4 Features that Every New Car Should Have

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/09/28 in Auto Buying Tips with Comments Off on 4 Features that Every New Car Should Have

In today’s world, it’s important that all aspects of our lives take advantage of the new and exciting technology that is unveiled on what seems to be a daily basis. This does not exclude our automobiles. Here are four features that should be standard across all new cars.

Lane Detection

Lane detection, or the ability for a car to detect when you are drifting out of your lane, is an important safety feature that all new cars should have. An alarm that sounds when you unintentionally move from your lane would help keep drivers alert, and would help to prevent car crashes caused by drivers drifting out of their lane and hitting another car. Even seemingly small safety features like this can help to save many lives.

Scanning Tools

Scanning or diagnostics tools should also be built into every new car. These tools provide a user interface that lets you view the current status of your car’s onboard computer. Some companies, like AA Automotive Diagnostic Solutions LLC, know that these scanning tools can provide information about your engine, brakes, and other subsystems of your car. With a scanning tool installed, you’ll be able to know exactly what is wrong if a part of your car was to malfunction. Additionally, more sophisticated systems will even give you step-by-step instructions to repair the issue yourself. By having a scanning tool installed in your car, you’ll be more informed about your car’s health, and will be able to provide the proper maintenance and care without any guesswork.

Backup Assist

Another seemingly simple safety feature, backup assist tools will help prevent accidents that occur when a driver is operating the vehicle in reverse. These backup assist tools can feature cameras that show the scene behind the vehicle, or alarms that sound when the vehicle is too close to something behind it, making it much easier to back up.

Seat Belt Enforcement

Most cars these days play an alarm if you drive off without buckling your seat belt. However, new cars should not even allow you to depart without buckling up. By forcing all drivers to fasten their seat belts before leaving, the number of injuries and fatalities from car crashes could be drastically reduced. For example, in 2014, seat belts were instrumental in saving 12,802 lives.

If all of these features were added to all new cars, there would be more educated drivers, and these drivers would be operating their vehicles much more safely.

4 Major Issues People Always Forget When Buying a New Car

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/09/26 in Auto Buying Tips with Comments Off on 4 Major Issues People Always Forget When Buying a New Car

Whether it’s your first time buying a new car or a seasoned pro, it is an exciting time for most people. However, nearly every car buyer, even the experienced ones, make mistakes. Let’s take a look at four the biggest mistakes being made.

Ignoring Finance Terms

People will haggle for hours with car salesmen in order to get a few hundred dollars knocked off the price of the car that they are wanting. Then, when they feel they have won the battle, will finance that car with no money down. Depending on your credit score, whatever you negotiated off of the car will be paid back to the bank, plus more. The best way to buy a new car is with cash, but for many that may not be a possibility. However, if you save, the more you can pay down the better off you will be in the long run. If you wait to buy a car until you can afford it, you’ll end up saving money in the long run.

Underestimating Ownership Cost

You take home the car of your dreams thinking the hard part is over. However, you soon start to realize that the money you thought you would be saving on gas was way overestimated. Add in maintenance cost, taxes and insurance, simply owning a car can be costly. Compare models before you buy to see what cost you could be facing down the road. Read reviews from people who have owned the same model of car you’re interested in to see if there are maintenance or reliability issues you should be concerned about.

You won’t save any money if you buy the car for cheap, but end up getting caught up in maintenance and repair costs. If you’re buying a used car, be sure to check the VIN to see the car’s history. There are a number of online tools and apps, like Instavin, that will report the car’s history for a small fee that could save you from getting a lemon.

Too Much Focus on Price

The price of a car is but only one factor when car shopping. Other factors have to be considered as well, such as gas mileage, reported maintenance issues and dependability, insurance cost and how much you will have to pay in taxes every year. Giving only the sticker price too much focus could result in you overlooking these other important factors.

Setting Your Expectations Too High

People tend to have unrealistic expectations when they are shopping for a new car. Your next car is more than likely not going to be the best car in automotive history. Additionally, the stress of car buying will often leave us feeling like we were ripped off in some manner when everything is all said and done. Avoid this by doing your homework before you begin the buying process. Being armed with information will help to ensure you are less likely to be ripped off.

There you have it. Keeping these tips in mind will help you to avoid some potentially costly mistakes when you buy

Like New: 4 Sneaky Ways To Save Money When Restoring Your Car

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/09/23 in Auto Restoration with Comments Off on Like New: 4 Sneaky Ways To Save Money When Restoring Your Car

Restoring your car to its former glory does’t have to break the bank. Create and stick to a plan of action, and determine when you can repair a part rather than replacing it. Knowing where to look for parts that can be salvaged, and learning to do repairs yourself can make the process easier and more affordable.

Have a Plan

Save money on your next car restoration by creating a plan to guide your project. Include a detailed list of parts you may need to restore now or in the future as well as reliable suppliers for each part. Rank these restorations from vital to less important and cross off each repair you make to keep track of your progress.

Repair Instead of Replace

Closely examine cosmetic details to determine if the part in question could simply be repaired rather than replaced. For example, it is far less expensive to polish and buff a windshield with minor scratches than it is to install an entirely new one. If the repair seems fixable, learn to repair it yourself or get several quotes from other mechanics and go for the most financially sound option.

Salvage Parts

When repairs are necessary, find a salvage center in your area to see if they have a car that is similar to yours that you can use for spare parts. It may also be beneficial to check the classified section of newspapers or look online for people who may be selling car parts at reasonable prices. Consider doing some research and finding specialty shops like Reggie’s Garage that carry the supplies you need. If you can purchase these parts at a low enough cost, you will save money in the long run by being able to salvage whatever you need to restore your current vehicle.

Do It Yourself

The absolute best way to save money on car restoration is learning to do repairs yourself. In order to make this a viable option, you will need to have a place where you can work on your car, preferably a garage to keep both you and your vehicle out of the elements while you work. Make sure you have the tools necessary to complete the repair before starting.

Don’t let a tight budget keep your car from running and looking its best. By following these simple steps, you can greatly reduce the cost of restoring your vehicle. When in doubt, get a second opinion from a car expert in order to save time and money in the long run.

3 Signs Your Vehicle Needs a New Radiator

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/09/21 in Auto Repair with Comments Off on 3 Signs Your Vehicle Needs a New Radiator

Your car is a reliable tool. A device you use every day to get from point A to point B. It keeps you from having to rely on the public transportation system as it provides you with a sense of freedom. It can generally take you anywhere you want to go. Unfortunately, cars break down from time to time. Parts get older as they gain more wear and tear and they either need to be fixed or replaced. One of the main parts of the car that will break with time and age is the radiator. If you have a failing radiator, then you may notice one or all of the following issues.

Overheating Issues

One of the most dangerous signs that you need a new radiator is overheating. The normal place for a temperature gauge to be is about one quarter of the way past the cool mark and toward the hot mark. In extremely hot temperatures, your temperature gauge may go up to the half point. Anything more than half point indicates that you have a problem in your cooling system. You may have to buy a radiator from a reputable company like Natrad. Your problem could be in other areas of the cooling system too, but the radiator is one of the first places you will want to look. Never allow your temperature gauge to go up more than three-quarters of the way. Find a safe place to pull over and turn your vehicle off.

Evidence of Leaks

A leak can most definitely mean that it is time to replace your radiator. You can tell that you have a leak in your cooling system one of three ways. You will smell fluids burning when your engine gets hot. You will start running hot and then discover that you have no coolant when you inspect your vehicle. Another way that you can detect a leak is by looking underneath your vehicle. You will see a puddle on the ground where something leaked from the radiator. You may even see something drip while you are looking.

Unsightly Rust

If you have a rusty radiator, then it is time to put it out of its misery and get a new one. One place that you will see rust if it is time to replace your unit is on the cap. You may see this rust when you take it off to pour some antifreeze in the vehicle, or you may see it on the radiator. Either way, it is something that you do not want to ignore because it can get into your cooling system and start many problems.

You can try to preserve your radiator by taking it in for regular maintenance and having someone flush it at reasonable intervals. A well-maintained one can last you for many years. Unfortunately, there will come a point where just regular maintenance will not save your radiator and it will need to be replaced. Keep in mind that radiators are quite expensive. However, most of the time you won’t have these problems unless you have an older used car.

Fine Tuning: Best Ways to Stay on Top of Future Car Repairs

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/09/19 in Auto Repair with Comments Off on Fine Tuning: Best Ways to Stay on Top of Future Car Repairs

No matter how well you take care of your car, there will always be future repairs you’ll have to take care of one day. Your car’s parts will start to wear over time, and the process is inevitable. Luckily, you can do some things to try to prepare yourself for a future costly event. The following are four tips can help you avoid a huge expense down the road and keep your car running smoothly.

Alternator Deaths

The alternator death is a very common problem in cars. The alternator is that nifty looking, and extremely heavy generator that handles the way the energy flows. Sometime after 100,000 miles, you will have flickering lights, slow power windows, and eventually no start. Start pricing alternators now so you can be ready when the day comes. You have many options for finding alternators. You don’t necessarily have to buy a brand new one. Junk yards, online auction sites, and discount auto parts stores may have what you need. Just ensure that you get a warranty on the alternator in case it doesn’t work.

Belt Snaps

Your serpentine belt controls many components underneath your hood such as your alternator, water pump, air conditioner, power steering, and the like. If your belt snaps, you won’t be going anywhere for a while. Fortunately, serpentine belts are not that expensive, and the replacement time is not painstaking. You can purchase the tools and the belt and keep them in the back of your car for when this incident occurs.

Gasket Wear

Gasket wear is something else that can happen over time. You may develop a leak in your valve cover gaskets, intake manifold gasket, head gasket and so on. None of those situations is desirable, but all of them are common. Use high-mileage oil and some gasket-sealing additives that can help keep your gaskets tight when your car gets old.

Thermostat and Cooling System Issues

Overheating will most likely occur at least once while you have your car. The most common culprits are wacky thermostats and water pumps. You can get a thermostat for less than the price of a pair of shoes. It would be wise to keep one in the trunk along with some tools.

Get the Number to a Body Shop

Be sure to locate and save the number to a car collision and repair center. You never know when an accident or a fender bender will occur and you can save yourself time and money by researching and finding a good provider now. Places like Chehalis Collision Center will even rent you a car while yours is still in the shop.

Follow these tips to extend the life of your car. You and your vehicle will be happy that you did.

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