Archive for January, 2010

Shipping Your Motorcycle

Thursday, January 28th, 2010

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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.

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Posted in Automotive, International Car Shipping, Motorcycle Shipping | 6 Comments »

How is International Car Shipping Different?

Thursday, January 28th, 2010

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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.

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Posted in Automotive, Car Shipping, Enclosed Car Shipping, International Car Shipping, Motorcycle Shipping | No Comments »

What to Look for in the Vehicle Shipping Contract

Thursday, January 28th, 2010

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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.

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Posted in Automotive, Car Shipping, Enclosed Car Shipping, International Car Shipping | No Comments »

Common Signs That Your Car Needs a Tune Up

Wednesday, January 27th, 2010

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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.

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Posted in Automotive, Car Care | 2 Comments »

Car Care Tips That Save You Gas

Wednesday, January 27th, 2010

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Worried about the high price at the pump? Aside from driving your vehicle less, is there anything else you can do to save money on gas? The answer is yes. In fact, there are a number of things that will keep your vehicle in shape, prevent wear and tear and save you gas at the same time.

1-. Keep tires properly inflated and the engine properly tuned.

2. Change the oil regularly. Your car manual should indicate how often is ideal for your make and model.

3. Don’t keep your automobile in idle for long periods of time. You don’t need more than a couple of minutes to warm up the engine.

4. Drive slow. Speeds of over 60 mph waste a lot of gas.

5. Replace spark plugs when they get too dirty or worn out.

6. Unload your vehicle. The heavier your car is, the more gas it uses. Empty out your trunk and don’t put items on the back seat or the roof rack unless you are going to use that day.

7. Replace clogged air filters.

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Posted in Automotive, Car Care | No Comments »

The 3 Things That Keep Your Car Alive

Wednesday, January 27th, 2010

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While everybody knows that keeping your engine in check can extend the life of your vehicle considerably, there are others, less-known things you can do to ensure your car stays in top shape.

1. To keep the engine in good shape, avoid accelerating too fast when you begin to drive, especially if it’s cold and the engine is not yet completely warmed. When the temperature it’s particularly low or high, avoid speeding up and slowing down frequently, as this adds wear and tear to the engine.

2. Buy your gas from brand-name stations. Or find one that you trust and stick to it. Different stations may mix alcohol and fuel in different proportions, “confusing” your engine and adding dirt to the tank (which in turn moves to the engine). When in doubt, ask whether the gasoline is filtered at the pump. This keeps the gas cleaner.

3. Keep your car clean, both inside and out. Dirt and spilled liquids can be corrosive and damage not only the upholstery but also the paint and the dashboard. Dirt can get into the instruments and engine and cause them to malfunction over time.

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Posted in Automotive, Car Care | 1 Comment »