Need New Tires? 4 Ways to Find the Best Tires for the Best Prices

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/11/21 in Auto Maintenance with Comments Off on Need New Tires? 4 Ways to Find the Best Tires for the Best Prices

Nothing lasts forever and so it is with the tires on your vehicle. If your tires are beginning to show wear on the tread or you spot obvious bulges and cracks, you probably need new tires. However, if you are like most car owners today, it’s imperative that you get good prices on new tires because, quite honestly, money is tight. If you need new tires and you have limited resources, here are 4 ways to find the best tires for the best prices.

Shop by Brand

If you are not replacing all your tires, you may need to shop by brand. Look at your tires, see who manufactures them and then go to a store that sells only that brand. Because they only purchase one brand in bulk, they are sometimes able to offer you a good deal which you might not get elsewhere. Other suppliers may need to pay more for that particular brand.

Multi-Brand Discount Tire Stores

Some stores buy very large lots from all major brands and from some lesser-known brands as well. These Discount Tire Centers also tend to get good buys from manufacturers since they do buy in bulk, especially if they are buying for multiple locations. These savings can be passed on to you, the consumer, giving you the best tires for the best prices.

Join Loyalty Programs

If this is your very first automobile and you’ve never had to buy a tire before, this option may not be open to you. However, once you buy tires from a discount store, sign up for their loyalty program that offers rewards for shopping there. These are great because they are quite literally discounts on top of discounts!

Sign up for Email and Text Notifications

Why not sign up for email or text notifications from your favorite discount tire stores so that as new sales go live, you will be ready and waiting at the door with your promo code in hand. Email and SMS messages are sent directly to the inbox on your smartphone, keeping you informed of discounts and deals in real time.

According to the insurance giant, GEICO, tires need to be checked regularly because tire failure causes more than 11,000 automobile accidents each and every year. When it’s time to buy new tires, try one or more of these 4 ways to get the best tires for the best prices.

3 Signs Your Car Needs a Radiator Replacement

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/11/18 in Auto Maintenance with Comments Off on 3 Signs Your Car Needs a Radiator Replacement

The most critical part of the cooling system of a vehicle is the radiator. The function of the radiator is to cool off the sizzling water that picked up the heat from the engine. If the radiator begins to malfunction or stops working properly altogether, then it needs to be repaired or replaced immediately because running a car hot will cause expensive problems.

For example, if it is not repaired or replaced in time, then the head can crack, or the entire engine will fail. There are indicators the radiator is experiencing problems, and they are pretty easy to spot. If you notice any of the three signs listed below, then you need to take immediate action.

The Car is Overheating

You may start to notice your car overheat for no reason. After years of the radiator cooling the coolant, it may simply begin to fail. In fact, it is the general consensus from establishments that deal almost exclusively with vehicle radiators like Natrad, that an overheating vehicle is the most common sign a radiator needs to be replaced. Years of usage can cause the internal lines to become restricted or clogged, which prevents water from running through them. The first step is to attempt to flush the radiator, and if flushing does not work, then you have to replace it.

There is Rust in the Radiator

The radiator is metal and water runs through the entire coolant system, so it is common for rust to form. Unfortunately, it can mean the end of the radiator and lead to engine failure. Rust leads to clogged cooling lines, and if the entire radiator gets clogged, the whole engine will overheat, and it will fail. When other parts to your car start to fail, repairs become very expensive to the point it might be worth just buying a new car.

There is Leaking Water

If you see a puddle of water under the car on a daily basis or several times a day, then there is a major leak problem. Water leakage does not always mean it is from the radiator, but the majority of leaks come from there. Adding dye to the water in the radiator is a good way to be precise about the problem. Let the dye sit overnight and scan the cooling system in the morning for any traces of it. If the leak is tracked back to the radiator, then it is time to replace it as soon as possible.

The radiator is the centerpiece of your car’s cooling system. They may be very expensive to replace. However, if problems are left untreated and the radiator malfunctions, then the engine is going to suffer catastrophic damage from getting too hot. People often ignore these problems and push their vehicles too far, and they end up having to buy a new car or take public transportation. So again, replacing the radiator may be expensive, but letting a problem with your radiator go unattended for a long period of time can result in more major and more expensive repairs. The radiator is crucial, so it needs to be well taken care of and replaced if necessary.

6 Important Steps to Take Before Traveling

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/11/16 in On the Road with Comments Off on 6 Important Steps to Take Before Traveling

With the holiday season just around the corner, it’s likely that many people will be in transit to see friends and family all around the world. The last thing you want during this time of year is to get lost or stranded on the way to see your loved ones. Whether you’re traveling abroad or headed on a cross-country road trip, there are several things to consider to help ensure a safe journey. Check out these 6 steps to take before heading out of town.

1. Know About Your Destination

It’s important to take some time to read up on yourdestination, especially if you’re traveling to another country. Visa requirements are likely to be different for each individual country, so make sure you know exactly what you need before you leave. It’s also crucial to learn about the local laws before you arrive. Medical care is also something that could be very different than what you’re used to, so make sure you know what to expect.

2. Map Out Your Route

Whether you’re in for a couple of hours on the road or a full day, be sure to map out your route before you hit the road. Often times, there are certain highways that are more dangerous than other possible routes. In Georgia, themajority of car accident fatalities occurred in a city as opposed to rural areas. It’s also important to be comfortable with your route if you’re unfamiliar with the drive.

3. Keep a Paper Map in Your Car

If you’re headed across the state or even the country, make sure you have a paper map in your car. Cell signals could go down at any time, especially if you’re driving through rural areas. You don’t want to get stuck in unfamiliar territory with no way of knowing where you are.

4. Be Aware of Any Warning or Alerts

Traveling overseas or to another country in general means you should definitely check on any travel warnings or alerts that may be taking place in your destination country. The US embassy or consulate in the country to which you’re headed will likely have any security updates on their website. You can evenenroll your trip with the nearest embassy so they know you’ll be there.

5. Are There Any Health Precautions?

Traveling to a foreign country often means you’ll need to update your vaccinations or take additional health precautions. Make sure you know exactly what you’ll need before the date of your departure sneaks up on you.

6. Keep Your Vehicle Stocked With Safety Supplies

Make sure your vehicle is fully stocked with any emergency items you might need. A blanket, first aid kit, jack and spare tire, and large flashlight are all crucial safety supplies you’ll want in your car if anything goes wrong.

Preparing for a long journey – whether it’s via car or plane – requires little prep time, but it will definitely be worth it to ensure you have a safe trip.

4 Tips For Finally Getting Your Dream Car

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/11/14 in Auto Buying Tips with Comments Off on 4 Tips For Finally Getting Your Dream Car

Most people have a dream car. It’s that vehicle they think of for months or years and aren’t really sure how they’ll ever afford it. Many people wait and hope for some sort of financial windfall that will magically put them into their dream car with ease. Often, this is as much of a fantasy as it sounds. The good news is there is a better strategy. By putting in a little extra work and planning, you may be able to afford your dream car without any major financial changes.

Secure a Private Loan

While nearly all dealerships offer in-house financing, it is usually the worst financing deal you can make. In-house financing gives the dealer every opportunity to include other charges or mark up interest rates. Dealers tend to focus heavily on monthly payments as a way to steer customers’ attention away from the finer details of the loan. Don’t let this happen. Read the loan documents thoroughly and be sure you aren’t overpaying for the vehicle.

This can be avoided if you secure outside financing before ever approaching the dealer. A bank or credit union is likely to offer a better interest rate and loan free of extra charges. They will also help you better understand the terms of the loan and only provide what you can afford.

Use Money From Other Vehicles

Having a trade-in can be a valuable bargaining tool and help ease the burden of a down payment. You can bring your old car to the dealer as a real trade, or for a slightly better value, you sell the car yourself and use the money as your down payment.

If your car has been in an accident, there are few other things to keep in mind. First, it is important to recover financially from an accident before considering an expensive car purchase. Your interest rates are likely to be going up anyway, and a new car can push them further. If your car is totaled, however, this can be an opportunity for you. Work with your insurance company to settle an amount you can put toward your new car.

Make A Savings Plan

Many people shy away from a vehicle purchase they really want because they are sure they won’t be able to afford the monthly payment. It is actually common for customers to walk into a dealership with very little preparation or money to put down. This is one of the worst things you can do for your budget. Most car salesmen are happy to see customers with no down payment and limited research. They can manipulate those customers backwards and forwards, and they will. Often a dealer will negotiate an affordable monthly payment, but the costs in interest for a longer term loan can easy make a car many thousands of dollars more expensive than it should be. Pay attention in your negotiations, and make sure that you’re getting something you can afford.

A good rule is to walk into a dealership with no less than 20 percent of the vehicle price as a down payment. If you don’t need a new car immediately, then taking four to six months to save up this extra money can really pay off. Planning and budgeting is crucial, and the money should go into a savings account where you will be less likely to accidentally spend it.

Prepare For The Future

 It is also important that you prepare for after you obtain your dream car. Have a regular maintenance schedule with a trusted mechanic, and plan for the future. Hopefully crashes will be avoided, but you will want to have a pocket of money saved up in the case that it does happen. You will also want to have a mechanic you trust, like those found at Chehalis Collision Center, who can help you get your car back onto the road.

By having the right plan and financial preparation, you don’t have to wait until you win the lottery to buy your dream car. Even rather expensive cars can be affordable with the right planning, budgeting and shopping around for the right deal. Never go to a dealer unprepared. A real car buying plan can take months of research to prepare, but it is worth the time invested.

How Getting A DUI Can Mess Up Your Relationships At Work And Home

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/11/10 in On the Road with Comments Off on How Getting A DUI Can Mess Up Your Relationships At Work And Home

The risks of getting a DUI go beyond car accidents and potential injuries. Having it on your record affects your home and work life in several ways. Because it impacts more than just the driver, it’s important to know what can happen when you incur this charge and these are just some of the consequences:

Current Work

DUI charges are often enough to convince an employer to fire someone, but that isn’t the only concern. According to Steve W. Sumner, Attorney At Law, “You have 30 days from the time of your arrest to avoid an automatic suspension.” If that happens, then it could be more difficult to get to work at all and that will make your boss see you as not being reliable. You might also have to spend time in a treatment program or jail, which means that you won’t even be able to make it at all.

Personal Finances

The costs go beyond the impound fees and fines of arrest. Insurance premiums can skyrocket and your credit will likewise be negatively impacted. Rehabilitation is not cheap and if a DUI already reflects poorly on your job, mandatory enrollment could be a major issue. If an accident results in injury or death, then the prices get far worse. Good lawyers can offset a lot of these costs and speed up the recovery process, but even that depends on the case and how much help you need.

Future Work

Getting a DUI means getting a criminal record, which must be reflected on all job applications. Many already know this complication, but if you’re seeking work that requires certification, you might be out of a  job for a while. Professions like teachers, police officers, doctors, and more can suspend licenses before a trial, before treatment, or permanently. By doing so, that is basically them saying that they don’t trust you to perform your duties as you are supposed to do so. Also, you should know that although DUI arrests are only reported for seven years, your potential employer is free to act on any convictions they find.

Family Ties

Besides the potential physical and financial tolls, major emotional effects can wreak havoc on your personal life. Embarrassment and guilt, not to mention mistrust and anxiety over safety, can ruin your relationship with loved ones such as your spouse and children. Time spent in treatment or jail may only drive you further away. Anyone involved incurring depression or PTSD can make recovery even more painful.

DUI arrests and charges alike bring no good to anyone. The effects can have the power to ruin someone’s life, short- and long-term. No matter whether your relationship is coming from your personal or work like, these charges can change your relationships—which is definitely one good reason to avoid drinking and driving.

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