7 Tire Hacks You Need to Know Before Going on a Road Trip

by Carsurfer Admin on 2017/07/19 in Uncategorized with Comments Off on 7 Tire Hacks You Need to Know Before Going on a Road Trip

The road can be a cruel mistress. Not only do you have to exercise caution and vigilant driving in order to avoid causing mishaps, but you also need to pay attention to other participants and their conduct while at the same time reassuring yourself that your vehicle is in top condition, ready and able to traverse any distance.

Whether you are planning a road trip to the outback, or you’re heading to another city by car, you need to optimise your vehicle, run diagnostics and take it to your mechanic for a final check-up before it can truly be tarmac-ready. Here are seven essential tire hacks that might just end up saving your life.

Assess tire pressure

You might feel encouraged to pump as much air into your tires as possible, but that would be a rookie mistake that could spiral your vehicle out of control as soon as you hit a bump on the road. However, this doesn’t mean you should keep your tires underinflated either, as that might produce the same results.

The key to maintaining tire longevity is finding the pressure balance that will allow you to drive safely. Use a tire pressure gauge at your local gas station to determine the pressure levels, and pump the air accordingly.

Mind your driving style

More often than not, people don’t correlate their driving style with the quality and longevity of their tires. However, the way you drive has a major impact on the health of your tires, and the first thing you need to do is master the art of shifting. Shifting plays a key role in tire preservation, and rather than flooring the gas pedal in order to get the car moving, you want to alleviate any unnecessary pressure from the tires by gradually operating the acceleration process.

Wheel alignment and balance

Due to the constant wear and tear on the road, the entire chassis can become misaligned, thus causing the tires to become damaged and in need of replacement because of the uneven load. While you do want to avoid hitting potholes, bumps and sleeping policemen at high speeds, troubles with wheel alignment and tire positioning become inevitable over time.

That is why it is crucial to research wheel and tire packages so you can replace your worn-out tires, but the research also helps you make sure that your mechanic has positioned and aligned your new parts perfectly in order for your car to be safe and in good shape.

Rotate tire position

Replacing tires can be a pricey endeavour, but luckily, you will rarely have to replace all four tires at once. This gives you an excellent opportunity to rotate your rear tires to the front of the car, as you are most likely to change your front tires first, especially on a front-wheel drive vehicle. By rotating your tires, you will make substantial savings on tire replacement in the future.

Inspect tread grooves

Before heading out on a prolonged road trip, you need to check the tread grooves of your tires for any foreign objects and inspect the area thoroughly in case of any damage. Sometimes objects such as rocks, metal and other materials found on the road can get caught inside the tire grooves and produce microscopic damage that will start spreading as soon as you hit the road, so make sure you avoid that risk and clean your tires thoroughly.

Adhere to maximum vehicle weight

Maximum vehicle weight refers to the maximum weight at which a vehicle is able to operate properly without risking damage or endangering the passengers. You should be able to find the maximum vehicle weight clearly stated in the owner’s manual.

Excessive loads will put unnecessary pressure on the tires and cause substantial heat accumulation, which leads to the risk of damage and rupture.

Learn how to change a tire

Keeping a spare tire in your trunk is a must, and having the necessary skill set to change a tire on your own is a modern-day necessity that could one day save your time. If you’re on a busy schedule and are having issues with your car, it would be best to consult mobile mechanic and book your effective car servicing.

Ensuring a safe and enjoyable ride starts with the quality and state of your mechanical parts, so make sure you adhere to these seven essential tire hacks and you will be one step closer to the road trip of a lifetime.

Peter is a car lovin’ writer at Blades Magazine. Beside writing he worked as a journalist for many publications in UK and AU. Follow Peter on Twitter for more tips.

Self-Driving Cars: What Can We Expect?

by Carsurfer Admin on 2017/06/14 in Auto Design, Uncategorized with Comments Off on Self-Driving Cars: What Can We Expect?

Talk about self-driving cars, also known as autonomous vehicles (AV), is nothing new. Depending on where you live, you’ve probably seen a few Google AVs driving around your neighborhood. While major auto manufacturers have a goal to get AVs on the road by 2020, it may be awhile before you can experience one.

Don’t know much about AVs or want to know the projected time in regards to self-driving cars? We’ll get you up-to-date about the cars of the future.

Why Choose Self-Driving Cars?

After over 100 years of driving the vehicles we know and love today, why make the switch to self-driving cars? One of the major pushes to put AVs on the road is to eliminate accidents and increase roadway safety.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 90 percent of car accidents are caused by human error. While road conditions and mechanical issues are at fault from time to time, drivers have become too hurried, too distracted, and too reckless.

Can self-driving cars really make our roads safer? Yes, as long as they are consistently better drivers than the average human driver.

Safety Features and the “Brain” of AVs

Self-driving cars will have the same safety features, such crash avoidance, and lane departure warnings, that are already present in some newer standard vehicles. In the cars we drive, currently, these features are supplemental and require human drivers to have full control.

In self-driving cars, these features must work flawlessly and without any interruption. Thanks to constant connectivity, the sensors that are always “reading” the environment, and the software installed to collect data and help make AVs better drivers, an AV will be safer.

Some Things to Consider

Despite the promising future of safer roadways, there are many things to sort out and think about before a mass release of self-driving cars. Will the technology behind AVs be secure? Who will be held liable in an accident with a self-driving car? Will the same laws apply to AVs?

Considering the cars we drive today, and laws surrounding them, it may take years to figure out legal issues regarding AVs.

When Will We Own Self-Driving Cars?

While there’s a very good chance that we will continue to see a slow increase of self-driving cars on our roads by 2020, you probably won’t own a self-driving car until 30 or 40 years from now. Why? First of all, the cost of an AV costs hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The sensor, one of the most components, can cost over $80,000 leaving the average cost of the AV around $250,000.

Since self-driving cars will need to be safer and smarter than today’s drivers, AVs must be able to handle any kind of roadway scenario, and it will take some time to get it right. Self-driving cars are and will be, without a doubt, a luxury and novelty (especially in the beginning), but if you’re like a majority of car owners, your top priority should always be safety.

How to Choose Best Car Repairs Center for Your Car?

by Carsurfer Admin on 2017/06/12 in Auto Repair with Comments Off on How to Choose Best Car Repairs Center for Your Car?

What is tougher than deciding which car to buy? Knowing when and where to repair your car. Having spent considerable time in choosing a car that best fits your interest and desire. The next quick thing you need to do is to choose an ideal car expert, who understand your car in and out, as well the trouble it gives. Give the right time in choosing an expert just like the time you invested in buying a car.

Should You Repair or Replace?

The next big thing you will end up spending some time is deciding whether to repair or trade it. Know when to trade or repair cars. Look at the following points to know more.

  • Do you spend more on repairs?
    Watch out for rubber belts, hoses dry, and crack out. Sometimes, electrical appliance will also wear out. Dealers will sometimes recommend replacing water pumps and other drive belts. This can cost you from $100-$600.
  • Are you tired of visiting repair shops often?
    How often do you go to the repair shop with your automotive? Some things aren’t repaired at all and some will need constant attention.
  • Has the efficiency reduced?
    You will notice that your car does not perform well even under normal situations. There could be mileage issues despite your car service. It will underperform.
  • When repairs cost you more than the car: This is the ideal reason to decide what to do.
  • Safety:
    Do not compromise here. Your vehicle is always at a risk of a breakdown. New cars today are equipped with better safety features. They have airbags, side airbags, etc. The old cars lack these and they certainly could face many troubles in the long run.

How to Choose a Repair Shop?

  • Rely on recommendations. Ask people for their choice and other similar car owners and take a note of their suggestion.
  • Make sure that the shop honors your vehicle’s warranty.
  • Do a thorough search online. Look for the cheapest ones and the best deals.
  • Go by brand names and see which workshop specializes in your car brand.
  • See if the shop holds certifications. This certificate will include the declaration that all the technicians have the basic knowledge and competence.
  • While money may be an important factor, do not compromise over quality. Remember, the most expensive one will not always guarantee the best service. So, price is not the ultimate deciding factor.

Repair Charges and Others

  • The repair charge is sometimes inclusive of the labor cost. Otherwise, the bill is inclusive of the parts and the labor charge.
  • If your dealer suggests expensive or complicated repairs try to get a second opinion too.
  • Remember to enquire the shop on their rates. Some charge a flat rate for labor and others charge on the basis of the time technician spent on the repairing.
  • Ask for a written estimate. The estimate should identify the problem to be solved. The parts needed and anticipated labor charge.
  • Make sure that the shop gives you in written that they will not repair anything that is not mentioned in the estimate.
  • The cost will depend on the car model, its year, and the type of service.

Hence, choose early. Do not wait for the time your car will give you trouble. Look out and decide the best repair centre for you. Ask people and go by their choice if you find it genuine.  This will ensure that you do not run around in the last minute for the help.

The car troubles can be anything small to something extreme complex. Make sure to analyze this first.

How Important Is It to Regularly Get Your Truck Transmission Serviced?

by Carsurfer Admin on 2017/05/24 in Auto Repair with Comments Off on How Important Is It to Regularly Get Your Truck Transmission Serviced?

If you own a truck, you would know that truck is a massive vehicle and steering it is a task difficult enough with perfectly running machines. So, imagine the trouble when the machines are out of sync.

The truck transmission is what helps you govern the power flow of the whole truck and manoeuvre it with ease. So that is a part you need to take extra care of. You should have regular truck transmission repairs to keep it in its best shape. Also, it is essential to look out for signs that indicate a defect in the transmission.

3 prominent signs that scream that you need truck transmission repairs

  • Frequent slipping and difficulty shifting gears:
    When your truck starts to experience a sudden slipping or if there are difficulties in shifting gears, it means that the clutch linkage or shifter cables have been damaged due to wear and tear. These are vital components of the transmission and you need to get truck transmission repairs and get the faulty parts repaired or replaced right away to avoid causing further drastic problems.
  • Unusual Noises while shifting gears:
    The type of odd noises while you are shifting gears vary depending on whether you’re using a manual or an automatic transmission. A manual one produces a grinding sound and an automatic transmission makes a buzz or a hum. This indicates that there is a problem with the clutch as well as the transmission. So, if you hear any of these sounds, you should know your truck needs repairs right away.
  • Fluid Leaks:
    A transmission is designed to also seal in fluids. When there’s an active leak, it is because the transmission has been damaged. Fixing leaks and flushing out fluids are extremely delicate tasks. Overfilling or using the wrong fluid can cause even bigger issues in the transmission. So, don’t attempt to do it yourself if you don’t know your way around the engine. It is crucial you head down to the nearest auto shop right away and get truck transmission repairs.
  • Engagement Delays:
    Every time you shift out of parking state and start to drive, pay attention to how long it takes for your truck to respond to the accelerator. If you notice that it has begun to take longer than usual, your truck has the problem of a delayed engagement and that indicates a problem in your transmission. Any such problem related to power governing or distribution is due to a flaw in the truck transmission and you require a professional truck transmission repair service to fix.

Apart from these signs, it is necessary to get truck transmission repairs from time to time to maintain the efficiency and keep it in a good working condition.

  1. Long-term savings: Regular transmission maintenance and repair identifies issues at the budding stage and prevents them from escalating into larger and costlier problems. Also, getting a new transmission installed costs you a lot of money. Instead, regular maintenance and timely repairs can prevent a breakdown that is beyond repair.
  2. Improved vehicle reliability: Regular repair and maintenance keeps your truck running at top performance and thus gives you a peace of mind as the chances of you facing a breakdown and getting stranded on the side of a road are greatly reduced.
  3. A longer truck life span: When you keep a habit of regular transmission maintenance, the engine is kept lubricated as well and thus large damages are prevented due to a lack of lubrication and many other damage as well. Thus, you reduce your per-mile and per-year ownership expenses and apart from that, its lifespan is extended by several years.

These reasons are enough to prove the point that getting regular truck transmission repair services is a must.

Why Do You Need an e-Safety Check for a Vehicle?

by Carsurfer Admin on 2017/05/22 in Auto Maintenance with Comments Off on Why Do You Need an e-Safety Check for a Vehicle?

An e-safety check is usually an inspection report for the safety factor of the vehicle. The renewal registration papers of the vehicle will usually help the inspector ascertain whether the vehicle needs to be inspected.

There are specific companies in the market that offer certain certification and inspection schemes to consumer to ensure that the vehicles meet minimum safety requirements. Vehicles require an e-safety check before the owner of the vehicle renews the vehicle’s registration. Different vehicles require various kinds of inspections.

Safety checks and inspections

Roads and Maritime Services maintain inspection and certification schemes to make sure that all vehicles meet minimum safety requirements. Light vehicles that have been running for 5 years will need an e-safety check before their registration is renewed. The following vehicles can be classified as light vehicles-

  • Passenger cars
  • All motorcycles
  • Goods carrying vehicles. The total weight of the vehicle should not exceed 4.5 tons.
  • Caravans and trailers. The average mass of these vehicles should be 4.5 tons or less.

One more important point to note is that the renewal notice of a vehicle will clearly spell out if the vehicle needs an e-safety check. Also, it can be clearly understood that e-safety check can only be carried out by authorized personnel who works in authorized inspection stations. The results will be sent to the companies that offer the e-safety check. Once the vehicle passes the check, the owner can freely go about renewing the registration.

Validity of the E-safety check Reports

The reports from e-safety check inspection are usually valid for 6 months. The reports should be reused when the registration of vehicle is required to be renewed 6 month after conducting the e-safety check.

A Failed E-safety check

If a particular vehicle fails an e-safety check, the owner cannot renew the registration till all the repairs are carried out and verified. The authorized station will give a report that details out the number and types of repair required. If the vehicle is repaired in 14 days, the reassessment of the vehicle can happen at the same station without any extra charge. If the reassessment takes place 14 days later, then the customer has to pay separately for the inspection again andonce the vehicle passes the inspection, the inspection station issues a report which can be used to renew the registration of the vehicle.

If A Vehicle Is Not Registered In a Particular State

If a vehicle is not registered in the state where it is being driven, then it should hold a valid registration from the place it was transported before it can be inspected and registered again. The inspection is carried out to ensure that the unregistered vehicle meets the identity and design standards specified by the government.

The unregistered will definitely require inspection if:

  • The registration of the vehicle had expired three months or before.
  • The vehicle is brought into a particular state from a different country itself.
  • The vehicle does not contain any kind of number plates.
  • The vehicle is written off and has to be re-registered.
  • The inspection report is also required; if the registered vehicle records need to be adjusted.

Inspection stations and examiners

The vehicle examiners are usually accredited by a well-known vehicle inspection company. Every station is authorized and is required to display signs related to inspection and list the different types of safety checks that they can perform. E-safety checks were earlier known as pink slips. It was renamed because of the maintenance of all the safety records in a central location in a server.

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