Auto Magazine

How to Save Your Old Car from the Scrapyard

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/08/27 in Auto Restoration with Comments Off

Everyone likes an old car that keeps running great for years after its first use. For some car owners, it is better to have that new coat of wax than that new car smell. But what do you do when your old friend is getting long in the tooth, and seems more bound for the scrapheap than your garage?

Fix It Up!

The concept is simple—when your car stops working, get it repaired. Do it yourself or hire a mechanic to get the work done. There are plenty of guides available to help you find the right repair professional.

Doing your research is necessary to avoid running into any scam. If you know your information, you will avoid paying thousands of dollars more than what the car is worth. At the least, learn about basic auto repairs—what needs doing and how professionals should be doing it—along with the average costs of each repair.

Routinely inspect the large components for signs of obvious wear, but don’t neglect the little things either. There aren’t extra, back-up parts on your car, so each is important in its own way. List each part in order of importance, starting with the engine. If you really care about an old car, you will consider having these inspected regularly and replaced if necessary.

When you make repairs, rethink paying more than what your old car is worth. Research the average costs of the repairs and replacements before you visit the mechanic.

Pick Out the Parts for Repairs

Before you make repairs, find the right parts for your car. Make sure that the parts match the car because buying the wrong size is just a waste of money.

The cheaper, more convenient option is to choose old parts. You can either visit a u-pull-it or pick-apart scrapyard to find your parts. In major cities, there is usually a handful of yards, like U Pull & Pay, to make selections from.

Buying new parts is a little more sophisticated. You have a wider range of products to choose from online. The costs are higher, but the quality is guaranteed to be high. Another reason to buy new parts is to get a shiny look for your old car.

Contrary to what everyone thinks, an old car is not totally useless. You can still drive it around and use the parts like you did in the past. It may be a little rusted, but that rust is repairable. If you care about an old car and all of the memories you’ve had with it, you would continue to care for it. Do whatever you must do to keep it out of the scrapyard.

Five Of The Best Cars To Consider For Your Ultimate Road Trip

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/08/24 in Auto Buying Tips with Comments Off

Whether you’re doing some soul searching this summer or a much awaited family vacation, the right car makes sure you get from point A to point B at the most comfortable and safest means possible. If you plan on renting or buying a new vehicle soon, read on further as we discuss the top choices for the ultimate road trip experience.

Volkswagen Golf

If you are highly concerned about gas bills adding up during your travel, a fuel-efficient car like the 2015 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen TDI is a suitable option. For a base price of $21,000, you get a 150-horsepower turbocharged engine with clean direct-injected diesel. You’ll also get your money’s worth with a 12-way power driver seat and smart air conditioning system.

Mitsubishi Outlander

If you want to travel in style but is also with company, the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander is one of the few choices large enough to accommodate both needs. The third row can be unfolded to cater for more passengers or left flat to load cargo. The car also provides an optional back-seat entertainment system with its 9-inch monitors and an auxiliary input from which you can listen.

Toyota Rav4

A brand staple in any top list, Toyota has been offering the market a slate of high-end, innovative vehicles bred for the road. This is something embodied by the 2016 Rav4, a front-wheel drive sports utility vehicle with 6-speed AT transmission and powered by a 4-cylinder with dual VVT-i engine. It makes for a good SUV on the road because of the roomy interior for passengers and cargo, but keep in mind it does not have any engine upgrade options. If this is the vehicle that will work best for you, check out Milton Ruben Toyota for some of the best prices.

Subaru Legacy

When it comes to safety, few brands can compete with Subaru. The 2016 Subaru Legacy is a good choice for the ultimate road trip experience. It combines powerful hardware with its 2.5-liter 175-horsepower engine and software with its Starlink system, which connects all your messages, apps, and travel updates in one easy-to-access smartphone app.

Chrysler Town & County

Although slightly pricier than the other choices on this list, at $30,000, the 2015 Chrysler Town & County definitely commands such price. The car comes with three rows o seating for large families or group of friends. Air bags, power lift gate, and a rearview camera are all included with the model.

Take your pick from these five top car choices for long road trips. These vehicles will all have pros and cons, so be sure you know what features you are prioritizing.

6 Tips For Preventing A Serious Car Accident

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/08/24 in Auto Accident with Comments Off

According to car insurance estimates, the average driver will likely get into a car accident every 17.9 years. Some accidents are fatal, and the ones that aren’t can prove to be financially devastating to those who cannot afford an effective car accident lawyer. In the aftermath of an accident, people find themselves having to pay very expensive medical bills, car repairs and insurance costs. The best idea is to simply avoid serious car accidents. Here is some tips to driving safely on the road.

Make Sure Your Car Is In Good Condition

Poor car brakes can prove to be very dangerous, worn out tires can blowout while still on the road and a poor steering wheel can lead to a loss of control. That is why it is so essential for you to check in with an auto shop every once in a while. Having good car maintenance will ensure that no problems will suddenly occur on the road.

Follow The Rules Of The Road

It is essential for you to always avoid bad driving behavior. Don’t tailgate, don’t switch lanes without using a signal, don’t speed, and always pay attention to the signs of the road. If you are unsure of the laws of the road, read up on them online. These rules were made for a reason, so follow them.

Ignore Your Phone

Car accidents involving calling or texting has increased significantly over the years. Don’t use any electronic device that may distract you. Keep your mind alert and concentrated on driving. It is always terrible to hear about accidents like this especially when they are so easy to prevent. Just don’t do it.

Always Check Blind Spots

Before making a lane change, be sure to turn your head around to physically see what is behind you. In any situation where there is a blind spot, never move the car until you know for certain that the coast is clear. Mirrors are great and all, but it is always a good idea to turn and check for yourself. That can really help avoid a lot of accidents.

Be Aware Of Other Drivers

While you may be a good driver, you can still encounter other drivers that might not be so good. It is essential for you to always be on the lookout for bad driving behavior such as sudden stops, switching lanes without signaling, and tailgating. Keep your eyes on other cars to stay alert and avoid collision.

Don’t Drive Offensively, Drive Defensively

It’s a good idea to always keep a calm, level head while driving. Don’t get into conflicts with other drivers by acting aggressively. You always have to make sure that you are staying calm and patient so that you don’t end up in dangerous driving situations.

Overall, always remember that any risk that you take on the road doesn’t outweigh the benefits of potentially getting into a car accident. Even with the best drivers, road accidents can still happen due to simple mistakes. You can only do your part by driving safely.

Common Problems With Older Cars, And How To Properly Care For Them

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/08/22 in Auto Maintenance with Comments Off

Transportation is a vital aspect in the lives of many. Everything from employment to relationships to emergency care availability can be compromised when a vehicle stops working. For the many that own older cars, this is a constant worry. However, there are some common problems that can be fixed easily with regular checkups and prompt maintenance.

Spark Plugs

Spark Plugs are a small but vital part to any car. Unfortunately, they are also one of the most common problems on an older car. If the spark plug fails to fire, the car cannot ignite the fuel in the engine to move. It is a good idea to have the plugs checked if there is a noticeably higher fuel consumption or if the engine is beginning to idle roughly.

Radiator Problems

The radiator is another common problem in older cars. Since cars run essentially on internal combustion, the radiator’s job is to keep the temperature low enough to prevent the engine from overheating. One common cause of radiator damage is dirty or corrosive coolant. Keep these fluids checked regularly. If the car’s temperature creeps up, check to see if coolant is needed. If the radiator problems seem to be getting worse, be sure to get your car looked at by an expert like those at Natrad. While some things you can fix yourself, an expert’s opinion is never a bad idea.

Oil Leaks

This seems to be fairly common in older cars. Hoses and other materials inside the car naturally erode over time. This causes annoying leaks. Make sure to watch for puddles of oil that form under parked cars. Also keep an eye on the oil dip stick. This will show if oil levels are changing quickly. Use quality oil and make sure to take note of any unusual smells when the car is running to catch the problem early.

Battery Problems

Hot months can be especially hard on the battery. The plastic parts surrounding the battery help to keep the battery from failing. A new battery is needed every few years. This is not a complicated or expensive fix on its own. However, a faulty battery could cause alternator and generator failure. Battery testers are available that can easily test the health of the battery.

Old Engine Filter

The engine filter works to keep dust and dirt out of the engine’s cylinders. Many older cars have not had filters properly changed. This can ultimately lead to engine failure, so it is an important aspect to check. The car manual can tell when it is recommended to change filters. This is another small maintenance that can cause big problems if it is neglected.

Older cars can have a variety of problems. However, keeping up on simple maintenance and care can prevent car woes. This allows the driver to drive without the constant worry of sudden and expensive vehicle problems.

Auto Upgrade: 7 Signs You Should Trade in Your Car

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/08/19 in Auto Trades with Comments Off

Although you may have experienced many great memories in your vehicle, a new ride may prove to be a worthy upgrade. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication in order to keep a high-mileage vehicle running. Here are seven signs you should trade in your car.

A Lack of Safety Features

Over the past few years, automakers have introduced a long list high-tech safety features. If you have a family, it is especially important to seek out the newest safety innovations. Studies have shown that components such as a rear-view camera can be extremely effective. Some of the other popular safety enhancements include blind-spot monitoring and LED daytime running lights.

Your Vehicle Breaks Down Regularly

To no surprise, older vehicles tend to break down more often. Aside from the frustration of being stranded along the highway, you are also forced to spend extra money. The cost to replace a broken timing belt can be hundreds of dollars.

Your Gas Mileage Has Decreased

Fuel efficiency is a big factor for the drivers who commute on a daily basis. If your gas mileage has plummeted, it may be time to part ways with your vehicle. Today’s late-model cars are tuned to deliver superior fuel economy. For instance, Jack Burford Chevrolet has several new vehicles that deliver over 30 mpg.

Cost Too Much Money to Restore

While restoring your old vehicle is an option, you must be prepared to spend a lot of cash. A high-quality paint job can exceed $2,000. Meanwhile, a new engine may cost more than the car is actually worth.

Important Components Fail to Work

After thousands of miles of being on the road, it is not uncommon for components such as the air conditioner to stop working. This can make driving your vehicle a very uncomfortable experience. Children will certainly grow tired of riding in a hot vehicle.

You Are Embarrassed to Drive It

If your vehicle has reached the point of being embarrassing, seriously consider trading it. You deserve to drive a vehicle that has a pleasing appearance.

Your Family Has Outgrown the Vehicle

Nothing is more stressful than driving a cramped vehicle. Passenger room is clearly a major concern for families. Although a small coupe may be stylish, it is not designed to accommodate multiple passengers.

Take the time to analyze the overall condition of your vehicle. If your car is barely holding itself together, it’s time to go shopping for a new ride.