Car Maintenance Insurance Guide Tips Repair truck Accident

The Car Care Tips You Need to Protect Your Car's Resale Value

2010-07-27T13:29:00.001-07:00

Getting things done in life is all about the small things; and nowhere is this truer than with car maintenance. The Department of Transportation reckons that on average, the cars that run on American roads are about ten years old. On average, a car is not scrapped before it turns 13. This isn't as pathetic as it seems to sound. Cars these days are built to last; you usually wouldn't have to scrap a car before it hits 250,000 miles. And even then, it's usually scrapped only because the cars' incidental components, door handles, the seats, and such, begin to fail - not the car itself. We believe that if you could practice all the car care tips you ever read and keep it healthy and running for as long as all this, you could actually save a quarter of a million over your lifetime. You won't have to deal with car payments as much or high insurance costs either. And if you start saving for a new car early on, you could even have enough cash to buy a new car outright when the day comes around.

If you want to see if your car will last as long as all that, here are car care tips to start you on your way:

The first one, the granddaddy of all car care tips, would be to read the manual thoroughly and then stay in compliance with the maintenance schedule. Now this would seem pretty obvious, and barely worth mentioning; but people just can't seem to believe that what they can't see under the hood could actually matter at all. To begin with, not following the maintenance schedule can void the warranty on your car when it's new. If you need a little help with your maintenance schedule, try the maintenance feature on Edmunds.com that will map out all the maintenance milestones for your model of car, and tell you what it should cost. Remember, if you happen to like to use your car for towing purposes, for driving through dusty off-road routes, or for driving in really cold climate, you need to follow the severe use maintenance schedule they publish, which typically requires that you bring it in once every 3000 miles. It would help if you set aside $1000 each year for this.

A part of a responsible maintenance schedule would be to never let a chance go by for a free problem rectification - via a free recall. Most car care tips try to not overextend, and limit themselves to giving you tips on oil change and routine maintenance. But there is more to it than that. The way you use your car has a lot to do with what you need to get done, come maintenance time. Consider the kind of stress you place on the engine. When you first own a new car, the way you drive over first thousand miles or so is critical. That's the break-in or run-in period, and it's the time when all the brand-new parts of your engine really settle into one another's groove. You need to make sure that you drive below 55 miles an hour, that you don't pull any sudden acceleration moves, and that you expose the engine to a variety of driving speeds. If your car has a tow package, make sure you don't use it any more than you absolutely have to - to avoid the stress on your car.

You need to make sure you follow the maintenance schedule for oil changes; the usual is once every 3000 miles. If you don't drive all that much, you could probably get by on no more than one oil change a year; just make sure you use synthetic oil, and all should be well. Each time you drive your car in for an oil change, consider it your excuse to tighten the hoses, belts, fans and to take a look at all the fluids. The mechanic will probably go through all the basic points for an extra $10.

With enough car care tips, you could become a pretty fair mechanic yourself. And that is about the best way to care for your car. Have a routine: make sure your battery is clean and free of bulges or corrosion; check your tire pressure (you get a gauge for about $25), and learn how to hit all the points that need tightening. Learn your car's manner; walk around your car at least once a week to check for strange smells, and strange noises.

Not to leave out the exterior, make sure you wash off the road salt around the tires, and that you wax it up nice and good. It should protect your resale value for the day you need it.

Read more about author in:
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The Importance of Car Maintenance

2010-07-27T13:28:00.002-07:00

Driving a car can be fun, but its maintenance can be a pain. No one really enjoys the task of auto maintenance. As long as the auto works fine, we are happy and don't always remember to get the maintenance of our motor done. Even if your vehicle works fine, getting the servicing and maintenance of your auto done regularly is necessary. General vehicle maintenance helps to keep your automobile in good condition and can save your trouble of repairing or changing major parts of your auto in the long run. Also remember, the lesser you claim on your insurance the lesser will be the premium you pay later on your motor.

Regular oil check and change is required and can be considered as one of the most important steps to maintain your car. Every auto owner never keeps track of when his or her engine needs an oil change. Old oil or insufficient oil in your engine will heat up the engine quickly and might lead to damage and other problems in your vehicle. To fix these problems you will have to pay quite a lot. To keep your automobile running efficiently and engine well maintained regular oil change is essential.

Good Tyres

Just changing your oil regularly is not sufficient. Along with the oil you should ensure that you rotate your car tyres regularly. Tyre rotation helps to balance your tyres and reduces the possibility of uneven wearing of the treads. Normally, when you have uneven treads your car might get pulled or leaned on one side and this can be dangerous. Your car runs on the road with the help of tyres and worn out tyres or tyres which are not well maintained can be a serious threat to the driver and passengers in the car.

Checking air regularly and filling air in your tyre is another important task, which is often neglected by car owners. The pressure in the tyre goes down over a period of time, but due to some leak it might go down even sooner. Air in your tyre should be filled in correct proportion. If your tyre has insufficient air, the tyre will wear out faster. In the case of less air, the tyre touches the road and the rim of your car, which will spoil the treads of your tyre. Over filling your tyre without using a gauge might cause your tyre to burst and this can be very dangerous.

Tuning up your motor

Tuning your auto on a regular basis will save you from a sudden shock and expense if costly parts in your car fail. Regular check-up of your car will keep you updated on the performance of your car and car parts.

One more important aspect which you should never avoid is your car insurance. Adequate insurance for your car is essential as you never know when your car is damaged due to an accident. Protecting your-self, others and your car is important and thus, insurance of life and your car is necessary.

Maintenance tips to remember:

1. Periodic oil changes

2. Care for your tyres

3. Car tune-ups and check-ups

4. Adequate insurance for your car.

Chris has been writing articles for nearly four years now. Come and visit his latest website at http://www.carbatteriesprices.net/Cheap-Car-Batteries.html where you can find out all about Cheap Car Batteries or find out more with Car Battery Reviews A great topical resource.

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5 Steps to Lowering Your Overall Car Cost Insurance With Liability at Low Rates

2010-07-27T13:28:00.001-07:00

Owning a car these days is much more about necessity than luxury. You pretty much need a car just to get anywhere these days. Apart from those few lucky souls who work at home or live near a bus stop that takes them directly to and from work, we all need a car.

Cars Are Expensive - Not To Mention The Cost Of Insurance

Car ownership is not cheap, either. There are the car payments to think of. Then, there is gas. Maintenance (such as oil changes), as well as the occasional more costly repair like the transmission or brakes. And, there is the auto insurance.

Auto insurance can be one of the most significant expenses in relation to car ownership that a person can make. Month in and month you, you have to make the payments. And, you cross your fingers than you will never need to actually call your insurance company to report an accident.

Adding Minimally To Car Cost: Insurance With Liability At Low Rates

In most states, there is at least a minimum type of coverage required: liability insurance. The need to buy liability insurance is simply a minimum requirement in every state that frankly adds to the total cost of car ownership.

Fortunately, you can limit the cost of liability insurance by buying low cost insurance. It is important to know the steps to getting there.

What Is Liability Insurance?

Liability insurance is a type of auto insurance coverage that pays the expenses of the other party should the accident be your fault. Liability coverage pays for their medical and property damage expenses after an accident.

Unfortunately, liability insurance does not cover the many other potential situations you can find yourself in after an accident. Other types of popular car insurance coverage include:

a. collision: covers your own vehicle damage expenses if you cause an accident

b. medical payments and/or personal injury protection insurance: covers your own medical expenses (or those of your party) if you cause an accident

c. uninsured motorist: covers your property and medical expenses if the other party causes the accident but they do not hold proper insurance

d. comprehensive: this one covers your property in the event of non-accident-related incidents such as fire, road damage or theft

You will ultimately want to consider buying multiple types of insurance coverage for your car.

5 Steps To Low Cost Car Insurance

Still, the need to keep the costs down is ever-present. Here are 5 steps to getting low cost car insurance:

1. Determine the minimum liability coverage in your state: Every state has a different level of minimum required liability coverage. Find out what it is for your state and write it down. Remember, you can be sued in civil court if your policy does not adequately cover the other party's expenses after an accident; consider buying more than the minimum required by law.

2. Figure out what other types of coverage you need: Read over the other types of coverage (see above) and decide which ones you will need.

3. Create a master list of coverage you plan to buy and leave room for insurance company names: To get the best deal on insurance, you are going to want to compare quotes from multiple companies. Write down the exact coverage you are shopping for so that you can get comparable quotes.

4. Be sure to add at least 5 auto insurance companies to your list: This is not the time to skimp on your research: getting a lower rate can save you hundreds or more per year. So, be sure to put together a list of at least 5 auto insurance companies.

5. Ask for car insurance quotes from all 5 companies: Remember, be sure to follow through and get multiple quotes.

If you follow these 5 steps, you should be in the position to lower your car costs through buying the best-priced liability insurance for your auto.

Get more helpful tips on how to buy the cheapest-possible car insurance at: Cheapest Car Insurance Quotes.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Larry_Donaldson

Car Maintenance Tips tyre checks to be aware of

2009-10-23T03:42:00.000-07:00

It is important to regularly check that your car tyres are in good working order. It can be dangerous to drive your car with very worn tyres and also when they are under inflated due to issues with grip and handling. Tyre pressure is very important so you should check your car manual for the recommended tyre pressure as this varies with different models of cars. The correct pressure can also often be found inside the petrol filler cap. Top up your tyres with air at least once a month and ensure that the spare tyres are checked as well and topped up to the right pressure so that they are ready if and when you should need them.

Motorists can buy a tyre pressure gauge from motor supplies shops so you donât need to rely on going to the garage to check this. These are generally available at reasonable prices and they are very useful to check when your tyres are due for a replacement.

Check the tyres for wear and tear, including cuts or bulges. Also check that the correct tread depth is in place. This is generally 1.6mm across the central Â¾ reserve of the tyre and around the outer circumference.

Many of us know how inconvenient it can be to change a tyre, especially if you do it yourself instead of calling your breakdown service.Â There are four items that you should carry with you to help make the experience of changing a tyre when you are on a journey as stress-free as possible. These include a pair of gloves to keep the hands warm and clean and a couple of old sheets of cloth. One of these sheets can be put down on the road to help keep your clothes clean and the other to wrap up the dirty tyre before putting it back into the boot. An anorak will also be handy if you end up having to change a tyre in the rain as well as a fully recharged or even re-chargeable torch in case you have to do it in the dark.

Other essential tools you should make sure you carry with you in the car include a wheel nut key to remove the security bolts fitted to some car tyres. Practice doing this process in your own driveway or garden as this is a better place to learn than in the dark or rain on a busy road side. This will help you to learn where all the main things are including the jacking points on the underside of your car.

Vehicle Maintenance is More than Just Under the Hood, Says AAA

2009-10-23T03:41:00.000-07:00

When you say "vehicle maintenance," the first things that come to mind are oil changes, tune-ups and other routine vehicle checks. However, maintaining a vehicle - and its resale value - extends beyond what is under the hood. "You can prolong the life of the vehicle’s exterior and interior the same way you take care of its mechanical parts - through proper and routine upkeep," says Mike Coppola, general manager of the AAA Car Care Center in Springfield. "Cosmetic car care can not only reduce wear and tear, but help command a higher resale value."

AAA New Jersey recommends the following tips for cleaning your car:

Vehicle Interior

* Vacuum regularly and lightly shampoo carpets as needed. Dirt in the carpet greatly accelerates wear, but be careful not to soak carpets with too much moisture.

* Use floor mats. Carpeted floor mats collect dust and dirt and are best for warm, dry weather. Protective vinyl floor mats are recommended when it is wet and snowy.

* Wipe down dusty or soiled surfaces with a damp cloth and follow with a UV-protective coating on vinyl or rubber surfaces. To reduce reflections on the windshield, use a solution with a matte or semi-gloss finish on the dashboard. Do not apply petroleum-based products on plastic surfaces.

* Clean stains from seats and other interior surfaces promptly to prevent them from becoming set. Use a cleaner recommended by the vehicle manufacturer to prevent damage. Test any non-approved product in an inconspicuous spot before use to make sure it is safe.

* Tinted windows cut down on infrared rays that cause heat buildup and UV rays that can fade or damage interiors. To avoid compromising visibility, do not over-darken the windshield and front windows.

* Use protective flooring and seat covers when transporting pets or items with sharp edges that could gouge upholstery or carpeting.

Vehicle Exterior

* Wash your car every two weeks and wax it twice a year. Wash or wax more frequently depending on the weather and driving conditions. A good coat of wax protects the vehicle’s finish and helps reduce paint fading from the sun’s UV rays.

* Rinse wheel wells and accessible areas of the undercarriage when washing your car. This is especially important where salt is used on roads in the winter, as it will help prevent rust.

* Use care when removing bugs and tar to avoid damaging the clear coat or paint. Many auto stores carry specialty products that easily remove dirt and grime without damage. AAA members receive a 7% discount at NAPA Auto Parts stores when you show your membership card.

* Clean all glass inside and out to ensure good vision. Use a product that does not leave streaks or cause glare.

* Have small windshield chips repaired immediately to prevent them from becoming cracks that require complete windshield replacement.

* If your headlights have developed a frosted yellow surface, consider headlight restoration. This restores a clear finish to the lens, which improves both vehicle appearance and nighttime vision.

* Save all maintenance records, as this also improves the resale value. Keep records in organized in a file or just store them in the glove compartment. Being able to produce a record of proper maintenance and repairs can add hundreds of dollars to your vehicle’s sale price. Also, most repairs come with some form of warranty and documentation of the repair is needed to support any claim that might arise.

AAA New Jersey, headquartered in Florham Park, provides automotive, travel, insurance, financial and educational services to residents of Essex, Morris and Union Counties. Visit AAA on the Internet at www.AAA.com.

Cheap Texas Car Insurance

2008-08-28T22:11:00.002-07:00

In today’s advanced world of technology, the Internet has made it possible for us to shop for almost everything online. Car insurance is no exception, and drivers in California are able to purchase car insurance from the same auto insurance company used by drivers in West Virginia thanks to the Internet and the broad scope of advertising it provides.

However, when you are looking for cheap Texas car insurance, you should not overlook the option of purchasing the insurance from a Texas car insurance company. Purchasing cheap Texas car insurance from a Texas car insurance company does not mean purchasing the insurance from a company that is merely licensed to do insurance business in Texas. A Texas car insurance company is one that specializes in selling car insurance to Texas drivers and car owners.

Texas-based car insurance companies are able to sell cheap Texas car insurance because they are aware of any special factors that should go into car insurance in Texas. Rather than simply having policyholders in Texas, they have owners and agents in the area.

A Texas car insurance company will ask Texas drivers and car owners the same kinds of questions asked by any other car insurance company. The insurance company will want to know contact information about you, such as your name, your address, your telephone number, and your email address, as well as more personal information such as your marital status, gender, age, employment, and credit rating. The insurance company will also want to know information about your current Texas car insurance, information about your vehicle such as make, model, year, and vehicle identification number (VIN), and information about the people who also drive your car.

To begin your search for cheap Texas car insurance, start at home. Look at your newspapers, local television commercials, and telephone listings, and talk with your family members, friends, and co-workers about the Texas car insurance companies they use.

To get free quotes and learn more about insurance please visit the following recommended sites.

Cheap Texas Car Insurance
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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Elizabeth_Newberry

Cheapest Car Insurance - Tips For Getting It Online

2008-08-28T22:11:00.001-07:00

If you are looking for cheapest car insurance and more information or doing that little bit of extra research online before purchasing a cheapest car insurance policy, then you're in the right place. While the web can be a time-saving tool in the search for the online cheapest car insurance quote, it is important to be aware of some of the pitfalls found in the world of online cheapest car insurance. Because generally cheap car insurance is for insuring safe drivers, therefore cheapest car insurance is for motorists with four years or more no claims discount. You should check the cheapest insurance group of a new car before you buys. Whatever your budget, car insurance is something you don't want to waste extra your pennies on it. Keeping a car on the road can be an expensive business, so cheapest car insurance is one way of trimming the overall cost of motoring.

Insurance

The lower the group, the cheaper your car insurance quotes. When shopping for cheapest car insurance there is a danger of being dazzled by the array of discounts on offer. If you have a claim-free driving history, you will be entitled to a no claims discount, which could result in a cheapest car insurance quote. Cheapest car insurance is available online, but again motorists need to beware of attention-grabbing headlines and prices that mask inadequate protection in car insurance policy. There are so may car insurance companies online that provides cheapest car insurance with a range of benefits including discounts and fast approval on valid claims.

Conclusion For Cheapest Car Insurance

Therefore it is advisable to search maximum car insurance companies online for cheapest car insurance.

Do not tempted by high claims and enticing offers but instead go in details of terms and conditions.

Do remember to mention your past no claims or good track record because that you will entitle you for cheapest car insurance.

For more tips visit http://information-get.com/carinsurance

Here are tips for getting cheapest car insurance online
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Getting Car Insurance for Your Antique Collectors Car

2008-08-28T22:11:00.000-07:00

Getting car insurance for your antique collector’s car is not the same as buying insurance for your everyday car. The insurance for collector’s cars is different than other auto insurance. Every antique car collector should know a few things about antique car insurance.

First, your state is going to have specific laws as to how old your car has to be to qualify for antique car insurance. The age is usually at least fifteen years. Also, in order to qualify for antique car insurance you must have another car that you use as your regular car, and a garage to park your antique in.

Collector’s policies are important because of the different types of coverage offered. Traditional car insurance pays the actual cash value of the vehicle. Actual cash value is the cost of replacing the car minus the cost of depreciation. This is a poor choice for antique car owners, because it does not incorporate the appreciation of a collector’s item.
Another form of traditional car insurance covers the stated value of the car. In this type of coverage, the insurance company pays what the car is stated to be worth.

Antique car insurance is a specialty insurance that pays the agreed value of the car. This way the owner will receive the full value of the car as a collector’s item. And, antique car insurance usually costs less than traditional car insurance. It’s a win-win situation for the car collector! A little education can save the antique car owner a lot of money and frustration when purchasing car insurance for their collectible.

Buy Your Term Life Insurance Policy Online

Home Owner Insurance Quote

Auto Insurance Quote

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Car Maintenance Warranty - How It Can Potentially Save You Money

2008-08-22T03:43:00.002-07:00

The overall cost of a car during its lifetime can be an intimidating figure to look at. When considering purchasing a new car you need to take a look at how much gas will cost, maintenance for the car, and potential breakdown cost to get a true idea of how much the call will cost over the lifetime of the car. Many people can eliminate the cost of breakdowns and maintenance by purchasing a car maintenance warranty.

A car maintenance warranty will cover your car for the cost of potential expenses associated with worn parts, oil changes, and other to unknown factors that come with the cars expenses. When you get a car maintenance warranty you have the peace of mind knowing that if your car breaks down the warranty company will be responsible for replacing the parts and fixing your car. This can save people a lot of money on the overall life of their car.

There are many things you need to consider before purchasing a car maintenance warranty such as will the warranty actually save you money? Before purchasing a car maintenance warranty get several quotes and find out how much it will cost if you plan to keep the car for five years or more. On a separate sheet of paper sit down and figure out expenses that you know you will have to pay without a warranty. You will also want to add many unexpected expenses such as breakdowns, possible transmission problems, and roadside assistance and towing.

You also want to make sure that you will be dealing with a reputable company that will be around for quite awhile. The last thing you want is to pay for a warranty and have the company disappear or go out of business. There are many companies that have been in the business for a long time that will be willing to give you a free quote and references of customers.

Consider the type of car that you have and a do little to research on the lifespan of that car. Certain cars tend to have a longer lifespan and have a lower overall cost of ownership. If you have a car and the parts are expensive and repair is costly you may want to strongly consider a car maintenance warranty.

As with any purchasing decision you should make sure that you do your research before you enter into any agreement. The first step to getting a car maintenance warranty is to get a quote from several companies. There are many companies you can find on the internet that will give you instant quote.

An extended car warranty is designed to save the car owner money from car repairs. To get a quote which can save you as much as 50% on your warranty go to http://www.proautowarranty.info for a free quote.

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Car Maintenance Schedule

2008-08-22T03:43:00.001-07:00

Good service history of a car showcases it in a positive light. It also speaks highly about the owner who had taken good care of his car. Auto manufacturers usually provide a user manual, to help car owners in following the maintenance schedule. There are plenty websites, offering car maintenance tips and who have been around for some time in Canada. They provide useful guidance and advice for keeping the car in good shape. They have been instrumental in creating awareness about the importance of car maintenance.

For many years, car manufacturers have applied the concept of 'regular service', for the car maintenance schedule. It has been observed that usage of a car largely determines the maintenance schedule of that particular car. The user manual provides specific guidelines, regarding the schedule that needs to be followed by the owner for car maintenance. It is just meant give you an outline and should not be followed religiously. Maintenance schedule is a function of car usage and hence will vary from one vehicle to another.. There are websites that provide you useful inputs and tips on car maintenance. Some websites even provide Online organizers to help track your car maintenance schedule. Listed below are few tips that would help you in keeping your car in an immaculate condition.

* 3000 Miles Maintenance: Changing engine oil and filter is recommended after 3000 miles. Brake fluids, air filters, tyres, hoses and fan belt should be checked regularly.
* 5000-10,000 Miles Maintenance: Tyre rotation and wheel balancing should be done every five to ten thousand miles. This will ensure a even wear and tear of tyres and prolong their life.
* 15,000 Miles Maintenance: Changing air filters every 15,000 miles, will improve the fuel efficiency of your car. Brake pads and fluid should be checked and replaced if needed.
* 30,000 Miles Maintenance: Checking the transmission fluid level is recommended at this stage is recommended. The owner's manual will have directions of how to drain and replace the fluid.
* 50,000 Miles Maintenance: Examining the coolant overflow tank to check if it needs top up.

Adhering to the tips mentioned above will guarantee you a smooth and safe ride.

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Important Car Battery Maintenance for Uninterrupted Rides

2008-08-22T03:43:00.000-07:00

If you are amongst those who have opted for ‘maintenance free’ car batteries just to avoid the hassles of car battery maintenance, then it is high time that you gave a second thought to the issue! Considering the number of times you had to suffer from deep discharge (dead battery) failures, it would be far wiser on your part to go for a low maintenance car battery and religiously perform the car battery maintenance rites. Remember, following the right Car Battery Maintenance Tips not only extends your car battery’s life it also ensures smooth, uninterrupted rides for you.

Truly speaking, car battery maintenance is not a messy affair. A little cleaning and some electrolyte level checking wrap up your job. Sulfuric acid present in the electrolyte requires some precautionary measures like proper ventilation, protective wears (gloves and safety glasses), etc. Car Battery Maintenance Tips coming from the manufacturer will surely help you.

Once equipped with proper car battery cleaning stuff like some Baking Soda, waterproof greasing, Wrenches, etc. get to work. Firstly, loosen the cable clamps and remove the battery from the vehicle. Thereafter, clean the top surface of the battery with baking soda and water. Remove all rust from the clamp surfaces with the help of the #535 brass brush. Everything accomplished, place back the battery in the vehicle battery holder and tighten the clamps. Finally, cover the clamp joints with grease.

The other car battery maintenance tip that ensures extended life for the battery requires you to check the battery's electrolyte level before charging it. The electrolyte should ideally touch the bottom of the vent splash band. If it lies lower, you will have to add some distilled water to raise the level. This will prevent the drying out of the battery plate.

Some battery recharge guidelines like slow and routine charging (recharging after each use) guarantees longevity to your car battery. The other car battery maintenance secrets are the use of a fitting battery charger and never overcharging the car battery.

If this detailing fails to deter you from picking up the automotive batteries, then you may do so. In that case, you will have to remember that proper car maintenance is synonymous with automotive car battery maintenance – the smooth functioning of the various engine components ensure controlled draining of battery power.

David Maillie is a chemist with over 12 years experience in biochemical research and clynical analysis. He is an alumni of Cornell University and specializes in biochemical synthesis for public, private, and governmental interests. He holds numerous patents including his recently awarded patent for headlight repair, cleaner, and restorer. He can be reached at M.D. Wholesale: http://www.mdwholesale.com

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Car Insurance for College Grads - How to Get the Best Rate

2008-02-04T02:23:00.000-08:00

As a college student, you are typically insured on your parents’ policy, but once you graduate you need to buy your own. Here's how to get the best car insurance rate if you're a college grad.

Shop Around for Coverage

The first thing you need to do is to compare rate quotes by going to an insurance comparison website that will let you compare quotes from multiple insurance companies. This will save you time and money, plus the best insurance comparison websites have insurance professionals on hand to answer your car insurance questions. (See link below.)

Make sure that you compare the coverages, deductibles, and fees on every quote you get and that you read everything before you sign any paperwork.

Car Insurance Tips

To help you get the best rate on your car insurance, follow these tips:

* Ask if the insurance company offers a college grad discount. This is usually a 10-15% discount for people under age 30 who are college graduates.

* Ask about any other discounts you may qualify for. Some discounts include having a burglar alarm, anti-theft device, or anti-lock brakes installed on your car. Others include taking a drivers ed course or having a three-year accident free driving record.

* If you’re buying a new car, find out what the insurance costs will be for the models you're interested in. Your insurer can give you quotes so that you can choose a vehicle with insurance rates you can afford.

* Keep your credit history clean. Pay your bills on time and don’t accumulate too many credit cards. A poor credit score means higher car insurance rates.

* Skip the comprehensive and collision coverage on your vehicle if it's more than five years old

How to Get Cheap Portland Car Insurance

2008-02-04T02:13:00.000-08:00

Cheap Portland car insurance is easy to get when you purchase only the minimum liability auto insurance requirements in Oregon. When it comes to minimum car insurance requirements, Oregon leaves very little out. Portland drivers must have person bodily injury, property damage liability, a “per crash” bodily injury, a “per crash” property damage, personal injury protection (to cover the cost of any medical treatment to the injured party up to one year after the accident), and uninsured motorist coverage.

With so much Portland car insurance, you may feel you don’t need full-coverage auto insurance in Oregon.

The minimum required Portland car insurance amounts are as follows:

• $10,000 per crash for property damage
• $15,000 personal injury protection
• $25,000 per person bodily injury and property damage liability
• $50,000 per crash for bodily injury to others
• $25,000 per person and $50,000 per crash for bodily injury of Oregon uninsured motorist coverage

Of course, not all Oregon drivers can get cheap Portland car insurance by purchasing the minimum liability auto insurance requirements. Why? Not all drivers are eligible to purchase only the minimum requirements. Sometimes lenders and/or Oregon car insurance companies require drivers with cars they don’t own outright to purchase full-coverage auto insurance. Perhaps a driver has had his or her license suspended or revoked and has been ordered by the courts to purchase more than the minimum liability auto insurance requirements in Oregon.

Whatever the reason, these Oregon drivers must find other ways to get cheap Portland car insurance. Satisfying the orders of the courts, as well as working to repair the driving record, is one way to lower the cost of auto insurance; so is purchasing a car with – or adding – safety features. You can also take safety precautions such as parking your car in well-lit areas such as private parking lots to further protect your vehicle and lower your Portland car insurance premiums.

Truck Accidents: Could A Lower Speed Limit Be the Answer?

2008-02-01T02:42:00.000-08:00

Think the speed limit for big, commercial trucks is too high? The American Trucking Association agrees that it is. A 68mph speed limit for trucks is being proposed by not everyday car passengers but by a group of trucking companies that make up the American Trucking Association.

The American Trucking Association along with Road Safe America has proposed a 68 miles per hour maximum speed limit for trucks weighing at least 26,000 pounds or 13 tons gross vehicular weight. The 3 mph over 65 mph speed limits is given for increased speed needed when passing.

Most of these trucks already have computer-enforced systems called speed governors, but no law exists that requires them to be activated. Speed governors are attached to a vehicle’s engine to limit their maximum speed. Proponents of the proposal believe that many lives could be saved as excessive speed is a factor in many fatal crashes. Truckers face pressures to go as fast as they can to get all deliveries done, make up for road construction and other delays, satisfy customers who have zero-tolerance late arrival policies, and make expensive payments if they’re independent.

The above factors combined with the sheer size of a truck make accidents not only possible, but also more likely to be fatal if they do occur. Should you be involved in an accident, make sure to:

* Promptly report the accident.

* Think about it if the insurance company asks you if they can record the conversation. If injuries exist or if you think the insurance company will say you're not covered, you may want to contact a law firm first.

* Get details of the accident, like pictures and names and phone numbers of witnesses.

* Get insurance details of other people involved in the accident.

* Keep a written record of conversations with the insurance company.

* Save bills and receipts for vehicle repair work and medical costs associated with the accident.

* Be honest with insurance investigators so your claim is not denied.

* See if you have more than one insurance policy that provides coverage for the accident or injury to use.

How To Get Through the Accident Process With Insurance Companies

* Don't admit fault. Have the insurance investigators determine liability.

* Don't let time limits to file your insurance claim expire. Be sure to file on time.

* Don't take what insurance companies say as the final word. Insurance companies give you low estimated losses.

* Don't sign a release or waiver.

* Don't accept a check as a final payment unless you are sure it's a fair compensation for your losses.

Truck accidents differ from car accidents in their limited visibility as well as the extent of damages and injuries due to a truck’s size. Areas beside and behind a commercial truck exist where the driver has limited or zero visibility. Trucks also take longer distances to stop than passenger vehicles do. Because these trucks tend to do greater damage in accidents than cars do, truckers must carry more insurance than other drivers.

How Truck Insurance Differs From Car Insurance

* Minimum liability coverage of $750,000 is required for vehicles weighing more than 10,000 pounds and hauling non-hazardous materials

* Minimum liability coverage of $1,000,000 for hazardous materials and oil

* Minimum liability coverage of $5,000,000 for passenger trucks, trucks operating portable tanks, and capacity over 3,500 gallons

Some believe that with a new, lowered maximum speed limit of 68 mph, fewer truck accidents will take place. Others, though, believe the new proposal will hardly make a difference and that it will in fact, multiply other problems. Many worry that with truck speed controls in place, other cars will try to pass trucks more often, which is a major cause of car-truck accidents. Others say the proposed speed will cause traffic flow problems. If trucks stay in the right lane because of the lower-imposed speed, cars could have trouble getting on the Interstate or getting over to the right lane to exit.

The petition to lower truck speeds, closed for public comment after March 27, is proposed to make the roads safer for everyone. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which studied the proposal in 1991 and said it was not necessary, will have the final say on what happens with the proposal.

Car Insurance Tips That Will Save You Big Bucks

2008-02-01T02:41:00.000-08:00

The average cost for car insurance in the United States these days is more than $1,000 a year. But you can save on your car insurance by following these car insurance tips ...

Get All the Discounts You Can

Discounts are the best way to save on car insurance because you lower your premium without sacrificing coverage. Common car insurance discounts include:

* Discounts for purchasing your home and auto insurance through the same company.

* Discounts for being a good student discount.

* Discounts for safety features such as automatic seat belts, airbags, and anti-lock brakes.

* Discounts for having taken a defensive driving course.

* Discounts for being accident free for a certain number of years, usually three years.

* Discounts for anti-theft devices such as auto alarms and electronic disabling devices.

* Discounts for being in law enforcement or in the military.

Ask your insurer if there are any other discounts you might be eligible for and be sure to include them in your policy.

Keep Your Coverages Low and Your Deductibles High

Your state has certain minimum liability coverages you need to have in order to drive your car. Your premium will be lowest if you buy just the minimum coverages, but keep in mind that you may not have enough protection in case of an accident.

In addition to liability coverages, you can choose whether to purchase collision and comprehensive coverage. Collision coverage pays for physical damage to your car caused by an accident. Comprehensive coverage pays for physical damage to your car caused by ... well, just about everything else, such as fire, hail, vandalism, storms, etc.

If you buy collision and comprehensive coverage, set your deductibles as high as you can afford. The higher your deductibles, the lower your premium. Raising your deductible from $250 to $1,000 can save you up to 50% on your yearly insurance cost.

Shop Around

Insurance premiums vary widely from one insurance company to another. You need to get quotes from several companies in order to get the best rate. Fortunately, the Internet makes this job easy. You just go to an insurance comparison website and type in your insurance information. You'll then receive quotes from multiple A-rated insurance companies.

On the best insurance comparison websites, you can even talk with insurance professionals and get more tips on saving money on your car insurance (see link below).

How and Where to Find Cheap Car Insurance in New York

2008-01-31T04:06:00.001-08:00

There are many factors that help determine what your car insurance rates will be all over the country. By taking advantage of, or eventually altering, these factors, you can find cheap car insurance in New York.

Take a look at where you live. Car insurance companies determine the cost of a car insurance policy based on underlying costs. In other words, the car insurance company will look at the number of claims filed in a particular area, as well as how harsh the losses of each claim were. If you happen to live in an area with a high rate of claims and losses, you may pay more for your car insurance in New York.

Use every discount you can. It may sound desperate now, but since New York car insurance companies offer so many discounts it would be pointless not to take advantage of them. Just a few of the discounts offered by car insurance companies in New York include classes and programs such as accident prevention, driver training, and the Combat Auto Theft Program; vehicle components such as anti-lock brakes, air bags, automatic safety belts, and anti-theft systems; special company discounts for drivers who are accident free or considered “careful drivers;” and regular car insurance discounts such as those gained by purchasing more than one policy from the same New York insurance company or having more than one car on your car insurance policy.

Raise your deductible. This means you will pay more out-of-pocket in the event you have an accident, but if you’re considered “accident free” or a “careful driver” you aren’t at a high risk for accidents anyway.

Of course, you can always find cheap car insurance in New York by working on your driving record and waiting until you get a bit older and are considered less of a risk. These options for cheap car insurance in New York apply to the here and now

How and Where to Find Cheap Car Insurance in New York

2008-01-31T04:06:00.000-08:00

How to Get Very Cheap Car Insurance In Dallas Texas

2008-01-31T04:05:00.000-08:00

Cheap Dallas car insurance can be obtained through the same basic ways you can find any affordable Texas insurance policy: shop around, ask about all discounts, and choose the policy that best meets your coverage and financial needs. However, this search method isn’t so easy for Dallas drivers who have had a few tickets, don’t have a great credit history, or have gone with out Texas car insurance for a long period of time. Each of these factors can make it difficult to not only find cheap Dallas car insurance, but they can also make it difficult to find Texas car insurance – period.

If you’re a Texas driver having trouble finding cheap Dallas car insurance, there are a couple of suggestions that may work for you. First, take a year to gather yourself. You can repair your credit history – at least to the satisfaction of an auto insurance company – by paying off outstanding debts, always making current bill payments on time, and making sure your credit report is accurate. Any inaccuracies can affect your credit rating negatively; if you find incorrect credit information, move to have it corrected or at least the chance to explain the situation.

As you’re working on your credit report, work on your driving record. Find out how you can remove points on your record. Sometimes the court will allow you to attend a special class to have points removed. Other times you may simply need to pay a fine, or wait a certain time period.

In the meantime, you’re going to need Dallas car insurance – it’s a requirement in Texas. If you own your car outright, you may want to purchase the minimum liability car insurance required; minimum liability car insurance policies are generally cheaper than full-coverage auto insurance. In Texas, the minimum requirements are $15,000 to cover damages an accident causes other property; $20,000 to cover any bodily injury or death of one person per accident; and $40,000 to cover any bodily injury or death of two or more persons per accident.

Cheap Car Insurance Companies Online in Arizona

2008-01-30T02:09:00.000-08:00

Car insurance can get expensive, but the fact of the matter is that driving without car insurance is just too much of a risk. If you are caught your car can be immediately impounded, your registration can be suspended and the hassles and fines you will have to pay before you can reinstate it are way too much of a headache to make the risk worthwhile. And fortunately that is a risk you don't have to take since the state of Arizona offers you a policy that's so low-cost virtually everyone can afford it.

Arizona's cheap car insurance is known as a basic liability policy. Each state sets its own minimum limits on its basic liability policy and here in Arizona the minimum insurance you can legally buy is what is called a 15/30/10 policy.

A 15/30/10 liability policy has a maximum payout of $15,000 to cover the medical expenses of any one individual who is injured by your vehicle and a maximum payout of $30,000 to cover the medical expenses everyone involved in the same accident. It also pays a maximum of $10,000 to cover all property damage caused by the accident. Property damage is generally the repair of the other person's car, although property damage can include many other kinds of property as well.

Keep in mind that a basic liability policy pays nothing at all toward the repair of your car - you're on your own, there - and it pays absolutely nothing toward your medical bills or toward the medical bills of any passengers in your vehicle at the time of an accident. Again, you are on your own.

A simply liability policy can be a risk due to the fact that the low payouts might not be enough to pay for all of the medical bills or property damage from an accident. If it doesn't pay for everything YOU could be forced to pay whatever is left. That could mean that you would be forced to spend your entire life savings or you could even be forced to sell your home to pay the bills that your liability insurance won't pay.

No matter what car insurance you finally decide upon, if you want to save the most money possible then you must buy your policy online. Online car insurance is ALWAYS offered at a remarkable discount. And if you take the time to compare prices on several different price comparison websites then you can save even MORE.

There are several ways for you to save money on it, but if you are looking for the cheapest insurance companies in Arizona then there's only one place for you to look - and that's online! Happy hunting!

Texas Liability Insurance, How To Get The Best Policies

2008-01-30T02:08:00.000-08:00

The law mandates that drivers carry at least Texas liability insurance in the state of Texas, and submit proof that they can handle the financial responsibility should an accident take place. To abide by with this law, people should carry liability insurance policies that cover hospitalization and medical treatments for victims in the case of an accident. The insurance coverage must not be lower than $20,000 for physical injury for each person; $40,000 physical injury for each accident; and $15,000 to cover for property damage as a result of the crash or car accident. Always have a copy of the insurance policy certificate in your car.

If you are new to Texas you must immediately arrange for some auto insurance coverage if you do not have any yet. The Texas Department of Insurance can help you in locating insurance companies and their brokers. The department also has records of each insurance company you can use for this purpose. This guide can help you compare policies among companies that sell 80 % or more of the Texas liability insurance in that state. It also includes companies that have asked to be in the liability insurance guide. The guide lists companies and annual price estimates for 7 hypothetical drivers. The price estimates shown are for liability policies a company is most likely to sell that fulfills the state´s minimum requirements.

Collision and comprehensive coverage's, which pay for damages to your vehicle should you get in an accident, are not included in the policy price. If you still owe money on your automobile, your lender will ask you to have these coverage's. Generally, including them on your policy will more than double your auto premium. If you want or need collision and comprehensive insurance coverage, ask your broker or company for a rate quote that includes them. If you have a good driving record ,try avoid insurance companies and brokers that advertise to high-risk drivers. Their policy premiums are usually higher. Get quotes from various companies before you buy. Some brokers only represent a single company or company group. Independent agents may represent several companies.

Consider higher deductibles, you can save money on your premiums by raising your insurance policy deductibles, but you'll have to pay more out of pocket if you have a accident. You'll need to have money saved to pay your out-of-pocket expenses. Ask your broker about discounts. Discounts vary by each company. Some Texas liability insurance companies may offer discounts if you have more than one policy with that company, if you have anti-theft devices in your car, or have finished a driver

What's The Difference With Antique Truck and Car Insurance?

2008-01-07T05:48:00.001-08:00

It is difficult to define what antique means when dealing with insurance companies, and that is why it’s a little difficult purchasing antique truck and car insurance. You have to make sure you have the auto insurance to meet your needs, although there are many companies that offer this insurance, you will have to put a bit of work into finding antique truck and car insurance that is right for you

There are two types of insurance you can find with antique automobile insurance companies and also classic collector auto insurance. The difference in the two of these is that most antique truck and car insurance doesn’t allow the car or truck to be used for normal chores. Collector’s auto insurance does, but only if you have a regular second daily car to drive and you can’t use your collector car to go to or from work or to school.

In order to be eligible for special discounts on your antique truck and car insurance, your vehicle has to be defined as antique or vintage. It must be at least 30 years old. This makes life a bit easier for antique automobile insurance companies. As for other cars that arrived later and are loosely regarded as collectibles, then there is an auto insurance that can be obtained for these also.

There are a few ways to save if you’re looking for antique truck or car insurance. Don’t go for the full package of auto insurance if you’re not taking your car on the road or if you don’t use it at all and just have it for show. Although some antique automobile insurance is necessary you may not need all the auto insurance that you have.

To be sure of your needs talk to your automobile insurance company or check with several automobile insurance companies to make sure you are getting the best deal you possible can. You may end up with a discount depending on a few factors that could be the deal of a lifetime, so don’t be afraid to shop around and find out what’s out there for you that will meet your needs. Insurance companies can custom make a package for your antique truck and car insurance just for you.

There is antique truck and car insurance available, but only for antiques, and make sure that you know how you are going to use the vehicle

Where to Get Cheap Non-Owned Automobile Insurance

2008-01-07T05:47:00.000-08:00

Looking to purchase non-owned automobile insurance? Want to get cheap non-owned auto insurance with a reliable insurer? Here's where to get it.

Non-Owned Automobile Insurance

Non-owned automobile insurance pays for repairs when you damage someone else's car, and for the medical bills of the occupants of that car or for any pedestrians who are injured. It also pays for your and your passengers medical expenses.

Non-owned auto insurance does not pay to repair damage to your car when you cause an accident.

Why Get Non-Owned Automobile Insurance

If you frequently rent cars, non-owned auto insurance may save you money on rental car insurance. If you own a business, non-owned auto insurance protects you if you have an employee or a friend run an errand for your business, or if you use your personal car to run errands and your car is not covered by business auto insurance.

The courts have established that a business may be liable for the acts of its employees, such as when an employee uses his or her car to run an errand for the business and causes an accident. If you own a company, you run the risk of losing it if you're sued and the court awards damages to the injured party.

Where to Get Cheap Non-Owned Automobile Insurance

The best place to get cheap non-owned auto insurance is to go to an insurance comparison website where you can get rates from a number of different companies, then choose the policy that best suits your needs

Considering a Car? Car Buying Tips

2007-12-19T21:57:00.000-08:00

As one of the "major purchases" in life, car buying is one to be carefully considered. Your first task will be to determine exactly what market you're going for.

# New or Used?

There are a lot of choices to consider when buying a car. Your choices will depend on your situation. Even the climate you live in can pay an important role in this decision.

Important information about cars and fuel economy should always be considered. Guidelines for purchasing a car can be found at the Federal Information Center, as well as a wealth of other money related issues. Check it out, you’ll be surprised at the valuable information you’ll find there.

They even have a government site for kids at FirstGov For Kids . It’s kid friendly and contains everything from Arts to Transportation. Even has a careers page! Well, not to get off track but wanted to make sure check out all the great stuff there!

Back on track……. You know my philosophy……. Informed Consumer - More Savings! So. Of course your first order of business is to RESEARCH! Always check several resources to get the best price and the best value.

# Don't fall into the Keep up with the Joneses trap - "You are what you drive?" I don’t think so. What about that next door millionaire riding around in the weathered family car. They’re not wasting their money trying keep up with the Joneses!

More than likely the $40,000 they wouldn’t spend on that nice fancy car is sitting in a profitable investment earning an income or interest. And I bet they’re not losing sleep over their huge outstanding debts!

This should give you an idea how they got to be millionaires. Not by spending their money, but rather managing it first.

A good financial plan that allows for proper upkeep and maintenance of your family car will payoff in the end. Cars that are maintained properly require less repair and last a lot longer. The next rule in purchasing an automobile is therefore….

# Don’t buy a new automobile if you don’t really need it! - Well that’s simple enough, but sooner or later you’re bound to need one. One thing we know for sure. No matter how well you take care of the treasured family car, eventually you’ll need to replace it.

Cars just don’t last forever! Or, you may want to pass a still usable car to a young newly licensed family member and invest in another for the main family car.

This is always a great way to recycle automobiles and save money at the same time. Plus, it’ll make your young driver happy to have their own wheels.

Or, maybe it won’t when they find out all the responsibilities that come with ownership. And I strongly encourage that you teach them and give them that responsibility right from the start.

Teens who are responsible for their own automobile expenses, such as maintenance, repair, insurance, and gasoline are almost always more responsible drivers.

They will develop pride in their ownership and responsibility and therefore a more caring attitude. Besides, it‘s a good way to teach yet another financial lesson.

# Buying a used car? Know the Truth... Before You Buy! - Truth is, buying a used car can be risky. How do you know what you're getting? well, if you don't have an expert friend or family member, you may be able to use an online source (some will charge a small fee, but it may be worth it in the long run) to find out if the car has...

* hidden accident damage?
* false odometer readings?
* been in a major car crash?
* had a car theft report filed?
* flood damage?
* been labeled a lemon?

5 Important Tips for Insuring Your Luxury Sports Car

2007-12-19T21:46:00.000-08:00

You've done it! You bought your dream car. But did you consider insurance before you bought it? That beauty has a roaring engine. The finish gleams. The tires squeal. It's a real eye catcher. But its also likely to catch the eye of a thief, too. That's why you need insurance. Not just any insurance. Insurance that’s specific to the kind of luxury or sports car you now own. Here are 5 of the most important tips you need to know to properly insure your luxury car.

1. Find the right insurer. Not every insurance company will sell you insurance for your luxury car. Finding an insurer for a 2007 BMW 335i Coupe, Maserati or a Rolls Royce isn’t as easy as finding one for that Ford Echo. The dealer who sold you the car can recommend insurance agents or you can look in publications like Hemming's Motor News, Car and Driver or search online for specialty brokers. Expect rates run 15-20% above non-sports or luxury models. Remember, much of your insurance is calculated on replacement value and repair costs.

2. Decide whether you’re a daily driver or a “Saturday Nighter.” You must tell potential insurers an accurate estimate of their annual mileage. If you just take your baby out on sunny summer Sundays for a drive in the country or to cruise one Saturday nights, you can save big on insurance because of the low miles driven. Under 5,000 miles is usually the limit.

3. Join the club! Consider becoming a member of the owner’s club for your model or auto maker. Club members are always willing to share tips about such things as upkeep, special problems and maintenance as well as sources of parts and even insurers.

4. Ask For discount auto insurance. Beyond anything else, ask the insurance company what memberships you could belong to or what you could add to the car (a security system generally helps) to get the best coverage at the lowest price. Package insurance products for your home or other cars together with your sports car. You could see the costs fall in total.

5. Don’t forget to tell your insurer about that $5000 audio system or other expensive after market accessories that you’ve added on. They might not like that nitrous oxide super charger, but if you don’t disclose it, it may not be covered in a claim. Getting the best coverage for your luxury or sports car is a must. Use these tips to help you to protect that beauty so you can feel the wind in your face and just enjoy the scenery.

The wise buyer's car guide - Buyers Guide

2007-07-04T02:49:00.000-07:00

Women know the road. According to Jean Swenson, a columnist for the American Automobile Association's (AAA) monthly newspaper, Motorist, women buy 50 percent of the cars sold in America. We're smart shoppers. We can hunt down a bargain. And many of us know how to buy a new car--at a good price. But everybody needs a tune-up now and then. In this special section, we'll help you rev up your car-buying skills by introducing you to sisters who've recently purchased cars. We'll also offer you new strategies for getting the best behind-the-wheel deals. Looking for a specific type of car--family, sedan, luxury? We'll make suggestions to fit your lifestyle and your budget. AutoAdvisor, Inc., a nationwide car buyer's service, helped us identify competitive models and prices. Prices are approximately and based on good bargaining for current models. It's no secret that may people dread haggling over the price of a car. According to a 1991 study conducted by the American Bar Foundation, Black women were quoted higher prices when shopping in automobile showrooms than the three other groups who participated in the study--Black men, White women and White men--because many dealers see us as being less savvy when it comes to knowing the best way to make a deal.
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If you're a sister who hates to bargain, try shopping for a car at a "one-price" or "no-haggle" dealership. According to Automotive News, a leading industry publication, no-haggle car buying is a growing trend. Saturn offers one-price dealerships nationwide see the profile of Cindy Buskey). In most other cases, individual dealers who have recognized the growing popularity of haggle-free car shopping have switched their dealerships to one-price selling. You can find such dealerships simply by calling and asking, but many of them advertise their haggle-free approach.

Here's how no-haggle or one-price dealerships work: Let's say you walk into a no-haggle shop and see the car you want. The dealer should display the manufacturer's suggested list price as well as his discount price. That's it. (The sale of used cars at no-haggle dealers operates on the same price principle.) At most no-haggle dealers, sales reps receive a salary, so they're less motivated by commission. There's no hard selling, no hard bargaining and, for some, fewer headaches.

But does one-price or no-haggle get you the best price? Probably not. If you like to negotiate and are skilled at it, you'll probably get a better deal with a traditional dealer.

OR LET SOMEBODY ELSE DRIVE THE BARGAIN

If you know that the price of the car you want can be negotiated but you don't want to be the one to negotiate, there's another option: A car buyer's service can do the work for you.

Buyer's services work in several ways, depending on your needs. For an up-front fee the service will provide you with a computer printout of the cars you want, along with manufacturers' suggested retail prices. The car buyer's service will then bargain at the dealer for you (some can save you tip to $5,000).

Many car buyer's services know about hidden rebates or other perks that, unless you took the time to research, you may be unaware of. Other services work this way: You tell them which car you want. For a fee, they'll tell you which local dealers have your car. They'll also cite the discount price at which they can get the car for you, without your having to haggle. A good car buyer's service will send a representative to meet you at the dealer. That person will walk you through the car-buying deal and explain the buying process.

Some car buyer's services function nationwide, while others are regional or local. To find one, check your yellow pages under listings such as Automobile Brokers, Automobile Buying Services or Automobile and Truck Brokers. In addition, buyer services may be available to you at no cost or minimal cost through organizations such as automobile clubs or credit unions.

Look for a car buyer's service that tells you up front what they will charge. Make sure they arrange for you to take delivery through a factory-authorized dealership, and check that the papers show you're the exclusive and original owner. A good car buyer's service to try is AutoAdvisor, Inc. ([800] 326-1976), whose average charge is about $250 to $400 for its service. AutoAdvisor guarantees the absolute lowest price on the vehicle you want or will refund its buying-service fee. If that fee sounds high to you, consider that the discount price they can get you on your car will usually be so much lower than the one you could get on your own that you'll come out ahead--even after you pay the fee.

Cycle savvy/ Buying the best mountain bike for you is a matter of

2007-06-19T00:43:00.002-07:00

I wanna buy a mountain bike. How difficult can that be? It's just two wheels, a seat, a frame, some gears and brakes. Just choose between red and silver and you're ready to roll, right?

Not quite. Although buying a mountain bike isn't in the same financial league as buying a car, it requires almost as much thought:

Where do you want to ride it? Mostly paved roads? Dirt roads? A combination?

How often do you ride?

Who will you ride with, and what kind of riders are they? How are your skills?

How much can you spend?

Thinking about your riding companions probably is the best first step, says Chris Rossow, a sales associate at Criterium Bike Shop, 6150 Corporate Drive.If your bike isn't match- ed to the other riders', somebody is going to get left behind," Rossow says. That's especially important for families that ride together.

"They don't have to be the same make and model bikes, of course, but they should match in quality."

Starting with that in mind, here are more suggestions from Rossow, Brian Hsieh, sales associate and mechanic at Bicycle Village, and others to consider when buying an entry-level bike:

1. Decide how much you want to spend. Mountain bikes that can handle trails and roads usually cost from $300 to $500. The low end of that range will get you chromoly, a quality steel alloy (a blend of metals) frame. The high end will get you aluminum, which is lighter and stronger. When prices hit four figures, your options include titanium and carbon fiber, even lighter and stronger than aluminum

For love and money; rating the top cars for business and investment

2007-06-19T00:43:00.001-07:00

Kruse made his discovery 20 years ago, when as a young real estate auctioneer in Auburn, Ind., he was approached by the Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber was losing $4,000 a year running the local Cord Duesenberg Club's annual reunion and wanted Kruse to help auction off some donated items to defray expenses. "I'm a third-generation auctioneer," Kruse explains. "My father said, `Why don't we sell the cars?'" A letter to club members brought in 73 responses, the Kruses did some advertising, and on the morning of the auction, they found the roads blocked by 30,000 people.

"They came for the cars. But they also ate all the food in every restaurant in Auburn, all the food in every store, every food locker," recalls Kruse. "We knew we were on to something." Before long, car auctions had created a new investment market in the classics. Last year, Kruse International knocked down 13,750 cars for $375 million, with an average of four bidders for every car. It held 50 auctions around the world; 150,000 people alone attended the now-annual Auburn event.

Road scholars - seven Black women with jobs in the automobile industry: includes a brief preview of six of the 1998 cars - Buyers Guide

2007-06-18T23:26:00.002-07:00

The new luxury car is a sport-utility vehicle [SUV] from a premium stable, and the big focus for all makers is on lifestyle amenities like radio controls on the steering wheel and armrest consoles between the front seats that are wired to accommodate computers or fax machines." Jacqueline Mitchell rattles off these automotive trends with the ease, confidence and passion that a mother might reserve for talking about her child. She's clearly in the car know.

The 36-year-old Detroit-born journalist began writing about crankshafts and pistons eight years ago as an automotive reporter in the Detroit office of the Wall Street Journal. She is currently managing editor of African-Americans on Wheels, a quarterly publication with a circulation of 500,000 distributed by 30 Black newspapers around the country. Here, Mitchell gives us the 411 on the innovations for 1998, and she spotlights the models that leading carmakers are most excited about as we move closer to the new millennium.
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leader of the pack

Without question, sport-utility vehicles are the "in" vehicles. Each year new competitors enter this growing market, and 1998 will welcome SUVs from luxury marques, including Lincoln's Navigator and Mercedes-Benz's M-Class vehicle.

the shape of things to come

Sleek vehicles that combine hard lines (sharp, crisp silhouettes) and soft ones (rounded edges) are prominent. There's something for everyone: Styling varies from the head-turning Plymouth Prowler to the sedate Toyota Camry. With new attention given to ergonomics, you'll drive in style and comfort. Seats now move in various directions, positioning you in just the perfect spot. And forget about reaching across the dashboard: Controls for cruising and for the radio are conveniently placed right on the steering wheel.

the name game

This year's American monikers evoke images of the great outdoors and grand adventures. Cases in point: the Toyota Sienna minivan, the Lincoln Navigator and Subaru Forester sport-utility vehicles, and the Oldsmobile intrigue midsize car. The Europeans, on the other hand, continue to identify their vehicles with combinations of letters and numbers.

true colors

Purple was a favorite of many of us as girls. But will grape-colored cars become as popular as black or white ones? Only time will tell, but expect the color purple to continue to make a fashion statement in several 1998 car lines. And speaking of fashion, those pastel colors currently popular in apparel have inspired a palette for cars that includes soft shades of rose, taupe and ice blue. On the other end of the spectrum, look for a navy blue so deep it's almost black. Most of the year's new shades are sealed with a slightly metallic finish.

safeguards

Virtually all new vehicles on the road will be equipped with dual air bags--one for the driver and one for the front-seat passenger. The new generation of air bags are "depowered" to deploy with about 20 to 30 percent less force than their predecessors. Auto companies have already started developing deactivation switches, which would allow owners to disengage the air bags at their discretion. Antilock brakes and headlights that run all day are also becoming more commonplace.

designing a car with marietta ellis

LEAD DESIGNER

Marietta Ellis's sketch pad was like an extra appendage when she was growing up--and it still is. Only now, the 37-year-old lead designer for Buick sketches not cartoons but her ideas for how a car should look and function. What's critical to her design thinking? Comfort, function, safety, looks, lifestyle and cost--the very things you should be checking out when deciding if a car's right for you.

Ellis says technologically advanced amenities are the name of the game. "Now that we've gotten comfortable with high-tech features because they're everywhere in our homes, we want them in our car. After all, for many people, the car is a second home. We want to eat in our cars, talk in our cars, do business in our cars, even take a comfortable catnap in our cars." If you're driving a car that was considered "loaded" when you purchased it five years ago, chances are those items are now standard. According to Ellis, almost all new cars come with a remote-control key fob, allowing you to unlock the doors, pop the trunk or send a panic alarm with the touch of a button. The newest premium options include navigational systems, advanced stereo systems (including CD players) and business consoles equipped with the space and auxiliary power units to accommodate laptops, fax machines, cellular phones, and writing pads and instruments

For love and money; rating the top cars for business and investment

2007-06-18T23:26:00.001-07:00

The bond between an entrepreneur and his car is one of those subjects no professor of business administration will ever study. But it's real, and it's bankable, as two men, themselves entrepreneurs, have discovered -- much to their advantage.

Dean Kruse champions man's love for the automobile, while Peter Levy is a savant of the bottom line. Both have experienced the greatest thrill an entrepreneur can know -- the confirmation that his product or service has tapped into a huge, previously unexplored need.

Six years ago, Levy was working at Apple Computer. As he recalls, "The Macintosh was just going from a gleam in somebody's eye to a real product, and I recognized that this computer allowed you to do things with information on a printed sheet of paper that were unheard of. At the same time, I was looking for a car. I had it down to three different models, so I went to the local library to ask an easy question: They all cost the same, they looked pretty much alike, so which one was the best to own over time?

"The reason I started this business is that there was no answer."

Taking a leave of absence, Levy did his own market analysis and research on the vast automotive field, using already published materials. After a few months, he dipped into his savings to hire employees to do original research on new car expense factors. "I took that risk," he says, "and I'm still taking it. But I saw that the need for useful, understandable information was huge, and that the Macintosh system could develop it."

Four years ago, his book, The Complete Car Cost Guide, came out. It's a masterful and succinct display of hard facts on a difficult subject. The subtitle promises "A guide to the economics of buying and owning a new automobile," and the book delivers. Want to know how to out-wit the pressure tactics of a car salesman? The five-year cost of depreciation, financing, insurance, state fees, fuel, maintenance, and repairs? How about the repair frequency for engine, transmission, cooling, and five other components? Finally, wouldn't it be useful to know the car's expected resale value computed on a graph that tells you exactly when to unload it for maximum cost-benefit purposes?

The Complete Car Cost Guide and its companion volume, The Complete Small Truck Cost Guide, have the answers to these questions and more (800-227-2665).

Four years later, Levy's brainchild enjoys an ever-increasing public. "Our sales are going through the roof," he says, "running at a rate of over three times last year's sales, and last year's three times over the one before that." With the first product in hand, he found venture capital, formed a board of directors, and organized IntelliChoice Inc., of San Jose, Calif., as an information company. "We haven't looked back since."

CARS AS INVESTMENTS

How does a classic car rate as a straight investment? Well, classic car prices rose an average of 15 percent in the week after the stock market crash of 1987. Here are Dean Kruse's tips for beginners:

Kruse identifies four types of classic car buyers. The investor is looking for a deal that will give him a better return than money in the bank. "He can find it, if he does a little research. There are cars that go up 20 to 30 percent a year in value." The hobbyist buys cars, tears them apart, and tinkers with them. The collector pays the highest price. "He's got every Ford that was ever built, and he doesn't care what he pays." The dealer makes a full-time living buying and selling classic cars.

Glamour cars on the investment circuit are high-horsepower, hand-built, limited-production models. A new Ferrari F40 will go for $1 million over list the day it is delivered from the factory; there's a lively market in selling positions on the Ferrari waiting lists.

Prices for cars from the '20s through the '40s, however, have been softening. But Kruse sees an excellent investment opportunity in the cars that members of the baby-boom generation drove -- or dreamed of driving -- as adolescents. "I tell people that if you're a novice with limited funds, get into a General Motors, Ford, or Chrysler product, 18 years old, in red or black. When a car hits its 20th birthday, it takes its biggest jump in value, usually doubling or tripling." Convertibles are particularly sought after. Kruse recommends giving the car a thorough inspection -- that you take a mechanic along with you on any serious shopping trips

AUTOEXPLORER — On The World Wide Web

2007-06-07T03:20:00.001-07:00

CAMPBELL, Calif.--(AutomotiveWire)--Aug. 1, 1995--IntelliChoice announced today its AutoExplorer(TM) World Wide Web site . AutoExplorer provides consumers with hard to find, unbiased information about purchasing new cars and trucks, and offers a unique economic approach consumers should consider as they select a vehicle. AutoExplorer features IntelliChoice's 1995 Best Overall Value of the Year (BOVY)(TM) awards, economic, safety and purchase tips, and provides company and product information."Buying a car is a stressful event for a consumer. Locating and evaluating useful, objective information is confusing and time consuming," said Steve Gross, Product and Marketing Director. "Our primary goal on the web is to provide unbiased comparative information that allows shoppers to quickly find the vehicles that fit their needs financially and objectively. They can conduct their research in the most convenient, non-threatening environment possible, their home or office, as opposed to a dealership where the pressure can sometimes be overwhelming. AutoExplorer is also a fun site to visit," added Mr. Gross.

The 1995 vehicles that have earned IntelliChoice's top marks of distinction for economic value are listed in the AutoExplorer. According to Mr. Gross, "Selecting an IntelliChoice Best Overall Value can save the car shopper thousands of dollars in depreciation, insurance, maintenance, and other ownership cost areas."
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AutoExplorer allows users to download sample pages from IntelliChoice's annual reference books, "The Complete Car Car Cost Guide"(TM) and "The Complete Small Truck Cost Guide"(TM), along with sample pages from its custom vehicle reports. The AutoExplorer site also provides a wealth of free information which covers buying, shopping, insurance and safety considerations.

IntelliChoice is the industry leader in automotive information and the only company that projects five-year ownership costs for virtually every new car, truck, van and utility vehicle on the market. IntelliChoice projects these costs in seven areas: depreciation, insurance, financing, fees, fuel, maintenance, and repairs.

Founded in 1986 and privately held, IntelliChoice publishes "The Complete Car Cost Guide" and "The Complete Small Truck Cost Guide," winners of the Best Reference Book of the Year award from Library Journal; as well as Just the Facts(TM) and ArmChair Compare(R) custom reports. The books are available for $45 each and the reports cost $14.95 and $19.95, respectively. IntelliChoice can be reached toll-free at 1-800-227-2665, by E-mail at info@intellichoice.com, or at 471 Division Street, Campbell, CA 95008.

Who Can You Trust to Fix Your Car?; Farmers Insurance Group of Companies Offers Tips on Finding a Reliable Repair Shop

2007-06-06T04:58:00.000-07:00

LOS ANGELES -- Trying to find a good mechanic or service center to repair your vehicle can be daunting. How do you know if you've found a good mechanic? How do you go about researching a good repair shop?

Studies show that one of the most important factors for customers when choosing a repair facility is trust. "Vehicle owners want to know that the service center is making the necessary repairs with the correct parts and the proper equipment," said Jeff Beyer, Senior Vice President at Farmers. "But they also want to feel confident that they are not being taking advantage of," added Beyer. But where do you start in search of that service center? Farmers Insurance offers the following tips when looking for a reliable auto repair shop:

--Ask for recommendations from friends or co-workers before your vehicle actually needs repairs. If you can, test the repair shop with a small maintenance job such as a tune up. If you're happy with their work and service, perhaps you've found a shop for you.

--Contact local consumers groups, such as the Chamber of Commerce or the Better Business Bureau, to check on a shop's reliability.

--Look for repair facilities that are licensed by the National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) or one that employs ASE-certified technicians. The ASE signage should be prominently displayed.

--Confirm that the facility has up-to-date equipment and specialized tools to make the type of repair you need.
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--Check to see if your repair is under warranty. If so, make sure the shop honors it and that it is authorized to make the repair under the warranty.

--Look for neat, well-organized service floors. Also, look for clearly posted signs on labor rates, guarantees and methods of payment.

--For convenience, ask if the service center provides a pickup and drop-off service so you can spend the day at home or at the office instead of in the waiting room.

Farmers also recommends vehicle owners look for a mechanic or shop owner who they feel comfortable talking with.

"As the vehicle owner, you should feel comfortable discussing any aspect of the service, whether it's explaining the noise your vehicle makes or understanding the repair your mechanic plans to perform," said Beyer. "Being able to easily communicate with your mechanic is the first step toward earning that trust," added Beyer.

Farmers also recommends bringing a list of things you've noticed about your vehicle to make sure you've addressed all issues.

Real Wheels

2007-06-06T04:57:00.000-07:00

Warren Brown has covered the car industry for The Washington Post since 1982.

Brown test drives all types of cars, from luxury sedans to the newest minivans and hybrids. His On Wheels auto reviews are lively, detailed accounts of cars' good and bad qualities.

Brown's Car Culture column addresses the social, political and economic trends of the industry.

Brown comes online Fridays at 11 a.m. ET to answer your questions on every aspect of the automotive industry -- from buying your dream car to the future of the internal combustion engine.

Hartford, Ct.: Your column convinced me to get an Audi TT three years ago. I am in the hunt again. The Saab 9-3 Aero gets terrific reviews on its V-6 engine, but bad grades for reliability. Any thoughts on this incongruity? Also, is the Saab 9-7x appreciably better than its GM siblings? Thanks.

Incongruity is the offspring of perspective. The Saab 9-3, built in Sweden and Austria, priced (rounded numbers) from $26,000 to $42,000, available with a turbo 2.0, 210-hp inline four or a turbo 2.8, 250 hp V-6, is a good car. Consumer Guide, as distinguished from Consumer Reports, gives it a "recommended" rating. I agree. The problem is how people define reliability. If one car does not start as quickly as another, if it develops electrical or other glitches that have nothing to do with its drivability, many people deem it "unreliable." Other people put up with those problems, treat them as nuisances, because they are more in love with the car's engine and overall performance. As for the 9-7x, it's no better than GM's GMC Envoy. And, believe me, that's no knock on either car. Both will give anything in the entry-level-luxury mid-size SUV category a very hard run for the money.

Worth the drive? Your company cars could be gulping more than just gas if you don't know what your ownership costs are

2007-06-06T04:44:00.000-07:00

Figuring out costs is simple when you know the formula. Factor in four major standing, or fixed, costs (depreciation, state fees, financing and insurance) plus three major running costs (fuel, repairs and maintenance). Standing costs usually level out and decrease over time, with finance charges, for example, eliminated when the loan is paid off. Running costs, on the other hand, can increase. As a general rule, the older the car, the more frequent the repairs. Conversely, depreciation on older cars slows, so the increase in running costs can be offset by lower standing costs. Since fuel is the highest running cost, you can save by purchasing a vehicle that gets good mileage and uses regular instead of premium gasoline.

Have You Seen the New Wrangler Models for 2007?

2007-06-02T04:09:00.001-07:00

Jeep has created three new models of Wranglers. The new models still retain some of the looks of the older Wrangler, but there are some appearance changes and of course several improvements have been made. The Wranglers just may be more noted for their off-road capabilities and rugged style now more than ever!

The Wrangler Rubicon is built to be the hard-core 4WD unit line of the Wranglers. The differences between the models are only slightly noticeable to the naked eye. The main differences are in the manner the Wrangler Rubicon is put together and the special off-road performance features. Very little of the features of the Rubicon Wrangler was created for comfort. The Wrangler Rubicon was built to be tougher, stronger and stiffer than its counterparts. It really was created for the true-to-heart off-road 4x4 enthusiast.

The Wrangler Rubicon comes standard with 32-inch BF Goodrich off-road mud tires increasing ground clearance and delivering terrain-grabbing performance. Other standard features are the heavy-duty suspension, tunable monotube shock absorbers, heavy-duty rock rails, Tru-Lok electronic front/rear locking differentials, the Roc-Trac transfer case for the 4WD system, and the Next Generation Dana 44 heavy-duty Solid front and rear axles. The 4 wheel anti-locking breaking system and the drive-by-wire electronic throttle control come standard on all Jeep Models. The driveshafts have increased stiffness and precise balancing, the body-on-frame design, steel skid plates, and torque-to-tow are part of the improved drive train for all the Wrangler models. The tow hooks, 2 front and 1 rear, is a standard feature on the Wrangler Rubicon as are the fog lamps. The Wrangler Rubicon also comes equipped with the Sentry Key antitheft engine immobilizer. YES Essentials seat fabric is used in the cloth inserts in the Wrangler Rubicon. The Wrangler Rubicon comes standard with removable full-framed doors with light-tinted roll up windows. Most of the equipment on the Wrangler Rubicon standard or optional is designed for safety and durability thus enhancing the off-road experience.

The Wrangler Sahara was built for the off-road enthusiast who still wants some style and comfort. Some of the standard features on the Wrangler Sahara also come standard on the other models such as the cup holders, the stereo system, air conditioning the leather wrapped steering wheel with speed control positioned on the steering column, and the easy fold soft top. The Command-Tracâ 4WD system, the tow hooks, the anti-lock braking system with Electronic Stability Program which includes the brake assist, traction control, electronic roll mitigation and on/off-road brake lock differentials are some of the other options for the Wrangler Sahara. To add style to the Wrangler Sahara it comes standard with body-color fender flares, and tubular side steps. The 18-inch cast-aluminum wheels are an option that is available for the Wrangler Sahara, but not the other Wrangler models.

The Wrangler X is built for the adventurous that want to explore the hidden hideaways. The Wrangler X is able to travel the back-roads. Some of the standard features of the Wrangler X are the same as the standard features of the other Wrangler models with the fog lamps as the only exception. The fog lamps are available on the Wrangler X as an option. The 16-inch styled steel wheels, rear storage bin, the fold down windshield, and the removable interior drain plugs to simplify the cleaning of the wash-out interior are features that all come standard on the Wrangler X. As you can see all three of the Wrangler models are very much alike, yet they have their own performance and style differences.

How to Find an Affordable Exotic Car - No More Dreaming

2007-06-02T04:08:00.001-07:00

I remember as a kid... Dreaming about flying down the road in a Lamborghini Countach LP 5000. It was "The Car" throughout the 80's and still held its crown into the 90's. Now days, Exotic Cars are a little more modern and have more of a "luxury" touch to them, unlike the older "beasts" that were uncomfortable, hard to see out of, underpowered A/C, not so great braking, but full of raw power. I remember eagerly watching "Miami Vice", only to see the Ferrari Daytona Spider and the beautiful Testarossa Crockett and Tubbs cruised around in, while hoping that there would be some sore of a "Super Exotic" like a Lamborghini Countach in each episode. And of course like most of you reading this, I did have about 3 Lamborghini Countach Posters tacked to my bedroom walls with other Lamborghini paraphernalia laying about...

My friend Reggie and I would regularly talk about the wonderful Lamborghini Countach while chasing each other around with our remote control cars and yes, they were Lamborghini Countach RC cars. We would often joke around and laugh about how... "One day, if we ever could actually afford a Lamborghini Countach, there's no way we could afford the insurance!" And so the dream lived on and two more young boys, out of the millions of dreamers like yourself, went on through life "dreaming", because there never was a way we could actually afford an Exotic Car. Well, guess what my friend... some times, Dreams come true.

It's now 2007 and I have owned two Exotic Cars and a handful of other drag cars and street cars. Without arrogance, mind you, I have seen what it's like to be a "regular Joe" one day and "Celebrity" the very next day. Because I am such an Exotic Car fanatic, I have spent many, many hours studying and talking to other Exotic Car owners. I have spend many days cruising around with other local Exotic Car owners and had opportunity to get to know some of them on more of a "good friend" basis which I still am very good friends with today. This is what I dreamed about as a kid... with his face planted on the living room floor, making "vroooom" noises while rolling his little "Hot Wheels" Lamborghini Countach faster than any other car in his entire collection.

Because of the "life changing" experiences, and yes, there have been MANY life changing experiences, from owning affordable Exotic Cars, I felt compelled to write a book, revealing the amazing prices that will have your jaw wide open when reading about them. I also I know there were millions of dreamers out there like me, who would love to see this childhood dream come true, but do not know where to find Exotic Cars they can afford. Some even try to fulfill their dreams with different Exotic Car Rental companies, blowing money away on something they will never own. I know... I have done the whole Exotic Car Rental thing too. In my book, "Buying an Exotic Car on a Budget", I also provide information on how and where to find affordable Exotic Cars. Other relative information, like insurance and details about individual Exotic Cars is also covered, because I know this may be the first step in seeing your childhood dream come true.

So what are the benefits from owning an Exotic Car? Well, I would have to write about 10 more articles to cover that type of information, but I tell you this... Business opportunities and high end networking await you when owning an Exotic Car. Personally, I just wanted an Exotic Car to drive and sit so low to the ground, surrounding cars appear to be SUV's, but I had no idea what kind of "Investment" owning an Exotic Car would be. This was and has been far beyond anything I could have dreamed as a child. Like I said, is has been so amazing, it drove me to write a book, so other dreamers like me can get the chance of a lifetime. So I invite you, to embark on an opportunity that will change your life and open doors, like you would never believe.

Opting Out Of Car Insurance - Why You Shouldn't Follow Suit

2007-05-08T03:38:00.001-07:00

Recent research carried out by the Association of British Insurers, has shown that there may be as many as 2 million drivers on the road in this country without any form of insurance.

“Why?” you ask, is this? The problem itself comes from the fact that a growing number of people find it almost entirely prohibitive to purchase a car and acquire a motor insurance policy to match. To circumnavigate this problem a large number of people have decided to opt out of purchasing an insurance policy altogether, leaving other UK drivers at risk.

“Surely these people will be caught?” I hear you ask. Therein lies the problem. At present, it is only if a car is literally pulled over, the registration checked and insurance status verified that this crime can be revealed. Add to this the fact that the majority of people can expect to face only a fine of around £200, it makes it easier to some to risk this cost rather than spending £1-2000 on an insurance policy.

Let’s take a look at how this affects those of us who choose to be law abiding citizens and opt to purchase an insurance policy.

Well for starters, the average UK policyholder can expect to pay an extra £30 a year, at present, to cover the cost these people cause to ourselves and the insurance companies.

We have to consider the fact that this bid to save money actually poses a public safety risk, not only to these drivers but to ourselves.

Imagine the implications if you only have a third party, fire and theft policy. Your insurance will only pay for the damage to the third party as the name suggests. The other party has no insurance so therefore, there is no one to recompense you.

Now, a warning to those of you considering this idea; If you are involved in a crash, cause serious injury or even death, you will most probably find yourself with a jail sentence! Is this really worth saving even the largest amount of money for?

We can only hope that it is made illegal to own a vehicle without an insurance policy and not just to be caught driving one. If this becomes the case, it is possible a similar scheme to the road tax fining system could be used to identify which car is uninsured and issue a fine by post, etc.

Young Drivers Car Insurance Gets Expensive

2007-05-08T03:37:00.001-07:00

Getting a car for a newly licensed driver can sometimes be less expensive than paying for young drivers car insurance. Because of the high risk that many of these inexperienced drivers pose on the road, insurance companies expect to pay out benefits at a higher rate. This has pushed the premiums to unimaginable heights.

It is particularly costly to get young drivers car insurance for teenage boys. It has been proven repeatedly that these are the drivers most likely to speed, get caught racing, or generally driving in unacceptable ways. For generations, the industry has been looking for responsible ways to curb the dangerous driving habits of young male drivers.

Officials in Scotland may have finally stumbled on a method to help control the driving habits of the inexperienced males, while at the same time increasing their driving skills. They are giving them exactly what they want and teaching them how to do it.

A new program is being set up that will allow young drivers to go as fast as they want to – in a controlled setting. The Scottish police have teamed up with track officials and are offering free laps at the Knockhill racing circuit in a bid to curb speeding along the nearby Kirkcaldy Esplanade. They are hoping that it will teach young drivers that speeding is okay in the right situation, but it’s not safe to do on the public roads.

Although the new program will not do anything to lower the initial cost of young drivers car insurance, it could help to lower the cost in the following years. If the new drivers are able to keep points off their records and keep themselves accident free, then the premiums will eventually begin to fall. In the mean time, the speeding experiment should prove to be loads of fun.

Cheap Car Insurance Five Things To Remember When Buying Yours

2007-05-08T03:31:00.002-07:00

It is a legal requirement for everyone in the UK who drives a car on a public road to have car insurance and of course, everyone wants the best insurance for their car at the best possible price. This is true if you are looking for Ford car insurance, Vauxhall car insurance or any of the other major makes. Whether you are just considering changing your current insurance company or looking into coverage for a new car, there are many factors to consider. It's always a good idea to do some research and get several online quotes before you make a decision. Read below to learn about other things to consider when buying car insurance. After all its you in the driving seat!

1.Types of Insurance There are many types of coverage that you can have included in your insurance policy. Beyond personal liability for any damages, common policies may include collision insurance which pays your bills in the event of an accident, and comprehensive insurance which protects against hazards like uninsured drivers. It is worth your time to look into other policies you may not be familiar with. For instance, breakdown insurance can cover the cost of repair if your car breaks down on the road or cover a tow to a service station. Investigate the different types of insurance available and which type and what coverage fits your needs.

2. Compare insurance quotes. Insurance policies will vary from company to company so it's worth your while to shop around online and compare prices. With hundreds of insurance companies websites competing for your business, comparing prices and getting several quotes could reduce your premium. Although price is important, make sure you also take into consideration the standing of the company. It may be worth a little extra money for an insurance policy with a company with great customer service and a hassle free claims procedure.

3. Decide on your excess Although it may be tempting to go with a lower excess on your car insurance, consider the effect it will have on your premium. Although a £50 excess may sound great, a £200 excess may save you more money in the long run because of lower monthly payments. Some considerations to take into account when deciding on your excess are the age and condition of your car and what it will most often be used for.

4. Consider Your Budget Hopefully, you take your budget into consideration before buying a vehicle. The same should go for your car insurance. Although you want your coverage to match your vehicle requirements, you also want to be able to afford it. Think about how you will be able to pay for your insurance. Most companies offer you several payment options allowing you to choose from monthly, quarterly, every six months or yearly payments. Consider what would work best for you and if any discounts or penalties apply for different payment methods. Take advantage of specials that can lower your rates as well, such as good student discounts and discounts for completing training such as defensive driving classes.

5. Read Your Insurance Policy Lastly, make sure that you understand your car policy. There are five main parts to an insurance policy: declarations, coverage, exclusions, conditions and definitions. Declarations are the personal information about the driver(s) and vehicle(s) that will be covered. Coverage describes the coverage and limits of the policy that you purchased and Exclusions will outline what is not covered. Conditions explains the responsibility of you the insured, and your insurance company. The Definitions section defines terms, and highlights your rights and the rights of the insurance company. Take a look at all parts of your policy and make sure that you understand everything. If you don't understand or something doesn't look right, ask your agent and make sure it is cleared up. You should use a company that is willing to explain everything to you, if not get another company.

Opting Out Of Car Insurance - Why You Shouldn't Follow Suit

2007-05-08T03:31:00.001-07:00

Car Insurance - California, Do You Have Auto Coverage?

2007-05-08T03:29:00.002-07:00

Trying to find an alternate route to work when nearly 280,000 other commuters are scrambling to find their way into the city can definitely increase the odds of getting involved in a fender-bender. San Francisco Bay area interstate travelers will be the first to tell you that you cannot predict accidents or catastrophes. Whether you are involved in a natural disaster, auto accident or other catastrophe, insurance plays an important role in securing your funds for the future. Californian or not, it’s always important to see what auto insurance coverage your state suggests or requires.

There’s a long stretch of road between Redding and San Diego, California – which means many opportunities for unexpected auto accidents to occur. The Bay Bridge between Oakland and San Francisco, for example, is a hotbed of confusion and congestion that travelers are trying to navigate and conquer.

Between the excitement of summer and trying to secure your vacation plans, preparing for an auto disaster is probably the last thing on your mind. But the summer heat and unexpected bumps in the road can both wreak havoc on your auto and put you in jeopardy if you’re not prepared. If something happens while you’re driving down that long California interstate, are you covered? Let’s sift through your car insurance policy to consider your options:

What coverages are included in an auto insurance package?

When you purchase auto insurance, you usually have several options – you can purchase medical, liability, property and under/uninsured motorist coverage.

Medical coverage in an auto insurance package will take care of treating injuries to those in the policyholder’s automobile. Medical coverage will be provided if the person is a passenger or hit as a pedestrian.

Liability is your financial responsibility to someone for damage you cause – whether the damage is to another person or to someone’s property. When you purchase liability coverage, the insurance company agrees to defend you in court and/or reimburse the other party for damages you cause.

California state laws require motorists to purchase the following liability insurance amounts.

$15,000 - bodily injury liability for one person injured in an accident
$30,000 – bodily injury liability for all injuries in one accident
$5,000 – property damage liability for one accident

Covering property damage includes comprehensive and collision insurance.

Comprehensive coverage insures accidental damage to the auto including fire, wind, sleet, theft, vandalism and similar damages.

Collision coverage reimburses for damage caused by colliding with another object, regardless of who or what is at fault.

What happens if the person that hits you is uninsured or does not have proper coverage to take care of your entire loss? Purchasing uninsured and/or underinsured motorist coverage will cover both of those situations.

If you have not glanced through your auto insurance policy in awhile, it’s time to consider reviewing it. The warm summer weather means your air conditioning will be running longer and your engine will be working harder. It’s important to take time right now and make sure you will be covered if you find yourself stuck on that long stretch of California road between Redding and San Diego.

Married Couple Automobile Insurance

2007-05-08T03:29:00.001-07:00

If you are married and you need automobile insurance, you can expect to see some discounts depending on your driving and credit record. The thinking behind this theory is, most married couples are suppose to be more responsible and settled down. The potential to drive carelessly has been eliminated.

If the driving records of one or both drivers is bad, your car insurance rate will be higher than someone that has a clean driving record and is single. Whether one or both have a bad driving record, you still have a high-risk attached to your automobile insurance policy.

For the most part, car insurance covers all drivers in a household whether married or not. If you live with someone who has a poor driving record and tell the car insurance company this person is able to drive your car, you will pay a higher automobile insurance premium. It may be wise for the spouse with the bad driving record to take a safely drivers course to help lower the cost of the insurance premium.

When two people decide to get married, they usually have two cars and separate insurance policies. You need to determine which automobile insurance company will provide you with the cheapest car insurance and then decide to keep one or try an entirely different insurance company. Keep in mind, married couples receive discount for their age, marital status, education, driving record and credit history.

If all the information supplied to the car insurance company is positive, you should receive discounts allowing for lower insurance premiums. If you become divorced or widowed your automobile insurance reverts to a single premium resulting in a higher car insurance rate. Most people do not find this to important when considering their impending divorce, but widower’s sometimes find this to cause a financial burden.

Some interesting facts about car insurance and married couples are that no matter what your age, if you are married you receive a discount for being married. If you combine all your insurance needs into one package after you are married, you receive a better deal on insurance rates. The way of the world today offers more incentives to marry then to stay single, even though some single people actually may be a better driver than a married couple may. The car insurance company recognizes your marital status as a determining factor, but it should not be included.

Seven Options for Dealing with a Damaged Car After An Auto Accident

2007-05-08T03:25:00.002-07:00

In the aftermath of auto accidents vehicle owners are often confused and, in many cases, unaware of all of the options available to them during the settlement of auto insurance claims. Many depend on the insurance company’s adjuster to guide them through the maze of decisions they face.

But, did you ever consider that your insurance company agent or adjuster might not have your best interest at heart when making recommendations about what to do with your damaged car?

Insurance companies are profit driven companies. As such, their agents and adjusters - those you may depend on to be straight with you - are often motivated to answer consumer’s questions with suggestions and strategies that benefit the company first and foremost without concern for losses car owners may experience. Thus, if you depend on your insurance company’s claims staff to give you all of the available options so you can make intelligent decisions on your own, you may be sorely disappointed when you finally realize how much money their advice actually costs you.

In the remainder of this article, you’ll learn seven options, some of which you might never have considered, for dealing with damaged vehicles after they have been crashed. You may:

1) Have all of the accident damage on your car repaired If you take this option make certain you pick a shop capable of delivering safe collision repairs. Avoid going to the insurance company’s direct repair shop unless you know them personally and have seen their work firsthand. Rather, pick a repair shop recommended by someone you know who is very picky about his or her car. Collector car club members almost always have a good eye for spotting high quality auto body repair shops, and many have friends in the business who do show quality paint and body work. You’ll find most of these guys and gals eager to help you make a smart choice.

2) Drive your car in its damaged condition without making any repairs provided you are not violating any laws by driving with inoperable lamps or impaired safety equipment. The insurance money is yours. Spend it as you see fit on your car or on something else. Except in cases where you have a bank loan and the car is serving as collateral, you are under no obligation to have repairs completed, unless, of course, you want to do so.

3) Choose to repair part of the damage but not all of it Again, the same rule applies. Drive your car only if it is safe and use the insurance money as you see fit. Sometimes consumers find it in their best interest to repair the most blatant accident damage, forgoing damage that is less obvious. For example a scratched aluminum wheel may cost $300 or more to replace. If you can live with the scratch you’ll have that money to put toward a new set of tires, college tuition, or something trendier like a collection of glow in the dark Spider-Man memorabilia.

4) Sell or trade your car in its damaged condition If you keep the insurance payments and rid yourself of the damaged vehicle quickly by auctioning it, trading it or selling it outright, with some savvy shopping you’ll probably have enough money to purchase a better car than you had. When you are shopping for a car with cash in hand, you’ll find it is a very favorable buyers market.

5) Donate your car to charity for a tax deduction and spend or invest the insurance proceeds. Most accountants and CPAs are familiar with the guidelines for charitable giving. They may even be able to suggest an industrious church or civic club that would be eager to fix the damage and distribute your gift to a needy family.

6) Sell parts from your car if you have the place to store the vehicle and the skills to dismantle it. But, please don’t put it on blocks in the front yard. Many communities and subdivisions won’t allow these eyesores to take up residence for more than a few days, and you can be sure your neighbors won’t like it either. E-bay and similar auction sites are good places to place your parts advertisements to attract enthusiastic buyers.

7) Put the burden on the insurance company to replace the auto Insurance companies, because of their mammoth size and tremendous buying clout, can often bargain with dealerships to get better deals for consumers than they can get themselves. We see this most often when a one or two year old car has suffered significant damage and its owner doesn’t want it repaired. Insurers will sometimes exert pressure on dealers to drop the price of a slightly newer or better equipped model, allowing a consumer to walk away with a somewhat better car without an increase in the monthly payments they were making. You won’t likely hear an insurer suggesting this option because of the extra work involved. But, if you press them or make it easy for them by locating a car you like, they will sometimes work their magic on the dealership finance guys to get you a deal. In cases where you upgrade to a newer car, you will only responsible to pay the difference in values between the car you had and the one you are getting.

Searching For The Best Car Insurance For Young Drivers With Convictions

2007-05-08T03:25:00.001-07:00

The goal of this short article is to help you lower the costs of your cover. Simple but legal steps can be taken to help reduce your car insurance for young drivers with convictions annual cost. Lots of the information can be used today to get instant discounts although other methods take place over a longer period and take some time to reduce the price of your cover. Some of the methods will not work for you but if you a searching for car insurance for young drivers with convictions the methods are presented to help you lower you insurance cover costs.

Areas we will be looking at are how to pay for your premium, third party fire and theft and comprehensive policies, pass plus discounts just to name some of the topics.

Item 1 Pick a low group car - Sports cars and hot hatches costs way more to get car insurance on. A definite way to reduce the costs of your car insurance for young drivers with convictions is to find a low insurance group car.

Item 2 Naming insured drivers - Unless the driver is your spouse then naming one normally costs extra. Costs vary but for younger drivers costs will be significantly more. Therefore only name those that will drive your motor vehicle. Sometimes if the person you need to name has their own vehicle they will have the driving other cars extension anyway so could drive you motor on a third party only basis. This may be adequate for you depending on the value of your car. Many insurance companies will allow you to add an additional driver temporarily mid term through your insurance year.

Item 3 Compare prices ! Once your insurance renewal comes through start to shop around for quotes, don't leave it too late. Make a list and ring or submit your details online to a minimum of 4 motor insurers. Price comparison sites can be used to pick the most competitive brokers or direct insurers. Make a list of the prices and compare benefits as well as costs.

Item 4 Upgrade your licence ! Another way to reduce the costs of your car insurance for a young driver with convictions is by taking extra driving tuition. If you are a new driver then the pass plus is a good way to reduce your insurance costs. Many insurers now offer an introductory discount of 30% for people with the pass plus. The pass plus offers advanced driving in areas such as town driving, all weather driving, night driving and driving on motorways. Other courses are aimed towards more mature drivers such as Rospa, IAM, and Diamond.

Item 5 How to pay ! The best way to pay for your car insurance is to pay with a one off payment. most companies make extra profit on car insurance for young drivers with convictions by charging interest for direct debit payments. If you can't afford to pay in one then paying on your credit car could be a better alternative.

Auto Insurance is Important Although it is not Compulsory in all States and Countries

2007-05-08T03:24:00.002-07:00

Auto insurance is important although it is not compulsory in all states and countries. Basic insurance is though, is enforced by law in some states. Motorists have to be insured for liability covering as this pays for the damage and injury to drivers and passengers involved in an accident which was caused by you.

It is advisable to get insurance coverage for damage sustained by your vehicle if you were involved in an accident. Vehicles are expensive and repairs can cost a lot of money so it is well worth the expense of the premiums to be able to claim for any damages done as a result of an accident.

There are a number of categories of insurance coverage which motorists can choose from. Decide which will suit you if you do not want to pay for all the categories.

Underinsured covering means that you will be paid for all your medical expenses that are not covered by the other driver’s insurance policy.

You will probably want to have your car covered for any act of nature that is not caused by human error as you never know when something unforeseen can happen like a storm causing floods, or cyclones, hail or fire. If you were to collide with an animal this policy would also cover you. This is known as comprehensive coverage.

There is an insurance coverage for collisions if you were at fault and your vehicle was damaged. There is always a likelihood of this happening as there is so much traffic on the roads and not everyone is always careful.

How to Find the Best Rates on Automobile Insurance in Colorado

2007-05-08T03:24:00.001-07:00

Shopping for auto insurance requires more effort than people really think. Many just simply grab the lowest rate they get in order to save money. When savvy shopping for auto insurance shopping it’s important to not only consider the rate but also the carrier and the coverage. When looking to purchase auto insurance you should know what you want your insurance to cover. Some coverage can include:

Collision

In case of an accident any your automobile is damaged your policy may pay for the damage done by the crash regardless of who was responsible for it. If another party is responsible for the accident your insurance will collect dues from that other party.

Liability

This coverage pays for bodily injury or property damaged that has occurred in you’re automobile while driving it.

Other optional coverage

This may include emergency services like towing services, car repairs while out on the road. If you want or don’t want your insurance policy to include things like these it can be used to determine what insurance policy you will go with. Knowing exactly what kind of coverage you want and don’t want can help you find the best rates that fits your circumstances.

Steps in Finding the Best Rates:

Learn the terminology

Before you purchase any policy learn the basic auto insurance language that way you can avoid confusion and being scammed.

Get quotes from different insurance companies

Having more than one option is always good. That way you can compare services and determine which one that best fits your needs.

Seek help from the professionals

Visit companies like A.M Best, Moody’s Investor Service and Standard & Poor for more information on the insurance companies you are looking into. These corporations will give you information on the financial strength of auto insurance companies.

How to Compare Low Cost Car Insurance

2007-05-08T03:17:00.000-07:00

Car insurance in America has become even more expensive. All most most of America drives so we want to find the best car insurance we can out there.

How to find the best rates.

Insurance rates can differ from hundreds of dollars from company to company. Before or you can settle on a rate that’s best for you it’s vital to shop around for insurance quotes. As you have probably already heard plenty of times before the best way to do this is through the internet.

Through several popular websites online you can enter your car and driving information on one form and receive several quotes from several different companies instantly. Doing this way is faster and you will definitely get better results.

Once you have gotten several quotes from the different companies your probably ready to choose the insurance with the cheapest rate. Be careful you never want to fall into the trap. The cheaper doesn’t always mean the best. You have to evaluate each company by considering what they offer that can benefit you and that you can afford.

How to evaluate companies:

Check the ratings on all the companies on charts Standard& Poor. Consider their payment options. Are you able to pay online, or by telephone? Take into account their availability. Is it easy to get in contact with them? Is there an agent or anyone you can talk to anytime you need advice or questions?

After you have done all of this review your policy one more time to make sure it has everyday you need before you sign the dotted line. Once you have signed the line you have successfully found the best affordable car insurance rate in Colorado.

One thing you should keep in mind when hunting for the right car insurance is to by no means ever sacrifice quality and service for a cheap price. There are plenty of insurance companies out there that will offer you a low rate but when you really need their help they won’t be there for you. So in actuality your wasting money that could otherwise be saved for something worthy.

That’s when comparing low cost car insurance comes into play. You can use an Comparison website for car insurance quotes.

There are plenty of reliable ones too all over the internet. A comparison shopping website for car insurance quotes will compare the different quotes you’ve receive. It will evaluate their insurance products and offers and decide what is policy is best for you. Online comparison shopping websites are teamed up with some of the best insurance companies, so you will definitely receive all the help an service you need.

In order to get started, all you have to do is choose one or a couple of these websites and enter your information in the simple form provided. Instantly you will receive different quotes from several different companies. If you have found one that matches your needs you can select that coverage and even buy it online. This is one of the fastest and easiest ways to purchase car insurance on your car.

Online comparisons sites are all over the web. Not only are they easy to find but their reliable. You can trust putting your information on these websites because the information you provide is processed through an secured connection.

How to replace an automobile battery

2007-04-21T02:20:00.003-07:00

While most new batteries last around five years, factors including climate, over or undercharging, etc. can impact on the life of a battery. In most cases, if a battery is over four or five years old, it should be replaced. Auto mechanics and service facilities will install batteries but it can be done by the car owner quickly and less expensively. The procedure itself is fairly simple if certain details and safety rules are followed.

First, make sure that the battery purchased is the one made to fit the particular type of car. The same type that is already in use may be adequate or another more powerful or expensive battery may be desired. However, do not exceed the voltage requirements for the car. Consult the automobile owner's manual for the specifications or get assistance from the personnel at a reputable auto parts store.

Make sure that proper safety measures are taken when installing a battery, since serious acid burns to eyes and hands are possible. Use safety glasses and plastic glove to protect eyes and hands. After installing the battery, discard the gloves.

Disconnect the negative battery cable, then the positive cable. Remove the metal clamp that holds the battery in the battery tray. If rust is found in the bottom of the tray, wash with plain water and let dry before installing the battery. After drying, put the new battery into the tray and attach the metal clamps to secure the battery. These metal clamps should also be checked for rust or corrosion.

Before re-attaching the battery cables, make sure that the insides of the cable connectors are free from rust or corrosion. If present, use a thick paste of household baking soda and water to scrub the insides of the cable ends. This same paste can be used to clean the metal battery clamp. A small wire brush for scrubbing off this corrosion may be obtained from an auto parts store. Then spray with WD-40. Spray cable ends with WD-40 once every six months to guard against corrosion.

Make sure that cable wires are not frayed to insure a safe connection. Re-attach positive and then negative cables to posts and tighten until firm but not overtight.

If, for some reason, the car does not start, seek the assistance of a mechanic since some other problem may be present.

Checking and removing your car headlights

2007-04-21T02:20:00.001-07:00

If your car has problems with the headlights you are a hazard on the roads. You are also driving an illegal vehicle. It is imperative, then, that you regularly check to ensure that your headlights are working correctly. But what can you do if you find that one of your headlights is faulty?

The first thing to do is to check the fuses in the fuse box. Consult your car handbook to see which fuse covers the headlights. If it is blown, replace it with one of the same rating and try the headlights again. Hopefully, the problem is solved.

If you still have problems, then your trouble may lie with the power to the lighting switch. This will require a check of the wiring of both the head and side lights. It may be that the filament in a certain position of the headlight has blown. In this case the light may work in the dipped but not the full position or vice versa. To correct this problem you will have to remove the headlight. Here’s how:

CLIP-ON VARIETY

The fittings for clip on headlights can be accessed from under the car’s bonnet. Release the top fixing with a screwdriver. Now carefully prise the light away, pulling it up and away from the bottom lugs. Now pull the multi-connector plug from the terminals on the bulb.

SCREW IN VARIETY

Remove the outer trim and undo the screws affixing the retaining ring to the light. Remove the ring and pull the headlight forward. Now, disconnect the wiring and remove the light from it’s housing. Remove the rubber cover and bulb clip, if it has one.

You are now ready to check the bulb. Remove the bulb from the light and look at it against the light to see if the filament has blown. If so, you will need a new bulb. If the bulb looks o.k., check the headlight connections. Clean the terminals using fine paper. Now use a test lamp to probe each of the terminals (clip the test lamp lead to a good earth point on the car’s body first). Switch the headlights onto the high beam position. The lamp should now light when you touch the high beam terminal. Now repeat the test for the dipped light position. If the tester lights in both tests, it may be that the earth wire is faulty. Test this by attaching the lead of your test lamp to the live battery terminal, then probe the earth connector. If the tester doesn’t light, then the earth is at fault. You can often correct this by cleaning the earth. Check your manual to see at what point the earth fits to the vehicle. Unbolt the connection and clean the tag connector and the body work with emery cloth. Now apply some Vaseline to this area.

If you decide to purchase a new bulb you will find that there are two kinds available: tungsten and quartz-halogen. Tungsten bulbs are cheaper than quartz-halogen and they last longer. The advantage of the quartz-halogen light, however, is that it emits a brighter white light and will not dim with age. If you do go for a quartz-halogen bulb, be sure not to touch the glass portion of it. The oil in your skin will attack the surface and will cause a hot spot that will cause the bulb to quickly blow out.

A how guide to changing spark plugs

2007-04-21T02:19:00.003-07:00

If the spark plugs in your car’s engine are not properly maintained you aren’t going to go very far. The spark plugs should be checked every 5 to 6 thousand miles. They should be replaced after 10 to 12 thousand miles. Check your hand-book for the size and grade of your plugs. Always use a spark plug spanner to undo the plugs. A box spanner may damage the fragile ceramic insulator.

Before you can reach the plugs you will first have to remove the HT leads to the distributor. Before you do this label the leads so you know which one fits to which plug. Once you have removed the leads clean off the grit around each plug with an old paint brush. Now take out the plugs with your spark plug spanner. Label the plugs so you know where they go. Take a look at the nodes of the plugs where the electrodes are. A normal plug will have a thin light brown coating over it. Here are some indications that all is not right:

(1) The plug is oiled up. This indicates a worn engine. Try a different grade plug.

(2) The plug is covered with a dry sooty deposit. The fuel / air mix is too high. Check the carburettor setting.

(3) The insulator is spotty. This means that the plug if overheating. Check you have the correct grade.

(4) The threads are damaged. The spark plug has been sitting loosely. Fit a new plug.

If the electrodes have rounded edges then the plug should be replaced. Now you should clean the plugs with a paint brush and white spirit. Dry the plug off and clean the threads and around the outer the outer electrode using a soft wire brush. Use a fine file to clean the working surfaces of the electrodes. Then use a clean cloth to remove any dirt from the outer surface of the insulator.

Check in your handbook for the recommended gap between the spark plug’s electrodes. To set the gap you will need a plug gapping tool. Push the feeler gauge into the gap between the two electrodes. If the gap is correct the feeler will fit quite snugly and you will feel a very slight drag when you pull it out. If the gap is wrong use one of the slots in the gapping tool to bend the side electrode until it is correct.

Reposition the plugs into their holes by hand. Now do them up with the plug spanner, making sure not to cross thread them. Now refit the plug leads, making sure that each one snaps firmly onto the top of it’s spark plug.

Be conscientious with your spark plug maintenance and you will be rewarded with many years of faithful service.

1970 Ford Mustang: how to replace the radiator

2007-04-21T02:19:00.001-07:00

Replacing the radiator in a 1970 Mustang is a fairly simple task. There are very few steps, even with an automatic transmission. It should take less than an hour, even for someone with little or no experience.

Begin by draining your radiator. You will need something to catch the fluid, and you will want to be sure to store and dispose of the old fluid in a safe manner. Animals are attracted to it because it is sweet, but it is very poisonous. You will find the drain plug at the bottom of the radiator. Remove this, and keep track of it. You will probably need to install it in your replacement radiator. Next, remove the two hoses. One is at the top of the radiator and the other is at the bottom. If you are going to use the old hoses, they only need to be disconnected on the radiator side. I recommend replacing the old hoses. To do that you will need to disconnect both ends. The top hose can be removed right away. The bottom hose should be disconnected from the radiator now, then wait to try and disconnect it from you motor until after you have removed the radiator. It will be easier to access then. Removing the old hoses can be difficult because they have usually gotten hot and are stuck on. First loosen the clamps completely. Save these clamps, you will need them later. Try to pull the hose off. If it is stuck use a quick twisting, pulling motion to try and break it free. You may have to work on it for a while. If you cannot pull it off you will have to cut it off.

If you have an automatic transmission disconnect the transmission cooler lines. These are at the bottom of the radiator. This requires using two wrenches at once, and it will be the most brain boggling part of the procedure. Be sure you do not twist these lines! Use one wrench to hold the line still and the other to loosen it. When you have these disconnected you will have a nut in each hole still in the radiator. Later you will remove these and install them in your new radiator.

Disconnect the shroud. It will be bolted or screwed to the radiator. You are almost ready to remove the old radiator now. There is a bracket on top of your radiator, holding it in place. Look at this from the front of your vehicle and you will find the bolts that hold this bracket in place. Remove those bolts. The bracket will come free from the car, and you can easily pull it off of the top of the radiator. Now you can gently lift the radiator from the car. If you are keeping your old shroud, leave it there. If not you can remove it now, also. If you are replacing your hoses, do not forget to disconnect that old bottom hose from the engine now, and go ahead and attach the new one there. You will probably use the clamps you saved earlier. Slide them onto the hose, put the hose in place, then slide the clamp down to about one quarter inch from the end of the hose and tighten.

Prepare your new radiator by installing the drain plug, attachments for the transmission cooler lines, and cap. Your new radiator may have come with these things already in place. If not, use the old ones. If you are replacing your shroud put it in the car now. Gently lower the new radiator into the car. Replace the bracket from the top, and bolt in place. Attach the transmission cooler lines, and hoses. Bolt or screw your shroud to your new radiator, making sure the fan still has room and is not going to hit the shroud or the radiator. Fill your radiator with the proper mixture of water and anti-freeze. Half and half is a good mix. You can use an anti-freeze tester to check your mixture if you are not sure. Start the vehicle, and watch your fluid level. It will go down. You need to keep filling it until it stops going down. Securely replace the cap, and check all connections for leaks. With an automatic transmission, check the transmission fluid in case any leaked out of the cooling lines.

Finding parts for a honda car

2007-04-21T02:18:00.001-07:00

Honda is known for two things: cars that last upwards of 300,000 miles with few problems, and cars that are difficult to fix when problems do happen. The latter comes from the scarcity of “Honda mechanics” and difficult-to-find replacement parts. Mechanics specializing in Hondas can be expensive, forcing many Honda owners to attempt the work themselves. If you are among these adventurers, knowing where to best find parts for your Honda can be a valuable time-saver.

NEW PARTS

Genuine Honda

Of course, the best way to be sure you have the right part for your car is to go straight to the Honda dealer. Factory parts are generally better quality, but can often cost two or three times what aftermarket parts cost. Also, the older the car, the harder it can be to find the parts for it, even from the dealer. Often, parts for older cars will need to be special ordered; on rare occasions, they may not be available at all.

Aftermarket

If you want to cut costs by opting for aftermarket, there are a variety of automotive parts stores to turn to. Major chains, such as Checker, Schucks, and Kragen, Pep Boys, Auto Zone, Napa, Carquest, and Champion, will offer the best availability of parts for your Honda. However, the manufacturers of aftermarket parts sold in stores such as these tend to make parts to fit a variety of cars. As a result, the aftermarket part you purchase may not fit your car as well as the original – and sometimes not at all. These stores often offer a superior warranty with their parts – such as Checker’s well-known lifetime warranty – but this is usually a ploy to counteract inferior quality. The assumption is most likely that the majority of people do not own a car for long enough to lose money on a lifetime warranty. However, if you need to save money, and you do the work yourself, poor quality with a lifetime warranty means nothing more than an afternoon spent installing a free replacement a couple of years down the line.

Performance and Special Interest

There are many companies specializing in performance parts for Hondas. To find these specialty providers, run an Internet search or comb through the ads in the backs of performance and racing magazines. For those who make Hondas their hobbies, performance upgrades can turn an everyday car into something much more interesting and fun. Before installing any upgrades, however, be sure to educate yourself about the part and what changes might be necessary to other components to ensure the best performance from your car.

USED PARTS

Junkyards/Salvage Yards

If you are on a very tight budget, or trying to find a discontinued part for an older car, local junkyards or salvage yards can be a veritable gold mine – without the cost. Especially at junkyards where customers are responsible for removing the parts, prices are a fraction of what aftermarket stores charge. This can be the most time-consuming way of finding parts, as well as the biggest gamble, as parts are used and come with little or no warranty. However, when it comes to expensive parts that do not commonly wear out, or parts that are largely unavailable, junkyards and salvage yards can be a Honda owner’s best friend.

Other Resources

When looking for hard-to-find parts, it pays to be creative in where you look. For example, the classified section in local papers may contain ads for parts cars or used parts. Also, be on the lookout for Honda clubs in your area, and get involved; club membership can offer benefits such as discounts with sponsoring stores, and the “grapevine” can be a valuable way to locate parts and do-it-yourself information.

THINGS TO REMEMBER

There are many avenues available in the Honda owner’s search for parts. The choice you make should depend largely on what is most important to you. If you are most interested in the easiest possible install, an exact fit, and the comfort of knowing the replacement should last at least as long as the original, then factory parts are the best choice. If you want new parts but can’t afford to pay for the Honda name and quality, if you are preparing to sell the car, or if you want increased performance, then your needs may require aftermarket parts. If you are running on a tight budget or if you can’t find the part new, used parts may be your best option. However you go about finding parts for your Honda, make sure the source suits your needs.

Auto maintenance: radiator upkeep and levels

2007-04-16T22:49:00.001-07:00

The radiator is arguably the most important part under the hood of your vehicle. It is the part that provides the cooling to your engine so that it does not overheat. Proper care of a radiator can extend the life of your stock, or factory, radiator long past its initial lifespan as well as the engine. Improper care of your radiator and cooling system can become expensive, costing you hundreds of dollars in repairs to the radiator system, and thousands of dollars if neglect of the radiator system damages engine components.

Before beginning work on the cooling system, you should have the following tools with you for the job.

Ratchet set (Metric or Standard depending on your vehicle.)

A complete screwdriver set, to include flathead and Phillips head screwdrivers.

Trouble light (fluorescent recommended for better viewing.)

Coolant system gauge.

Antifreeze and water source.

Drain pan.

Grease rags.

It's a good idea to lay out these specific tools ahead of time near where you'll be working. This way you can run a checklist and see that you have all the tools needed to do the job.

Inspection:

You'll first want to inspect the cooling system. Starting with the radiator hoses, examine them for "dry-rot". That is, look for a flaking or brittleness in the rubber hosing. Grab the hoses on both top and bottom and firmly, but not overly firm, squeeze the radiator hoses. If you feel any wetness or if flakes of rubber come off on your hands, that means the hose or hoses need to be replaced. Consult your local parts store for replacement hoses. When obtaining new hoses, be sure to obtain new hose clamps.

While checking the hoses, look for water leaks around where the hose marries with the radiator. If there is little water leaking out, take a Phillips head or Flat head screw driver and tighten down the hose clamps as tight as possible. This will seal that end of the connection. Be sure to also check the connection on the other ends that connect to the engine itself and tighten as necessary.

Next, inspect the radiator itself for cracks, holes and dents. Use of a flourescent trouble light is especially helpful here as the bright light exposes the cracks better than a regular light bulb. If not obscured, look on the back of the radiator grill that faces the engine as well as the front. Get down on the ground and look underneath, especially around the draincock for any damage to working parts there. If any minor holes are found, you might want to consider taking your vehicle to a radiator shop where those smaller holes can be welded shut.

Radiator coolant levels:

The coolant level in your automobile is critical to maintaining a cool engine that doesn't overheat. Normal coolant/water levels in a vehicle are 50%/50%. In extreme cold environments, where you want added freezing protection, the recommended level is 70%/30%. Before filling your radiator, it's a good idea to flush the radiator. That is, to drain and clear out any contaminents in the radiator itself to ensure proper function and flow of the antifreeze and water through your system.

Flushing the radiator:

With the engine cool, remove the radiator cap. Check the spring on the cap and make sure it's not rusted, bent or broken. Also, inspect the gasket on the radiator cap for dry rot, cuts or missing parts of the gasket. If any of these things occur, you will need a new radiator cap. Next, locate the draincock on your radiator. This is located near the front and underneath the vehicle. Place a drain pan underneath the draincock and then open the draincock until the water starts flowing out at a steady stream.

Once the water and coolant has drained, close the draincock. Pour an entire bottle of radiator flush into the radiator, fill the rest of the radiator up with water, and then put the radiator cap back on securely. Next, start the engine and turn on the heater to high and let the car idle for 15-20 minutes. During this time, be sure to monitor your temperature gauge on your instrument display inside the car. The needle should stay between the H and C marks. If the needle moves into the red during this time, shut-off the vehicle immediately.

After the required 15-20 minutes have passed, turn off the ignition and let the engine cool for approximately 5 minutes. Then with a thick rag, remove the radiator cap and then open the draincock. Observe the water coming out of the radiator. If the color of the water is a very faint red color, then things are normal. If the color of the water is a heavy shade of red, you may need to flush the radiator again, as this is a sign that rust has set in. If several flushes do not get rid of the red in the water, you must replace the radiator. Once completely drained, close the draincock and then fill up the radiator completely with water, replace cap, and turn on ignition and let run for another 15-20 minutes.

Once time has passed, open the cap, drain the radiator of the water, and close the draincock. For refilling the radiator, auto parts stores today come with premixed antifreeze and water to refill your radiator on your vehicle. This is recommended, especially for novice D.I.Y. efforts. Pour in as many bottles as it takes to fill the radiator up to the brim of the fill hole. If you have an overfill reservoir, be sure to fill that to the proper level by noting the tick marks on the side of the reservoir. Replace the cap on the radiator, turn on ignition and let the vehicle run for at least one half hour. If the temperature gauge stays between the H + C marks, then you are finished with the flush and refill. If the needle inches towards the hot zone, then add more 50/50 mix antifreeze until the needle settles steadily between the hot and cold zones. To measure the protection level, take one coolant system gauge, stick inside the fill hole, and squeeze the bulb. The number of balls floating at a single time, along with the temperature marks on the vial, will tell you how much protection, in both cold weather and hot weather, you have. This concludes the flush and refill instructions for your radiator.

Word of Caution! In maintaining your radiator between flushes, do not mix different brands of radiator mix. Different makers of coolant formulate their products differently than others, and mixing two different kinds can alter the protection level of your radiator, and may lead to mechanical breakdown of the cooling system. Always use the same brand and type of coolant in your vehicle every time you flush or fill.

Auto repair: how to replace hubcaps

2007-04-16T22:48:00.002-07:00

REMOVAL, INSTALLATION AND SIZING

Whether you’ve lost one or just want to improve or change the look of your car, replacing hubcaps is a fairly easy task. Removing old hubcaps can be accomplished with a flathead screwdriver and a little force. Simple wedge the end of the screwdriver under the outer edge of the cap and work your way around the entire cap until it is freed from the rim. In essence you’ll be prying using the same method you would removing the lid from a can of paint.

New hubcaps will either have prongs molded into the edge of the cap to attach to the rim of the tire or a metal ring that gets attached prior to fastening the cap to your tire. Aftermarket hubcap sets usually have the metal ring attachments. Their method of attachment is a bit more detailed because you have to secure the ring onto the cap before you secure the cap to the tire. Plastic or metal clips are positioned at grip points around the edge of the cap and then the ring is attached to them. It’s important to make sure the ring is properly attached because this ring is what keeps the cap on your tire. That said, with these sets it’s very easy to inadvertently reverse the clip or install them incorrectly. Directions included with the new set will specify exactly how the clips are installed so pay close attention to them if you‘re new to the process.

If you’re purchasing a new set you’ll need to know the width of your rim before you shop. The markings on the sidewall of your tire will show you the rim size or tire width. The numbers will look something like this: P185 75 R14. In this case the rim size is 14 signified by the R14 in the number sequence. In the search for hubcaps you’d want to locate and purchase 14 inch replacements.

FINDING REPLACEMENTS

Replacement hubcaps can be located in a few different places depending on your need. If you are looking to replace a lost hubcap to complete the set already on your vehicle it’s wise to price them before you buy. The dealership will be able to get the replacement for you but the cost will be substantial especially on older cars. Most towns have hubcap stores that specialize in used hubcaps that cost substantially lower than that of a dealership and in most cases they are almost brand new. Junkyards and lots that house wrecked and old cars may also have what your looking for at prices that are a steal.

Auto supply stores and other outlets that sell auto parts carry a selection of low priced sets to enhance your vehicles appearance. These are great, low cost options for those who just want to make minor cosmetic changes to a cars appearance. Most sets start around twenty buck and run as high as fifty depending on the style you choose and the size of your rims.

Auto repair: how to buy a new gas cap

2007-04-16T22:48:00.001-07:00

Originally gas caps were simply used as a closure for the fuel tank. In the past years when emission control and safety issues came into focus, gas caps have been improved to provide other features. As an emission control device, locking caps or those that close with a ‘click’ seal the tank and help reduce fuel vapors from escaping into the air. A missing or broken gas cap can emit the equivalent of 30 gallons of gas per year into the air. As a safety precaution these same types of caps are helpful in the event of a collision or rollover. The prevention of fuel leaking onto the roadway or other surface obviously greatly reduces the chance of fire in an otherwise non-threatening crash. The use of locking caps has also helped in the prevention of tampering with fuel tanks.

On newer cars the emission control features the gas cap provides can be the reason a check engine light is on when you‘re sure there‘s nothing else wrong with the car. When the seal has been broken or isn’t correctly sealing the fill tube for your tank, sensors are triggered and your check engine light comes on and stays on with that frustrating glow drivers endure from time to time. The tripped sensors indicate there is an evaporative leak in your fuel system. If this happens, replace the cap as soon as possible. Once the new cap is locked and in place the light should go out, but keep in mind on some models it will take a couple times of locking and unlocking the cap for the vehicle to sense the leak has been corrected.

If your gas cap has been lost or you suspect it’s not working properly it’s important that you replace it immediately. It’s always a good idea to check with your manufacturer’s guidelines when purchasing any aftermarket part for your vehicle ahead of time to make sure there of any specific features a replacement cap may require. Always beware of one size fits all caps; they may not fill the specific safety and emission control needs your vehicle requires. Once you’ve determined any special features or recommendations your car maker may have, a trip to your local auto supply store is in order. It’s unnecessary to purchase a new cap from the dealership. The cap will be much more expensive and it won’t necessarily be any better than what you’d purchase at an auto supply store.

Specific features aside, your auto supply store will search for the correct replacement cap for your vehicle and in most cases it will be in stock. Because gas caps are a fairly common item, most stores carry a significant stock of them. If for some reason it’s not in stock, they can always run the part down for you and direct you to the place that currently carries it.

Once you’ve found the proper cap you’ll install the new one just as the old one was complete with retention rings, if your car has them, to insure you don’t lose the new cap.

And always, whether you’re putting fuel in your vehicle or replacing just the cap, place one hand on the vehicle to discharge any electrical charge you may have built up. Fuel fumes are more flammable than the fuel itself so be careful.

Auto repair: how to replace car headlight bulbs

2007-04-16T22:47:00.001-07:00

It is critical to insure all headlight bulbs are operational in your vehicle. It is essential for night driving safety and also important to avoid a ticket from the police! This article will detail the procedure for replacing a failed headlight.

Many drivers are not aware on how to fix a burned out bulb, or they prefer to pay top dollar and have a mechanic perform the repair. It is best to refer to your vehicles owner manual where the specific instructions for your make and model will be highlighted. Generally speaking there are two different types of headlight housings, sealed-beam and composite.

Sealed-beam headlights are common on older cars and they are the type of headlight where the bulb and the housing are one sealed unit. Composite lights are common on most newer cars where there is a sophisticated housing with a removable halogen or xenon bulb.

When performing a headlight replacement procedure, it’s a good idea to remove the old bulb or lamp and bring it with you to the auto-parts store to insure an exact replacement. It is also a good idea to replace both headlights at the same time. Also, as a safety precaution you should wear latex or similar gloves. Aside from keeping your hands clean, it will prevent oil from your hands from affecting the performance of the new bulbs. Oil or grease can greatly reduce the life of your new bulb.

Replacing a sealed-beam headlight is just slightly more complicated then replacing the bulb in a composite headlight. The first step is to locate and remove the retaining ring. You may have to remove a protective bezel or cover to locate the ring. This is a ring of metal which holds the headlight in place. Be careful not to confuse the screws of the retaining ring with the screws for the beam adjustment. Once the retaining ring is removed, slide out the headlight and remove the wiring harness from the back of the lamp and carefully remove the entire headlight. Attach the wiring harness to the new headlight and place it back in the headlight shell, insuring the embossed number or brand on the glass is upright and straight. Prior to reassembling the retainer ring is a good time to turn on the headlights and insure your new bulb is functioning properly. Reaffixing the retainer ring is performed in the opposite fashion of removing it.

Replacing a bulb in a composite system typically starts by first locating and removing the wiring harness attached to the rear of the headlamp assembly. Next, unlock the bulbs retainer by rotating it 1/8 of a turn, then gently pull back and remove it. Carefully remove the bulb itself by pulling it straight out. Insure the new bulb matches the old one and place the new bulb in the housing. NEVER touch the glass bulb itself, always handle the bulb from the base. You may have to rotate the bulb in either direction for the locating tabs to line up properly. Reaffix the retainer and insure it is locked in place. Reattach the wiring harness, turn on the headlights and insure your lights are functioning properly.

If after you perform the replacement procedure the lights still do not illuminate, insure you have fully seated the wiring harnesses. If this fails to rectify the problem, you may have to replace a fuse or there may be an electrical problem, in which case you should have the system inspected by a certified mechanic.

Diy auto glass repair: repairing a chipped windshield

2007-04-16T22:46:00.000-07:00

You probably have encountered the experience of having a big truck pass you on the highway, and soon after, a rock flies up and chips your windshield. The truck is usually moving too fast to catch his license plate, and even if you did, getting the chip repaired by his company would be a major undertaking, possibly never successful, surely requiring hours of phone time. If you are like most of us, you probably say a few choice words, and resolve to have it repaired. Of course, since we all live life in the fast lane these days, that could be months away. If you have procrastinated this repair in the past you already know why it should never be left for later.

After a chip or nick is created in your windshield, there is an opening for moisture to enter the integrity of the laminate, the layers of glass. If that moisture is allowed to collect in the chip at night, for instance, and then the morning sun hits the windshield, the expansion of the moisture can and very often does cause the "spider webbing" often seen around a chip. In some extreme cases, it will cause a long, growing crack that will eventually extend completely across your windshield. These cracks can cause you to be cited by police if they alter your field of vision, and are a nuisance at the least. The home repair of this chip is simple, low-cost and should be considered at the first opportunity after the chip happens.

One option is to take your car to a glass repair and replacement shop. These chips are professionally repaired in just a few minutes, and the cost is about $25 per chip. However, if you are like most of us, finding time to do this could be a problem, since most glass shops keep the same work hours that we do, and are rarely open on weekends. The other alternative is to purchase a home repair kit at your local auto parts store or discount department store. These kits range in price from about $8-$10. The process only requires a few minutes, and the results are almost undetectable. If you choose this option, here are the simple instructions for completing the job:

In preparation for this repair, it is highly recommended that you park your car facing the sun, so that the windshield is warmed by the sun. The ultra-violet sun rays will help to cure the resin completely.

1) You will need the kit you purchased from the store. That kid contains a syringe apparatus, and usually a suction cup of some sort, what appears to be a little cone on a disk, and a plastic disk with a tab on one edge and a self adhesive backing. In addition, you will need a bottle of window cleaner and a fresh cleaning rag, and possibly a couple of towels or rags to place under the site so that you avoid spills on your dash or paint job.

2) Clean the area to be repaired thoroughly, and allow the spot to dry completely.

3) Some kits will come complete with a suction cup. If yours does, attach it to the inside of your windshield, centered over the chip you are going to repair.

4) Punch the center hole out of the plastic disk, and peel the backing from it. Apply this disk, centering the hole over the chip on the outside of the windshield.

5) Now, there should be a little cone in the kit. This cone also has a removable self adhesive backing. Remove that backing, and apply the cone by sticking it to the disk you just applied. Be sure to center the cone over the center hole of the disk below.

6) The syringe contains enough resin filler to repair one fairly large chip. It requires no mixing or other preparation, and may require you to clip the tip from the nozzle. Attach this syringe snugly to the cone, most of them insert into the cone, and will require that you twist them to engage them tightly.

7) Begin by drawing the plunger on the syringe out, drawing air from the chip. You will notice, if you have a suction cup on the inside of the glass, is that the suction cup will compress towards the glass.

8) Once you have achieved the maximum air withdrawal, simply release the plunger. This will inject the resin into the chip, filling all the spaces that were holding air.

9) Leave the apparatus attached to the glass and let the sun cure the resin for at least 5-10 minutes.

10) Carefully peel the suction cup from the inside of the glass by catching your fingernail under the edge of it to break the air seal.

11) Using the tab on the plastic disk, slowly peel it off of the glass.

12) Wait at least 30 minutes for the resin to complete curing, then clean any excess resin from the glass with a razor blade. This blade is included in most kits.

I think you will discover that the ease of this repair makes it far more acceptable than spending days on the phone attempting to convince a trucking company to repair your chip. You will most likely have to search to find the exact spot after a day.

How to change a flat car tire

2007-03-27T04:31:00.001-07:00

You’re driving down the road, minding your own business, when suddenly you hear a strange noise. It sounds like someone’s tail pipe has fallen off and you look around to see where it might be coming from. By the time you realize the sound is coming from your car, your tire is a mangled heap of useless rubber and you are riding on your rims. You could pull over and wait for help, but why wait? Learn how to change your own tire and be armed when you’re out driving.

The most important part of being prepared is to have the right equipment. You should have the following items in your trunk at all times:

1 can of Fix-A-Flat

1 can of WD-40

Tire iron

Jack

Spare tire or donut

Fix-A-Flat can often inflate your tire enough to bring you to the next gas station or even further if you’re lucky enough to have a simple slow leak. If your tire is destroyed or the Fix-A-Flat doesn’t work, it’s time to change that tire.

The first thing you need to do is pry off your hubcap with the flat end of your tire iron. If you don’t have hubcaps, skip this step. Next, loosen, but do not remove your lug nuts with your tire iron. If the nuts are too tight or rusty, give them a spray with the WD-40 to loosen them up. After your lug nuts are loosened, look up at the sky and say, “Why ME?” Then, get ready to jack up your car. Look for a sturdy flat spot underneath your car to jack it up, giving yourself enough room to work with the tire. Usually there will be a flat plate somewhere near the bumper in the back or behind the tire in the front where you can safely jack up your car. If you are still doing this by yourself, it means you are either on a very deserted road or chivalry really is dead. After you’ve got the car jacked up, remove the lug nuts and take off your dead tire. Replace the tire with your spare or donut. If you are using a donut, be sure to get it replaced as soon as possible as these small tires are not meant to be driven long distances. Once you have your spare tire on, tighten the lug nuts only as much as you can without exerting force, then lower the car back down. Now that your car is back on the ground, tighten those lug nuts with all your might. You’ve just changed your own tire!

Change a flat tire in no time!

2007-03-27T04:30:00.002-07:00

You can't always rely on calling your auto club, especially if you're out in the middle of nowhere and your cell phone doesn't work. You can be prepared and be safe, instead of being left stranded bt following the instructions in this article.

The first thing to remember when you are driving and you experience a flat tire, is to immediately slow down the speed of your car and steer the car safely off of the roadway. Keep in mind that a blown tire interferes with the car's steering and proper handling, especially if the blown tire is one of the front tires. As soon as you realize that your car has a flat tire, firmly grab and hold onto the steering wheel until you can get the car off of the road in a safe area and get it stopped.

Next, you must remember to get your car completely off of the roadway. Try to turn onto a side street, or into a parking lot. Also keep in mind that your car must be parked on a level area so you can safely change the tire.

Turn the car off, and immediately turn your car's

emergency flashers on and apply the parking brake. Using the emergency flashers will make your disabled car more visible, especially at night. Another good idea is to light a couple of road flares. Place the flares a safe distance, about twenty feet apart, behind your car so cars coming up on you will see them and have time to slow down.

Your next step is to get the necessary tools out of the trunk of your car. You will need a good spare tire, a tire iron, and the car's jack.

Using the tire iron,carefully pry the hubcap off and set it aside. Loosen the lugnuts on the tire before you jack the car up, and loosen them in order. That is, loosen one, then the lugnut diagonally opposite to it, then the next, and so on. Do not remove the lugnuts at this point, merely loosen them.

Next, use the car jack to carefully raise the front or rear end of the car. You will need to raise the car high enough so that you can remove the flat tire from the vehicle. If you are not sure how to properly use the jack, read and follow the manufacturer's instructions. There are several types of jacks and different ways to use them.

Next, remove the lugnuts and lay them inside the hubcap. Then, remove the flat tire from the car. Place the spare tire onto the hub, making sure to align the holes in the tire to the studs that are sticking out. Remember to place the tire on with the air valve facing towards you. If you do not see the air valve, you have put the tire on backwards. Then, replace the lugnuts and tighten them finger-tight in the same fashion in which you loosened them.

Finally, slowly lower the jack all the way down. Now, using the tire iron, tighten all of the lugnuts. Make sure they are all tightened securely. Replace the hubcap and place the flat tire and your tools back into the trunk, and remove the road flares if you used some.

Don't forget to have the flat tire repaired or replaced just as soon as possible and place it back in the trunk so you will be prepared for your next flat tire!

How to change a flat tire on a car

2007-03-27T04:30:00.001-07:00

Getting a flat tire on a car is a very common thing that could happen to even the nicest of cars. And changing that flat tire is something you should know how to do in case you are stranded somewhere where you cannot get help.

As long as you have the spare tire, car jack, crowbar, and tool to take off and tighten the lug nuts (all items that every car should have), then changing a flat tire is very simple.

First, you need to set the jack up under a solid part of the side of the car, usually next to the flat tire toward the middle of the car. In other words, if it’s the front right tire or the back left tire, the jack will be set up just to the left of the tire as you are looking at it. If it’s the front left tire or the back right tire, the jack will be set up just to the right of the tire as you are looking at it. Get it set up so that it’s jacked firmly against the underside of the car, but do not raise the car off the ground yet.

Now you need to pry the hubcap off. You should have a crowbar with all of your spare tire equipment, or sometimes it’s the other end of the lug nut tool. Once you get the hubcap off, you need to take off the lug nuts with the tool provided. Make sure you keep your feet out from under the tire and car at all times.

Next, you need to jack the car up. Jack it up just enough so that the tire is off the ground and you can slide it off. There is no need to jack up the car any more than necessary.

Take the old tire off, put the new tire on, tighten the lug nuts a bit, then lower the tire and finish tightening the lug nuts until you can’t turn them anymore. Next put the hubcap back on, then carefully lower the car down with the jack until the jack can be easily slid out from underneath the car. If it’s a small, temporary spare tire that you put on, you will want to get a full-sized tire put on as soon as possible. If it’s a full-sized spare tire you put on, you will need to buy a spare tire to replace what you just put on. In either case, after changing the tire, get to a service station as soon as possible and ask them to make sure the lug nuts are tight enough. It may cost a few dollars, but better to be safe then sorry.

With cell phones and auto services available today, many people don’t worry about knowing how to change a tire. But you never know when you might be caught on an old country road or in the middle of nowhere where help isn’t as readily available as you are used to. Knowing how to change a tire is vital to being on the road.

Note: If you have your car's manual, it should explain how to change a flat tire specifically for your car.

How to change a car flat tire

2007-03-27T04:29:00.004-07:00

Eventually it will happen to almost everyone. You’re driving down the road in the middle of nowhere and you get a flat tire. Without the proper knowledge and tools this could turn into something much worse than it really is. It is very important for your safety and the safety of others that you know how to properly change a flat tire.

Supplies:

Spare tire

Car jack

Tire air gauge

Lug nut wrench

Process:

1. Wherever your flat occurs, be sure to pull your car as far off the road as possible for your own safety. Make sure that you pull the car onto the most level area available. Once your car is safely off the road, turn off the engine and turn on the hazard lights. Next apply the parking break to prevent the car from rolling. Open the hood to show other drivers that you have pulled off the road for repairs.

2. Place something such as a rock or wheel chock in front of the opposing wheel so that the car won’t roll.

3. Get out your spare tire, car jack, tire gauge, and lug nut wrench.

4. If there is a hubcap on your wheel remove it with the lug nut wrench.

5. Use your lug nut wrench to loosen the lug nuts. This is putting the lug nut wrench over a lug nut and turning it to the left to loosen it. Loosen the lug nuts in a star pattern; loosen one lug nut and the one opposite from it until all of the lug nuts are slightly loose.

6. Refer to your owner’s manual to see where the car jack should be placed before you jack the car up. Take your tire jack and jack the car up slightly higher than needed to remove the flat tire and put the new one on.

7. Remove the lug nuts and put them in safe place so you don’t lose them.

8. Remove the flat tire and exchange it in your car with the spare.

9. Take the new tire, with the air valve facing out, and place it on the wheel studs.

10. Replace the lug nuts by tightening them the same way you loosened them. Make your way around the tire tightening the lug nuts in a star pattern.

11. Carefully lower the car jack and place it back in the car. After you lower the car tighten the lug nuts once more and make them as tight as you possibly can.

12. Put the hubcap back on if necessary and check the air pressure of your spare with your tire air gauge. If the tire pressure is safe to drive on jump in your car and you’re on your way.

Remember the biggest thing when you change a tire is your safety. Please be careful.

How to change a flat tire yourself

2007-03-27T04:29:00.003-07:00

Changing a tire is easy if you learn the procedure. Be sure to check your owner’s manual for the best information for your particular vehicle. In lieu of the owner’s manual, here are a few simple steps to change the tire yourself.

If you get a flat tire while you are driving, do not apply the brake heavily. Instead, gradually decrease the speed. Hold the steering wheel firmly and slowly move to a safe place on the side of the road. Park on a level spot, turn off your ignition, set the parking brake, and turn on the hazard flashers.

Changing a tire can be a daunting experience for the unschooled. If you don’t have your cell phone with you to call AAA, then you are like the rest of us, who have to change that tire themselves! There are a few things that could prevent you from accomplishing this task — one deterrent would be bolts that are adjusted too tightly to remove, another would be not having all the pieces to your jack. Both of these things have happened to me over the course of the past 25 years! Older cars tend to have parts that are a lot more corroded and stubborn than their newer counterparts, but you should be able to change the tire successfully with a little luck and lot of elbow grease!

First, I would recommend that you check your glove box and see if there is an owner’s manual in it. The manual will tell you where to place the jack on the underside of the car. On some cars it is near the tire, on others it is under the area where the bumper attaches to the car. At any rate, pick a place that is solid and not rusting through.

For safety’s sake set your emergency brake so the car won’t move, and if possible set a block in front of and in the back of the wheel that is diagonally opposite to the tire you will be changing. If you have an automatic transmission put your car in park. If it is a manual transmission, put it in reverse. Take your spare tire and the jack out of the trunk and you are ready to proceed. Next, remove your hubcaps. Many of them can be loosened by inserting the tapered end of the lug nut wrench behind the wheel covers or hubcaps, and twist off. Some cars have a little tool for removing hubcaps that may be stored in the glove box or with the car manual. After removing the hubcaps, you will want to remove the lugnuts. Apply the lug wrench, or the end of the jack that is fitted to double as a lug wrench, to the first lug nut. Loosen the wheel nuts by pulling up on the handle of the lug nut wrench about one-half turn, counterclockwise. Do not remove the lug nuts until you raise the tire off the ground. Since the lugnuts are going to be on there pretty tight, it's a good idea to loosen them before you jack up the car. If you can't do it by hand, get that foot up there and give it a little extra pressure.

Insert the jack handle into the jack and use the handle to slide the jack into the proper position under the vehicle. Turn the jack handle clockwise until the wheel is a maximum of one inch off the ground. Remove the lug nuts with the lug wrench. Pull off the tire and replace it with the spare. Thread the lug nuts on the wheel studs with the beveled face toward the wheel. Use the lug wrench to screw the lug nut snug against the wheel, but do not tighten. Lower the vehicle by turning the jack handle counterclockwise.

Breathe! Remove the jack and fully tighten the lug nuts. You must tighten them in a star pattern, always tightening the most opposite lug nut to the one you just tightened. Replace your wheel covers, ornaments and hub caps. Make sure that they are screwed or snapped into place or you will lose them! Put away your tire, jack and wrench, and then unblock the wheels.

A conventional spare tire is usually an identical match to the rest of the tires on the car and can be used as such. However, if the tire your vehicle has as a spare, is a temporary spare, or what many call a doughnut, use it only for emergency use. Do not use the temporary spare tire with 4wd as it can damage the powertrain components. If you must use 4wd do not operate at speeds above 10mph or for a distance above 50 miles.

Tire tread & wear: prepare your car for winter

2007-03-27T04:29:00.001-07:00

I'm sure if you haven't had it happen to you, you've seen it happen to someone else. It's a cold winter morning and you go out and find that your car won't start. You begin to realize that the reason your car isn't starting is because you forgot an important part of car maintenance. That is preparing your car for the extreme temperatures of winter. When cold weather hits, most cars perform a bit more sluggish than usual. The oil takes longer to circulate, the engine takes longer to reach operating temperature, and your car battery may not have its full charge. Preparing your car for cold weather is easier than having to deal with the dilemma of trying to get a cold car started or even finding a tow truck. After a cold snap, tow trucks are hard to come by because of the volume of drivers whose cars are also stranded. There are a few important measures you can take well in advance to prevent this and other more serious effects of the cold weather to your car.

The first thing you always want done on your car before the weather gets cold is check your anti freeze level. Not just how much fluid is in the radiator, but the ratio of antifreeze/water content. They sell testers at most auto stores. It's recommended picking one up or having a mechanic check it for you. Make sure there is enough antifreeze added to prevent your car from freezing. A frozen radiator can cause your car to over heat and it can also crack your radiator and or damage the water pump.

Have a tune up done. Have your sparkplugs cleaned and re-gapped or replaced. Check for arcing or worn plug wires. Replace them if needed. Also make sure your timing and other ignition settings are set to vehicle specifications. A full tune up will make your car easier to start and will also make it run smoother in colder temperatures.

An oil change to lighter oil will help protect your engine from excessive wear when starting a cold car. Heavier oil will take longer to circulate into the motor and in that short amount of time, parts can be left unprotected causing internal damage that may not show up right away, but will cost you money later on.

Winter wiper blades are a must for icy driving. They are designed to repel ice build up while driving. Without them you may find yourself having to clean your blades off. You will also want to purchase window washer fluid that has an antifreeze agent added. Putting antifreeze in your washers is a bad idea because antifreeze is oil based and will smear up your windows causing visibility to be lowered.

Keep gas line dryer handy in the event that your gasoline isn't treated with an anti freezing agent. Using gas dryer reduces the water content in gasoline, which can prevent fuel line freeze up. A frozen gas line can cause your car to not run and will require the car being towed to a heated garage until it thaws. It's easier and cheaper to buy the additives.

Check the air in your tires after driving for a while. Cold can make the tires seem like they are losing air until they heat up after driving. If you add air to cold tires, you may find that you have over inflated them after they warm up.

When starting your car, make sure that if you plan on warming your car up before driving that there is nothing obstructing the tailpipe. People have gotten carbon monoxide poisoning from warming up their car with the tail pipe blocked by ice or snow. Never warm up your car in a closed garage. If your car gets stuck somewhere out on the road and you need heat, never fall asleep with the car running, and always check to make sure nothing is blocking the tailpipe. Clear the area around it to prevent exhaust fumes from accumulating.

Always carry extra blankets, hats, gloves and a change of clothing in case you get stranded somewhere. Also keep a bag of play sand, or cat box filler along with a shovel in the trunk. The added weight in the back will help with traction on rear wheel drive cars, plus you can put the sand under the wheels to give you more traction if your car gets stuck. Canned foods and a can opener are good supplies to keep in your car if you are going on a longer drive, or if you travel through areas that are more remote. If you should get stuck, you won't go hungry. Keep bottled water with you too.

How to change a car tire

2007-03-27T04:28:00.001-07:00

The need to change a car tire can happen anywhere at anytime. With punctures and flats it usually happens at the most inopportune moment in the most inconvenient place, like a city traffic snarl - in pouring rain.

Initially you need three things. These are:

1. To be cool.

2. To have a properly inflated spare tire, a car jack, a wheel brace and something to get your wheel cover off, like a screwdriver.

3. To have wheel nuts that have not been over tightened.

In fact, it's a good idea to try and loosen the wheel nuts first. If they really are too tight there is no point in continuing. This is becoming a regular problem nowadays and it's a good idea to ask mechanics not to over tighten nuts and screws when you are having your car serviced. It's technically wrong anyway to over tighten and it sure doesn't help when you are miles from home and trying to change a tire.

If you are able to loosen the nuts then here is the drill:

1. Ideally the car should be parked on a hard, level surface, off the roadway. Don't try jacking up your car on a slope. It won't work. If on soft ground put a paver or block of wood under the jack but be careful and never go under the car.

2. Get everyone out of the car. Make sure the ignition is off. Put the handbrake on and put the car in gear.

3. Remove the wheel cover and loosen the wheel nuts.

4. Place the spare tire nearby and under the car. This will help prevent damage if the jack collapses.

5. Place your jack in position and jack up the car until it's high enough to take the wheel off and to put one with an inflated tire on. Know your jack. There are various types and they are used in various ways. This is something you should know about in advance.

6. Take off the wheel nuts. A cross-armed wheel brace is best. Put the nuts in the wheel cover so you don't lose them, especially if it's dark.

7. Take off the wheel gently.

8. Put the spare tire on firmly in place and hand tighten the nuts back on.

9. Tighten the nuts a little with the wheel brace.

10. Lower the car, remove the jack and fully tighten the wheel nuts.

11. Snap the wheel cover back on and put the faulty tire, jack, brace and screwdriver back in the trunk.

When you drive away with that nice feeling of successful achievement and suddenly the steering starts to wobble, don't worry. It's probably because your spare tire has not been properly balanced. You can get it done when you get your puncture fixed.

Spare tires are usually neglected things. They sit forgotten in people's trunks for ages. It's only when there is an emergency that people remember them. In fact, whenever you are having a tire change and balance, it's a good idea to include your spare tire in the treatment.

A couple more tire tips:

If you find a nail or something in your tire, don't pull it out. This may quickly deflate your tire. The tire may run for ages with the nail in it but when you have time take it for a check-up.

If you have one of those teasingly slow punctures, you may not have to change the wheel. Try pumping some air into it and maybe it will get you home or to a service station.

Find a good honest mechanic

2007-03-23T00:59:00.001-07:00

If you drive any kind of vehicle, then you are going to need a mechanic. The two go together like a hand in a glove, because, like every other complex mechanical mechanism, your vehicle is inevitably going to break down.

Finding a mechanic is as easy as opening the telephone book and flipping through the yellow pages. You will undoubtedly find hundreds of names of mechanics. The trick is, though, finding an honest, skilled mechanic who has the knowledge to correctly repair your vehicle. The mechanic that you choose to work on your vehicle will also need to be reputable and not overcharge you for those repairs. So, now, how do you find such a mechanic? Read on and find out!

You can't wait until your vehicle has a major breakdown to find a good mechanic that you can trust. You need to start your search as soon as you purchase your first vehicle. The word-of-mouth method can be a good way to learn of some mechanics' names that you can check out for yourself. Ask your friends and family members who live nearby what shop services their vehicles. Then, call each mechanic and ask if they work on your type of vehicle. Some repair shops specialize in certain types of vehicles, such as foreign cars, sports cars, trucks,etc. Ask if their mechanics in the shop are accredited by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. Ask them also if their shop is accredited by the American Automobile Association.

One of the most important things to ask every mechanic you call is about their hourly repair rates--how much they charge per hour of labor. Inquire also about what they charge for routine maintenance work like oil changes or tire rotations. Remember that the cheapest price doesn't always mean the best service on your vehicle, but you don't want to pay an inflated price for service either.

You can call your local Better Business Bureau and find out if there are any complaints in their files concering the businesses you are considering doing business with. Then, choose one of the mechanics and schedule an appointment for some minor work to be performed on your vehicle.

When you arrive at the shop, ask the mechanic exactly what he is going to do. Ask if his work is guaranteed, and if so, for how long of a time period. Ask whether-or-not the guarantee covers the cost of all of the necessary parts as well as the cost of the labor. If the mechanic performs only the work that you requested, charges you a reasonable price for his service, and treats you respectfully by answering any questions that you may have had, you might well have found a mechanic to service your vehicle's needs.

Don't get overly excited though, as your quest for a good mechanic isn't over yet. The big test will be when it is time to have a larger repair job done on your vehicle. Be sure to get an itemized repair estimate from the mechanic along with a written warranty for any parts that are going to be replaced. Read the repair estimate over carefully and make sure that you understand it before you sign your name to it. And, if you don't agree with the repair estimate, or with anything on the agreement, don't be afraid to refuse to sign it and take your business elsewhere.

After the repair is made on your vehicle, check the bill over carefully to make sure that only the work you authorized was performed. Make sure that the price the mechanic charged was in line with the price you agreed upon in the first place.

How to tune up a car

2007-03-23T00:58:00.002-07:00

What is a tune up? What are the normal things that should be done during a car tune up? How often should a tune up be done and why?

A tune up is done to your car to replace and maintain parts that wear out through usage. Tune ups will insure that your car will continue to run smoothly, continue getting it’s normal gas mileage and prevent severe damage the engine and other major components.

All cars need regular tune-ups about every 30,000 miles. However, with newer model cars made after 1996 there are some things that do not need to be done during a tune up and it is just a waste of money to do so. There are many variations on what should be done at a tune-up. Some mechanics offer very detailed tune-ups that include lots of maintenance procedures that other mechanics do not consider part of the tune-up. Your mechanic should include the following in the tune-up of your car:

Replace the air filter with a new one filter. If you drive on dirt roads you should consider changing the air filter more often than every 30,000 miles. It is very simple and you can do it yourself in just a few minutes at home.

Replace the fuel filter; both fuel filters if your car has two. Replacing the fuel filters every 30,000 miles is the best preventative measure you can take in protecting your car’s fuel system. You can also put in a fuel injector cleaner every so often as recommended by the manufacturer or use a premium gasoline especially if you drive on dusty roads.

Change the spark plugs. When spark plugs get old the spark can not jump over the wires and ignite the fuel properly. Your car will get sluggish, start poorly and get poor gas mileage with old spark plugs. Some of the new cars with platinum spark plugs will only need to be changed every 60,000 miles.

Have your mechanic replace the spark plug wires. Having the wires changed is more expensive, but many times these wires get old and need replacement also.

Some cars should have a new distributor cap and a new rotor at the time of a tune up. To determine if you need a new distributor cap the mechanic will inspect the cap for cracks or black lines or if any deterioration has occurred. A new rotor will be needed if the mechanic finds any cracks, carbon tracks or burning.

Get a valve adjustment if your car has adjustable valves. At this time have the mechanic replace the valve-cover gasket because it is quite common for these covers to begin to leak. A leak in this cover can result in oil around the top of the engine.

Cars older than 1979 need to have the points and condenser changed. This is done on cars without electronic ignition. Cars with electronic ignition should have the ignition timing checked.

Cars that are fuel injected should have the throttle plate cleaned and / or have the air-fuel mixture adjusted. If your car has a carburetor it may need an adjustment.

Have the fluids under the hood checked. Even though you should be doing this on a regular basis more often, having it done during the tune up getting the fluids checked is important.

If your car does not have a manual transmission, have the clutch adjusted.

The battery should be checked during a tune up. The battery terminals and cable ends should be cleaned. Corroded terminals can keep your car from starting. If your battery needs water to be added, the mechanic should fill it with distilled water during a tune up.

The positive crankcase ventilation valve should be replaced during a tune up. A clogged PCV valve is a problem when it causes your car to stall or run poorly.

Keeping your car in top tune-up condition will ensure a longer life, better gas mileage and better performance.

Car maintenance for women

2007-03-23T00:58:00.001-07:00

Most women of this era are far from the apron-toting June Cleavers of the past, and since independence crosses all walks of life, it follows that car mantanance is no longer just a man's job. Old or new, warranty or not, having a few simple tips at hand could save you potential problems.

The number one priority is to know your vehicle. The manual or handbook manufacturers provide is not just something that you toss in the glove box and forget about. It contains all the basics. Type of fuel required, size of your gas tank, type of engine, tire size, tire inflation, fuse replacement spedifications and diagrams, instrument panel diagram, and usually a general maintenance schedule.

This schedule outlines when to change the oil and filters, rotate tires and change of season considerations, such as adding anti-freeze and summer coolants. If you have a manufacturers warranty, then you may be obligated to follow this schedule. Any problems that may occur in the future, found to be caused by maintenance neglect, may not be covered or may void your warranty.

It is wise to set up a log book to keep track of all maintenance, fuel consumption and driving practices. This will give you, at a glance, a good history of your vehicle should you need it.

The first consideration is fuel. Most newer cars require unleaded gas. This comes in various grades from Regular to Super or Premium.

The difference is the amount of octane added. Most gas stations offer three grades of octane. Regular is usually 87, then a mid-grade would be 89 and premium, 92 or 93 octane. These ratings measure a gasoline's ability to resist engine knock, which can result from premature ignition. There is a general consensus that putting Premium gasoline does little more for any engine's performance than does the Regular or mid-grade gas.

Knowing the capacity of your gas tank, figuring your average miles per gallon and knowing how far you can drive on empty are as important as the fuel.

To figure out mpg (miles per gallon), fill your tank and set your trip counter to zero or mark down the mileage at the time of fill up. Also make note of the number of gallons it took to fill the tank. Do not add gas until you reach empty. Then divide the miles driven by the gallons of gas and you have your average mpg. Of course, there will be a difference in averages between stop and go city driving and that of straight highway driving.

Add this to your log book.

In order to estimate how much further you can drive once the fuel indicator reaches the empty mark, subtract the number of gallons of gas you put in from your manufacturers handbood gas tank capacity. So, for instance, say your tank's capacity is 15.5 gallons and you put in 12.5 at fill up. You still have three gallons of gas in your tank, once the fuel indicator shows empty. Multiply this three gallons by your average mpg and you will know how many more miles you can drive before you will run out of gas completely. I don't recommend that you put this to the test, unless of course, you have a spare container of gas in your trunk.

Add this to your log book.

Speaking of having a one or two gallon container of gas on hand for those unexpected emergencies:

WARNING

PORTABLE CONTAINER FIRE HAZARD

Improper filling of portable gasoline containers creates danger of fire.

To fill a container:

Place approved container on the ground away from vehicle or trailer. DO NOT fill any container that is inside a vehicle or on a truck/trailer bed. Keep nozzle in contact with the container while filling. Do not use a nozzle lock-open device.

It is unlawful and dangerous to dispense gasoline into unapproved or improperly labeled containers such as, soda bottles, old bleach or detergent bottles. Make sure you use only those containers specifically made for gas and that your container is placed in a tip free position and is properly capped when storing in your trunk.

Most manufacturers suggest that oil and filters be changed approximately every 3,000 miles. This ensures that the oil circulating through your engine maintains optimum viscosity. As the engine heats, so does your oil and over time it will thicken and pick up debris from the friction of working parts. Ignoring this could cause major damage to internal parts and end up costing you a new engine.

If you purchased your car from a dealer then it is advisable to use their shop for oil changes. If not, there are many franchises around that specialize in this. First, however, ask around for favorable recommendations from those with the same vehicle as you or who at least have had positive experiences at a particular shop. You do not need to replace the oil with anything other than that required by your manual. If pushed to use an upgrade, or one that is supposed to give better performance, just know it is not necessary. Just say no.

Most shops will also top off your other fluids such as, brake and transmission and check the ratio of coolant/anti-freeze to water in your radiator. They may also check your air filter. These do not always need replacement each oil change, so make sure the technician shows you the air filter before agreeing to a new one. An air filter that is more than 3/4 full or darkened, may not perform well and should be changed. One with slight discoloration or darkening can usually wait until the next oil change.

If the mechanic suggests other parts replacements, you should ask why he feels this is necessary and to show you the worn part first. This tells him that you are an informed consumer and not to take advantage of the situation. If, once he shows you a worn part, you still cannot decide, then assess the situation.

Were you having any problems with your car before you pulled in? Have you noticed changes in mileage or performance? Take out your manual and check for specifics on this part. If, you still cannot decide and putting off replacement for a bit is not detrimental to the performance of your car, then refuse.

Add this to your log book.

For those of you who are game to check your own fluids, this should be done at least every two weeks. Your handbook will state where these recepticles are, what the levels should read, how to read them and what type and grade of fluid to use. If not, find a full service station that will do this for you. Most times this is a free service or requires only a nominal fee.

Tires are your stability factor. The condition of your tires effects road handling as well as mileage. The difference between a tire in good to excellent condition and one that is worn, can be compared to wearing a good boot on snow and ice or wearing your slippers. The good boot will give you a stable connection whereas your slippers will send you into a fall. This is true with your tires which are your connection with the driving surface. A good tire will give you the best connection. A worn tire can be dangerous.

In some states there is a required tread depth in order to pass inspections. Each tire has the psi (pounds per square inch), marked on it. This is the maximum amount of air required for optimum performance. You will find this on the outer wall of the tire, along with the size and brand name.

Again, if you want to keep track of this yourself, you will either need a tire guage or find an air pump with a tire guage hose. With a guage, you can check the psi. For instance, if you know that your tires should be inflated to 35 psi and your guage reads less than that, you need more air.

Tire rotation affords longer wear and more stability. Uneven wear may indicate a problem with the alignment of your vehicle. Rotation can be scheduled according to your manual and perfomed either by your dealership or a recommended shop.

Purchasing new tires can be tricky. It is, unfortunately another area of car maintenance where women are taken advantage. There are hundreds of brands and styles of tires. Your best protection against an over zealous sales person is to know what your manual requires for your car. Tires are sold in size, construction, weather, mileage and style categories.

It is always a good rule of thumb to replace a tire with that which is already on your car. If you purchased a used vehicle, then you would go with the size and type recommended in your handbook.

How high up the cost and performance scale you want to go from there, depends on your driving practices, needs and budget. If you are not sure if the sales person is being honest with you, just tell him that you have already checked your manual for the requirements. And of course, you already have indeed checked the manual. This should let him know that you are not walking in there blind to the facts.

Again, add this to your log book, when done.

Always have work done at a reputable shop. Always ask that old parts be saved for you to view after the work is done. Some vehicles do not require dealer parts and may perform just as well with remanufactured or off brand parts. Get guarantees in writing. Never sign a work order if you have any questions about the necessity of the repair or the mechanic. Never sign a blank work order.

Now that you have some basic information, you should be able to field unnecessary repairs, parts replacement and/or inflated costs.

Just as you would get the feel of your job by keeping track of how and when to do things and/or know your children by paying attention, getting a "feel" for your car is the best way to stay on top of potential problems. So, get out that manual/handbood. Read it. Follow the suggested maintenance schedules, keep it handy and always keep your log book, up to date.

Auto car care anyone can do

2007-03-23T00:57:00.002-07:00

Everyone dreads having to take their care to a mechanic. In the back of your mind you are thinking, "cha-ching". Yes, some things pertaining to your vehicle may need the attention of a mechanic. But, there are several things you can do at home to keep your car running in tip top shape.

Having basic knowledge of your vehicle is a must. There are several checkpoints in your vehicle that require frequent maintainence to keep it running the way you want it to. These checkpoints include the following:

* oil

* wipers

* lights

* battery

* engine

* tires

You don't need to be a professional mechanic to take care of these basic points of your vehicle. Anyone can learn how to check these points to keep their car purring like a cat.

Oil

Change it regularly. Most manufacturers recomend changing the oil and oil filter in a vehicle every 3000 miles or every 3 months. Which ever comes first. The oil in the engine is responsible for lubrication. It ensures that the engine does not overheat. Clean oil will keep your car in better shape, cut down on repairs to the engine, and give you better gas mileage. To change your oil, you may take it to a place that specializes in oil change for a minimal cost.

Wipers

Chipped, cracked, or blunt wiper blades are a driving hazzard. Don't wait till a downpour to discover your blades are not in working order. Wipers are easily replaced at home.

Washer fluid is important as well. You can make a homemade version by combining a little water, ammonia, and anti-freeze together or most stores carry it cheap enough.

Lights

Check your lights often. If any of these lights are not in working order, you can be legaly fined. Check headlights, both dims and brights and don't forget the tail lights. Most of the time if any of these lights are not working, all you will need is a fuse.

Battery

Make sure all the connections are good and there is no corosion. Most batteries today have an indicator level on them that will show when the battery is getting low. Batteries are easily replaced at home.

Engine

Listen to your car. Strange sounds should always be check out. It is much better to catch a problem early on as it may end up costing you much more if you let it fester.

The engine has belts. You shouldn't change these yourself, but it is important to keep an eye out for worn or frayed belts. If they looked cracked or shiny or look slack, they need to be replaced right away. Loose belts cuts the proformance of the engine dramatically and will also decrease gas milage.

The engine also has hoses. 18 to 24 months is the recomended life span of these hoses. Check every six months or so for cracked hoses or hoses missing clamps. Those should be replaced immediatly by a mechanic.

Tires

30 lbs. That is the recomended amount of presure for a properly inflated tire. Underinflated tires wear quickly and may require you to prematurely purchase new tires. Over inflated tires will make them more prone to blowouts. Use a tire gauge to check preasure periodically. It could save you a lot of headaches not to mention money in the future.

Tires should also be rotated. They don't wear evenly, so rotation greatly increases the lifespan.

It does not take a mechanic to check these checkpoints on a vehcile. With a little knowledge and common sence, anyone can learn what to look for before it is too late.

Maintaining your car

2007-03-23T00:57:00.001-07:00

Owning a car shouldn't mean that the car has to be repaired everytime you turn around. You can lessen the repairs and keep the car almost as new if you do maintenance on the car according to the car's warranty instructions. Failure to do the necessary maintenance will cause your car to fail before long and leave you stranded on the road side.

Taking your car for the required mile inspections that the manufacturer requests will keep your warranty from becoming void. This will also help when trying to re-sell your car later down the road if need be. The new owner can see that you took care of your vehicle.

You will want to make sure that you change your oil every 4,000 miles by using a new oil filter and an oil designed for your engine. Keeping antifreeze in your car all year round and checking the transmission fluid often are other ways for your car to remain in tip top shape. You can get an oil change at any oil and lube shop for around $10-$20, so there is no excuse for not having it done.

Filling your car with an high octane content fuel will keep the engine running cleaner. Do not let your gas tank ever go below the empty line. This will churn up sediments in the bottom of your gas tank. This causes parts of your engine and your spark plugs to become clogged, thus needing repair down the road.

If you hear any new sounds with your vehicle, have them checked out before it turns into a real problem. Don't wait until last minute when the damage is done.

Changing the tires when they become worn will keep your tires from going flat and you from having blowouts that can be dangerous. If your tires have a blowout at speeds in excess of 55 miles per hour, you can become involved in an accident and be severely injured, or cause others to become severely injured.

Taking care of a car just requires a bit of time,

Guide to necessary car maintenance

2007-03-23T00:56:00.003-07:00

No matter how much you paid for your vehicle, it is an investment. It is the way you get around, to insure that this investment is going to last for a while. There is maintenance that most be done on a routine basis to insure that the vehicle will last. There is routine maintenance that needs to be done also to insure the safety of yourself and your passengers and other travelers on the roads.

The maintenance is not performed often, but it should be. It is safety maintenance, and this is replacing your brake fluid at least once per year. With the changing of the seasons and the use of the brakes, condensation builds up which adds water to the brake fluid. With water in the brake fluid it does not allow the brakes to function properly. Faulty brakes are a safety hazard for all parties involved.

Tires should be kept with proper air pressure to prevent blowouts while driving. The rubber on the tire should be kept where you can get proper traction. The minimum tire tread in 1/16 inch from the bottom of the tire groove.

The oil and oil filter should be changed between two and four thousand miles, depending on the driving conditions. You should replace the air filter and fuel filter between six thousand and ten thousand miles, again depending on the driving conditions. The vehicle needs a tune up between ten thousand and fifteen thousand miles, while doing the tune up make sure to replace PCV valve, flush and change coolant, replace V-belts. A complete tune-up would also entail replacing any hoses that need to be changed, this is best to take a look at your hoses at least one a weak. While driving, debris could catch one of the hoses and make dents which cut turn into holes.

Car maintenance tips: preparing for sale

2007-03-23T00:56:00.001-07:00

With attenttion to a few details, selling a car can be easy and profitable. The car should be in the best condition possible when presented to a prospective buyer. Here are some steps to insure your car sells fast and for what it is worth

---Know what the car is worth. Consult reference sources such as Kelley's Blue Book to find out the current value of the car. Some online dealer sites also have this information and quizzes that can be completed to assess the overall condition of the car. Also check with used car dealers of the classified ads in the surrounding area for information on what similar cars are selling for in the area.

---Consider setting the selling price at ten percent more than you expect to get. People love to haggle and a buyer will be more likely to buy if you lower your price during the bargaining.

---Wash and wax the car and remove any personal items from the car or trunk. Repair or replace any minor items that may be a problem. Clean the battery terminals and engine. Cleaners designed for engine cleaning may be purchased at any auto parts store. Make sure all fluid containers are filled.

---Clean and properly inflate all tires. Vacuum and deodorize the interior. Clean any spots from cloth upholstery and carpet. Remove all decals and bumper stickers form the outside of the car.

---Make sure you have all important paperwork together and ready to present to a buyer. These include the title and all service records you may have kept. If there are any outstanding parking tickets on the vehicle, pay these before the sale.

---Advertise the car by putting a sign in the car window and/or taking out a classified ad in local newspapers or car magazines. In a classified ad, use phrases like "one owner" or "low mileage" to get attention, if these phrases apply to your vehicle.

---If someone inquires about the car, be clear on why you want to sell it and be prepared to discuss previous repairs and any replacement parts that are on the vehicle.

---It is not a good idea to allow a prospective buyer to take a car on a test drive alone because of the risk of car theft.

---If your car sells, do not accept a personal check. Only take cash or a cashier's check. On a receipt for the transaction, be sure to note that the car is being sold "as-is" to avoid any legal problems later.

Vehicle preventative maintenance advice

2007-03-23T00:55:00.001-07:00

Any person who has dealt with an HMO knows they strongly advocate taking preventive measures. When it comes to maintaining a healthy lifestyle getting a yearly physical health exam that may include a mammography for women, a blood serum test for cholesterol levels, prostate screening for men, blood pressure, and or reflex testing. These preventive measures are encouraged by these healthcare organizations because by taking part in regularly scheduled health visits to the doctor can eliminate or avoid future serious health risks that may necessitate more costly tests, and even surgical procedures.

This philosophy of preventive maintenance can very easily apply to a motor vehicle. By regularly checking those important areas that are involved in the operation of a car or truck will most likely avoid the occurrence of most costly mechanical problems later. The items that should be checked on a regular basis are listed below:

Oil: Sad to say but gone are the days when a person can simply pull into a full service gas station, lean his or her head out a side window and ask the attendant to check the oil. Now with self-service gas stations in place, a person soon learns that a “dipstick” is not necessarily synonymous with a ‘flaky’ person but is actually a very functional tool that is found beneath the hood of most automobiles, or at least should be.

All one had to do is to look for what appears to be a flat wire loop under that hood, pull it out, clean it off, replace it into the engine, then pull it out again. If the level of oil falls between the “Full” and “add” mark, then things are okay. But if the oil level falls below the “add” indicator, then this mean to add more oil, at least enough oil until it reaches the line marked “full.” Also the oil should be changed within the amount of time recommended by the manufacturer of the vehicle, which is usually around 3 to 5,000 miles.

Transmission Fluid: This is an important fluid and neglecting to keep track of it can result in some costly repairs later down the road. This fluid also has a “dipstick” indicator. The engine should be running when doing this procedure. Again, this is an easy enough procedure. If the level of fluid falls below the “add” line, then more transmission fluid is required.

Coolant: This should be regularly checked and if the level in the reservoir that contains this fluid is low, then adding necessary coolant is so indicated. Antifreeze should be used during the extremely cold weather as the use of plain water may result in a “cracked block.”

Brakes: If at times a sort of mushy feeling is felt when pushing down on the brake pedal, this may be an indication that more brake fluid is required. The reservoir containing this fluid will also indicate if more fluid should be added. If that isn’t the case, unresponsive brakes should be checked for other possible causes.

Power Steering: Just locate the reservoir that contains this fluid. Again, markings or a dipstick will show whether or not more needs to be added.

Battery: Fluid is found in batteries and the level here should be checked. If more is needed, carefully add this. Also this would be a good time to check for any corrosion that may have formed around the connections and can interfere with its operation. If you need to jump start a battery, remember to connect the end of red cables to the positive (+) terminal. Connect the two positive terminals on the battery of each car, then connect the two negative terminals. Wait until everything is hooked up before turning the ignition in the “dead” car.

Air Filter: A dirty air filter will cut down on operational efficiency and changing the air filter, which is must a matter of replacing the old with the new, should also be done on a regular basis.

Tires: A tire gauge is another helpful tool right along with that dipstick mentioned earlier as it will let you know if your tires are properly inflated, which should be at the manufacturer’s suggested levels. These should be checked often, at least monthly.

Belts: Every belt should feel tight and these should also be checked on a regular basis.

By going through each of the above procedures on a regular basis, you will not only have an efficiently running automobile, but this type of maintenance will help avoid most mechanical problems and at the same time keep maintenance costs to a minimum.

Finding a mechanic for your honda car

2007-03-23T00:54:00.002-07:00

A mechanic or technician for your Honda car or van is never more than a stone’s throw away. Not given to the chance that you either lack a stone, or have really weak arms.

Finding a mechanic for any car can be simple, actually. The problem is, what you really want is a high quality, knowledgeable mechanic that will take good care of you and your prized possession.

Many people seem to have it drilled into their heads that, for some reason, if they own a Honda they can only go to a Honda dealership for repairs and regular service. I mostly blame the dealer himself for this because Honda has become just about as American as baseball.

Instead of defaulting to the dealer try looking at some of the independent shops. Some people are surprised to find that most all of the independent shops around town have at least one mechanic on hand that is a fan of Hondas and knows every little detail about them.

Some shops, however, tend to know very little about import vehicles.The other argument could be that; Hondas rarely break down, so no one CAN learn about them.If you can't tell by now, I'm the "Honda Guy" at my shop.

A good (but not the only) indication of a high quality, independent shop is a large blue and white sign somewhere in or near the customer waiting area that says ASE. This stands for 'Automotive Service Excellence', and is a group that is dedicated to finding the best of the best out there in the shops.

A shop with this sign proudly displayed will have one or more guys or gals in uniform with the same symbol as the sign sewn onto their shoulder.

ASE members can only become members if they possess the knowledge of 'real world' mechanics.

They have to understand every line of automaker (foreign or domestic) and be able to interpret any form of malfunction.

Only passing a series of incredibly difficult tests does anyone get to don the patch.

But, ASE members aren't the only ones who know about Hondas and their quirks.

Most mechanics know something; even if it's just how much oil it takes to do an oil change.

It seems, though, that every mechanic I've fellowshipped with has known about the timing belt disasters and axle joint problems. But, these are problems inherent with all cars, not just Honda.

If you really want to find the best mechanic for your Honda car, visit and ask.

Ask what their opinions of Hondas are. Do they like them? Would they own one? How many do they service already?

Anyone with a bad attitude toward Hondas or any other foreign car isn't going to be a good mechanic for you.

If he doesn't like the car why would he take the time to do things properly with it? But, anyone with enthusiasm in their eyes and voice would be a willing choice to give a shot to.

Remember, you’re never tied down to just one person. If he doesn’t make the cut or you find someone better, you can always change.

Changing your own oil in a honda accord

2007-03-23T00:54:00.001-07:00

Well, it has been 2500 miles since the last oil change, so does it go to the dealer or can it be done in the driveway at home? The answer is simple, do it in the driveway if there is a free afternoon. It shouldn't take more than one hour to complete the entire job. Check the owner's manual for recommended parts such as oil filter and oil weight. Go to the auto parts store and purchase the filter and oil. The list below contains other supplies that will be necessary to complete the change.

1. To protect the driveway, use a painter's plastic, disposable drop cloth or a large piece of cardboard. A black trash bag cut open flat will even do the trick.

2. Ramps might make this job easier, but a curb can be used in a pinch. Don't use a car jack, as they may not be sturdy enough if the oil filter is screwed on very tightly. Some people may not need any type of increase between the ground and the car.

3. Oil collection vessel. These can be purchased for under $10.00 at most auto part stores, Wal-Mart, Home Depot, etc. Usually there is a large round hole at the top to collect the oil, with a screw on cap. There is another, smaller funnel device built into the side of the vessel with a cap on it. This funnel is to pour out the collected oil into a disposal unit, usually the old oil bottles or an old anti-freeze jug.

4. New oil filter. Again, check the owner's manual or the catalog at the auto parts store to be sure the correct filter has been purchased.

5. 4-6 quarts of new oil. Check the owner's manual, talk to the auto parts store associate, or just buy what you prefer.

6. Safety goggles to guard against oil splash while under the car.

7. Latex or rubber gloves, if the person changing the oil does not want to risk getting dirty hands. Just be sure the gloves are tight enough on the hand to ensure a good grip.

8. Oil filter wrench. This tool can be purchased for under $10.00 at most retail outlets and is very handy. If no extra money is available for this tool, a screwdriver can be substituted, but it is very messy because using it involves punching a hole in the side of the filter and oil drips and splatters everywhere.

9. Socket wrench to remove the oil pan.

10. A funnel is optional for refilling the crankcase with the new oil at the end of the job. Most oil bottles today have a tapered neck that eliminates the need for a funnel.

11. A few paper towels to check the oil dipstick before and after the oil change.

Armed with these supplies, the car owner is ready to proceed with the oil change.

Step one: Checking the oil

If using gloves, now is the time to put them on. Raise the hood and remove the dipstick from its holster in the engine, it will have a gauge that shows how much oil is in the engine, and the color of the oil will be very apparent. Using a paper towel, wipe off the dipstick to clean it, and replace it into its holster. Pull it out again to get an accurate reading. If the oil is clear, it may be possible to wait another 500-1000 miles before completing the change. If the oil contains metal bits, or dirt, there may be internal damage, which will have to be investigated further, and an oil change may or may not solve the problem. If the oil is a mustard color, stop. Mustard oil usually indicates a blown head-gasket or engine head-this could mean that water has been introduced into the system. If this is the case, consult someone that can make that determination before wasting time and new oil. If the oil seems normal, put the dipstick back into the holster.

Step two. Elevation of the vehicle

If the oil is going to be changed, now is the time to decide if ramps are necessary. If so, place the ground covering where the car will rest. Place the ramps on top of the covering. Drive the car up onto the ramps. If no ramps are used, drive the car directly on top of the covering. Let the car sit at least 15 minutes to cool back down, nobody likes to be burned when changing the oil!

Step three: Draining the oil

Put on the safety goggles to protect eyes from splashing oil. Crawl under the car and locate the oil pan. This should be near the front center of the underside of the vehicle. Take the socket wrench and unscrew the nut that holds the pan to the car; some model years have a plastic or metal screw that pops out, so no wrench is necessary. Be careful when the last few threads are being unscrewed; grab the oil pan so it won't drop. As soon as the oil pan is loose, place the oil catching unit under the pan, some oil will run over, some will make it into the pan. Let as much of the oil drain into the vessel as possible. Once the oil has stopped dripping, replace the oil pan with its bolt and reattach it to the car. Remove the oil collector and place it under the oil filter.

Step four: Changing the oil filter

To remove the old filter, there are two possible methods: one is to use an oil filter wrench which fits around the filter itself and simply twist it off; the second method is a bit dicey, but can be used in a pinch. Take a Phillips head (star) screwdriver in one hand and the filter in the other, pierce the side of the filter with the screwdriver and twist it off. The second method is by far the messiest and labor-intensive, but does work. There will be some oil leakage, so be sure to have that collecting vessel underneath this work area. Once the oil has stopped dripping, usually only a few seconds, take the new filter and screw it into place by hand until it is fits tightly. Remove the oil collector and stand up.

Step five: Refilling the oil

Open the crankcase of the engine, which usually has a large cap on it and pour into the number of quarts that the owner's manual advises, or until the crankcase looks full. Some cars will not take 5 full quarts; others may require up to 6. When the crankcase appears to be full, it is time to check the dipstick again. Put the cap back on the crankcase and remove the dipstick, which should indicate oil level, as full and the oil should look clean and clear.

Step six: Clean the repair area

Back the car down off the ramps, and away from the drop cloth or cardboard that is on the ground. Take the oil-collecting vessel and fill the empty oil bottles with the old oil. An empty anti-freeze jug holds conveniently more oil, and works just as well. Once the oil has been transferred, take the paper towels and clean the oil filter and socket wrench. Fold up the drop cloth or cardboard towards the middle and either tape it shut or put it into a plastic trash bag of its own. Store the collection vessel in the garage for next time. Call the city recycling center for further disposal instructions because it is illegal to put oil in the trash in most communities. Many cities have a phone number to call that will have city personnel come pick up the used oil, filter, and drop cloths at the curb.

Now the oil and filter have been changed correctly, the repair area cleaned, and the oil disposed of properly. The only cost involved was the price of oil and a filter, and it only took an hour. The car is ready to drive another 2500-3000 miles with fresh, clean oil and a smile on the owner's face.

Contingency Car Accident Lawyers

2007-02-15T22:00:00.003-08:00

Contingency car accident lawyers do not charge a fixed amount of legal fees for the services rendered by them. In such a contract the petitioner agrees that the lawyer's fee will be determined by the amount of settlement awarded to the petitioner. The obvious clause in this contract is that the case should be won in the favor of the petitioner. If the petitioner does not win the case, the lawyer will receive no fee. In case of a car accident, a person may file a lawsuit against the offending party for claiming compensation. This may be done in spite of not having adequate resources to pay for the same. In such a case many lawyers do consider working on contingency basis. However, many people falsely tend to believe that if they lose the case they will not have to pay anything. This is not completely true. Though it is a fact that they may not have to pay the attorney's fee, they are liable to reimburse the expenses occurred by the attorney while pursuing their case. These fees might include medical reports, analytical services, proficient witnesses, judicial costs and court reporter fees. Irrespective of winning or losing, the client will be responsible for the expenses or cost of bringing the claim to the court.

When the contract to pay a lawyer in case of a car accident is based on contingency, the fee is always set at a pre-arranged percentage of whatever the compensation amount might be. This may sum up to much more than the normal fee the lawyer would have been entitled to. However, it is seen that there are many advantages to paying on contingency.

If a person loses the claim, the question of paying the lawyer's fees does not arise at all. If the person's compensation is received in arrears, the lawyer's fees can also be paid accordingly. Paying on contingency can enable a person to hire the services of an expensive attorney even though he may not be in a position to pay for it. The attorney also tends to work harder since his fee is at stake. Before getting into any agreement all the factors and clauses of the contract should be studied in great detail.

Affordable Car Accident Lawyers

2007-02-15T22:00:00.001-08:00

Car accidents often lead to serious injuries. Majority of car accidents are caused by carelessness and unruliness of drivers. Some may also occur due to intoxication or drug-influenced operation of cars. Poorly designed roads and inappropriate traffic signals combined with defective vehicles or tires may also cause accidents. In order to compensate for damages incurred, charging a lawsuit against the negligent driver may be required. Similarly in the case of an accident a person may also be required to defend himself against a lawsuit. Judicial proceedings regarding the same tend to be extremely complicated and lengthy. As such, enlisting the services of a lawyer proves to be important. Laws relating to car accidents tend to be varied and complex.

Lawyers dealing exclusively in car accidents have a great deal of knowledge about the various legal aspects, which affect a case of car accident. They are familiar with the proceedings and requirements, which need to be followed while charging or defending a lawsuit. A lot of paperwork and formalities are required to be completed. These may relate to filling up of important forms, dealing with insurance companies and various judicial machineries.

It is a common misconception that the services of all lawyers dealing in car accidents are expensive. This is not true. A lawyer of good reputation will not charge for an initial consultation. So, in case the petitioner has questions about injuries sustained during an accident and further procedures to be followed, it is advisable to call a lawyer. Besides, it is observed that most lawyers now work on contingency fee basis, which means that the lawyer gets paid only if the petitioner gets compensated. A good car accident lawyer is generally expected to inform the client with the likely costs and fees of a lawsuit, as well as the chances for success. A person ought to be aware of the probable costs and expected outcome of the case. Accordingly, a petitioner should plan his budget to obtain optimum services of a lawyer. Information regarding the services of car accident lawyers can be obtained through the yellow pages or the Internet. Conducting a bit of research and comparing prices can help a person enlist the services of an affordable car accident lawyer.

Fatal Car Accident Lawyers

2007-02-15T21:59:00.003-08:00

An increase in the number of cars operating on the roads has led to a tremendous increase in the number of car accidents also. In the midst of such unwanted events, lawsuits and criminal charges are bound to arise. As accidents are events having legal consequences, the role of a lawyer is that of great importance.

Fatal car accident lawyers exist to help a person file or defend a lawsuit. A car accident lawyer provides the offenders or car accident victims with information regarding the numerous practical and legal aspects of personal injury law and car accident claims. It is a fact that almost every person on an average is involved in at least one car accident in his lifetime.

Lawyers play an extremely important role in fatal car accidents. In such accidents, law may charge the offenders strictly. It is the duty of the lawyer to represent his client in court. By using legal expertise, a lawyer tries to avoid or minimize the penalties awarded by the court of law. In a fatal car accident they may also be required to defend a lawsuit. Contrary to this, lawyers may also be hired by the victims in order to claim compensations for the damages. This compensation is obtained by filing a lawsuit against the offending party. In case of a fatal car accident, it is the duty of the lawyer to preside over the details of the lawsuit. In the United States, lawyers play the role of counseling their clients regarding their rights, and argue in favor of the best interests of their clients.

In case of fatal car accidents the extent of the damages and injuries involved tend to be comparatively high, as a lot of legal requirements need to be complied with. A car accident lawyer is capable of effectively dealing with law authorities and insurance companies. Car accident lawyers have made handling a fatal car accident less complicated for people who are ignorant and unaware of any legality. Hiring a lawyer proves to be critical in ensuring that legal rights of the parties in the accident are protected.

Arizona Car Accident Lawyers

2007-02-15T21:59:00.001-08:00

Arizona forms one of the Four Corners states. It is located south and east of the Colorado River. Arizona is the sixth largest state in after New Mexico and before Nevada. Apart from the Grand Canyon, numerous national forests, parks, monuments, and Indian reservations are located in the state. Its popularity as a major tourist his has contributed greatly to the traffic problem in the state.

The responsibility for taking actions to prevent a car accident rests with the drivers. Negligence resulting in a car accident in Arizona represents grounds for a lawsuit. Depending on the degree of negligence it could involve the state Attorney General's office. Arizona lawyers have in-depth knowledge of the laws regarding car accidents in the state and tend to prepare the case efficiently. Even though it is difficult to avoid responsibility for negligence in an Arizona car accident, a lawyer tries his level best to get all the facts surrounding the case. It also has to be proved that the petitioner has suffered damages, either personal injury or property damage. In addition, an Arizona car accident lawyer will look for compensation for such things as mental trauma and inconvenience. Other facets of a case that a lawyer will look into are facts regarding the mental state of the defendant during the occurrence of the accident.

Normally, a person injured in a car accident may charge a claim or lawsuit to recover the actual expenses associated with asset damage, medical costs, economic damages, emotional and physical pain and suffering. Like other states, Arizonian legal proceedings involving car accidents can be extremely complex. Hiring an experienced lawyer familiar with motor vehicle accident damages will place people in the best position to receive the recovery that they deserve. People involved in an Arizonian car accident must not hesitate to seek legal counsel from a lawyer experienced in similar accident cases in order to best protect their interests.

Car Accidents

2007-02-15T21:56:00.000-08:00

It is something we hope we will never have, but the reality is at some point we will have a car accident. When we do, we just hope it is small, painless and quick.

Here are some tips when you get in a car accident. The first thing is to make sure everyone is OK. Remember they are just cars and it is just an accident. Don't let tempers flare. What could have been something very small, can now become a nightmare when tempers flare. If the other driver has bad temper after the car accident, always make sure you call the police right away and if need be, try to have someone there with you, even if you have to flag down another motorist, just don't step in front of their automobile to stop them.

If tempers are under control and everyone is OK, it still might be a good idea to call the police, even if it is just a little fender bender. If the other driver tells you they don't want the police involved because they don't want it on their insurance, just remind them that the police only will right a report and maybe issue a ticket. It is for both parties protecting in case something happen. They other driver can still pay for damages and the insurance company will never know. Personally I would call the police for any size accident. We got hit from behind and the lady was very nice about everything and felt bad for her. Well we never called the police and guess what, we never were paid for the damages and we had no proof, so we ended up paying for the car accident. So you can see why I am a little biased and would say call the police.

A couple of things you can do to protect yourself in a car accident. First always, and I mean always buckle up, even if your just going down the block. You never know what could happen. So remember always buckle up and if your in a car accident, you will have better odds of walking away. Second, get off the phone. I know I am bad also, but plain and simple we should all be off the phone. Think about it, we are driving a 2 ton vehicle, we should pay attention to what we're doing. Third, just remember what is around you and pay attention at all times. Try to reduce the number of distractions you have.

Auto Insurance-What is Full Coverage?

2007-02-10T03:53:00.002-08:00

I am a Houston Farmers auto insurance agent. I often talk to people that use the term “full coverage” to describe their auto coverage. I interpret this to mean that they have some level of liability insurance plus comprehensive coverage for their car. Sometimes customers think this means “Full coverage protects me from everything”. That is NOT correct!

The liability part of an auto policy covers injury to another person or damage to their vehicle. (See your policy or agent for complete terms) In my state of Texas the minimum required by law is 20/40/15 or $20,000 for an injured person, $40,000 for more than one person injured per accident, and $15,000 for damage to another persons auto. If you take this minimum coverage and add coverage for your vehicle, some would say they have full coverage. If there is a serious accident and the injuries and lost wages are $300,000, this policy would leave the customer responsible for paying about $260,000 from their assets to settle the claim. At that point the customer probably would not feel like they have full coverage! My opinion is that the liability part of a policy is VERY important. Talk to your agent for advice and consider getting the maximum coverage available and not the minimum required. You should also consider possibly getting an umbrella policy to increase your limit to a higher level that what is available on an auto policy.

It is important to have enough liability coverage to protect your current assets from lawsuits, and to protect your future assets from judgements that could result from an injury lawsuit. In addition it is important to be able to cover your moral responsibility to be able to "make it right" if you injure someone! How would you feel if someone you love is very seriously hurt and the driver only has $20,000 to offer as settlement. ...You don't want to be the one that only has the $20K if you hurt someone.

Young Female Cheap Car Insurance

2007-02-10T03:53:00.001-08:00

If you’re a female driver, you already have a head start for getting cheap car insurance. Car insurance companies take into consideration statistics claiming that, overall, female drivers are:

• More likely to drive a safer car than male drivers.
• Less likely to commit traffic violations and get traffic tickets than male drivers.
• More likely to choose an economical car that gets good gas mileage and doesn’t cost a fortune to repair.

According to statistics, female drivers also file fewer car insurance claims to their car insurance companies than do male drivers; whether this means that female drivers are involved in fewer accidents or that they just don’t report every bump and scratch is up for interpretation.

In any event, statistically speaking, most female drivers are less risky to insure than most male drivers, which means they are more likely to get cheap car insurance than are male drivers.

However, if you’re a young female driver, you still have an obstacle to overcome. It’s a big obstacle, actually – your age. Young drivers, regardless of gender, normally don’t get the cheap car insurance quotes that older drivers get. Car insurance companies take precaution when offering car insurance quotes to young drivers – male and female – because they are inexperienced. Of course, inexperience means a great risk for car accidents.

Don’t let these statistics discourage you. Being a young female driver also means you have time to start taking the necessary steps to build a great driving record. As long as you drive safely, preventing car accidents, and obey the rules of the road, preventing infractions and tickets, you will avoid points on your driving record. Car insurance companies look at a driver’s driving record when deciding how cheap the car insurance quote should be.

Best Car Insurance Company - How Is A Person To Choose?

2007-02-10T03:52:00.001-08:00

Obviously, everyone wants a car insurance company that offers them the best coverage at the best rates; however, there are more things to consider when you are shopping for the best car insurance company. You want to choose a car insurance company that isn’t just out to lure policyholders – you want an insurance company that will treat you right.

Keep these factors in mind.

Rates, Payments, and Rewards

You want to choose a car insurance company that offers different payment options, rather than just one option of payment set in stone. Many car insurance companies allow their policyholders to choose between paying in installments – usually monthly or quarterly – or paying the entire premium at once. Some companies even offer discounts to policyholders who choose to pay their premiums in one lump sum.

Ask if the insurance company recognizes drivers who do not drive much; some companies lower rates for that. Some also offer discount rewards for those driver who go long periods of time without filing any claims.

Discounts, Discounts, Discounts!

Look for companies offering a multitude of discounts. You may not be eligible for every one of them, but the more they offer, the higher your chances are of being eligible for a few of them. A few discounts that may be of interest to you include discounts for safe drivers and teenage drivers who make good grades; discounts for active or retired military personnel; discounts for buying more than one insurance policy from the same insurance company; and discounts for having anti-theft and additional safety equipment installed in/on your car.

Extras

Car insurance companies offer various extras that policyholders can add on to their car insurance policies. An example of an extra would be roadside assistance. While some companies offer roadside assistance as a standard extra, some offer it as an add-on. These add-ons are nice, but if you’re not careful they could simply hike up your premiums.

A Lady Gets a Cheap Car Insurance Quote?

2007-02-10T03:51:00.002-08:00

Yes, it is true – well, in most cases. Many lady drivers are able to get cheaper car insurance quotes than men drivers. Are men drivers cursed by their gender? Perhaps not. They just need to know the secrets of lady drivers.

Buy a safe vehicle. Safe vehicles get cheaper car insurance quotes than vehicles considered unsafe, and safety does not only include seatbelts, air bags, and child proof locks. A safe vehicle will also include anti-theft devices.

Buy a modest vehicle. Modest vehicles are less likely to be stolen, and vehicles that are less likely to be stolen are less like to be expensive to insure. You don’t have to buy a minivan to get a cheap car insurance quote, but buying a Jaguar isn’t going to work in your favor.

Be good to your vehicle. Being good to your vehicle means not putting your vehicle in situations where it can become damaged or stolen. Drive like you have some since – do not push its limits. Park your vehicle in a garage when it is not in use. If you do not have a garage, find out about renting garage space in your area – if you have one within walking distance, or installing a bright outdoor light near where your vehicle is parked.

Drive responsibly. Driving responsibly includes driving the speed limit, obeying road signs and traffic lights, and following the general “rules of the road” altogether. When you drive responsibly, you avoid traffic citations and car accidents, and when you do not have these kinds of blemishes on your driving record, car insurance companies see you as a responsible driver. Your efforts do not go unnoticed. Responsible drivers with clean driving records get cheaper car insurance quotes.

Buy a Car and Get a Cheap Car Insurance Quote!

2007-02-10T03:51:00.001-08:00

If your car is completely paid for, chances are you’ve dropped the full coverage car insurance your lender was requiring and now simply have your state’s minimum liability insurance requirement. However, there’s no getting around it – when you need to buy a new car, you need to buy a new car. Having your state’s minimum liability insurance is not worth your safety, after all; nor is it worth the money you will spend in repairs if your car is in bad shape.

The good news is it’s possible to get a cheap car insurance quote when you buy a new car. You just have to keep that cheap car insurance quote in mind as you are shopping for your new car.

The surest way to get a cheap car insurance quote when you buy a new car is to make sure your new car is as safe as possible; undoubtedly, the safety features of your new car will affect your decision anyway. The safety features most car insurance companies look for include those that keep everyone safe; those that prevent your car from being broken into and/or stolen; and those that are compatible with external safety features.

In order to keep yourself, your passengers, other drivers, and pedestrians safe, make sure the new car you buy has anti-lock brakes, automatic safety belts, and air bags for each passenger. You may also want to look into child safety locks.

Help keep the new car you buy from being broken into and stolen by purchasing a car with automatic locks and a safety alarm system. If you can’t find a car with a safety alarm system, you can always have one installed.

External safety features include child safety seats, and many car manufacturers are now designing cars that are more compatible with these seats.

Cheap Auto Insurance for Your Car

2007-02-10T03:50:00.001-08:00

There are many ways to get cheap auto insurance for your car. Perhaps you want to switch auto insurance companies in order to obtain cheap auto insurance for your car. Or, maybe you want to make some safety changes to your car in order to get cheap auto insurance for your car. Whatever you want to do, chances are you will spend some time searching for the auto insurance company that will give you the cheapest auto insurance quote for your car.

However, the situation can change when you are buying a new car. You may or may not already have an auto insurance policy. You may or may not want to keep that auto insurance policy. Whatever the case, part of the shopping process when you are shopping for a new car is to make sure you have an auto insurance policy before you drive it off the lot.

Instead of frantically searching for an auto insurance company that will give you cheap auto insurance for your new car, take advantage of one of the new features some car lots have integrated into their customers’ car-shopping experience. These car lots have set up computers with Internet access to allow their customers to search for cheap auto insurance policies for their new cars!

Not only is this extremely convenient for customers; this is also a wise financial move for car dealerships. Many times a car salesman has a sale just within reach and loses it because the customer needs to figure out his or her auto insurance situation first. With this new addition to the car shopping experience, customers can shop for cheap auto insurance policies for their new cars right inside the car dealership!

Cheap Car Insurance Broker

2007-02-10T03:49:00.002-08:00

When you are looking for a cheap car insurance broker, consider shopping online. There are several benefits to shopping online for anything, and those benefits do not stop when it comes to shopping online for a cheap car insurance broker.

Shopping for a cheap car insurance broker online…

…pretty much ensures that you will get a quick response. Conducting business online is almost always much speedier than conducting business in person or even over the telephone. Of course, after the initial online contact you may feel more comfortable speaking with the cheap car insurance broker over the telephone or in person, which is perfectly fine. Just give him a call; by this time you will be well on your way to getting a cheap car insurance policy.

…allows you to get rates from several different cheap car insurance brokers in the same time – or in less time – than it would take you to get a rate from one cheap car insurance broker. We know how important it is to shop around when we are looking for a cheap car insurance broker. Shopping around online is much quicker than calling or visiting several different cheap car insurance brokers. You may end up spending an entire Saturday doing what you could do in an hour online.

…makes it possible to do some quick, and thorough, research about the various cheap car insurance brokers with whom you are considering doing business. You can read up on the car insurance company’s rating from any independent rating company while you chat with your friend about any experiences he or she has had with the cheap car insurance broker in question.

Consider shopping online the next time you are in the market for a cheap car insurance broker. Your search will be much quicker, more widespread, and even more thorough than if you shopped by calling or visiting each cheap car insurance broker on your list.

2007-02-10T03:49:00.001-08:00

To be truly successful at shopping for car insurance online, the consumer must find the best deal available on the Internet, not merely the first offer for cover that appears on the screen. The good news is that the World Wide Web alleviates the need to travel from one insurance office to the next, as a click of the mouse has replaced the need for an afternoon off, a telephone call, and even a tank full of petro for the car.

It may or may not come as a surprise, but there are quite a few factors that influence the price and coverage of your car insurance policy, including the vehicle you drive. If you’re insuring a car you already own, be sure to check with a variety of insurers for the best deal. If you’re out shopping for a new auto and looking for the best prices, such things as the car’s age, engine size, power, and theft rate each have a different effect on the overall premium cost.

Another important factor when shopping for car insurance is one that a driver has absolutely no control over, and that’s their age. For the newer drivers, the lack of experience usually leads to more moving violation and accidents, which translate into more claims and loss of funds for the insurer. Generally speaking of course, the premiums for your auto insurance will drop as you gain more experience. The average 50 year old searching for the best insurance deal will be much more successful, more quickly than someone who has just graduated from school.

If your auto has a loan on it from a bank or other financial institution, it’s a wise idea to carry “gap cover” on your insurance policy. This type of coverage will protect both you and the bank from an accident in which your car is completely destroyed and the worth of your car falls short of the loan balance due. If you don’t have the proper gap cover, you will be ultimately responsible for paying the remaining balance of the auto loan. This is also considered to be “paying for a car you don’t have”, so be sure to talk to your insurer about having the adequate cover to protect both your car and your personal finances.

Finally, the last bit of guiding involves shopping around and getting a variety of quotes for an assortment of coverage options from several different insurers. But just when you thought the Internet couldn’t have made life any easier, websites devoted to the auto insurance industry pop up to make comparison-shopping easier than anyone ever thought possible.

Finding Cheap Auto Insurance Quotes

2007-02-10T03:48:00.000-08:00

How to find cheap auto insurance quotes

If you think you're paying too much for your existing auto insurance, put the internet to work and with a little effort it's easy to find cheap auto insurance quotes that can save you money right now, here's how...

Compare quotes

Only by shopping round for competitive insurance quotes can you find cheap auto insurance quotes. Most people don't bother or compare just 2 quotes with little thought to the factors insurance companies base their prices on.

Cheap auto insurance quotes aren't necessarily the best, it's more involved than comparing the bottom line. The manner in which insurance claims are processed and approved is an important consideration as is the speed that claims are settled.

The manner in which an insurer deals with you both verbally and in writing is important, they should be easy to contact, courteous and willing to help. Remember that following an accident you are likely to be in a state of stress and the last thing you'll need is a company you can't contact and doesn't take a personal interest in resolving your case.

Deductibles can save you money...

A higher insurance deductible equates to cheaper auto insurance quotes, when a claim is filed you will be responsible for the first $X's, the deductible, and the insurance company pays the balance. The choice you have to make is between a lower deductible with a higher premium but less out of pocket expenses if a claim is made or a higher deductible with a lower premium but higher costs to meet if a claim is made. It's a choice that only you can make but if you want a cheap auto insurance quote increasing your deductible from $200's to $1,200's will give you significant savings on your insurance premium, but there are risks...

Choose the highest deductible you can afford should the worst happen and enjoy the savings from your reduced premiums.

So select the maximum you can to pay—the higher the better because the difference in your car insurance premiums will mean more cash in your pocket.

Ask for a discount

Another favorite saying from my Grandmother was "If you don't ask you wont get" and that is so true, unless you ask they are very unlikely to offer additional discounts, there are many reasons why they may and I have outlined some important ones below...

Your existing insurance company probably offers lower rates to new customers and they might be persuaded to offer similar rates to keep your business.

Multi line discount is often on offer if you insure both your home and auto with the same insurance company.

Good driver discounts are offered if you have not had an accident or ticket in a long time

Installing car alarms and tracking systems is seen as reducing the risk of theft and most insurance companies will pass the savings to offer cheap auto insurance quotes.

Low mileage discounts are available if your average mileage is typically less than 40 miles per day you will be offered a cheap auto insurance quote.

You car makes a difference

Can Online Auto Insurance Save You Money?

2007-02-10T03:47:00.000-08:00

As with buying other products and services for your car, you can save yourself a good deal of money with online auto insurance. While there are still many ways to buy insurance in person today, the advantages of doing it online greatly outweigh the negatives, if there are any.

Buying on the web is:

• Simple – you can gather all your own information and enter it yourself
• Easy Access – you can do it from home, at 2 am, in your pajamas
• Economical – because you no longer need an insurance agent, costs are cut and passed on to you

It also makes it very easy to compare prices between several different online auto insurance companies, and to find special discounts that may not be mentioned by agents.

There are a few circumstances that make it a better idea to use an agent than online auto insurance. For instance, if you own a street rod or specialized and valuable car, you should talk to an agent to ensure you are covering all your bases. If you own a company fleet of vehicles that all need to be insured, or if you run a delivery company, you should also buy from an agent rather than online.

However, for almost all purchasers of insurance, online car insurance is the way to go.

How To Buy Auto Insurance Online

To save yourself time, have all your car information together before you go shopping for online car insurance: your VIN; the make, model, and year of your car; the license numbers and birth dates of all drivers in your household; and records of previous accidents and traffic violations within at least the last three years.

Give yourself some time to work on the policy. You’ll be filling in a lot of information and answering a lot of questions, so don’t do this at work. Many online auto insurance companies advertise that it takes no more than fifteen minutes to get your policy; count on a half hour or more instead. And make sure you have a printer hooked up and ready to go, so that when you finish your policy and it’s approved you can print the documents and cards out right away.

Don’t offer information that the insurance company doesn’t ask for. Most online auto insurance companies ask for information about traffic violations and accidents you’ve had within the last three years; if you had an accident three years and a month ago, don’t mention it. Also, if your accident did not go on the police record for some reason (for instance, you had an accident in a parking lot that you took care of yourself), don’t mention it. One accident, even if it’s not your fault, can double your premiums. Auto insurance, online or offline, is in the business to make money; it’s your job to ensure you keep as much of your money as possible.

Finally, update your auto insurance information at least annually, and shop around for online car insurance with other companies to see if you can get a better deal elsewhere. The insurance industry is volatile, and you’re likely to see changes every year that may benefit you. Just because you find a better deal with another company doesn’t mean you need to change your insurance company to save money; call them and tell them about the other company’s deal to see if they offer to match it first.

Car Insurance - Use the Internet to Get the Best Quotes

2007-01-04T23:13:00.000-08:00

Before buying a car insurance policy everyone has to check the Internet for the fresh insurance quotes. The web is the best place for shopping around, when it comes to car insurance. Getting car insurance quotes online is a convenient, but sometimes a bit of complicated task, so you have to spend some time, before you get the best deal, that suits your needs. However, your efforts will be greatly rewarded not only because you can get the cheapest quote, but also that many insurance companies offer special discounts for those who buy insurance online. Thus you can save quite a substantial amount of money.

Another reason why you should use the Internet for getting insurance quotes is that insurance market is flexible and it’s quite difficult to observe constantly changing circumstances. But when you search for quotes on the web you can get information from different sources, different companies and different brokers in a relatively short period of time.

Try different ways of search, when looking for insurance quotes on the web. Use popular search engines along with insurance specific directories. Try different keywords in your search queries; use your area specific keywords along with general search terms. For instance, if you live in San Diego then you can type a search phrase like “car insurance in San Diego” or something like that. On the other hand insurance specific directories provide you with categorized lists of insurance companies. This can help you greatly in your research, because you just have to look through a specific category rather then browsing through the whole directory.

Always get quotes from three or more insurance companies, so you can compare them. Pay attention to a company’s credibility history and if you have to make your choice between two insurers then give your preference to an established one rather then to a newly born company.

Tips On Buying A Used Car

2007-01-03T23:12:00.000-08:00

The most important thing you should remember when you go in search of purchasing a used or even a new car is that the person selling the car wants to sell the car. They may not come right out and lie to you about the car in question; however, they may not mention any problems if you do not ask and yes some may even lie to rid themselves of a lemon.

The number one thing you should do before searching for a used car is to know what type of car you would like or at least have some models and types in mind. You can search online or talk with car dealerships to learn what the price might be for the make and model of the car you are seeking. You can even look up the car in the NADA to learn what the car is worth by year, make, and model. This is a good estimate on what you would get if you traded that car in to a dealer. Okay, now you know how much money you need for the different cars you have in mind.

Now, where do you go to find out about reliability and other factors for this car? You can search online for reviews at car forums, with consumer reports, or chat with others that have the car now or owned one at sometime. Ask pertinent questions such as what parts were replaced, gas mileage, and even questions regarding comfort.

It is always in your best interest to take any used car to your own mechanic prior to purchasing instead of going on your love for the car. Just because you have always dreamed of owning a 1962 corvette and the one you found looks awesome, does not mean that it is mechanically sound.

Pop open the hood, look for worn hoses, wet spots on the engine, and look for corrosion around the battery posts. You may not be able to tell much this way but you will at least get an idea if you may have to change hoses, battery cables, or if there could be a leak somewhere such as coolant or oil. When you take the car on a test drive, listen for any unusual knocking, hissing sounds or other noises that you are not familiar with, and then when you talk with your mechanic he may know what these sounds might be. Check that the lights work properly low and high beams, brake lights, turn signals, horn, air-conditioning and heating system. You may not be thinking about staying warm if the temperature outside is 95 degrees, but you will really enjoy a warm car when the north wind starts blowing.

Many times if you are purchasing a used car from an individual you will not have any type of warranty, however, if you purchase through a dealer you should get some type of warranty. Many times, this warranty will be for a certain amount of months or miles put on the car. In most cases, the warranty will state exactly what items are under warranty such as the engine or transmission, for a certain amount of months and the dealership will cover all parts and labor. If the warranty only covers the transmission, then it does not cover replacement of a water pump, fuel pump, or other parts to do with the engine and the same applies for any limited warranty.

Free Online Auto Insurance Quotes - Fast, Easy and Competitive

2007-01-02T23:12:00.000-08:00

There are many benefits to using free online auto insurance quotes. Websites of large companies allow you to fill out simple forms so they can assess your needs. They will then be able to tell you just how much your auto insurance policy will cost through that particular insurance company. There is no charge for these quotes, and there is no obligation to work with them – even after they give you a quote. Find out all your options before you choose a company to work with.

With free quotes come several benefits. First, you do not need to deal with a pushy insurance agent that trying to convince you to buy more or the wrong insurance. Sometimes insurance companies will try to push the services of other corporations on the consumer. Consider closely the type of insurance you need. Then you can determine the differences between policies and evaluate which company is your perfect match.

When it comes to auto insurance rates, take the time to examine your needs. You can raise or lower your deductible figures when it comes to the amount of damage you must pay vs. the insurance policy coverage. It is a good idea to have death on the plan, your family may need some money to help deal with a death. The more coverage you carry, the more your monthly payment for the policy.

Remember, the best reason to get online auto insurance quotes is that you just have to punch in your info to get the information you want. You will not have to deal with added pressure from salesmen, and you can go quickly to another company’s site to compare information. Find the lowest price possible to save the most money possible.

For Car Owners Only – A New Way To Reduce Expenses

2006-12-31T23:10:00.000-08:00

After doing some due diligence I found that the easiest way to substantially reduce your car expenses (without removing any car parts or searching for cheap gas stations) is simply by getting Cheap Auto Insurance.

How will I Benefit From Cheap Auto Insurance?

Over 60% of all policy holders in the US are overpaying their Auto Insurance and aren’t aware of it at all. If you haven’t lowered your auto insurance premium yet, then you are among the 60% which means – you’re in for a treat!

Furthermore, it’s important you understand that the competition between auto insurance companies is huge these days and that’s where you come in to the picture. You take legitimate advantage of their competition.

How Much Money Will I Save?

I can’t tell you! Not because I don’t want to but because there isn’t anyway possible to determine the exact amount you will save, prior to you taking action. However, I can tell you that I’ve saved close to $500 from my auto insurance premium and you should be saving (if you follow the steps correctly) $200 - $600 depending on your situation.

Sounds Fair, What’s Next?

Start by filling and comparing online auto insurance quote forms, they are free and fast. No need to worry, you don’t need to go to every insurance website on the net in order to get the best auto insurance quote – that will take forever! There are free online comparisons websites where you fill out one form (takes about 10 minutes) and you instantly get the best auto insurance offers from over 1000 insurance companies, tailor made for your situation.

More Auto Insurance Tips

This article covers the basic principles for getting cheap auto insurance and thus reducing your car expenses. When filling out a quote you will be asked about your deductible amount and the policy holder’s gender among other important questions that determine your future quote. I’ve outlined below some tips you can use to get lower auto insurance quotes.

* Raise your deductibles
* Reduce coverage on older cars
* Compare male and female as main drivers
* Check for low mileage discounts

Houston Insurance

2006-12-30T23:10:00.000-08:00

What company has the best rates for auto insurance? As a Houston Farmers insurance agent I get to compare rates with other companies every day. My experience is that no company (including mine), always has the lowest rate. I have not found any company that Farmers can never beat. I have not found any of the large competitors that I can always beat. The reason is that there are a large number of factors that insurance companies use to base their rate on. For example, age, sex, marital status, zip code, driving record, type of car, credit rating, type of job, eligible discounts, and more. Each auto insurance company has their own rate formula resulting in a different rate for each company. When a customer shops for the best deal, they are looking for the company with the most favorable formula for them, which results in the lowest rate for their policy. Please note that the price should not be your only consideration. Shop for a brand that you can trust, and find a agent that will know your needs and provide advice and service.

One thing I have found from experience is that in my area the companies that advertise heavily, saying they have the lowest rate, usually do not! My theory is that they have to adjust their rate higher to pay for all the expensive advertising.

Farmers insurance has very competitive rates for Houston auto insurance in most cases. Especially when a customer qualities for some of the discounts that Farmers offers. For example, auto/home discount, auto/renters, drivers training, auto alarm, EFT payment, etc.. Currently Farmers doesn’t have a true online auto rate quote system in Texas.

Wondering How to Get a Cheaper Car Insurance Policy?

2006-12-29T23:09:00.000-08:00

Protection and preparedness is one key to battle uncertainty. This is one good reason why car insurance is required for all of us to avail. But one question that may come up into your mind is that where and how to get a cheap car insurance policy?

This is one of the basic concerns of most people. We cannot deny the fact that car insurance is somehow expensive depending on the circumstances. But there are some ways on how to have a cheap car insurance that can provide full protection that every one of us needs.

These are some basic tips on how to get cheap car insurance:

Credit standing and history should be clean – Make it to the point to have and to maintain a clean credit history. As much as possible, make this one your basic priority. A good credit standing and a clean credit history means that you are a reliable person in payment and financial matters and because of this, most insurance companies will be willing to provide significant amount of discount that most of us wants. On the other hand, if you have a bad credit history, you will forfeit your privilege to avail of the discount and would eventually pay a much higher premium.

Occupation with lower risk involved – The nature of work you are engaged in is also one of the determining factors in computing your car insurance premium. Insurance companies have formulated their statistics based on their research on the jobs that often get into car accidents. And with years of study, they have seen the trend. If your job fall on the category of risky jobs, then the tendency is you would get higher car insurance quote, but one good side of it is that there are also jobs that are entitled for discounts. This may not be applicable for every one. But the best thing that you can do is to shop around and ask some insurance companies about this matter.

Drive a not so expensive or a low profile car – The car that you drive also affects the quoted premium. You can see those people who drive high class cars or so called luxury cars. They would be paying a higher car insurance premium because of it. The main reason for this is that, these kinds of cars are very susceptible to theft and certain major damages. It is advised that you only use those not so expensive cars for you to have cheaper car insurance policy.

Equip your car with safety features and make it as safe as possible – Along with driving a low profile car, it is also advisable that you put safety features in your car such as anti-lock brakes, seatbelt, airbags, etc. Most car insurance companies would offer lower payments to the owners of the cars with such features present. Online quotes comparison – One of the best ways to have cheap car insurance is to look for it online. There are many websites available that can offer free car insurance quotes online. You should provide valid and honest answers for the questions for you to have a valid estimation of your quote. This may not comprise the actual premium cost but at least you will have a rough estimate of your car insurance premium. This is also one way to determine which insurance company provides the best premium quote with best coverage offered.

How to Save on Los Angeles Auto Insurance

2006-12-28T23:08:00.000-08:00

If you live in the city of Los Angeles, you may be dealing with Los Angeles auto insurance rates that are getting higher each year. Gas prices are quite high and have caused many people to have to tighten their budgets and saving money in any way possible has become very important. There are ways that you can help bring your Los Angeles auto insurance rates down and, if you work hard enough, others may be asking you how you managed to get such cheap auto insurance.

One way that you can cut back your Los Angeles auto insurance rates is to not drive as many miles. Many auto insurance companies are beginning to keep track of the miles people put on their vehicles and the more miles you drive, the higher your insurance is likely to be. Doing all your errands at once can help you save some mileage on your car and lead to better rates.

You can also save on your Los Angeles auto insurance policy if you have a car that has both front driver and front passenger airbags. Most insurance companies will give you a good discount on your insurance premium if you have the airbags. Having an anti-lock braking system may also qualify you for a better Los Angeles auto insurance rate, since they make it less likely for you to have an accident.

Slowing down is another way that you can keep your insurance cheap. Most Los Angeles auto insurance companies are going to check your driving record and if you have multiple speeding tickets in the past three years, this will affect the rate you get. Speeding tickets will definitely ensure that you do not get cheap auto insurance. Just slowing down and making sure you drive safely to avoid traffic tickets can help you save on Los Angeles auto insurance.

Saving Money on Auto Insurance

2006-12-27T23:07:00.000-08:00

SAVING MONEY ON CAR INSURANCE
The cost of auto insurance can make owning an automobile difficult. Below are some simple tips that will help you save on your car insurance policy.

-- When in the market for a policy, shop around and get multiple quotes from different companies. Try and get a minimum of three quotes.
-- Every year, you should compare your current auto insurance coverage and rates with those that are being offered by competing companies. It is very possible that you can find a plan that is less expensive, offering the same coverage.
-- You can lower your auto insurance costs by taking a defensive driving course. Taking a defensive driving course will also allow you to take points received as a result of tickets off of your license. Everyone in the family that is on the auto insurance plan, including kids, should take a defensive driving course every year.
-- Do you have a clean license? Meaning, do you have tickets? You will be entitled to discounts if you have a clean license or if you license is cleaner than it has been in the past. There is no harm in asking your carrier to go over your personal information to see if you rates can be reduced as a result of your good driving record.
-- If your household has several cars, you should look to insure them all under the same policy. Insuring more than one car entitles to you discounts.
-- If possible, try and utilize the same insurance carrier for your home and auto coverage. Doing so will allow you to receive discounted rates for both policies.
-- Are you paying your premium monthly or annually? Discounts will likely be given to those that pay their premium in one lump payment as opposed to 12, 6 or any other increment.
-- Any type of safety feature will result in discounts for auto insurance premiums. Anti-theft alarm systems, anti-lock breaks and air-bags are all examples of features that will result in lower rates.
-- Every year, go over your auto insurance coverage and make sure that you are not overlapping your coverage. Meaning, if you already have health insurance coverage, don’t buy personal injury protection auto coverage.
-- Try and keep a positive credit rating. Today, almost every auto insurance carrier will run your credit when determining whether or not to underwrite your policy as well as what rates to assign you.
-- How old is your car? If you have a car that is fifteen years or older, consider getting rid of your collision insurance coverage. A good idea for determining if collision insurance is worth the cost is to figure out how much your car is actually worth.
-- If your child is a college student and does not live at home, take them off of your policy. Then can still drive the car, they just won’t be listed as a primary driver.
-- Try and be a smarter, safer, more conscious driver all of the time!

A holistic approach is needed in train design: trains need to capture the imagination of consumers, in the way modern automobiles do. This could be ac

2006-12-26T20:50:00.001-08:00

TAKE a look around you. If you're reading this on a train, make sure you look really carefully then consider the following. What are the differences, if any, between a long-distance passenger coach today and one 50 years ago? Have the design and layout changed at all? Think for a moment about the first open saloons that appeared in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Are the coaches any different? Not really. They are still basically the same. Yet, if we are honest, is this sameness what the passenger--your customer--really wants?

The problem with public transport is its "publicness". Privacy is desirable, sacred even. We like privacy. Your customers like privacy. After all, they have privacy in their cars.

Airlines have been quick to respond to this. When British Airways (BA) invented its first-class passenger cubicle, it was a great success. When BA then transferred it to business class, once again it was a great success. BA was in the process of converting all of its long-haul aircraft to this configuration when September 11 put the kybosh on it. Now that air traffic is slowly picking up, the airlines are once again moving towards privacy.

Privacy is something that the railways always used to have. If you were rich, you were able to afford your own private compartment in the sleeping car. If you were bold, you simply laid out your coat, gloves, and papers on the other five seats in the compartment. With a bit of luck, aided by a challenging staring technique, you got your privacy. The irony is that the concept of privacy and the individual compartment has arrived in the air, but has been abandoned on the railways.
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At Design Triangle, we have conceived a single passenger private compartment for trains. A single compartment can be transformed into double or quadruple units merely by swinging the screens around. The flick of a switch can offer total privacy for all passengers. Another solution is a much more enclosed seat which envelopes the passenger.

Inevitably, there is then a demand for these cosy passenger environments to be packed with electric and electronic equipment, LED adjustable reading lights, laptop computer connections, music channels, and video screens.

Video screens are already appearing as add-ons in trains. In the Heathrow Express trains, these screens were an integrated part of the design fight from the start in order to communicate news and passenger information.

Seamless public information and entertainment can be irritating so, if it is installed, it is important that the customer can control it as they would in their own car or home.

Privacy is therefore what the public transport consumer wants. These private seats or cubicles could simultaneously also solve the invasive nature of mobile phones. We do not want to hear other people using their phones but naturally we want to use our own. Soundproofed headrests, electromagnetic exclusion fields or whatever we invent and successfully develop will have to solve the problem.

Imagining the future is easy. The challenge lies in creating an interior which looks as attractive and comfortable after five years of heavy use as it did on day one. This is what the ideal interior should do and this is where the difference starts showing between imaginative creation and industrial design.

When the Heathrow Express trains were designed, they were the first trains to be specified according to stringent British regulations on fire resistance and flame spread and also smoke and toxic fumes.

The design objectives set by the excellent Heathrow Express marketing team were also unique and ambitious. Heathrow Express should not look like an ordinary train; it had to appeal to airline passengers who were used to the design quality of airlines and their own luxury cars. Wild colours and patterns in moquette were out, as were hard seatbacks. Fully-upholstered seats in a flat-woven textile were the order of the day. The manufacturers of the seats and trim managed to rise to the challenge of these specifications. But it was not easy, particularly the fully upholstered seatback, which was non-negotiable as far as the marketing team was concerned.

The result was that both carpets and seat upholstery were pure wool and very soft, and not really able to stand up to the wear requirements. Right from the start, we knew that re-upholstery would be necessary after about five years.

Software Improves Die Design, Maintenance

2006-12-25T20:48:00.000-08:00

Over the past few years, Nissan's Sunderland, UK, plant has become known as the most productive car plant in Europe. The plant's Press Engineering and Die Maintenance sections use software to improve die development and keep press tools in top shape.

All the plant's press tools are supplied from Japan, and it would clearly be too expensive to return them there for design modifications. So, Sunderland set up an NC facility based around an Okuma five-axis machining center. The investment was made to reduce new model introduction time by completing detailed tool changes in the UK rather than Japan, and to allow more efficient repair of trimming tools.

Previously, design changes and damaged cutting surfaces on the tools were built up with weld and then ground into shape by hand.

Now, a profile is digitized from the trim line on the press tool by fitting a Renishaw probe onto the Okuma machine. The captured data is then used in a combination of software packages supplied by Delcam Ltd. (Birmingham, England). Digitized geometry data is fed into both CopyCAD reverse engineering software and PowerShape hybrid modeler to recreate the trimming edges of the tool. A model of the trim edges is then passed to a PowerMill CAM package that cranks out machining data for the Okuma machine.

Performance-based track geometry inspection: what it is and how it works: TTCI begins implementation of a new track inspection technology that relates

2006-12-24T20:47:00.000-08:00

A new "add-on" technology has been developed to relate measured track geometry to vehicle performance on a real-time basis. The technology can also be used on historic track geometry data to examine the effect of track geometry degradation on vehicle performance.

Following several years of research and development, the Transportation Technology Center, Inc., Pueblo, Colo., has started the demonstration and implementation of its performance-based track geometry, PBTG, inspection system. (1) The PBTG inspection system is a new add-on technology that can be implemented on conventional track geometry inspection vehicles.

The PBTG inspection method is an improvement over the current track geometry inspection method because track geometry defects, identified using current methods, do not always relate to vehicle performance (Figure 1). Implementation of the PBTG inspection method should lead to prioritized track geometry maintenance based on vehicle performance. As such, railroads can expect to reduce potential derailment incidents and the stress state of track structure caused by poor vehicle/track interaction.

The PBTG technology allows users to specify vehicle types sensitive to track geometry input (such as empty tank cars, loaded hoppers and gondolas), as well as a variety of operating speeds for vehicle performance analysis. On a real-time basis, this technology identifies track segments that may produce poor vehicle performance and generates recommended track geometry maintenance actions.
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Vehicle performance and PBTG exceptions

Performance-based track geometry inspections relate measured track geometry to vehicle performance. Vehicle performance can be defined in terms of different vehicle response parameters relating to derailment potential, stress state of track structures and vehicle ride quality. These vehicle responses can be defined as follows:

* "Derailment potential" is often defined by L/V ratio (lateral/vertical wheel or axle load ratio) and "vertical wheel unloading" values with respect to allowable limits. The L/V ratio criterion is intended to prevent flange climb derailment and the vertical unloading criterion is intended to prevent wheel lift derailment.

* "Stress state" is often quantified by the "maximum vertical and lateral wheel loads" exerted on track.

* "Ride quality" is often quantified by "vertical and lateral accelerations on the car body."

The current version of the PBTG inspection system defines vehicle performance in terms of derailment potential and stress state, though it can be expanded to include ride quality analysis. More specifically, the current PBTG system can be used for vehicle performance analysis for the following parameters: single wheel L/V ratio, vertical wheel load and lateral wheel load.

"PBTG exception" is defined as a track geometry condition within a track segment that will likely cause an undesirable vehicle response. Unlike a track geometry defect, defined by the FRA Track Safety Standards (2) or railroad maintenance standards, which is point specific, a PBTG exception is segment specific. It includes combined and multiple geometry deviations within a segment and takes into account the effect of track features, such as curvature and spiral.

As an example, Figure 2 shows where a combined track geometry condition led to a poor vehicle response (L/V ratio above 1.0). As shown, the combined track geometry deviations (cross level, alignment and surface) were located between 4,500 feet and 4,700 feet. The presence of an entry spiral also contributed to the poor vehicle response.

'Freedom car' stalling out

2006-12-23T20:47:00.000-08:00

THERE used to be talk of cars one day getting 80 miles per gallon. They would be built by Detroit's Big Three, developed and engineered with $10 billion in government research grants.

It was a time when gas prices hovered above $1.20 and everything seemed possible, even a joint effort by Ford, GM and Chrysler to build super-duper energy-efficient economy cars. It was 1993.

In September of that year, President Bill Clinton announced plans for a so-called clean car--also known as "Supercar"--thanks to a collaboration between government and industry, called "Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles" He compared the effort to the Apollo space program and promised to bring the new vehicles to life within 10 years.

The goal was to preserve and create jobs, boost the economy and limit Americans' dependence on foreign oil. Pollution would be reduced, too.