Auto Magazine

Avoid Breakdowns: 4 Signs of Major Car Issues Ahead

by Carsurfer Admin on 2018/10/29 in Auto Maintenance with Comments Off

There’s nothing worse than hopping in your car to go someplace fun (or to work, I guess) only to turn the key and discover that it won’t start. Even worse, you could be on the road and suddenly see smoke pouring from the hood. Car problems are inevitable, but you can prevent unexpected disasters and huge repair bills by catching problems early. Below, read about four signs that you could be on your way to a major car problem.

Your Engine Revs More than Usual

Cars make a lot of noises, but if you notice that your engine is revving more than usual, that could be a sign that your clutch is slipping. You might also notice the tachometer accelerating faster than the speedometer. If your clutch is slipping, it’s likely that it is too worn out to engage properly. If you let this problem go on for too long, you could burn out your flywheel, which will mean a heftier mechanic bill. It’s best to have your clutch serviced or gearbox repaired at a professional shop.

Your Fuel Economy is Taking a Dive

It’s always a good idea to have a basic understanding of how far your car can go on a full tank of gas. If you find yourself filling up more frequently, it could be a problem with your compression stroke. One simple fix for this is using a fuel cleaner from any parts store. You could also have your fuel system serviced by a mechanic.

Your Car’s Lights Dim

If you’re driving slowly and the headlights and dashboard lights get noticeably dimmer, that could be a sign of an electrical problem. The battery, alternator, or voltage regulator could be the culprit. Many auto parts stores can check your battery, but for alternator or voltage regulator issues, you’ll need to have the problem diagnosed by a mechanic.

Your Brake Pedal Vibrates

If you drive regularly, you should get a feel for how your brakes usually act. If you notice vibrating when you push down on the pedal, you could have a problem. There are a few possible causes: worn or damaged brake pads, bad brake discs, poor alignment, or worn suspension components. You should check each of these for issues. If not fixed, brake vibrations can lead to significant rotor issues down the line.

Even if you aren’t particularly car-savvy, you should be aware of basic car maintenance. Keep an eye out for these four problems, and you’re on your way to being a responsible car owner!

How to Select a Car in Your Price Range

by Carsurfer Admin on 2018/10/24 in Auto Buying Tips with Comments Off

A car is one of the fundamental resources required for fulfilled adult life in the twenty-first century. It enables you to easily commute to work, to pick up the supplies you need from the store, and to visit family and friends whenever you want.

It’s also a considerable investment, and as such, you’ll want to be well-prepared when going in to negotiate the purchase of a new or used vehicle to supplement your lifestyle. This guide talks you through this process so that you get the very best deal for your budget.

Used or New?

This is perhaps the first question you should ask yourself when buying a car. It’s also incredibly complex; some new cars will last as long as used ones, though sometimes used cars will clap out within a year or two of your purchasing it.

You’ll have to bear in mind maintenance costs, too, which can often be incredibly pricey on older, used cars. In general, you’re looking to the maintenance history and the mileage to see whether the used car you’re looking at will be better value than a new model.

Other Factors to Consider

Insurance

Insurance rates vary wildly between vehicles as well as between individuals. An older driver with little-to-no claims in their insurance history will find it relatively easy and cheap to secure insurance for all kinds of vehicles; a young driver with a recent history of accidents may not be able to secure insurance on some types of vehicle.

It’s important to get some quotes from insurance companies before buying your chosen car, in order to understand the additional costs you’ll be tied to in insuring yourself to drive. Oftentimes, a less-powerful, reliable car will be your cheapest bet.
Finance

Nowadays, you’ll not be required to purchase your car outright – you’ll be able to buy it on finance. For those with bad credit car finance can be secured by anyone thanks to online providers.

If you’re in need of a vehicle with urgency, perhaps because of a new job to which you’ll have to commute, finance might be your best bet if you’ve not quite got the funds to buy outright. You’ll pay a little extra for the pleasure, but it’ll come out of your monthly paycheck just like rent, so shouldn’t put too heavy a dent into your finances.
Performance

If you’re car shopping simply for an upgrade, then it’s time to talk performance. What is it that you wish to upgrade – in-car entertainment, speed, and horsepower, or ride comfort? Do your research online in order to get an idea of which cars are currently rated as the best value in the market, and go from there.

It’s not unusual for individuals to buy vehicles for the way they look, but be careful as some looks can be deceiving. At the end of the day, your car needs to perform its function, so you should read into the performance statistics and figures before putting pen to paper.

These tips to selecting your next car on a budget will help you make the right decision for your price range.

What to Do When Involved In a Motorcycle Accident

by Carsurfer Admin on 2018/10/18 in Motorcycles with Comments Off

Motorcycles don’t have very many safety features, and that makes collisions extremely dangerous for riders. You could find yourself struggling with a life-altering injury in the blink of an eye, and you need to be proactive if you want to move on with your life as quickly as possible. Here is a look at some steps that every rider needs to take following a motorcycle accident.

Seek out Treatment Immediately

Motorcycles accidents often result in a wide variety of serious injuries including fractures, torn ligaments, spinal injuries, and head trauma. In some cases, riders don’t even notice their injuries because of their adrenaline, which can result in major health complications down the road. Even if you feel fine, you must still seek out medical assistance after your accident. An ER doctor can check for sprains, strains, concussions, and other medical issues that might not be felt right away.

Collect Information

Throughout this process, you should try to gather as much information as possible. Seemingly minor details could have a major impact on your case if the situation escalates into a legal battle. In addition to writing down the other driver’s insurance information, you might also want to take a few pictures of the scene. When you head to the hospital or ER center, you should write down any treatments or medications that you receive as well.

Contact Your Insurance Provider

As soon as you are able to do so, you must notify your insurance company of the accident. Most insurance providers have rigid rules regarding accidents, and you might not receive compensation if you don’t call them within a few days. During that call, you only need to tell them basic information like who was involved and a general overview of what happened. That phone call is going to be recorded, and anything that you tell the representative could be used against you at a later time.

Speak with an Attorney

Your accident could change your life forever, and you want to be absolutely sure that you receive fair compensation. Even if you were partially at fault, you might still receive some financial assistance for your medical bills and any time that you take off work. If you aren’t being treated fairly, then you need to call an experienced motorcycle accident attorney. A legal representative will help you get the compensation that you deserve from your insurance provider or the other party.

Following a motorcycle accident, your health should be your primary concern. No matter what other steps you take, you must always head to the closest hospital or ER center for a thorough checkup.

The 2018 Mazda CX-5 Updates You’ll Love

by Carsurfer Admin on 2018/10/12 in Mazda with Comments Off

If you ask anyone, most people will say they don’t enjoy their daily car rides to work. Put them on the open road during the summer and they don’t mind hours in the car, but going to and from work, running errands, and driving to the other side of town for social gatherings, however, makes them want to escape the vehicle as soon as possible.

What these people may not realize that that the car they’re driving makes all the difference. In fact, it’s the key to ensuring these daily excursions are pleasant ones.

The idea is simple, but then how do they find a car to fits those needs? We’re here to tell you that all they need is the 2018 Mazda CX-5.

Even the basic models are impressive

The standard equipment, added across the line, is impressive as the vehicles includes blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and leather-wrapped shift knob.

In addition, the 2018 models include some noteworthy specs under the hood. With a 187-horsepower 2.5-liter powerplant mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, the 2018 CX-5 can now shut down the two outside cylinders of its transversely mounted engine under light loads to improve efficiency; a 1 mpg improvement across the board.

This is fancy car lingo to say that this subcompact SUV both looks sporty outside, feels roomy inside, and is very responsive on the road; ideal components when choosing a new ride.

Safety is a priority

All of the i-Activsense features have been made standard on the mid-level, $27,190 CX-5 Touring, which also includes 19-inch wheels not offered on this trim level in years past.

New features for the top-spec, $30,620 CX-5 Grand Touring include memory positioning for the driver’s seat and a power front passenger’s seat. All-wheel drive is still a $1300 option regardless of trim level. Also, Mazda has discontinued the Grand Select model that was introduced last year to sit between the Touring and the Grand Touring.

This and more lead the Mazda CX-5 class of vehicles to earn the distinction of Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick+, Digital Trends “Best Crossover SUV” and Parents Magazine and Edmonds.com “Best Crossover For Families.”

Gas mileage is great

Not only is the Mazda CX-5 one of the safest SUVs on the road, it will also save you each time you visit the pump as it’s estimated to get 25 miles per gallon in the city and 31 on the highway. This is even better than its competitor, the Honda CR-V.

A vehicle that is great with gas and is also considered one of the safest available is one that has proven multiples times over that people feel confident driving, and the great people at Mazda Portland makes the process of getting into this amazing car as smooth as it is to drive.

The CX-5 retains its value

While great gas mileage and safety are of utmost important to many car buyers, value is also a huge factor. The 2018 models received a modest price increases over the 2017 counterparts ranging from $140 to $335, but each of the 2018 CX-5’s three trim levels have more standard equipment. The Sport now includes a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert, and it can now be equipped with an i-Activsense package that brings Mazda’s bundle of active-safety features including adaptive cruise control, automated emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist, along with rain-sensing windshield wipers and automatic headlights.

And while the CX-5 Touring—the most affordable model—might catch the eye of a young bachelor on a budget, this crossover SUV, especially the Grand Touring, will appeal to a growing family looking for a vehicle with the best safety features at a wallet-friendly price that is still fun to drive.

The extra touches

At Mazda, innovation and key, and this is seen in each of its vehicles; the CX-5 is no exception.

Mazda itself says it best: A connection from the very first touch — passed from the hands of the craftsmen who created it. This is the philosophy behind Mazda’s human-centric design for crafting the interior of the Mazda CX-5 crossover. Thoughtfully selected textures and finishes. Perfect positioning of door handles and controls. An expansive and intuitive space designed for driving enjoyment and rejuvenation. For both its driver and passengers.

This sounds impressive, but Mazda doesn’t over-promise. In fact, the Mazda CX-5 class of vehicles delivers in all the ways you expect and a plethora of ways you haven’t even yet considered.

But don’t just take our word for it. In January 2018, the Mazda CX-5 crossover was the most purchased vehicle under the Mazda brand; a brand that is named among the top best overall in 2018.

Mazda customer service is top-notch

While the vehicle is the focus when searching for a new car, the experience at the dealership is also an important component, and when you’re looking for a Mazda in Portland, there is no better choice than Royal Moore Mazda.

From the moment one arrives at the dealership, they will be welcomed by an incredibly knowledgeable sales team who knows more about the Mazda CX-5 than most consumers care to consider as their insight and experience are incomparable.

And, if the need applies, they can offer the best financing options so you’ll drive away in the car that you want—whether it’s the CX-5 or maybe it’s larger counterpart CX-9.

Car Crashes: How to Take Care of Your Ride After an Accident

by Carsurfer Admin on 2018/10/09 in Auto Accident, Uncategorized with Comments Off

The first thing you need to do after getting into a car crash is to make sure that you and anyone else involved are all right. The second thing you need to do is make sure your car is alright. The effects of a collision on your vehicle can be intense. Here’s how to take care of your ride after an accident.

Bring It into a Shop

Some car accidents are so intense that a vehicle is all but unsalvageable, while others have a decent amount of damage that can be remedied. To show you really care about your vehicle, you need to give it a thorough inspection after an accident. First, you should make sure that you’re using a shop approved by your insurance agency. This will hopefully be a business that is honest and has a great reputation.

Determine All the Damage

While some vehicular trauma is readily apparent, other aspects might not be so visible. For instance, your engine could be damaged in a way that you would only realize if you tried driving it. There’s no sense in cutting corners with car repairs. Even if it’s expensive, it’s absolutely worth it. You don’t want to get substandard repairs and have to deal with even further damage to your car.

Be Mindful of Cosmetic Damage

Things like scratches and bumps might not have a huge impact on your car’s overall performance, but they’re still things that you want to take care of. You want to get in touch with businesses who specialize in this type of damage. Auto glass repair services are especially necessary for trauma to your windows and/or mirrors. After an accident, it’s worth it to try to make your car look better than ever.

Drive Carefully

A car that has gone through an accident needs to be brought back on the road with as much tenderness as possible. It’s like getting back into running after recovering from a broken leg. You want to make sure you’re being as gentle on your car as possible. Your accident can help remind you of the importance of road safety.

Just because your car has been involved in an accident, it doesn’t mean it can’t be salvaged. The most important thing is to be aware of what’s happened and how to prevent a recurrence. By having it looked over by professionals and driving with even more care than before, you can drive with confidence.