Auto Magazine

Worn Out Car? 5 Ways to Dispose of a Clunker

by Carsurfer Admin on 2017/01/18 in Used Autos & Trucks with Comments Off

While it was once your dream car, now it’s a burden. If you’ve moved on to bigger and better cars, your old clunker has likely been sitting in your driveway for too long. Refresh your yard and avoid potential fines with these innovative solutions for hauling off your junky jalopy.

1. Contact Junkyards and Salvage Yards

First, get an idea of the fair value of your car; one person’s junk is another person’s treasure. Use a site like Kelley Blue Book to determine the value of your car in good condition, then subtract the estimated cost of the repairs that need to be made. When you have a number in mind, call around to a few local junkyards and car salvage yards and ask for an offer on your car.

You should also find out their protocol for delivery of the car; if it’s drivable, you can likely get more money by bringing it to them. However, most salvage yards, such as U Pull & Pay, will also arrange to pick up a vehicle they want to purchase for parts.

2. Consider Online Services

Businesses will often do the work for you; simply upload a description of your car and other information to get instant offers and arrange for delivery or pickup. Also, there are numerous apps through which you can connect with others to sell used belongings, including automobiles. Social media sites like Facebook have features that facilitate this process, too.

3. Donate It to Charity

Many nonprofit organizations accept vehicles as donations, regardless of their condition. To find programs like this in your area, search for certified 501(c)(3) organizations in your town. Many of these businesses will pick your car up if you opt to donate it, and you’ll receive a receipt that can be used for a tax write-off.

4. Dismantle it for Parts

One of the best ways to get money for your old car is by taking it apart and selling the parts separately–especially if you have skill with working on cars or want to learn. Some of the parts that are sought-after by buyers include electronic components such as radios and window motors, engines, transmissions, metal body panels, tires, rims, windows, and windshields.

5. Head to the Dealership

Visit a reputable used car dealership in your area to get a price on your old car. Most will offer you at least a few hundred dollars. And if you’re looking to buy another car, you can offer it as a trade-in.

Crunched Up Your Car? 3 Strategies To Affordably Get Back On Your Feet

by Carsurfer Admin on 2017/01/13 in Auto Accident with Comments Off

If you have been in an accident that resulted in your car being severely damaged or totaled, you could be facing a large repair bill. However, there are ways in which you can repair or replace your vehicle in an affordable manner. Let’s take a look at how you can resolve your transportation issues without spending too much money.

You May Be Able to Repair Your Car Yourself

Depending on the extent of the damage and your experience with cars, it may be possible to do some or all of the repairs yourself. By doing the work on your own, you only have to pay for the parts that you need as opposed for paying for parts and for labor. This could reduce repair costs by hundreds or thousands of dollars, and it may help you feel better about the job being done right.

Deciding Whether to Repair or Replace Your Car

If the cost to repair your car is roughly equal to or more than the cost of a new car, it may be a good idea to consider buying a new vehicle. A new car may come with safety features that can help you get over your fear of driving after your accident.

It may also come with entertainment features that allow you to keep the kids occupied on a long road trip or during the daily commute to and from daycare. However, if you can’t afford to commit to a car payment for more than a year or two, going to a smash repair shop, like http://www.btryan.com.au, may be the better option assuming that the car can be adequately repaired.

How Is the Public Transportation In Your Area?

In some cases, it may not make sense to either repair or replace your vehicle. Instead, it may be best to take the train or a taxi to work each day. If a service like Uber or Lyft is available in your area, you may be able to take day trips to neighboring cities or get home for the holidays without spending too much.

After a serious accident, you may be worried that you won’t be able to afford to fix or replace your vehicle. However, if the accident wasn’t your fault, you should be able to get money either from the person who hit you or your insurance company. Even if the accident was your fault, you may only have to pay the deductible on your policy with your insurance company covering the rest of the cost.

Car Repairs: How Not to Get Ripped Off

by Carsurfer Admin on 2017/01/11 in Auto Repair with Comments Off

Finding a good mechanic isn’t exactly a walk in the park, and even if you think you found on whom you can trust, they may not be so trusting after all.

To avoid being ripped off in the future, here are six things to look out for to make sure you’re not paying more than you have to:

#1 Ask For an Estimate

No mechanic shop can give you an accurate estimate over the phone; however, they can give a rough estimate. If a shop offers an exact estimate, it can backfire because even though you may think you know what’s wrong, there may be other things wrong with your car. Plus, they may entice you to come in by saying they can do it for X, when in reality, they will charge three times the amount. A good mechanic will always want to give an estimate in person unless you know exactly what you want such as an oil change or new tires.

#2 Get a Solid Estimate in Writing

Before the car repair shop gets to work on your vehicle, ask them to give you a solid estimate on all the work that’s going to be done. You want to know exactly how much the end job will cost. Allowing a mechanic to get to work on your vehicle without giving you a solid estimate beforehand is a recipe for disaster, and if a mechanic doesn’t automatically do that, chances are they’re not honest and may charge you a lot more than you think.

#3 Talk With Other Customers

When you pull up to the shop, there’s a good chance there are going to be other customers waiting for their vehicle. If you get a chance, ask some of these customers if this is their first time coming to the shop. If not, that’s a good sign; it means they like the work that’s being done. It also gives you a chance to see who they may have used in the past. It’s always great to talk with other customers to see why they go there. Don’t just talk with the customers in the shop, either. Talk with friends, neighbors and family to see who they use as well.

#4 Search for Reviews

While not all reviews reflect the quality of a mechanic shop’s service, they’re still worth looking at. If the mechanic has good reviews, then perhaps their services are what these reviews say they are. However, you shouldn’t stop there and assume that they’re honest. Again, while you should take these reviews with a grain of salt, see why people like them and why people don’t like them.

#5 Settle for the Best Deal

Try to get the best deal possible, and never settle for the first estimate you receive. Make sure that no work is performed unless you specifically give permission. If you feel that the cost for parts are too high, it may be possible for you to obtain those parts yourself if you would like, and then simply pay the mechanic for labor. However, keep in mind some mechanics won’t install parts you bring in, so be sure to ask ahead of time before you invest your money in parts. If they do allow you to purchase parts, then it may be better to shop yourself to see if you can save.

#6 Pay Close Attention to the Shop

When inspecting a shop, there are a few things you will want to pay close attention to. How clean is the shop? A clean shop means the mechanics care for your space and it’s safe to say they will do the same for your car. How knowledgeable is the staff? The minute you walk into the shop, you should be greeted with someone who knows what they are talking about. If they are hymning and hawing, then this could be a red flag. Lastly, talk to the mechanics. How old are they? Are they knowledgeable? A good mechanic will have been with the shop for quite some time and will be able to answer any question you have.

Doing your due diligence and talking with at least three to five shops will save you a lot of headaches. Be sure to apply some of these tips mentioned above to ensure you’re paying the fairest price possible.

This was a guest post written by Stephanie Lynch, a freelance writer who resides in Gilbert, Arizona. She is the co-founder of Howmuchisit.org, a cost-helping database.

Five Safety Tips to Follow During a Fender Bender

by Carsurfer Admin on 2017/01/09 in Auto Accident with Comments Off

Even a seemingly minor collision can often be a jarring and disorienting experience. Knowing how to react to a fender bender ensures that drivers and passengers can address any potential safety hazards that may be encountered at the scene of an accident. The following five safety tips can help ensure that prompt and effective action can be taken in the moments following a collision.

One: Avoid Moving Injured Parties

Attempting to move someone who has sustained an injury can often lead to further harm. Even drivers who have been injured during a collision may put themselves at greater risk by attempting to exit their vehicle. The best course of action is to wait for help to arrive if there is any doubt regarding the nature or severity of an injury.

Two: If the Scene of an Accident Remains Unsafe – Stay in the Vehicle

Fender benders can occur in many different situations. Assessing the potential risks posed by street traffic and other hazards should always be done prior to exiting a vehicle.Find a safe space to pull over before getting out of the car.

Three: Call for Help and Assistance Promptly

Contacting the police or calling for emergency medical services following an accident should always be done without delay. Prompt medical care is never an issue that should be overlooked and the police are often essential when it comes to assessing the scene of an accident or directing traffic.

Four: Ensure Vehicles Are Safe to Drive

Having a professional look over any vehicle that has been involved in a collision can be of paramount importance. Overlooking any damages or mechanical issues that may pose a potential safety hazard can be nothing short of a disaster later on.

Five: Seeking Legal Assistance

The services of a qualified injury attorney can be a valuable asset following a collision or other accident. You can talk about options for hit and run victims, to things like car repairs with an experienced attorney. From dealing with insurance claims to seeking financial compensation in order to cover the costs of an accident, access to an experienced lawyer can become a very important concern.

From exiting a vehicle too soon to overlooking the resources and opportunities needed to deal with the legal consequences of an accident, there are many mistakes and oversights that drivers commonly make after an accident. Staying calm, assessing the scene of an accident, and keeping an eye out for potential safety threats and hazards can all make quite a difference. Drivers who know how to react following an accident are far more likely to avoid any potential issues or concerns which may create further problems.

Auto Accidents: How to Do Your Best to Avoid Them

by Carsurfer Admin on 2017/01/06 in On the Road with Comments Off

One of the best ways to avoid accidents is to drive defensively. You never know what crazy things can happen on the road. That is why it is essential for you to always be focused and alert. Luckily, when you pay attention and anticipate the moves of other drivers, you can avoid them when they do something dangerous.

Scan Ahead

If you can see ahead of the car in front of you, it’ll be easier to avoid an accident if they slam on their brakes. This leaves you time to maneuver your own vehicle to avoid hitting the person in front of you. By doing this you can avoid so many accidents and help keep you and your family safe.

Blind Spots

While your side and rear view mirror can give you a view of what’s behind or beside you, there are blind spots that will leave you vulnerable. Turn in your seat to see what’s behind or beside you before switching lanes. Be aware of where you are in other people’s blind spots too.

Condition of the Other Car

If you see a car with dents all over it, you’ll likely want to avoid that car. It’s the outward sign of a bad driver, or one who doesn’t care. It’s like a neon sign that you should be watching that driver closely too. Just be sure to pay attention to the cars around you so that you can be aware of what’s going on around you.

Driving at Night

While there might be less traffic at night, so it seems like a better time to travel. It’s actually more dangerous. You have your own vision limitations at night as well as the decreased visibility available to other drivers. People out late at night might be joyriding kids or people leaving bars who have had too much to drink.

Safety on the Wet Roadway

While hydroplaning means you have no control of the vehicle, you can help avoid the condition in the first place if you slow down while the roads are wet. The car’s tires can’t get purchase on the road when it’s wet. Don’t slam on your brakes when hydroplaning either. It can make the situation worse.

Parking Lot Accidents

Be aware of your surroundings as well as the width of your vehicle when pulling in or out of a parking space. Leave enough room next to you for the other car’s doors to open. You might even want to park away from other vehicles to avoid damage.

While you can’t avoid all car accidents, some are avoidable if you’re aware of your surroundings. Always be aware of other cars on the road. Don’t rely on your mirrors since they have blind spots, and drive slowly when dealing with hazardous roadway conditions. If you get into an accident, a lawyer like Steve W. Sumner, Attorney at Law can help you. Getting professional help can really help make you feel better and relieve a lot of stress. This is also a good reminder that you are never alone.