Auto Magazine

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.

Safe on the Road: Four Tips for the Experienced Motorist

by Carsurfer Admin on 2017/01/04 in Uncategorized with Comments Off

While experienced drivers tend to get into fewer accidents, it is still important to be as safe as possible whenever you get behind the wheel of a vehicle. Here are four tips that every motorist should think about before they get back on the road.

Don’t Rely on Your Experience

One of the most common mistakes that older drivers make is relying on their experience and intuition while on the road. Unfortunately, anyone who becomes too comfortable while driving will inevitably allow their mind to wander. As soon as you get into the driver’s seat, you should treat the situation as if it is your first time driving. That includes checking your mirrors, adjusting your seat, putting away your electronics, and taking a moment to focus on the task at hand.

Take a Defensive Driving Course

These courses have become extremely popular in recent years for a few different reasons. Unlike basic driving courses, they will teach you advanced skills such as what to do when the road is icy and how to avoid accidents in heavy traffic. Professionals, like those at Clearfield and Kofsky, know that in addition to improving your driving skills, these courses might also save you some money on repairs and healthcare costs. Many insurance providers now offer discounts to drivers who take defensive courses every few years.

Skip the Electronic Distractions

Even though using a phone while driving is now restricted or completely illegal in most states, others gadgets can distract a driver just as easily. This is especially common among tech-savvy drivers who like to use smartwatches and onboard software to control their music, find directions, or make calls. As a general rule, all of these devices should not be touched until you have pulled off the road and parked your vehicle.

Plan Ahead

Another mistake that many experienced drivers make is assuming that their regular routes will always be the same. Just because you have driven on the same roads for decades does not mean that other drivers know those streets as well you. Spending a few minutes every week looking at new road conditions, construction warnings, and the weather will prepare you for anything that takes place while you are driving.

Even if you do everything in your power to become a safer driver, accidents can still happen at any time. If you are in an accident that involves injuries or any serious property damage, then you should consider contacting an attorney to explore your legal options.

3 Things to Do if You are in an Accident with an Uninsured Motorist

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/12/30 in Auto Accident with Comments Off

There is nothing more frustrating than dealing with an accident you did not cause. The one thing worse than dealing with a wreck on the roadside is finding out the other motorist has no insurance. Here are three primary steps below to take if you are in an accident with an uninsured driver at fault.

Step 1: Exchange Information with the Other Motorist and All Witnesses

Calling the police to arrive at the scene is protocol, and the police will get the other driver’s information, but you need to have it too. This is the when you will learn that you have just been hit by an uninsured driver. Get as much information about the driver as you can, and write down everything about the other vehicle as the plate number, notes about damages to their vehicle and take a few pictures.

Most importantly at this stage, if there are witnesses, get their info too because it will officially be a criminal case. Driving without financial responsibility is a crime and it can get you into serious trouble. It will also depend on the severity of the accident that you have been involved in as well.

Step 2: Contact and Inform Your Insurer You Had an Accident With an Uninsured Driver

Your insurance company will not be happy to hear about the situation, but depending on your personal circumstances, there are things they will have to do for you. Hopefully, you have an uninsured protection plan for property damage and personal injury because you have paid for your insurance company’s protection no matter the circumstances. In the event you do not have this as part of your personal, then your agent will have to guide you through the next steps.

The other driver will have a difficult time. The court will likely force them to obtain special insurance to clear their license, and they will have to file for SR-22 insurance through the state or find a credible insurance company that offers SR-22 like the Great Northern Insurance Agency.

Step 3: Meet With Your Insurer and Get Your Car Taken Care Of

You are going to need to sit down face to face with your agent and get into the details about repairing your vehicle. The uninsured motorist protection plan should take care of most or all of the repairs as if the other driver had insurance and was fully covered. If you do not have this extensive protection, you will not have the coverage needed to fix your vehicle, and hopefully, the damage would be mostly cosmetic leaving a running vehicle for you. If not, then there is only one other avenue to recuperate your losses. You have to go to court.

You will be angry having to deal with all of this, but it is good to know there are options. Having special insurance is the best preemptive route, but you may have to aggressively recuperate funds by suing. Hopefully, they have something worthwhile to get to improve your situation. Just remember the steps above in the event of you collide with a financially irresponsible driver.