thieves would never consider. Unfortunately, to steal a car, thieves may feel underneath your bumpers, your wheel wells and other exposed area to find a key. Don’t make it easy for them — never hide a key!

10. Stow your title. In your glove box is your car’s registration and insurance papers. What shouldn’t be found is your title. Making your title available to thieves is an invitation to disaster — your vehicle can be stolen and quickly retitled as an unsuspecting party buys your car.

11. Disable your car. If you will be away from your car for extended time such as catching a flight and parking it at the airport, thieves will be on the lookout for your vehicle. Make it difficult for them to jump in and start your car by disabling it, removing the ignition fuse or coil wire. You may not be able to get these items through airport security, so stash them in the trunk underneath your spare tire.

12. VIN etching and engraving. You can thwart thieves by having your vehicle identification number or VIN etched to your car windows in plain sight. Also consider engraving important parts with your VIN, to make it less likely that thieves will want to disassemble your car for the value of its separate parts.

Theft Prevention Tips

There are other ways you can make it more difficult for thieves to steal your car. You can install a steering wheel lock, a kill switch and a floorboard lock, the latter making it impossible for thieves to use your accelerator. Consider installing multiple devices if you plan to leave your car unattended for a stretch of time or if you live or are visiting a car theft prone area.

Author Information
Keith Winters is a professional blogger that enjoys providing consumers with automotive advice. He writes for Butty Buddy, a leading manufacturer of motorcycle seats.

The Insider Checklist for Buying a New Car: What Everyone Needs to Know

by Carsurfer Admin on 2013/01/21 in Auto Buying Tips with 2 Comments

Its seems like once people know you have worked on cars for decades you are their “go-to” for all car questions—which I love. One of the most common questions I get comes when a person is considering buying a used car for the first time. We constantly hear horror stories and if you’re unfamiliar of what to look for in a quality vehicle you might feel like you’re jumping into this process blind, it can be scary. Here’s an ultimate checklist for the prospective used-car buyer to help you distinguish a great deal vs. a problem waiting to happen.

Making a Budget

Before you get to the car lot it’s important to establish a budget. Buying a car can be a process in itself and it is easy to waste time looking at cars you can’t afford. Think about need vs. want and be realistic with what you can afford. Don’t strain your personal life by trying to stretch your money thin. A lot of companies offer special options like DriveTime buy here pay here financing options. If you’re looking into financing, avoid long-term loans you should be able to pay off a car loan in three years. Consider fuel and maintenance costs.

Looking for a Car

Look for brands and models known for consistency and reliability. Although luxury vehicles are known for their usability, maintaining one can be expensive. What are you using your car for? Is it mostly used for commute to work? Are you an Outdoorsman who takes vehicles into rugged terrain? Ideally you will find a car that’s well-maintained, 3- to 5-years-old and void of any major mechanical problems or a history of collisions. Typically you do not want to exceed 12 to 15 years when purchasing a used automobile. Low mileage is important, but a car cannot be judged on low-mileage alone, be sure to obtain the car history when comparing vehicles.

A cars interior condition usually says a lot about the previous life it lived. Rust anywhere on a vehicle is a bad. Looking for the cheapest car does not translate to being the best deal, you’re looking for the best mechanical condition for the most reasonable price. Try to avoid first-year models, as they usually have more glitches. Go online and see what people are saying about models you’re interested in.

Cost of Insurance

Insurance cost will vary significantly depending on the vehicle history, make, model, year etc. Get an insurance quote before you purchase a car.

Dealing With the Dealer

Going to a dealership prepared is going to make a huge difference in the way you feel at the lot, and the outcome of your buy. A dealer’s goal is to make a sale as high as possible. First check and make sure the vehicle your interested in is still available. A lot of times dealers will keep a car that’s already sold online to get people into their lot.

  • Confirm the price, color and mileage an make sure the car has all the basics: air conditioner, radio, automatic vs. manual, cruise control, working windows ABS etc. Make sure all of these work when you get there.
  • Take the car for a test drive, see how the breaks work, if the AC is cold, if you hear and odd sounds or feel any noticeable bumps in the ride.
  • A car may smoke when it’s cold or the engine may be noisy or the transmission may engage with a delay.
  • Ask about extra charges and fees and ask about what kind of warranty they have available.
  • Ask for the vehicle history and VIN number to check accidents or major repairs for yourself.
  • The price is almost always negotiable; make an offer on the total price to let them know you are a real buyer. Total price is important because often dealers will try to tack on extra fees after you’ve negotiated a price.
  • Be ready to walk away from a deal if you are feeling you’re feeling to pressured.

Next Generation Acura MDX Prototype Rolls Out

by Carsurfer Admin on 2013/01/18 in Acura with Comments Off on Next Generation Acura MDX Prototype Rolls Out

The Acura MDX is a seven-passenger crossover SUV, one of the more successful and profitable models offered by Honda’s premium make. A prototype of the 2014 model was released at the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January, offering what Acura describes as a "strong direction" for what its third generation crossover will offer when it is released later this year.

Aero Sculpture

The next generation Acura MDX features an "aero sculpture" or an exterior design that is clean, uncluttered and unpretentiously luxurious. From the front, "jewel eye" LED headlights offer an unmistakably rich appearance, accenting the MDX’s handsome grille. Acura says that the new model is 16 percent slippier than the current edition, an aerodynamic improvement that will help boost fuel economy.

The new model also stands in slightly lower than the current edition, with 1.5 inches shaved from its roofline. The wheelbase has been increased by a few inches to provide improved second row seating room and easier access to the third row.

Body Rigidity

Acura says that the 2014 MDX is more rigid and lighter than the 2013 model, benefiting from a new suspension system that also provides improved handling. Under the hood, an all-new direct injection 3.5-liter V-6 engine with variable cylinder management powers this SUV, offering improvements in horsepower and torque.

Big for 2014 will be a number of safety improvements. The Acura MDX has long been a leader in all things passenger safety, but the new model will raise the bar further.

Besides its stronger body structure, the Acura MDX will offer both forward collision warning and lane departure warning systems, and update what it calls its "visibility technologies" that provide blind spot intervention, lane keeping assist and active cruise control. The focal points of the changes is a multi-angle rearview camera that makes it possible for drivers to see an even wider area around the rear of the vehicle.

Upgraded Telematics

Inside, the MDX’s telematics system will receive an important upgrade as the next generation of AcuraLink rolls out. This cloud-based connection system makes it possible to bring in personalized news reports, SMS text messaging, SiriusXM satellite radio, Pandora radio connectivity while also providing ease of smartphone connectivity. An upgraded audio system will also be available and concierge services will include live person support.

Not much else about the 2014 Acura MDX has been released although true to Honda Motor America practice, the prototype should be a near perfect representation of the production version. Honda may like to surprise its customers, but when it comes to design you’re usually seeing what you will get.

Improved Performance

The new 3.5-liter V-6 engine comes in slightly smaller than the outgoing engine. This single overhead cam engine is expected to make about 310 horsepower and 265 foot-pounds of torque, or the same as the current model, but do so more efficiently. With a lighter weight underneath and the right transmission pairing in place, the 2014 Acura MDX just may move to the top of the segment. Front-wheel-drive is standard, all-wheel-drive is optional.

The latter features Acura’s acclaimed Super Handling system that provides for optimum handling and control under a variety of road conditions.
Bringing the Acura MDX to the market later this summer is important for Honda’s premium brand. Acura sales rose by 26.7 percent in 2012, for its best year since 2007. Acura has long lived in the shadow of its Japanese competitors, namely Lexus and Infiniti, but the good money is betting that the MDX and other planned products will vault the brand in the coming years.

Author Information
Jonathan Allbones is a personal finance writer and car fan. He contributes to a number of leading blogs across the web. If you are looking for a car supermarket visit The Car People.

Photo courtesy of Acura.

Electric Vehicles Promote Green Living

by Carsurfer Admin on 2013/01/14 in Hybrid/Electric with Comments Off on Electric Vehicles Promote Green Living

Consumers seeking to reduce their impact on the environment can easily make changes by taking into account various electric vehicles now on the market. Most car manufacturers offer at least one model, vehicles that have no emissions and offer the equivalent of greater than 100 mpg driving. Going electric may be advantageous to you, so consider the following when exploring this new vehicle purchase option to achieve your green living goals.

Definition

To choose electric vehicle means to define an electric vehicle. The EV category is broad and includes all vehicles that have at least partial electric generating capabilities including hybrids, hydrogen fuel cell and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.

Pure electric vehicles run only electricity only and are charged in to replenish the energy source. Such vehicles include the Tesla Roadster, the battery electric Ford Focus, CODA Sedan, Mitsubishi i-MieV, Toyota RAV4 EV and the Fiat 500E. Some models are available in limited markets, such as California, while others have a broader distribution range.

Environmental

It goes without saying that EVs are environmentally friendly vehicles with just a small impact on the environment. That impact includes the energy they derive from coal-generated power plants and the eventual disposal of worn out parts.

The Environmental Protection Agency notes that EVs convert approximately 59 to 62 percent of its energy used to power the wheels compared with 17 to 21 percent for conventional gasoline engines. Electricity is a domestic energy source and can be derived from coal, solar, nuclear, hydro and wind generating power sources.

Challenges

To paint an accurate picture of EVs, consumers must be aware of certain shortcomings that must be weighed when exploring EV purchase. Those shortcomings include vehicle range, recharge times, battery cost and the weight of electric vehicles.

Most EVs have a driving range of at least 70 miles to no more than 100 miles. One model, the pricey Tesla S, has a range of more than 250 miles. Recharge times can interrupt your trip and take four to eight hours to complete. Faster recharges with a quick charge recharger can replenish your battery to 80 percent charge capacity in just 20 to 30 minutes. The limited range of such vehicles produces what is called "range anxiety" for potential buyers, enough to chase many people away from considering EVs.

Because EVs are powered by technologically advanced and expensive electric propulsion systems that store energy in lithium-ion or similar batteries, these cars cost far more than equivalent gas-powered models. Those costs are passed along to the consumer, but can be partially defrayed by taking a federal tax credit of up to $7,500 per vehicle. Also, the bulkier battery systems mean that cabin or storage room, sometimes both, are restricted by the battery pack’s intrusion into the car.

Considerations

While an EV may be desirable for some consumers, car shoppers can eliminate range anxiety and achieve a more positive environmental impact by choosing one of various hybrid models available. Such models can tap a back up energy source, an internal combustion engine, when needed and effectively extend range by hundreds of miles. Consumers still get available electric-only power, producing a net reduction in emissions and fuel use compared to conventional cars. Models to consider include the Toyota Prius, Chevrolet Volt, Ford Fusion Energi, Toyota Camry Hybrid, Ford C-MAX, Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, Kia Optima Hybrid, Chevrolet Malibu ECO and Cadillac ELR.

The long range prospects for EVs improves as these cars gain wider adoption and costs begin to fall as such vehicles become mass produced. Volume production spreads costs across more models, enabling car manufacturers to hold prices steady or reduce them as demand increases and technology improves. As that happens green living will become more commonplace, enabling all of us to enjoy a cleaner environment.

Author Information
Neil Dunsmore is a consumer energy expert, helping ordinary Americans secure extraordinary deals on their energy bills. Visit Electric.com for more information.

What’s the Difference – Shocks, Struts and Springs?

by Carsurfer Admin on 2013/01/08 in Auto Maintenance with Comments Off on What’s the Difference – Shocks, Struts and Springs?

Your vehicle’s suspension is a vital system – it ensures that you have a comfortable ride on virtually any driving surface, but it also helps provide better handling and even ensures longevity for your vehicle by eliminating jarring bumps and vibrations that would otherwise compromise its integrity. Your suspension system is actually built from a variety of different components, and understanding what these are and how they work is important, whether you’re repairing a blown shock or lowering your ride. The three most important components to know are your shocks, struts and springs.

Shocks and Struts

Shocks and struts are very similar to each other, and it can be tempting to think that they’re the same. They do the same job – a hydraulic piston is mounted within a framework that’s bolted to the vehicle above one of the four wheels. When your vehicle encounters a bump or dip, the piston extends or retracts in order to keep the vehicle level and reduce jarring/bouncing. However, while they do a similar job, they’re different components.

The main difference between the two is in the design of the component. Both shocks and struts can be found on the front or rear of the vehicle. Of the two, struts are more versatile, as they are actually structural components of the suspension system. Shocks, on the other hand, are more of a “bolt-on” solution for bounce control. As such, struts are generally more expensive than shocks and they can be used for more than just controlling spring motion – they can also be used as pivot points in the suspension and can take the place of other suspension components.

Springs

Springs are important components and work with both shocks and struts to control spring motion. You’ll find that buying a set of aftermarket springs gives you a set of four – two shorter springs for the rear and two longer ones for the front. There’s a very good reason for this. The front of the vehicle requires considerably stronger support and bounce control due to the weight of the engine and the effect of spring motion on steering. The rear of the vehicle, on the other hand, is very light (in comparison, of course), and does not require as much control or the same level of stability.

You’ll also find aftermarket coil over springs. These differ from OEM replacement springs in that they are designed to work in tandem with aftermarket shocks and struts to lower your vehicle. Coil over springs can provide substantial control, but you’ll sacrifice comfort when lowering your vehicle. Essentially, it reduces not only the height of the vehicle to the road, but the amount of travel in the strut/shock assemblies. The result is a “hard” suspension.

Considerations When Replacing Shocks, Struts and Springs

There will come a time when you need to replace your suspension components. Shocks and struts are both prone to wear damage. Eventually, the fluid seals that keep the hydraulic fluid within the chamber will wear out. This can lead to either a slow leak or immediate failure. Strut/shock failure should be immediately noticeable and usually presents as a “knocking” sound/feel when traveling over bumps and rough road surfaces.

When replacing your suspension components, it’s important to purchase items that are made for your specific vehicle. You’ll find a range of “universal” fit components out there, but these are really subpar solutions to your needs. Vehicle-specific components are designed with your vehicle in mind, which means they’re engineered to provide the best performance possible, while supporting your vehicle’s weight, providing steering control and offering a more comfortable ride.

Don Elfrink is the Owner and Operator of AutoMatStore.com where he specializes in selling custom floor mats. Prior to owning AutoMatStore, Elfrink worked in the automotive industry for over 30 years.

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