Category Archives: Automotive

May24

How Car Modifications May Affect Your Car Insurance Policy

Posted on by
How Car Modifications May Affect Your Car Insurance Policy

Car insurance is necessary and required for any vehicle that is on the road. The policy itself and the premium that is paid are normally based on a wide number of factors. These factors may include such things like the driving record of the registration holder of the car, the age of the vehicle, the make and model as well as other items. When looking to make changes or modifications to your vehicle, you should first investigate to see if these are going to affect the insurance policy itself. Many people are unaware of the fact that these type of changes can actually end up costing them more in the grand scheme of things, so it’s best to know what you are getting yourself into ahead of time before you make changes that will raise your rates.

There are several different types of modifications that can be done to a car that may or may not affect the insurance rates. Modifications that are solely done to improve the looks or the aesthetics of the vehicle will generally not affect insurance since there is no added liability for these vehicles. Price is a factor as well. If the upgrades and modifications are generally less than $1000, there might not be a change to the insurance either. Even with these upgrades, it is best to inform the insurance carrier of the work that is going to be done. This will ensure that if there is damage or vandalism to these upgrades they can also be included in your coverage. Any time you invest money in your vehicle, adding these adaptations to your insurance plan should be one of your top priorities.

When there are upgrades that are made to the vehicle in an excess of $1000 and these are not going to improve the performance of the car, there will still usually be changes and an increase to the premium. An example of this would be adding an expensive sound system to the vehicle. This will increase the overall value of the vehicle and will also make it a more desirable target for theft or vandalism. With this being said, it may be worth adding a few extra dollars to your plan each month so that theft won’t leave you with a substantial strain financially. These modifications may put your vehicle in a different category , also known as car insurance bands.

When modifications and upgrades are made to the vehicle that will enhance the overall performance of the car, this will generally result in major changes to the insurance policy. Such examples of this would be adding turbo enhancing parts to the car or changing the lift of the vehicle itself. Based on these changes, the vehicle may need to be put into a new classification for insurance purposes. There may even be a need to have an entirely new insurance policy drawn up. These are things that you definitely want to consider before making changes to your car.

When looking into making changes and modifications to a vehicle, it is always best to first check with the insurance company. They will be able to estimate what the cost change and implications will be and if the modifications are truly worth the price.

 

Tom Mills is a contributing writer for CheapestCarInsurance.org.

 

 

Jul27

Car Transport is the Best Solution for Moving a Car

Posted on by
Car Transport is the Best Solution for Moving a Car

If you just purchased a car from either Ebay or from another source online, and the car is in a different location such as another state or across the country, there are several options on how to get that car to your present location. You can hire someone to drive the car, which will add mileage to the car; you can fly out there and drive the car back, again adding mileage to the car; or you can hire a car transport to pick up the car, placing it on the car transport truck so that no unnecessary mileage will be put on the vehicle.

No matter what, all option will cost you, but each one has different expenses. If you manage to find some individual to drive your car from where it is to your location, you’re taking the chance that they could get into an accident and get injured, which may cost you in additional medical expenses. If you fly out to drive the car back yourself, you’ll have to take off work, or use up your vacation days. If you decide to hire a car transport the process of choosing a company can be time consuming and the upfront costs are likely to be higher.

Jan29

Keeping Your Vehicle Safe

Posted on by
Keeping Your Vehicle Safe

Every time you leave your house you check it for safety. Is everything turned off? Are the windows closed? Is the alarm turned on and the doors locked? The same reasoning should apply to your car. The top 10 cities for car theft include Modesto, California; Las Vegas, Nevada; Stockton, California; Phoenix, Arizona; Visalia, California; Seattle, Washington; Sacramento, California; San Diego, California; Fresno, California; and Yakima, Washington. Even if you don’t live in a high theft city, vehicle theft happens very quickly and in just a few minutes your vehicle is gone. However, just like your house, there are a few things that you can do to keep your vehicle safe.
One of the first things is probably the most obvious but also the most frequently forgotten. Lock your doors. Even if your just running into the store for a minute, that’s all the time it will take to jump in your car and go. And it is even easier when you leave your keys in the ignition. Also, if you park your car up close to the entrance, and under a light if you are out at night, it will be less appealing than the car parked in the dark corner at the back of the lot. Though most new cars come with them, you can get yours fitted with an alarm. Even though many people ignore car alarms these days, they do draw attention and that is exactly what a potential car thief does not want. If you are looking for something a little cheaper, you can buy a steering wheel club that prevents your steering wheel from being turned and creates extra steps for anyone who would want to steal your car.
There are also a few things that you can do to make your car less appealing. Always keep items hidden. This includes removable stereos, shopping bags, and personal items such as clothing or purses. You never know what will catch a potential thief’s eye. If you have any custom truck wheels or accessories, make sure you have them securely locked. That also goes for
20 inch rim and 26″ rims ; especially if they are ones that you have spent a lot of money on.
By taking these simple steps, you too can have the assurance of having a complete vehicle whenever you come looking for it.

Nov16

Proper Oil Levels for a Vehicle’s Optimal Performance

Posted on by
Proper Oil Levels for a Vehicle’s Optimal Performance

When I checked my Ford Explorer repair manual for manufacturers recommendations I found that it was just fine to wait for the my oil gauge to register that it was time to add new oil.  However, I always wondered if I should fill it regularly to keep at the maximum level.  Since my college days a Mustang engine burning up on the freeway, and of always having a case of oil in my Volkswagen bus, oil levels are something I pay attention to with diligence.  The engine parts are lubricated and cooled as oil circulates through, and with a lifetime spent driving older cars with high mileage, I have come to realize just how incredibly important this is.

Add to that I live in an unbearable hot city during the summer, Phoenix, Arizona.  And the environmental heat combined with the heat of the engine makes this one car maintenance routing that is necessary to keep an eye on.  If the levels reach one quart under, this can serve to cause engine wear and tear and put you at risk of burning out that engine.  Never should oil be over filled.  This is a case of too much of a good thing, being a bad thing.  The crankcase will become too full and as it spins it will splatter oil into a foam.  It may also result in leakage as the gaskets and the seals will become overwhelmed.

When it becomes time to do an oil change, and you decide that you want to do this yourself, never do it when the engine is hot.  Hot oil creates horrible burns.  It is always recommended that you find a safe place to do that oil change, such as on level and solid ground.  This way your car will be safely jacked up, because you will need to get a bit dirty, and you will need to be under your car to change out the oil.  Make sure that all the tools you will be needing are close at hand, and then you are ready to go.  Changing your own oil and doing your own automotive repair is one way to save a bit of money.  Plus, by working on your own car you will become familiar with all the quirks and the next necessary fix-its that are required.

Oct19

Repair Manuals Help With Regular Auto Maintenance

Posted on by
Repair Manuals Help With Regular Auto Maintenance

There are many reasons to have car manuals around your garage.  Home car repair is affordable for one and two, you are able to keep a better eye the over condition of your vehicle.  If you own a Ford Explorer, repair manual will help when it comes time to change the oil, or even change a tire.  Not only is this good for the overall workings of your car, but both the oil and the tire pressure will have an affect on the gas mileage.

The grade of motor oil, and the pressure in tires can improve the mileage that one’s car gets by up to fifteen percent combined. Or with a Jeep Grand Cherokee repair manual, you will know how to change out the soft top.  The constant maintenance on vehicles, such as the previously stated oil change or the annual tune-up can cost a bit of money, and if one has the time and the inclination, these kinds of things can be taken care of at home.

And these simple ways of taking care of your car will not only be safer for you in the end, but will ensure that your car runs as efficiently as possible.  Many larger and more expensive, problems with car engines are caused by neglecting the continued maintenance.  The tune-up for example.  When a car is not in tune the gas mileage is decreased by almost five percent.

This is easy to fix when you have the assistance of Ford Ranger repair manual, figuring out the spark plugs and the filters becomes easy instead of confusing.  Another simple fix that will help with gas mileage is the air filter.  And again, this is one home ‘repair’ that will save the engine, air filters are instrumental in keeping the impurities away from the inner workings of the car’s engine.

Sep28

Oil Changes: Proper Car Maintenance

Posted on by
Oil Changes: Proper Car Maintenance

DIY auto repair, otherwise known as Do It Yourself, is becoming quite common during these times when people are trying to save money. Many car maintenance activities that can add up throughout the year, are easy enough to do for oneself, and they are not as daunting of a task as they may seem. Take oil changes for instance. This will involve getting a little grime under the fingernails, so be prepared. This will also ensure that it was all done right, with the time taken to do a job well done using the appropriate products for your car or motorcycle. Manuals will come in handy, so have the manufacturers manual for your particular make and model within reach.

There will be few tools that you will need, and it is recommended that you find a proper facility for which to discard the old oil. It is against the law to just throw that away. There are many places that will take the used oil, Jiffylube being one of those, and they will not charge a fee. The first step is finding a spot to perform this task. Once found, it is best to drive the car around for a few minutes to heat the oil up. This will serve to thin it out, making it easier to drain. Once done with the pre-oil change drive, turn off the engine and make sure that it is in gear with the parking brake set.

And as precautions are always wise to take when climbing under a vehicle, it is best advised to place cement blocks around the tires. Using your small engine repair manuals, locate the drain plug. Many times this will be labeled. You will need a socket wrench to remove the nut. Once the nut is loosened, cover the ground and get an oil pan. Once the plug is removed the oil will most likely drain out in a few minutes but it is best to wait for about an hour. Replace the plug. Now it is time to funnel the new oil in the engine, the manuals will give you information as to the number of quarts. Once that is complete, start up the car and leave it idling for a few minutes. Check for leaks, and if there are none, your good to go.

Sep1

Tips for Off-Road SUV Excursions

Posted on by
Tips for Off-Road SUV Excursions

Many of the SUVs that are on the market are today, although they are suited for the off road terrain, it is best to stay in the existing roadways.  This helps with not only protected one’s life, and one’s vehicle,  but the landscape and the environment as well.  There are a few tips for staying safe when venturing off into wilderness.  One tip is to make sure that the tires on the SUV are meant for off road abuse.  Cooper Tire has a wide selection of tires for use on four wheel drive, and they are rated as some of the safest discount tires in the industry.  In general, tire pressure should always be check before heading off-road.

One tip when taking the back roads is to be sure to be on the lookout for hikers, bicyclists and those on horseback.  Also free range livestock such as goats, sheep, or cattle can shock one as they seem to appear at the last moment and out of no where.  There are many resources on the Internet to check the weather conditions before heading out.  In the Southwestern deserts flash floods can happen at a moment’s notice, and can not only strand drivers, but are dangerous as well.

In cases wherein one will be pretty far off of the beaten track, it is best to let some one know when you are leaving, where you are going and when you plan to return.  Let them know that you will give them a call when you return home, and should you not place that call, give them the names and numbers of whom they should call.  It is always recommended that one wears their seat belt, some of the rougher patches and the washed out roads can create problems in controlling one’s vehicle.

Smooth roads can be deceiving as well, as it is very easy to get caught in sand or large amounts of fine dirt.  Should this happen, it is best to ease out slowly, as trying to push the vehicle will only serve to get the car more stuck and dug into the ground.  And always know the vehicles ground clearance so as to not become trapped in a straddle over a large boulder.  Four wheeling can be fun and exciting, it is just always wise to practice caution and to be prepared.

Jul20

Shopping for tires

Posted on by
Shopping for tires

Any American who has a car ha bought some tires at some point. They are not exactly a cheap investment and there are so many different types and styles it can be difficult to decide what is best for your vehicle. It can be equally tempting to just go for the cheapest and multiply it by four. But tires have a negative effect on the environment because they are so costly to get rid of. Some can go into playground surfaces, but most have to be burned before their materials can be recycled.

Just like everything else has gone eco-friendly, so now too have car tires. Yokohama has just introduced a tire that is made with 80 percent orange oil. Since orange oil is a renewable resource, the tire is seen as eco-friendly. Although, it is not yet known how the orange oil tires recycle. It is a start, and they are only being offered for hybrid vehicles as of right now. These are not available for truck wheels as of yet. But they do have options for commercial trucks.

Yokohama has really changed the market in terms of choices when it comes to tires. The state of California and the United States Government are looking to make the tires that are on the market more informative as well. They want to put labels on all tires so that consumers know how fuel-efficient their tires are. The problem is that consumers rarely see the packaging on their tires before they are put on the vehicle. The labels will be available online, but how many people are going to do that much extensive research before they purchase new tires for their car? That is the question these proposed labels are facing.

Tires are the most important part of you vehicle, not those giant truck rims. They are the only part that touches the road. Make sure you research before you buy and make a choice that will be good for today and tomorrow.

May11

Nitto Tires Wins Endurance Race

Posted on by
Nitto Tires Wins Endurance Race

Nitto Tire and Team Achilles Motorsports recently competed in the world’s longest endurance race: the 25 Hours of Thunderhill. The race requires teams to drive throughout the night for 25 hours straight. At the end of 25 hours the team with the most laps is declared the winner. The team campaigned a BMW M3 in the second fastest class overall and the fastest class requiring D.O.T.-compliant tires. The team ran on Nitto’s NT01 road race tires. Nitto created a new website that documents the race as it unfolded.

Despite a shaky start, the race was one of the closest on record. Early in the race the team was forced to pit and make needed repairs, which put them four laps down. Then, as they tried to regain their track position, a dense fog settled over the track, making it difficult to see more than a few car lengths ahead. The fog forced officials to stop the race for over 11 hours. After the restart, the team starts to catch up to the first-place team. But is it enough time?

After weeks of preparation and hours of racing, the race came down to a few crucial seconds. The team finished first in their class, with 477 laps completed and a 9-second lead over second place. In fact, the team’s laps and times were comparable to faster classes, which have the competitive advantage of using race slicks. When compared to these classes, the team finished second overall, fewer than 15 seconds behind the winner of the fastest class. This is Nitto‘s second consecutive win at the 25 Hours of Thunderhill. Nitto is the only tire manufacturer to hold back-to-back wins.

Nitto Tire develops performance wheel and tire packages including racing, off-road and street tire packages.

Feb20

The Appeal of the Sports Car

Posted on by
The Appeal of the Sports Car

Even though the news is full of stories of economic hardship, there remains a pre-occupation with the finer things in life. Even those who might never afford these luxury items spend an inordinate amount of time watching television programs and reading magazines about five-star restaurants, multi-million dollar mansions, fabulous luxury vacations, and the ever-popular sports car.

While there are a variety of definitions available for the term “sports car,” the term is usually referring to a lightweight vehicle that sits low to the ground and has an extremely powerful engine. Most are two-door, two-seaters with rear-wheel drive and provide more precise handling and faster acceleration rates. They are also usually much more aesthetically pleasing than other vehicle types.

It is the mechnical performance and the physical beauty that are the big attractions in a sports car. Fuel economy and passenger space are far down the list of important features for a sports car. Instead superior maneuverability, road handling, and high power are premium. Many popular sports car brands have established reputations as race cars which add to the cachet of owning such a vehicle.

Of course, it is possible to get sports car performance from a more mundane vehilce. “Tricking” or “Pimping” a car with a more powerful engine and improving its performance features is a popular pastime in many parts of the world. And some people will stretch the definition so that they can list a sports car for sale that is really a muscle car, sport compact, or hot hatch. Latching onto the sports car image improves the marketability and price of these lesser cars.

Many of the better sports cars aren’t available in the US or Canada. This is due to stricter safety regulations than are in place in Europe, the UK, and the Middle East.