Archive for July, 2010

Dealing with Vehicle Shipping Payments

Thursday, July 29th, 2010

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Paying for vehicle shipping arrangements can be a confusing endeavor. However, most car delivery companies have a system in place and understanding it is essential to make sure the moving goes smoothly.

1. Before anything else, you should receive car transport rates or a quote. Make sure you understand what the price quoted includes. If insurance, delivery confirmation, paperwork and any extras are not included in the final price, find out what are the charges for those services.

2. Ask what payment method your chosen auto shipping company accepts. Some will only take cash, while others want cashier’s checks. Credit cards are not as popular as you might think, mostly because you have to make partial payment to the truck driver, at the time of delivery.

3. Ask whether you need to pay a deposit or the full rate amount at the time of pick up. This will help you be prepared so you’re not caught short on cash.

4. If you have to pay cash to the delivery driver, make sure you have the exact amount, so you don’t have to worry about change.

5. Make sure you’re compensated if your car is not picked up on time or the car shipping company cancels the pickup at the last minute. Some companies will waive the cancellation fee if it’s their fault, while others will pay for a car rental to compensate for the added days that you’ve been left without transportation.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Car Washing

Monday, July 26th, 2010

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DO wash off bird droppings or unidentifiable stains as soon as possible. If you end up with a high-acidity stain on the paint, it can actually eat out at it. If this happens, you won’t be able to repair it and will have to repaint.

DO wash your car often to prevent debris from causing scratches.

DON’T forget to rinse your car after a heavy rain. The acidity from the rain can stain the paint if not washed away.

DON’T forget to rinse after manually washing the car. Leaving soapy water to dry on the car will cause stains and might dull the finish.

DO use a dedicated carwash formula to wash your car. Soap, soap dish or other household products are not meant to be used on paint and can dull the finish or affect the protective coating.

DO dry off your car after washing. Letting it dry naturally can cause streaking.

DO use a tougher sponge or scrubber to clean the tires and wheels. A soft sponge or cloth won’t remove all debris. You might need a brush for stubborn mud.