Auto Repair Estimates And Car Repair Prices – The Real Information To Avoid Car Repair Scams

Worrying whether or not you were overcharged for your car repair is an awful feeling. There’s tons of advice on how to avoid getting ripped-off, but few discuss the actual car repair prices. We really need to look at the charges on a car repair estimate or auto repair invoice to determine if we’re paying too much.

The focus needs to shift from giving outdated and ineffective advice to addressing the “actual” and “specific” charges Read more »

Car Loan Tips

There are lots of things to consider in your purchase of a motor vehicle. There are lots of choices & it can be confusing to which vehicle to pick. Three times you have decided Read more »

Eight Tips For The Road Ahead

Whether you’re traveling alone, with a buddy or with your spouse and a car full of kids, there are few things more “American” than the long-distance road trip. Countless vacation travelers will drive the highways looking for fun and making memories with every mile.

If traveling down the “holiday road” is in your plans, take the time to prepare for your trip. You’ll have a more enjoyable vacation if you plan carefully. Here are a few driving tips courtesy of Drive Insurance from Progressive.

1) Maintain your car. Make sure your vehicle is up to date on its maintenance schedule, and be sure to check the battery and tires.

2) Plan your trip and know where you’re going. Call ahead for proper and safe directions to get you to your destination safely and have maps of the area on hand to help you navigate once you are off the main road. You’re more likely to make good decisions, even in dangerous situations, if you’re clearheaded and know where you’re going.

3) Be alert. Seems obvious, but driver inattention is surely the cause of a lot of accidents. If you stay focused behind the wheel and plan carefully, you will have a wonderful summer road trip.

4) Take precaution with a cell phone. Cell phones can be a lifesaver when you need immediate access to emergency services after an accident. Keep your phone within easy reach and get to know its features. However, use it prudently. Reports suggest that driving while talking on the phone increases accident rates.

5) Wear your seat belt. Whether or not it’s required by law in the state through which you’re driving, always wear your seat belt as a safety precaution.

6) Protect your car against theft. Help deter criminals from taking your car with steering wheel locks, switches that disable fuel or ignition systems, and electronic tracking devices.

7) If you’re in an accident. Taking immediate steps if you’ve been in an accident can protect your family and your car from further damage. Stop immediately and make sure your car is not blocking traffic. Turn off your car to keep it from overheating or catching fire. Warn oncoming cars using road flares or orange triangle reflectors. After you have protected yourself and your family, call your insurance company immediately.

Make sure your auto insurance is up to date. Before you even leave the driveway, you want to be sure you’re protected when you’re on the road and far from home. An independent insurance agent or broker can provide the personal service and advice you need to travel in confidence.

To be safe, be smart on your next long-distance road trip.

5 Safety Tips All Drivers Should Know

According to the 2000 census, more than 112 million people drive or carpool to work daily.

With all these people on the road, drivers need to take every precaution to ensure they arrive safely at their destinations. Here are some tips to heed in your travels.

* Keep your vehicle properly maintained. Follow the recommended service intervals found in your vehicle owner’s manual, always monitor hoses and belts, and check filters, spark plugs and fluids. Also, be sure tires are properly inflated and gas levels are sufficient.

* Carry an emergency kit. In addition to standards such as a first aid kit and battery jumper cables, consider adding the Autolite TriGlo safety light to your vehicle emergency kit. Powered by four AA batteries, this compact light serves a dual purpose: It shines like a flashlight and alerts like a flare. Triangular in shape, the TriGlo light can be used as a bright spotlight or as a blinking safety triangle to warn oncoming traffic of a motorist’s presence.

* Buckle up. When lap and shoulder belts are used correctly, they reduce the risk of fatal injury to front-seat passengers by 45 percent and the risk of moderate to critical injury by 50 percent.

* Know your route. Before hitting the road, take the time to map out your route. Motor clubs such as AAA provide auto travelers with maps and detailed directions to their destinations. Be aware of traffic, construction and weather advisories along your route so you can make alternate plans should these conditions affect your drive.

* Reduce driver distraction. Traffic, construction and careless drivers are distractions beyond your control. However, you can reduce the risk of an accident by decreasing the distractions inside your vehicle.

For instance, to avoid the glare from overhead lights used by your passengers, consider a product such as the Autolite SpotGlo seatbelt light source. This compact, battery-operated recessed light clips easily onto a passenger’s seatbelt and slides smoothly on the strap for desired positioning. It directs a powerful LED light source right where passengers need it, without distracting the driver.

No matter where you’re headed, heed these suggestions to arrive safely at your destination. Happy travels!

Used Car Buying Tips for Dummies

It’s just one of those mornings. As the rain pours down and I’m trying to start my mini (yes those old small ones) I decide it’s time to buy a new car.

Now, before I embark on this wonderful journey- there are a few stumble blocks I need to sort out. Firstly, I can’t afford a new car, but I’m sure I can find a nice, affordable second hand car somewhere. Secondly, I have no idea what to look for in a car.

For me it’s all about how cute I will look in it and that it will take me from point A to point B. I know nothing more than the absolute necessary. The engine is in the front under the hood, the spare wheel is somewhere in the back and I know where the exhaust is. Furthermore, my knowledge is very limited.

With my boyfriend out of town and my time relatively limited, I need to find some or other guide to help me. A guide for people who knows nothing about cars, something written for dummies, a buyers guide for second hand cars.

Obviously, the best and first place I look for this ‘Used car buyers guide for dummies’ is on the Internet. I, of course, find quite a few irrelevant results that just show me lists of car dealers.

Eventually I stumble across a very in-depth used car buyers guide that gives you twelve different things to look out for when buying a car. I had to read it twice to understand everything, but eventually I got the hang of it.

Firstly, they give some helpful advice regarding the purchase of the used car. Then they chat about registration and documentation and give some useful information- mentioning things like the “Vehicle Identification Number” and where you need to look for it!

Furthermore the buyers guide supply the reader with tips on what to look out for when they are viewing a second hand or used car. They even mention the appearance of the car- and no this is not just the outside of the car!

They give little tidbits to look out for when you start-up the engine. Apparently, when you test-drive the car, you should drive it at various speeds- this will give you an indication of the condition of the engine.

The bodywork of the used car must be inspected and you should look out for any accident damage to the car. Make sure to check out the interior and the upholstery- lift seat covers to see if the seller isn’t just hiding damaged seats!

Half of these things I would have never even thought to look at! Other tips include information about the gearbox and clutch, brakes and suspension, radiator and cooling system, as well as more general things like steering and tyres.

Must say, after reading this guide, I will definitely be able to pick out my new second hand used car with more confidence! For those women and other dummies out there that know nothing about what to look out for when buying a second hand or used car- get yourself a buyers guide! It really does help.

Car Maintenance Tips For Safer Road Trips

People across the country are packing up their cars and hitting the road for their summer vacations. But with gas prices on the rise and AAA predicting more than 7.5 million vehicle breakdowns over the warmer months, it’s important to make sure that your vehicle is prepared.

Firestone Tire & Service Centers provide these tips to get your vehicle ready to hit the road.

Begin by taking your car to a certified automotive technician for a full checkup to ensure that the engine, battery, exhaust system and cooling system are in good working order and the main fluids are filled to the recommended levels. You can find a technician in your area by visiting www.MasterCareUSA.com.

This is the perfect time of year to check your vehicle’s cooling system. The cooling system of most cars requires a 50/50 mixture of water and antifreeze, which should be flushed once every two years. Have a technician determine if your car is ready for a system flush; this preventive maintenance step can save you from an inconvenient roadside breakdown and a big repair bill in the future.

It also is essential to make sure that your tires are properly inflated, rotated, aligned and replaced as necessary. Under-inflated tires will actually decrease your vehicle’s gas mileage and shorten the life of your tires. A label on the driver’s inside door jamb, glove compartment door or fuel door lists recommended tire pressures for different speeds and loads. Never use the “max pressure” number found on the sidewall of your tire.

Check your tire pressure at least monthly and always when your tires are cold (driven less than 1 mile or stationary for at least three hours).

And watch your tire tread. Worn tires can be extremely dangerous on wet road surfaces. “Wear bars” – small raised points of rubber in the grooves – will show up when tires are worn. If the tread is the same height as the wear bars, it’s time for a new tire.

Buying Used Cars Tips

If you planed to buy an used car, it is important not only to find the car you like but you may also need to take some precautions like checking the car history, taking a test drive, knowing its book value or taking an extended warranty.

Check the car’s history

An essential factor when car browsing is to learn the car’s history.  This entails finding a reliable source as to whether the automobile has ever been flooded or involved in an automobile accident.  Before agreeing to buy used cars, consumers may obtain a CarFax report at www.carfax.com or by requesting that their local dealer provide a copy.  There is a minimal fee involved in acquiring the report, but the findings are invaluable.  For instance, the number of owners and the title status are both included in a CarFax report.

Take a drive test

Generally, used cars buyers will be permitted to take a test drive and also may think about requesting permission to take the automobile to a trusted mechanic for an additional inspection. The best way to confirm that the automobile is in the condition as stated is to take it to a mechanic, who can properly inspect used cars and locate any underlying problems.  Even if most used cars are exactly as stated, when auto safety and any amount of money is involved, there is no room for error in judgment.

Know the car value

Before buying any used car, it is important to be familiar with the value of the vehicle.  One way to determine an accurate value is through the use of Kelly Blue Book (www.kbb.com) and their extensive pricing system.  By entering specific information about an automobile, consumers will receive instant value estimates online.  In order to get an accurate value, consumers must know the make and model of the automobile, current mileage, additional features and overall condition.

Ask for an extended warranty

It may also be possible to purchase an extended warranty when you buy an used car.  Because the original warranty has already expired on most previously owned vehicles, this option is available for the consumer who wants to make sure their purchase is covered.  It is important to realize that the warranty is not automatically included in the sticker.  In fact, the consumer should ask the dealer specifically about purchasing an extended warranty.  More often than not, an extended warranty can be added into the total cost and may even be included in the financing.

Buying Tips For Used Cars

Resorting to buying used cars is not a bad idea. For some people who cannot afford to buy brand new cars, second hand cars offer valuable alternatives to saving money for other important matters.

In fact, in a 2005 survey, more than 60% of people surveyed are becoming more open to procuring used cars rather than brand new.

Attractive as it may seem, before you decide to make a purchase of and used cars models, there are some things you need to know and advice that will help you make the most of buying used cars.

Below are some recommendations that you may want to follow to secure your finances and optimize your car buying experience.

• Research Police Records

Do some searching on the web or through your Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) or local police. These agencies will be able to help you track the legal history related to the used car you are trying to purchase.

Stolen cars reported to police agencies are tracked for possible resale. Consulting a police agency would save you from potential headache and probable involvement in the sale of illegal or stolen item.

• File a Vehicle History Report

The recent hurricanes gave us a new idea of how the business of used cars works in this diverse marketplace. Cars that are completely submerged in water and totaled are sent to motor shops for remodeling and washed to bring it anew.

An interesting example to cite is through ordering a CARFAX Vehicle History Report. This verification and research policy empowers consumers to choose the right products for them and optimize the use of used cars.

• Take note of the detailed damage and its extent

The history report will provide details about the level of damage including but not limited to internal and external corrosion, broken parts such as frame damage due to accidental or intentional dilapidation, fluid leaks, corroded electronic main parts and accessories and tarnished frames and the location where the car was originally purchased and dismembered for resale.

Additionally, particulars about the source of damage like due to natural phenomenon such as hurricanes and flooding are detailed as well.

• Try Browsing for Online Best Buys

Take an online survey of some of the must and best buy items on the net offering used car models and brand new models. Some reputable websites offering these kinds of services like http://Car.com and invoice Dealers offer reasonable car package and discounts which will allure you to buying new cars instead due to their competitive and reasonable prices.

Drive To Save: Tips on How to Lessen Car Costs

According to some people, the proper knowledge of chemistry and its effects on gas and fuel could assist you greatly in stretching your dollar. This is because experts in chemistry explain that gas actually becomes denser in cooler temperatures. Now, gas pumps measure the volume of the fuel and not the density, you would be getting a better and greater amount of gas for your money if you purchase this commodity during cold weather. That is the very reason why people offer a piece of advice when buying gas: buy in the early morning or at night. This is when the temperature is cooler compared to the temperature during noon time.

However, this is only a small part of keeping your costs when it comes to driving lower. Automobile experts have come up with tips on how to further reduce your driving costs.

One of the tricks up these experts sleeve is to use the vehicle when only necessary. People have become very dependent on their vehicles so much so that the simple and short trip to the mall would require them to still use the vehicle. This is despite the very fact that one could simply take a short walk to the mall to get there. Or, short trips could also be done by riding a bicycle.

Two percent is reduced from your fuel mileage if your car has under inflated tires. So it would be best to check your car’s tire pressure regularly. Experts recommend that you check your tires monthly. If your tires are under inflated, it also means that it is very much prone to wear and damage which is another added cost to driving.

By keeping your speed within the limit, you are actually saving up to 20 percent of fuel. So, be sure that you obey those speed limits. Also, do not accelerate or brake suddenly if not required. These use up a great amount of gas that, when combined, costs you a great deal of money.

Air conditioning also uses up fuel economy from a low of ten percent to a high of twenty percent. It also uses up your battery and drains it. Use the wind during sunny days. It would be more fun to drive with the wind in your hair. Also, excess weight on your vehicle tends to gobble up your fuel. Reduce the amount of cargo or luggage that you have.

Damaged parts also equate to losing gas. This is primarily because the whole car system has to work double time to keep the vehicle running well despite the fact that some parts are not running well. Automobile experts recommend that you replace these parts immediately rather than spend more on gas. Auto Parts Discount is one auto parts store that offers quality parts at low prices. They are well-known for their topnotch Audi parts and accessories.

Ten Things Every Car Buyer Must Know

Buying a car needs not just investment but deep thought. The market is overflowing with choices and temptations. Buyers need to think, what kind of car and can I afford it?

Think, what do I need transportation for right now and what will I need two years from now? Do I want a car as a status symbol or as something that makes my life easier? Will the car be a commuter vehicle, or to transport children? Would a van with cargo space and high clearance be more suitable for a growing family? Should the car be a two-wheel or four-wheel drive? What kind of terrain will I be driving in most of the time? Go through auto magazines as well as consumer reports to get a clear picture of the world of cars.

1.    Work on your finances and determine what you need to spend each month on transportation. A car should not cost more than 10% of your net pay per month. If it is more, then consider leasing a car instead of buying one.

2.    Before you finalize anything, find out what the target price is. Four figure discounts are available with almost every make.

3.    Never sign an arbitration clause or blank financial forms. Try and get finance from a separate source, a bank or financial institution.

4.    Haggling will get you a good deal apart from shopping around for finance. The market is competitive be sure to check dealer fiancé, high street, internet lenders, as well as other options.

5.    Try and ensure a large down payment thereby reducing the loan to be paid. Work out your finances and choice of car such that the term of loan is for the shortest period.

6.    Find out what buying incentives are on offer. These vary from audio systems to cash back offers, and 0% financing. Ask what extras and add ons will cost in addition to the price of the car.

7.    Be sure to evaluate your old car independently if you are considering a trade in. Pay attention to ‘cost to change’, the difference between what the new car costs and what the old one is worth.

8.    Find out about warranties, taxes, and insurance. These can eat into your budget.

9.    Vet the contract well. Read the fine print. Make sure that paying off the loan before time will not carry any penalty.

10.    Check out at least 3-4 dealers to gauge what the best offer is.

Test drive the vehicle before you finalize the deal and go through the car booklet page by page to understand all that the manufacturer needs to tell you. Be clear what is under warranty and what is not.

Never choose vehicle based on a picture or dream.  It is not how you look in the car that’s important but how well the car will fulfill your needs. Be practical and sensible; do not buy a model because the dealership is offering a holiday for two or a low interest scheme. Identify a vehicle that suits your needs before subjecting yourself to an onslaught of marketing.