Vehicle Inspection

Vehicle Inspection
By Terje Ellingsen


A vehicle inspection should be done at least once a year and even if you're a person who hates do it yourself auto repair, it is easy to go through this procedure and find out if some parts of your vehicle needs fixing. If necessary you can then decide whether you want to go to an auto repair shop or do the car repair yourself.

You should check your vehicles fuel system to find out if it functions properly. This inspection also includes the built in computer controls. You also have to check the general engine performance, ignition system - computer controls included, as well as all the instruments and gauges.

Then do a check of your vehicles lights the car horn and mirrors. Your seat belts also have to be checked - security inspection is crucial in any vehicle. You should also perform a car body evaluation which encompasses both the auto interior as well as exterior. Are there many scratches, cracks and other things that should be fixed? Even if it don't impact your cars functions, a nice looking vehicle is much more comfortable to drive.

Your car's steering and suspension system should undergo a careful inspection. This also includes your vehicles shocks, struts and CV boots where applicable. Your auto's tires are some of the most exposed parts there are, so it is important to inspect them for smooth areas or nails etc. In the most extreme cases neglected tires can represent a severe accident risk. Remember to include checking the tire spare when you inspect your car's tires.

Another potential accident creator is unbalanced or bad aligned wheels. Therefore check your auto's wheel balance and alignment. If you have a front wheel drive vehicle, all four wheels on your vehicle should be checked for balance. Your motorcar's windshield wipers and washers, air condition or heather system, de-froster as well as all fluids contained in you car.

The battery and electrical system also have to be checked and this should also include alternator output. Your vehicles braking system is a critical part of your auto's safety system and should therefore be checked very carefully. A car braking system inspection always includes drums, rotors as well as electronic and hydraulic components. The components of your car's cooling system should be inspected and in connection with this a pressure test should be included. And last but not least; don't forget to check your vehicles emission control system and it's components.

Whether you own a VW, Cadillac or BMW; if you follow this check-list or procedure of checking your vehicle from time to time you can save much money by detecting damages early enough to get it fixed while the damage is minimal. What this means for your auto safety is probably worth even more than the money you'll save.

Terje Brooks Ellingsen is a writer and internet publisher. He runs the website cheap-used-cars.w-eland.com.Terje gives advice and helps people with automotive issues like do it yourself auto repair and how to find a cheap BMW and other used cars online.

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

Auto Insurance Buying Tips

Auto Insurance Buying Tips
By Matt McWilliams


Consolidate Insurance Policies

Insuring two or more vehicles with the same insurance company can save you between 10 - 15% on your premiums. Covering your home through the same company that you have auto insurance with can reduce your premiums by another 10-15%.

Increase Your Deductible

One rule of thumb is to carry the highest deductible you can afford. By increasing your deductible from $100 to $1,000, you could save up to 25%. Keep in mind, though, that your lender might not agree to a higher deductible.

Install Anti-Theft And Safety Devices

Installing a vehicle recovery system such as Lo-Jack or Teletracer could save you up to 7-10% per year. There are other relatively inexpensive anti-theft devices such as "The Club", which locks the steering wheel in place, as well as having your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) etched on each window.

Safety features such as air bags, traction control and anti-lock braking systems (ABS) are viewed positively by insurance companies which, in turn, is reflected in your premiums. Although these systems may not reduce injury during an accident, they will reduce your premiums.

Clean Driving Record And Safety Courses

While traffic tickets and auto accidents will increase your premiums, most insurance companies offer discounts to drivers with clean records. Also, some insurance companies will offer a discount if you attend a Driver Training School Program, and your employer might even pay the cost if you use a company vehicle for your job. Training school discounts may vary between 7-10%.

Reduce Coverage On Older Vehicles

If you have an older car worth between $1,000 - $2,000, you might be better off dropping the collision coverage. Check to see if your collision premium is more than the value of the car.

Non-Smoker Or Early Retiree Discounts

Yes, some companies provide discounts for Non-smokers and Early Retirees. Insurers consider smoking a dangerous driving activity.

Park In A Garage

Sometimes the difference between getting auto insurance and going uninsured is where you keep your vehicle at night. Most thefts do not involve a garaged car and this is reflected in premium discounts. If you have a winter home with no garage, try putting the vehicle in storage. Let your insurance company know that your car is in storage, and you could receive a partial premium reduction.

Carpool With A Co-Worker

Most insurers surcharge premiums if the commute to work exceeds 3 miles. Carpooling with a co-worker may result in a discount for low-mileage use.

Drive A Conservative Car

Before buying a car you might want to find out how much your insurance will cost annually. Insurance companies consider certain cars easily damaged and expensive to repair, and other cars the target of thieves. You could end up paying a premium surcharge between 10 - 20%. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has established the Auto Safety Hotline at 1-800-424-9393 to report safety defects or to obtain information on cars, trucks, child seats, highway or traffic safety. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety provides information on death rates by car make and model as well as the standard safety equipment available. The Institute can be reached at 703-247-1500.

Teenage And College Bound Drivers

You may want to consider letting your teenager drive the family car instead of buying his/her own vehicle. This will very likely lower your cost to cover them. Students in school and living away from home can reduce their premiums by 30 - 50%, depending on the insurer.

Conclusion

After reviewing all of the savings tips, you may have determined that if you added up all your credits you could receive a 70 - 90% reduction in your premium. Well, unfortunately it doesn't work like that. Certain measures that you take may qualify you for being placed with the "preferred" company of a particular insurance group. This "preferred" company will be able to give you additional premium credits.

Matt McWilliams is one of the co-founders of HometownQuotes.Com, an online insurance quotes web site. He is originally from Pinebluff, NC and attended Middle Tennessee State University. He is considered an expert in the field of online insurance shopping and finding new ways to help consumers save money on their insurance. For more information visit http://www.hometownquotes.com

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

Winter Tires - Why You Need Them

If you live in the area of North America known as the Snow Belt, then a good set of winter tires are an indispensable weapon in your annual battle with the elements. Drivers living outside the belt who sometimes encounter snow, or are skiers should also consider moving up to winter tires from all-season tires, especially if the all-seasons have more than a couple of years of wear on them. All-season tires are designed to handle acceptably under a large variety of conditions, which is by nature a compromise. In other words, Jack of All Trades, Master of None. A typical Super High Perfomance tire with treads designed to hold the road at 200 degrees F will become hard and brittle at temperatures below freezing, and turn into Super Low Perfomance tires! Only winter tires are designed for optimal perfomance in sub-zero conditions.

Using winter tires will lengthen the life of your summer tires since they'll be sitting in storage for part of the year. That makes these snow-beaters an economically sensible purchase. Not only that, but having a set of winter wheels will protect your summer wheels finish from the hearsh environment of raod salt, ice, grime and slush existing on winter roads.

For stopping power on icy streets and acceleration in slushy spots, winter tires are a must. That means you won't get stuck in the snow, slip and slide on an icy hill, or end up in the ditch of some curvy backroad.

Don't neglect checking the air pressure in your winter tires. Since the air in a tire contracts as temperatures drop, for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit drop in the outside temperature, your tires will lose 1 psi in pressure. Your car's handling, traction and fuel efficiency will be adversely affected by this, so pay attention during the fall months as the weather changes. It is recommended to check your tires with a digital pressure gauge for better precision.

Another tip- make sure to keep the valve caps on. Valves with caps to protect them will freeze up, and when moisture collects in the valve, they will slowly leak air from your winter tires.

David Demetre lives in the snowbelt, is an author and the webmaster at http://www.Carrom.us, a premier source of Custom Car Floor Mats

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

How to Change a Flat Tire: Step by Step

It can happen to anyone, no matter how new or old your car. And, it can happen in the most unlikely of places in the most inconvenient circumstances. A flat tire is something that everyone should know how to fix and/or change, especially in cases where you are not a member of a travel club that can come out and fix it for you or you are in a remote area where you cannot call for help. Read the following tips of what to do from pulling off to the side of the road, to driving away with your doughnut.

While most modern steel-belted radial tires provide thousands of miles of trouble-free driving, there is still a possibility that your tire could get punctured by debris, experience a blow out, or just go flat. When any of those incidents happen, you need to be prepared.

Sometimes you may realize you have a flat tire when you head to the driveway to start your car. But more often, a flat tire occurs while driving. If one of your tires is punctured by highway debris while driving, the first thing you need to do is bring your vehicle to a complete and safe stop out of traffic’s way. It’s really important not to panic when this happens, but instead to remain calm. It may be a reaction to slam on the brakes. Don’t! This will make things worse. Just put on your blinker and pull over on the side of the road. Once stopped as far of the road as you can get, put on your flashers.

Before you attempt to do anything, you should make sure that your car is on a level surface. If not, you should try to move your car up the road a little ways to find a better area. Your first step is to make sure your car is in PARK. (If you are panicking, you may forget this obvious step as you exit your car!) If you are driving a vehicle with a manual transmission, place it in REVERSE. All passengers should exit the car as well and remain a safe distance from the road.

Your first step will be of course to make sure you have the necessities you need: a jack, spare tire and tool kit. Every car should have these. (This means not removing them when you are trying to find room for luggage!) You will want to remove these items from the trunk or hatchback and place them on the ground next to the flat tire.

Next, jack up the car. Jacks will vary by type of car, but chances are your owner’s manual will give you instructions on how to use the one that came with your vehicle. Before you jack of the car, if you can find some rocks, place one behind the wheel on the opposite side (diagonal). This will ensure that your car does not move during the process. Then, raise the vehicle just enough for the tire to clear the ground.

Start to remove the lug nuts with the socket wrench. Be sure you don’t lose these! Take the wheel cover off, and then remove the flat tire. Next, put on the spare tire, replace wheel cover and secure with the nuts. Tighten them as much as possible. Next, lower the car just so the wheel touches the ground. Gather up your tools and flat tire and replace in your trunk.

It is never recommended to drive your car on a spare tire for long distances. So, once you are ready to safely pull back onto the road, you may want to head right home and make plans for dropping your car off for a new tire. If on vacation or on business, you will want to stop at the nearest garage to either have a new tire put on, or to have it repaired.

Michael Walker is a freelance author providing tips and hints on engine related topics such as JDM engines, used JDM engines and used Honda engines. His articles are a valuable source of information for the auto enthusiast.

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

Tire Pressure Issues For Automobiles, Stay Safe America

How far along has tire pressure monitoring come recently? Well it is making significant strides in the transportation industries for a variety of reasons; reducing fuel costs, safety and insurance savings, regulations stemming from the Firestone Affair in the SUV market and lobbying from consumer groups. The DOT has looked into these issues for passenger cars and the Tire Industry has had mixed emotions for a reason, often stating that the best thing to do is to educate consumers about tire pressure.

A recent survey during Car Care Aware Week showed that 54% of all cars had one or more tires, which were low on air, thus causing excessive wear, stability issues and poor fuel efficiencies. This was an interesting case in fact. We see this all the time when we service our customers cars. During this same study it was found that only 14% of the cars had one or more tires that needed tread and were worn out. It would behoove those in the car care industry to check tires as a courtesy for customers.

Jiffy Lube and other companies do this already as part of a multi-point check list. We believe that soon all over the road trucks will have some sort of low-pressure indicator either inside the cab or out side. Some already have sensors, which light up on the dash-board and along with GPS navigation which already indicates truck stops and repair stations which have tire shops or Tire chucks with air hoses. Recently we discussed the issues with Large Passenger van rollovers and the NTSB did a huge study showing these vans to be unsafe, yet many of the problems stemmed from low air pressures and poor loading in rear or on top. Once again issues of tires were the biggest. Under rated tires for the load or under inflated tires during the trip which contained the accident were a factor in the event itself.

Some shop owners have asked me why should I get involved with tire pressures because I might be sued (again the issue of our over litigated society, causing friction when you go to help your fellow man or customer?) if I put air in and someone has an accident and they determine that on a dirt road the car had too much air in the tires for that condition, when I put the additional air in because the dad said he was taking his family on a road trip to Colorado or Kansas for four days? I understand this comment and fear from lawsuits and admit that there are too many attorneys in the world, especially here in the States. But as a Car Care Professional you can prevent accidents and help people. This same comment about lawyers is what the tire industry is fearing.

The tire pressure issue was over turned by the NHTSA but expect it to come back stronger next time as consumer groups and politicians judging the wind flow see the political advantage of caving into such demands, which indeed will open the tire industry to more class action lawsuits.

The RMA Rubber Manufacturers Association wants to fight PSI level definitions, because it is not a one size fits all. Many things go into deciding proper inflation and PSI levels depending on such things: snow handling, wet & dry braking, braking & traction requirements, stopping distances, rolling resistance, fuel economy, noise, vibration, harmonics, comfort of ride, uniformity of tread ware, balance, cornering capabilities, , rotation interval specs, endurance ratings, tread ware tests, high speed performance, residual alignment torque, ease of mounting on production equipment, etc. You can see the issues manufacturers have with this. Many times customers will ask you can you check the tires, some shops are saying “no” while this is the best policy for not getting sued it is not good to keep telling customers “No” when:

A.) You can charge them for it and;
B.) They are willing to pay you for it and;
C.) You can make a good profit doing it.

After all with the increased news articles on tire ware and the significance of the firestone media frenzy, tires are on people’s mind more than the ever increasing oil change intervals propaganda from Auto Manufacturers to sell more cars and their particular brand of in house oil. The problem concerning tires has much to do with: ice, snow, rain, mud, highway speed, dirt roads, gravel, canyon driving, off road driving, speed bumps, gas mileage, traction, etc.

The manufacturers are at odds with a government regulatory body dictating their specifications on a tire which may perform many different duties on the same car within it’s life time. Manufacturers of tires are concerned with all these things and those listed above and also have to worry customers which modify vehicles, over load tires, drive monster mudders on freeways causing vibrations, harmonics, warped rotors, bent tie rods, bent steering rods, severe wear to breaking systems, cracked rims which in turn cause excessive ware including scalloped tires, radial separation, increased tire rotation intervals-some 4 X 4’s as little as 3000 miles when usually 6000 is recommended. Not to mention human kidney issues. This offends people and causes stereo’s to buzz and tires to roar into the night. When a recent survey came out on a scale of 1-10 tire noise was rated. Aggressive and dedicated Tire Engineers found that Cadillac, Mercedes, Bentley all scored high in the 7.5 range. Where high performance cars such as the Corvette, Mustang 5.0 and even the little Miata scored down into the 5 to 5.5 range. Stiffer tires gave better over all handling performance, great stopping and good grip, but were noisy.

GM has been offering sensor based tire pressure monitors and ABS for a while on some models and Daimler Chrysler on their Jeeps 2002-2004 models has a safety bulletin for installation of a tire pressure monitor dashboard indicator. When customers were asked in a survey by the TIA – Tire Industry Association;

31% said they check their air pressure regularly,

20% admitted to ignorance when it came to anything to do with tires

40% said their tries are totally safe.

54% had under inflated tires when they were checked

14% had either poor tread left or both.

In fact when the survey was checked against actual behavior in tire monitoring by the customer only 1 in 7 actually checks the tire pressure regularly. So it maybe something to think about when servicing your customer’s car while doing the oil changes.

The DOT and Regulatory bodies want tire manufacturers and tire retail chains to fork over tire data and returns. Data on warranty issues and marketing data of what was sold where. The industry does not want to because it is afraid the information will immediately become public and therefore fall into the hands of competitors. Which I guarnatee is true. You would not believe how competitive the auto industry is, you have to participate to understand, the regulators have never had a real job or run a real company and as well intended as they are they are mere puppets in the game and clueless to a shame. Those fine folks in government and god bless, them, well, they just don't get it.

But of course Consumer Groups say the competition already has the data because the tire manufacturers share the data with their retailers and wholesalers. Discount Tires, Big O, Les Schwabb, etc. say not so, that their data is much different.

TREAD The Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability and Documentation Act is wanting to demand more. This would be the most sweeping legislations since the Highway Act of 1966. Who stands to benefit? Well many after market safety equipment makers of things like seat belts, tire pressure monitor systems, Air-Bags, etc. Which would include some of the top fortune 500 companies and smaller companies with some huge political clout there in the newly upgraded section of “K-Street.” One interesting site to go to is the Consumer Report Tire Facility Testing Site which nearly rivals many of the Major Auto Company R and D or proving grounds. At the NACE Expo there was a lot of talk about tire pressure.

http://www.naceexpo.com

There are many changes coming due to political will, trial lawyer groups, accident rates and industry changes. All of these will affect the Oil Change Industry, which we or my company participates in, because as a retail auto service outlet you will be required to follow similar sweeping new changes in documentation. Great more paper work, just what you need right? Well speaking of paper work did you know that: GPEA – The Government Paper Elimination Act is a total failure. The Sarbanes Oxley Axe has increased paperwork three fold. The GPEA of 1998 has brought about some good changes in the way the government does business, but has lead to the creation of more paperwork for companies thus, more government paperwork. Elliot Spitzer’s Office has caused the early death of almost as many trees as the California Fires, by threatening good companies and cases, which scare little companies into generating more paperwork back-up. The DOT, FDA, CDC, FAA, FCC, EPA, OSHA, FTC, SEC, DOE, etc. and all the other three-letter and lots of Four Letter (word) agencies are requiring more paperwork.

This is affecting every small and medium size businesses ability to compete, because they waste money on things not essential to serving the needs of their customers and you and I, well in my opinion and thinking we all lose as the businesses and as those agencies look to cover their butts. Even if the entire system were to go digital the cost in the collection of the paper work. This means more man-hours, higher manager pay and more training and more CYA. This will mean with regards to tire pressures that if you check the tires you will have to make a notation and then keep a triplicate copy of the information, including a CYA that you told the customer of the issues in the way of a signature.

We are seeing that we are transferring the responsibility to be alert and pay attention to those in business rather than the owner of the car who abuses their equipment and has a friend who is a lawyer? Tire pressures are very important to the over all desires of your customer base and they seem to be on their minds as more and more customers are concerned about tires and the pressure due to the news media. By you paying attention to this you can develop a stronger customer base, greater requency of patronage, more referrals, more consumer confidence and more satisfied customers. You will be putting customers at ease and making them happy.

"Lance Winslow" - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/

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A Look at Truck Tire Chains

Truck tire chains can be purchased for everything from a pickup truck to an 18-wheeler. Drivers can find a chain to fit just about any need, spanning every size and style, and desired performance.

Single highway truck chains are recommended for highway use on trucks, buses, and RVs. For trucks that see more off road action than highway time, single V-Bar reinforced traction chains are recommended. This type of chain is available for light trucks, heavy trucks, busses, and RVs.

Of course, studded truck tire chains are always a good choice for off-roading. Drivers should first make sure that studs are legal in their state. If they are, studded cross chains provide one of the best options for off-road traction. Single studded truck tire chains can be purchased in 6, 7, or 8 mm. Dual triple studded tire chains are also available in 6, 7, or 8 mm.

For dual tires that are more accustomed to highway driving, dual triple truck, bus, and RV chains are recommended. The V-Bar is also available for dual tires. For vehicles with minimal clearance between dual wheels, dual mount chains are built without a center chain.

Finally, wide base chains are available for vehicles that have minimal clearance between wide base tires. Whether driving a light truck, heavy duty truck, bus, or RV, truck tire chains are available for every condition.

Tire Chains Info provides detailed information about automatic, snow, tractor, truck, ATV, skidder, and snow blower tire chains, as well as tire chain rentals. Tire Chains Info is the sister site of Trailer Hitches Web.

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

Car Ownership And Maintenance - Can We Afford Not To Learn?

The car is one of the most useful inventions in the history of mankind. While some find the car to be a most valuable personal piece of property or asset, others would only use public transport, avoiding the attendant difficulties in owning and maintaining a car or automobile.

Are you one of those who only know how to start a car, drives it and then park it - not knowing how it works or how to maintain it in perfect condition?

Can we really afford not to pay attention to this modern invention of convenience, and learn how to own it and hold it as a prized possession?

Consider the level of your knowledge on cars and its upkeep.

Do you know how much it takes to get a brand new car or a used car to become road worthy before it can hit the roads?

Do you know you need to have adequate car insurance cover, and where can you source for it?

Can you perform the rudimentary checking of your car engine, the engine oil level, spark plug change, oil change, windscreen wiper change?

Do you know what to do to ensure car safety during the winter months?

If your answers to all these questions are in the negative, then it is important for you to start to take action and to learn.

Motor mechanics will be able to tell you that periodic checks and routine maintenance can add years to the life of your car, and ensure many years of smooth, trouble-free running of your car.

Assuming you wish to learn, here are some topics for you to research and to start off with:

1. How to buy a new car

2. How to buy a used car, and not be scamed.

3. How to compute your road insurance, and where to source cheap insurance cover.

4. How to prepare a plan of routine maintenance on your car.

5. How to perform rudimentary checks on your car.

6. How to change a car tire ( You'll be surprised many do not know what tools are suitable and how to actually change the tires!)

7. How to know the car battery is flat and when to replace it?

8. How to drive safely.

9. How to preserve the car color and extend its sheen.

10. How to extract the best mileage for your car and economise on the gas.

11. How and where to sell your car when changing to a new one.

Challenge yourself to pick up new skills and new knowledge on car ownership and maintenance, and begin to enjoy the use of your car. By understanding your car and how to use it and maintain it, you will find a new appreciation and value of this modern convenience, and be glad that someone in the past invented the combustion engine so that you can now enjoy the fruits of their labor.

You will also find that the costs of owning and operating a car will come down, and the level of your enjoyment of the use of the car to increase.

Peter Lim is a Certified Financial Planner. His 1979 model of the Volvo 244 GLM, which makes it a 26 years old car, still runs on the road and provides the comfort and conveniences of a modern new car. Get the best car ownership and maintenance tips at his website "Car Ownership and Car Care" at http://www.online-guides.info/cars/Car-Maintenance.html

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