Archive for the ‘Automotive’ Category

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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 »

3 Car Cleaning Myths

Sunday, December 6th, 2009

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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.

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

Gifts for People Who Love Cars

Sunday, December 6th, 2009

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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.

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Posted in Automotive, Car Curiosities | 1 Comment »

The 6 Things Your Car Shipping Contract Should Specify

Sunday, December 6th, 2009

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Contracts for car shipping tend to be long and confusing, full of jargon and industry talk that can end up being confusing to those signing one. There are some basic items, however, you should look for in any contract. They will ensure a safe and easy transaction and avoid misunderstandings and problems to arise later on.

1. Price. This will be based on a series of factors, and you want to make sure the car shipping price quoted is the final one, with no add-ons or extras tagged after.

2. Payment Method. Whether credit cards are accepted, advance payments (if any) and amount of surcharges applied for not paying in cash for your vehicle shipping (usually 2-3 percent).

3. Details such as car shipping time, cancellation fees and policies regarding damages and other specifications.

4. Type of insurance offered. What is covered, whether there is a deductible and exceptions.

5. Pick-up and car delivery dates, even if they are approximate.

6. Details about your “Original Inspection Report.” This paper will explain the condition of your car and it will be used for comparison at the time of vehicle delivery.

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Posted in Automotive, Car Care, Car Shipping, Enclosed Car Shipping | 2 Comments »

5 Things You Don’t Know That Will Save Your Car

Sunday, December 6th, 2009

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Keeping your car in top shape requires more than simply visiting the mechanic once a year. Sometimes it’s the little, unexpected things you do everyday that can extend your car’s life and save you thousands of dollars in the long run.

1. Keep your car clean. Dirt, snow and mud can corrode paint, damage tires, get into the engine and gas tank, and ruin the upholstery and the floor. To protect your car, keep the rubber mats on at all times (and hose them periodically), vacuum the interior of your cart regularly and sponge clean vinyl surfaces, including the dashboard.

2. Use a rubber protectant on the weatherstripping of doors and windows, as this will keep it supple during cold weather. If not protected, it can dry out, crack and become unglued, leading to heat loss, water leaking in and the need for an expensive replacement.

3. Keep your car in the shade and in cool, well-ventilated area. This will prevent paint from fading, and in turn protect your car from rust.

4. Touch up scratches and dents as soon as possible. Left unattended, they can lead to deeper scratches, rust and cracks, which will not only be more expensive to fix, but can also lead to more serious problems. Chips and cracks on the windshield can lead to water leaks and obstructed visibility.

5. Lighten up the load of your car. Too much weight can cause your tires to suffer, increase the wear and tear of your car and reduce your gas mileage.

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Posted in Automotive, Car Care | No Comments »

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