January 28th, 2010
There are a number of differences between shipping a car and shipping a motorcycle. Because there’s more information about car shipping than bike shipping,
Bikes can be shipped ready to drive. No need to empty the tank, take parts off or disconnect the battery.
Bikes are always shipped in enclosed containers. This is to protect them from the environment, as well as to prevent damage from movement and shaking.
Most companies shipping motorcycle offer insurance with a deductible. While amounts vary, a $500 deductible is common. This can be a problem if you want the company to cover all damages, including scratches that may occur during vehicle shipping. If you would rather have a smaller deductible (or not deductible at all), you can probably negotiate a smaller insurance payout.
Tags: bike shipping, preparing a bike for shipping, ship a bike
Posted in Automotive, International Car Shipping, Motorcycle Shipping |
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January 28th, 2010
Shipping your car internationally is, above all, more expensive than shipping it locally. The added expenses come from a variety of places. The most obvious one is the shipping price itself. Also, international car shipping may require additional insurance, as the basic type may cover just total loss but not damage.
Taxes are sometimes charged when vehicles arrive to their destination. This is an expense charged according to local government laws and have nothing to do with the car shipping company itself. You will to contact local embassies to figure out added fees and expenses associated with importing a car.
Vehicles shipped internationally must be in working order. Local car shipping companies will accept a car that isn’t running because the vehicle can be rolled on and off the container. During international vehicle shipping, however, the car must be driven out of the cargo ship and into customs. If the car won’t start once you arrive at your destination port, it will be put into a warehouse and you will be required to pay for a mechanic to fix it before you can take it out of customs. You will have to pay for every day the car is housed there.
Tags: Car Shipping, International Car Shipping, shipping your car
Posted in Automotive, Car Shipping, Enclosed Car Shipping, International Car Shipping, Motorcycle Shipping |
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January 28th, 2010
While all contracts are confusing, those from vehicle shipping companies may be even more so, simply because you don’t know what to expect and look for. Before you sign anything and put yourself (and your car) at risk, keep the following in mind:
Make sure everything that was promised orally is put in writing into the contract. If there are complaints, whatever is in the contract will be used to solve them.
Look for fees and other extra payments that are mentioned in the contract. There should be a cancellation fee quoted, which you should pay if you cancel the pick up. Also, look for fees added if you’re not at home when the car arrives (and it has to be transported to a new location).
Find out what the car shipping insurance coverage includes. Ideally, it should cover both damage and theft. Verify what the deductible is, if any. Also, insurance might be primary or secondary to your own insurance, which makes a big difference in terms of expenses. Finally, find out if anything voids the warranty, so you can prevent the problem. Many car transport companies will void your warranty if you leave items in the trunk, for example.
Tags: car shipping contract, contract, signing a contract
Posted in Automotive, Car Shipping, Enclosed Car Shipping, International Car Shipping |
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January 27th, 2010
Even if you know nothing about cars, there are certain red flags that should send you straight to the mechanic. Some are more serious than others, but any of the following changes should be checked:
· The steering wheel or your seat vibrate, especially when you reach higher speeds. This usually indicates a problem with the alignment of the wheels.
· The car bounces more than once when hitting holes or bumps on the road. The shocks may need to be replaced.
· Some of the dashboards lights don’t turn on. This can be dangerous, especially when driving at night.
· The vehicle drifts to one side when you let go of the steering wheel. Cars that are properly aligned should move straight. Have the tires checked as well for uneven pressure.
· There are strange noises coming from the engine or the wheels. This almost always signals damage.
Tags: Car Care, car tune up, fixing your car
Posted in Automotive, Car Care |
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January 27th, 2010
Tags: Car Care, save money, save money on gas
Posted in Automotive, Car Care |
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December 6th, 2009
You can use soap or detergent to clean your car. You can, but it could ruin the paint, cause rust and accelerate the oxidation process. Also, cleaners that are not made specifically for cars may leave a residue, which can trap dust and debris, causing scratches. If you’re going to apply wax, it’s important that no residue is left on the paint.
You shouldn’t use a polishing machine at home. Orbital buffers or dual-action polishers can be used safely at home. They won’t damage the paint finish and won’t cause scratches. Avoid professional machines and those with faster RPMs, though, as those will be harder to handle.
Any cloth is fine to clean and polish. Old t-shirts, cleaning rags and flannel may seem like a good choice for cleaning, but they can scratch the paint, as they easily attract dust and debris. Instead, use a terrycloth microfiber towel made especially for cleaning cars or other soft surface.
Tags: car cleaning myths, car waxing, cleaning your car
Posted in Automotive, Car Care, Car Curiosities |
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December 6th, 2009
For people who love cars, themed-related items may be the ultimate gifts. If you can afford to spend a few thousands, many of the major car manufacturers produce their own merchandise. For example, BMW sells golf accessories and Ferrari makes chronographs. Expect to pay dearly for these products, though.
If your budget is smaller, however, you’ll have to be a bit more creative. The most obvious choice is car accessories. From an expensive set of wheels to a new car stereo, the options are basically endless. Think out of the envelope when choosing gifts. GPS systems, new rubber mats, a car emergency kit and even an auxiliary transmission cooler are all great options.
Budget even smaller? Think tool sets, a magazine subscription or book (on care care, car history or car collecting), tickets to a car race or a die-cast car model of their favorite or dream car. Shop at hobby shops rather than toy stores and you’ll be able to find high-quality, collectible items that will look good in an office or exhibition cupboard.
Tags: car nuts, gifts, presents for car lovers
Posted in Automotive, Car Curiosities |
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December 6th, 2009
Car shipping trucks come in two forms: open and enclosed carriers. Open car shipping carriers carry anywhere between 8 and 10 cars. The difference in number is due to the weight of the vehicles being transported. Because the car hauler cannot weight more than a total of 80,000lbs, including cars, trailer and truck, carrying smaller or larger (such as SUV’s) vehicles will determine the final number being hauled. As a general rule, the average car weight is estimated at 2,500 lbs.
Closed car shipping containers carry fewer vehicles. The number rarely exceeds six, and is more likely closer to four. This is because cars shipped inside closed containers need additional space to get in and out of the truck (and for the gate of the truck to operate), as well as for easier maneuverability. Larger vehicles, including trucks and SUV’s, may not fit into closed containers. They provided an increased level of safety for shipping expensive or customized cars.
Both types of car transport trucks are large and difficult to maneuver, which is why they are sometimes impossible to drive through small city streets, making it impossible to deliver cars door to door.
Tags: Car Shipping, car transporter, enclosed shipping, shipping a car
Posted in Car Care, Car Shipping, Enclosed Car Shipping, Motorcycle Shipping |
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December 6th, 2009
Paying for car shipping is an expensive endeavor, and you should make sure, before you sign any contracts, that you have not only the best possible price, but also the best possible service for that money. The less time you have to ship a vehicle, the more important it is that you settle on a quote and a company early, as it takes time to organize the vehicle shipping process.
When looking for car shipping rates, start by doing an online search and comparing different companies. See not only what they charge, but also what do you get for that price. Compare their insurance policies, their customer service and whether there are complaints against them. Look for what’s included in the price for shipping a vehicle and whether there are additional fees you need to keep in mind.
Once you’ve narrowed down the search to 3-4 names, call the car shipping companies and ask to talk to a representative. Be prepared with a list of questions and find out about anything that is missing from the company’s website. Some vehicle shipping companies have a live messenger option, in which case you have a chance to talk to a representative online. Again, don’t be shy about asking difficult questions and don’t accept evasive or obscure answers. Beware of big promises as well, as companies that seem to offer much more than others for a much lower price may have hidden fees.
Finally, check the BBB for complaints about the company. Even if a company has some bad reviews, focus on how many of those were favorably resolved. Accidents and problems occur, and is sometimes more important to see how willing a company is to make good on their promises.
Tags: auto shipping prices, Car Shipping, car shipping quotes
Posted in Car Care, Car Shipping, Enclosed Car Shipping, International Car Shipping |
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