How Can I Tell if the Vehicle I Am Buying Has Been in the Body Shop?
Buying a car or truck as you already know is a big investment. For some of us who don’t own our own house, it is most likely our largest investment. So when we shop for that used car or truck it is natural that we we want to know about the vehicle we are getting. Has it been in an accident? Were there any major repairs done to the vehicle?
These are important questions. A used car dealer may know the history of the vehicle, but most of the time the cars and trucks that you see on a local car dealer lot come from auctions and your dealer will not know the history. At least half of the time you trade in your vehicle it will end up at a dealer auction. And MOST of the time you turn in your leased vehicle it will end up at auction. So how are we supposed to know what happened to this vehicle that we are eying? What am I getting into here?
The first thing to do is to go to either end of the car and squat down at the corner, such as by the tail light, and look straight down the body of the car, down the body line starting with the quarter panel, down the doors, and right up the fender. Notice the shine or reflections that you are getting off of the paint? That is where you want to start. Are there sections shinier or flatter than others? Does everything line up? Are there any ripples at all? It should look like a nice mirror reflection. If the surfaces of each panel look different, this could be an indication of poorly done body work.
Next, feel the paint all the way around the car. All of the painted surfaces should feel the same. Feel the bumpers and the hood. These are common spots to repaint. Are there any spots on the car that are a little rougher than another? If so, then you have good reason to be suspicious.
If a car has a pinstripe or graphic kit, look along the edge of it to see if a body shop painted part of a body panel. One trick a painter will use to save some work is to only paint part of a panel (if they can get away with it) and only repaint a small area that was most significantly affected by body work. If that is the case, the painter will probably do his masking right next to a pinstripe and try to paint either above it or below it. He will use the stripe line as a stopping point for his paintwork. Feel the edges of the stripe. Do you feel a sharp edge? It’s probably been repainted then.
Finally, always look for hints of over spray or an old color that give away an undisclosed paint job. This requires checking door jambs, under the hood, in the trunk and under the gas cap door. Putting in a little extra time while shopping for your vehicle can save you a lot of time and money down the road.
Best of all, buy a used car from someone you trust, be it a dealer or an individual. And never, ever jump at a deal that seems too good to be true. It almost always is.
Mike Briglia is the owner of Custom Auto Trim, specializing in body kits and car and truck graphics, and is based in San Diego CA. Find more information on auto accessories at http://www.customautotrim.com/
Motorcycle Tire Care for Your Safety
Your motorcycle tires will last longer if you do weekly or monthly checks of your tires. You need to ensure that the walls of the tires are not cracked or have cuts in them.
One important check is the air pressure of your tire. Always maintain the proper pressure and you will have a safer ride. Also, the motorcycle will ride better and perform as it should. Never let the air pressure get so low that you have a hard time controlling the bike.
Also, when the tire has low air pressure it can cause the tire to separate and cause blowouts. The cause of the blowout is due to the tire heating up because of not maintaining proper air pressure.
Tread wear of your tires is very important. Without enough tread you are asking for a accident. Most manufactures recommend that a tread depth of 32 seconds of an inch is low enough. When they are at this depth its time to replace the tire.
I know people ride in their car with bald tires but its not a good practice with a motorcycle. You only have two tires and you need them both to prevent an accident. Play it safe and make sure you have the correct tread depth.
Your rims play a important part in helping your tires last longer and in shape. If you have spoke rims its a must to ensure that the spokes are tighten correctly. I would recommend a professional tighten them because they have the right equipment and know how. You may have tighten the spokes on your bicycle but there’s more at stake when you have a motorcycle.
If you have solid rims they can become dent or out of line which will cause your tire to wear faster and cause them to wobble. This will make it very unsafe to drive. Replace them immediately; never ride a motorcycle with bent rims.
Don’t mix your tire because this can cause problems. When you replace your tires they should both be the same size, rating, and type. The performance of your motorcycle will be better with tires that are the same. Safer also.
When you purchase your tires you need to decide what kind of riding you will be doing. Motorcycle tires are designed for the type of riding the individual will do. Maybe you ride on dirt roads alot. In that case you would want a tire with softer rubber. To ride the open road you need a firmer tire for better traction and control. So be sure and purchase the right tire for the right pavement.
Deciding and mainting your motorcycle tires is a very important decision. Don’t take it lightly and you will have many safe miles.
Your safety and others will be enhanced if you provide proper tire care to your motorcycle tires. Choose the correct one at Best Mororcycle Tire Store
For Those Looking At Used Caravans; Some Buying Tips
Caravans are becoming an evermore popular buy for many families in the UK for the freedom they offer and the increased affordability of holidaying. Before you head to the dealership and buy the all singing, all dancing model however it may be worth considering used caravans as a more cost effective buy and in some respects a testing ground to ascertain whether the world of caravanning is really for you. There is however a wide variety of problems that can occur when buying used caravans; above all you need to take as much care with your purchase, as if you were buying a car or house.
Unfortunately some of the used caravans on the market today are of questionable quality. This is not normally the case at professional dealerships as they have standards to meet but private sellers can sell substandard used caravans. That is not to say that all private sellers are selling poor quality outfits, there are many out there who have loved and cared for their caravans and try to ensure its quality at the time of sale. Ultimately you must assess the seller to establish whether they are a caravanner that has cared for their outfit or simply someone trying to make a quick buck.
In addition, when looking at used caravans it is essential to check the maximum towing weight of the car you intend to tow the outfit with. Of prime importance is to tow safely and if your car is underpowered, you may have to reassess whether this is the right caravan for you. As well as the towing weight of your car you should check the tow bar of the used outfit carefully checking for any signs of rust or excessive wear. If the tow bar proves to be faulty it is advisable to walk away from the deal, the last thing you want is the outfit becoming detached while in transit.
Used caravans pose separate problems to new ones, of ultimate importance is to recognise any structural problems that may become apparent in years to come. When checking you should ensure that the caravan’s walls are glued together and not just stapled, the glue will help to keep the outfit watertight. As well as the walls it is advisable to check the fixtures and fittings like the cupboard and sink for structural stability and decent levels of support.
Most important when looking at used caravans is to check how well the outfit is sealed. Excessive moisture inside the caravan can be considered a death knell for an outfit leading to damp, rot and eventual structural instability. As part of your checks you must ensure that the sealing around the edges and corners is effective, you can do this by squeezing the panelling at sealed points to assess the adherence to both adjoining surfaces. As well as the walls it is fundamental that you check the sealant around the window frames, doors and the seals between the floor and walls. If you happen to find any water inside the outfit it is advisable to walk away, not only can damp be expensive to remedy but can also lead to the complete destruction of the caravan.
Finally it is important to check the chassis of any used caravans you may look at. Most caravanners will tell you that slipper springs are worth avoiding and instead you should look for shackle type fixings with shock absorbers. In addition it is also worth checking the tyres for wear, they fall under tread regulations and excessively bald tyres may be an added expense, although you may be able to receive a discount from the seller.
By following this advice you should be able to avoid the poor quality used caravans out there, finding yourself and outfit that will provide you with years of pleasure and enjoyment. Remember that purchase is not the final step; you must undertake regular maintenance to prolong its life. The perfect caravan is out there, by using these tips you should be able to find it.
Travel expert Thomas Pretty looks into what checks must be made when looking at used caravans.
Love It Or Hate It The Mini Is Here To Stay
Who’d have thought that such a mini little car would take off the way it has? It looks like something a child would drive, has about as much spare room as you need to fit your handbag in and has the appearance of a car that needs dragging backwards just to get some welly behind it.
However, the humble Mini has taken off beyond Cooper’s wildest dreams and has become a veritable icon in the motoring world. I personally aspired to a mini in bright pink metal flake when I was a teenager but thankfully common sense kicked in before I could afford my own car.
Nowadays, the Mini has a worldwide fan club all its own. Organisations abound for Mini owners to get together and compare storage capacity, or whatever it is they do. There’s even a stretch Mini available for occasions. Would they be the occasions when you want to get a normal weeks shopping in the back, or take both the kids out at once, just for a treat?
I suppose the one thing that Mini has that appeals to people is its uniqueness. Yes, there are other small cars on the market but they look silly when compared to the classic cuteness of the Mini. With its individual paint jobs and squat baby looks, how can a comparison be made?
Some of the world’s bigger celebrities have been proud Mini owners. The Beatles all owned a Mini each, Steve McQueen and Clint Eastwood also managed to get their lanky frames behind the wheel of one of these cars and have been joined by Paul Newman, Charlotte Church and Sharon Osborne. Not physically of course because that would just be silly and downright impossible, but as Mini owners.
Even the advertising of the Mini has been completely different to what we are used to for your average product. A series of small, movie like clips have been televised and a whole series of action packed mini films have been played over the web in their advertising campaign.
So, what makes it as great as the Americans seem to think it is, because it seems the Mini has truly found a home in the US. Well, as small as it is, the placing of the wheels in the far corners gives it the appearance of the Great British bulldog. Sturdy, strong and powerful. The superb handling, surprising power and excellent running costs make this a car to be reckoned with, along with the numerous ways you can customise it to your own specifications. There are, in fact, over 10,000,000 possible combinations of accessories so the chances of you meeting up with someone who has picked the same are pretty slim.
Although the makers of Mini like to largely stay with the original design, some subtle changes have been made over the years. It is now slightly larger than it used to be and also comes in a convertible design. It is also more powerful than it was originally with the Mini Cooper S reaching 172 horsepower. Other options include being able to choose heated seats, cruise control, air conditioning, sports suspension and top of the range stereo system.
Mini cars are a bit like Marmite - you either love them or hate them. There is no middle of the road for these cars. But however you feel about them they are here to stay and take the lead in the way all small cars should look.
Car expert Catherine Harvey looks at the reasons why the Mini is so popular.
Moves To Beat The Daylight Robbery Of Fuel Tax
With all the reports that we see today about global warming, we all have a duty to do our bit for the environment. Even for those in opposition to the global warming theory, even they can suggest it would be a bad thing to reduce the amount of pollution we breathe in. If nothing else, it will be better for our health and for the health of our children if we can keep the air as clean as possible.
With ever increasing fuel prices being blamed on the need to reduce the number of cars on the road and subsequently the emissions in the environment, we all need to find a way round the fuel suppliers and the Government being able to fleece us like they do. One way to do this is by changing the type of car we drive. Electric cars are hailed as the ultimate environment saver but there performance to date has been much below the standard we are used to from petrol cars.
One option is the Hybrid vehicle. Lexus, BMW, Ford, Honda and Peugeot are just some of the manufacturers that make hybrid cars. They use a combination of internal combustion engine and nickel metal hydride batteries to run more efficient cars with up to 70% fewer emissions than your average petrol car. And performance is good.
Hybrid cars are not a new concept but it has taken some time to bring them up to the required standard. Lexus are now releasing their sixth generation of hybrid vehicles. The idea is that environmentally sensitive innovations are used to stop our cars polluting the atmosphere. But the benefits to a hybrid don’t stop there.
Overall, they are economically better. Thanks to the electronically controlled continuously variable transmission the switch between the electric drive motors and internal combustion engine is relatively seamless and provides an extremely smooth ride. On top of that, extra insulation has been added and the engine mounted higher up which all contribute to make the whole drive a lot quieter.
The brain of the hybrid, the electronic control unit, constantly monitors driving conditions and will adjust the power flow between generator, battery and motor to make sure the vehicle runs smoothly and efficiently at all times.
One of the previous problems with hybrid cars was the fact that the battery not only needed plugging in and charging but that it wouldn’t last long before it needed re-charging. On top of that, the battery would only last three years and disposal of it then creates environmental issues of its own. The Lexus battery is now covered by a warranty for eight years or 100,000 miles and they will then recover it to make sure it is handled correctly. It is also charged by coasting and braking and does not need to be plugged in anywhere.
Hybrid cars are the way to go until they can bring about a proper electric car that can provide the performance we are used to. It gets us round the problem of pollution from emissions, it should reduce our reliance on petrol and still get us where we need to go. If we go in a Lexus or BMW hybrid then we are going to be doing it in much better style than one of those strange looking Noddy cars that constitutes the current all electric vehicles.
Environmental expert Catherine Harvey looks at the way Lexus are doing their bit to stop global warming.
The Future Of High-Tech Cars And Automobiles
If you ever want a good laugh, take a few minutes to hop on the Internet and search for some clippings from about a hundred years ago that try to offer up predictions on what kind of cars and automobiles we would be driving in the 21st century. It’s hilarious to look at drawings of what people thought we would be driving, from flying cars to automobiles that looked like some sort of messed up combinations of bicycles and hot air balloons. If there is one constant when it comes to predictions of future automobiles, it is this: they are almost always way off the mark and totally wrong. Having said that, let’s take a more pragmatic look at what automobiles of the future might resemble and the different influences that could shape the cars of tomorrow.
First of all, let’s get rid of the old cliche about us driving flying cars someday in the future. That is almost certainly not going to happen anytime in the next hundred years. And it’s not because of limits of technology, either; sure, we could probably create automobiles that really did fly if we wanted or needed to. The real reason why flying cars will never happen is simple: it’s safety. Just look at the automobiles of today and how many of them get into crashes every single day around the world. And that is when they are limited to just two dimensions of travel! If you added another dimension (up and down) to the options for travel that car drivers have, you would see a massive increase in the amount of crashes, deaths and injuries.
I know what you’re going to say: that if technology allowed us to just type or state a destination and have the flying car take us there automatically, then it would get rid of human error. And yes, that is a valid point. But the fact of the matter is that technology of that kind does not exist yet, and when it is perfected enough to place in automobiles, it will likely be extremely expensive. You would probably see an economic disparity between who was travelling in the new, slick, safe flying cars, and the poorer people who were still bound to drive themselves around in the much less safe two-dimensional automobiles. Until the technology becomes both possible and cheap, you will probably not see many cars zipping around in the skies.
Besides, as of right now traffic in the skies is regulated by the federal government, and the flight paths and routes for airplanes have to be approved ahead of time by officials who keep track of where everything is flying. If you added automobiles to the mix, the problems that would face traffic controllers would likely be extreme. So as of right now, the future of high-tech cars and automobiles is likely to be right here on the ground where they are now. While flying cars might someday come to pass, you probably shouldn’t count on it anytime in the next hundred years or so.
You can check out our free forum to search and share lots of great automobile sweepstakes, and don’t forget to visit our sites about Canadian sweepstakes and general sweepstakes and contests, too.
How To Find The Best Car Insurance Quote Online
Using the Internet to find and compare auto insurance quotes is not only very easy nowadays, but it also has two uses when it comes to paying less for your car insurance. First you could just accept the best quote you find, it will probably be better that the quote you got from your regular insurance agent anyhow. Second you can use the information you have to go back to your agent and get an even better deal.
The Internet has taken all the hard work out of getting quotes from a large number of different insurance companies, the days when you had to go from office to office collecting quotes along the way have disappeared forever. You can even get insurance for private passenger vehicles entirely on line now, but if you want to save even more money, you will have call the companies and negotiate a bit harder.
What Type Of Insurance Cover Do You Need?
Think very carefully about the type of cover you need. Do you need collision damage cover for instance? If you drive a fancy European Sports car then you probably do, and you will probably think it’s worth paying the extra. These cars are expensive to repair, and even if the accident isn’t your fault, you will only get the other driver to pay if they have there own auto insurance - the number of uninsured cars on the roads is increasing.
Comprehensive insurance cover is similar to collision cover, it will be more appropriate for drivers of more expensive vehicles than others. One of the biggest factors has to be the deductible you choose - most companies will have a minimum, but if you are comfortable with a higher deductible, you will be able to negotiate a lower price.
We all have different insurance coverage needs, and our individual circumstances will mean that the quote you get will be entirely different from the quote I get, even though our circumstances might appear to be quite similar on the face of things. Get all your information together, and then use the Internet comparison websites to check out prices, reliability and service then draw up a list of the companies or agents you want to call by phone.
When you do call them, have everything you need in front of you and know exactly the cover you want. Give them any extra information that might reduce your quote, like have you completed an advance driving course? I always make a point of letting them know the best price I have already been quoted, the market today is extremely competitive and you would be surprised how many companies will offer you a discount just to beat their competition and get your business.
When they give me their best price I write it down and move on to the next company on the list and then repeat. I have a friend who saved over $1000 by using this technique, which in total took him a little over one hour to complete - I don’t know about you, but I think that’s good money for one hours ‘work’!
aguidetoinsurance.com is a free site designed to help you get the best from your insurance. It specializes in helping you find cheaper car insurance for teenagers and car insurance for young driver.
Hypermiler Fact and Fiction
The word Hypermiler has been popping up in many a conversation since the price hike in gas. Some people are infuriated by the tactics of some hypermilers, while others are intrigued as to what on earth hypermilers are. In this article we will explore what Hypermilers are and some of the fact and fiction that has been popping up around it since the phrase has been coined.
What are Hypermilers?
Hypermilers are people who do whatever they can to maximize their gas mileage. The term Hypermilers
originated from hybrid driving clubs which were started after the first hybrid cars were manufactured and sold. The people driving these cars noticed that with certain driving techniques, they could great increase the mileage they got on a tank of gas. By refining these driving techniques these drivers greatly exceeded the EPA rating for their cars.
Fact or Fiction?
1. When to fill up the car
There is a school of thought that you should fill up your car in the early morning when it is still cold. Reason being that the gas stations keep their gas underground at a certain temperature which is cooler than on the surface. Gas expands when it warms up. So, filling up your car in the morning means that you will get cold gas into your cold tank which means that you will get more gas than when it is warm.
A silly notion or true? True! And in some countries the gas stations have been passing discounts to their consumers due to the fact that they get less gas at certain times of the year. It is called “temperature compensation”.
2. Putting magnets in and around your tank will increase your gas mileage
These magnets are mostly sold online at auction websites and they claim to increase your gas mileage by 100%, give your vehicle increased horsepower, increased throttle responses, smoother shifting of gears, greater acceleration.
Sounds to good to be true? It is! It is advisable to be wary of any manufacturer that claims that their device can significantly or even noticeably improve gas mileage, especially without adversely affecting a vehicle’s emissions to the point where the vehicle may not be in compliance with the law.
3. Hypermiling can increase your gas mileage
Hypermilers claim that using certain driving and car maintenance techniques, you can shave hundreds of dollars off the cost of your vehicle expenses.
True. Using sensible driving techniques that do not go to the extreme, you can greatly increase the mileage you get on a tank of gas.
4. Using Acetone
Rumour has it that by adding just a few ounces of acetone per ten gallons of gas will have you get more mileage out of your tank.
Strange but true! Acetone helps gas to fully vaporise, which means less wasted fuel. Fuel that was previusly wasted past the rings or sent out via the exhaust, when mixed with acetone it gets burned, and the engine does not notice that it is not running on straigh gas!
Shave up to 40% off your expenses with our safe Hypermiler
tips. No vehicle modifications necessary!! Shave $$$ of your gas expenses with our Hypermiling Secrets.
Should You Convert Your Car To Run On Water?
Gas prices are on constant rise and the fuel economy question is starting to get very serious. Gas prices near me, in Los Angeles, are now pushing or over $4 per gallon for regular unleaded, OUCH. Gas Prices may soar to between $7 and $10 a Gallon. Get ready for another economic shock of major proportions. A virtual doubling of prices at the gas pump to as much as $10 a gallon. By the time that we cash our pay checks, we pretty much start calculating how much we will be spending on gas. We are pretty much just working for taxes, bills and gas.
So then it is a no brainer to convert your car to run on water or HHO gas. Doing so can save you over from 25% to 100% in fuel costs. Less than one gallon of water provides over 1800 gallons of HHO gas, which can literally last for months and significantly increase your vehicle’s fuel efficiently, improve emissions, and save you money. It has already helped me save tremendously on fuel costs. And it only requires you to make a 5-minute maintenance check every week to make sure that everything is working correctly. Not only will you save money; you’ll reduce your carbon footprint to help the planet.
Interestingly, converting your car to run on water was one of the most searched for terms last year. Converting cars to burn water is not new. While running your car on water 100% of the time is very complex, converting your car into a water hybrid is really quite easy. The simplicity comes from its being an
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Need to Transport Your Car? 3 Tips On What To Look For That Will Save You Money
If you are fortunate enough to own a prized classic or specialty vehicle, then you know first hand just how protective you need to be in the care others need to be with your car. The question is, are they? How will you know what to look for than to take some advice from someone who actually has transported a specialty car before? The transporter company you select needs to pay extra attention to the care and details of exotic or specialty cars because their rare and expensive.
A lot needs to be considered in the way you choose to have your car transported. How your car will arrive to its destination depends on you and how well you shopped around for types of services because so much anxiety is spent over the worry of cars arriving in one piece with good reason I have a few suggestions to help the transition go a bit smoother for you.
First, reputable car transporters are there to provide you with safe options. Their main objective should be to get your vehicle to the destination point in perfect condition and on scheduled time. If you’re worried about the safe transport of your car, especially if is a classic or exotic car your not alone. Your exotic car transporter company is there to work for you. Choosing a car shipping company over driving the car yourself as your vehicle moving option has a multitude of advantages.
Second, you should choose a company that can provide state of the art custom-built hard sided fully enclosed trailers. This way your precious car stays protected from the outside elements. Also, think about the options of having your car remain flat without being tied down by chains while in transit. It should not be difficult to find a classic or exotic car Transport Company with a trained crew of professionals who work to maintain an exceptional fleet of opened and enclosed transports to fit your personal needs and budget.
You would think that when it comes to professional car transporters, especially exotic or classic, that the crew would use the most caution, consideration and carefulness when it comes to these types prized vehicles. The reality is because their so expensive and costly to repair. You need to be very particular in a reliable company who will care for your classic or exotic car as though it were their own.
Consider a company that utilized a lift gate system that can tilt to ensure a smooth level when loading your vehicle if the loading surface isn’t level. This is very important when transport companies have to stack cars for transporting; they need to get cars to upper levels safely without the threat of causing damage.
Thirdly, my best advice is for you to be painfully selective and careful. Make sure you review thoroughly any and all documents regarding the cost and liability of your statement for your protection. Make sure your quote is clearly defined.
You also need a company that is well-equipped with equipment that is in tune with the latest technology, and insurance of your car while in transit. The transporter company you choose should have a well-developed and reliable network of offices throughout the country and world and a door-to-door satellite tracking system so you know where your car is at all times.
Let’s be honest here, you have a very expensive car and you expect it to remain in excellent condition. Again, you need to be very particular in a reliable company who will care for your classic or exotic car as though it were their own. Just shop around and compare services to insure that you’re getting a competitive deal. Comparing is how you get the best deals to saving money. This is for your peace of mind for yourself and for extra protection for your car while traveling
DaMovers is your competitive and affordable moving quote solution for comparing Auto Transport Service companies. Be very particular when it comes to Classic Cars Transporter and especially Exotic Car Transporter companies to insure a safe and damage free passage of your prized possession.
