Archive for the ‘Automotive’ Category

« Older Entries

Have a Teen? Don’t Hand Over the Keys Just Yet

Sunday, August 1st, 2010

996590_car_driver

Every parent has a moment of panic when a teen ask for the car keys. When you certainly have the option of saying no, chances are you will end up sharing your car. Rather than praying for it to come back intact, there are some things you can discuss with your teen to make sure the car stays in good shape and your kid is safe.

  • Have a talk about general car maintenance and security. Don’t make it about protecting the car from scratches but instead focus on how to look out for warning signs of car trouble, how to drive in extreme conditions and how to do small maintenance things, including changing a tire.
  • Talk about emergency situations and come up with a plan. If the car breaks down in an empty road, what is your teen supposed to do? If you have an AA membership, share the phone number and explain how the process work. They should also have access to a few phone numbers of adults (family or family members) they can contact in an emergency. If you have a trusted repair shop or mechanic in town, give them that number too.
  • Establish rules about driving. While chances they will be broken once in a while, you can set rules on how far your teen can drive, whether he can take road trips and how often he should call and check in. Don’t be obsessive and allow for some breathing room. Asking your teen to call if he’s running late is normal and should be enforced.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Automotive, Car Care, Car Curiosities | No Comments »

Must-Have Features for A Family Car

Monday, June 21st, 2010

974073_waiting_and_watching

If you just had a baby or are planning on expanding the family, your car will likely become an integral part of your life. When that happens, you need to start thinking about switching to a more family-friendly car that will meet the needs of everybody, including parents, kids and even the pets.

  • Make sure your car allows you to attach a car seat or booster. Not all models have the proper formatting or settings for this, and you choose one that doesn’t you will need to make changes later on. This will mean additional expenses, so keep that in mind.
  • Having enough cargo space is essential when you have kids. You will have to cart along a stroller, school gear, sports equipment and probably toys or a change of clothes. Whether that means getting an SUV with lots of space in the back or a car with under-floor storage, make sure you can fit enough bags and items to keep everybody happy.
  • Comfort gadgets can be a lifesaver if you have kids. If you can get a car with a DVD player, you will save yourself the agony of having to answer “Are we there yet?” one more time. If the car has multiple headphone jacks, even better, so not everybody has to listen to the same Barney song over and over again. Fold-out trays are another great addition to help kids snack in style or spend time coloring their favorite book.

Tags: , ,
Posted in Automotive, Car Care, Car Curiosities | No Comments »

Pre-Trip Checklist

Monday, June 21st, 2010

966647_route

If you’re getting ready to hit the road, there are a few things you should keep in mind. A quick checkup by your mechanic might be in order, especially if you haven’t had one in a while. Otherwise (or in addition to that), here are a few things you should be in the lookout for:

  • Make sure the AC or heat system (depending on the season) work properly. You don’t want to get caught in the highway in 90 degree weather with the air conditioner not running.
  • Check that the seatbelts are tight and working properly.
  • Check the braking and steering system.
  • Fill out your tank before you leave, especially if you’re taking an unfamiliar road and don’t know how far the next gas station is.
  • Check your spare tire and make sure is well inflated and in good condition.
  • Put a repair and emergency kit in the trunk.
  • Change the oil if you’re getting close to the schedule changing time. Old oil adds stress to your car’s engine.

Tags: ,
Posted in Automotive, Car Care | No Comments »

Choosing a Mechanic

Thursday, June 17th, 2010

1184243_sparks

Choosing a mechanic can be challenging, especially if you need something fixed quickly and don’t have time to research your options properly. If you can, your best option is to have a name in mind well in advance, but even if you’re in a hurry, you can still find a quality mechanic that won’t cost you a fortune.

Start by asking around. Friends, coworkers and family members might be able to recommend a good mechanic for an affordable price. If not, search online. Rather than looking at websites set up by the mechanics’ themselves, look for local forums where people are talking and you can get honest reviews and opinions.

If you bought your car at a dealership, they often have their own service. While it might not be the cheapest, they will be familiar with your car’s model and maker and thus less likely to make mistakes or provide repairs that are not needed or are done half-heartily. Repair shops at car dealerships aren’t cheap, so they might not be a good choice if your car is old and has little Blue Book value.

Finally, always walk into a shop with a list of questions. Ask about the mechanic’s experience, how long he’s had the shop and what kind of cars, if any, he specializes on. Ask for an estimate and insist on a range (something between $800 and $1,300, for example), so you know what to expect. Don’t be afraid to question repairs if you think you’ve being offered more than you need.

Tags: , ,
Posted in Automotive, Car Care | No Comments »

Why Do You Need Car Care Software?

Thursday, June 17th, 2010

223338_click

A number of companies, such as CarCareSoftware.com, are now selling programs to help you care for your car, even if you have no previous knowledge of mechanics. Aside from providing information on car-care basics, the programs also offer a number of tracking tools, such as the ability to record service history and parts, emissions test results, expenses and costs, technical specs and registration renewals. You can even track car shipping expenses and dates.

Software usually comes with network compatibility, free e-mail support, free updates as they come out, graphs and dialog options, user-interface features, vehicle ownership logs and reminder alarms and charts.

If you’re thinking of shipping your car, you can also track the expenses connected to the process, so you can then deduct it from your taxes (if moving for work) or use it to estimate costs related to your car maintenance.

Tags: , ,
Posted in Automotive, Car Care, Car Curiosities | No Comments »

Vehicle Extras and Add-Ons: Are They Worth It?

Monday, March 15th, 2010

1087228_a_real_lemon_51

There are a lot of bells and whistles you can add to your car. Some will just enhance the cosmetic look of the vehicle, while others will improve comfort and overall value. When choosing add-ons and extras for your vehicle, it’s important to keep your budget in mind and not spend on things you don’t absolutely love. When in doubt, start with small changes and then move on to bigger changes when you feel more comfortable with the process.


Some of the extras available for cars include:


Safety Extras: Anti-theft devices, bug deflectors, instrumentation (GPS system), keyless entry devices, radar detectors, remote engine starting systems and special shock absorbers.


Cosmetic: Neon trim lighting, stereo or DVD systems, decals or custom painting jobs, window tinting, customized seat covers and car phones.


Specialized Add-Ons: If you have a favorite sport or activity you practice on a regular bais, you might consider adding related extras. For example, you can add carrier racks if you regularly take your bicycle along in trips. Or look for camper caps, RV and towing accessories, running boards or custom wheels.

Tags: , ,
Posted in Automotive, Car Care, Car Curiosities | No Comments »

How to Avoid Driving Hazards

Sunday, March 14th, 2010

931785_winter_road

There are a number of driving hazards you can encounter when you’re behind the wheel. Some are environmental (weather, bad roads), while others are of your own making (talking on the phone while driving). To keep yourself safe on the road, here are a number of things to watch out for:

Bad Roads. Look out for potholes, puddles (they can hide deep holes), slippery pavements and crossing animals. If you’re driving near the mountains, be aware of falling debris.

Driver Mistakes. Don’t drive when you’re overtired, if you forgot your glasses or if you’re feeling dizzy. Don’t talk on the phone while driving. If you want to drink coffee, make sure you have a holder so you can quickly return the cup to a secure position. If you’re eating, do it from an open container, so you don’t have to maneuver to get things out of a small bag. Make sure your hands at free at all times and pay attention to your surroundings.

Weather. Heavy rain, fog and snow or ice are probably the most dangerous conditions you can drive in. Always check the weather advisory for recommendations on when to stay off the roads. At other times, make safety a priority. Drive slow and take breaks if necessary. If the storm gets too bad, find a place to park or a rest stop where you can wait it out.

Posted in Automotive, Car Care | No Comments »

Do’s and Don’ts of Keeping Your Car Clean

Saturday, March 13th, 2010

299893_kiki_assist_daddy

There’s more to washing your car than a sponge and a bucket of soapy water. In fact, washing your car this way can end up damaging it rather than helping it. Instead, there are a few steps you can follow to preserve your vehicle in top shape.

Clean obvious stains as soon as you notice them, even if you’re not ready to give your car a full wash just yet. This is especially true of bird droppings and other acidic elements, which can eat into the paint if left on it for too long. Use a soft sponge and water to clear the stains completely.

Rinse your vehicle after a heavy snowstorm or a drive near the beach. Both sand and salt (used on icy streets) can damage paint and metal.

Use only cleaners especially designed to wash cars. Home detergents and laundry products can be too harsh on the metal and might dull or damage the paint. The same is true of the type of cloth you use to soap and then dry the car. A regular sponge would work fine or you can use any type of cloth that doesn’t produce lint as it gets wet.

Finally, make sure you rinse the sponge often so there’s no risk of your picking up dust particles or debris that could scratch the car when rubbed against it. If your car is too dirty, use a hose to rinse it off first so you get rid of all loose debris and prevent scratching.

Tags: , ,
Posted in Automotive, Car Care | No Comments »

Getting a Tax Rebate for Your Move

Saturday, March 13th, 2010

369110_taxpapers

If you are reconsidering the idea of moving your car because of the expenses involved, keep in mind that there are circumstances under which the costs qualify as tax deductible. This is not always the case and there are restrictions in place, but it’s a possibility worth exploring.

According to Publication 521, you don’t need to be moving for work in order to qualify for a tax rebate. However, you do need to be starting work as soon as possible after your move or after shipping your car. You also need to be moving at least 50 miles away from your old job. To that 50-mile minimum, you need to add the distance between your old home and your old job to meet the “distance requirement” set by the IRS. So for example, if you lived five miles from your old job, you need to be moving at least 59 miles away to qualify.

Finally, you also need to meet the “time requirement,” which specifies you must work at least 39 weeks within the 12 months following the move. So while you can wait a few weeks to start the new job, you can’t wait more than a couple of months or you won’t be able to meet this requirement.

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

Protecting Your Car From Rust

Saturday, March 13th, 2010

462069_car_under_the_snow

Rust can be a car’s worst enemy. Not only do rusty areas diminish the price and overall look of your vehicle, but rust can also affect the inner working of the engine, facilitate water sipping in and ruining the upholstery or metal parts and just in general cost you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in repairs. To avoid rust (and to prevent it from getting worse once it shows in small amounts), make sure you follow these tips:

  • Fix chips in the paint as quickly as possible. If you don’t, you run the chance of them getting bigger and cracking the area around them. You can do this by using paint to directly touch up the area or using repair paste to cover larger chips before painting them.
  • Use only cleaners and waxes specifically designed to clean cars, as this will protect both the interior and exterior surfaces. Only use a soft sponge or cloth to prevent scratches. Dry your car after washing it so water doesn’t stay in contact too long with metal parts.
  • Don’t let your car in constant contact with the elements. Park in the shade when possible. During snowy winters, make sure you clear the snow from the tires and from under the care as often as possible. The snow itself can lead to rust, but the salt spread on the streets, mixed with the snow and ice, can be highly corrosive.

Tags: , ,
Posted in Automotive, Car Care | No Comments »

« Older Entries