One very inconvenient fact about accidents and emergencies is that you never know when one is going to happen. Although the space is readily available in vehicles, very few people carry anything in their cars that would help them in case of emergency. Simply by preparing an emergency readiness bag and storing it in your vehicle, you could save your own life or the lives of others in a dangerous situation. This article is meant to give you some simple items to carry in your car at all times, but especially in the event of travel.
The first item that should be in every car is a flashlight. If there is some simple repair that needs to be done to your vehicle, it is almost impossible to do it in the dark. Putting water in the radiator or attaching a battery cable would be very tricky to do without a light source, but with a flashlight can be done in no time.
Even if you are completely incapable of car repairs, a flashlight can help you find your way to town or signal to drivers as they pass by or to rescuers in extreme cases. Imagine the things that might escape your grasp for want of a simple flashlight. At just a few dollars, there is no reason not to keep one in your trunk.
Although most batteries give you some warning before they go out, sometimes we leave our lights on and drain the battery. If you keep a set of jumper cables with you, being stranded in a parking lot could be a lot less painful and a lot less expensive. Furthermore, if you have a set of jumper cables with you, you might get the chance to play hero to some other stranded motorist. Once again, the benefits of this simple item far outweigh the cost associated with it.
Although it can be bulky and smelly, you should consider carrying a gas can with you. If you were to run out of gas, you may be able to walk to a gas station, but if you had a gallon or two in the back, you could save yourself a trip.
Carrying a tow strap takes up almost no room. These straps can be wrapped up and carried in the wheel well with your spare tire. If you ever need a tow, or need to be pulled out of a ditch or mud puddle, this strap could make it possible.
In the event of a major breakdown or accident where you may wait for hours on end, it is a good idea to have a first aid kit, water and snacks. The first aid kit will allow you to mend minor wounds sustained in an accident and the snacks will make any wait you have much more pleasant.
Although this list may make it seem as though your trunk will be filled with emergency gear, the fact is that these items will take up very little space. Although the possibility of you finding yourself in a situation where these items are necessary is quite low, imagine your chagrin if you find yourself in need of these items but do not have them. Keep yourself safe, carry your safety net with you at all times.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Monday, June 6, 2011
How To Deal With Car Transport Companies
So you have at last purchased the car that you have always dreamed of. Only problem is, the deal has been made in the other corner of the country. Well, you do not have to view it as a problem, as there are many car transport services that help you transport your car from any one point to another. If you are unclear and uncomfortable dealing with car transport services, the following tips may help you deal better with your car transport company.
The Cost Factor
The first question you have to ask the car transporter is: what will be the total cost of car transportation? Here you have to do some homework and ask for quotes from several auto transport companies so that you can compare the rates. The cost of transporting your car is usually calculated on the basis of the following information that you need to supply to the auto transport company:
* Origin and destination points
* Type of vehicle to be transported
* The date of departure
* Type of transport service you want such as door-to-door or terminal-to-terminal etc.
Mode Of Payment
Inquire about the payment method. Most of the auto transport companies will not demand a full advance payment, but others may request a deposit fee that should not exceed 25% of the total transportation cost. Either cash or check is generally accepted, but in case of credit card payment you may be required to pay a surcharge of 2 to 3%.
Go Through The Contract In Detail
Do not go by the verbal promises of the auto transporter, and be sure to put everything in black and white on paper. Make sure that there is a clause regarding the penalties the company has to pay if it cannot deliver your car within a specified time period. Similarly you may have to pay some penalty if you cancel the contract after a certain time limit. But this should not exceed $250.
Inquire About Insurance
Your car should be insured against any kind of damage by the car transporter. Demand a copy of this insurance and know beforehand the type of the coverage, whether it is primary or secondary. If any damage occurs on transit, your car insurance provider will be responsible for paying for the damage. However, if you place any personal article inside the car, the auto transport company will not be responsible for their damage or theft.
Check Thoroughly At Time Of Delivery
Do not be in such a rush when receiving your car, and make sure to examine your car carefully and slowly for any damage. Take note of the mileage in addition to the condition of the car, such as the car roof and bumpers. Instances of damages are rare; still if you find any, make a list of all damage and obtain the driver's signature on it.
The Cost Factor
The first question you have to ask the car transporter is: what will be the total cost of car transportation? Here you have to do some homework and ask for quotes from several auto transport companies so that you can compare the rates. The cost of transporting your car is usually calculated on the basis of the following information that you need to supply to the auto transport company:
* Origin and destination points
* Type of vehicle to be transported
* The date of departure
* Type of transport service you want such as door-to-door or terminal-to-terminal etc.
Mode Of Payment
Inquire about the payment method. Most of the auto transport companies will not demand a full advance payment, but others may request a deposit fee that should not exceed 25% of the total transportation cost. Either cash or check is generally accepted, but in case of credit card payment you may be required to pay a surcharge of 2 to 3%.
Go Through The Contract In Detail
Do not go by the verbal promises of the auto transporter, and be sure to put everything in black and white on paper. Make sure that there is a clause regarding the penalties the company has to pay if it cannot deliver your car within a specified time period. Similarly you may have to pay some penalty if you cancel the contract after a certain time limit. But this should not exceed $250.
Inquire About Insurance
Your car should be insured against any kind of damage by the car transporter. Demand a copy of this insurance and know beforehand the type of the coverage, whether it is primary or secondary. If any damage occurs on transit, your car insurance provider will be responsible for paying for the damage. However, if you place any personal article inside the car, the auto transport company will not be responsible for their damage or theft.
Check Thoroughly At Time Of Delivery
Do not be in such a rush when receiving your car, and make sure to examine your car carefully and slowly for any damage. Take note of the mileage in addition to the condition of the car, such as the car roof and bumpers. Instances of damages are rare; still if you find any, make a list of all damage and obtain the driver's signature on it.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
How To Validate A Used Car's Price
When shopping for a used car, it can be difficult to gauge whether a used cars price is reasonable. However, consumers are fortunate in the fact that it is not impossible. With a little research, some detailed notes and an eye for detail, buyers will be able to get an accurate value determination on a used cars price.
Kelley Blue Book, found online at kbb.com, is a very popular website for anyone interested in buying or selling an automobile. By entering the model, make, year, overall condition, styling and additional features into the appropriate form, Kelley Blue Book provides an instant look at a used cars price. While the site also offers values on new automobiles, many consumers are more concerned with used cars price and how to know if they are getting a fair deal.
Whether shopping online, from a private owner or at a dealership, consumers need to be aware of used cars price and how to handle negotiations. In addition to using Kelley Blue Book, many consumers request permission to take the automobile to a mechanic in order to get a complete inspection. This is a terrific way to know exactly what, if anything, is wrong with the vehicle. By learning the overall condition of the vehicle, consumers will gain a better understanding as to the used cars value.
When purchasing a used car, or any automobile, many individuals seek a bank loan to fund their new purchase. During the application process, consumers must provide information about the automobile that they wish to purchase, along with the used cars price. If the bank determines that the car is overpriced, they will likely deny the loan for this reason. Therefore, a local lending institution may be a useful resource in determining the accuracy of a used cars price.
As a final thought to a used cars price, there is almost always room for negotiation. During the process, the buyer may point out any problems that require repair and deduct a reasonable cost of repair from the asking price. The seller may, or may not, accept the terms. In order to close a successful transaction, there must be some flexibility from both parties. A used cars price is generally a starting point at which the seller is willing to begin negotiations. Always ask for more than you want and offer less than you are actually willing to pay. The art of validating a used cars price and getting the deal of a lifetime all starts with your ability to negotiate.
Kelley Blue Book, found online at kbb.com, is a very popular website for anyone interested in buying or selling an automobile. By entering the model, make, year, overall condition, styling and additional features into the appropriate form, Kelley Blue Book provides an instant look at a used cars price. While the site also offers values on new automobiles, many consumers are more concerned with used cars price and how to know if they are getting a fair deal.
Whether shopping online, from a private owner or at a dealership, consumers need to be aware of used cars price and how to handle negotiations. In addition to using Kelley Blue Book, many consumers request permission to take the automobile to a mechanic in order to get a complete inspection. This is a terrific way to know exactly what, if anything, is wrong with the vehicle. By learning the overall condition of the vehicle, consumers will gain a better understanding as to the used cars value.
When purchasing a used car, or any automobile, many individuals seek a bank loan to fund their new purchase. During the application process, consumers must provide information about the automobile that they wish to purchase, along with the used cars price. If the bank determines that the car is overpriced, they will likely deny the loan for this reason. Therefore, a local lending institution may be a useful resource in determining the accuracy of a used cars price.
As a final thought to a used cars price, there is almost always room for negotiation. During the process, the buyer may point out any problems that require repair and deduct a reasonable cost of repair from the asking price. The seller may, or may not, accept the terms. In order to close a successful transaction, there must be some flexibility from both parties. A used cars price is generally a starting point at which the seller is willing to begin negotiations. Always ask for more than you want and offer less than you are actually willing to pay. The art of validating a used cars price and getting the deal of a lifetime all starts with your ability to negotiate.
Monday, November 1, 2010
The Value Of Used Car Parts
Doing occasional tune ups and taking car of your car is nothing new. You will always need to maintain your car even if it’s old or brand new, with oil changes and checking the engine. So it would be better for you financially to choose good quality second hand parts.
Getting used car parts is like looking around for a second hand car. You should look for the parts in the same places you would normally to get a second hand car. You can look for the parts in the classified ads, check different shops that would sell the parts or the easier way would be to go and surf on the internet. It would save you time and effort.
There was time when these parts could only be found at the dealerships and mechanic stores. Now searching for used parts isn’t that’s hard as long as you remember a few things. You should know exactly what you need, what part goes with your car etc….Once you know what part you need you can figure out how much you are willing to pay for the part. Some parts don't have to be the original. There are parts that can be bought at surplus or a compatible part from another car make and model enabling can be used making a person save money for other things.
Once you get all the information you need you can check out either local shops or dealers. You can also go check out junk yards, because a lot of parts there can be used again. Or searching the internet where you could also order the parts and it would be delivered.
So don’t make excuses about fixing something on your car, the faster you do it the better the outcome. Don’t wait till its too late.
Getting used car parts is like looking around for a second hand car. You should look for the parts in the same places you would normally to get a second hand car. You can look for the parts in the classified ads, check different shops that would sell the parts or the easier way would be to go and surf on the internet. It would save you time and effort.
There was time when these parts could only be found at the dealerships and mechanic stores. Now searching for used parts isn’t that’s hard as long as you remember a few things. You should know exactly what you need, what part goes with your car etc….Once you know what part you need you can figure out how much you are willing to pay for the part. Some parts don't have to be the original. There are parts that can be bought at surplus or a compatible part from another car make and model enabling can be used making a person save money for other things.
Once you get all the information you need you can check out either local shops or dealers. You can also go check out junk yards, because a lot of parts there can be used again. Or searching the internet where you could also order the parts and it would be delivered.
So don’t make excuses about fixing something on your car, the faster you do it the better the outcome. Don’t wait till its too late.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Car Article Resources:
How Can I Save On Car Parts And Maintenance
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How Can I Save On Car Parts And Maintenance
Car Maintenance And Parts Tips To Save Money
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Car Maintenance And Parts Tips To Save
Used Car Prices - Find The Best Deal
Used car prices vary according to demand. When dealers have a good stock of cars that have been traded in against new models you might expect used car prices to fall.
The prices of used cars is generally at a maximum at the same time as the prices of new cars, at the beginning of the year or of any new, date specific registration period. This is because demand is at a maximum at the same time as supply is maximized.
Used car prices are subject to much bigger variations than new cars. The price charged will depend on the price the dealer has paid for the car as trade-in, how much work is needed on the car and the dealer's profit mark-up. Dealers in fancy showrooms in the expensive part of town have higher overheads and therefore a higher mark-up.
Your best chance of a good deal is to find a dealer who has a good supply of the model you are interested in.
Shop around, because dealers have their favorite cars and these are priced higher than others. You want a dealer who hates the model that you want to buy. This dealer will set a lower price to sell the car more quickly.
You will also pay a higher price for any given make of used car if you buy from a main dealer. The main dealer knows that you are going there because you want that make and model, so they can charge you more for it.
If there has been a new model released, then the price for the older and visually dated model will plummet. Yet that model will not have the teething problems that any new car has. It is never a good idea to buy a car, either new or used that was produced in the first 6 - 12 months of a new model.
The prices of used cars is generally at a maximum at the same time as the prices of new cars, at the beginning of the year or of any new, date specific registration period. This is because demand is at a maximum at the same time as supply is maximized.
Used car prices are subject to much bigger variations than new cars. The price charged will depend on the price the dealer has paid for the car as trade-in, how much work is needed on the car and the dealer's profit mark-up. Dealers in fancy showrooms in the expensive part of town have higher overheads and therefore a higher mark-up.
Your best chance of a good deal is to find a dealer who has a good supply of the model you are interested in.
Shop around, because dealers have their favorite cars and these are priced higher than others. You want a dealer who hates the model that you want to buy. This dealer will set a lower price to sell the car more quickly.
You will also pay a higher price for any given make of used car if you buy from a main dealer. The main dealer knows that you are going there because you want that make and model, so they can charge you more for it.
If there has been a new model released, then the price for the older and visually dated model will plummet. Yet that model will not have the teething problems that any new car has. It is never a good idea to buy a car, either new or used that was produced in the first 6 - 12 months of a new model.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Original Volkswagen Parts: Getting the Real Deal in Volkswagen OEM
The growth of the counterfeits parts industry is causing problems for motorists, suppliers, manufacturers, and governments from around the world. Just how bad is the problem? For starters, the manufacturing and distribution of counterfeit car parts is a multi billion dollar per year business. Car owners from the Kia to the Camaro and from the Geo to the Golf, and every make and model in between are all susceptible to getting hooked with fake parts. This doesn’t have to happen and I am going to share with you how you can avoid being deceived by purveyors of bogus car parts.
Read the labels. Fake parts purveyors are getting very crafty in copying logos and other important information off of product boxes. Check for typographical errors or odd sounding language on the boxes. Most counterfeiters are smart when it comes to crime, but pretty dumb when it comes to understanding the proper use of English terms, grammar, and spelling. For example, brand names spelled wrong such as Monrow for Monroe. One more point: packaging may be “correct” but sized wrong; be suspicious of any part sold to you in a package that isn’t sized according to the product it holds.
Check the part. If the texture of a part seems odd, it could be a fake. For example, that Hella headlight may not be what it appears to be especially if the element inside looks cheap or broken, or if too much plastic was used in the development of the casing.
Know your supplier. Purchasing your parts from a reliable supplier isn’t a 100% guarantee that the parts received are genuine. Still, if they back up what they sell with a guarantee you won’t get stuck should a counterfeit part get passed through them to and on to you.
Buy OEM or better. Only purchase parts that meet or exceed stringent original manufacturer requirements. Prices 70, 80, or 90% lower than retail rates should raise a warning flag. Stick with the name brands; there is a reason why products from Bosch, Covercraft, Denso, Flowmaster, Injen, K&N, and others sell so well: they are trusted names associated with well known brands. Avoid generic or no name brands.
If you think that you have been sold bogus parts, inform the local police as well as the parts supplier of the problem. If you buy from an overseas company, the chances of you receiving a refund from them are slim. When purchasing online only purchase through those retailers who have an established track record and are reachable through a toll free number. You may save money in the short run with bogus parts, but you will lose in the long run with Volkswagen or other parts that are defective or even dangerous.
Read the labels. Fake parts purveyors are getting very crafty in copying logos and other important information off of product boxes. Check for typographical errors or odd sounding language on the boxes. Most counterfeiters are smart when it comes to crime, but pretty dumb when it comes to understanding the proper use of English terms, grammar, and spelling. For example, brand names spelled wrong such as Monrow for Monroe. One more point: packaging may be “correct” but sized wrong; be suspicious of any part sold to you in a package that isn’t sized according to the product it holds.
Check the part. If the texture of a part seems odd, it could be a fake. For example, that Hella headlight may not be what it appears to be especially if the element inside looks cheap or broken, or if too much plastic was used in the development of the casing.
Know your supplier. Purchasing your parts from a reliable supplier isn’t a 100% guarantee that the parts received are genuine. Still, if they back up what they sell with a guarantee you won’t get stuck should a counterfeit part get passed through them to and on to you.
Buy OEM or better. Only purchase parts that meet or exceed stringent original manufacturer requirements. Prices 70, 80, or 90% lower than retail rates should raise a warning flag. Stick with the name brands; there is a reason why products from Bosch, Covercraft, Denso, Flowmaster, Injen, K&N, and others sell so well: they are trusted names associated with well known brands. Avoid generic or no name brands.
If you think that you have been sold bogus parts, inform the local police as well as the parts supplier of the problem. If you buy from an overseas company, the chances of you receiving a refund from them are slim. When purchasing online only purchase through those retailers who have an established track record and are reachable through a toll free number. You may save money in the short run with bogus parts, but you will lose in the long run with Volkswagen or other parts that are defective or even dangerous.
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